The Helsingør Sewing Club

by Ella Gyland

Inspired by the incredible true story of how the people of Denmark saved their Jewish neighbours during WW2
Helsingør, Denmark, 1943

In the midst of the German occupation during World War Two, Inger Bredahl joins the underground resistance and risks her life to save members of Denmark’s Jewish community and help them escape to Sweden.

Copenhagen, 2018

Inger’s granddaughter, Cecilie Lund, is mourning her death when a mysterious discovery while cleaning out Inger’s flat leads past and present to intersect. As long-held secrets finally see the light of day, Cecilie learns the story of her grandmother’s courage and bravery, and of the power of friendship, love, and standing for what’s right…even when you have everything to lose.

An inspiring tale of the resilience of the human spirit and the power of community.

Readers love Ella Gyland:

‘The characters are so well written they come alive…historical fiction at its best’ Abby

‘A superb storyteller and I was hooked from the very start’ Naomi

‘A contender for my top book of 2022! … Gyland is legendary when it comes to a double timeline. I’ve never seen one so well done’ Norma

‘Ella Gyland writes with warmth and respect…it’s so moving and painful to read at times but it’s also impossible to stop reading!’ Natalie

‘Skilfully written…truly inspirational’ Karren

‘ Amazing World War Two story which is so vivid and real that I thought I was there!’ Katie

‘I couldn’t put it down, it was captivating, gripping and engaging’ Aria

‘Above all it is a story of bravery, courage and heroism’ Karyn

‘An absolute gem of a book’ Angela

Genres: Historical Fiction, World War II, Historical, Fiction, Jewish, Audiobook, Holocaust

Paperback

First published January 31, 2022

Reviews

[Ceecee · Rating 4 out of 5]

4+

In August 2018 in Helsingør Cecilie Lund is clearing out her grandmother Inger Jensen’s flat, a woman she sadly misses as her Marmor embraced life to the full. In the cellar Cecilie makes an astonishing discovery which makes her realise her grandmother was hiding a big secret.

By September 1943 Nazi Germany’s grip on Denmark is tightening. Whilst attending the synagogue in Copenhagen David Nathan‘s rabbi imparts worrying news that all Danish Jews are to be arrested. Meanwhile, in Helsingør young Inger Bredhal becomes increasingly involved in the resistance to the occupation and then in the endeavour to save Denmark‘s Jewish citizens. The story is principally told in the 1943 timeline but flashes forward to 2018 where the timelines connect beautifully with an ending that warms your heart.

I knew the incredible story of how the Danes saved the bulk of their jewish friends and neighbours but this novel personalises it very well. If you don’t know anything about it then this well written novel is a very good place to start. The Danish attitude to its integrated Jewish citizens is a lesson in humanity and this comes across strongly in the narrative. Solidarity, strength of character, bravery, ingenuity and the power of right is very moving. This is demonstrated by several of the characters.

The wartime situation is done very well, the dangers and the pressures felt throughout Denmark but especially here in Helsingør (the Elsinore in Hamlet). There are some excellent characters especially in 1943, as well as Inger there is her cousin Gudrun and her friend Bodil and all their storylines are good ones. It builds so well as the Gestapo net closes, its tense, exciting (in an awful way obviously), almost breathtaking and there is heartbreak.

Finally, in the midst of the tragedy of World War II this story is a beacon of light.This is a very good historical novel which is based on a true story and one which I recommend.

With thanks to NetGalley and especially to HarperCollins, One More Chapter for the much appreciated arc in return for an honest review.

[Karren Sandercock · Rating 5 out of 5]

2018: Cecilie Lund is cleaning out her grandmother Inger’s flat, in the cellar she makes an unexpected discovery, armed with one clue and she contacts David Nathan. He lives in Palestine and Cecilie hopes he might be able to help her solve the mystery, he shares so much more and she learns of her grandmother’s wartime experiences.

1943: David Nathan is sitting in a synagogue in Copenhagen when the rabbi announces all Danish Jews will be arrested by the Nazi’s in early October, taken to the harbor and loaded onto boats. With only a couple of days notice of the secret deportations, the Jewish population disappear, and are in hiding all over the country. The citizens of Denmark perceived the German’s actions towards their Jewish friends and neighbors as abhorrent and did what they could to help them. The Germans didn’t have the capacity to search everywhere, and unlike other countries under their rule, they didn’t have local informants.

1943: Inger Bredhal a bookbinder, she moves to Helsingør, and is staying with her Aunty Marie, Uncle Poul and sharing a room with her cousin Gudrun. Inger receives a letter from her mother, she’s shocked by the news, and she starts helping the resistance via her job. She meets a Jewish man called David Nathan, he was once a care free student and wanted to be a lawyer. Now, he’s in hiding and waiting for his sick mother Rebecka to be well enough to travel and hopefully they can make the short boat journey to Sweden and to safety.

The Helsingør Sewing club/The Day The Germans Came is a dual timeline story and it’s based on true facts of how the people of Denmark saved ninety five percent of the Jewish population from being sent to concentration camps. Ella Gyland has skillfully written a narrative that describes how a country, despite years of German rule and enduring terrible hardship, the citizens did what was morally right, and they remained united and it’s truly inspirational.

I received a copy of this book from NetGalley and HarperCollins UK in exchange for an honest review, a unique WW II historical fiction story, the characters of Inger, Cecilie, David and Rafi are my favourite, you do discover the reason for the books title and five stars from me.
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[Maja - BibliophiliaDK ✨ · Rating 2 out of 5]

TOO MESSY FOR MY TASTE

I was excited for this book for one major reason - it is set in my country, Denmark. I don't often find books written in English about Denmark, so I was instantly intrigued. However, I was ultimately disappointed..

👎 What I Disliked 👎

Beginning: The beginning was really slow for one main reason - too many descriptions and explanations of Danish things. Now, this might of course just be because I don't need to explanations. I know that we eat rye bread and where Helsingør is situated. But I also felt like there were too many pointless descriptions of things that didn't even do anything to set the scene or create a feeling. It felt very unecessary. It made the beginning really heavy.

POVs: This book has several POVs, which is not usually something I am against. If it's done right. Here, it was definitely not done right. First of all, all of the POVs are in the 3rd person except for one, which is in the 1st person. That felt really weird. Second of all, some POVs only make sporadic appearances, which disturbed the flow of the book more than it helped. Thirdly, almost a quarter through the book it is suddenly revealed, that the 1st POV chapters are actually a diary. It was just too much for me. I felt more annoyed than anything at the inconstancy of the narration.

Characters: I also had a read issue with the characters. I didn't really get a feel for any of them. I couldn't really feel them as characters, they felt underdeveloped. Probably because there were simply too many characters and not enough time or space to fully develop all of them.

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[theliterateleprechaun · Rating 5 out of 5]

This will definitely be a contender for my top book of 2022!

The Helsingor Sewing Club was inspired by the true story of how the people of Denmark saved their Jewish neighbours during WW2. Gyland highlights ordinary people performing extraordinary acts of bravery fueled by the simple humanitarian principle that we must help those in need.

This is the first historical fiction set in Denmark where I’ve read about how the Danes regarded the Nazi occupation and what life was like at this time in history. Rather than tell us, Gyland writes about her protagonist, Inger Bredhal, being brought to tears at the kindness of her employer sharing a cup of real coffee with her as she’d almost forgotten what it tasted like. Gyland reveals the guilt the young Danish girls felt at being excited about going to a dance when there were so many who’d lost so much. She could have stated it, but rather chose to show readers through the girls’ actions in the dress shop.

Not only is Gyland a master at showing not telling, she is also highly skilled at immersing readers in her narrative. Her vivid descriptions and her attention to detail are outstanding. It allowed me to read and have the narrative play out like a movie reel at the same time. This simple statement about a coffee shop visit reveals what I’m trying to say: “she was nursing a rapidly cooling cappuccino on a wet October day.”

As if having superior skills at showing not telling and being able to immerse readers in her narrative wasn’t enough, Gyland is legendary when it comes to a double timeline. I’ve never seen one so well done. What stands out is that she is able to keep readers in the dark about how the two timelines will eventually mesh. In fact, one skill she used was not naming one of the characters until it had the biggest impact. I really felt like the author respected the intellect of her readers….a skill few employ. I’m giddy with excitement at finding a new author who sets the bar high for historical fiction.

This five-star historical fiction needs to be on your book pile come January 31st, 2022.

I was gifted this spectacular advance copy by Ella Gyland, Harper Collins UK, One More Chapter, and NetGalley and was under no obligation to provide a review.

[Literary Redhead · Rating 5 out of 5]

A dual timeline histfic telling of Denmark's brave actions during WWII that kept Danish Jews safe during Nazi occupation. A thrilling story that inspires, grips, and changes you.

Pub Date 31 Jan 2022

Thanks to the author, HarperCollins UK, One More Chapter, and NetGalley for the ARC; opinions are mine.

[Darlene · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a well-done dual timeline where Cecilie Lund finds a clue to her grandmother's secret past while cleaning out her home after her death. Following the scant trail left by her grandmother, she learns of her involvement in the Danish resistance during WWII.



The book is a deep dive into a part of WWII seldom written about, which I really appreciated. I felt that just a couple of the characters were really well-developed and I wanted to know more about some others. There were a lot of characters. The focus could have been narrower.



I especially loved the author's vivid descriptions of Denmark and all the cultural information she included. I've never been there, so I found that really interesting. The writing style was also really beautiful.



I will recommend this one to all my historical fiction-loving friends.

[Ea · Rating 1 out of 5]

I'd written a long review detailing all my grievances with this book, but instead I'll keep it short and sweet. There will be some spoilers.

It tries to be an important story about how about how during WWII 90% of the Jewish population in Denmark was saved by folks helping them across Øresund to Sweden, but it explores.. none of that. Instead, it tries to be a romance novel, and a bad one at that.

First of all, it's poorly written. We have two POV's, one in 2018 and another, the main POV, in 1943, but it's revealed almost halfway through that the 1943-POV is actually a diary? Which makes absolutely no sense whatsoever as it doesn't read anything like a diary. It does, however, read like something that could've done with a few more rounds of editing.

The characters are.. one and the same, to be honest. One-dimensional, flat, boring. The two mains, Inger in 1943 and Cecilie in 2018, are both obsessed with men (Inger with validation and Cecilie with, well, validation, and the fact that her husband left her because she can't have kids, which is apparently an awful quality to possess. Now she hates Christmas because that's a family holiday?? Make it make sense). Inger falls for several menfolk during the book (and spends more time gawking at any even slightly attractive man than she does doing any resistance work, or, you know, developing a personality, but that's neither here nor there) but never in any really deep way because we never get any depth of any kind. Cecilie falls for the first man to pay attention to her, which is on par with the course. Inger's two gal pals seem to be there to explore more odd romantic subplots, as well as completely unnecessary twists that add nothing to the story. Fun times.

(It's not. Not fun times at all)

Thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for providing me an ARC in exchange for my honest review.

[Sarah · Rating 2 out of 5]

I was so disappointed in this book. It didn’t match my expectations at all. I thought the narrative was really dry and not too interesting. Switching perspectives didn’t help either: I did not believe the different voices were too distinguished and I drifted through this narrative until the very end.

To be honest, it was the historical aspect that made me award this two stars. In this story, we learn about the resistance movement in Denmark. I had no knowledge of this area of the Second World War so was thankful for the fictional insight into this. Inger and her cousins become involved in the resistance, helping move persecuted Jews to safety. It wasn’t until near the end that I felt the story became more interesting and this was because relationships had been developed enough. Otherwise, very little held my attention.

The story does switch to present day: Inger’s granddaughter discovers her diary and this is her story of what happened during the war. I would have preferred this element of the story to have been omitted: I don’t think it added much to Inger’s story. A concluding Epilogue that explained what happened to Inger and other characters would have been just as fulfilling to the narrative.

I went into this book thinking that the story would be about an illicit sewing club. To date, I am still puzzled over the relevance of the title. I don’t think Gyland made this clear at all and, apart from book binding, I don’t think there was any reference to literal sewing! Perhaps a metaphorical title, I really missed the meaning behind it.

I feel a bit guilty not enjoying a book that is based on historical fact. I am always keen to read historical novels and challenge myself but this one did not engage me at all. I thought the writer’s style was quite dry and I did not come to care for any of the characters. It is such a shame, as this was a great opportunity to learn about another part of this tragic time in world history.

With thanks to Harper Collins, One More Chapter and NetGalley for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

[Christine · Rating 2 out of 5]

I must admit I expected much more from this novel. The two timelines (1943 and 2018) have irritated me quite a lot. As it is so often the case with two timelines, a romance emerges, a search for a relative's past comes through looking through her stuff after her death... I found this absolutely not interesting, and the romance so cliché, it annoyed me. The main story set in 1943 was interesting because of its historical importance. However, tension builds up only at about the second half of the novel, to quickly disappear when the timeline changed (again). Shame.

[Elizabeth Fellows · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Helsingor Sewing Club

Helsingor , Denmark 1943 / Copenhagen 2018
This is the first I have read a book on WWII written by Ella Gyland, and I was not disappointed. It is well written in great detail with definite heart and soul. It is a true story of how the Danish people saved their Jewish neighbours during WWII.
In 1943 Inger Bredahl obtained a job with a book binder in Helsingor during the German occupation. She notices a lot of secrecy action going on by the Danish concerning the Germans, they were starting to search out and round up all the Jewish Danes. She then decided to join the resistance movement, to assist with their Jewish neighbours escape to Sweden. Some Of the Danish were sympathizers with the Nazi’s and belonged to the Germanic SS, so the average Dane had to be very careful if they were working with the resistance movement.
A need to fight against injustice and oppression were what propelled Inger in 1943. It was a high priority in 1943 for the Danish citizens to help the Jewish Residents, their good neighbours , to escape to Sweden, anyway they could.
In 2018 Inger’s granddaughter Cecilia, was going through a divorce just after her dear grandmother passed away. Upon cleaning out her home she discovers something that leads her to find out some very interesting facts about her grandmother that she never suspected. This reveals all sorts of engrossing facts and compassionate historical events. What she learned transformed her life.
This book is very absorbing and beguiling, as it is based totally on true facts, and the brave Danish folks who assisted their Jewish neighbours. The author carries you into the story. The reader feels fear, angst, love and compassion. I learned so much about the Danish Resistance movement during the war which was remarkable. A magnificent book definitely worth reading.

[Books · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Helsingor Sewing Club is another WWII historical fiction based on true events. I will admit, these have become my absolute favorite stories to read.

It’s 2018 and Cecelie Lund is clearing out her grandmother Inger’s flat in Copenhagen. Though mourning her grandmother she comes across a name, David Nathan. It’s the only clue she really has but she’s determined to find out what her grandmother’s link is to the many pen pals her grandmother had from all over the world.

In 1943, Inger is sent to live with her Aunt and Uncle in Helsingor Denmark. David Nathan is Jewish and as he goes to synagogue, his rabbi warns the congregation that the German’s will be coming within the next week to arrest and deport all Jews from Denmark. Inger decides to join the resistance and aid in hiding Jews that had not been able to get out of the country before the arrests start,

Ella Gyland has done a fantastic job in telling this story. The story is well written and conveys the bravery of the Danish people and the strength it took for them to take care of their neighbors regardless of religion.

Thank you to #netgalley, #harpercollinsUK for giving me the opportunity to read this story in exchange for an honest review. All opinions expressed above are my own.

[Tissie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Technically, The Helsingør Sewing Club is almost perfect. No grammar mistakes, no imperfections, good syntax—Gyland’s writing skills are superior to the average. The characters are interesting too, with a captivating mix of sympathetic vs. unsympathetic in both timelines; plus, Inger and Cecile have powerful personalities, and they read as flawless as they can be. My favorite part is the historical one, but that’s just a matter of personal tastes.

[Keep reading @ Bookshelves & Teacups]

[Janice · Rating 5 out of 5]

My husband was born in Denmark and lived through the German occupation from birth in 1942 until 1945 when they surrendered. I know this story well, and it’s true the Danes supported their Jewish neighbors who believed they were’Danes’ first and ‘Jews’ after. It is phenomenal how many Jewish people were protected and sent to Sweden by their countrymen during this awful time. I cannot help thinking about the people in The Ukraine in our own time.

[Skyesmum · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thoroughly enjoyed this audiobook.
I am an avid reader of WW2 books and the work of the resistance and the plight of the Jewish people. This audio focused on the 'soft war' the Danish people endured. Somewhere I hadn't really thought about being affected during this time.
I liked the dual time zone and thought it skipped between 2 with ease.
The narration was good too.
Highly recommended 👌

[Pamela (Here to Read Books and Chew Gum) · Rating 3 out of 5]

I suspect my rating would have been higher if I'd read The Helsingør Sewing Club rather than listened to it through Audiobook, so please keep that caveat in mind with this review.

The Helsingør Sewing Club was an interesting story about an historical event that I knew very little about. The subject matter was therefore very interesting, and I did find Gyland's writing style to be expressive and beautiful.

The audiobook narrator did an absolutely wonderful job. I especially appreciated the correct pronunciation of Danish words. The problem for me was that the book started slowly, with a lot of meandering scene-setting that simply didn't keep my attention in audio form. And when the narrative got going there were a lot of PoV and jumps in narrative from first person to third that lost me a few times if I wasn't paying attention to every moment. Consequently, the characters ended up feeling a little underdeveloped.

I might want to give this a go in non-audio form in the future, as I think there's probably a lot I didn't get out of it due to the format. From a story point of view, I think it's definitely worth picking up - but if you're going with audio format make sure that you're a listener who is willing to fully commit and doesn't mind a slow start.

[Christina · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a gripping story, based on true events that happened during World War II which are not widely known. I was fascinated to learn about the plight of the Jews in a Denmark under Nazi rule, and the enormous risks taken by ordinary Danish citizens to ferry them to safety across the sea to Sweden. They were incredibly brave and it’s fantastic that their efforts are highlighted in this way. This is a dual time novel, and although the main focus is on what happened in the past, I loved the story in the present as well. I was rooting for the heroines of both time lines and hoping that they would find happiness and fulfillment. The author had me turning the pages, on the edge of my seat, waiting to see how events would unfold. Highly recommended!

[Tuesdayschild · Rating 3 out of 5]

3+ ⭐️
I thought the historical aspect of the book was interesting and wished the story had just been all about that, without the time switching, and, the modern-times romance.

Extra:
Sensual attraction with a scene right up to the bedroom door (which then closes).
A pregnant woman is killed, domestic violence, suicides.
Some cursing, one f-bomb.

[Chrissie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Inspired by the incredible true story of how the people of Denmark saved their Jewish neighbours during WW2..
This book is so well researched and all the more poignant as it is based on a true event .Written in two timelines 1943 and 2018 the story begins when Cecilie Lund is clearing out her late beloved Grandmothers home and she comes upon a mysteries parcel .This starts Cecilie to investigate and the story unfolds to tell how very brave her Grandmother really was during the War .This is truly a story of such courage ,bravery ,love and friendship .A very enjoyable read .Many thanks to the Publisher ,the Author and NetGalley for my free copy in return for an honest review .

[Dive Into A Good Book · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was such an intriguing, suspenseful read about World War Two in Denmark. First off, I was so intrigued by the name of this book The Helsingør Sewing Club, I was so curious to dive in and see how this group of people took part in the war effort. Second the way in which Ella Gyland sets up the book, leads to more suspense and keeps you flicking through the pages. It is told through a dual timeline of Cecelie in 2018, and her Grandmother Inger in 1943. Cecelie's in a deep funk. She discovers she will be unable to have a child, which leads to her husband leaving her for another woman, and to top it all off her grandmother passes. She is left reeling and unsure about herself. She is cleaning out her Mormor's storage and stumbles across a bag of jewelry, and a name. Cecelie is confused, stunned, and thinking the worst about what her grandmother could have possibly done to have this bag in her possession. She uncovers that there was more to her grandmother then what meets the eye,

As the story unfolds you are taken back to 1943, when the German's occupied Denmark and how the Danes saved their Jewish friends, and neighbors. By taking incredible risks to themselves. I was fascinated by this story since you do not read much about Denmark in connection to WWII. The resilience, bravery, and unspeakable horror they witnessed will send chills down your spine. By coming together, they were able to rescue many Jewish people and get them safely to Sweden. The book did have a few holes for me; however, the story makes up for it. Thank you to Ella Gyland, Harper Collins UK, and One More Chapter for sending me this intriguing read.

[S. ≽^•⩊•^≼ I'm not here yet · Rating 4 out of 5]

The story is narrated by Cecilie and her grandmother in a dual timeline. In 2018 Copenhagen, Cecilie found some jewelry among her late grandparent belongings and faced with a name, David Nathan. She decided to meet him and find her grandmother, Inger's secret.
In 1943 Helsinger, Denmark, from the point of view of Inger, from her diary. She was part of the Danish resistance and helped Jews for safety reach Sweden.

A beautiful, sad, shaking, and heartbreaking tale, inspired by a true story of the people of Denmark who rescued their Jewish neighbors during WWII.

Many Thanks to HarperCollins UK Audio and NetGalley, The Helsingør Sewing Club by Ella Gyland, I have given my honest review.
Pub Date 31 Jan 2022

[Madyson · Rating 1 out of 5]

This will be the worst book I read this year, I can already tell.

It’s so messy and needed fifteen more rounds of edits.

There is one sentence in the book that says: “The finished their picnic.” And that’s all you really need to know.

[Helen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Based on true WW2 events in Denmark, a country which did more to help it's Jewish citizens evade persecution than any other.

Whilst clearing her late Grandmother Ingar's possessions Cecilie is shocked to find hidden jewellery with a note that they didn't actually belong to her. After tracing the owner the story weaves over two timelines through the current day reading of her grandmother's hidden diary of her experiences in Helsingor during the Nazi occupation.

I've heard about the efforts the Danish people made to save their Jewish friends and neighbours and that the government resigned rather than give up these valued citizens to the concentration camps but this story brought home just how desperate the situation was and the hardships and sufferings of all Danes under the brutal Nazi occupation of their country. It highlighted just how ordinary and how human these people, who carried out these exraordinarily heroic and brave acts, actually were.

After a gentle start where we learn about the different characters the story gathers pace and tension and became, for me, a really riveting read which as well as the human aspects, young romance and emotions there was sheer terror, breathtaking action and heartbreak, goodness and loss.

The quote “The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing,” was running through my head whilst reading this fictional account of good people actually risking their lives to avert evil.

A solid 4 star read which I wholeheartedly recommend to anyone with an interest in WW2. I'd love to see this made into a film.

Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to give my honest opinion of this book

[Cat Strawberry · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is such an amazing and gripping story! In modern day Helsingør, Denmark, Cecilie is clearing out the flat of her recently deceased grandmother when she comes across a box of jewellery whose owner is unknown to her. Wondering how her grandmother ended up with someone else’s precious items she tries to track down the owner. Soon a diary is discovered and Cecilie begins to find out more about her grandmother’s past and the amazing things she did during world war two.

The book begins with Cecilie’s story but soon switches to the past, in 1943, where we follow Inger, Cecilie’s grandmother, as she settles into her new life in Helsingør, living with her aunt and uncle and working at a bookbinder’s. Inger’s story takes time to build up and I have to admit that when I started reading this I did worry that I wasn’t going to enjoy it as much as I had hoped as I could see the obvious surprises in the story of the resistance at work in Helsingør, long before Inger gets involved. However after a little time inger begins to get more involved in the dangerous work of the resistance and the story becomes so much more interesting that I just couldn’t put it down!

I don’t want to give away what happens but things become more and more tense and interesting as we learn more about the resistance movement and how the ordinary people of Denmark pulled together to save their Jewish neighbours. Inger’s own story is interesting and I love how she develops as a character and how determined she is to help no matter what. The dog was a lovely addition as a character and I love how the dog is involved in some tense and important moments during the story. While the book mostly follows Inger, and is written in the first person perspective in her chapters, there are other chapters that focus on her cousin and friend, as well as modern day Cecilie’s tale, and I found myself drawn to both of these characters and their own stories too.

So many things happen in this book, both happy and sad moments. There are some lovely heart-warming moments and heart-breaking ones too. The fear felt by the Nazi occupation and the true horror of the way the Nazis treated Jews and anyone who went against them is shown well and there were some moments that had me quite shocked. As the story builds towards the ending a lot of things happen and the chapters switch between characters showing what happens. I’ll admit there were some very sad moments near the end but also a lovely conclusion to the overall book and I when I finished reading this I was left feeling a mixture of sad and happy.

In the beginning I didn’t feel like I enjoyed Cecilie’s story as much as the story of the past, but as things in the past are revealed and we then get to know more about Cecilie and the people she meets in 2018, I started to enjoy the modern day story too. Cecilie’s story helps to fill in some blanks of the past and the whole overall ending is a good and satisfying one. There are some dark moments mentioning the brutality of the past especially with the Nazis though these aren’t gory and more shocking, there are also some obviously offensive views and one use of the f and one use of the s swear words.

What makes this story so special for me is that it is inspired by the true events of Helsingør at the time. There really was a ‘Helsingør Sewing Club’ which helped to save so many Jews and this book made me want to check it out so I’ve since been reading up about it and it’s fascinating what amazing lengths the people of Denmark went to in order to save their fellow countrymen, and some real people involved in resistance are actually characters in the book.

I have really enjoyed this book, it introduced the real-life story of the Helsingør Sewing Club and has a wonderful and moving story of some people involved at the time. The story might be quite fictional but what happens is a good representation of the sort of things that happened at the time in Helsingør and the story is so full of both shocking moments and more heart-warming ones too that it really will keep you reading into the early hours. Although it did take me abit of time to really get into the story, once Inger joins the resistance, I just couldn’t put this book down! I would recommend this book to anyone who loves WWII fiction as well as anyone who is interested in a page-turning story with wonderful moments amongst the brutal realities of life in 1943 Denmark. It’s a wonderful read and a book I’ll definitely be looking at again!
-Thanks to the pulisher for a free copy for review.

[Julie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Inspired by an incredible true story, Ella Gyland’s The Helsingør Sewing Club is an extraordinary historical tale of courage, hope and triumph that will break your heart.

During the Second World War, the Germans had occupied Denmark and wreaked plenty of havoc and destruction. With the Jewish community in Denmark in fear of their lives, seeking a new life in Sweden seemed like the only available option. But their journey to freedom is not going to be without its problems – which is where the underground resistance steps in and tries its utmost to ensure that this voyage to a better life is not jeopardised by the Germans. Inger Bredhal cannot sit idly by and pledges to do something to help the Jewish community in Denmark and joins the resistance unaware that this decision will have repercussions that will echo across the decades…

In 2018, Cecile is mourning the death of her beloved grandmother, Inger, when she makes a startling discovery while clearing out her flat. As the past and present intertwine in the most unexpected of ways, long-buried secrets come rushing to the surface which compel Cecile to see her late lamented grandmother Inger in a completely different light. As she loses herself in Inger’s past, Cecile learns that her grandmother was a brave, bold, courageous and fearless woman who had selflessly put herself in the line of fire at great personal cost.

Ella Gyland’s The Helsingør Sewing Club is a captivating historical novel that is all the more remarkable because it is based on a true story. Completely fascinating, immensely absorbing and so incredibly moving that it could seriously sever your heartstrings, The Helsingør Sewing Club is an unforgettable tale of love, friendship, hope and courage historical fiction fans will be enthralled by.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Romanticamente Fantasy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Emanuela - per RFS
.
La resistenza all’invasione nazista di Helsinghør, un piccolo paese norvegese, è raccontata con immaginari protagonisti in questo bel romanzo, profondamente evocativo ed emotivamente coinvolgente.

La giovane Inger va a vivere a casa degli zii per lavorare in una legatoria ma ben presto la ragazza si accorge che tra le pagine dei bei romanzi rilegati con splendide copertine, si celano pubblicazioni contro gli invasori tedeschi e decide di fare la propria parte più attivamente a proprio rischio e pericolo.

Girare per il paese con un bassotto nel cestino è il perfetto specchietto per le allodole contro chi dà là caccia ai sabotatori.

Tutto questo mentre la gente è convinta che i nazisti non metteranno il naso nelle faccende norvegesi, non minacceranno gli ebrei locali ma si limiteranno a un’occupazione pacifica.

Nel contempo in cui si snodano le vite dei protagonisti, Inger, la giovane apprendista/partigiana, racconta tutto in un diario di cui entra in possesso ai giorni nostri Cecile, sua nipote.

Questo è il romanzo nel romanzo secondo un cliché già letto ma che a me piace particolarmente.

Sarà Cecile a risalire alla storia precedente e lo farà attraverso la testimonianza di David, l’uomo che ebbe un rapporto molto stretto con la nonna Inger. L’anziano l’aiuterà a completare il quadro, rendendo giustizia a tutti coloro che fecero qualcosa per salvare tante vite di ebrei perseguitati e scelsero di non chiudere gli occhi abbandonandosi all’illusione che nulla sarebbe cambiato.

[Bob · Rating 3 out of 5]

Sadly, a little twee. The story is okay and the telling of what happened to Danish Jews was interesting but nothing really happened until over half way through: an appalling event on the beach which, although completely in line with events, clashed a bit with all the 'heavy breathing' and 'sharp intakes of breath' and 'quickening pulses'. The writing style clearly echoes what 'Henrietta' Gyland writes ordinarily (romance books). I guess it's a case of 'stick to what you're good at' and this lacks in the area of seriousness. It sounds harsh but the events that this portrays were much worse than the book suggests. I've never been fond of characters dying or being beaten, tortured and then murdered 'off-screen'. I know it spares the reader but it dilutes the crimes.
And, I've had another think. I know the story is based on true events but... why use Elsinore and not take advantage of the literary obvious. Apart from two mentions of Hamlet and maybe one of Shakespeare, why would you write a story about multiple loves, many deaths and many tragedies without drawing parallels? Maybe there were some. Maybe I was too thick to notice. But... no ghosts, no mad uncles, no suggested Oedipus complex, no colluding in the death of a spouse and subsequent marrying of the murderer, no drowning, no friends duelling to the death, not even a skull. Maybe I'm being unfair, but I don't think so. A wasted opportunity.

[Sydney Long · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5/5 In 2018, Cecilie Lund is clearing out her grandmothers storage room when she stumbles upon a jewelry box with a note inside claiming it to be the property of David Nathan. This is a name she had never heard of before and for a brief moment in time, worried that her grandmother had stolen the jewels. But upon meeting David and finding a hidden diary under the lining of the box, Cecilie discovers that her grandmother played a part in the survival of the majority of the Jewish Community in German occupied Denmark during WWII. Set in a dual timeline, Cecilie reads the diary along with David and recounts the heroism of the people of Denmark.

One of the things i love about WWII is that I’m always learning new things. Until recently, I was not aware of stand the Danes took against Germany. They came together to save as many of their country men as they could. They were all people of Denmark and they took care of each other regardless of religion. So…when I saw the summary of this book…I jumped at the chance to read it!!

Thank you to NetGalley, Harper Collins UK and Ella Gyland for for early access to this inspiring novel. And thank you to the people of Denmark for their courageous acts of humanity during history’s darkest hour.

[Nick · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a great book! Set in the same timeframe as the The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society, there are some parallels between the two books, both being based on a true story (which always draws me in more than pure fiction) and both dealing with a community under wartime German occupation.
While both stories are very engaging, they are very different. Helsingor (aka Elsinore, as in Hamlet) and the characters come to life with a moving story of courage and angst, love and compassion.

Read this book and enjoy learning about wartime in Denmark and how the ordinary people of Denmark pulled together to save their Jewish neighbours.

[Marit · Rating 5 out of 5]

Based on a true story this novel details little known events of World War II. With a dual timeline, Helsingor (Elsinore) in 1943 and Copenhagen in 2018 it is moving, heartbreaking, emotional and truly inspiring. Inger Bredhal joins the underground resistance in their efforts to rescue Denmark’s Jewish population and help them reach Sweden. Inger’s granddaughter Cecilie Lund gradually uncovers the secrets of Inger’s past, her courage and her convictions. Most of the local community fully support the heroic efforts of the resistance; this story highlights human spirit and the power of compassion.

[Nicola “Shortbookthyme” · Rating 3 out of 5]

The story was a bit slow going for me. I kept waiting for more to happen to keep me intrigued and reading on. My interest was increased half way through the book.
The story is based on a true story about the rescue of Jews during WWII. The setting is in Denmark in a small village.
All in all, an interesting read for learning about the Danish peoples participation in helping the Jews.
Thank you to NetGalley, the publisher and author for the opportunity to read this book for my honest review. All opinions expressed are my own