Sisters of the Resistance: The Nuns Who Defied the s

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. - ‘A powerful story of seldom-sung heroines in humanity’s darkest days and a vivid reminder of the power of conscience. Using first-hand accounts, Turner crafts an inspiring narrative of courage and sacrifice in the face of terror.’ Edgardo David Holzman, author of Malena ‘Dennis Turner has used some unusual and previously unavailable records to provide a perspective on World War Two that is entirely the role played by Catholic nuns in anti-Nazi activities and the Belgian Resistance movement . . . fascinating and valuable.’ Donald Lystra author of Season of Water and Ice - 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: History, Nonfiction

Paperback

Published February 3, 2022

Reviews

[Mandy · Rating 3 out of 5]

As I understand it, this book was previously published with the title “What Did You Do in the War, Sister?” Now called Sisters of the Resistance it appears at first glance to be a non-fiction work, but is in fact fiction, although clearly based on fact. Taking inspiration from a cache of recently discovered letters and documents, the author has created a fictional American nun as a focus for the story of the real nuns of Notre Dame de Namur and their brave resistance to the Nazi occupation of Belgium. It’s a gripping tale and one that deserves to be told. These nuns were unbelievably courageous and took enormous risks – but why turn their achievements into fiction? Their incredible story seems to me to be diminished by inventing fictional nuns and a fictional order, when their own true-life exploits need celebrating and sharing. It’s a relatively readable and enjoyable novel, if a little melodramatic at times, but it would have been a more fitting tribute to these brave women to tell of their defiance and deception as non-fiction.

[Colette Brennan · Rating 3 out of 5]

It is said that there comes a point in every woman's life when they are seen by society to be "invisible". Religious sisters can be either invisible or inspire fear, apprehension, respect and questioning. Perhaps these are the reasons that woman can be used in subterfuge without raising suspicion.
This book describes , through the narrative of Sister Christina and american born Nun in Belgium, the hidden story of the many ways in which the religious sisters contributed to the resistance by hiding, saving and rescuing Jewish Children, Jewish families, Allied airmen and soldiers and German child soldiers. Their quiet devotions and obedience helped them through the difficult times. The story is created from archive letters from the Sister's Of Namur.
Their story deserves to be told, but the novel in itself underplays the very strengths and characterstics which made their heroics possible. In short, the book sadly underplays their work and is overly simplistic.

[AJ Foiret · Rating 2 out of 5]

Presented as fact on the cover but after buying the book I soon learned the account is fictional. All the people mentioned in the book and the convent etc are made up to provide a narrative for events described in the found letters from the Second World War. Accounts of a nun working out how to flirt with German soldiers to divert their attentions was a painful example of ‘men writing women’. People just don’t stand in front of mirrors and think and act like that! A great shame as it could have been a fantastic non-fiction book if the author had simply published the letters as they were with accompanying information and context. I felt the resistance and bravery the real nuns around Europe showed against the Nazi regime was lost as a result of his poor fiction. I am no more informed about who these women really were than before I read the book.

On a positive note, I did learn a few new things about life under occupation in Belgium.

[Anna Dalben · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.8? I would have enjoyed this more had it been delivered as it was presented itself, as a pure nonfiction history. I understand why the fictional Sister Christina has been created as a personal diary account might have more broad appeal, but while this is very interesting in parts I would have enjoyed more clarity (beyond the text notes) of what is true account and from which convent. Really quite a powerful perspective on the humanitarian work being done. As a Brit it's a geographical WWII perspective I haven't come across so much and it was well worth the read.

[SophieJaneK · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thought provoking and well written in that it has so cleverly woven so many different historical documents together into a thoroughly believable narrative.The only big disappointment for me is that much of it is fiction and I am left wondering what really happened and who were the real brave characters in the resistance.

[Anne · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book was originally published as "What did you do in the war, Sister?". I picked this from the history section but really it is memoir / fiction. The author has created a fictional character to drive the narrative. This did not work for me and I didn't get on with the writing style.

[Mick Meyers · Rating 4 out of 5]

The first time I have read a book from this genre,found it a very good read.i know there are a few books and I was a bit reluctant to dip my toe into the subject,pleasantly surprised.do give it a try.