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How I discovered this book: I read all of Deborah Swift books as soon as I can after they're released!
In a Nutshell: A story about the World War II occupation of Jersey, and a German soldier with conflicted loyalties...
I knew little about the occupation of the Channel Islands before I read this book, and it certainly opened my eyes; I had no idea the islanders suffered such hardship. Deborah Swift's books are always meticulously researched without that research ever being apparent (such an art!), so I know that the novel is an accurate depiction of the time.
The story centres around Céline and Fred, who own a bakery on the island. Fred is German, and is conscripted into the German army. Both points of view are written in the first person, which was absolutely the right choice, and Céline's story also involves her friend Rachel, who is Jewish. When I first started reading, I thought it was going to be one of those 'cosy' sort of wartime books (the type that have covers showing smiling landgirls and tick all 1940s nostalgia boxes) but I couldn't have been more wrong; the picture of how mild and safe Jersey seems at first is there to provide the constrast with how precarious life becomes.
This novel is such an 'easy read'; the writing flows so well and, considering it's based on some events that actually took place, is unpredictable and certainly a page-turner. The overall message it puts across is how war changes everyone, and how quickly people can be led into prejudice about their fellow man—and I'm not just talking about the Nazis and the Jews. I applaud Ms Swift for not providing a neatly tied up, happy ending; the outcome for many of the characters made it a much more powerful story than it might have been had she gone for the safer option; I found that I became more and more engrossed as the story went on.
Reading this gave me new respect for all those who suffered under the Nazis. I enjoyed it, a lot. Definitely recommended.
I must get this one, although I've read quite a few books on the subject having lived in Jersey. There was no way of missing the history and we knew someone who'd been a young boy during the Occupation. It was fascinating to listen to the stories.
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DeleteI'm looking forward to you reading this, Cathy! I didn't know you'd lived in Jersey - in this case I know you will love it! Deborah's books are always SO well-researched :)