Saturday, May 16, 2020

Children Against Hitler: The Young Resistance Heroes of the Second World War

Children Against Hitler is a historical look at the youngest members of the resistance during WW2. Released 30th April 2020 by Pen and Sword books, it's 184 pages and available in paperback and ebook formats.

I have always enjoyed reading history and found the stories of these young ww2 resistance fighters both touching and incredible. My father-in-law, born at the end of the war, in occupied Norway, was too young to make any substantive difference, but the stories his friends tell of stealing and destroying the boots from the occupying soldiers' barracks, hiding resources (several families hid and raised a pig together in the forest near Bergen), sabotaging vehicles, stealing materials and supplies, guerilla warfare, and more, are scary and sometimes funny/sad. A lot of kids were used as couriers since they were less likely to be stopped and questioned, but the ones who were caught were viciously punished. These stories are equally enthralling. There were only a few of these names which were previously familiar to me and I came away from the read with a renewed respect for the sacrifice and commitment of these children.

I see more clearly than ever the danger we face in the current world-wide craziness and I can only hope and pray we're not doomed to repeat history. I wish all our kids could have the gift of an unencumbered childhood.

Five stars. Well worth a read. Deeply moving.

Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.

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