Imogen Matthews paints a vivid portrait of courage and sacrifice in her gripping novel, "The Girl with the Red Hair." Set against the backdrop of Nazi-occupied Amsterdam during World War II, Matthews transports readers to a harrowing era where the bonds of friendship are tested and the fight for justice and freedom becomes a matter of life and death.
At the heart of the story are Hannie and Sonja, inseparable best friends whose lives are irrevocably altered by the brutality of the Nazi regime. As the occupation tightens its grip on their beloved city, Hannie's resolve is tested as she witnesses the atrocities committed against innocent civilians. Refusing to stand idly by, Hannie joins the underground resistance, risking her own safety to defy the oppressors and protect those she holds dear.
Matthews masterfully captures the sense of fear and uncertainty that permeates Amsterdam under Nazi rule, vividly depicting the city's once-charming streets now patrolled by enemy soldiers. The palpable tension serves as a stark reminder of the stark realities faced by those living under occupation, where every act of defiance carries grave consequences.
Central to the narrative is Hannie's unwavering commitment to her friends and her cause, even in the face of overwhelming odds. As she navigates the treacherous world of the resistance, Hannie must confront her own fears and insecurities while grappling with the moral dilemmas posed by her dangerous mission. Her determination to save Sonja and her family from the clutches of the Nazis drives the narrative forward, imbuing the story with a sense of urgency and poignancy.
"The Girl with the Red Hair" is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the power of friendship in the darkest of times. Through Hannie's eyes, readers are offered a glimpse into the extraordinary courage and sacrifice of ordinary individuals who risked everything to resist tyranny and uphold their principles. Imogen Matthews' richly drawn characters and evocative prose make for a compelling read that will resonate long after the final page is turned.
In conclusion, "The Girl with the Red Hair" is a gripping and emotionally resonant tale of bravery, sacrifice, and the enduring bonds of friendship. Imogen Matthews' skillful storytelling and meticulous attention to detail make this novel a must-read for fans of historical fiction, offering a poignant tribute to the unsung heroes of World War II.
BOOK DESCRIPTION
My heart thrashes inside my chest as I watch my best friend get dragged away by German soldiers. I run towards her, begging them to stop, but then I see the gun. ‘No, please!’ I shout as panicked tears stream down my face. ‘Don’t hurt her!’ I’m the only one left who can save her…
1942, Amsterdam. The Nazi occupation has shattered the lives of inseparable best friends Hannie and Sonja. The canals and rainy cobbled streets they once strolled down are now patrolled by soldiers day and night, who arrest people at will and beat those who resist.
Hannie can’t stand by and watch the lives of the innocent be destroyed by the evil occupiers. At great danger to herself, she joins the underground resistance, where she meets the charming and mysterious Jan. She covers her bright red hair to avoid detection by the Nazis while distributing fake IDs. And she makes a promise to Sonja and her little sister Maya, who are Jewish – she will hide them and keep them safe, no matter the cost.
But as the German grip on the country tightens with each passing day, Sonja’s worst fears come true when members of her family are taken prisoner. With Jan by her side, Hannie goes undercover as a nurse to try to free them. But she’s devastated when she discovers they’ve been taken to a concentration camp in the isolated far east of the country. Is she too late to save them?
And when Sonja goes missing, Hannie is terrified the worst has happened – has someone betrayed her best friend? Hannie knows her most dangerous task is now ahead of her. Can Hannie save Sonja, and will she have to make the biggest sacrifice of all to bring her home?
Inspired by the incredible true-life story of a brave young Dutch woman who would stop at nothing to fight for justice and freedom, The Girl with the Red Hair is an utterly heart-wrenching and emotional World War Two novel of one woman’s bravery and sacrifice. Perfect for fans of Heather Morris, Kristin Hannah and Fiona Valpy.
AUTHOR BIO
Imogen Matthews lives in Oxford, England, and is the author of two romantic fiction novels. The Hidden Village is her first foray into historical fiction and YA.
She was born in Holland to a Dutch mother and English father and moved to England when she was still a baby.
Imogen has always enjoyed holidays in Holland and since 1990, has gone regularly with her husband and two children to Nunspeet on the edge of the Veluwe woods.
It was here she discovered the story of the hidden village and, together with her mother's vivid stories of life in WW2 Holland, she was inspired to write her historical fiction novels about bravery, courage, resilience and love.
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- Publisher : Bookouture (March 20, 2024)
- Publication date : March 20, 2024
- Language : English
- Print length : 353 pages
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