Harsh story of a brutal time

Do not start this book expecting a gentle WWII story. Horrible things happened during the war, and horrible things happen to the characters in this book. But Ms. Swift does an exemplary job of detailing the ins and outs of daily life during the German occupation of the Jersey Islands and explores the relatively little touched-upon perspective of a German citizen forced to return from abroad to serve the Reich. My attention was riveted throughout, though I cannot say I "enjoyed" the book. Now that I've finished and gone on to other stories, I find my thoughts returning to Céline, Fred, and Rachel. I requested and was gifted a complimentary copy of this audiobook from the author and am very grateful to have experienced The Occupation. I recommend it heartily, but be aware that it will not be a light, pleasant read or listen.

2 people found this helpful

great story enjoyed so much,finished in two days.

The lives of Celine and Fred keeps you interested till the very end
Was disappointed when it ended.e

Enjoyed so much

1 person found this helpful

sometimes brutal but worth the listen

beautiful narration, fascinating story, I learned more about WWII and also about courage and kindness
I will read more by this author follow this gifted narrator

1 person found this helpful

Fantastic

I absolutely loved this book. The characters where so fascinating and easy to become attached to. A must listen.

1 person found this helpful

San Ramon Joe recommends

Worth the listen. Interesting, intriguing, captivating, historical novel, which is based on true events though a work of fiction.

1 person found this helpful

What a great book

This audio book kept my interest from beginning to the end Ms Swift even made for interesting listening in a Nazi basic training camp. It moved along quickly not dwelling on boring details. I loved her main characters. She showed where blind allegiance led to death and destruction. Her book had a very interesting story to tell but some of the details of mans cruelty to man was hard to bear. One of the best books ive listened to all of 2020. Will read more from ms. Swift

1 person found this helpful

Touching

This is a very touching, pull at your heart strings, kind of book. It’s a hard story to read but true in many ways.
It kept my interest all the way through and the narrator did an excellent job.

Enjoyable

It took me a little bit to get into this book, but I ended up really enjoying it.

Good read with many heros

Good read. Not a lot of intellectual depth. I love a good hero. This book had many. Thank you for the opportunity to read "I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.”

This book suck me in

I’ve just finished listening to this heartbreaking story and I can’t get it out of my mind. It pulled me in with Stevie Zimmerman poignant narration. I had read a lot of books about WW 2 but never did I consider the fate of Jersey.
The plot and characters were masterfully developed, inner thoughts and struggles of Celine, Fred, Rachel gave their characters more depth, enhanced by the narrator‘a talent, I especially enjoyed her rendition of French and German accents.
The book’s realistic description of life in occupied countries and complex characters facing very difficult decisions made me feel very strong emotional connection to them. Beautiful prose and flawless narration made me cry many times.
Highly recommended.