What Did You Do In The War, Sister?: Belgian Sisters in the Nazi Resistance

by Dennis J. Turner

"A powerful story of seldom-sung heroines in humanity's darkest days and a vivid reminder of the power of conscience." -- Edgardo David Holzman, author of Malena

Throughout the occupied territories, Catholic Sisters were active members of The Nazi Resistance.

Based on letters and documents written by Catholic Sisters during WWII, this book tells the remarkable story of these brave and faithful women.

From running contraband to hiding Jews, from spying for the allies to small acts of sabotage, these courageous women risked their lives to help defeat the Reich.

This is a story that needs to be told.

"...an engaging account of World War Two as told through the voice of a fictional Belgian nun... fascinating and valuable." -- Donald Lystra, Author of Season of Water and Ice
"…a generous recounting of the deeds of marvelous nuns living in the midst of mortal danger. It's also a great read!" -- Father James Heft, Professor of Religion at the University of Southern California

Genres: Historical Fiction, World War II, War, Historical, Fiction, Holocaust, Catholic

318 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2018

Reviews

[Joseph Sciuto · Rating 5 out of 5]

"What did you Do In The War, Sister," By Dennis J. Turner is a novel based on letters and documents written by Catholic Sisters, mainly living in Belgium and Italy during World War 2.

The story is told by a fictionalized Belgium nun, Sister Christina, who was born and raised in America and was stationed in a Belgium Convent and School before the war, and given the choice to leave and go back to America when the Germans first invaded she decided to stay.

She tells the story of a courageous and faithful group of nuns who hide many Jews who would have been victims of Hitler's 'Final Solution,' who spy on the Germans and report their findings back to the allies, and who commit acts of sabotage.

Mr. Turner has written an engrossing and moving novel that gives us an inside look on what went on in many Catholic convents during the war. The women, sisters, are an example of many of the unsung heroes during the war, risking their lives and occasionally breaking their vows, to help the unfortunate and innocent.

[Zoe L.]

I’ve mentioned it a few times already this year, but this seems to be the year for me to reintroduce books based on the holocaust into my life. I don’t know if it’s me subconsciously picking them due to everything going on in the world or what, but I’m honestly not mad about it. I had forgotten how moving and horrifying these stories can be. And What Did You do in the War Sister? is perhaps one of the most uniquely interesting one that I’ve read.

While this story is told through the lens of a fictitious nun, the story is based off of a real group who played a major role in the resistance. And while reading this is very clearly a story, but I found myself amazed the entire time just thinking about what actually did happen and how this group of sisters were able to help out.

While there is definitely some struggle between the religions, the survival was at the forefront of this book. People set aside their differences to help one another and in a time of great horror against humanity it is always enlightening to see others resist and protect one another.

You can view my full review & giveaway on my blog! I also post about a lot of different types of books!

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[Jypsy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you HFVBT for a complimentary copy. I voluntarily reviewed this book. All opinions expressed are my own.

What Did You Do In The War, Sister?
By: Dennis J. Turner


REVIEW ☆☆☆.5

In the spirit of full transparency I must say that I dislike the title of this book. In The War sounds odd to me. Maybe during the war or for the war would have been more coherent. Furthermore, I found the book's premise to be misleading. At first glance, this is a nonfiction book, but it is actually a combination of fiction and nonfiction. The author has true evidence of some events but conjured others. The characters are fictional because their creation was necessary to support the narrative. Facts and fiction are also mixed around to create a cohesive timeline. I appreciate the time and research necessary on the author's part to lay the groundwork for such a tale. I only wish the synopsis, etc. more clearly stated what type of story this is. I found the idea of nuns and resistance fighters very compelling. No one questions a nun's intentions because there is no reason to suspect clandestine activities in a nunnery. Truly, they were extremely clever, tactful and courageous to do the things they did. I love WWII fiction and nonfiction, and this book is unique among everything else I have read on the subject. At times, the narrative almost seems to lean toward academia with an over worded point about something or other. This does slow everything down a bit. Overall, I did enjoy the story of these women who hid in plain sight and used generalizations to their advantage. This book is a good reminder that people are usually not what you might expect. If historical fiction is your cup of tea, do pick up a copy of this book!

[Booknblues · Rating 4 out of 5]

Dennis Turner came across a number of letters written by Belgium nuns during World War II and with those and research he crafted What Did You Do In The War, Sister?: Catholic Sisters in the WWII Nazi Resistance. The end result is what he describes as a fictionalized biography and oddly, he also fictionalized the nun, Sister Christina, an American citizen in a convent in Belgium.

This book contains much information about the war in Belgium and the role which convents and nuns played. I found it very interesting and informative.

While some may find the device of fictionalized biography as objectionable, I found it an easy and enthralling read.

[Tammy Jata · Rating 5 out of 5]

A completely different story of the war than I had ever heard before. The book is fiction, but reads like a memoir.

The story is told from Sister Catherine's view and is based on letters and other documents written by real Catholic Sisters during WWII. Nuns were a powerful part of the Resistance. Their convents made the perfect place to hide the Jews and others in need of protection. This is a story of courage and bravery in the face of great danger; a fascinating read and one that will stay with you long after you finish.

[Nancy · Rating 4 out of 5]

The author had letters from Belgium nuns, who were spies during World War II against the Germans. The helped hid Jews, airman, who landed near by, local men hiding out from the Germans. The nuns ran a school, separate from them other activities. Some of the stories were real, and some of them were made up to help the story. It was interesting.

[Anthony Bruno · Rating 3 out of 5]

Fictional memoir, ugh

Leads one to believe it is non- fiction; until it’s over. Sorry. Nice fairy tale but the authors manufactured the events as if he building an automobile.

[Elizhlong · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent Audible book

[Emily Heimerman · Rating 4 out of 5]

I did not like listening to the audiobook, so I'd recommend reading a physical copy!! The narrator started off really over-zealous, with an exaggerated "theater-style" voice - which was too much (the story is interesting all by itself, chill!) But eventually, it mellowed. But you could still hear when they recorded it at different times because the tone and audio changed here and there.

Very very very cool story. I loved the intro and conclusion so much. Hearing the sources, the research, and the authorial choices; it made everything real. I really value "on the ground" history, community-based history, and history of those we might think are "invisible" to the greater picture - so this rocked.

[Chelsie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another interesting story, based on true events that happened during WWII! This novel is told through the eyes of a nun, Sister Christina and is based off of diaries, letters and documents that were kept that talked about all the things the nuns did to help refugees and aid resistance groups. Each story I read, is another testament to the real heroes. 

The nuns were used to help aid, in that they were able to hide refugees and obtain things needed in plain sight. No one was going to questions a woman in a habit. They used their dress to help conceal things, exchange messages and protect those who were needing help. It is amazing the different obstacles they always seemed to have a plan to overcome. 

Although there were times that the Nazi's did some and demand to search their place or whatever buildings they occupied, they had such a good routine that nothing or no one was ever found out. Often they held both Nazi's and American's in the same room, and none were the wiser that refugees were also there right in front of their eyes.

This novel is written partially history book, which I enjoyed in that he really laid the facts out of what was happening when, and then also historical fictions through Sister Christina. It was a different type of read, but I think he fit the pieces together well, in that it kept my attention and I feel I learned about other bombings and attacks I had not yet learned about. 

Thank you to the author, Dennis J Tuner for letting me read his novel - I think you did them justice with your story! And thank you to Historical Fiction Virtual Book Tours for the invite! I enjoyed this one, and never even thought of what the nuns would have done during the war. Another new piece of history I learned about!

[Rachel Bodzioch · Rating 5 out of 5]

I forgot this was written by a man not a nun

Such finely written, I got lost in the narrative and I was a nun in Belgium with Christina as my colleague and Sister Ursula as my Superior.
Finely researched, you feel as you are getting a history lesson. Words flow to keep you turning pages. Anxious to pick up where you left off

[Mozelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great story

Great story, well written and developed. Nuns and their courage, intelligence and spiritual knowledge saved many lives including children, Jews, and downed American pilots.

[Bookworm · Rating 5 out of 5]

Belgium (touches Germany and France)

Backstory:
The author and his wife were having dinner with their kids’ teacher, a Catholic Nun, who was inventorying and cataloging historical documents from World War 2…
including letters written by Catholic Nuns in the Belgium Resistance who fought Hitler.
He’s atheist, but that was too cool to ignore!

Atheist and Catholic Nun teamed up to write this book! That’s so cool!
In the author’s words: “This is a book about good people doing brave things in a very dangerous time.”

Historical Fiction
Nuns vs. Hitler — who will win?

[Peter A. Bouffidis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fascinating story based on truth. Did not want to put it down. Brought forth tales from my dad and his involvement in the war.


Fascinating story based on truth. Brought forth tales from my dad regarding his involvement in the war. A good read.

[Patricia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Worth The Read!

I love books of all genre. When I got into this book, I couldn't put it down. I am a woman of faith, although not Catholic. Yet, my dad and father-in-law both served our nation during WWII! One in Europe...one in the Pacific.

The faith of these nuns in Belgium was uplifting. Their sacrifices immeasurable! God and faith gave them unselfish strength to serve God and man in the midst of bombs and sorrow! So glad I read this.

[Holly Ites · Rating 3 out of 5]

What the book lacks in compelling prose, it more than makes up for with an in-depth look at how a small convent in Nazi-occupied Belgium became a resistance and relief force using their veils for uniforms and a strict discipline that would rival any military training. Much of the story takes place at the convent of the Sisters of Notre Dame, in St. Hubert, about fifteen miles west of Bastogne. Belgium suffered greatly during WWII, first as a gateway for Germany to invade France and, then, as Germany's last stand during the Battle of the Bulge. Using a compilation of historical letters and records as a narrative of fictional Sister Christina, a multi-lingual American, the author relates how nuns, "invisible in plain view" and using their skills of masking emotions despite dangerous encounters, were able to pass coded messages, conceal and transport contraband, and hide Jewish refugees and Allied soldiers. Their vow of poverty made them impervious to deprivation, and their sense of community provided much needed unity during one of mankind's greatest catastrophes. This is an excellent story of how occasional bending of the rules of doctrine can provide the greatest Glory to God.

[Dannianni · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’ve read many books about WW 2 & the Holocaust, but this was a totally different perspective. First, because I never paid attention in school (which I now regret), I learned more about the Battle of the Bulge & that Belgium was occupied twice by both the Germans & Americans. But more importantly I learned about the important role Catholic nuns played in Belgium during the war as part of the Resistance. I found it very interesting how revered the Catholic churches, schools, nuns, and priests were which worked to their advantage to run contraband, help save Jews, and spy for the allies. This book, although fiction, is based on true events from actual letters from that time and historical research. Of particular interest to me was the section of “ Author Reflections “ at the end of the book about coincidences that helped him add to the story. A great read I highly recommend!

[Celia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not exactly sure how to classify this book. It is a story of a group of nuns who lived through the Nazi occupation of Belgium not once, but twice. (Remember the Battle of the Bulge?) The story is told through the eyes of a fictional nun, but many of the situations were taken from real letters and documents of this horrific time period. It is a fast moving story with lots of action and suspense, and lots of brave Catholic nuns who risked their own lives to save others. One caveat to this really good story is that at the end, the author tries to justify being an atheist. What??? Really??? So not necessary to the story, and way too much information for this poor devoted Catholic. (Sigh).

[Nancy Reynolds · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book reads more like a Wikipedia entry than a novel. That said, the insights about the sisters of the resistance and the occupation of Belgium are interesting to history buffs like myself. The footnotes throughout indicate where the author has taken creative liberties and also point out where certain details are a composite amalgamation of truthful occurrences. However, the subtext of conversations and certain relationships, such as the one between Sr. Christina and Martin are made up and not necessary, in my opinion.

[Marcie Cumberland · Rating 4 out of 5]

A story which should have been told years ago.

This tale of heroic actions undertaken by Catholic nuns in Europe during WWII should have been told 60 years ago. While a work of fiction as far as dialogue is concerned, the events did happen. Brave sisters of many orders contributed much toward protecting Jewish children. They also served in the resistance and helped to repatriate downed flyers. I only wish the story had been longer.

[Lin S. · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was based on historical events that occurred during the Nazi invasion of Belgium during WWII. Information found in letters and journals as well as various meetings, travel and people who lived it. This is such a good story! I also was amazed by the amount of information that was given regarding the life of convent living.

This is one of my favorite WWII stories. Thank you Dennis Turner.

[Candy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Although a fiction, this book is based on factual events. I especially loved it because it was about the sisters of Notre Dame de Namur who taught me in grade school and have a motherhouse in my hometown of Cincinnati. The sisters not only coped with the war, but their brave efforts to hide refugees saved hundreds of lives.

[Ellen · Rating 4 out of 5]

I had a hard time getting into this book. It didn't read like fiction; it wasn't really a story and I didn't connect to the character's emotional experience. It did contain interesting information about the German occupation and it got much better as I went along and changed my expectations about what kind of story it was.

[Christy · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a great story. But due to a seeming lack of proofreading or proper formatting, there were numerous typographical errors, especially as I got further into the book. So, based on that I'm going to have to give it 3 stars only.

[Elizabeth Toledo · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not à page turner but still captivating. Sometimes scenes. were overly expounded one with no clear reason or rhyme

Three stars is as much as I could muster to give to this book. I did like the realism of the feelings expressed

[Paula · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was so well written that there were moments I felt that I was actually there! Well done!

I recommend this book to anyone who likes this genre.

[Elizhlong · Rating 5 out of 5]

Pretty good Audible book about WW2 in Belgium

[Annette · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have been curious about what role the Catholic Church had during World War II. I’ve read articles about their inaction in helping the Jews; but I wanted to read true stories or at least stories based on historical truth about those who did work against the Nazi pogrom during World War II. I am especially referring to priests and nuns. This book, What Did You Do In The War Sister? is a very good choice.
I have another book that I’ve not read: Church of Spies: The Pope’s Secret War Against Hitler by Mark Riebling.

What I love:
1. I love learning about the Sister’s daily routine duties. Their daily schedule: when they awakened, when they went to bed at night, and everything in-between. The prayer times during the day. Everyone has responsibilities whether it is cooking, laundry, or teaching. And some duties are for all of them.
2. I love the sub-story about a young girl who lives at the school. I wish there had been more individual stories. In sharing their stories, I learn about their lives, their viewpoint about where they reside, and the Sisters who are their teachers and caregivers; plus their circumstances in how they came to live there. Another words, the main voice of the story is from this particular Sister. I’d like to have heard from other voices to fully round out the story. This also makes the story larger-epic.
3. I love the main character, Sister Christina. She is a woman of gusto. She is talented, intelligent, wise, a leader, compassionate, persuasive, adaptable, formidable, and courageous. She is a little too perfect. I am not saying that to be all these positive traits is impossible or wrong. I am saying that as a book character there must be a little imperfectness shown to be believable and approachable. If not, then the character is unapproachable, unknowable, and is seen more as someone who cannot be truly known or even become invested in their outcome.
4. I love the descriptive and graphic accounts of the bombings and its destruction of Belgium. This sets the serious tone of the whole of the story. Nazi Germany is the enemy who has brought war to Belgium. At first the Nazi’s occupy the area. Later, the allied soldiers and the Nazis fight the war in the front yards of the nation.
5. The story has a good pace. It is told in linear-chronological order with the exception of Sister Christina sharing about her background and how she became a Sister.
6. I love the Sister’s ingenuity and tactics in hiding those who the Nazis were looking for. This is an important aspect showing the work they did for those who were in harm’s way.
7. The displacement of the Sisters, children, and community at large are displaced at times because of the war. The Sisters were at risk of homelessness and murder just as all the community was at risk. This is a another strength of the story.
8. I love the tiny historical mentions. For example: the bells from church steeples that were removed by the Germans for war use. The bells had a grade system defined by their age.
9. I love how the story stayed with Sister Christina to show the impact of the war on her health.

A few things I do not like:

1. A few things I noted in the above portion.
2. I don’t like the title. I believe a better title should be short and precise. No question mark.
3. I believe a more enticing summary should be written for Goodreads, etc.
4. I’d like to hear more voices narrating the story. A favorite voice could be from a few of the young girls who lived in the school.

Themes in the story: war, peace, courage, suffering, heroism, honor, death and dying, sacrifice, resistance, trust, hope, grief, bravery, hospitality, survival, and wisdom.

I want to mention my dad was in World War II. He was in Belgium during the winter of 1944-1945. He fought in the Battle of the Bulge. He share several stories about his memories of that time. One of those stories is he too saw Marlene Dietrich in a show. He remarked it was odd she played a saw. I think he missed the point about her showing off her legs during this act.



Format: Kindle e-book edition.
Source: Kindle Unlimited e-book choice.
Audience: World War II readers. Readers who want to read about Catholic nuns who were apart of the Resistance.
Rating: Very good to excellent.

[Anthony · Rating 5 out of 5]

January 27, 2021

A Review by Anthony T. Riggio of the book:“What Did You Do In The War, Sister” by Dennis J. Turner

I purchased this book in the Kindle format, because it was another view of the area of Nazi occupation and liberation by the US Army of the town of St. Hubert, Brussels and then the reoccupation by the Nazis, and the final push of the Allies, commonly refereed to as a part of the Battle of the Bulge, to the end the War in about four more months.

This book was cleverly narrated by a fictional sister, namely Sister Christina, an American Nun from Ohio and a member of the Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur While the author has taken some deviations from the strict historical record, which are duly noted,in the “end notes” of the book, the stories are true.

The form of the narrative is written as a memoir by Sister Christina, the facts are taken from extensive records kept and letters written between convents and the Mother House in Namur including letters that were written during the Nazi and American occupations and have never been seen in 70 years. This book sets out in great details the life and struggles of the sisters of this order; how they survived the bombings and artillery shellings during the entire period of both occupations. It is interesting to note that the town of Bastogne was near by the location of the convent,where the Americans never surrendered in spite of the massive counter offensive referred to as the Battle of the Bulge wherein the Nazis drove the Allies deep into Belgium.

This is the story of woman of great faith in God who were subjected to unimaginable torments by the Nazis and they still managed to hide Jews and downed allied pilots. These were women of incredible character and strength who were a part of the silent resistance but never murder and sabotage. Several of the sisters were murdered by Nazis and killed in bombings. Notwithstanding these realities, they never deviated from their purpose as teachers and members of a religious community with strict devotion to required prayers and rules.

There is a lot of personal stories of people who interact with the convent that included Nazi and Allied soldiers as well as a visit from an American actress, Marlene Dietrich there to entertain the the American troops. She spend a night at the convent due to unavailable living quarters among the troops. She even sings her version of “Lily Marlene” see:
. The story put together by the author, an atheist did a remarkable job in his objectivity to avoid any personal prejudices.

This book is truly worth the effort to read it and enjoy a wide spectrum of historical facts, thrills, adventures, and drama that will keep the reader completely involved. I highly recommend this book to my reader friends and consequently unhesitatingly give it five stars out of five.

[Ksorb · Rating 5 out of 5]

What Did You Do in the War, Sister?

I love non-fiction war history, especially what is sometimes called "bottom-up history." I generally eschew historical fiction because it muddied my confidence in the truth of what really happened. What Did You Do in the War, Sister? is the best example of a historical fiction I am thrilled to have read, thanks to the diligent endnotes made by the author, Dennis Turner. Kudos, Sir!

This story completely captivated me. Right now, I'm writing this review on a plane coming back from Europe only days after many Covid restrictions were lifted to open countries for travel, and people still flinch at coughs and nose-blowing, yet I have cried and cried again, and laughed and audibly sighed - and sniffled, coughed, and blown my nose from the crying! - as I read accounts of the events of the people of Belgium in WWII, especially seeing them through the eyes of Sister Christina, the one fully (?) fictional character, yet so believable. In fact, she is so true to reality that I quickly forgot the author was male! Again, kudos.

I lived in Normandy during middle-school in the early Cold War years, met a woman who was a key player in the French Resistance there, lived in Berchtesgaden, have visited seven concentration camps, listened to the personal stories of two separate Dutch women who lived through the German invasion and occupation, the routing by the Americans, and celebrations, then the devastating loss and retaking by the American forces. And I've lost track of how many non-fiction books I've read on it, and I only tell this to give context to my perspective and accolades for how this book got it right, got to the truth, using a fictional character.

And, as a widow of a soldier, may I add that I think he captured Sister Christina's grief perfectly.

I'm so glad I read this book (though people on the plane around me may not be glad I did!) and I highly recommend it to other students of WWII history and the effects on the people caught in the crossfire.

Well done, Sir! And thank you.