The Belgian Girls by Kathryn J. Atwood

The Belgian Girls Reviews

• 
  Ashley

  An emotional tale of bravery in the face of occupation. This dual timeline historical novel explores the lives of the real Gabrielle Petit, a Belgian revolutionary during World War I, that fought her own battles against the occupation by German soldiers. Atwood eloquently portrays Gabrielle’s struggles and passion for life in this heroic tale of her endeavors to thwart the Germans and protect her home. As we read about her story, we also read the story of Julienne, a young woman trying to find herself during the occupation of World War II. She visits the statue of Gabrielle and desires to know more about this brave woman. As she finds inspiration of her own in Gabrielle’s story, she finds herself as well.
  
  
  
  It truly was an emotional adventure following along with these two women. Each has their own form of strength and endurance in the face of such trying times. I loved how the author weaved both characters together with a commonality, but I won’t tell you because it’s a spoiler. My heart was aching for both of their tales of suffering and the dangerous situations they each found themselves in. Gabrielle was boisterous and unafraid of the Germans, while Julienne is the quiet pillar of strength for the movement. They both sacrifice so much in their lives for the pursuit of some sort of peace in their mother land.
  
  
  
  While I’m very familiar with the histories of the world wars, I’ve not studied much related to the Belgian occupation of the experiences within that country. It was a learning experience for me as I watched these women assisting American soldiers as they helped the front lines and found themselves shot down and stranded in Belgium. This was the focus for the resistance, finding a way to assist these men with their injuries and then smuggle them back out of the country so they could continue to fight another day.
  
  
  
  Both women are working as spies to help transmit information around to the resistance and find a way to get an upper hand for those fighting the Germans. The conclusion of both women’s stories was highly emotional, and I’ll admit openly that I cried quite a bit through the final chapters. I wasn’t sure how this story would end for me, but I can confidently say that I was moved by this book. I felt all the emotions and walked away satisfied with their ventures and their bravery. These are the kind of women that are a testament to how history is written, even for those women you might not have ever heard of.
• 
  Kim McGee

  The story of two strong Belgian women who defied their family and neighbors at great risk to save the country they loved from German occupation. Gabrielle joins the resistance movement despite dreams of a happy future with her fiancé and against his family's distrust. Her bravery becomes a symbol of hope during WWI and even more so decades later when Julienne and her father are forced to live with her aunt who has profited from the demise of the Jews and doesn't condone any kindness towards them. Julienne leaves to follow her heart and joins the resistance to ferry downed pilots and others over the border. Their paths face death at every turn as they suffer unimaginable loss yet both women show remarkable courage. Well researched and based on true accounts, this emotional character-driven narrative makes history come alive and would be a good choice for adult and young adult readers of Elizabeth Wein, Ruta Sepetys and Kate Quinn. My thanks to the author for the advance copy.
• 
  Karenna

  As a professional historian, Atwood uses her detailed knowledge to create an authentic and gripping account of what resistance to an oppressive regime entails. One aspect that sets this work apart from others of its kind is the centering of women’s roles and concerns, as the women must battle cultural norms in addition to dictatorial governments. A second aspect I really appreciated (and one that should also provide a good discussion point) is the emphasis on approaching resistance through a position of love rather than hate. While this book targets young adult readers, its fast pace, clear prose, and compelling content should engage adult readers as well.
  
  Comp: Kristen Hannah’s “The Nightingale” (though much shorter ☺️)
  
  Thank you to author Kathryn J. Atwood and publisher Catherine Rose Press for an electronic advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.
• 
  Rupert Colley

  A marvellous tale about two women fighting injustice and inhumanity; one during the First World War, the other during the Second. We follow these women in this dual timeline novel as they face their fears head-on, as their beloved city, Brussels, is occupied by the conquering Germans. In places, it’s a heart-stopping read, and certainly heart-rendering in others as the two stories mirror each other. It’s a novel that makes one think, ‘What would I do in such a situation?’ For these women and their associates display incredible courage and bravado.
  
  A novel that will linger a long time in the memory. Well done, Ms Atwood!