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Friday 2 October 2020

Bitter Herbs by Marga Minco

 



The Netherlands, World War II

When the Nazis invade the Netherlands in May 1940 it's clear that life is changing for the girl and her family. Step by step, the Nazis close in on the Dutch Jews. But when the authorities finally come to the family home a split decision will have devastating consequences.


I have recently found myself interested in books set around the World War II so when I saw Bitter Herbs by Marga Minco on Instagram I was instantly intrigued, I was surprised when it arrived at the size of the book only a mere 142 pages but having now read the book I can say that this was perfect for a commute to work sneaking a few chapters on my break too.

The storyline follows the story of a young Jewish girl and her family as the Nazis invade the Netherlands. The best way I can describe this book is like sitting in your Grandma’s front room as you listen to her recount snippets of stories from her childhood years. The chapters are short and sharp at around 4 pages each and give you a brief insight into the situations she found herself in and it was remarkable how calm and courageous she was as she watched her family one by one gradually leave her life and yet her determination and the generosity and kindness of those she met along the way made her find her way through what were undoubted the hardest years of her life.

If you are looking for a full in-depth novel then this will not be the book for you but if you are looking for an insightful quick read and one that leaves you with admiration for this courageous young woman then this will be a great read for you.


Paperback                                                     Kindle

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