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Thursday, April 20, 2023

The Dutch Orphan by Ellen Keith

From the author of The Dutch Wife comes a riveting novel set during World War II about a woman who offers shelter to a Jewish baby, and her sister, who must choose between family loyalty and her own safety.

Amsterdam, 1942. When the Nazis invade Amsterdam, singer Johanna Vos watches in horror as the vibrant music scene she loves is all but erased, her Jewish friends forbidden from performing with her onstage. Alongside her friend Jakob, Johanna creates the Artists’ Resistance, an underground network allowing Jews to perform at houses hosted by their allies. When Johanna hears of a Jewish orphan headed for deportation, she does not think twice. She takes the baby in as her own, hiding the truth from even her own sister, Liesbeth.

Meanwhile, Liesbeth finds herself in a dilemma, as she knows of her sister’s staunch support for the Resistance, but her husband supports the Nazis. When a charming member of the Dutch Fascist Party sets his eyes on her, her predicament only deepens. As secrets continue to grow between the sisters, severing their once-unbreakable bond, they are both forced to make choices that will alter their lives forever.

Kindle Edition, 352 pages
Expected publication April 18, 2023
April 18, 2023 by Park Row
4/5 stars

This was one of my highly anticipated books of 2023. As someone who has read many WW2 books I was drawn to this particlar book because of the location, blurb and that cover.

The story follows two sisters who are newly married and dealing with the war in vastly different ways. One sister joins the resistance, while the other is married to a Nazi sympathizer. This story explores how the war affected those living in the Netherlands, a location that is not often explored in WW2 fiction.

The Dutch Orphan is a story of family, endurance and heartache. Since it spans throughout the whole years of  the war there is also reconciliation. It is a well written story that was authentic and showed what the dutch endured and also their strength and determination, loyalty and courage.

Released just yesterday it’s a book I recommend not just for lovers of HF.

My thanks to Park Row Books (via NetGalley) for a digital arc in exchange for honest review.

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