Our Narrow Hiding Places - Kristopher Jansma
Pub. Date: Aug. 13, 2024
She read
Mieke is an 80 year old woman living on the Jersey shore. When she suffers a fall, her grandson comes to visit. While he is dealing with some of his own demons, Mieke shares the family history in World War II torn Holland. Focusing primarily on the time known as the “Hunger Winter” when, as a child, there was no heat, no food and thousands died of starvation, she recounts those devastating years and the effects on family, friends, and acquaintances.
Beautifully written, heartbreaking, yet hopeful, the story has two timelines; the 1940s in the Netherlands and more modern times in New Jersey. There are additional chapters from a Dutch book that had been recently discovered by her neighbor, a professor specializing in Holocaust literature. The provides additional history that is narrated by eels. Yes, eels! But, it works!
Intergenerational trauma is a recurrent theme as it is revealed what people went through and had to do to withstand the atrocities of war. This is a tale of horror, defiance, survival, resilience, and also one of never forgetting.
Thanks to #netgalley and @eccobooks for the DRC.
*****
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