For months now, Monique has been the mistress of a German officer. For months now, Monique doesn’t know who she is anymore.
Monique is living under a false identity in German-occupied Paris. No one knows that she is Jewish.
Since last summer, Monique has been involved with a Nazi officer, and she knows that she will pay with her life if anyone discovers her secret, but she has no other choice.
In the days leading to Christmas, Monique and Herr Ernest, the German officer she lives with, are preparing for a German officers’ reception which they plan to attend. Monique ardently continues to hide her secret. Still, she can’t ignore the signs of her past, and as the evening of the reception progresses, Monique finds it increasingly difficult to keep her true identity a secret, fearing that some may suspect her of hiding something.
Monique must keep her secret, but can she continue to deny her identity and heritage?
With the backdrop of illuminated Christmas trees and Hanukkah candles, Alex Amit’s short story illuminates the simple and extraordinary acts of courage by a young woman, fighting for her life and identity during those dark and dreadful days, and continuing to believe that next year will bring with it winds of change and hope.
Alex Amit is a historical fiction writer and author of the novel The Girl Under the Flag.
After dedicating more than a decade to learning the history of WW2 and armed with a BSc in Psychology, Alex's writing focuses on woman's bravery during those dark days. Today he is writing his second novel, The Girl in the White Uniform . When Alex was a child, he would lie in his bed at night, reading history books, imagining himself traveling in a time machine to all those great moments. Many years have passed, and finally, he built his time machine, using his words and imagination.
The main character in this book is Monique, a Jewish girl hiding in the open as the mistress of a German officer. Most days, she cannot remember who she really is, which is a good thing because her true self would be executed.
I didn't realize this was a short story, but that's on me as I didn't read the description thoroughly enough. At the end, I was wanting more.
The highlight of the book is a reception planned for just prior to Christmas Day. At this party, Monique begins to think people suspect her true identity, and she spends the time in complete panic. it is hard for her to see the Christmas trees and partake in the celebration.
Had I read this short story first I would not be encouraged to read the far better book The Girl Under the Flag: Monique. Don't let it keep you from reading the very good book when it comes out. The book is not artificial as this short story is.
Israeli author Alex Amit earned his degree in psychology, has worked in graphic design and computer programming, and now is committed to writing. Alex’s in depth research and study of the history of World War Two is the core of this short novella, THE CHRISTMAS OF 1943: HOPE FOR THE FUTURE is a chapter from his novel THE GIRL UNDER THE FLAG: MONIQUE focusing on the bravery of women during those trying, dark times. That novel, to be released in 2021, is the first installment in his WW2 GIRLS series, and will be followed by FOUR FRANC COINS: TO BE LIKE ANY OTHER GIRL.
The timing of the release of this episode is on target, not only because it arrives for the Holidays, but also because of the current emphasis on feminist issues (at last!!!). Alex escorts us into this short story with his elegant prose: ‘For months now, I’ve been the mistress of a German officer. For months now, I haven’t known who I am. “Mademoiselle Monique.” His military driver rushes to open the car door as we exit our building. His driver always addresses me formally and with a German accent…’
The story may be brief, but the impact is major, as the summary attests: ‘For months now, Monique has been the mistress of a German officer. For months now, Monique doesn’t know who she is anymore. Monique is living under a false identity in German-occupied Paris. No one knows that she is Jewish. Since last summer, Monique has been involved with a Nazi officer, and she knows that she will pay with her life if anyone discovers her secret, but she has no other choice. In the days leading to Christmas, Monique and Herr Ernest, the German officer she lives with, are preparing for a German officers’ reception which they plan to attend. Monique ardently continues to hide her secret. Still, she can’t ignore the signs of her past, and as the evening of the reception progresses, Monique finds it increasingly difficult to keep her true identity a secret, fearing that some may suspect her of hiding something. Monique must keep her secret, but can she continue to deny her identity and heritage?’
This is a fine calling card for Alex Amit’s new series that underlines the importance of the strength of women in WW II. Highly recommended
For months in German-occupied France, Monique has been the mistress of a Nazi officer. No one around knows that Monique is Jewish, and even she's been losing her sense of identity during these dark days. But something about the season is making it harder for Monique to keep her secret in The Christmas of 1943 by author Alex Amit.
I was in a winter holiday mood when I came across this prequel to Book One in the WW2 Girls series. This short story weaves lurking danger together with hope for the future in the life of its young heroine.
Now, the story has a few punctuation errors, and the writing style feels rather wooden and not quite natural, almost as if the story was once written in a language other than English. Still, the author has a certain knack for creating a portentous atmosphere, and the understated drama in Monique's secret actions is pretty affecting.
An intriguing introduction to a new historical fiction series.
Compelling short story. French Jewish Monique is working undercover with the resistance. A 1942 prequel chapter was included but I'd like to know what happened to Monique in 1944. I hope there's a sequel because this was too short.