A well researched story of a family in the Dutch Resistance. I was in tears in parts of it. The strength the family shown in the terrible conditions is heartbreaking.

I enjoyed reading this novel. The characters were well developed and had a natural chemistry. I look forward to reading more by this author.

Thank you NetGalley and publisher for the opportunity to read and review this novel.

reading more about the dutch resistance once again took me to a world and what people had to do in it that is hard to fathom. the fear surrounding such bravery really had me in the chest. this book felt so well done. once id finished i immediately went to look up more from the book.
our two characters take us on a journey that felt like it could have been taken from reality. and that in itself makes you drawn into this book with your whole heart. it could be us, our relatives, choices people just like us and those we love would have to have made. how? the way this novel truly tells of those who helped others is deeply moving. the sacrifices and choices people had to make just like our characters. just wow.
i felt a little unshed tears at times with this read. a book that flowed so well and gave us characters you cant help but want to follow every step of their way.

Dark is the Night by Rachel Evans is a powerful and emotionally charged historical novel that captures the fear, resilience, and moral complexity of life under Nazi occupation. It earns a strong four stars for its vivid atmosphere, emotional depth, and the way it intertwines personal loss with larger wartime struggles.

The story follows Casper Van Doujke, a young man dealing with the guilt of his sister Lotte’s death, and his journey from grief into resistance work as a doctor in Amsterdam. Alongside him is his mother, Elske Van Doujke, whose quiet life on Terschelling is shattered by the German occupation. Their separate but connected paths form the emotional backbone of the novel.

Casper is a compelling protagonist—intelligent, conflicted, and often burdened by impossible choices as he becomes more deeply involved with the Dutch Resistance. His internal struggle, especially as he falls in love with the fiancée of a resistance leader, adds emotional tension and moral complexity.

Elske’s storyline is equally strong, showing a mother forced into courage she never expected to find. Her determination to protect others, even while grieving and facing danger, makes her one of the novel’s most moving characters. The supporting figures within the resistance network also help highlight the constant uncertainty and risk of survival during wartime.

Rachel Evans writes with a steady, immersive style that brings occupied Holland to life—the hunger, fear, and quiet acts of bravery feel authentic and grounded. At times the pacing is slightly slow in the middle sections, but the emotional payoff and historical detail make it worthwhile.

Overall, Dark is the Night is a moving and thoughtful wartime story about sacrifice, family, and impossible decisions, anchored by strong characters and emotional realism.

What an excellent book, well written and of an historical aspect I have not read much about. I like that, something different. I don't know much about the Dutch Resistance but this was such an interesting subject I just couldn't put it down. The characters are so real, the feels worth my thoughts and the storyline flowed well, had such depth and feeling. I will be keeping my eyes open for more books by this author for sure.

Thank you NetGalley and Troubador for giving me the opportunity to read and review this book.