This is a powerful book. At times I wished for more in depth insights into Simone’s character and life, sometimes it felt a bit rushed from one event to the next. However the book as a whole is a triumph. It shows the absolute horror of World War Two. It shows the absurdity of two girls on the same bus, one who is allowed to pass and the other carried off, simply for a difference of religion. The characters are not all fully rounded and as above I feel more could have been done around individual characters, but overall this did not detract from the message. The final part is the most powerful, showing how Simone carries on with life, as you must, showing how even atrocities can be temporarily forgotten. It shows the power of remembrance and to belief that life must go on.

I was given a free copy of this book from Readers First in exchange for an honest review. I am a big fan of all stories involving world war 2, I like to read about the different experiences from different perspectives. Although I’m not normally interested in stories where the tag line references ‘heart-wrenching’, this was a very powerful story, with just the right amount of drama and action to help balance the story overall. I really enjoyed that the book was split based on real life diary entries, this translates into punchy chapters which I feel help the story be a quick read and overall help to build to the drama that something bigger is coming. The main story is of course centred around a powerful friendship formed between two girls from different backgrounds. I enjoyed learning about both the main characters and was interested in knowing how the story was going to end. All in all, a good book!

Although this isn't my usual style nor genre of book, I will admit that I was deeply intrigued after reading both the synopsis and the 'First Look' that was provided. And I am so glad I decided to give this book a chance and would definitely recommend for anyone looking for a good World War Two historical fiction centred around a powerful bond of friendship. The writing style of Christopher De Vinck, made this book truly beautiful and immersive. The story itself is magically written; portraying the raw and powerful bond between two friends and the extent they would go for one another, which I was deeply attracted to as it was a change from the usual romance. The style and the storyline was moving and I found myself subconsciously having a giddy grin in some parts while others left me on the verge of tears. The historical events lead you on a rollercoaster of emotions and leaves you with a griping and exhilarating book, making this a perfect piece of historical fiction.

This novel is set during world war II and tells the story of Simone who is Belgian and the daughter of a hero of world war I and her friend Hava who is Polish and a Jew. Now I love history based novels and this one really hit the spot - we all know what happened to the Jews during the war but to read about one girl and what herself and her family had to endure puts this book in a different light to others I have read. It makes it more of a personal read. Both ladies are just 18 years old , they have dreams of finding the right man to marry, about having children and living the perfect life. Simone is distraught when Hava is taken away but promises to find her when the war is over. The relationship between the two women is beautifully written and between bouts of tears you know this is a book you will remember always

This isn’t my usual read however I still enjoyed it despite the uncomfortable subject matter, I think fiction is a great way to open people’s eyes to history and if I’m honest I rarely consider the impact of WWII on other countries. There is such a contrast between the two main characters here, Simone the General’s daughter whose name alone allows her privilege and Hava who is ultimately judged purely by her Jewish religion. The strength of friendship between the two seems very strong, it would be easy to think they have been long term friends however in the time they have known each other they have built an enduring friendship. I enjoyed reading of the innocent pre war adventures they had together, it built up a good picture of them however I personally would have preferred more of a focus on the war and their evacuation. That said this is very moving and thought provoking and definitely a worthwhile read.