"A Heart-Wrenching Account of Dutch Jews in WWII"

I would like to express my sincere appreciation to both Netgalley and Ecco Press for granting me the privilege of reading a complimentary copy of this non-fiction book. The views expressed in this review are entirely my own, and I apologize for offering my insights after the book's publication date.

This is a powerful non-fiction work based on the diaries of several Dutch Jewish individuals who lived through the horrors of World War II. Reading their stories was at times an emotionally challenging experience, as it revealed the unfathomable depths of suffering and tragedy they endured. Prior to delving into this book, I had no knowledge of the staggering toll on the Dutch Jewish population. Learning that three-quarters of the Jewish community in the Netherlands either perished when deported, took their own lives upon learning of the impending German occupation, or were betrayed by neighbors, family members, or colleagues was a shattering revelation. Some held onto false hope, believing the Nazis' deceitful promises of return from work camps, a cruel ruse that history has since exposed.

Remarkably, the author chose to spotlight the diaries of everyday individuals—widows, shopkeepers, journalists, and more—rather than the widely known Anne Frank. Their diaries provide intimate accounts of their experiences, which, while often harrowing, are essential to our collective memory and understanding of history.

The narrative delves into a multitude of topics, such as why the Netherlands suffered such significant losses within its Jewish population, the widespread inaction of bystanders, and the collective desire to move on and forget the war. These explorations are both fascinating and profoundly sobering.

For readers with an interest in non-fiction books, particularly those focused on World War II, I wholeheartedly recommend this poignant and historically significant work. It's a stark reminder of the horrors endured by many, and it is essential that their stories continue to be heard and remembered.

This is a non fiction book based on the diaries of several people in the Netherlands who were Jewish and had experienced WWII. This was a tough read at times, I had no idea, for example, that three quarters of the Jewish population of the Netherlands was either killed when deported, committed suicide when they found out the Germans were coming or were betrayed by their neighbors, family or coworkers. Some also believed what the Nazis and believed that they would be returned after being sent to a work camp. We know now that was not what happened. The most famous diary from the Netherlands was Anne Frank's, her was not included in this selection, these were ordinary everyday people, a widow, a shopkeeper, a journalist, etc, their diary reflected their experiences, not always pleasant but still important to this day to be heard. The author touches on a lot of subjects, why Netherlands had such a high loss of Jewish people, why most people seemed to stand by and do nothing, and why most people wanted to forget the war and move forward with the future. All very interesting and at the same time depressing. Though I would highly recommend if you enjoy non fiction, WWII types of books. Thanks to #Netgalley and #Ecco Press for the ARC