Sisters of the Resistance: The Nuns Who Defied the Nazis

by Dennis J. Turner

Throughout the occupied territories, Catholic Sisters were active in the resistance to the Nazis.

Based on letters and documents written by Catholic Sisters during the Second World War, 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.

-

Please note that Sisters of the Resistance was originally published in the United States as So What Did You Do In the War, Sister?

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

Paperback

First published January 1, 2018

About the author

Dennis Turner graduated from Georgetown University in 1967 with a degree in History. He received his Juris Doctorate degree from Georgetown University Law School in 1970. He has served as an Assistant County Prosecutor and as a Magistrate-Judge. Since 1974, he has been a Professor of Law at the University of Dayton School of Law. During his tenure at the University of Dayton he has served as Assistant Dean, Acting Dean, Director of the Law Clinic and Director of the Legal Profession Program. The University of Dayton has awarded him its highest award for teaching, The Faculty Teaching Award. He has also received numerous Teacher of the Year Awards from the students at the University of Dayton School of Law and was chosen to be one of the Master Teaching Fellows for the University. He has been a visiting professor for the University of Notre Dame London Law Program. He also has extensive experience with the British criminal justice system through his association with a barrister firm in Winchester, England.

Dennis Turner is the author of many law review articles and a law textbook, Steele v. Kitchener Case File. For two years, he also wrote a bi-weekly column for the Dayton Daily News entitled “On the River.”

Dennis Turner lives in Dayton, Ohio, with his wife Kathleen. They have been married over 50 years which suggests that their original blind-date to the Trinity College Junior Prom in Washington D.C. was a success. They have three children, Sonya, Michael and Caroline; and three grandsons, Lucas, Max and Ronan.

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.

[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.

[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.

[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.

[Maggie · Rating 3 out of 5]

An interesting book, but since I had previously read several books about how some of the religious orders helped during WW II, I was not as struck by it as others may be. I found the constant footnoting very annoying, and wondered what the original text must have been. I believe I would have been happier with an epistolary book, even if not a novel. Most WW II books I read are non-fiction and I much prefer that to a novel when dealing with this kind of subject matter. I enjoyed learning more about the day-to-day world of Belgium during the war and some of its politics, which I had not known a great deal about previously. In a historical context, I believe any reader needs to read this book with a bit of suspicion given the many additions by the author. I believe that his recitation of the daily lives of the nuns themselves was probably more accurate, though their wartime lives might not fully have been known and may have been enlarged upon heavily by the author. All-in-all a worthy read.

[Maryann Lane · Rating 3 out of 5]

A fascinating book!

The book was enjoyable, and described the life of the nuns during the occupation of Belgium during WWII. Sister Christina was a believable character.
Why 3 stars? The book itself was good, but then you get to the end and there are 20 pages about how the author wrote the book. He had so much "luck" in finding people who were in the village at the time of the occupation and liberation. Their stories were woven in to this book. Besides that, he makes mention about 20 times about how he was an atheist, and expounded 20 different ways of how he either couldn't understand the religious beliefs of a divine being, and if there was a God how could he let the people suffer or be killed in WWII. He is a very confused man. I am someone who believes that one of the founding principles of this country was the right to choose the religion of your choice, and you also have the right to not believe in any kind of higher power.

[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.

[Henry Luecht · Rating 3.5 out of 5]

I’d rate it 3.5, personally I’d have appreciated a non-fiction story based on the letters the author based his book off of. But I appreciated the afterword and authors personal explanations regarding the story so I appreciated the book much more at the very end compared to the whole time I was reading it.

[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