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The German Nurse: A heartbreaking and unforgettable world war 2 historical fiction novel you need to read
A powerful and heartbreaking WWII historical novel for fans of The Tattooist of Auschwitz, The Nightingale and Beneath a Scarlet Sky. A secret past. A forbidden love. A terrifying choice. Her past could kill you.
Guernsey, 1940. As war storms through Europe, Churchill orders the evacuation of all military personnel from the island. Boats ferry soldiers and vulnerable young children to England, leaving their parents and loved ones behind to face the invading German army on their own.
Her love could save you.
One of the few remaining policemen on the island, Jack must protect not only his friends and family, but also the woman he Johanna, a Jewish nurse from Germany, whose secret faith could prove fatal to them both.
Her fate is in your hands.
When the Nazis arrive, everything changes. Jack is forced to come to terms with the pain and loss of a world re-making itself around him. And then a list of Jews on the island is drawn up, and he must make an awful write down Johanna’s name and condemn her, or resist and put his family in immediate danger…
Guernsey, 1940. As war storms through Europe, Churchill orders the evacuation of all military personnel from the island. Boats ferry soldiers and vulnerable young children to England, leaving their parents and loved ones behind to face the invading German army on their own.
Her love could save you.
One of the few remaining policemen on the island, Jack must protect not only his friends and family, but also the woman he Johanna, a Jewish nurse from Germany, whose secret faith could prove fatal to them both.
Her fate is in your hands.
When the Nazis arrive, everything changes. Jack is forced to come to terms with the pain and loss of a world re-making itself around him. And then a list of Jews on the island is drawn up, and he must make an awful write down Johanna’s name and condemn her, or resist and put his family in immediate danger…
384 pages, Paperback
First published November 18, 2020
1086 people are currently reading
4888 people want to read
About the author
M.J. Hollows
4 books82 followersM.J. Hollows, the author of four historical fiction novels, was born in London in 1986, and moved to Liverpool in 2010 to lecture in Audio Engineering. With a keen interest in history, music, and science, he has told stories since he was little. Goodbye for Now was his debut novel, which he started as part of his MA in Writing from Liverpool John Moores University, graduating in 2015. Michael has also writen for Black Library and other tie-in fiction publishers. He gained his PhD in Creative Writing in 2014. www.michaelhollows.com
His new novel The Violinist's Secret has just been published by HarperCollins worldwide!
His new novel The Violinist's Secret has just been published by HarperCollins worldwide!
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 185 reviews
February 24, 2021
The whole island of Guernsey is panicking, the British army are evacuating and women and children are trying to board one of the ships returning to England. Watching the chaos at St Peter Port is Jack Godwin, he’s a member of the local police force, and he lives on the Island with his mum and frail grandparents. An invasion is imminent, it happens on the 30th of June 1940 the Germans arrive and they bomb the island first. The remaining citizens are left totally defenseless, German army didn’t face any resistance and easily take over.
Jack is one of around 50 policemen working on the island; he’s in a very difficult position as his job is to keep law and order. He’s not a soldier, he hadn’t been trained to be one, what could he do to stop the Germans invading the island and some of the locals think he should have at least tried. Jack's very concerned about his grandparents, his mum and his girlfriend Johanna and she’s a Jewish nurse from Germany.
The German Nurse is a story about living in Guernsey during WW II; as the war years drag on life becomes extremely difficult, due to shortages of everything and the frustrated locals attempt small acts of rebellion. Jack always seems to be torn; he really struggles between upholding the law, looking after his family, friends, colleagues, and keeping Johanna safe. Relationships are the main basis of the story, always complicated and especially for Jack being a policeman in German occupied Guernsey. I received a copy of book in exchange for an honest review, all thoughts are my own and four stars from me.
https://karrenreadsbooks.blogspot.com/
Jack is one of around 50 policemen working on the island; he’s in a very difficult position as his job is to keep law and order. He’s not a soldier, he hadn’t been trained to be one, what could he do to stop the Germans invading the island and some of the locals think he should have at least tried. Jack's very concerned about his grandparents, his mum and his girlfriend Johanna and she’s a Jewish nurse from Germany.
The German Nurse is a story about living in Guernsey during WW II; as the war years drag on life becomes extremely difficult, due to shortages of everything and the frustrated locals attempt small acts of rebellion. Jack always seems to be torn; he really struggles between upholding the law, looking after his family, friends, colleagues, and keeping Johanna safe. Relationships are the main basis of the story, always complicated and especially for Jack being a policeman in German occupied Guernsey. I received a copy of book in exchange for an honest review, all thoughts are my own and four stars from me.
https://karrenreadsbooks.blogspot.com/
November 25, 2020
The German Nurse I was so eager to read this book but at some point around 30% I felt like I wasn't getting the deepness of the story, it felt kind of weak and even the characters felt like something was missing, I really love the whole idea of the story and I was eager to know more about it but I find myself skipping pages and trying to find when the real deal was going to start.
When the Germans arrive on the island they also felt flat, I never felt the danger or the fear the Nazis usually spread, it was like they were hiding their own agenda always and even made their characters look like they were just pretending and in fact, in some way, they were lying and pretending to the whole island..
Johanna is hiding for them Germans, she is a nurse and she is trying to help anyone she can in her job but at the same time she has to hide and not show so much of herself as she can really get into trouble, Jack a policeman in love with Johanna is trying to save the whole island, doing whatever he can, he is worried for Johanna and he is doing everything he can to keep her safe. I wanted to know more about the main characters, their love story was missing so many details, I didn't felt the passion or the need between these two.
The German Nurse is a good novel but for me, it wasn't what I was expecting. I really recommend to anyone to Give this a chance maybe this book is for you.
When the Germans arrive on the island they also felt flat, I never felt the danger or the fear the Nazis usually spread, it was like they were hiding their own agenda always and even made their characters look like they were just pretending and in fact, in some way, they were lying and pretending to the whole island..
Johanna is hiding for them Germans, she is a nurse and she is trying to help anyone she can in her job but at the same time she has to hide and not show so much of herself as she can really get into trouble, Jack a policeman in love with Johanna is trying to save the whole island, doing whatever he can, he is worried for Johanna and he is doing everything he can to keep her safe. I wanted to know more about the main characters, their love story was missing so many details, I didn't felt the passion or the need between these two.
The German Nurse is a good novel but for me, it wasn't what I was expecting. I really recommend to anyone to Give this a chance maybe this book is for you.
March 22, 2021
The characters are well expressed and I can feel the passion the author has for their work through their writing.
Atmospheric and well explained you could fell the heartbreak Jack is going through as he has impossible choices he must make to keep those he loves safe but what will the cost be to him.
Marvelous and true events are sprinkled into this story taking place during the Second World War years when Guernsey was occupied by the Nazis. You can feel the hardships taking place,feel the characters pain.
I recommend this to lovers of historical fiction that want a deep story.
Pub Date: 18 Nov 2020
I was given a complimentary copy of this book. Thank you.
All opinions expressed are my own.
Atmospheric and well explained you could fell the heartbreak Jack is going through as he has impossible choices he must make to keep those he loves safe but what will the cost be to him.
Marvelous and true events are sprinkled into this story taking place during the Second World War years when Guernsey was occupied by the Nazis. You can feel the hardships taking place,feel the characters pain.
I recommend this to lovers of historical fiction that want a deep story.
Pub Date: 18 Nov 2020
I was given a complimentary copy of this book. Thank you.
All opinions expressed are my own.
April 8, 2021
From the title of the book, I thought it would be a story bout a German nurse in WWII. I was a wrong. This book should be titled a British Policeman. Jack is in love with a German nurse, I think! The author told us he was, but I never was given to opportunity to feel that he was. The author left the characters underdeveloped. I wanted to feel emotions while reading this book, but sadly, I didn't.
It was interesting to learn about the German occupation of the British Islands, Guernsey, in particular. I wasn't aware of that bit of history, and I am glad learned something new.
Thank you to NerGalley and Harper 360 for this ARC in exchange for an honest review. Sorry it wasn't a better review.
It was interesting to learn about the German occupation of the British Islands, Guernsey, in particular. I wasn't aware of that bit of history, and I am glad learned something new.
Thank you to NerGalley and Harper 360 for this ARC in exchange for an honest review. Sorry it wasn't a better review.
October 23, 2020
The German Nurse brings a WWII history buff to the German occupation of the Channel Islands, namely Guernsey. It tells the tale of Jack, a island police officer torn between his duty, his people and the desperate need to protect the woman he loves most...Johanna, a German Jew who fled the horror of Germany to the safety of the islands. We follow Jack as he encounters situations that test his own humanity and sense of duty. We feel his loss as his immediate family die, leaving him alone in a world gone mad. We feel his love for Johanna and his determination to keep her safe no matter what. Her strength is his strength.
What I love about this book is it sheds more light and perspective on the occupation of the Channel Islands. The islanders felt abandoned by the English once they withdrew their troops and overwhelmed and constantly afraid when the Germans come rolling in. It’s hard great history lesson as many situations were based upon actual events that took place. I did not feel as though the love story was the central theme in this story. I felt it was more about a mans duty and the struggle to figure out what that was during a time of war.
Thank you NetGalley and MJ Hollows for the chance to read this a little early. I’m grateful for further insight to a part of the war I know so little about.
What I love about this book is it sheds more light and perspective on the occupation of the Channel Islands. The islanders felt abandoned by the English once they withdrew their troops and overwhelmed and constantly afraid when the Germans come rolling in. It’s hard great history lesson as many situations were based upon actual events that took place. I did not feel as though the love story was the central theme in this story. I felt it was more about a mans duty and the struggle to figure out what that was during a time of war.
Thank you NetGalley and MJ Hollows for the chance to read this a little early. I’m grateful for further insight to a part of the war I know so little about.
December 2, 2022
This book should be called The English Police Man Who Rides Around on a Bike and Occasionally Sees His Girlfriend Who Happens to be a German Nurse.
November 24, 2020
The German Nurse by M.J. Hollows is a heart wrenching historical novel that will compel you to keep reading long into the night.
The novel concerns the Second World War years when Guernsey was occupied by the Nazis. The reader sees the hardships the islanders faced. We witness the bravery and the quiet defiance. We view the small acts of rebellion.
Not every German was a Nazi but every German was caught up in Hitler’s war. Everyone was faced with the choice – to act with compassion or cruelty.
The characters are all well drawn and realistic. We ‘feel’ for the lead character as we follow him throughout. His heart is good but he was faced with some impossible choices in the effort to keep safe those he loved.
M.J. Hollows has created a marvellous tale as he has woven actual events into his fictional tale. The German Nurse was a heart wrenching read that I can highly recommend.
I received this book for free. A favourable review was not required and all views expressed are my own.
The novel concerns the Second World War years when Guernsey was occupied by the Nazis. The reader sees the hardships the islanders faced. We witness the bravery and the quiet defiance. We view the small acts of rebellion.
Not every German was a Nazi but every German was caught up in Hitler’s war. Everyone was faced with the choice – to act with compassion or cruelty.
The characters are all well drawn and realistic. We ‘feel’ for the lead character as we follow him throughout. His heart is good but he was faced with some impossible choices in the effort to keep safe those he loved.
M.J. Hollows has created a marvellous tale as he has woven actual events into his fictional tale. The German Nurse was a heart wrenching read that I can highly recommend.
I received this book for free. A favourable review was not required and all views expressed are my own.
October 16, 2020
There’s a storm headed for the Channel Islands and it’s not just the weather!
The German Nurse, by MJ Hollows, is a historical fiction novel of WWII to be published November 18, 2020.
What if you woke up one morning and discovered that the beloved Channel Island you call home would soon be taken over by a powerful enemy? Jack Godwin, an officer in the Guernsey police station, learns that Churchill has ordered the withdrawal of all military forces on the island. Saddened that his island doesn’t rank as worthy of resources needed to defend itself, Jack channels his energy into his job and into defending his family. Once the island is occupied by German forces, he finds himself stuck in a purgatory-like reality as he is caught between being a proud Guernesiais, a policeman and essentially working for the German authorities. In his own words, he becomes a lackey for the Germans. You’ll follow Jack and Johanna through the five years of the German occupation of Guernsey and understand what it was like to live on an occupied island during World War Two.
I love to learn while I read and it was immediately obvious that Hollows had done his research. I had never considered such things as the distribution of Reichsmarks in exchange for Sterling pounds as currency, the fact that the occupying forces could commandeer vehicles and family homes leaving people homeless, change the language of signage in towns, and have segregated seating for native and German audiences in cinemas to prevent unrest. I was introduced to the concept of carrot tea and the secret knock of the resistance. What surprised me the most was Hollows informing his readers that not all members of the occupying force were happy to be there; they’d have rather been home living an uninterrupted life. And why not? I hadn’t thought about it previously. While I was excited to be introduced to a different setting during WWII, I felt let down with the lack of warmth and heart that I felt should be in a novel claiming romance. Like most of Jack’s actions, his relationship with Johanna just felt mechanical. I wasn’t convinced of love. It was almost as if the characters in the novel lacked depth. I also felt deceived as I was expecting a book about a nurse during WWII and instead was offered a book about a police officer during the same time period. That being said, I’ve never read a novel with more attention to olfactory detail. I was amazed at the descriptions about the aftereffects of the bombing, the bitumen used in making the resistance symbol, and the stench on the beach. Rarely does an author tune into all senses in their writing. The premise of this novel was amazing, and it had so much potential.
Thank you to MJ Hollows, Netgalley and HQ Digital UK for the gift of this advance copy in exchange for an honest review.
The German Nurse, by MJ Hollows, is a historical fiction novel of WWII to be published November 18, 2020.
What if you woke up one morning and discovered that the beloved Channel Island you call home would soon be taken over by a powerful enemy? Jack Godwin, an officer in the Guernsey police station, learns that Churchill has ordered the withdrawal of all military forces on the island. Saddened that his island doesn’t rank as worthy of resources needed to defend itself, Jack channels his energy into his job and into defending his family. Once the island is occupied by German forces, he finds himself stuck in a purgatory-like reality as he is caught between being a proud Guernesiais, a policeman and essentially working for the German authorities. In his own words, he becomes a lackey for the Germans. You’ll follow Jack and Johanna through the five years of the German occupation of Guernsey and understand what it was like to live on an occupied island during World War Two.
I love to learn while I read and it was immediately obvious that Hollows had done his research. I had never considered such things as the distribution of Reichsmarks in exchange for Sterling pounds as currency, the fact that the occupying forces could commandeer vehicles and family homes leaving people homeless, change the language of signage in towns, and have segregated seating for native and German audiences in cinemas to prevent unrest. I was introduced to the concept of carrot tea and the secret knock of the resistance. What surprised me the most was Hollows informing his readers that not all members of the occupying force were happy to be there; they’d have rather been home living an uninterrupted life. And why not? I hadn’t thought about it previously. While I was excited to be introduced to a different setting during WWII, I felt let down with the lack of warmth and heart that I felt should be in a novel claiming romance. Like most of Jack’s actions, his relationship with Johanna just felt mechanical. I wasn’t convinced of love. It was almost as if the characters in the novel lacked depth. I also felt deceived as I was expecting a book about a nurse during WWII and instead was offered a book about a police officer during the same time period. That being said, I’ve never read a novel with more attention to olfactory detail. I was amazed at the descriptions about the aftereffects of the bombing, the bitumen used in making the resistance symbol, and the stench on the beach. Rarely does an author tune into all senses in their writing. The premise of this novel was amazing, and it had so much potential.
Thank you to MJ Hollows, Netgalley and HQ Digital UK for the gift of this advance copy in exchange for an honest review.
March 17, 2021
The German Nurse by M.J. Hollows is a great WWII- era historical fiction novel that takes place on Guernsey. It definitely kept my interest throughout.
I love when a HF also contains mystery, suspense, action, and a dash of romance. It is always nice to add those concepts in to the traditional narrative.
This is only the third book I have read that takes place within the Channel Islands, and for some reason I always find it so fascinating. I don’t know if it is because some of the events and adversities that took place there are just now coming to light, or if it is almost like an example of an isolated entity all to itself and the events that occurred there were unique in only that situation that peaks my interest. Either way, this was the perfect location for this novel and it really added to the complexity of the story.
There are high stakes, sacrifices, ultimate choices that lead to dire consequences, and a lot of difficulties that these characters (and real life people) had to deal with every day that was explored within this story.
I really liked Johanna and Jack. The choices Jack constantly had to deal with were so challenging, however despite all of this hardship and despair, there is love and hope for a better future.
4/5 stars
Thank you NG and HQ Digital for this wonderful arc and in return I am submitting my unbiased and voluntary review and opinion.
I am posting this review to my GR and Bookbub accounts immediately and will post it to my Amazon, Instagram, and B&N accounts upon publication.
I love when a HF also contains mystery, suspense, action, and a dash of romance. It is always nice to add those concepts in to the traditional narrative.
This is only the third book I have read that takes place within the Channel Islands, and for some reason I always find it so fascinating. I don’t know if it is because some of the events and adversities that took place there are just now coming to light, or if it is almost like an example of an isolated entity all to itself and the events that occurred there were unique in only that situation that peaks my interest. Either way, this was the perfect location for this novel and it really added to the complexity of the story.
There are high stakes, sacrifices, ultimate choices that lead to dire consequences, and a lot of difficulties that these characters (and real life people) had to deal with every day that was explored within this story.
I really liked Johanna and Jack. The choices Jack constantly had to deal with were so challenging, however despite all of this hardship and despair, there is love and hope for a better future.
4/5 stars
Thank you NG and HQ Digital for this wonderful arc and in return I am submitting my unbiased and voluntary review and opinion.
I am posting this review to my GR and Bookbub accounts immediately and will post it to my Amazon, Instagram, and B&N accounts upon publication.
July 7, 2023
Not sure why the title was called the German Nurse because Johanna felt more like a side character that you only saw a handful of times.
The chemistry between jack and Johanna didn’t seem to develop throughout the story, it felt very flat.
I loved the friendship Jack developed with one of the nazi soldiers. Jack learned that not all Nazis believed in Hitler, but were forced to join the Nazi party.
I wish we could’ve dove into that more and the rebellion that took place on the island than focusing on a love story that didn’t seem to go anywhere.
The chemistry between jack and Johanna didn’t seem to develop throughout the story, it felt very flat.
I loved the friendship Jack developed with one of the nazi soldiers. Jack learned that not all Nazis believed in Hitler, but were forced to join the Nazi party.
I wish we could’ve dove into that more and the rebellion that took place on the island than focusing on a love story that didn’t seem to go anywhere.
May 1, 2021
Jack, Johanna, and the Nazi’s
This is a story of the Nazi occupation of Geurnsey in the Channel Islands. The romance between Jack, a policeman, Johanna , a nurse, and the German’s occupying the island.
Jack , born in England , has lived on the island most of his life. Johanna escaped to the Island from Germany when the Nazi’s came into power after her parents were sent to work camps. Johanna is Jewish posing as a Christian. Through it all the only thing Jack wanted was to keep Johanna safe from the Germans.
It was sad and interesting to see Jack and the other policeman struggling under the German’s. They had to arrest fellow islanders and deport them to labor camps. They were unable to help anyone and when they did it led to severe consequences.
The interaction and friendship between Henrik and Jack was also a good story. Henrik was a German soldier That didn’t want to be and didn’t believe in Hitler, but had to carry out his orders regardless.
I liked the way the story was written to show that there was good and evil in all. It showed the pride the islanders had in their home and the depression they felt during the occupation. It also showed that some had compassion and were willing to help others at the threat of their own lives.
I loved the romance between Jack and Johanna. They were both so brave and they were always there for each other. I also liked that the names were easy for me to read. I loved the ending.
This was a very good book, it kept me reading. I would recommend it.
Thanks to M.J. Hollows, H Q Publishing, and NetGalley for allowing me to read a copy for an honest review.
This is a story of the Nazi occupation of Geurnsey in the Channel Islands. The romance between Jack, a policeman, Johanna , a nurse, and the German’s occupying the island.
Jack , born in England , has lived on the island most of his life. Johanna escaped to the Island from Germany when the Nazi’s came into power after her parents were sent to work camps. Johanna is Jewish posing as a Christian. Through it all the only thing Jack wanted was to keep Johanna safe from the Germans.
It was sad and interesting to see Jack and the other policeman struggling under the German’s. They had to arrest fellow islanders and deport them to labor camps. They were unable to help anyone and when they did it led to severe consequences.
The interaction and friendship between Henrik and Jack was also a good story. Henrik was a German soldier That didn’t want to be and didn’t believe in Hitler, but had to carry out his orders regardless.
I liked the way the story was written to show that there was good and evil in all. It showed the pride the islanders had in their home and the depression they felt during the occupation. It also showed that some had compassion and were willing to help others at the threat of their own lives.
I loved the romance between Jack and Johanna. They were both so brave and they were always there for each other. I also liked that the names were easy for me to read. I loved the ending.
This was a very good book, it kept me reading. I would recommend it.
Thanks to M.J. Hollows, H Q Publishing, and NetGalley for allowing me to read a copy for an honest review.
August 20, 2021
I usually love historical fiction about WWII but this one didn't do it for me. It is about a British Island occupied by Germany. A police officer is desperately in love with a Jewish nurse and has to decide to be honest and put her name on the list to protect his family or protect the woman he loves. Sounds interesting doesn't it? This dilemma is maybe a paragraph. The rest is a narrative that is so boring that I really didn't care about any of the characters.
February 7, 2021
A very thoroughly researched novel that brings the grim reality of living in Guernsey during the Nazi occupation. The book.did a great job of bringing the period to life.
I'd say the biggest problem the book has was matching the gripping setting with a gripping plot. I did enjoy the overall story but I felt as if Jack and the other characters were almost arbitrary. The German Nurse was a novel about the Nazi Occupation of Guernsey rather than a story about Jack and Joanna set against the backdrop of this event. I didn't feel quite the level of attachment I think I should have.
All that being said I did very much enjoy the book and learning about what it was like during this period hence the four stars.
I'd say the biggest problem the book has was matching the gripping setting with a gripping plot. I did enjoy the overall story but I felt as if Jack and the other characters were almost arbitrary. The German Nurse was a novel about the Nazi Occupation of Guernsey rather than a story about Jack and Joanna set against the backdrop of this event. I didn't feel quite the level of attachment I think I should have.
All that being said I did very much enjoy the book and learning about what it was like during this period hence the four stars.
April 21, 2022
This book was so hard to get into! I think the characters were poorly developed, we didn’t really get to know any of them other than the main character. It felt all over the place and hard to follow at times. I had no emotional attachment to any part of this book.
November 29, 2020
I loved this book, it’s a powerful and emotional read from the start, I was completely taken with Jack and Johanna, they pulled at my heartstring with their beautiful love story, there were times I was in tears.
The occupation of the Channel Islands has always grasped my attention, I have read many books and watched many films set during this time, the Channel Island’s – Guernsey especially – have been my to visit wish list for so long. I haven’t made it there yet, and with certain factors, in my life meaning, I most likely won’t. Thank goodness for books!
The stories that came out of that horrific and hard period will not only break your heart, but you stand back in disbelief that our country deserted them, support and protection were withdrawn and they were alone to face the full force of the Nazi army alone. Those who decided to stand back and allow our Channel Island’s to be occupied and not lift a finger to help them should hang their heads in shame. I do realise that there would have been many factors going on behind the scenes, but still, our Channel Islands were deserted and left to fend for themselves. Even once the war was over, the people of Guernsey and Jersey were still in dire need, they were starving and needing urgent supplies and again they had to wait for the UK to send much-needed aid. I think that was a blight on our history, it was disgusting how the UK deserted them and I look on those incredible people with such awe, the bravery that they showed they way many resisted against Nazi rule, these stories, their stories need to be told and I am so pleased that more and more authors are telling them.
Hmm! I think I got a little carried away there, I think I should talk about this book!
I love the opening, it sets the story up beautifully for what’s to come, you get a sense of what’s to come. Even from those first few pages, you get a real sense of just how much he loves Johanna, it’s in his every move, its the forces that push’s him onwards and its the thing that keeps telling him not to give up keep going. Jack’s undying devotion to her, to keep her safe pulls at the heart, yet saying that I think that the love story is more of a subplot, for me the main story is all about what’s going on with the occupation and how people – Jack – had to cope, how they struggled and how they survived.
This is all about survival, love and family and the contradicting feeling of duty, it’s the story of what a man would do to protect those he cares about most. Once Guernsey has occupied the people of the Island have to make choices to survive, Jack finds himself stuck between a rock and a hard place, he has a duty to do to protect his family and yet to do that he would put Johanna in danger.
What is a man to do when everyone he cares about is the danger? Jack is a good man, he is a loyal and dutiful man, a man who is torn, he struggles with his choices but he can’t abide the thought that his choices would come with too high costs for those he loves. Your heart goes out to him, he faces grim times, the author does a brilliant job at portraying Jack’s struggles and hard times with realism and sensitivity.
MJ Hollows is a wonderful author, I have read and loved his previous book; Goodbye For Now (I need to write my review of that one) as soon as I got invited to take part in this blog tour, I couldn’t sign up fast enough. I love the writing, it sweeps you away to another time.
This is a must-read for anyone, but especially for those who love their WW2 historical fiction, I cannot recommend The German Nurse enough.
The occupation of the Channel Islands has always grasped my attention, I have read many books and watched many films set during this time, the Channel Island’s – Guernsey especially – have been my to visit wish list for so long. I haven’t made it there yet, and with certain factors, in my life meaning, I most likely won’t. Thank goodness for books!
The stories that came out of that horrific and hard period will not only break your heart, but you stand back in disbelief that our country deserted them, support and protection were withdrawn and they were alone to face the full force of the Nazi army alone. Those who decided to stand back and allow our Channel Island’s to be occupied and not lift a finger to help them should hang their heads in shame. I do realise that there would have been many factors going on behind the scenes, but still, our Channel Islands were deserted and left to fend for themselves. Even once the war was over, the people of Guernsey and Jersey were still in dire need, they were starving and needing urgent supplies and again they had to wait for the UK to send much-needed aid. I think that was a blight on our history, it was disgusting how the UK deserted them and I look on those incredible people with such awe, the bravery that they showed they way many resisted against Nazi rule, these stories, their stories need to be told and I am so pleased that more and more authors are telling them.
Hmm! I think I got a little carried away there, I think I should talk about this book!
I love the opening, it sets the story up beautifully for what’s to come, you get a sense of what’s to come. Even from those first few pages, you get a real sense of just how much he loves Johanna, it’s in his every move, its the forces that push’s him onwards and its the thing that keeps telling him not to give up keep going. Jack’s undying devotion to her, to keep her safe pulls at the heart, yet saying that I think that the love story is more of a subplot, for me the main story is all about what’s going on with the occupation and how people – Jack – had to cope, how they struggled and how they survived.
This is all about survival, love and family and the contradicting feeling of duty, it’s the story of what a man would do to protect those he cares about most. Once Guernsey has occupied the people of the Island have to make choices to survive, Jack finds himself stuck between a rock and a hard place, he has a duty to do to protect his family and yet to do that he would put Johanna in danger.
What is a man to do when everyone he cares about is the danger? Jack is a good man, he is a loyal and dutiful man, a man who is torn, he struggles with his choices but he can’t abide the thought that his choices would come with too high costs for those he loves. Your heart goes out to him, he faces grim times, the author does a brilliant job at portraying Jack’s struggles and hard times with realism and sensitivity.
MJ Hollows is a wonderful author, I have read and loved his previous book; Goodbye For Now (I need to write my review of that one) as soon as I got invited to take part in this blog tour, I couldn’t sign up fast enough. I love the writing, it sweeps you away to another time.
This is a must-read for anyone, but especially for those who love their WW2 historical fiction, I cannot recommend The German Nurse enough.
April 13, 2021
I received a free e-arc through Netgalley.
This WWII story focuses on the island of Guernsey between England and France. It was invaded by the Germans and it was interesting to hear how the Germans used the local police force to help control the island. Jack is one of the local constables who just wants to go along with the Germans and keep everyone safe until he starts to realize that he can't keep everyone safe. He is especially worried about his girlfriend of 2 years who is a German Jew who is living on the island and working as a nurse. This was a compelling love story.
This WWII story focuses on the island of Guernsey between England and France. It was invaded by the Germans and it was interesting to hear how the Germans used the local police force to help control the island. Jack is one of the local constables who just wants to go along with the Germans and keep everyone safe until he starts to realize that he can't keep everyone safe. He is especially worried about his girlfriend of 2 years who is a German Jew who is living on the island and working as a nurse. This was a compelling love story.
October 21, 2020
NetGalley
Member Review
Cover Image: The German Nurse
The German Nurse
by M.J. Hollows
Pub Date: 18 Nov 2020
Review by
jeanie m, Reviewer
Last updated on 21 Oct 2020
My Recommendation
With thanks to netgalley for an early copy in return for an honest review
New Author for me and quite enjoyed this book not quite what thought it was going to be but an okay read non the less.
Member Review
Cover Image: The German Nurse
The German Nurse
by M.J. Hollows
Pub Date: 18 Nov 2020
Review by
jeanie m, Reviewer
Last updated on 21 Oct 2020
My Recommendation
With thanks to netgalley for an early copy in return for an honest review
New Author for me and quite enjoyed this book not quite what thought it was going to be but an okay read non the less.
February 25, 2021
Disappointed
I do not recommend this book. The story though interesting was poorly written and too "wordy ". It felt like an amateurs attempt and I will not read anymore books written by Hollows.
I do not recommend this book. The story though interesting was poorly written and too "wordy ". It felt like an amateurs attempt and I will not read anymore books written by Hollows.
June 25, 2021
Thank you NetGalley, author M.J. Hollows, and HQ Digital publishing for giving me a free arc copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
5 stars
This have only been my second WWII book that takes place on the Channel Islands.
The novel concerns the Second World War years when Guernsey was occupied by the Nazis. The reader sees the hardships the islanders faced. The readers are witness to the bravery and the quiet defiance that took place all over the German occupied countries. This author did a wonderful job reminding readers that not every German was a Nazi but every German was caught up in Hitler’s war. Everyone was faced with the choice – to act with compassion or cruelty. The characters were well developed and realistic. The reader can tell the author has a real passion for this time period and has done the research, which resulted in an amazing book.
Jack was a wonderful character. He is really torn by the duty he felt as an island police officer and the humanitarian choices that he was facing as the Nazis tighten their hold on the island. He was determined to do all he could to keep his family safe, but also the woman he loved, a German Jew, Johanna. Johanna was a very brave character. She was willing to hide in plain sight, while also suffering from the loss of her family at the hands of the Nazis while she was living in Germany. The romance is more of the secondary plot line. The main plot line seemed to be the determination to survive with your humanity. This story gave the reader a sense of constant fear and anxiety that the Nazi occupied countries lived with daily during the war. I appreciated the author choosing to tell the story of these islands as their story seems to get overshadowed by the European occupation. As with many WWII book, this book tugged at my heart strings. I would recommend this book to those who are interested in a WWII story that takes place in a lesser known place. I look forward to reading more books by this author in the future.
5 stars
This have only been my second WWII book that takes place on the Channel Islands.
The novel concerns the Second World War years when Guernsey was occupied by the Nazis. The reader sees the hardships the islanders faced. The readers are witness to the bravery and the quiet defiance that took place all over the German occupied countries. This author did a wonderful job reminding readers that not every German was a Nazi but every German was caught up in Hitler’s war. Everyone was faced with the choice – to act with compassion or cruelty. The characters were well developed and realistic. The reader can tell the author has a real passion for this time period and has done the research, which resulted in an amazing book.
Jack was a wonderful character. He is really torn by the duty he felt as an island police officer and the humanitarian choices that he was facing as the Nazis tighten their hold on the island. He was determined to do all he could to keep his family safe, but also the woman he loved, a German Jew, Johanna. Johanna was a very brave character. She was willing to hide in plain sight, while also suffering from the loss of her family at the hands of the Nazis while she was living in Germany. The romance is more of the secondary plot line. The main plot line seemed to be the determination to survive with your humanity. This story gave the reader a sense of constant fear and anxiety that the Nazi occupied countries lived with daily during the war. I appreciated the author choosing to tell the story of these islands as their story seems to get overshadowed by the European occupation. As with many WWII book, this book tugged at my heart strings. I would recommend this book to those who are interested in a WWII story that takes place in a lesser known place. I look forward to reading more books by this author in the future.
August 14, 2024
Firstly, the cover is wrong! The cover-man is wearing British army khakis. Jack Godwin, the protagonist, was NOT in the army and he wore the navy-blue uniform of a British policeman. If he had worn the outfit depicted on the cover, he would have been arrested as all the military men (British soldiers, in other words) had been deported to England, and the only ones that returned were spies who were in hiding. The author says the book was inspired by a photograph of a British 'bobby' opening a car door for a senior German official. A google search will show similar photos of British policemen in the company of German officials (the bobbies had to implement the German government's wishes and were thus their unwilling puppets). The 'bobby' outfit is a belted tunic and pants in navy with the typical bobby helmet, not army-issue khakis!
I thought the book was good but not great. As another reviewer mentioned, the apparent (or not so apparent) love story between the two main characters did not ring true; it's not a typical love story. For example, when Johanna came to live in Jack’s house, they still slept in separate bedrooms. His mother had died, and they were the sole occupants of the house. Surely …? I don’t want overt, bodice-ripper passion, but I would like a believable love story in all its aspects. There was no love expressed apart from a couple of kisses, and a love letter from Joanna that we, the readers, never saw.
There were also several typos. By publication stage these should have been ironed out.
The writing was clunky in places. Too much ‘Jack did this …’ and ‘Jack did that …’ More interesting sentence structure and even more pronouns would have resulted in less mechanical text.
Also, there was not enough explanation about Jack’s paternal grandparents. In fact, nothing bar a single postcard whose contents were not included. Who were they? Where did they live? How did he recuperate there after he left the concentration camp?
And when Alice, in 1985, encountered Henrik, it would have been satisfying to have a lovely denouement. Some resolve of the plot and finality that these two characters had connected and commemorated Jack and Johanna. But we were left in limbo.
I thought the book was good but not great. As another reviewer mentioned, the apparent (or not so apparent) love story between the two main characters did not ring true; it's not a typical love story. For example, when Johanna came to live in Jack’s house, they still slept in separate bedrooms. His mother had died, and they were the sole occupants of the house. Surely …? I don’t want overt, bodice-ripper passion, but I would like a believable love story in all its aspects. There was no love expressed apart from a couple of kisses, and a love letter from Joanna that we, the readers, never saw.
There were also several typos. By publication stage these should have been ironed out.
The writing was clunky in places. Too much ‘Jack did this …’ and ‘Jack did that …’ More interesting sentence structure and even more pronouns would have resulted in less mechanical text.
Also, there was not enough explanation about Jack’s paternal grandparents. In fact, nothing bar a single postcard whose contents were not included. Who were they? Where did they live? How did he recuperate there after he left the concentration camp?
And when Alice, in 1985, encountered Henrik, it would have been satisfying to have a lovely denouement. Some resolve of the plot and finality that these two characters had connected and commemorated Jack and Johanna. But we were left in limbo.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 10, 2021
This novel was interesting from a historical standpoint in that it uncovered life on the Channel Islands during the Nazi occupation. Jack, who is in the Guernsey police force, is forced to comply, along with the rest of the force, with German rules and teachings during occupation. The novel sheds light on how the UK would have looked had the Nazis won the war. For a historical buff, I found this part extremely interesting, especially while finishing the novel in a tiny town in the UK.
That being said, I found it difficult to connect with the characters on an emotional level. Sure, Jack struggled with his morals, but I felt like the book merely brushed over the plot for the sake of incorporating day-to-day details of life on the island. Personally, I think that this novel would be better suited for a diary format, or if it just followed the life of Jack as opposed to trying to force in other extra characters.
However, Henrik, a German occupying officer, and who would later become friends with Jack, was indebted to kindness and protected Jack on multiple occasions. And yet, he was a Nazi officer. Shouldn’t that make him a terrible person? But he saved Jack’s life and openly admitted that he did not want to occupy the island, but wanted to continue his life of farming back in Germany? These are the types of questions that I think are crucial to be asking ourselves, and are ones that Jack wrestled with throughout the novel.
That being said, I found it difficult to connect with the characters on an emotional level. Sure, Jack struggled with his morals, but I felt like the book merely brushed over the plot for the sake of incorporating day-to-day details of life on the island. Personally, I think that this novel would be better suited for a diary format, or if it just followed the life of Jack as opposed to trying to force in other extra characters.
However, Henrik, a German occupying officer, and who would later become friends with Jack, was indebted to kindness and protected Jack on multiple occasions. And yet, he was a Nazi officer. Shouldn’t that make him a terrible person? But he saved Jack’s life and openly admitted that he did not want to occupy the island, but wanted to continue his life of farming back in Germany? These are the types of questions that I think are crucial to be asking ourselves, and are ones that Jack wrestled with throughout the novel.
November 14, 2020
Beautiful cover picture!
The setting is on the island of Guernsey. The Army evacuated the island leaving the people unprotected and vulnerable to the expected German military arrival.
Overall, the story is quite interesting though it was a bit lengthy. The historical aspect was intriguing to read about as it was new information to me. You can certainly tell that the author put a lot of research into writing this story.
I have to say, I thought I was going to be getting a bit more of a romance aspect. Maybe I interpreted the synopsis of the story incorrectly.
Thank you to NetGallery, Harper Collins and the author for the arc of The German Nurse. All opinions expressed are my own.
The setting is on the island of Guernsey. The Army evacuated the island leaving the people unprotected and vulnerable to the expected German military arrival.
Overall, the story is quite interesting though it was a bit lengthy. The historical aspect was intriguing to read about as it was new information to me. You can certainly tell that the author put a lot of research into writing this story.
I have to say, I thought I was going to be getting a bit more of a romance aspect. Maybe I interpreted the synopsis of the story incorrectly.
Thank you to NetGallery, Harper Collins and the author for the arc of The German Nurse. All opinions expressed are my own.
March 16, 2021
The title is very misleading. The novel is about Jack, primarily. The nurse is not even a main character really. I found the writing disjointed and superficial.
May 2, 2021
A decent book which was evidently well researched (especially during a pandemic) and brought Guernsey's history to life.
January 3, 2021
Beautiful story
Well written,strong characters that you felt like you really knew and connected with.
Well written,strong characters that you felt like you really knew and connected with.
April 19, 2021
The German Nurse is a story about Jack, a policeman on the Island of Guernsey in the English Channel, during WW2. Oddly titled, there is very little about the “German nurse” (Johanna, Jack’s girlfriend) as a focal point of the book. She was more of a background or minor character so I’m not really sure what motivated the title, but it seems a misnomer.
The book was just ok in my opinion. It’s the 3rd book I’ve read about the occupation of the Channel Islands but it did round the story overall of them about what happened there. The writing style itself I struggled with. It was mostly a narrative form focusing on Jack and the events he experienced, but it seemed there was very little character development beyond him in the story. Characters would just show up with little to no context, and then disappear just as quickly. With Johanna, the German nurse, supposedly Jack was in love with her but there was so little interaction (outside of his thoughts) with her and even little emotion toward either of them when they did interact. It felt more like a middle school crush than a near-marriage relationship the way they were so distanced and detached. It was just odd. Add to that, there were almost no real relationships Jack had in general, which left the story feeling again detached and somewhat anti-social or isolated. Most, if not all, WW2 books I’ve read, and probably tragedy in life in general, the relationships we have are what make or break us. They give us the ability to weather the storms because we are not meant to live life solo. Maybe that’s what made this book feel so despairing often, and lacked hope as a central thread.
All in all I was not fond of the book. Thank you to Netgalley for a copy of this book in return for an honest review.
The book was just ok in my opinion. It’s the 3rd book I’ve read about the occupation of the Channel Islands but it did round the story overall of them about what happened there. The writing style itself I struggled with. It was mostly a narrative form focusing on Jack and the events he experienced, but it seemed there was very little character development beyond him in the story. Characters would just show up with little to no context, and then disappear just as quickly. With Johanna, the German nurse, supposedly Jack was in love with her but there was so little interaction (outside of his thoughts) with her and even little emotion toward either of them when they did interact. It felt more like a middle school crush than a near-marriage relationship the way they were so distanced and detached. It was just odd. Add to that, there were almost no real relationships Jack had in general, which left the story feeling again detached and somewhat anti-social or isolated. Most, if not all, WW2 books I’ve read, and probably tragedy in life in general, the relationships we have are what make or break us. They give us the ability to weather the storms because we are not meant to live life solo. Maybe that’s what made this book feel so despairing often, and lacked hope as a central thread.
All in all I was not fond of the book. Thank you to Netgalley for a copy of this book in return for an honest review.
January 10, 2023
2.5 rounded to 3 because I liked the final sentence.
I was given this book as a Christmas present and had such high hopes. As many have said, the title is a misnomer- “The British Policeman” would have been a much more accurate descriptor. Despite the cover’s promises of “A secret past”, “A forbidden love”, and “A terrifying choice”, this story provides very little insight into the past of the main characters and relies heavily on the reader to create a “backstory”. I kept reading hoping to finally uncover the “past” or determine the “choice”, but instead, was left questioning the reliability of the narrator and my own ability to infer detail from
the limited text. What could have been a wonderful story, turned about to be a disjointed narrative of one man’s perception of a war-affected city, and in the end, I found myself wishing the entirety of the novel contained the sentiment expressed in the last few pages.
I was given this book as a Christmas present and had such high hopes. As many have said, the title is a misnomer- “The British Policeman” would have been a much more accurate descriptor. Despite the cover’s promises of “A secret past”, “A forbidden love”, and “A terrifying choice”, this story provides very little insight into the past of the main characters and relies heavily on the reader to create a “backstory”. I kept reading hoping to finally uncover the “past” or determine the “choice”, but instead, was left questioning the reliability of the narrator and my own ability to infer detail from
the limited text. What could have been a wonderful story, turned about to be a disjointed narrative of one man’s perception of a war-affected city, and in the end, I found myself wishing the entirety of the novel contained the sentiment expressed in the last few pages.
December 6, 2020
The real Nazis
I have lived in Germany in the 70’s and there were still many remains of WWII and have been back many times. I have been to Guernsey and seen and heard stories of the occupation. While I have met Germans like Henrik I have also met many more ex Nazis who were just following orders. The world cannot forget the horrors of the Nazis because time has softened the memories.
I have lived in Germany in the 70’s and there were still many remains of WWII and have been back many times. I have been to Guernsey and seen and heard stories of the occupation. While I have met Germans like Henrik I have also met many more ex Nazis who were just following orders. The world cannot forget the horrors of the Nazis because time has softened the memories.
June 12, 2021
“The German Nurse” tells of the WWII German invasion of the British Channel Islands from the perspective of a young British policeman. This story gives a very detailed view of the occupation and follows it from the onset to imprisonments to liberation and just enough of the recovery to give closure.
I received a free copy of this book from NetGalley for my voluntary review. While I was impressed with the amount of research the author had done to attain the many specific details that were historically accurate, the intense factual nature of the story gives it an overall dark feel and at times the horrors perpetrated by Hitler’s military are perhaps too realistic for a romance.
I received a free copy of this book from NetGalley for my voluntary review. While I was impressed with the amount of research the author had done to attain the many specific details that were historically accurate, the intense factual nature of the story gives it an overall dark feel and at times the horrors perpetrated by Hitler’s military are perhaps too realistic for a romance.
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