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War on the Margins
France has fallen to the Nazis. Britain is under siege. As BBC bulletins grow bleak, residents of Jersey abandon their homes in their thousands. When the Germans take over, Marlene Zimmer, a shy clerk at the Aliens Office, must register her friends and neighbours as Jews while concealing her own heritage, until eventually she is forced to flee. Layers of extraordinary history unfold as we chart Marlene's transformation from unassuming office worker to active Resistance member under the protection of artists Claude Cahun and Marcel Moore, who manage to find poetry in the midst of hardship and unimaginable danger. Drawn from authentic World War II documents, broadcasts and private letters, "War on the Margins" tells the unforgettable story of the deepening horror of the Nazi regime in Jersey and the extraordinary bravery of those who sought to subvert it.
245 pages, Hardcover
First published January 25, 2008
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November 16, 2016
War on the Margins is a debut novel from Libby Cone, set on the Channel Islands during World War II, with the main focus of the story centering on how the islanders endured the Nazi Occupation. Moreover it’s a story about resistance, as a number of the islanders unify in an attempt to expel the Fascist menace; for some though it’s also a story of endurance, as the hardships of imprisonment become a reality.
From the outset I’ve got to say that War on the Margins is a real eye-opener. I was fully aware of the fact that the Channel Islands were occupied during WW2 before reading this novel, but I had no idea to what extent the Islands and its residents suffered under Nazi control. This novel really does bring home just how widespread starvation and persecution were on the Channel Islands during the period, and it ain’t pretty!
The novel follows a number of primary story threads, the main one being the Occupation experiences of the chief protagonist, Marlene Zimmer. Marlene works for the Aliens Office on Jersey, and after gaining an advance insight into the Occupation measures being implemented by the Germans, she discovers that her distant Jewish heritage is detrimental to her safety. So she quickly flees to begin a new life elsewhere on the island; a covert one that involves few pleasures and much indignation. I really like the author’s treatment of this character. She evolves Marlene from being a woman largely devoid of ambition and unsure of her own identity, into one of the complete polar opposite. My only complaint is that the author didn’t spend more time exploring Marlene’s evolution (more on that later), but putting that aside, Marlene’s story is a definite highlight of the novel.
Another primary focus of War on the Margins is on the French artists and lovers - Lucille and Suzanne, the ‘real life’ island residents who inspired the novel in the first place. Their relationship brings another aspect to the ‘marginal’ theme of the novel, and although no exploration of homosexual persecution is explored (presumably because it never emerged as an issue), the relationship between the lovers is, and what emerges as a consequence of Cone’s excellent crafting of the story, is the depth of love and devotion that the two artists showed for one another; a depth that undoubtedly nurtured an inner strength in both women and kept them motivated during that great time of adversity. That adversity reaches its zenith when both women were arrested for suspected clandestine activity and jailed in the local prison. Here I feel the novel really reaches its zenith too, with the author making full use of the actual prison letters and poems of Lucille Schwob to enrich the story.
Aside from an additional couple of less significant story threads, War on the Margins also focuses on the plight of political prisoners shipped to Jersey en masse, to provide the workforce for building construction. The main ‘player’ here is Peter, a Polish political prisoner, who eventually ties up with one of the other main characters of the novel. Again I liked the author’s treatment of the character, at least in the initial stages of his introduction. Here in Peter the reader sees the stoic resoluteness of a prisoner wronged for his beliefs, surviving in an environment pretty much akin to Hell. It’s powerful stuff from Cone and aside from the descriptions of punishments served out to deserting or non-compliant German soldiers, it’s the portion of the novel that provides the most graphical impact.
As good as War on the Margins is though, it’s not without a couple of minor niggles in my opinion. I’ve already mentioned that the novel follows a number of primary story threads, and while these are all tightly controlled and interwoven well into the narrative, the number of story threads included is perhaps a little too ambitious for a novel of this length. I feel there’s not enough focus spent on a particular story thread at any one time to allow the reader to fully connect with a character, or to sympathise with the situations that they find themselves in. There are some dire situations created in this novel, mainly centering around characters ‘holing up’ in squalid conditions such as cellars, prisons, transport ships etc., and while Cone paints the story of their plight superbly well to some extent, you never really get a total sense of sympathetic connection with them.
My other minor niggle with the novel is centered around the flow of the story. I’m delighted that the author has seen fit to include official documents and orders in this novel, both for historical reference and context-setting, but the documents are presented verbatim, with their expanse usually filling a number of pages. All good and well but this had the affect of interrupting the flow of the story for me, and I found I needed a paragraph or two afterward, just to get back into the story. I’m well aware of the importance of these documents to the novel but perhaps it would have been better only embedding extracts of these documents in the narrative flow, and linking these extracts to full reproductions in an appendix at the back of the book.
Overall though I wouldn’t let any minor complaints that I have put you off reading War on the Margins for yourself. My annoyances may well be just idiosyncratic, and regardless, they do little to interfere with the ‘enjoyment’ of this novel. This is truly an accomplished work by Libby Cone, not least for its historical value, and it is one that should be read by anyone who has the slightest interest in the Nazi Occupation of the Channel Islands. Cone should be celebrated for what she has achieved in War on the Margins, for aside from illustrating the suffering that the Channel Islanders endured, she’s spotlighted the degree to which Nazi persecution of the Jews extended; a persecution in this case, that offers a chilling glimpse into the fate that would no doubt have awaited Jews in mainland Britain should the Nazis have succeeded with their belligerent expansion.
Libby Cone’s biggest success in War on the Margins though is undoubtedly her ability to weave the real-life prison diaries and poems of Lucille Schwob into the novel (along with the other primary source documents to a lesser degree). Before reading War on the Margins I was aware that the author had included primary source material in the novel, so I was intrigued to see how successfully she would manage this. I’m happy to say, although I would have liked to have seen more, that she’s achieved it admirably. This on its own makes War on the Margins a worthwhile read, and one I highly recommend. Just be aware that War on the Margins isn’t a casual ‘pick up and put down’ kind of novel though. It’s one of these novels that requires a fairly high level of engagement and plenty of cogitation. Put the effort in though and I guarantee that you’ll be richly rewarded.
From the outset I’ve got to say that War on the Margins is a real eye-opener. I was fully aware of the fact that the Channel Islands were occupied during WW2 before reading this novel, but I had no idea to what extent the Islands and its residents suffered under Nazi control. This novel really does bring home just how widespread starvation and persecution were on the Channel Islands during the period, and it ain’t pretty!
The novel follows a number of primary story threads, the main one being the Occupation experiences of the chief protagonist, Marlene Zimmer. Marlene works for the Aliens Office on Jersey, and after gaining an advance insight into the Occupation measures being implemented by the Germans, she discovers that her distant Jewish heritage is detrimental to her safety. So she quickly flees to begin a new life elsewhere on the island; a covert one that involves few pleasures and much indignation. I really like the author’s treatment of this character. She evolves Marlene from being a woman largely devoid of ambition and unsure of her own identity, into one of the complete polar opposite. My only complaint is that the author didn’t spend more time exploring Marlene’s evolution (more on that later), but putting that aside, Marlene’s story is a definite highlight of the novel.
Another primary focus of War on the Margins is on the French artists and lovers - Lucille and Suzanne, the ‘real life’ island residents who inspired the novel in the first place. Their relationship brings another aspect to the ‘marginal’ theme of the novel, and although no exploration of homosexual persecution is explored (presumably because it never emerged as an issue), the relationship between the lovers is, and what emerges as a consequence of Cone’s excellent crafting of the story, is the depth of love and devotion that the two artists showed for one another; a depth that undoubtedly nurtured an inner strength in both women and kept them motivated during that great time of adversity. That adversity reaches its zenith when both women were arrested for suspected clandestine activity and jailed in the local prison. Here I feel the novel really reaches its zenith too, with the author making full use of the actual prison letters and poems of Lucille Schwob to enrich the story.
Aside from an additional couple of less significant story threads, War on the Margins also focuses on the plight of political prisoners shipped to Jersey en masse, to provide the workforce for building construction. The main ‘player’ here is Peter, a Polish political prisoner, who eventually ties up with one of the other main characters of the novel. Again I liked the author’s treatment of the character, at least in the initial stages of his introduction. Here in Peter the reader sees the stoic resoluteness of a prisoner wronged for his beliefs, surviving in an environment pretty much akin to Hell. It’s powerful stuff from Cone and aside from the descriptions of punishments served out to deserting or non-compliant German soldiers, it’s the portion of the novel that provides the most graphical impact.
As good as War on the Margins is though, it’s not without a couple of minor niggles in my opinion. I’ve already mentioned that the novel follows a number of primary story threads, and while these are all tightly controlled and interwoven well into the narrative, the number of story threads included is perhaps a little too ambitious for a novel of this length. I feel there’s not enough focus spent on a particular story thread at any one time to allow the reader to fully connect with a character, or to sympathise with the situations that they find themselves in. There are some dire situations created in this novel, mainly centering around characters ‘holing up’ in squalid conditions such as cellars, prisons, transport ships etc., and while Cone paints the story of their plight superbly well to some extent, you never really get a total sense of sympathetic connection with them.
My other minor niggle with the novel is centered around the flow of the story. I’m delighted that the author has seen fit to include official documents and orders in this novel, both for historical reference and context-setting, but the documents are presented verbatim, with their expanse usually filling a number of pages. All good and well but this had the affect of interrupting the flow of the story for me, and I found I needed a paragraph or two afterward, just to get back into the story. I’m well aware of the importance of these documents to the novel but perhaps it would have been better only embedding extracts of these documents in the narrative flow, and linking these extracts to full reproductions in an appendix at the back of the book.
Overall though I wouldn’t let any minor complaints that I have put you off reading War on the Margins for yourself. My annoyances may well be just idiosyncratic, and regardless, they do little to interfere with the ‘enjoyment’ of this novel. This is truly an accomplished work by Libby Cone, not least for its historical value, and it is one that should be read by anyone who has the slightest interest in the Nazi Occupation of the Channel Islands. Cone should be celebrated for what she has achieved in War on the Margins, for aside from illustrating the suffering that the Channel Islanders endured, she’s spotlighted the degree to which Nazi persecution of the Jews extended; a persecution in this case, that offers a chilling glimpse into the fate that would no doubt have awaited Jews in mainland Britain should the Nazis have succeeded with their belligerent expansion.
Libby Cone’s biggest success in War on the Margins though is undoubtedly her ability to weave the real-life prison diaries and poems of Lucille Schwob into the novel (along with the other primary source documents to a lesser degree). Before reading War on the Margins I was aware that the author had included primary source material in the novel, so I was intrigued to see how successfully she would manage this. I’m happy to say, although I would have liked to have seen more, that she’s achieved it admirably. This on its own makes War on the Margins a worthwhile read, and one I highly recommend. Just be aware that War on the Margins isn’t a casual ‘pick up and put down’ kind of novel though. It’s one of these novels that requires a fairly high level of engagement and plenty of cogitation. Put the effort in though and I guarantee that you’ll be richly rewarded.
August 17, 2015
This book was intriguing from a historical point of view; it explores an area I’ve not seen done much in historical fiction. As the only part of British soil occupied by the Nazis, the Channel Islands give us a microcosm of how occupation might have been if Britain had been taken. The author utilizes first hand sources and empathetic storytelling to give us a window into a dangerous, spellbinding world.
I liked how the author was balanced in her portrayal of the Channel Islanders. Both the collaborators and the resistors were given page time, giving us a view into both sides of the Nazi occupation. The hard reality of war comes to vivid life as well: food shortages, round-ups, life on the run, and the slave labor of the Nazi era. Enough that the reader is sucked in immediately and lives the story along with the characters.
I liked the characters generally, though I felt there was a weird balance of the POVs that did the book a disservice. Marlene and Peter, our two fictional “leads”, are the heart of the book. Through their eyes and hearts, the reader feels like they’re experiencing the story rather than just reading it. They read like two people who get swept up into the epic that is warfare and resistance, tugging the reader along by the heartstrings.
However, there is too much emphasis and page time given to the POVs of our historically real figures like Lucy, Suzanne, and Albert. Lucy and Suzanne play a big part in the story, taking Marlene in and being driving forces behind Resistance. They could be considered leads in the story as well. So their POVs have merit.
However, they take up so much page time, along with other real figures, that Marlene and Peter read as secondary characters at times. Other POVs like Albert and Mary Erica were just superfluous, in my opinion. They were important figures and played a intriguing part in the history of the Nazi occupation of the Channel Islands. But for this book, they were extraneous and unneeded. Marlene and Peter’s story got lost in the shuffle of history at times which is a shame.
The author pays attention to her history and research, which is much appreciated by this WWII history buff. I liked her incorporation of first hand sources and POVs of real historical figures. Yet, those very same POVs drown out our fictional figures, which are the heart of the story and how the reader invests themselves into the story (at least for me). So an intriguing read for the history, but needs work for the fictional stuff.
I liked how the author was balanced in her portrayal of the Channel Islanders. Both the collaborators and the resistors were given page time, giving us a view into both sides of the Nazi occupation. The hard reality of war comes to vivid life as well: food shortages, round-ups, life on the run, and the slave labor of the Nazi era. Enough that the reader is sucked in immediately and lives the story along with the characters.
I liked the characters generally, though I felt there was a weird balance of the POVs that did the book a disservice. Marlene and Peter, our two fictional “leads”, are the heart of the book. Through their eyes and hearts, the reader feels like they’re experiencing the story rather than just reading it. They read like two people who get swept up into the epic that is warfare and resistance, tugging the reader along by the heartstrings.
However, there is too much emphasis and page time given to the POVs of our historically real figures like Lucy, Suzanne, and Albert. Lucy and Suzanne play a big part in the story, taking Marlene in and being driving forces behind Resistance. They could be considered leads in the story as well. So their POVs have merit.
However, they take up so much page time, along with other real figures, that Marlene and Peter read as secondary characters at times. Other POVs like Albert and Mary Erica were just superfluous, in my opinion. They were important figures and played a intriguing part in the history of the Nazi occupation of the Channel Islands. But for this book, they were extraneous and unneeded. Marlene and Peter’s story got lost in the shuffle of history at times which is a shame.
The author pays attention to her history and research, which is much appreciated by this WWII history buff. I liked her incorporation of first hand sources and POVs of real historical figures. Yet, those very same POVs drown out our fictional figures, which are the heart of the story and how the reader invests themselves into the story (at least for me). So an intriguing read for the history, but needs work for the fictional stuff.
August 18, 2018
Didn’t like this book and couldn’t even finish it.
November 17, 2020
A thoroughly researched and at times beautifully written book.
December 22, 2010
When Libby Cone mailed me about reviewing her book War on the Margins and told me that it was a prequel of sorts to the Guernsey Literary and Potato peel society, I wanted to get my hands on the book.Her mail also told me that I would like the book if I had liked the Guernsey book. I expected a saccharine sweet account of the war and was pleasantly surprised with the way Libby has tackled the subject.
France has fallen to the Nazis.Britain is under siege.As BBC bulletins grow bleak,residents of Jersey expect invasion and begin to abandon their homes.When the Germans take over,they bring Nazi racial doctrine with them and the handful of Jews left on the island are forced to relinquish their livelihoods. Marlene Zimmer, a shy clerk at the aliens office, tries to conceal her Jewish ancestry but is forced to flee, and transforms herself into a resistance member under the protection of female artists and lovers, Claude Cahun and Marcel Moore.
The book spans five years (1940-45) and chronicles the lives of a bunch of residents of Jersey during the Nazi upsurgence. The narrative is interspersed with original letters, ordinances and notices that were circulated during the period. Claude Cahun and Marcel Moore were surrealist artists and propagandists who lived in Jersey during this time period and put up a resistance against the Nazis in their own subversive way by writing anonymous letters. The book talks of the wonderful relationship between the two artists and their efforts at undermining the Germans. Libby has drawn on the experiences of several Britons and her research that she did for her MA in Jewish studies to write this book.
Narrated from several viewpoints, the book is a gritty tale of the difficulties that normal civilians and Jews faced during the war.I don’t think I will ever take a piece of soap or a bar of chocolate for granted ever again ,now that I’ve read of how these were a luxury during the days of the war and that average civilian meals consisted of scraps of potato bread and pieces of wrinkled swedes. The narrative did seem a little choppy at times with the narrative switching between viewpoints of Marlene;the surrealist Artists; Peter,a prisoner and Mrs Erica Richardson, another inhabitant of the island.However,I must confess that I liked the book immensely.
I found the parts where Peter and his comrades are tortured by the Nazis and description of the sub-human conditions under which they lived heart-wrenching. It just made me wonder about the amount of hatred Hitler had stored up inside him to inflict such horror on fellow humans.I am not sure if any character stood out enough for me to like him/her more than the other,but all of them served their purpose of furthering the story. The book is cleverly written and is full of examples of bravery shown by normal people.When,at the end of the book the war ended and people could walk out in broad daylight and buy a loaf of bread ,I almost cheered.As you read about the BBC radios spewing music to kindle hope in people or about the planes roaring overhead,you’ll be transported back in time to a world that not only brimmed with hatred(thanks to the Nazis) ,but also with hope and bravery.The letters that the surrealists wrote to each other while in prison appear here for the first time.Love the cover!
Thanks to Libby for sending me this book to review.Looking forward to your next book now.
Overall, I liked the book, despite the choppiness. Libby Cone’s book is an intimate account of the war that lovers of historical fiction will enjoy.I am not very sure if people who liked Potato peel book will like this as War on the Margins is most definitely more real with real people.3.5/5 from me for the book.
France has fallen to the Nazis.Britain is under siege.As BBC bulletins grow bleak,residents of Jersey expect invasion and begin to abandon their homes.When the Germans take over,they bring Nazi racial doctrine with them and the handful of Jews left on the island are forced to relinquish their livelihoods. Marlene Zimmer, a shy clerk at the aliens office, tries to conceal her Jewish ancestry but is forced to flee, and transforms herself into a resistance member under the protection of female artists and lovers, Claude Cahun and Marcel Moore.
The book spans five years (1940-45) and chronicles the lives of a bunch of residents of Jersey during the Nazi upsurgence. The narrative is interspersed with original letters, ordinances and notices that were circulated during the period. Claude Cahun and Marcel Moore were surrealist artists and propagandists who lived in Jersey during this time period and put up a resistance against the Nazis in their own subversive way by writing anonymous letters. The book talks of the wonderful relationship between the two artists and their efforts at undermining the Germans. Libby has drawn on the experiences of several Britons and her research that she did for her MA in Jewish studies to write this book.
Narrated from several viewpoints, the book is a gritty tale of the difficulties that normal civilians and Jews faced during the war.I don’t think I will ever take a piece of soap or a bar of chocolate for granted ever again ,now that I’ve read of how these were a luxury during the days of the war and that average civilian meals consisted of scraps of potato bread and pieces of wrinkled swedes. The narrative did seem a little choppy at times with the narrative switching between viewpoints of Marlene;the surrealist Artists; Peter,a prisoner and Mrs Erica Richardson, another inhabitant of the island.However,I must confess that I liked the book immensely.
I found the parts where Peter and his comrades are tortured by the Nazis and description of the sub-human conditions under which they lived heart-wrenching. It just made me wonder about the amount of hatred Hitler had stored up inside him to inflict such horror on fellow humans.I am not sure if any character stood out enough for me to like him/her more than the other,but all of them served their purpose of furthering the story. The book is cleverly written and is full of examples of bravery shown by normal people.When,at the end of the book the war ended and people could walk out in broad daylight and buy a loaf of bread ,I almost cheered.As you read about the BBC radios spewing music to kindle hope in people or about the planes roaring overhead,you’ll be transported back in time to a world that not only brimmed with hatred(thanks to the Nazis) ,but also with hope and bravery.The letters that the surrealists wrote to each other while in prison appear here for the first time.Love the cover!
Thanks to Libby for sending me this book to review.Looking forward to your next book now.
Overall, I liked the book, despite the choppiness. Libby Cone’s book is an intimate account of the war that lovers of historical fiction will enjoy.I am not very sure if people who liked Potato peel book will like this as War on the Margins is most definitely more real with real people.3.5/5 from me for the book.
February 28, 2016
This book was a real eye-opener for me, while I knew that the Germans had occupied the Channel Islands during WWII, I had no idea that life was so difficult for the inhabitants, especially the Jews who lived there. They had to register as a Jew - were not allowed to move house - they had to shop only between the hours of 3-4pm - had to wear the Jewish star - not allowed to visit public places - had to relinquish their businesses. Many depended on the kindness of friends and neighbours for food to survive.
Libby Cone has taken documents, BBC broadcasts and private letters and woven them into a fascinating and very moving story of what life was like during that time. We see how hard life was through the eyes of several people:
Marlene, a young clerk from the Aliens Office who has two Jewish grandparents, but doesn't consider herself Jewish, is hidden in the house of two French stepsisters who become Resistance Fighters and spread propaganda urging the German soldiers to mutiny, risking imprisonment if found. They also had an illegal wireless which enabled them to keep up to date with the happenings of the war via the BBC.
Peter, a Pole who fought in the Spanish Civil War against Franco but was on the losing side and now finds himself deported to the internment camp at Jersey and used as slave labour to help dig the underground hospital. He escapes from the cruel beatings and starvation meted out and is also hidden by brave Islanders.
Some people, wanting to settle old scores, sent letters to the authorities grassing on their neighbours, some of the allegations were true, some not.
Some Islanders left food out on their doorsteps for the prisoners from the camp. All were affected by the occupation in some way.
Libby Cone has a simple writing style and says that some of the people in her story were real and some are composites. It left me feeling very moved and wanting to know more about the people and their lives. Marlene was an interesting character, at first she seemed very indecisive and shy but, as the war went on, we saw another more independent side to her as she helped the Resistance Movement by writing 'V' for Victory in chalk around the towns, among other dangerous activities.
Libby Cone has taken documents, BBC broadcasts and private letters and woven them into a fascinating and very moving story of what life was like during that time. We see how hard life was through the eyes of several people:
Marlene, a young clerk from the Aliens Office who has two Jewish grandparents, but doesn't consider herself Jewish, is hidden in the house of two French stepsisters who become Resistance Fighters and spread propaganda urging the German soldiers to mutiny, risking imprisonment if found. They also had an illegal wireless which enabled them to keep up to date with the happenings of the war via the BBC.
Peter, a Pole who fought in the Spanish Civil War against Franco but was on the losing side and now finds himself deported to the internment camp at Jersey and used as slave labour to help dig the underground hospital. He escapes from the cruel beatings and starvation meted out and is also hidden by brave Islanders.
Everyone was getting thinner; milk and butter were usually only available on the black market. It was more lucrative for the farmers and shopkeepers to sell to the Germans than to their fellow islanders. Some people stole things back from the Germans. There was a brisk traffic of goods from Occupied France to the Islands. Islanders who were caught stealing or selling on the black market took the return route ....... to France, destined for prison at Caen or Lille.
Some people, wanting to settle old scores, sent letters to the authorities grassing on their neighbours, some of the allegations were true, some not.
Some Islanders left food out on their doorsteps for the prisoners from the camp. All were affected by the occupation in some way.
Libby Cone has a simple writing style and says that some of the people in her story were real and some are composites. It left me feeling very moved and wanting to know more about the people and their lives. Marlene was an interesting character, at first she seemed very indecisive and shy but, as the war went on, we saw another more independent side to her as she helped the Resistance Movement by writing 'V' for Victory in chalk around the towns, among other dangerous activities.
October 20, 2010
This book has similarities with the Guernsey pie book, they both deal with the occupation of the Channel Islands. And it's something I have not heard much about at all.
Marlene Zimmer has stayed behind on Jersey when the Germans come and soon things get really bad. All sort of restrictions are put on Jews, and her being one makers her scared so she runs away. She meets two women who have their own resistance and joins them. Hers is not the only POV, we also gets to follow some other people. Peter, a Polish slaveworker who is being worked to death on the island. A Jewish woman on the run, a German soldier who hates what they are doing to the people, and a few others. The war is seen through their eyes.
This was a good book about the war, I enjoyed it, and I was also horrified by it. The cruel of the Germans towards their slaves, and especially the Eastern European ones because those were so pure, the crazy bureaucracy towards Jews, and of course later what happened. Even the German soldiers had it bad. Everyone on the island was starving. They had to live on rats and whatever they could find. War is hell, and here that was true. I can't imagine what it would be hiding in a cellar for years and wondering when the soldiers would come to take you away. You always know there will be cruelty and inhumanity and I always wonder how people could be so evil. But there is also hope and the goodness of mankind. People who hid Jews, and slaver workers on the run. Farmers who left out food for the hungry. Stories that bring you hope.
The different POVS worked, and they were all interesting to follow. There was also the interesting concept of doing something right, that then might have been wrong, so what is the right thing to do? Might sound confusing, but read and see.
Like I said before, I have heard way too little about this, and in a way it was like the people felt. They listened to the radio but never heard anything about their own plight.
Marlene Zimmer has stayed behind on Jersey when the Germans come and soon things get really bad. All sort of restrictions are put on Jews, and her being one makers her scared so she runs away. She meets two women who have their own resistance and joins them. Hers is not the only POV, we also gets to follow some other people. Peter, a Polish slaveworker who is being worked to death on the island. A Jewish woman on the run, a German soldier who hates what they are doing to the people, and a few others. The war is seen through their eyes.
This was a good book about the war, I enjoyed it, and I was also horrified by it. The cruel of the Germans towards their slaves, and especially the Eastern European ones because those were so pure, the crazy bureaucracy towards Jews, and of course later what happened. Even the German soldiers had it bad. Everyone on the island was starving. They had to live on rats and whatever they could find. War is hell, and here that was true. I can't imagine what it would be hiding in a cellar for years and wondering when the soldiers would come to take you away. You always know there will be cruelty and inhumanity and I always wonder how people could be so evil. But there is also hope and the goodness of mankind. People who hid Jews, and slaver workers on the run. Farmers who left out food for the hungry. Stories that bring you hope.
The different POVS worked, and they were all interesting to follow. There was also the interesting concept of doing something right, that then might have been wrong, so what is the right thing to do? Might sound confusing, but read and see.
Like I said before, I have heard way too little about this, and in a way it was like the people felt. They listened to the radio but never heard anything about their own plight.
September 5, 2012
Libby Cone's novel was a short read for me and this was due to its short and snappy chapters which were interspersed with, what I assume to be, real Nazi orders that were published during their occupation of the Channel Islands. This blurring between fact and fiction (as we find out at the end of the book that the characters were based on real people) immediately made me more interested in Cone's story, and made the character journeys throughout the novel even more poignant.
I have awarded 'War on the Margins' 3 stars because, although I was incredibly interested in the author's subject matter, I found that her writing was a bit too brief at times. I felt that this lack of depth in Cone's writing made it difficult for me, as a reader, to establish an emotional relationship with the characters in the story. Yes, there was an ability to be moved by events in the novel, but I felt that this was more due to knowing that the characters really existed rather than Cone's authorial voice.
However, I always enjoy learning about new things through literature and this novel certainly opened my eyes to the Nazi occupation of Jersey - a part of WWII that I have never really heard of before - and I think the fact that this novel was born out of Cone's university thesis is very clear as the narrative is rich with historical information about the subject. I think that 'War on the Margins' was a gripping read at parts and although it didn't quite 'wow' me as much as other WWII inspired novels have done in the past, it has encouraged me to look further into the Nazi occupation of the Channel Islands.
I have awarded 'War on the Margins' 3 stars because, although I was incredibly interested in the author's subject matter, I found that her writing was a bit too brief at times. I felt that this lack of depth in Cone's writing made it difficult for me, as a reader, to establish an emotional relationship with the characters in the story. Yes, there was an ability to be moved by events in the novel, but I felt that this was more due to knowing that the characters really existed rather than Cone's authorial voice.
However, I always enjoy learning about new things through literature and this novel certainly opened my eyes to the Nazi occupation of Jersey - a part of WWII that I have never really heard of before - and I think the fact that this novel was born out of Cone's university thesis is very clear as the narrative is rich with historical information about the subject. I think that 'War on the Margins' was a gripping read at parts and although it didn't quite 'wow' me as much as other WWII inspired novels have done in the past, it has encouraged me to look further into the Nazi occupation of the Channel Islands.
December 14, 2010
Well it certainly has taken me a long time to read this book considering it has less than 250 pages. Part of this is because I've been ill and have had no concentration for any reading at all (even facebook was taxing at times!), and partly because I had real trouble getting into it. I was really hoping to like this one. I enjoy historical fiction focused around this time and started reading it when I was in primary school. This one sounded like it would have a good balance of historical fact and story, plus I hadn't read anything set in Jersey before so was interested to see what the UK was like during occupation. I must say on the second point I did get my wish and the book gave me a good sense of what it was like to be in an occupied country. However I felt the novel read more like a history book than a story, you could really tell that it started off as Cone's masters dissertation. I didn't feel particularly connected to the characters, I didn't care much about what happened to them, although I was happy when Lucy and Susanne's sentence was lowered.
I didn't really like Lucy and Susanne, I found them kind of fake. Like they were purposely trying to be 'different'. Although I did admire their action.
I did however like the authentic documents included in this novel. It backed up what Cole was writing and gave a security with what to take as fact that isn't given in most other historical fiction.
Overall there are probably better history books, and there is better historical fiction, but you wouldn't do badly with this.
I didn't really like Lucy and Susanne, I found them kind of fake. Like they were purposely trying to be 'different'. Although I did admire their action.
I did however like the authentic documents included in this novel. It backed up what Cole was writing and gave a security with what to take as fact that isn't given in most other historical fiction.
Overall there are probably better history books, and there is better historical fiction, but you wouldn't do badly with this.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 28, 2014
I found this book title while searching for books that feature the Channel Islands as I am hoping to visit there and wanted to earn more about the history. This book hit the nail for me right on the head. I tried the free sample first and was hooked right away. After ordering the whole kindle version I ended up staying up all night reading it.
Although the book is written in novel form, it is loaded with copies of actual documents, letters and poems, from the World War Two time period, and many of the characters in the story actually existed. The author took a master's thesis and turned it into a fascinating account of what happened particularly to the Jewish people (or those considered by the Germans to be Jewish) on the islands during the war. She also features those from other marginalized groups such as slave labour brought over by the Germans and homosexuals.
I can only imagine how difficult it was for all the people left behind and perhaps feeling abandoned by those on the British mainland.The descriptions of typical diet and the hunger that ensued for everyone are eye-opening as is the ease with which some Channel Islanders followed German orders almost with a sense of eagerness. It was fascinating to read about the resistance which gradually built up and the small ways some Islanders chose to fight back.
I highly recommend this book to anyone interested in the history of the time period.
Although the book is written in novel form, it is loaded with copies of actual documents, letters and poems, from the World War Two time period, and many of the characters in the story actually existed. The author took a master's thesis and turned it into a fascinating account of what happened particularly to the Jewish people (or those considered by the Germans to be Jewish) on the islands during the war. She also features those from other marginalized groups such as slave labour brought over by the Germans and homosexuals.
I can only imagine how difficult it was for all the people left behind and perhaps feeling abandoned by those on the British mainland.The descriptions of typical diet and the hunger that ensued for everyone are eye-opening as is the ease with which some Channel Islanders followed German orders almost with a sense of eagerness. It was fascinating to read about the resistance which gradually built up and the small ways some Islanders chose to fight back.
I highly recommend this book to anyone interested in the history of the time period.
February 8, 2012
Libby Cone’s War on the Margins has been sitting on my shelves since the summer of 2010, and I apologize to the author, Libby Cone, for not getting to it sooner…
drey’s thoughts:
War on the Margins takes place during WWII on the Channel Islands (which I had to look up, by the way) located off the coast of France – specifically Jersey.
It tells the story of a local girl who goes into hiding when she’s named a Jewess, and the couple who shelter her. It tells the story of what happens to those who trusted in the local authorities, and lost their livelihood, homes, and even their lives for that trust. And it tells the story of those who would resist the heavy hand of the occupation with whatever is at their disposal – never knowing what unintended consequences their actions would take.
War on the Margins gives us a realistic accounting of wartime life – especially with authentic documents leading some of the chapters. The people are flesh and blood, and the hardship and danger they face is all too real. And the guilt they feel at anything they think they did wrongly – if only the other side felt some too!
drey’s thoughts:
War on the Margins takes place during WWII on the Channel Islands (which I had to look up, by the way) located off the coast of France – specifically Jersey.
It tells the story of a local girl who goes into hiding when she’s named a Jewess, and the couple who shelter her. It tells the story of what happens to those who trusted in the local authorities, and lost their livelihood, homes, and even their lives for that trust. And it tells the story of those who would resist the heavy hand of the occupation with whatever is at their disposal – never knowing what unintended consequences their actions would take.
War on the Margins gives us a realistic accounting of wartime life – especially with authentic documents leading some of the chapters. The people are flesh and blood, and the hardship and danger they face is all too real. And the guilt they feel at anything they think they did wrongly – if only the other side felt some too!
May 28, 2010
I bought the Kindle edition of this book in December 2008. I can't remember exactly what led me to it, but I strongly suspect that it was a recommendation that I saw at either the BookObsessed or MobileRead forums. I did start reading it sometime in 2009, but set it aside as my interest waned.
But then I read The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society late in 2009. This renewed my interest in the story of the German occupation of the Channel Islands and I picked up my Kindle to finish reading War on the Margins.
I would definitely recommend this book to those who enjoy historical fiction. It has a very different "feel" than The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society as the author drew on the research she had done for her doctoral dissertation to insert a great deal of fact—and some actual persons—into the novel. Thus, War on the Margins had a much more scholarly tone. Even so, I found it particularly interesting to read the two books in a relatively short time.
But then I read The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society late in 2009. This renewed my interest in the story of the German occupation of the Channel Islands and I picked up my Kindle to finish reading War on the Margins.
I would definitely recommend this book to those who enjoy historical fiction. It has a very different "feel" than The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society as the author drew on the research she had done for her doctoral dissertation to insert a great deal of fact—and some actual persons—into the novel. Thus, War on the Margins had a much more scholarly tone. Even so, I found it particularly interesting to read the two books in a relatively short time.
April 3, 2025
It was very interesting and I would recommend it but it's obvious that Libby Cone isn't a natural author. She doesn't have the poise and flow that you come to expect from books written by good authors and although I enjoyed the book it was disjointed in places and I did find myself skim reading towards the end.
Very historical and factual and I really did want to know what happened to the characters. And they were all pulled together well at the end but in times it was too slow, others too fast, and I didn't really know what to make of it.
I don't usually write reviews but here's my take on this book.
Don't get me wrong it's an interesting read and I think it's good to learn more about this time period.
Very historical and factual and I really did want to know what happened to the characters. And they were all pulled together well at the end but in times it was too slow, others too fast, and I didn't really know what to make of it.
I don't usually write reviews but here's my take on this book.
Don't get me wrong it's an interesting read and I think it's good to learn more about this time period.
November 4, 2014
War has been declared but at first the residents of Jersey believe they are safe until the Nazis invade their little island. Marlene Zimmer is a shy young woman working in a government office but when the residents of the island are ordered to register if they have any Jewish background, she still doesn't believe it includes her. Then her manager calls her in and questions her last name. Marlene admits her paternal grandparents were Jewish. She is forced into hiding. She finds two middle aged Jewish women to live with for a number of months until they are investigated and Marlene must flee once again. The book has numerous official documents interspersed throughout, showing the deepening restrictions put on the Jewish inhabitants of the island.
November 25, 2012
Libby Cone is brilliant at depicting the struggles and adversities the Jews of Jersey had to endure during the Nazi regime’s takeover during World War II. She introduces many little known facts and historical references within War on the Margins. I was deeply touched by the plight of those whose lives were devastated and/or those who were killed. The intelligent, compelling and sober book is a must read for World War II and Shoah/Holocaust history buffs, and for those who want to gain a more in-depth insight into the mechanics of the events and daily struggles that occurred on the Channel Islands.
Read
August 4, 2011I won this book in a twitter competition by @DuckBooks. Looking forward to reading it as it is not my usual genre.
Not my usual genre but I really enjoyed the story and the characters. Well researched and written.
Not my usual genre but I really enjoyed the story and the characters. Well researched and written.
October 10, 2010
This was an unexpected surprise. This was written by a personal friend, and I initially read it as a favor. But in the end, I loved the book on its own merit. I enjoy books by first-time authors, and this is one of my favorites.
Read
July 30, 2012From this book I got to know in details the occupation of the channel islands by the Germans during world war Two, it gives the best possible insight into what life in Britain would have been like had Hitler won.
"War is not neat and tidy."
"War is not neat and tidy."
July 23, 2012
I registered a book at BookCrossing.com!
http://www.BookCrossing.com/journal/11289967
http://www.BookCrossing.com/journal/11289967
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