Winter in Wartime

This autobiographical novel provides a counterpoint to The Diary of Anne Frank, as another Dutch teen becomes an unwilling hero in the twilight of World War II.

Michiel feels resentment towards his father, a mayor, seemingly only interested in maintaining the status quo between the town and the German Army. He worships his uncle Ben, an adventurer in contact with the local resistance. During the winter, Michiel's loyalties are tested. When he discovers an injured pilot in the woods, Michiel must find a way to keep the wounded man alive, hidden from the increasingly desperate occupying force.

As Michiel mounts his own small resistance, he becomes aware of the currents of Resistance that are swirling through the town. A German soldier is killed and his death must be revenged so they take six townspeople, threatening to shoot them if the murderer does not surrender. They compromise and shoot only one--Michiel's father.

Winter in Wartime has been a Dutch classic since it was first published in 1972. Author Jan Terlouw's wartime experience provided the inspiration for the novel and the gritty reality of living under an occupying army is realistic without being graphic. The small insurrections are shown for the monumental acts of bravery they truly are and the defiance of a people who refuse to give up their humanity makes this story as timely today as it was then.

So what books have books have captured my attention? Gosh a variety. one was a Young Adult book that really did have me enthralled. I am finding htat YA is becoming a favorite genre for me. This last one was "Winter in Wartime" by Jan Terlouw. It takes place in Nazi occupied Holland, where Michiel unwittingly becomes part of the underground resistance movement. When one is placed in unstable conditions, you will find that strength from within to carry you through the tough times too. Michiel discovers he can do just that. And finds that things are not what they always seem. I love this lesson for it reminds us not to ever jump to conclusions. And to remember that all people have needs that can not always be seen. A really good story line that pulls together in ways I would have never guessed.