SUMMARY: When nurse Hanne Abrahamsen impulsively shields Steffen Petersen from a nosy Gestapo agent, she’s convinced the Lutheran pastor is involved in the Danish Underground. Nothing could be further from the truth. But truth is hard to come by in the fall of 1943, when Copenhagen is placed under Martial Law and Denmark’s Jews—including Hanne—suddenly face deportation to the Nazi prison camp at Terezin, Czechoslovakia. Days darken and danger mounts. Steffen’s faith deepens as he takes greater risks to protect Hanne. But are either of them willing to pay the ultimate price for their love? REVIEW: I found this novel intriguing for several reasons: I love historical fiction that focuses on World War II, the plight of the Jews during the war, and the efforts to save them. This story was based on fact derived from several sources and the romantic line that threaded throughout it made the story even more poignant. A great read that will definitely keep your attention if you like historical fiction centered around World War II.FAVORITE QUOTE: Mr. Elmer begins each chapter with a quote from famous theologians or well known people of the time period and there are so many great ones it was difficult to pick a favorite. I really enjoyed this story!There were a couple of twists at the end that I did not see coming... and it kept my interest all the way through. Because I knew the events were true (although with fictionalized characters in this book), I wanted to see how the author would complete the story. This book was based on historical fact, and the plot was both interesting and believable. There were a couple of minor (grammatical or literary) mistakes and the book was, at times,maybe a little simplistic, but since this author has written several young adult fiction books (that my kids have all enjoyed tremendously), I thought perhaps the author was more comfortable writing for a younger audience, and this did not bother me. I do know that the events described were much worse in reality, but appreciate the author's attempts to not portray the story too graphically (real history is graphic and sobering enough!) How does a pastor who has an audience to speak to each Sunday, present truth and guidance to his flock, especially when their own country is militarily occupied by a nation that is persecuting and punishing those who disagree with their policies? Should he cooperate with the existing 'authority', or save lives and choose to 'resist'?This was a story written as a novel, and as such, I read it for enjoyment; not as a book that was written to turn my stomach or horrify my senses. (There are enough war novels that already do that! I wanted to read this book as a refreshing but realistic 'story', and, that is what I found.)I did enjoy reading about the courageous actions of the Danish people and their creativity in hiding their Jewish fellow citizens from a regime that sought to wipe out an entire nation. I also found lessons applicable to today as we are challenged to stand up for what is right, often when very few are willing to make a stand when it's unpopular or inconvenient.The author's note at the end of the book with explanations of which events really happened also helped me appreciate more than ever, the bravery and courage of the Danish people at a time in history when few were able to withstand evil actions without suffering horrific consequences.If Robert Elmer chooses to write more historical adult fiction novels, I will make sure to read them!
What do You think about Wildflowers Of Terezin (2010)?
Good. The book is about the Nazi's just beginning to invade Denmark.
—mona
A good depiction of a slice of horror and the remarkable human spirt.
—Ria
