The White Rose Network by Ellie Midwood
Genre: Historical fiction, WW2, True stories
Read: 4th February 2022
Published: 9th February 2022
★★★ 3 stars
DESCRIPTION:
Based on a true story, an unputdownable and utterly heartbreaking World War 2 page-turner
1943, Germany: “I won’t be able to live if anything happens to you,” she whispered into his ear as they said goodbye, not knowing if they would ever see each other again. The White Rose Network brings to life the incredible true story of Sophie Scholl––one of history’s bravest women, who risked everything to lead a revolution against darkness.
Sophie was born to be a rebel, raised by parents who challenged the brutal Nazi regime. Determined to follow in their footsteps, she leaves for university, defying Hitler’s command for women to stay at home.
On her first day in Munich, Sophie’s brother Hans introduces her to his dear friend. When she meets Alexander, with his raven-black hair and brooding eyes, she knows instantly that she isn’t alone. There are more courageous souls like her, who will fight against evil.
Together, and with others who also refuse to back down, they form the White Rose Network. In an underground vault, Sophie and Alexander conspire in whispers, falling in love as they plot against Hitler. Promising her heart to Alexander is the most dangerous act of all––with each risk they take, they get closer to capture.
As snowflakes fall on a frosty February morning, Sophie and her brother scatter Munich University with leaflets calling for resistance: “We will not be silent; we will not leave you in peace!”
But their lives hang in the balance, with the secret police offering a reward to anyone with information on the White Rose Network. It is only a matter of time before the Gestapo closes in… And when Sophie is imprisoned in an interrogation room, staring a Nazi officer in the eye, will she take their secrets to her grave? Will she sacrifice her freedom for love?
Fans of The Tattooist of Auschwitz, The Alice Network and The Lilac Girls will be completely gripped by this heartbreaking and addictive page-turner. This inspirational tale shows that, in the face of evil, giving up is not an option…
MY REVIEW:
I am excited to be taking part in the #BooksOnTour #BlogTour for Ellie Midwood's heartbreaking tale #TheWhiteRoseNetwork.
Based on true events, THE WHITE ROSE NETWORK is the fictionalised story of Hans and Sophie Scholl, resistance fighters campaigning against the Nazi fascist regime during Hitler's reign during World War 2. Raised on truth and justice, their parents instilled in them the courage to challenge the injustice which they then found themselves in.
Hans, already in the Wehrmacht as medical aid (so he does not have to spill the blood of another human being), lives in Munich where his sister Sophie would join him as one of the very few women allowed to attend university. Upon moving to Munich, Sophie then meets her brother's friends who thus make up the White Rose network and is excited to join them in the cause, fighting for Germany's freedom. Amongst the friends is Alexander, half Russian and half German, with whom Sophie falls in love with despite being engaged to another away fighting at the Front. This is primarily her story.
Beginning in February 1943 after her capture for distributing a shower of leaflets at the university alongside Hans, Sophie is interrogated by KriminalKommissioner Robert Mohr who, as a vetran in the police, now works as a highly skilled interrogator with the Gestapo. His job is to elicit the truth and the wider expanse of their network. But what he experiences in her presence makes him question himself and his very reason for being there. Sophie is an extraordinary young woman, courageous beyond belief, and is not afraid to stand up for her belief in the injustice facing their country. Their tête-a-têtes in the interrogation room are some of the best scenes in the book as his truths versus hers are challenged creating something of an enigmatic contradiction in its place.
I had heard of Sophie Scholl and the White Rose network before picking up this book, but this story delves deeper into the lives of both Hans and Sophie and the depth of their involvement right up to the end. Although we know how the story ends, it doesn't stop the reader from hoping for the best whilst knowing without a doubt to expect the worst.
An inspirational story of a time long since past but never forgotten, THE WHITE ROSE NETWORK is a tribute of sorts to those men and women who gave up their lives for the social injustices that shrouded their much-loved country through Hitler's fascism. They gave their lives so that Germany may have a better future...in freedom.
As thought-provoking and heartfelt as it was, I found the story itself a little too political...and yet, that is exactly what the White Rose were fighting against. But that is just a reflection of my own personal tastes. It was certainly inspiration and heartfelt, but yes...too political for my tastes. But don't let that dissuade you because it is an incredible story of bravery and courage in the midst of injustice.
However, my favourite part of the entire book is the very last page...revealing that the heart and soul of the White Rose truly lived on.
I would like to thank #EllieMidwood, #NetGalley and #Bookouture for an ARC of #TheWhiteRoseNetwork in exchange for an honest review.
MEET THE AUTHOR:
In her free time, Ellie is a health-obsessed yoga enthusiast, neat freak, adventurer, Nazi Germany history expert, polyglot, philosopher, a proud Jew, and a doggie mama. Ellie lives in New York with her fiancé and their Chihuahua named Shark Bait.
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