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By: DUNED 118
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2025-06-16 18:34:07 |
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Varied views. Some of our group couldn’t finish it and some really “enjoyed” it. Whilst it was factual some felt it would add to the story to have the actual letter quoted to clarify what was happening. |
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By: RICH 009
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2024-11-21 20:40:09 |
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Most of our group were bothered by the hazy line between fact and fiction - and this spoiled their enjoyment of the book. For example what was the actual story of Bruce's ex-wife, she was shown in a very negative light. Some members appreciated the detailed descriptions of life as a POW and stories around troop movements. We discussed the resilience of POWs and bravery of partisans. It was not our favourite book but it provoked deep discussion. |
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By: TEPAH 001
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2024-10-09 14:54:51 |
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This book was well received by our group. It was felt to be extra meaningful, with wars going on in the world right now. Some were a little disappointed that there was a fictional aspect to the otherwise true story. |
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By: LOWER 021
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2024-05-28 13:21:42 |
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The book was enjoyed by everyone in the group. Many found it one of those books that was hard to put down. An inspiring story of love in adverse conditions, almost hard to believe it's a largely true story. |
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By: ASHB 016
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2024-04-18 12:31:58 |
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All except one enjoyed this story, and especially the NZ aspect. How these people did this in war-time created a great discussion - with the chance they or family/friends could be killed at any time. Such a risk and so frightening - who would you trust? The lady that didn't like it had been to the actual site and it brought back upsetting memories. We all knew of a local person with a similar story - they remained married forever. We wondered about this couple's life story once they got to NZ and agreed it would've been good to have carried the story on for a little bit longer. |
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By: CHCH 393
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2023-10-04 12:15:48 |
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A good N.Z. author with a fascinating true story. Some of us had family links to the expeditionary force. |
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By: KURO 001
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2023-08-08 12:16:37 |
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Good to have a Kiwi connection. An easy read about an interesting period of time. Josefine was an amazing character, so strong in her beliefs. |
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By: STEW 001
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2023-06-15 11:27:33 |
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The first section of the book was a bit pedestrian, but the story became more engaging as it proceeded. The insight into the partisan activity was interesting as it is a less known aspect of war in Europe. |
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By: MAPUA 001
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2022-10-03 11:54:11 |
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We thoroughly enjoyed this book. An insight into parts and places of WW2 that we were not so familiar with. Filled with moments of high drama, tragedy and triumph, heartbreak and loss. |
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By: AUCK 355
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2022-05-11 13:19:00 |
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Enjoyed this book and the N.Z. connection! |
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By: TURA 001
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2022-03-30 14:57:25 |
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Great story! Nearly everyone loved it. Could hardly put the book down as needed to finish it. Thanks! |
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By: PAIHIA 003
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2022-03-09 13:15:35 |
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Generally liked by the group. Well-written and the 'Kiwi essence' came through. A love story balanced against the horrors of war. |
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By: WHANG 017
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2022-01-25 13:21:38 |
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Loved this book. Great story - didn't mind the Fiction bits. |
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By: WELL 134
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2021-11-26 14:29:47 |
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We all liked this book - easy to read and an amazing story with a happy ending - unlike many other wartime stories. |
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By: MATAM 002
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2021-09-08 10:00:35 |
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Favourite book of our whole group. Loved the "Kiwiness" of Bruce. Hidden depths to this story that weren't revealed but presumed based on the atrocities described. |
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By: WELL 086
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2021-09-06 11:34:07 |
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Liked it. |
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By: GREYT 003
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2021-08-27 14:08:01 |
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A story worth telling that chugged along. |
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By: AUCK 009
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2021-08-23 11:39:35 |
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This was clearly a story that needed to be told. We're just not sure it was told in the right way. Like reviewer Steve Walker, we found it difficult to know what was fact and what was fiction. "Faction" needs careful research, which Gold did do. He described the behaviour of the Nazis towards the P.O.W.s, which was atrocious and malicious - and the behaviour of the Red Army towards the women and girls they brutally raped, which was even worse - and this was well done. But he seemed uncomfortable with the emotional side of the story, and there was a curious lack of this throughout the book... |
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By: CHCH 317
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2021-07-14 13:03:18 |
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This was an amazing story, particularly given the fact that it was about a New Zealander written by one of his family. It portrayed yet another aspect of WW2 this time with a Yugoslavian background. We have read 2-3 books recently set in concentration camps and all highlighted the grim treatment that the Germans then Russians inflicted on their captives. Discussion then arose around the heart breaking, emotionally traumatic lives the resistance workers endured. A highly recommended book. |
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By: TEKUI 001
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2021-07-07 14:13:49 |
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Group felt it was more like a diary than a story. Also some questions as to the accuracy of events. Would have liked more about their life when they got back to NZ. |
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By: DUNED 029
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2021-06-18 14:43:39 |
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An amazing story. Gave us plenty to reflect on. |
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By: CHCH 324
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2021-06-01 12:17:43 |
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Interesting, with good points for discussion. Not necessarily enjoyable. |
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By: AUCK 008
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2021-05-21 11:30:00 |
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We all liked the book and commented mainly on the horrors of war - how brave Josephine was and how head-strong Bruce was. It was also commented on that if the author knew nothing about 'Doreen', perhaps he should have painted her in a more neutral light. We wondered how we would react in an occupied country, and realised just how fortunate we are as New Zealanders to live in such a peaceful place. |
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By: CHCH 312
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2021-05-21 11:25:16 |
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A very readable story which gave interesting insight into a part of Europe that isn't often referred to in WWII. The huge risks taken by the local resistance groups are hard to comprehend. We would have liked to have another chapter about their life in NZ - we reflected on what NZ would have been like post war, and an inter-racial marriage, and the difficulties for the men re-integrating. |
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By: GORE 006
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2021-05-20 14:57:30 |
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Very interesting; a hard read though. Well-written. |
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By: ROTO 006
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2021-05-14 13:37:54 |
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Well received. Very interesting. |
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By: LOWER 009
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2021-05-10 14:25:08 |
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Great in depth information, but perhaps could have been written better. |
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