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Resist
Multi-award-winning author Tom Palmer shines a light on life under wartime occupation, in a beautifully told story inspired by the childhood of Hollywood legend Audrey Hepburn.
As the brutal Second World War stretches on with no end in sight, life for ordinary Dutch people in the Nazi-occupied Netherlands is fraught with peril and hardship. There is very little to eat and the population lives under the constant threat of arrest and enslavement.
After the murder of her beloved uncle and the capture of her brother by the Germans, Edda is determined to do anything she can to help the resistance fight back against their oppressors. But what can a teenage girl do and how much risk is she willing to take?
As the brutal Second World War stretches on with no end in sight, life for ordinary Dutch people in the Nazi-occupied Netherlands is fraught with peril and hardship. There is very little to eat and the population lives under the constant threat of arrest and enslavement.
After the murder of her beloved uncle and the capture of her brother by the Germans, Edda is determined to do anything she can to help the resistance fight back against their oppressors. But what can a teenage girl do and how much risk is she willing to take?
208 pages, Paperback
Published August 4, 2022
25 people are currently reading
282 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 88 reviews
April 13, 2022
This is historical fiction at its best, set during World War II in the village of Velp near Arnhem. 15 year old Edda is frightened and increasingly hungry, but she shows immense courage in undertaking small actions of resistance against the Nazi occupiers. Like most Dutch families, Edda’s has been traumatised by the war: her uncle was killed by the Germans as retribution for the actions of saboteurs; her brother Alex is in hiding because Dutch young men were abducted and sent to work as virtual slave labour in Germany; her other brother Ian is 17 so should be safe – but is he? And why is Edda’s mother on a list of locals that are ‘not to be trusted’? This is a story of resistance in the face of occupation which seems especially timely given recent events in Ukraine.
My husband is Dutch and we lived on the outskirts of Arnhem for 2 years in the 1990’s. I heard stories about the war years which match closely with events in the book. My mother-in-law was 12 years old in early 1945 and during the ‘Hongerwinter’ (Winter of Hunger), she walked miles to a farm to get some eggs for the family. On the way back, she dropped one. She was so hungry that she licked it from the pavement. Her younger brother died of malnutrition that winter. My father-in-law’s mother was a German living in the Netherlands, and when the Nazis came on raids, she invited them in for ‘kaffee und kuchen’, pretending to be welcoming so that the neighbours would have time to hide their ‘onderduikers’ (people in hiding). I also knew the term ‘moffen’ (a derogatory term for a German soldier occupying the Netherlands) and heard repeatedly – even 50 years after the war! – that ‘moffen’ stole Dutch people’s bikes. Because we lived in Arnhem and are keen historians, I am very familiar with the Battle for Arnhem, having visited the Airborne Museum at Hartenstein many times (on a side note, the movie ‘A Bridge Too Far’ would be an excellent supplement to this novel for secondary school age students). All this is to say that the novel ‘speaks true’ to me, and shows evidence of meticulous research.
One thing I didn’t realise while reading (as I hadn’t read the blurb in advance) is that this novel is loosely based on the childhood story of Audrey Hepburn! After reading, I looked up Velp on Wikipedia and saw that the famous people from Velp included Hepburn; it was only then that I put two and two together, as Edda is the character’s Dutch name, with Audrey as her English name. This added bonus to the story makes me want to read the novel over again after doing some additional research into Hepburn’s family.
I am an English and History teacher at a secondary school, and also the Literacy Coordinator and a Reading Intervention Specialist working with struggling and reluctant readers. In every facet of my work, Resist is incredibly useful. Not only does it subtly teach history, it is also a Barrington Stoke novel, meaning that it is accessible for the reluctant and struggling readers I work with. Palmer is a genius at using crisp, clear language to create vivid scenes and evoke tension, so with my English teacher’s hat on, it is also top-notch.
Highly recommended.
My husband is Dutch and we lived on the outskirts of Arnhem for 2 years in the 1990’s. I heard stories about the war years which match closely with events in the book. My mother-in-law was 12 years old in early 1945 and during the ‘Hongerwinter’ (Winter of Hunger), she walked miles to a farm to get some eggs for the family. On the way back, she dropped one. She was so hungry that she licked it from the pavement. Her younger brother died of malnutrition that winter. My father-in-law’s mother was a German living in the Netherlands, and when the Nazis came on raids, she invited them in for ‘kaffee und kuchen’, pretending to be welcoming so that the neighbours would have time to hide their ‘onderduikers’ (people in hiding). I also knew the term ‘moffen’ (a derogatory term for a German soldier occupying the Netherlands) and heard repeatedly – even 50 years after the war! – that ‘moffen’ stole Dutch people’s bikes. Because we lived in Arnhem and are keen historians, I am very familiar with the Battle for Arnhem, having visited the Airborne Museum at Hartenstein many times (on a side note, the movie ‘A Bridge Too Far’ would be an excellent supplement to this novel for secondary school age students). All this is to say that the novel ‘speaks true’ to me, and shows evidence of meticulous research.
One thing I didn’t realise while reading (as I hadn’t read the blurb in advance) is that this novel is loosely based on the childhood story of Audrey Hepburn! After reading, I looked up Velp on Wikipedia and saw that the famous people from Velp included Hepburn; it was only then that I put two and two together, as Edda is the character’s Dutch name, with Audrey as her English name. This added bonus to the story makes me want to read the novel over again after doing some additional research into Hepburn’s family.
I am an English and History teacher at a secondary school, and also the Literacy Coordinator and a Reading Intervention Specialist working with struggling and reluctant readers. In every facet of my work, Resist is incredibly useful. Not only does it subtly teach history, it is also a Barrington Stoke novel, meaning that it is accessible for the reluctant and struggling readers I work with. Palmer is a genius at using crisp, clear language to create vivid scenes and evoke tension, so with my English teacher’s hat on, it is also top-notch.
Highly recommended.
May 8, 2022
Inspired by the childhood of Audrey Hepburn, Resist tells the story of Edda, a 15 year old living in Velp near Arnhem. Edda's family has suffered during the war - her uncle was killed and her brother is in hiding. Edda gradually starts running small errands for the resistance, despite the danger that it could put her and her family in. With food supplies running out and the German army increasing their presence, can Edda and her family continue to survive?
This is an excellent book that offers a different perspective to WWII. It would be a great addition to any year 5 / 6 bookshelf and I will certainly be buying a copy once it is published.
As this is a Barrington Stoke book, it is easily accessible to all.
Thanks to Net Galley and Barrington Stoke for this advance copy in exchange for an honest review.
This is an excellent book that offers a different perspective to WWII. It would be a great addition to any year 5 / 6 bookshelf and I will certainly be buying a copy once it is published.
As this is a Barrington Stoke book, it is easily accessible to all.
Thanks to Net Galley and Barrington Stoke for this advance copy in exchange for an honest review.
June 4, 2022
I have wanted to read a Tom Palmer book for ages and was excited to see this Barrington Stoke book on #netgalley.
It is based on real life events, the real life events of Audrey Hepburn - which is something I never knew. It's not necessary to know this before you start, but it's a wonderful extra to discover after reading.
It's set during World War II in the Netherlands. I always hear of people looking for books connected to the west to share in school - this is a definite must! It feels so real, so haunting but not too traumatic meaning it can be shared with younger readers.
My lasting impression is of one scene. A scene in which flowers remind a German soldier of their mother. This image has stuck with me.
A must read! I suspect as it's Barrington Stoke the paper copy will be even better and accessible to all!
It is based on real life events, the real life events of Audrey Hepburn - which is something I never knew. It's not necessary to know this before you start, but it's a wonderful extra to discover after reading.
It's set during World War II in the Netherlands. I always hear of people looking for books connected to the west to share in school - this is a definite must! It feels so real, so haunting but not too traumatic meaning it can be shared with younger readers.
My lasting impression is of one scene. A scene in which flowers remind a German soldier of their mother. This image has stuck with me.
A must read! I suspect as it's Barrington Stoke the paper copy will be even better and accessible to all!
July 3, 2024
I love a good middle grade World War 2 story but I really enjoyed this one because it wasn’t from the usual perspective of British, American or German characters. Added to the fact that it was loosely based on the childhood of Audrey Hepburn I found the story fascinating. Poignant and emotional, a great read for anyone who is a fan of historical fiction.
October 21, 2022
A nice little children’s book that only took an hour or so to read. I would have liked for it to be a bit more developed as I thought some parts could have definitely been more detailed.
May 30, 2022
Resist
By Tom Palmer
Published by Barrington Stoke
Tom Palmer returns with another fantastic historical story set in the Natzi-occupied Netherlands. Told through the eyes of Edda, a brave and selfless 15 year old who goes above and beyond for her friends, family and the country she loves. Palmer weaves heart-felt fear with strength and determination to retell what Edda and her family puts themselves through day after day. But working as a secret messenger for the resistance brings its own trials, secrets and fears. Shivers and tingles of fear ran through me as I read Palmers descriptions of how hard life was both physically, mentally and emotionally when the Germans were in control.
Palmer never fails to deliver an amazing, gritty historical novel to both educate and remind us of how much our previous generations went without, in contrast to what we have today. Edda’s story is powerful, poignant and heart-felt brave.
Joanne Bardgett - Year 3 teacher of littlies, lover of books
#Tompalmer
#Netgallery
#Barringtonstokes
By Tom Palmer
Published by Barrington Stoke
Tom Palmer returns with another fantastic historical story set in the Natzi-occupied Netherlands. Told through the eyes of Edda, a brave and selfless 15 year old who goes above and beyond for her friends, family and the country she loves. Palmer weaves heart-felt fear with strength and determination to retell what Edda and her family puts themselves through day after day. But working as a secret messenger for the resistance brings its own trials, secrets and fears. Shivers and tingles of fear ran through me as I read Palmers descriptions of how hard life was both physically, mentally and emotionally when the Germans were in control.
Palmer never fails to deliver an amazing, gritty historical novel to both educate and remind us of how much our previous generations went without, in contrast to what we have today. Edda’s story is powerful, poignant and heart-felt brave.
Joanne Bardgett - Year 3 teacher of littlies, lover of books
#Tompalmer
#Netgallery
#Barringtonstokes
September 12, 2022
A few years ago, I read a book called Dutch Girl: Audrey Hepburn and World War II by Robert Matzen, so I knew about her experiences during the war. What I didn't know when I started reading Resist, the new WWII book by Tom Palmer, was that it is a fictionalized story inspired by Audrey's life during the war.
It's 1943, and Edda, 15, has a sheaf of illegal resistance newsletters stuffed inside her socks to be delivered to certain addresses. The delivery is her first her first resistance assignment and Edda is nervous, knowing if she were caught, it would mean death at the hands of the Nazis. Edda volunteers at the hospital, and had asked Dr. Hendrik Visser't Hooft, a leading figure in the resistance, if she could help there, too. Years of studying ballet in England had given Edda an excellent memory, and she proved herself able to easily memorize the addresses for the newsletter delivery.
The Nazis had been occupying the Netherlands since 1940, forcing Edda's brother Alex to go into hiding to avoid being picked up by the Nazis and sent to a slave labor camp in Germany, and her Uncle Otto was one of 460 men who had been arrested and executed by the Nazis. So imagine Edda's stunned surprise when she sees her mother's name listed as a Nazi sympathiser in the newsletters she's carrying. How could Edda possible prove that her mother wasn't a collaborator?
When Dr. Visser't Hooft asked Edda if she would be interested in dancing as part of an evening of entertainment, a secret performance done after dark, to raise money to help people in hiding. she thinks this would help prove her mother's support for the resistance. But when she asks her mother's permission, Edda was told no, she could not participate, it is just too dangerous. After the Germans pick up her other brother Ian, 17, to send to Germany, Edda's mother has a change of heart and gives her permission to perform. On the way home from the performance, Edda finally asks her mother why she had been listed as someone not to be trusted and is relieved to learn that her mother feels it was a mistake to support Hitler and is now on the side of the resistance.
By 1944, the Dutch are hearing on illegal radios that the Allies are moving closer to Holland. But the Germans are getting desperate and are stealing most of the food for themselves and letting the Dutch starve. When the British finally arrive not far from Velp, everyone begins to hope the war will end for them soon. But the British are defeated, as is the hope of the Dutch. Then, one day, Edda is caught by German soldiers along with other girls her age. Afraid she would be sent to Germany like her brother Ian, Edda takes a chance and runs away, knowing how to avoid the soldiers because her resistance activity had taught her all she needed to know about the streets of Velp.
When her mother hears what happened, Edda is sent to the cellar for her own safety with the rest of her family as the war continues above them. Early one morning, there's a knock on their front door, and after her mother and grandfather go see who it is, they return with a box of food, apparently from the American army. Could it be that the war and the Nazi occupation in the Netherlands is finally coming to an end? And will Edda ever see her brother Ian again?
Resist is an interesting story, in part because I knew it was inspired by Audrey Hepburn's family and her resistance work. More importantly, however, Palmer shows his readers, without being too graphic, just what it was like for the Dutch people under Nazi occupation - the cruelty of the Nazi soldiers, the disregard for the lives of the Dutch people, and the extent of the starvation they were subjected to. 1944 was infamously known as the Hunger Winter. And just as importantly, the strength of the Dutch during that time. At one point, Edda, already an accomplished dancer, even gave ballet lessons to the local children.
Palmer's portrayal of Edda is sensitive and I think true to who the real Audrey Hepburn was. He has brilliantly captured her thoughts, her fears for herself and her family, her anger at the Nazis for what they have done to her beloved country, friends and neighbors, and her need to resist the occupiers. These are the same qualities that followed Audrey Hepburn throughout her life, and lead her to do so much humanitarian work as well as acting.
Back matter includes information about Audrey Hepburn as the inspiration for Edda, the occupation and starvation of the Netherlands, resistance activity there, a bit about Audrey Hepburn and Anne Frank, Audrey Hepburn and her work with UNICEF. and finally, Tom Palmer's research for this novel, including several biographies of Audrey Hepburn, and recommended children's books, such as Tamar by Mal Peet, among others.
Resist is published by Barrington Stoke known for their books that are adapted for dyslexic and reluctant readers. and as a dyslexic, I can't recommend them highly enough.
It's 1943, and Edda, 15, has a sheaf of illegal resistance newsletters stuffed inside her socks to be delivered to certain addresses. The delivery is her first her first resistance assignment and Edda is nervous, knowing if she were caught, it would mean death at the hands of the Nazis. Edda volunteers at the hospital, and had asked Dr. Hendrik Visser't Hooft, a leading figure in the resistance, if she could help there, too. Years of studying ballet in England had given Edda an excellent memory, and she proved herself able to easily memorize the addresses for the newsletter delivery.
The Nazis had been occupying the Netherlands since 1940, forcing Edda's brother Alex to go into hiding to avoid being picked up by the Nazis and sent to a slave labor camp in Germany, and her Uncle Otto was one of 460 men who had been arrested and executed by the Nazis. So imagine Edda's stunned surprise when she sees her mother's name listed as a Nazi sympathiser in the newsletters she's carrying. How could Edda possible prove that her mother wasn't a collaborator?
When Dr. Visser't Hooft asked Edda if she would be interested in dancing as part of an evening of entertainment, a secret performance done after dark, to raise money to help people in hiding. she thinks this would help prove her mother's support for the resistance. But when she asks her mother's permission, Edda was told no, she could not participate, it is just too dangerous. After the Germans pick up her other brother Ian, 17, to send to Germany, Edda's mother has a change of heart and gives her permission to perform. On the way home from the performance, Edda finally asks her mother why she had been listed as someone not to be trusted and is relieved to learn that her mother feels it was a mistake to support Hitler and is now on the side of the resistance.
By 1944, the Dutch are hearing on illegal radios that the Allies are moving closer to Holland. But the Germans are getting desperate and are stealing most of the food for themselves and letting the Dutch starve. When the British finally arrive not far from Velp, everyone begins to hope the war will end for them soon. But the British are defeated, as is the hope of the Dutch. Then, one day, Edda is caught by German soldiers along with other girls her age. Afraid she would be sent to Germany like her brother Ian, Edda takes a chance and runs away, knowing how to avoid the soldiers because her resistance activity had taught her all she needed to know about the streets of Velp.
When her mother hears what happened, Edda is sent to the cellar for her own safety with the rest of her family as the war continues above them. Early one morning, there's a knock on their front door, and after her mother and grandfather go see who it is, they return with a box of food, apparently from the American army. Could it be that the war and the Nazi occupation in the Netherlands is finally coming to an end? And will Edda ever see her brother Ian again?
Resist is an interesting story, in part because I knew it was inspired by Audrey Hepburn's family and her resistance work. More importantly, however, Palmer shows his readers, without being too graphic, just what it was like for the Dutch people under Nazi occupation - the cruelty of the Nazi soldiers, the disregard for the lives of the Dutch people, and the extent of the starvation they were subjected to. 1944 was infamously known as the Hunger Winter. And just as importantly, the strength of the Dutch during that time. At one point, Edda, already an accomplished dancer, even gave ballet lessons to the local children.
Palmer's portrayal of Edda is sensitive and I think true to who the real Audrey Hepburn was. He has brilliantly captured her thoughts, her fears for herself and her family, her anger at the Nazis for what they have done to her beloved country, friends and neighbors, and her need to resist the occupiers. These are the same qualities that followed Audrey Hepburn throughout her life, and lead her to do so much humanitarian work as well as acting.
Back matter includes information about Audrey Hepburn as the inspiration for Edda, the occupation and starvation of the Netherlands, resistance activity there, a bit about Audrey Hepburn and Anne Frank, Audrey Hepburn and her work with UNICEF. and finally, Tom Palmer's research for this novel, including several biographies of Audrey Hepburn, and recommended children's books, such as Tamar by Mal Peet, among others.
Resist is published by Barrington Stoke known for their books that are adapted for dyslexic and reluctant readers. and as a dyslexic, I can't recommend them highly enough.
August 4, 2022
The setting for this latest historical novel by Tom Palmer is the village of Velp, which is near to Arnhem in The Netherlands. It is 1943 and Velp is occupied by the Nazis. The villagers are hungry and scared. As they wait for liberation, their German occupiers steal their food and abduct men to work in German factories. The people of Velp know that it is now only a matter of time before the Allies arrive, but with with hardships increasing every day, their ability to resist is all that they have left.
Loosely on the childhood of Audrey Hepburn, 'Resist' is a poignant tale that highlights the courage and compassion of the Dutch Reistance movement during the Second World War. 15 year old Edda has already faced the loss of her uncle, one older brother is in hiding, and another brother lives in fear of being sent to Germany. Yet Edda wants to do her bit, risking her own life to distribute illegal newsletters.
I was delighted to receive a copy of 'Resist' a week before my trip to The Netherlands. I took the book with me to Amsterdam and, although written for children and younger teenagers, it certainly held it's own as a historical novel. Palmer's keenly-researched narrative ensures that it stands up as a historical novel of the highest standard, whilst his succinct language to conveys a character-driven empathatic tale.
With my teacher's head on, I'd say that this novel is most suited to readers of 10 to 13 years old. Personally, I'd very much like to introduce my Key Stage 3 pupils to this novel along with poetry from the Second World War and extracts from The Diary of Anne Frank. This novel has been written for Barrington Stoke, which means that it's in a dyslexia-friendly format and is accessible to less confident readers.
Thank you to NetGalley UK, Tom Palmer and Barrington Stoke for this ARC in return for my honest review.
Loosely on the childhood of Audrey Hepburn, 'Resist' is a poignant tale that highlights the courage and compassion of the Dutch Reistance movement during the Second World War. 15 year old Edda has already faced the loss of her uncle, one older brother is in hiding, and another brother lives in fear of being sent to Germany. Yet Edda wants to do her bit, risking her own life to distribute illegal newsletters.
I was delighted to receive a copy of 'Resist' a week before my trip to The Netherlands. I took the book with me to Amsterdam and, although written for children and younger teenagers, it certainly held it's own as a historical novel. Palmer's keenly-researched narrative ensures that it stands up as a historical novel of the highest standard, whilst his succinct language to conveys a character-driven empathatic tale.
With my teacher's head on, I'd say that this novel is most suited to readers of 10 to 13 years old. Personally, I'd very much like to introduce my Key Stage 3 pupils to this novel along with poetry from the Second World War and extracts from The Diary of Anne Frank. This novel has been written for Barrington Stoke, which means that it's in a dyslexia-friendly format and is accessible to less confident readers.
Thank you to NetGalley UK, Tom Palmer and Barrington Stoke for this ARC in return for my honest review.
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July 27, 2022Tom Palmer writes so beautifully about historical events and in resist he portrays Edda’s life in such a realistic manner. I was immediate immersed into her world and felt her plight as I read through the story. Even in a short story such as this, she was well developed and I loved the sense of hope as we followed her journey under German occupation. She’s fierce and brave and many young girls will feel like she is a role model. Thank you so much for the opportunity to read this fantastic story.
October 12, 2022
Will be recommending to students of all ages!
November 7, 2024
WOW what a historical fiction book I love this book everything from the storyline to the plot and the emotive language and how the author of this book wrote is so intriguing. Highly recommend ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️🌟
May 16, 2025
Interesting, certainly. But could’ve been more excitingly written.
November 26, 2024
Great children's book that sheds a different light on an awful time in history.
August 12, 2022
WOW!!! What an amazing book!!! Such a different view of the war and the challenges faced by people. Genuinely couldn’t put it down!
August 4, 2022
An absolute delight of a book, a triumph. This sort of historically based book should be on the curriculum.
March 10, 2023
The ending in my opinion is very rushed. Overall it’s a good book but why does the one brother keep popping up he should be in hiding not appearing every ten seconds.
July 24, 2022
Another fantastic historical children’s book from Tom Palmer. A powerful story, based on true events from Audrey Hepburn’s childhood. What a wonderful, inspirational female role model.
November 28, 2022
Tom Palmer’s historical fiction novels are informative, gripping, moving reads and Resist is no exception. It is based on Audrey Hepburn's childhood during the Nazi occupation of the Netherlands, taking place during the latter part of WW2. It gives a fascinating insight into the incredible hardships the Dutch people faced during occupation and especially during the end of the war and the story itself is sensitively written and at times heartbreaking. We learn about the Dutch Resistance and Edda’s (Hepburn’s) role in helping them where her’s and their bravery shine through. This may be a young readers category but I would have no hesitation in recommending it to any age. I was absorbed from start to finish and as a Primary School teacher I shall be reading it to my pupils and recommending it to my colleagues to read fir themselves. 5 well deserved stars 🌟
October 8, 2025
Inmiddels is het 1943 en duurt de oorlog al drie jaar. De jonge Audrey Hepburn leeft onder de naam Edda in Velp in Nederland. Niemand mag weten wie ze echt is, want dat maakt haar verdacht. Maar toch heeft Edda een geheim wat nog groter is. Ze helpt bij het verzet. Ze verspreidt illegale kranten, steunt onderduikers en voert geheime opdrachten uit voor verzetsgroepen. Wanneer op een dag haar broer Ian wordt opgepakt, verandert haar leven compleet. Haar moeder, ooit bewonderaar van Hitler, keert zich tegen de Duitsers. Samen organiseren ze een benefietvoorstelling voor vluchtelingen. Dan krijgt Edda de vraag of ze een enorm gevaarlijke opdracht wil uitvoeren: ze moet een Britse parachutist in veiligheid brengen. Zal het haar lukken? Slechts één fout en het is voorbij.
Mijn ervaring:
Wat een meeslepende, spannende en aangrijpende jeugdroman. Tom Palmer heeft een krachtige en vlotte schrijfstijl en heeft erg goed onderzoek gedaan naar het jonge leven van Audrey Hepburn en ook naar de Tweede Wereldoorlog en met name die rondom Velp. Hij weet een fictieve verhaallijn uit te werken op basis van historische informatie en feiten.
Het verhaal is geschreven vanuit een vertelperspectief dat de jonge Edda volgt. Het personage is mooi, realistisch en goed uitgewerkt, net als de andere personages. Daarbij is Edda een bijzonder, zelfstandig en sterk personage, dat ondanks haar angst vastbesloten is te helpen en ondersteuning te bieden waar ze kan.
het verhaal begint in 1943, waarbij we direct het verhaal in duiken op het moment dat Edda bezig is met een opdracht voor het verzet en Edda Duitsers tegenkomt. Hierdoor pakt het verhaal je direct en is je nieuwsgierigheid gewekt. Tom Palmer weet het tijdsbeeld, het leven van Edda en het wonen op de boerderij, maar ook haar werk in het ziekenhuis en de haar hulp bij het verzet prachtig te verwoorden. Hierbij weet hij op mooie wijze de gedachten, gevoelens en emoties van Edda te verwoorden, zonder dat het verhaal te heftig wordt. Het is een intrigerend verhaal, waarin de diverse opdrachten voor het verzet, haar liefde voor dansen, de impact van de oorlog en mensen die worden opgepakt, de hoop op bevrijding, de hongerwinter en de liefde voor familie, vrienden en mensen die hulp nodig hebben op prachtige wijze is samengebracht.
Na het verhaal volgen er nog diverse hoofdstukken waarin bepaalde onderdelen van het verhaal en hun geschiedenis nog net wat verder en uitgebreider worden uitgelegd. Hierdoor is het naast een prachtig en indrukwekkend verhaal ook nog eens erg leerzaam.
Vrijheid voor Edda is een aangrijpende, spannende en meeslepende jeugdroman, waarbij we het fictieve verhaal lezen van de jonge Audrey Hepburn in tijden van de Tweede Wereldoorlog. Het is krachtig en vlot geschreven en zowel de personages, het tijdsbeeld en de gebeurtenissen zijn erg mooi, indrukwekkend en aangrijpend uitgewerkt. Het verhaal wordt op erg mooie wijze afgerond. Na het verhaal volgen er nog een paar hoofdstukken met wat meer geschiedenis en uitleg over die tijd.
Mijn ervaring:
Wat een meeslepende, spannende en aangrijpende jeugdroman. Tom Palmer heeft een krachtige en vlotte schrijfstijl en heeft erg goed onderzoek gedaan naar het jonge leven van Audrey Hepburn en ook naar de Tweede Wereldoorlog en met name die rondom Velp. Hij weet een fictieve verhaallijn uit te werken op basis van historische informatie en feiten.
Het verhaal is geschreven vanuit een vertelperspectief dat de jonge Edda volgt. Het personage is mooi, realistisch en goed uitgewerkt, net als de andere personages. Daarbij is Edda een bijzonder, zelfstandig en sterk personage, dat ondanks haar angst vastbesloten is te helpen en ondersteuning te bieden waar ze kan.
het verhaal begint in 1943, waarbij we direct het verhaal in duiken op het moment dat Edda bezig is met een opdracht voor het verzet en Edda Duitsers tegenkomt. Hierdoor pakt het verhaal je direct en is je nieuwsgierigheid gewekt. Tom Palmer weet het tijdsbeeld, het leven van Edda en het wonen op de boerderij, maar ook haar werk in het ziekenhuis en de haar hulp bij het verzet prachtig te verwoorden. Hierbij weet hij op mooie wijze de gedachten, gevoelens en emoties van Edda te verwoorden, zonder dat het verhaal te heftig wordt. Het is een intrigerend verhaal, waarin de diverse opdrachten voor het verzet, haar liefde voor dansen, de impact van de oorlog en mensen die worden opgepakt, de hoop op bevrijding, de hongerwinter en de liefde voor familie, vrienden en mensen die hulp nodig hebben op prachtige wijze is samengebracht.
Na het verhaal volgen er nog diverse hoofdstukken waarin bepaalde onderdelen van het verhaal en hun geschiedenis nog net wat verder en uitgebreider worden uitgelegd. Hierdoor is het naast een prachtig en indrukwekkend verhaal ook nog eens erg leerzaam.
Vrijheid voor Edda is een aangrijpende, spannende en meeslepende jeugdroman, waarbij we het fictieve verhaal lezen van de jonge Audrey Hepburn in tijden van de Tweede Wereldoorlog. Het is krachtig en vlot geschreven en zowel de personages, het tijdsbeeld en de gebeurtenissen zijn erg mooi, indrukwekkend en aangrijpend uitgewerkt. Het verhaal wordt op erg mooie wijze afgerond. Na het verhaal volgen er nog een paar hoofdstukken met wat meer geschiedenis en uitleg over die tijd.
September 14, 2025
Velp, 1943. De oorlog is al drie jaar aan de gang. Onder de naam Edda leeft de jonge Audrey Hepburn in bezet Nederland.
Niemand mag weten wie ze echt is, want haar Britse achtergrond maakt haar verdacht. Maar het grootste geheim? Edda helpt het verzet.
Wanneer haar broer Ian wordt opgepakt, zet Edda alles op alles om het verzet te helpen. Ze neemt steeds gevaarlijkere opdrachten aan terwijl ze blijft hopen op de bevrijding.
Hoeveel risico is ze bereid te nemen?
En zal ze haar broer ooit nog terugzien?
'Oorlog was als een ziekte die hen allemaal liet wegkwijnen.'
De wereld om ons heen wordt steeds onrustiger. Leven in vrijheid - is niet overal een gegeven. Soms - lijkt het wel alsof we níéts van het verleden geleerd hebben...
In 'Vrijheid voor Edda' vertelt Tom Palmer het verhaal over de jeugd van Audrey Hepburn.
Audrey Hepburn praatte niet veel over haar jeugd, over wat zij en haar familie tijdens de oorlog hadden meegemaakt. Maar dankzij interviews, biografen en filmmakers heeft Palmer meer inzicht gekregen over die donkere periode uit haar jeugd. Dít boek is een fictief verhaal, maar is gebaseerd op waargebeurde gebeurtenissen.
'"Hij is pas zeventien,"riep Edda terwijl de soldaten op haar broer afstapten. "Hij is pas zeventien..."'
Audrey Hepburn brengt ons naar Velp. Het is 1943 en Nederland is bezet door de Duitsers.
De dreiging neemt toe. Is voelbaar. Maar Edda trekt zich daar weinig van aan. Ze is dapper. Moedig. En is een meisje waar ik enorm veel bewondering voor heb gekregen. Ze bleef haar mooie zelf.
Het werd juni 1944. De jaargetijden vervlogen, terwijl het leven op straat steeds gevaarlijker werd. Edda en haar familie moesten zich verstoppen in hun kelder. Wachtend tot de oorlog tot een einde kwam - of totdat de oorlog een einde aan hen zou maken...
Het is knap hoe Palmer het verhaal over de jeugd van Audrey Hepburn heeft weten te vertellen, zonder ergens heel zwaar te worden. Maar er wél voor te zorgen dat je met Edda en haar familie meeleeft. Het is een verhaal over trauma, verdriet, maar bovenal een verhaal over hoop. Opdat wij niet vergeten. *****
Niemand mag weten wie ze echt is, want haar Britse achtergrond maakt haar verdacht. Maar het grootste geheim? Edda helpt het verzet.
Wanneer haar broer Ian wordt opgepakt, zet Edda alles op alles om het verzet te helpen. Ze neemt steeds gevaarlijkere opdrachten aan terwijl ze blijft hopen op de bevrijding.
Hoeveel risico is ze bereid te nemen?
En zal ze haar broer ooit nog terugzien?
'Oorlog was als een ziekte die hen allemaal liet wegkwijnen.'
De wereld om ons heen wordt steeds onrustiger. Leven in vrijheid - is niet overal een gegeven. Soms - lijkt het wel alsof we níéts van het verleden geleerd hebben...
In 'Vrijheid voor Edda' vertelt Tom Palmer het verhaal over de jeugd van Audrey Hepburn.
Audrey Hepburn praatte niet veel over haar jeugd, over wat zij en haar familie tijdens de oorlog hadden meegemaakt. Maar dankzij interviews, biografen en filmmakers heeft Palmer meer inzicht gekregen over die donkere periode uit haar jeugd. Dít boek is een fictief verhaal, maar is gebaseerd op waargebeurde gebeurtenissen.
'"Hij is pas zeventien,"riep Edda terwijl de soldaten op haar broer afstapten. "Hij is pas zeventien..."'
Audrey Hepburn brengt ons naar Velp. Het is 1943 en Nederland is bezet door de Duitsers.
De dreiging neemt toe. Is voelbaar. Maar Edda trekt zich daar weinig van aan. Ze is dapper. Moedig. En is een meisje waar ik enorm veel bewondering voor heb gekregen. Ze bleef haar mooie zelf.
Het werd juni 1944. De jaargetijden vervlogen, terwijl het leven op straat steeds gevaarlijker werd. Edda en haar familie moesten zich verstoppen in hun kelder. Wachtend tot de oorlog tot een einde kwam - of totdat de oorlog een einde aan hen zou maken...
Het is knap hoe Palmer het verhaal over de jeugd van Audrey Hepburn heeft weten te vertellen, zonder ergens heel zwaar te worden. Maar er wél voor te zorgen dat je met Edda en haar familie meeleeft. Het is een verhaal over trauma, verdriet, maar bovenal een verhaal over hoop. Opdat wij niet vergeten. *****
April 27, 2022
This is just an excerpt. My full review can be found here: https://thebooksintheirhands.wordpres...
I LOVED this book and had to read it in one sitting - I couldn't put it down!
Resist tells the story of the brave, ordinary civilians who secretly supported the Dutch resistance during WW2. Edda, a young girl of just fifteen, is one of them. She’s volunteering at a hospital when her colleague Dr ‘t Hooft, an important figure in the resistance, asks her to deliver illegal newspapers for the cause. When we join Edda for her first few deliveries, she is almost immediately stopped on her bicycle by a level-crossing barrier. She is panicked when a pair of German soldiers approach her, suspicious of her bag. She’s surely caught, so how will she react? No spoilers here!
We see how it takes from her family (a brother in hiding), her body (calories in rations are counted down like a death sentence), and her freedom (run-ins with German soldiers become commonplace). At every chance, our heroine reacts with resolve and beauty – even with rifles aimed at her, she claims to be simply picking wildflowers for her ill mother’s bedside and offers some for the solider to take to his mother. Smartly portraying an innocent child, whilst actually putting her bravery and intelligence to work, she thinks of the solider “He looked like a child now. The mention of his mother had changed him.”
As the brutality of war dominates the story, Edda’s peaceful resolve grows, in strength, to meet it. Her character was well developed and natural, making it easy to get to know Edda well. I was desperate to see what would happen to her by the end of the book and emotional when I got there!
Resist is a moving story which we should all share in remembrance of the unsung heroes of the war. And it’s made even more phenomenal when you realise who inspired Edda’s character… I was blown away!
Thank you to NetGalley for giving me an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
I LOVED this book and had to read it in one sitting - I couldn't put it down!
Resist tells the story of the brave, ordinary civilians who secretly supported the Dutch resistance during WW2. Edda, a young girl of just fifteen, is one of them. She’s volunteering at a hospital when her colleague Dr ‘t Hooft, an important figure in the resistance, asks her to deliver illegal newspapers for the cause. When we join Edda for her first few deliveries, she is almost immediately stopped on her bicycle by a level-crossing barrier. She is panicked when a pair of German soldiers approach her, suspicious of her bag. She’s surely caught, so how will she react? No spoilers here!
We see how it takes from her family (a brother in hiding), her body (calories in rations are counted down like a death sentence), and her freedom (run-ins with German soldiers become commonplace). At every chance, our heroine reacts with resolve and beauty – even with rifles aimed at her, she claims to be simply picking wildflowers for her ill mother’s bedside and offers some for the solider to take to his mother. Smartly portraying an innocent child, whilst actually putting her bravery and intelligence to work, she thinks of the solider “He looked like a child now. The mention of his mother had changed him.”
As the brutality of war dominates the story, Edda’s peaceful resolve grows, in strength, to meet it. Her character was well developed and natural, making it easy to get to know Edda well. I was desperate to see what would happen to her by the end of the book and emotional when I got there!
Resist is a moving story which we should all share in remembrance of the unsung heroes of the war. And it’s made even more phenomenal when you realise who inspired Edda’s character… I was blown away!
Thank you to NetGalley for giving me an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
April 15, 2022
✨ "People laughed when they were scared these days, cried when they were happy. The war had turned everything on its head."
This is a compelling read about how bravery and resistance comes in many different forms, regardless of age. I went into it mostly blind and had no idea it was inspired by the childhood of Audrey Hepburn.
The book realistically depicts life in Velp during World War 2, which I feel is a more uncommon perspective (compared to stories set in France, Germany and Poland) but no less important. Starvation, frequent bombings and living in constant fear are just some of what civilians had to endure.
Despite its promising start, the second half of the book was a letdown for me. I thought the book would focus largely on resistance efforts on the part of a teenage girl, but that wasn't the case. Rather, it provides a glimpse into the suffering that people went through day-to-day during the war.
I had high hopes for this book as I greatly enjoyed After the War: From Auschwitz to Ambleside by the author and I rarely have a miss from this publisher. Unfortunately, Resist is one of the more underwhelming middle-grade historical fiction novels that I've read.
Thank you to Barrington Stoke and Netgalley for an ARC of this book.
This is a compelling read about how bravery and resistance comes in many different forms, regardless of age. I went into it mostly blind and had no idea it was inspired by the childhood of Audrey Hepburn.
The book realistically depicts life in Velp during World War 2, which I feel is a more uncommon perspective (compared to stories set in France, Germany and Poland) but no less important. Starvation, frequent bombings and living in constant fear are just some of what civilians had to endure.
Despite its promising start, the second half of the book was a letdown for me. I thought the book would focus largely on resistance efforts on the part of a teenage girl, but that wasn't the case. Rather, it provides a glimpse into the suffering that people went through day-to-day during the war.
I had high hopes for this book as I greatly enjoyed After the War: From Auschwitz to Ambleside by the author and I rarely have a miss from this publisher. Unfortunately, Resist is one of the more underwhelming middle-grade historical fiction novels that I've read.
Thank you to Barrington Stoke and Netgalley for an ARC of this book.
April 27, 2022
Love the Tom Palmer history books and this is no different. The subject and the fact that this is the start of a well known actress's life is just amazing.
Edda is recalled from a school in England at the start of the war (her name isn't Edda but this is what her mother decides to call her so that she doesn't stand out). She lives with her mother, two brothers, Grandpa and Aunt. One of her brothers runs off to hide so he is not take by the Germans. Her Uncle was taken and shot with other men from her village. She helps at the local hospital, where one of the Doctor's is involved in the Resistance. Edda gets involved delivering leaflets, she is horrified to find her mother's name on a leaflet as a possible Nazi collaborator. However, her mother supports Edda and they help the resistance, especially after Edda's other brother is taken. The war comes to their town when the Nazis take over Holland. The people have no food as this is taken from them, they begin to starve. One day, simply on the way to get food, Edda is captured with other girls but manages to escape. From then her family all hide in their cellar, only coming out at dawn to get water. It get worse until....
Edda is recalled from a school in England at the start of the war (her name isn't Edda but this is what her mother decides to call her so that she doesn't stand out). She lives with her mother, two brothers, Grandpa and Aunt. One of her brothers runs off to hide so he is not take by the Germans. Her Uncle was taken and shot with other men from her village. She helps at the local hospital, where one of the Doctor's is involved in the Resistance. Edda gets involved delivering leaflets, she is horrified to find her mother's name on a leaflet as a possible Nazi collaborator. However, her mother supports Edda and they help the resistance, especially after Edda's other brother is taken. The war comes to their town when the Nazis take over Holland. The people have no food as this is taken from them, they begin to starve. One day, simply on the way to get food, Edda is captured with other girls but manages to escape. From then her family all hide in their cellar, only coming out at dawn to get water. It get worse until....
April 12, 2022
This is the forst book that I have read by this author but it certainly won't be the last. I really enjoyed this book. As a child I craved books that were historical fiction but not classics - although I loved those too - that were about or based upon someone living who had experienced a historical event. The fact that this books is based upon a well known actresses experiences during the second World War would really have appealed to me as a child - it appealed to me as an adult - and I think it would appeal to children now too.
The book was full of such rich descriptions and vivid imagery that it was easy too imagine how hard it would have been living in that time and it was so accurately described that I could have jumped into the pages mysefl. It had obviously been very well researched without coming across as fact overload.
I have read many books set during World War Two and this is one of the best I have read.
The book was full of such rich descriptions and vivid imagery that it was easy too imagine how hard it would have been living in that time and it was so accurately described that I could have jumped into the pages mysefl. It had obviously been very well researched without coming across as fact overload.
I have read many books set during World War Two and this is one of the best I have read.
April 26, 2022
Tom Palmer has done it again with another piece of brilliant historical fiction that you cannot put down once you start. A truly fascinating story, which I was amazed to discover was based on the early life of Audrey Hepburn, about the Dutch resistance movement in World War 2. As always with Tom's novels, you feel you are watching through a window into the past. You feel everything the character's feel from the oppression living under German occupation to the desperation with very little food or fuel. I always learn so much from reading Tom's meticulously researched books.
I love Barrington Stoke books because they are so accessible to all without putting limits on subjects or depth.
I love Barrington Stoke books because they are so accessible to all without putting limits on subjects or depth.
June 6, 2022
Living in a small village in the Netherlands during the German occupation, a family struggles to know how to fight the occupying force without getting killed. All the members of the family including the brothers, sister, grandfather and mother play their part risking their lives for the resistance.
A truly enjoyable book, that informs and enlightens. Knowing the role of other countries in WW2 gives a more nuanced account of how people fought all over Europe.
Clear, succinct writing that can be used as an exemplar. This book is full of discussion starters for a number of subjects including resilience and freedom.
A truly enjoyable book, that informs and enlightens. Knowing the role of other countries in WW2 gives a more nuanced account of how people fought all over Europe.
Clear, succinct writing that can be used as an exemplar. This book is full of discussion starters for a number of subjects including resilience and freedom.
May 13, 2022
I really enjoyed this book and he insight it gave to the Dutch resistance during WWII. It was accessible and enjoyable. Will be a brilliant addition to school library
February 2, 2023
This is a story about strength, determination and giving people the benefit of the doubt. Edda is an inspiration to others. I'd highly recommend it to anyone aged 9 and over.
December 30, 2022
Wow, what an amazing story! Edda is riding her bike when the barriers come down on the level crossing on the road. Edda is nervous. There are German soldiers at the barrier checking everyone’s IDs and bags and Edda knows she is carrying some important papers for the resistance that they can’t find. Soon the German soldiers are asking for her ID, she gives them it as well as letting them look into her bag. But will she make it through without them realising what she’s doing, and if she does will she work for the resistance again?
This is an amazing and compelling story to read, inspired by the teenage years of Audrey Hepburn. Audrey who has to be called Edda because her real name sounds too English, lives in Velp in the Netherlands with her family. She decides to help the resistance when she first learns about its existence, but after delivering the newsletters to different addresses in Velp, she discovers something terrible written in the newsletter about someone in her family. Although Edda is just fourteen she spends her days helping out at the hospital where she helps to clean bandages. Her resistance contact soon comes to her with another job and Edda wants to help them, but when asking permission to do something late at night, Edda’s mother is adamant she can’t.
The story takes place during the later years of World War II and shows how the Dutch people coped with the occupation of the German forces. The things Edda and her family go through are dramatic and heart-breaking to read, especially when something later happens to her brother Ian. I like how Edda remains determined to help the resistance though and how there is so much support for the resistance in the story from various people despite what they are going through and the realities of the war.
The story is really interesting to read and had me flying through the pages. A lot happens to Edda and I like how we get to see some of the work the resistance were doing and are also shown some key events that happened like the battle that happened in Arnhem. Throughout it all the story remains about Edda and I love how brave she is in so many situations despite her fears. The ending is really good, it gets very dark and bleak for the Dutch people and I don’t want to spoil it by saying what happens, but I had no idea that things got that bad in the Netherlands near the end of the war and this story does a good job of showing this dark reality everybody faced.
At the end of the book there are notes about Audrey Hepburn and Anne Frank who were both in the Netherlands during the war and some more information about what happened to the country as well as notes explaining just how realistic the tale told by the author is compared to the real events. There is also some more on the resistance movement and all the notes at the end make this such an interesting read and I can’t believe Audrey Hepburn went through such dark times.
The book is especially dyslexia-friendly with the font of the text being specially created to make it easier for dyslexics to read as well as each line of text more separated than in non-dyslexia friendly books making this easier to read too. There is a lovely design along the bottom of each page and a lovely map showing Velp at the start of the book too, as well as pictures of the real Audrey Hepburn at the back of the book. The book is around 200 pages in length which is longer than some titles from Barrington Stoke but it’s such an interesting and amazing read and a great story set during World War II in the Netherlands which can teach you a lot about what the people went through at the time. Overall this has been such an amazing read for me and is my favourite book from the author so far! It’s interesting, exciting and heart-breaking in places but it also has a lovely ending for the main characters.
-Thanks to Barrington Stoke for a free copy.
This is an amazing and compelling story to read, inspired by the teenage years of Audrey Hepburn. Audrey who has to be called Edda because her real name sounds too English, lives in Velp in the Netherlands with her family. She decides to help the resistance when she first learns about its existence, but after delivering the newsletters to different addresses in Velp, she discovers something terrible written in the newsletter about someone in her family. Although Edda is just fourteen she spends her days helping out at the hospital where she helps to clean bandages. Her resistance contact soon comes to her with another job and Edda wants to help them, but when asking permission to do something late at night, Edda’s mother is adamant she can’t.
The story takes place during the later years of World War II and shows how the Dutch people coped with the occupation of the German forces. The things Edda and her family go through are dramatic and heart-breaking to read, especially when something later happens to her brother Ian. I like how Edda remains determined to help the resistance though and how there is so much support for the resistance in the story from various people despite what they are going through and the realities of the war.
The story is really interesting to read and had me flying through the pages. A lot happens to Edda and I like how we get to see some of the work the resistance were doing and are also shown some key events that happened like the battle that happened in Arnhem. Throughout it all the story remains about Edda and I love how brave she is in so many situations despite her fears. The ending is really good, it gets very dark and bleak for the Dutch people and I don’t want to spoil it by saying what happens, but I had no idea that things got that bad in the Netherlands near the end of the war and this story does a good job of showing this dark reality everybody faced.
At the end of the book there are notes about Audrey Hepburn and Anne Frank who were both in the Netherlands during the war and some more information about what happened to the country as well as notes explaining just how realistic the tale told by the author is compared to the real events. There is also some more on the resistance movement and all the notes at the end make this such an interesting read and I can’t believe Audrey Hepburn went through such dark times.
The book is especially dyslexia-friendly with the font of the text being specially created to make it easier for dyslexics to read as well as each line of text more separated than in non-dyslexia friendly books making this easier to read too. There is a lovely design along the bottom of each page and a lovely map showing Velp at the start of the book too, as well as pictures of the real Audrey Hepburn at the back of the book. The book is around 200 pages in length which is longer than some titles from Barrington Stoke but it’s such an interesting and amazing read and a great story set during World War II in the Netherlands which can teach you a lot about what the people went through at the time. Overall this has been such an amazing read for me and is my favourite book from the author so far! It’s interesting, exciting and heart-breaking in places but it also has a lovely ending for the main characters.
-Thanks to Barrington Stoke for a free copy.
February 6, 2023
As the brutal Second World War stretches on with no end in sight, everyday life for people in Nazi-occupied Netherlands is perilous and full of hardship. There is very little to eat and they face the constant threat of arrest and enslavement.
After the murder of her beloved uncle and the capture of her brother by the Germans, Edda is determined to do anything she can to help the resistance fight back.But how much risk is one teenage girl willing to take? But she summons the courage and does help out a few times.
Edda is riding her bike when the barriers come down on the level crossing on the road. Edda is nervous. There are German soldiers at the barrier checking everyone’s IDs and bags and Edda knows she is carrying some important papers for the resistance that they can’t find. Soon the German soldiers are asking for her ID, she gives them it as well as letting them look into her bag. But will she make it through without them realising what she’s doing, and if she does will she work for the resistance again? Yes she does.
On another occasion, she helps an American soldier who has parachuted in with emergency supplies, at great risk to herself.
The story takes place during the later years of World War II and shows how the Dutch people coped with the occupation of the German forces. The things Edda and her family go through are dramatic and heart-breaking to read, especially when something later happens to her brother Ian. I like how Edda remains determined to help the resistance though and how there is so much support for the resistance in the story from various people despite what they are going through and the realities of the war. [In fact, the level of starvation is incredible. Edda becomes very unwell due to insufficient food].
A lot happens to Edda and I like how we get to see some of the work the resistance were doing and are also shown some key events that happened like the battle that happened in Arnhem. Throughout it all the story remains about Edda and I love how brave she is in so many situations despite her fears. The ending is really good, it gets very dark and bleak for the Dutch people and I don’t want to spoil it by saying what happens, but I had no idea that things got that bad in the Netherlands near the end of the war and this story does a good job of showing this dark reality everybody faced.
[In fact, initially she sees that her mother is listed as a target for helping the Germans and this really conflicts with her. This later turns out to not be the case. At the end of the war, anyone who was a German sympathiser had their heads shaved and were paraded through the streets. Louise P said this did actually happen.]
At the end of the book there are notes about Audrey Hepburn and Anne Frank who were both in the Netherlands during the war and some more information about what happened to the country as well as notes explaining just how realistic the tale told by the author is compared to the real events. There is also some more on the resistance movement and all the notes at the end make this such an interesting read and I can’t believe Audrey Hepburn went through such dark times.
https://thestrawberrypost.wordpress.c...
After the murder of her beloved uncle and the capture of her brother by the Germans, Edda is determined to do anything she can to help the resistance fight back.But how much risk is one teenage girl willing to take? But she summons the courage and does help out a few times.
Edda is riding her bike when the barriers come down on the level crossing on the road. Edda is nervous. There are German soldiers at the barrier checking everyone’s IDs and bags and Edda knows she is carrying some important papers for the resistance that they can’t find. Soon the German soldiers are asking for her ID, she gives them it as well as letting them look into her bag. But will she make it through without them realising what she’s doing, and if she does will she work for the resistance again? Yes she does.
On another occasion, she helps an American soldier who has parachuted in with emergency supplies, at great risk to herself.
The story takes place during the later years of World War II and shows how the Dutch people coped with the occupation of the German forces. The things Edda and her family go through are dramatic and heart-breaking to read, especially when something later happens to her brother Ian. I like how Edda remains determined to help the resistance though and how there is so much support for the resistance in the story from various people despite what they are going through and the realities of the war. [In fact, the level of starvation is incredible. Edda becomes very unwell due to insufficient food].
A lot happens to Edda and I like how we get to see some of the work the resistance were doing and are also shown some key events that happened like the battle that happened in Arnhem. Throughout it all the story remains about Edda and I love how brave she is in so many situations despite her fears. The ending is really good, it gets very dark and bleak for the Dutch people and I don’t want to spoil it by saying what happens, but I had no idea that things got that bad in the Netherlands near the end of the war and this story does a good job of showing this dark reality everybody faced.
[In fact, initially she sees that her mother is listed as a target for helping the Germans and this really conflicts with her. This later turns out to not be the case. At the end of the war, anyone who was a German sympathiser had their heads shaved and were paraded through the streets. Louise P said this did actually happen.]
At the end of the book there are notes about Audrey Hepburn and Anne Frank who were both in the Netherlands during the war and some more information about what happened to the country as well as notes explaining just how realistic the tale told by the author is compared to the real events. There is also some more on the resistance movement and all the notes at the end make this such an interesting read and I can’t believe Audrey Hepburn went through such dark times.
https://thestrawberrypost.wordpress.c...
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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