I’m deeply grateful to everyone who has purchased, read, and taken the time to review one of my books. All profits from my books go to help get dogs like Biscuit, Rosie, Wilbur, Hoggy, Jack, Rickenbacker, Takoda, pregnant Lucy, Gretchen, Boomer, Snow, Tawny, Logan, bonded siblings cookie & honey, Jody, Stella, Gunther, Lola, Jasper, Clancy, Lindsey, Brownie, Gabby, Joceyln, Harry, Eddie, Skippy, Sandy, Sinclair, Teddy Bear, Phoebe, Mickey, Titus, Lonnie, Sofie, Stoic, Bryce, Charlie, Gidget, Kensey, Henry, Sadie, Andorra, Trevor, Praline, Drake, Einstein, Ruger, Lovey & Alfie (see photos below) out of kill shelters. So far in 2019 155 dogs have been rescued. In 2018 670 dogs have been rescued. In 2017 we’ve helped free 904 dogs. In 2016, 250 dogs were freed. In 2015, 149 dogs were freed.
AND please for everyone who’s purchased a book could I humbly ask you to write a review when you’ve completed the read. Amazon promotes and ranks books according to number of reviews in addition to sales. Every voice helps spread the word and that is an energy that can help a dog.
LINK TO PURCHASE ALL MY BOOKS and to see all reviews for all my books click on the books cover:
My books have been ranked in the top 100 best sellers on Amazon U.S. in their categories (historical fiction, teen and young adult, and literary fiction). What an honor to be ranked #87 LITERARY FICTION BEST SELLER next to Paulo Coelho; incredible author of The Alchemist and The Pilgrimage.
Amazon Australia ranked my book NUMBER ONE in all it’s categories: Literary Fiction, Historical Fiction & Teen and Young Adult and is #3 best seller in the entire kindle bookstore.
And in Amazon U.K. it just made it to#1 Best Seller List in Teen & Young Adult Category and #3 in Historical Fiction Category and #24 best seller in the kindle books store.
NEW RELEASE AMAZON RANKING #3 FOR A DIFFERENT KIND OF ANGEL
Well written, Paulette Mahurin pens a terrific historical fiction about a Woman’s heroic journey to America. A Different Kind of Angel: A Novel, sure opened my eyes to a not so ancient past., and sometimes I can’t believe the world in which we live. 5 stars!
A Different Kind of Angel by Paulette Mahurin is the incredible story of Klara Gelfman, a Russian Jew fleeing to America after her family life is destroyed in 1881 by soldiers massacring Jews. Klara flees to America with her father for safety. Her father dies on the way over. Alone and speaking no English, she gets mugged and everything she had was stolen. From here, her story takes a drastic turn for the worse. Well written and well researched, at times this story is very hard to read. It speaks to the courage and spirit of an individual to survive horrific conditions.
I have always loved Mahurin’s books and this one did not disappoint. While based on a true story, it is heartbreakingly told. Klara confined to a mental institute on an island in New York simply for not speaking English. The story splits between Klara’s early life and into the future towards her final escape. I loved the way it was told and found it to be beautifully written. A chilling story of prejudice and the lengths some people will go to to get what they want. An amazing book and one I highly recommend!
Excellent book! It’s amazing the experiences written about.
I couldn’t imagine being sentenced to an insane asylum as they existed at the time. I’m glad that system was eliminated.
I saw this on one of my reading friends book lists and I thought I would give it a try, it was a good little novel about a life filled with personal trauma, and soul-crushing debasement and tortures, but Klara Gelfman survives she meets others who help her and as she says in the book; “Beneath the differences you meet another’s heart, that’s where the light of love never dims the light where the power of healing and forgiveness lives. They were all unique. All different kinds of angels.” This is a good book club recommendation or a good book for anyone wanting to know about what strength it takes to survive during bad times.
I bought this book a few weeks ago. I picked it up yesterday to read on work break and I couldn’t put it down. I read the book last night. It is a hard story to get through but so real. The Germans did terrible things and the fact that it happened within the last 100 years, is frightening. There are many books written about the Holocaust—but this is one of the best ones I have ever read. Most touch on the horror but Helen’s story delves deep into the evil that people do out of hatred and fear. It was hard reading the rape scenes—but things like that happened all too frequently.
It’s a compelling book and I finished it in two days. Some of the non-historic scenes are usually not included in books on this subject. Each person has to decide if they should be there. I didn’t need them. Otherwise, the characters are very real and the story flows beautifully. I’m so glad I read it.
I’ve read a lot of concentration camp survival books and this is a very good one. A tale of endurance, love and the complete will to survive. I can thoroughly recommend this book to anyone who’s interested in that blackest of historic period, the Holocaust.
Although its a fiction book based on fact
I couldnt stop reading this sad and endearing book..What 1 piece of material can hold such memories and the horror they lived through.
And to come out of the horror and to be able to live freely again. Its must read.
A story about finding joy amongst the ashes of one’s life, this tale asks the reader to envision what they would do if they had just a few weeks left. Poignant and heartfelt, this book leaves the reader with all the right questions and a new perspective about love, loss and hope.
Sara and Ben’s story is a dramatic love story!!
The dynamic, power and dramatic impact in Mahurins tale, is based on the fact that both of them have no time left to lose!!
They are caught within a very narrow and limited time frame..Ben is a young lawyer having only months lo live due to a terminal cancer raging havoc in his body, and Sara is a survivor from breast cancer still struggling with it..”Being deeply loved by someone gives you strength, while loving someone deeply gives you courage”
Lao_TzuPaulette Mahurin has delivered a powerful story and captured the eternal spirit of an all-surpassing love!!
Even death is no match, and must surrender like an helpless hostage to the the eternal and regenerating power of love..At the end of the day I can say that reading Sara and Bens story has uplifted and inspired me!!!Although you will be confronted with sufferings and pain, let me say it clearly that this is not the main message carried out in this bitter- sweet love story!!Mahurins novel, gives and delivers powerful to the reader the preciousness of life itself..
And in spite of sufferings, pain and even death, the prevailing force behind the universum is love inhibited in eternal souls..
DOGS RESCUED FROM KILL SHELTERS
Biscuit’s been rescued
Biscuit’s freedom photo
Rosie has been rescued
Rosie rescued with bonded sibling Lily
Wilbur has been rescued
Wilbur’s freedom photo
Hoggy’s been rescued
Hoggy’s freedom photo
Jack’s has been rescued. This is is kennel photo.
Jack’s kennel information
Jack’s freedom photo
Rickenbacker has been rescued
Rickenbacker’s shelter info
Rickenbacker’s freedom photo
Takoda (named by rescue) has been rescued
Takoda’s freedom ride
Takoda’s freedom photo
Lucy, pregnant, has been rescued
Lucy’s freedom photo
Lucy comfy and waiting to give birth
Gretchen has been rescued
Gretchen’s freedom photo
Boomer’s been rescued
Boomer’s freedom photo
Snow has been rescued
Snow’s freedom photo
Tawny has been rescued
Tawny’s freedom
Logan has been rescued
Logan’s freedom photo
Cookie has been rescued with bonded sibling Honey
Cookie’s freedom photo
Honey has been rescued with bonded sibling Cookie
Honey’s freedom photo
Jody has been rescued
Jody’s freedom photo with new sibling
Stella has been rescued
Stella’s freedom photo
Gunther has been rescued
Gunther’s freedom photo
Lola has been rescued
Lola’s freedom photo
Jasper has been rescued
Jasper’s freedom photo
Clancy has been rescued
Clancy’s freedom photo
Lindsey has been rescued
Lindsey’s freedom photo
Brownie has been rescued
Brownie’s freedom photo
Gabby’s been rescued
Gabby’s freedom photo
Jocelyn has been rescued
Jocelyn’s freedom photo
Harry has been rescued
Harry’s freedom photo
Eddie has been rescued
Eddie’s freedom photo
Skippy has been rescued
Skippy’s freedom photo
Sandy has been rescued
Sandy’s freedom photo
Sinclair has been rescued
Sinclair’s freedom photo
Teddy Bear has been rescued
Teddy Bear’s freedom photo
Phoebe (named by rescue) has been rescued
Phoebe’s freedom photo.
Mickey has been rescued
Mickey’s freedom ride
Mickey’s freedom photo.
Titus has been rescued
Titus’ freedom photo
Lonnie’s been rescued
Lonnie’s freedom photo
Sofie has been rescued
Sofie’s freedom photo
Stoic has been rescued
Stoic’s freedom photo
Bryce’s been rescued
Bryce’s freedom photo
Charlie has been rescued
Charlie’s freedom photo
Gidget (named by rescue) has been rescued
Gidget’s freedom photo
Kensey has been rescued
Kensey’s freedom photo
Henry has been rescued
Henry’s freedom photo
Sadie has been rescued
Sadie’s shelter information
Sadie’s freedom video. Apologies as I’m unable to download the vid. Right after this shot, she was giving a nice big hamburger patty. She’s on her way to the vet.
I’m deeply grateful to everyone who has purchased, read, and taken the time to review one of my books. Profits from my books go to help get dogs like Hanna, Rebel, Alice, Dylan, Lana, Stella, Daisy, 2 bonded puppies, Rogue & Joker, (see photos below) out of kill shelters. So far in 2021, 72 dogs have been rescued. In 2020, 157 dogs were rescued. In 2019, 409 dogs were rescued. In 2018, 670 dogs were rescued. In 2017, we helped free 904 dogs. In 2016, 250 dogs were freed. In 2015, 149 dogs were freed.
And please for everyone who’s purchased a book could I humbly ask you to write a review when you’ve completed the read. Amazon promotes and ranks books according to number of reviews in addition to sales. Every voice helps spread the word and that is an energy that can help a dog.
LINK TO PURCHASE ALL MY BOOKS and to see all reviews for all my books click on the books cover:
Hanna has been rescued Hanna’s freedom photoRebel has been rescuedRebel’s freedom photoAlice has been rescuedAlice’s shelter info
Alice’s freedom photo
Dylan has been rescued
Dylan’s freedom photoLana has been rescued Lana’s freedom photoStella (named by rescue) has been rescuedStella’s freedom photo
Daisy (named by rescue) has been rescued
Daisy’s freedom photo
2 bonded puppies rescued together2 bonded puppies freedom photoRogue has been rescuedRogue’s freedom photoJoker has been rescued Joker’s freedom photo
RECENT REVIEWS FOR OVER THE HEDGE
AMAZON U.S.
Lauren5.0 out of 5 stars ***** Reviewed in the United States on December 21, 2021 A gripping story that is based on historical events. We follow three people doing everything they can to save Jewish children during WWII and the obstacles they faced while doing this. I would recommend even if you have read many books on the subject that this one is thought provoking and well written.
AMAZON AUSTRALIA
Carmel McMurdo Audsley4.0 out of 5 stars ****Prepare to be horrified and uplifted Reviewed in Australia on 28 December 2021Verified Purchase Some people are uncomfortable reading about the dark truth of the atrocities that were perpetrated under Nazi occupation of The Netherlands in 1940, or any part of the inhumane treatment of people during WWII. We need constant reminders of the suffering of so many, but also of the heroes who stepped up when they were needed and found a way to help. This is the story of three brave people who saved Jewish children from inevitable death in concentration camps. It doesn’t really fit into the novel category, but rather is a well-researched re-telling of events featuring real people and places. Prepare to be horrified and uplifted as the stories unfold.
GOODREADS
Over the Hedge by Paulette Mahurin (Goodreads Author) Emmeline Everdeen ‘s review Nov 20, 2021 it was amazing ***** With tears still in my eyes, I write this review. The book was an eye opening experience for me. While many learn about the Holocaust, the actual experiences of those in occupied countries are rarely discussed. This book gave me the feeling of being a fly on the wall watching the horrific events unfold. The harshness and hate of the Nazis, the kindness and bravery of the Resistance. The fear, the confusion, the dread. You feel it all as you read. This book should be required reading. Thank God there were Brave souls willing to risk it all just to give one more child a chance at life.
This is a poignant and powerful tale of compassion and humanity in defiance of evil. Set in The Netherlands during WWII, this book reflects the different ways in which Dutch people responded to Nazi presence and control in their country. The story held significant personal appeal for me as my own grandfather was part of the Dutch Resistance, and as I read, I found that the characters resonated strongly with the memories he shared with me. This is evidence of the quality of Mahurin’s research and the depth of her empathy when telling other people’s stories. The book is very well written and profoundly moving. The cast of characters is colourful and realistic, exhibiting the best and the worst of human nature and behaviour.
What a magnificent story in Over the Hedge by Paulette Mahurin. I am a big fan of this author! Whatever this author writes, I read. This title was more than a plot and characters, it was a life, and dedication to those who fought to save lives. Over the Hedge is one book that I believe everyone should read. The story is based on actual events. It’s based on how Nazi’s were so brutal and practically sociopaths, with no allegiance to thing, including morals and pride, just destruction. Destruction of humanity. When the Jews were killed in those “camps,” a few heroes made it their mission to save the Jewish children. I read it from cover to cover, and it’s hard to believe that anyone can be so evil, but yet there are those that just want to do what they can to help others, and they did. Act of bravery and courage, show that evil can be defeated. I love it when a Legacy author sends me more of their work! This story captures the reader’s attention at chapter 1. The author’s technique of raw, magnetic characters and great plotlines is a gift. It’s a great story to follow and try to figure out what will happen next. Masterfully written! Over the Hedge is a definite recommendation by Amy’s Bookshelf Reviews. I look forward to reading many more titles by this author. Everyone needs to read this story!!!
Always so kind of the talented Sally Cronin to highlight my book at her site. If you haven’t visited her yet, stop by. She is a lovely, welcoming blogger friend.
Welcome to the Wednesday edition of the Cafe update with reviews for authors on the shelves.
The first author today with a review is C.S. Boyack for his fantasy The Yak Guy
About the book
Imagine waking up in the desert with no idea what happened to you. You have clear memories of situations and places, but a complete loss in personal matters… like your own name. This situation is bad, and you have no idea how to get home.
When you’re rescued by a talking yak, the situation gets exponentially worse. You’ve obviously lost your mind. The immediate needs of a ride off the salt pan and searing heat, along with a drink of water, outweigh the concerns about your mental state.
This is exactly what happened to the Yak Guy. In fact he’s been placed in an alternate world and given a chance to start over in life.
I’m deeply grateful to everyone who has purchased, read, and taken the time to review one of my books. Profits from my books go to help get dogs like Nemo, senior Kona, Daisy, Martiro, senior Ophelia, Jackson & Helena (see photos below) out of kill shelters. So far in 2021, 61 dogs have been rescued. In 2020, 157 dogs were rescued. In 2019, 409 dogs were rescued. In 2018, 670 dogs were rescued. In 2017, we helped free 904 dogs. In 2016, 250 dogs were freed. In 2015, 149 dogs were freed.
And please for everyone who’s purchased a book could I humbly ask you to write a review when you’ve completed the read. Amazon promotes and ranks books according to number of reviews in addition to sales. Every voice helps spread the word and that is an energy that can help a dog.
LINK TO PURCHASE ALL MY BOOKS and to see all reviews for all my books click on the books cover:
My books have been ranked in the best seller lists on Amazon U.S., U.K., & Australia in their categories (historical fiction, teen and young adult, and literary fiction). What an honor to be ranked #87 MOST POPULAR BOOK IN LITERARY FICTION next to Paulo Coelho; incredible author of The Alchemist and The Pilgrimage.
AMAZON MOST POPULAR BOOKS IN HISTORICAL FICTION: THE SEVEN YEAR DRESS & TO LIVE OUT LOUD
AMAZON U.S. U.K. & AUSTRALIA RANKING FOR THE SEVEN YEAR DRESS
AMAZON RANKING #3 FOR A DIFFERENT KIND OF ANGEL
AMAZON RANKING #38 FOR THE DAY I SAW THE HUMMINGBIRD
Over the Hedge is a book that explores the horror of WWII and how the Nazi occupation impacted on the population of Amsterdam in the Netherlands. It explores the psychology of various people and demonstrates how fear can tear societies apart and cause women fearing for the lives of their own children to perform the heinous act of handing Jewish relatives, including small babies, over to the Nazis, knowing they were destined for deportation to camps. I think this aspect of this book is closest to my heart as I consider the internal conflict of such women and wonder what I would do in a similar situation. I hope I would behave better than they did, but it eats at my mind.
The story centres around the true facts of a trio of members of the Dutch resistance who worked with other brave men and women to save 600 small children from the concentration camps. These three people from vastly different backgrounds were Walter Süskind, a German Jew living in the Netherlands, Henriëtte Pimentel, a Sephardic Jew, and Johan van Hulst, the principal of a Christian college.
Walter works for the Hollandsche Schouwburg deportation centre for Dutch Jews which is situated across the street from the daycare operated by Henriëtte. The Christian college is located next door to the day care. The Jewish families arriving at the deportation centre are separated from their children who are sent across the street to the day care for the night. Walter finds a way of altering the arrivals records of selected small children who are then smuggled ‘over the hedge’ to the college where they are taken, at great personal risk, by various students and other resistance members to Dutch families willing to care for these children. The author provides some details on a few of the children and the sad state they arrive in which makes the drama and emotion of the story much more intense.
One such child was Aviva, a two-and-a-half-year-old girl who is deaf and mute. This is a short extract: “”Aviva …,” Johan let out a chuckle, “laughed.” “Laughed? But she’s mute-“ “Yes. She’s quite expressive with bodily motions. Silent laughter, a new one on me. Kaat too.” “Well, that’s good, she’s adjusting, but … it seems unusual she didn’t act fearful.” “The affectionate dedication of a good mother can do wonders,” said Johan. “The mother must have been an extraordinarily loving women.”
Walter is a scared, worn-out shell of a man, whose own wife and daughter are in hiding in a Dutch resistance member household. He has to deal with the Nazis who are fearful of their own positions and lives and take their anger out on the Jews in the deportation centre, and later anywhere they find hidden Jews. Despite his own personal fear, Walter manages to bring some comfort to the Jewish mothers and fathers in the centre and ask their permission to help their babies. Walter lives for the babies he is able to help save. The strain on him in his untenable position as part of the conduit between life and death for the deportees wears him down over the course of the book, but Walter shows extraordinary determination and tenacity in helping save the children.
Henriëtte is also an extraordinary woman, who does a lot to uplift the spirits of the Jewish workers at the daycare and also Walter. She is a woman of excellent insight and is able to judge character when Walter’s abilities falter. Her kind and loving nature made her story all the more sad and poignant.
Johan was a brave man, who put himself at risk to help save others. I think this is the height of bravery; to act when you are afraid and do what you believe to be right. Without all three of these dedicated and selfless people, the 600 children who were passed ‘over the fence’ would have died.
Aside from Johan, there were many other Dutch people who contributed to the rescue operation and their actions gave me some comfort that even in the most terrible situations, the good in many people still comes to the fore and all is not lost because of it.
This is a very compelling story and is one that everyone should read to ensure that mankind remembers and takes steps to ensure this history is never repeated. Congratulations to the author on an excellent and well researched book.
I applaud sincerely the intent of bringing this kind of stories into public awareness, especially during these trying times when we are still going through a pandemic, when there are a lot of social causes we might need to do something to help others. Works like this one are a good source of inspiration on how when there is a will, there might be a way, and we can be resourceful in times of need.
Over the Hedge is the story of members of the Dutch Resistance who helped saving hundreds of Jewish children from a terrible fate. I truly enjoyed reading from their perspective, from the point of view of real characters who were helpful and in times of sacrifice, they made their contribution.
I loved how the author presented a perspective for each of the characters who at the end of the day were humans, who were facing the new reality they were dealt with, and how their personality is shown and the portrayal of each of them was nuanced, showing their humanity and the normal type of questioning, doubts they might have faced. I commend this book for telling the story of two Jews literally working for the Nazis, which could have been a sign of treachery during their time but it was powerful to see their own reckoning about having to endure so much pain and evil in order to help as much as they can. Also the story of Johan, a non-Jew coordinating the safe transport of little Jewish children smuggled to be saved from the Nazi is truly commendable. A Righteous Among The Nations, someone who risked his life saving others. Mr. van Hulst is a true inspiration for how one person can make a difference, even in the darkest of times.
Something I enjoyed too was the portrayal of some of the German military members who interacted with our main characters. I liked how Mahurin explored their backgrounds and it is interesting to think the motivations that caused a lot of people to support Hitler’s genocidal quest. The way the author present that information is in no way to justify their actions or look for sympathy; I can see the usefulness behind, to understand how economic downturn and geopolitical mishaps can be used for some people for their own agenda’s gain – and how, unfortunately, history can repeat itself if we as a society are not careful.
As a post-note, the author adds this quote by Simon Wiesenthal: “For evil to flourish, it only requires good men to do nothing.” And I insist, stories like this can be inspirational to assess our own reality and see what can we do to help others, not to fall into inaction. Totally recommend reading this inspiring story of courage under evil, of kindness under loss.
DGKaye5.0 out of 5 stars *****Gripping Heartbreak Reviewed in the United States on October 9, 2021 This is a story that will keep you gripped throughout the plight of three people who joined the Dutch Resistance and in 1943 began a rescue mission in Amsterdam to save however many Jewish children as they could from being sent to their deaths.
Walter, Henrietta and Johan’s mission at the deportation center was to move the young children who were deported from their homes to the daycare center next door, a ploy to keep the children calm while the adults were being accounted for, beaten and awaiting the trucks to take them to the trains that would ultimately land them at Auschwitz. What the SS and fellow nazis didn’t know was that the children were methodically moved from the daycare and passed ‘over the hedge’ to a college campus next door. From there, Henrietta would take care of the children and prepare them for transport by other resistance members to be taken to new homes by good Dutch people who adopted them. Humanity at its best during a dark time of history.
Walter worked in the deportation room where the rounded up Jews were first sent to ‘register’ for their ‘next journey’. Walter worked hard and secretly to remove the children’s names off the rosters, always fearing being found out. He would try and save as many children as he could by first approaching the parent(s) and offering them to save their children. Devastated parents with fear, starvation and broken hearts were elated to give Walter their children for a chance for them to live and survive, as they knew what was waiting for them ahead.
The three worked diligently, secretly and methodically to do their part in saving Jewish lives. Intrinsically timed plans were carried out to bypass guards to smuggle the children over to the daycare, and once cleaned and fed, transported by inconspicuous vans and bicycles by other helpers, often placing the children in a suitcase or the like, with a small dose of drug to make them sleep so they wouldn’t get scared and cry. The fact that these three earth angels worked tirelessly right under the noses of the German SS patrol killers and got away with saving the lives of those meant to be killed, is astounding in itself.
Sadly, this story was written on true events. Walter and his friends managed to save the lives of over 600 Dutch Jewish children at a time when helping Jews was a crime punishable by death by the nazis. And if you are wondering what happened to these three heroes after their selfless, heroic efforts, you’re going to have to read the book.
Kimbok5.0 out of 5 stars *****Get this in our schools Reviewed in the United States on November 8, 2021 The most deplorable story of all time comes to life in the pages of this book. Three selfless heroes work tirelessly to find a way to rescue over 600 Jewish children “over the hedge”. Based on a true story, this book needs to find its way into our schools. A fantastic account of how one person (or three in this instance) can make a difference in the lives of so many. Highly recommend.
AMAZON U.K.
Trypsin5.0 out of 5 stars *****Historical fiction at its best Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 28 September 2021Verified Purchase Another remarkable heartfelt story based on true events from this author. This one is centred in Holland during WW2 and focussed on Dutch resistance helping persecuted children escape from the clutches of terror. The ingenuity and the courage of the Dutch resistance in cleverly spiriting the children away from brutality is astonishing, and how they managed it is well illuminated in this story. The background is well researched, authentic, and puts the reader into the tension and danger experienced by the heroes who take incredible risks. It isn’t an easy read as some scenes are disturbing and harrowing even in these modern times. Historical thought-provoking fiction at its best.
This is a beautifully written story based on real people during the second world war.
Paulette Mahurin writes their story with great sensitivity.
I found myself dreading what would happen to the main characters and the children but unable to stop reading.
Thought provoking and sadly so real it makes the reader wonder about man’s inhumanity, while at the same time showing that good can come out of evil.
Amazon Customer5.0 out of 5 stars *****Excellent read Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 7 November 2021 A great read for anyone interested in this topic. The content was hard in part but the accuracy of the topic was in my view extremely well written
VEH Masters5.0 out of 5 stars A desperate story of brave people Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 16 November 2021Verified Purchase This novel tells the little known story of how Jewish children in the Netherlands were snatched from under the noses of the Nazis and spirited away – by other Jews as well as the Dutch resistance. Well researched it shows how and why neighbour turns on neighbour as the pressure grows from Hitler for his henchmen to meet their quotas. I would have liked some insight into the Dutch families who gave the children permanent homes – and how they dealt with their neighbours. Nevertheless this is an absorbing and heart stopping read which makes no bones about the fear, terror, brutality and hunger of the times.
GOODREADS
Sep 24, 2021Kathleen Johnson rated it it was amazing *****Shelves: goodreads-giveaways First, I’d like to thank Goodreads and the author, Paulette Mahurin, for the free Kindle copy of this book. It was a wonderful book! I am so happy that I read this book. In the current tumultuous times we live in, it gave me HOPE! Albeit, the hellacious crimes against humanity and the hatred of certain races and religions happened nearly 80 years ago, today it is very important and relevant for us to learn from them. I was moved by those who worked so hard to save the next generation instead of themselves. God has truly blessed them. Of that I am certain. This book is the first that I’ve heard of the ‘over the hedge’ rescue. I have to wonder if any of the children were made aware of their stories and came forward to talk about their lives? Thank you fir the opportunity to read this book!
Diana B, Reviewer Last updated on 28 Sep 2021 My Recommendation I read as many stories about the horrendous time in Germany and how badly the Jews, among others were treated. They are all heartbreaking, this is one of the better ones. Maybe if more people were to read the history of the holocaust there would be less wars today. Maybe that is wishful thinking.
Sep 28, 2021Dave rated it really liked it ****Shelves: netgalley-books, read-have, x-netgalley-2021-read The Holocaust was one of the darkest times in all of human history when a small minority dispersed throughout a continent suddenly had no protections and were rounded up and slaughtered. Out of fear, cowardice, and cruelty, few even long-time neighbors or in-laws lifted a finger to help the Jews when the Nazis invaded the Netherlands. Yet, if you ever have a chance to visit Yad Vashem, the Holocaust memorial in Israel, you will find that among all the darkness, there were some pinpoints of light, rays of hope for the future, commemorated in the Righteous Among the Nations, those who risked all, like Oskar Schindler, to do what is right. It is just these pinpoints of light in a world gone mad that offers some hope for our future. Indeed, Johan van Hulst is listed in the database of the Righteous Among the Nations.
In this fictionalized account of a true story, we learn about a few pinpoints of light in Amsterdam where a few people risked their lives on a daily basis to rescue Jewish children from being sent to the death camps. The main three people involved in the rescue were Walter Süskind, a German Jew living in the Netherlands, Henriëtte Pimentel, a Sephardic Jew, and Johan van Hulst, the principal of a Christian college, but there were others involved, both Jews and non-Jews. It is called “Over the Hedge” because the children were passed over the back hedge separating the day care center where the children were taken from the Christian College. Records were altered and the children, who no longer officially existed, were carried away often, drugged to keep them quiet and still, in small baskets on bicycles. They were then placed in the countryside with Dutch families, often never reuniting with their families, who were taken away in the cattle cars to the death camps. Many of the Christian students at the school knew what was going on and never said a word.
What works so well in this book is that the fictionalized account offers us a day by day view of the terror that these people felt and how even families were torn apart by the fear with brothers turning brothers out into the streets with no protection. It illustrates how thin the veneer of civilization is and how easily it can be ripped apart by terror.
Over the Hedge by Paulette Mahurin (Goodreads Author) Pauline‘s review Nov 04, 2021 it was amazing ***** This book read a bit like a text book but was too emotive for a text book. Outlining the bravery of Johan, Walter, Henriette, Frederik and more during the time of Nazi occupation in the Netherlands was an unforgettable story. The horrors they faced, always a potential moment from being caught, whilst trying to understand their surrounding “normality” was an emotive read. After reading this book I searched up the main characters to find out what happened to them- did they make it through the war? Stories like these should never be forgotten but serve as a reminder as to how easily people can excuse their behaviour when all rational thought seems to have left. And also a reminder that doing nothing can be just as evil.
Over the Hedge by Paulette Mahurin (Goodreads Author) Jeanette Stefanik‘s review Nov 10, 2021 it was amazing***** Read 2 times. Last read November 8, 2021. Excellent story about a dark time. Very depressing, but then it should be, shouldn’t it. Strong character development that draws you deep into the hearts of the good guys and allows you to dislike the bad guys. Author gives fair warning that this is just historical fiction. The barest facts are true but the parts that suck you into the story are fiction. May we never forget.
Nov 15, 2021Laura Lipton rated it really liked it**** I have read a good deal of both fiction and non fiction about the Holocaust, but this book helped to fill in the gaps in understanding what happened in Holland during this period of history. In the end, there are more questions than answers about why the Germans were so murderous towards the children and how many sacrificed themselves to save others. A good read from VRO; thanks to the author for this opportunity.
NETGALLEY
Louise G, Reviewer ****
Well written and powerful, this book brings to life the characters and experiences of people finding themselves challenged to weigh up personal safety against what they believe to be right. The author strikes a great balance in their prose, avoiding overly dramatic language to instead quietly and respectfully represent a harsh reality of our times.
DOGS RESCUED FROM KILL SHELTERS
Nemo has been rescuedNemo’s freedom photo
Senior Kona has been rescued
Senior Kona’s freedom photo
Daisy has been rescued
Daisy’s freedom photoMartiro has been rescuedMartiro’s freedom photo
senior Ophelia has been rescued
Ophelia’s freedom photo at the vet where she’s being taken care of
During one of the darkest times in history, at the height of the German occupation of the Netherlands in 1943, members of the Dutch resistance began a mission to rescue Jewish children from the deportation center in Amsterdam. Heading the mission were Walter Süskind, a German Jew living in the Netherlands, Henriëtte Pimentel, a Sephardic Jew, and Johan van Hulst, principal of a Christian college. As Nazis rounded up Jewish families at gunpoint, the three discreetly moved children from the deportation center to the daycare across the street and over the backyard hedge to the college next door. From the college, the children were transported to live with Dutch families. Working against irate orders from Hitler to rid the Netherlands of all Jews and increasing Nazi hostilities on the Resistance, the trio worked tirelessly to overcome barriers. Ingenious plans were implemented to remove children’s names from the…
I’m deeply grateful to everyone who has purchased, read, and taken the time to review one of my books. Profits from my books go to help get dogs like Calvin, Bella, and bonded siblings Lobo & Anthrax (see photos below) out of kill shelters. So far in 2021, 54 dogs have been rescued. In 2020, 157 dogs were rescued. In 2019, 409 dogs were rescued. In 2018, 670 dogs were rescued. In 2017 we helped free 904 dogs. In 2016, 250 dogs were freed. In 2015, 149 dogs were freed.
And please for everyone who’s purchased a book could I humbly ask you to write a review when you’ve completed the read. Amazon promotes and ranks books according to number of reviews in addition to sales. Every voice helps spread the word and that is an energy that can help a dog.
LINK TO PURCHASE ALL MY BOOKS and to see all reviews for all my books click on the books cover:
My books have been ranked in the best seller lists on Amazon U.S., U.K., & Australia in their categories (historical fiction, teen and young adult, and literary fiction). What an honor to be ranked #87 MOST POPULAR BOOK IN LITERARY FICTION next to Paulo Coelho; incredible author of The Alchemist and The Pilgrimage.
AMAZON MOST POPULAR BOOKS IN HISTORICAL FICTION: THE SEVEN YEAR DRESS & TO LIVE OUT LOUD
AMAZON U.S. U.K. & AUSTRALIA RANKING FOR THE SEVEN YEAR DRESS
AMAZON RANKING #3 FOR A DIFFERENT KIND OF ANGEL
AMAZON RANKING #38 FOR THE DAY I SAW THE HUMMINGBIRD
AMAZON RANKING #86 FOR THE OLD GILT CLOCK
AMAZON RANKING #11 FOR WHERE IRISES NEVER GROW
AMAZON RANKING FOR OVER THE HEDGE
AMAZON U.K. #1 HOT NEW RELEASE
Amazon U.K. #1 HOT NEW RELEASEAMAZON U.K.
AMAZON U.S. #1 HOT NEW RELEASE
AMAZON U.S.
RECENT REVIEWS FOR OVER THE HEDGE
AMAZON U.S.
LoveLit5.0 out of 5 stars *****A ray of hope inside a dark, human tragedy Reviewed in the United States on August 31, 2021Verified Purchase Over the hedge is a heartfelt account of the members of the Dutch Resistance saved nearly a thousand Jewish children during the German Occupation. Mahurin’s brilliant storytelling and characterization brings to life Walter Suskind, Johan van Hulst, and Henriette Pimentel as they risk their own lives to smuggle Jewish children to safety even as their parents are shipped off to Auschwitz. It is not always easy to read a historical about these times; but it is necessary if we are to remember what happened and learn not only of mistakes made, but also of heroes who helped overcome the evils of war. Paulette Mahurin has a wonderful way of humanizing these historical figures and putting us in the story. This is one of her best.
Michael4.0 out of 5 stars ****An emotional read! Reviewed in the United States on September 2, 2021 It took me a little while to get into this book because early on it felt more like I was reading a text book rather than a historical fiction that was based on true events. But as I got to know the characters and feel their passion and determination to save the Jewish children, I couldn’t help but love the story. Walter, Henriette, Johan and so many others may not have fought on the front lines, but they fought a battle of their own while risking their lives to save others. I hope through Paulette Mahurin’s book that their heroic actions are never forgotten.
Definitely recommending this book!
*I received an ARC of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.*
reader20105.0 out of 5 stars *****Based in fact.Reviewed in the United States on September 2, 2021Verified Purchase That is the most important thing to know. In the times we are living in when hate is again rising, we need to remember that some people did all the good they knew how under threat of death. This is a story of the triumph of good over evil. It’s good to be reminded of this. Great book on a terrible time in history.
Jean M. Roberts5.0 out of 5 stars *****Powerful but Painful Story Reviewed in the United States on September 3, 2021 Reviewer’s Note: I was given a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. The Plot in Brief: This is the fictionalized story of the rescue of Jewish children from Amsterdam, saving them from deportation to the camps and almost certain death. The Characters: The three main characters in this novel are based on real people; Walter Suskind, a German Jew, Johan van Hulst, a Christian and Henriette Pimentel, a Sephardic Jew. Mahurin does a good job of fleshing out their personalities, motivations and conflicts. Suskind works in a Nazi processing center, sending his fellow Jews to their deaths. Johan, principal of a teachers college, risks his life to save the children of a different faith and Henriette, who runs a day care must choose which children will live. The History: This is a very moving story, hard to read and easy to stand in awe of the brave acts that could and did result in the deaths of some of the characters. I thought the author did a super job building the story and setting the scene for what was an amazing scheme to sneak children to safety right under the noses of the Nazis. The Writing: The book is well edited with a good flow, but I found the writing a bit lacking in descriptive details. This is a terrible story, all holocaust stories are, and they deserve to be told with respect and dignity, and let’s face it, they are painful to read. But, as a reader, I need to feel connected to the author’s story not just the characters. To me, this book came off a bit cold and dry as if the author was just telling the story without any attempt to build tension, suspense or drama. Other, readers may well appreciate the spare telling of this powerful story. Overall: I thought this was an important story, well told. I appreciated the history and felt I learned more about the Nazi occupation of Holland and the treatment of the Jews of Amsterdam. Books like these are not fun to read, they are painful, but necessary, reminders that humans are capable of the basest of cruelties, even towards innocent children.
Linda Jamsen5.0 out of 5 stars *****The enduring human spirit shines through Reviewed in the United States on September 3, 2021Verified Purchase This is a heartwrenching, riveting story of three courageous members of the Resistance who risked their lives to save Jewish children during the Nazi Occupation of Holland. Although I am familiar with similar stories of Dutch citizens, most notably that of Miep Gies, who helped the Frank family in hiding, I wasn’t aware of the efforts of this heroic trio. (One of them later served as Senator from the Netherlands and was also a European Parliament member.) Without hesitation and under extreme duress, they secretly moved children at risk of deportation to Nazi concentration camps, first to a daycare center, then across a hedge to the neighboring college. From there, they were taken in by Dutch families, although tragically, never saw their parents again.
This is a difficult read due to the extreme and senseless violence and abuse inflicted on innocent Jews. It’s also painful to read how the Occupation turned family members and friends against one another in order to make 7,5 guilders, or the price on a Jewish head. The author does a good job of keeping each of the story threads open and intriguing. It’s a suspenseful read which you’ll want to continue to the end because you hope against all hope that all three—and the 600-plus children they saved—will survive. I won’t give away the ending but will admit I needed a tissue or two.
Kudos to the author for this engaging book on a tough subject. Her research was very thorough, and I wouldn’t be surprised to learn that she has a personal connection to someone in the story, perhaps one of the children who survived.
Crystal Clifton5.0 out of 5 stars *****Such an amazing book Reviewed in the United States on September 9, 2021 Over the Hedge is set in WW2 during the Nazi occupation of the Netherlands. Its about a group of people Walter, Johan, Henriette and many others who rescue Jewish children that are destined for concentration camps. Its heart wrenching and can tear you up as you root for the heroes who save these children who are torn from their parents. They are risking their own lives helping these children. It reads like a movie and in fact would make an amazing one. Paulette gave me an arc of this book in return for an honest review. I truly would recommend this to everyone who loves historical books.
Freeza3795.0 out of 5 stars*****Another moving story from a talented writer Reviewed in the United States on September 24, 2021Verified Purchase Over the hedge is the incredible story of three brave citizens; Walter, Henriette & Johan, who saved Jewish children during a dark period of history. They weren’t soldiers or diplomats, just regular people who knew right from wrong and were unwilling to put their own safety ahead of their morals. Their plan was clever and made use of the tools that they had access to as members of their community. A college campus, a daycare. Over the hedge is a brilliant piece of writing and a very human gaze at the horrors of the that time. It’s a must read for any interested in history and the human condition.*
AMAZON U.K.
Fifty Sheds of Books VINE VOICE 5.0 out of 5 stars *****Over the Hedge Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 5 September 2021Verified Purchase Paulette Mahurin is my favourite historical novelist. She has a good eye for history and for what makes a gripping story.
Over the Hedge is set in 1943 during the Nazi occupation of the Netherlands. The story features the Dutch resistance and their heroic efforts to save Jewish children.
When the going gets tough, as we can witness in our own time, some people collaborate with the forces of evil, most shrug or turn a blind eye, which is as good as collaborating, while a brave, remarkable few offer resistance. The story of resistance needs to be told and needs to echo down the centuries. In Paulette Mahurin we have an excellent chronicler of these heroic, heartbreaking events.
Remarkably, we live in an age when some people deny the Holocaust actually took place, despite the mountain of historical evidence. For the memory of those who suffered and to challenge the evil that exists today we need novelists like Paulette Mahurin to keep the flame of truth alive.
Of course, this story could have been told as fact, but in the hands of a skilful novelist a gripping story can become even more memorable and moving, and that is certainly true of Over the Hedge.
S Saywack5.0 out of 5 *****stars a hard hitting miving novel Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 21 September 2021 A hard hitting and moving novel, denoting the work of many individuals who sought to save as many children as they could from Nazi tyranny in the Netherlands. It is frightfully sad in places, especially to know that the novel is fiction based on fact. Thete are many books about the genocide and this one sits well in the canon of thise works. It is well worth a read, but it is a diffucult read at times.
AMAZON CANADA
Joy Lynn Goddard5.0 out of 5 stars *****A little gem Reviewed in Canada on September 12, 2021Verified Purchase In Over the Hedge, Paulette Mahurin takes us to Amsterdam during the Nazi occupation in 1943, where she shines a light on the heroic efforts of ordinary people who save Jewish children from the death camps. Walter, who is running a deportation centre, falsifies records and gives the children to Henriette, the Jewish woman across the street from him at the daycare. Then she hands the children over the backyard hedge to Johan, the principal of the Teacher’s College, next door. Hiding in boxes, baskets, and bins, the children make their way towards the open arms of foster families who keep them safe from Nazi terror. To say scenes in this book moved me—a baby ripped from her parent’s arms, a father shot in the head, people everywhere cowering from the Nazis’ contempt, and so much more—is a gross understatement. The author does an excellent job of portraying the indomitable spirit of these ordinary people who risked their lives to do what was right. Hundreds benefitted from their efforts. And when depicting the Nazis, Mahurin did just as good a job of showing the underbelly of humanity. The author gets inside the heads of the three protagonists very well; I felt their fear, turmoil, and heartbreak. My father was a soldier in the Canadian Army in World War 2, but he wouldn’t talk about it much. It was too painful. Most of my knowledge about World War 2 comes from reading the dusty curriculum in school. Over the Hedge offers so much more. It wasn’t hard to rate this little gem five stars.
NETGALLEY
Stephanie F, Reviewer ****
Excellent book about the brave people who risked their lives to save Jewish children during WW2. The title was very appropriately chosen; many of these little ones were rescued by being smuggled through secret passageways hidden in tall, overgrown shrubbery. The children were then concealed in packing boxes or laundry bags and taken away to foster families. Truly amazing that so many men and women were able to successfully outwit the evils of Hitler’s “Final Solution”, at least in part, by putting their own lives in great jeopardy. **Thank you, Netgalley, for a free copy in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are strictly my own.**
Naira A, Reviewer *****
This was an extremely powerful reach and absolutely gut wrenching. Our history is far too big for one piece of information to guide you for the rest of your life, so when you do get something even more valuable to learn, it really hits you with the sudden realisation that there is truly so much in our history you aren’t aware of. This was heart wrenching and it really hit me in ways I was unaware of at first. This was really interesting and I will 100% be checking out the authors other works and any future works from now on. 5 out of 5 stars!
Reviewer 874688*****
As it is widely known, WWII was a period of time where humanity went through darkness and evil, however, there was light to fend off the darkness at a certain extent, from the hands of those who refused to witness evil without doing something to help.
As I mentioned on another review, I applaud sincerely the intent of bringing this kind of stories into public awareness, especially during these trying times when we are still going through a pandemic, when there are a lot of social causes we might need to do something to help others. Works like this one are a good source of inspiration on how when there is a will, there might be a way, and we can be resourceful in times of need.
Over the Hedge is the story 0f members of the Dutch Resistance who helped saving hundreds of Jewish children from a terrible fate. I truly enjoyed reading from their perspective, from the point of view of real characters who were helpful and in times of sacrifice, they made their contribution.
I loved how the author presented a perspective for each of the characters who at the end of the day were humans, who were facing the new reality they were dealt with, and how their personality is shown and the portrayal of each of them was nuanced, showing their humanity and the normal type of questioning, doubts they might have faced. I commend this book for telling the story of two Jews literally working for the Nazis, which could have been a sign of treachery during their time but it was powerful to see their own reckoning about having to endure so much pain and evil in order to help as much as they can. Also the story of Johan, a non-Jew coordinating the safe transport of little Jewish children smuggled to be saved from the Nazi is truly commendable. A Righteous Among The Nations, someone who risked his life saving others. Mr. van Hulst is a true inspiration for how one person can make a difference, even in the darkest of times.
Something I enjoyed too was the portrayal of some of the German military members who interacted with our main characters. I liked how Mahurin explored their backgrounds and it is interesting to think the motivations that caused a lot of people to support Hitler's genocidal quest. The way the author present that information is in no way to justify their actions or look for sympathy; I can see the usefulness behind, to understand how economic downturn and geopolitical mishaps can be used for some people for their own agenda's gain - and how, unfortunately, history can repeat itself if we as a society are not careful.
As a postnote, the author adds this quote by Simon Wiesenthal: "For evil to flourish, it only requires good men to do nothing." And I insist, stories like this can be inspirational to assess our own reality and see what can we do to help others, not to fall into inaction. Totally recommend reading this inspiring story of courage under evil, of kindness under loss.
Cynthia N, Reviewer *****
During the massive extermination of Jews, this group, the resistance found a way to smuggle children to safety using a hedge. These men and women put their lives on the line were so selfless. What an emotional read and yes, this was a very dark time in history. This book was well written and detailed the horror, pain, and suffering men, women, and children were subject to as well as the hero’s that put all on the line to rescue as many children as possible from certain death.
DOGS RESCUED FROM KILL SHELTERS
Calvin’s been rescued Calvin’s freedom photo
Bella has been rescued
Bella’s freedom photo
bonded siblings Lobo & Anthrax have been rescuedbonded siblings Lobo & Anthrax info
I’m deeply grateful to everyone who has purchased, read, and taken the time to review one of my books. Profits from my books go to help get dogs like Prudence, senior Shadow, & Monty, (see photos below) out of kill shelters. So far in 2021, 50 dogs have been rescued. In 2020, 157 dogs were rescued. In 2019, 409 dogs were rescued. In 2018, 670 dogs were rescued. In 2017, we helped free 904 dogs. In 2016, 250 dogs were freed. In 2015, 149 dogs were freed.
And please for everyone who’s purchased a book could I humbly ask you to write a review when you’ve completed the read. Amazon promotes and ranks books according to number of reviews in addition to sales. Every voice helps spread the word and that is an energy that can help a dog.
LINK TO PURCHASE ALL MY BOOKS and to see all reviews for all my books click on the books cover:
My books have been ranked in the best seller lists on Amazon U.S., U.K., & Australia in their categories (historical fiction, teen and young adult, and literary fiction). What an honor to be ranked #87 MOST POPULAR BOOK IN LITERARY FICTION next to Paulo Coelho; incredible author of The Alchemist and The Pilgrimage.
AMAZON MOST POPULAR BOOKS IN HISTORICAL FICTION: THE SEVEN YEAR DRESS & TO LIVE OUT LOUD
AMAZON U.S. U.K. & AUSTRALIA RANKING FOR THE SEVEN YEAR DRESS
AMAZON RANKING #3 FOR A DIFFERENT KIND OF ANGEL
AMAZON RANKING #38 FOR THE DAY I SAW THE HUMMINGBIRD
AMAZON RANKING #86 FOR THE OLD GILT CLOCK
AMAZON RANKING #11 FOR WHERE IRISES NEVER GROW
AMAZON RANKING FOR OVER THE HEDGE
AMAZON U.K. #1 HOT NEW RELEASE
Amazon U.K. #1 HOT NEW RELEASEAMAZON U.K.
AMAZON U.S. #1 HOT NEW RELEASE
AMAZON U.S.
RECENT REVIEWS FOR OVER THE HEDGE
AMAZON U.S.
Amazon Customer5.0 out of 5 stars A must-read! *****Reviewed in the United States on August 12, 2021Verified Purchase Once again Paulette Mahurin created a true historical fiction masterpiece that will stay with you long after the last page is turned. As with most of her previous books, it’s based on a true story of real heroes who risked their lives to save the lives of Jewish children. I don’t want to retell any of the plot so you can enjoy the story for yourself, so I’ll just sum up my impressions here. This book hits hard. It not only offers a meticulously researched glimpse into the past and reveals the nature of evil such as national socialism and similar movements, but also presents acts of kindness and self-sacrifice that will leave you breathless. Books like this should be on every school’s mandatory reading list so that we never forget about heroes of the past and aspire to follow the examples of their brave actions whenever we encounter bigotry, racism, and xenophobia in present day. I truly can’t recommend this book highly enough to all fans of historical fiction. So incredibly emotional and so very relevant today, it’s a must read for everyone. Five huge stars!
Marina Osipova5.0 out of 5 stars *****A tribute to humanity in the most terrible of times Reviewed in the United States on August 13, 2021Verified Purchase A story of brave people and saved Jewish children, Over the Hedge is a real page-turner. Walter, Henriëtte, and Johan were the real people who risked their lives to save children, not their own. In the words of the author, “All for the greater good. Neither seemed fearful for self but only afraid for those in their charge. Neither ever said, “I can’t.” Rather, when encountering the seemingly insurmountable difficulties responded, “There has to be a way.” Snippet after snippet of horrifying events unfold on the page: families torn apart, children smuggled to safety, yet not every outcome ending in a saved life, resistance workers murdered or betrayed. It is impossible to read this story without being overcome by sorrow. The regular mentioning of how many children were taken “over the hedge” beats like a metronome: two hundred…three hundred…over six hundred… Still the ever-agonizing question tortures the resistance workers, more like a demand, self-directed: “What about all the ones we didn’t help?” This is a remarkable tale. Beautifully written, heartfelt for every single character—admirable or vile, important in its message: “We must not forget for the great of our own future.” I would highly recommend the book not only for adult readers but especially for young adult and teenagers as a history lesson they probably don’t get in the curriculum.
AWL5.0 out of 5 stars *****We must remember history or be doomed to repeat it Reviewed in the United States on August 15, 2021Verified Purchase It is harrowing times in occupied Holland. This fascinating novel focuses on three institutions/individuals during WW2 that valiantly saved Jewish children. There have been 100’s of novels focusing on the Holocaust and German atrocities, but I felt a special pang for the over 600 small children rescued by brave individuals who dared make a difference. My favorite character was Henriëtte, whose selfless sacrifice was the foundation of the book. At the book’s conclusion she muses, “Is there a greater evil than bringing harm to the defenseless.” (Mahurin 168) Looking at the rising racism/bigotry in the US, books like this are necessary to ensure we don’t forget what can happen if we let hate fester and grow. A recommended read.
Alf Fry5.0 out of 5 stars *****Grim and Compassionate Reviewed in the United States on August 22, 2021Verified Purchase Over the Hedge by Pauline Mahurin achieves what it sets out to do. It’s a study of the intense and protracted focus, the resulting exhaustion and stress upon those people in secret networks that managed to smuggle young Jewish children to safety in Nazi-occupied Holland. Reading this novel, you will experience the relentless brutality of the Nazi regime, and the courage amidst terror of those people in occupied countries who saved a small proportion of Jewish children from transportation to the death camps with their families. The style of ‘Over the Hedge’ is initially very stark – providing a record of the events experienced by the characters and the wider context of the Nazi invasion and occupation of Holland. This gets to the point of grim tedium for a short while before the personal experiences of the main characters, their necessary relationships with the Nazis occupying their land, including collaborating with the programme of transporting Jewish families to the death camps whilst secreting a few young children to safety every day. As a reader, my emotional engagement with the characters and my personal horror at the Nazi atrocities described as the story progressed. The brief biographies of three of a few of the main characters, following the story’s end were an effective reminder that this novel is non-fiction at heart. While we are currently involved in a global war against a dumb virus, and suffering anxiety and uncertainty and disruption through this, ‘Over the Hedge’ puts these challenges into perspective. Although I’ve given ‘Over the Hedge’ five stars (deserved if not resounding), I recommend this novel for adult readers and only to those who find themselves in a space where they consider they are able to confront disturbing material in order to think and talk about how these sort of events can be prevented in their own land.
Jill5.0 out of 5 stars *****Real life heroes Reviewed in the United States on August 29, 2021 Over the Hedge, by Paulette Mahurin, focuses on one of the worst times in world history. I didn’t realize that the book is based on real people until the end of the book. That made it so much more meaningful for me. That also explains some of the parts that seemed slow because they went into so much detail. It’s the height of German occupation in Holland and the Dutch resistance has started to rescue Jewish children from the deportation theater in Amsterdam. Walter Süskind, a German Jew, Henriëtte Pimentel a Sephardic Jew, and Johan van Hulst, principal of the local college head the rescue program. While the Nazis round up Jewish families, they quickly move the children from the deportation building, to the childcare center and over the backyard hedge, to the college behind them. Once they make it to the college, they’re taken to the Dutch families who have volunteered to take care of them. In the meantime Hitler is frantic to rid the Netherlands of all Jewish people and the iNazi hostilities are ramping up towards the Resistance, As the three, literally, work around the clock to overcome all the barriers. plans are developed. They come up with ingenious methods to sneak the smallest one’s out of the college, past all the guards outside the theater.
Ronni L. Sanlo5.0 out of 5 stars *****Powerful, important history, Reviewed in the United States on August 29, 2021Verified Purchase I’ve read other Mahurin historical novels. Her research and commitment to accurate details bring to past into the present, teaching us of the horrors and the love that paved the way to this day. Over the Hedge is a story of both compassion and pain, of impossibility and the unimaginable, impossible to put down. This is an important book for WWII historians and for those who understand the connections between the past and the present. Well written and timely…
AMAZON U.K.
bookworm815.0 out of 5 stars *****A Story Everyone Should Know About Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 20 August 2021Verified Purchase This is a story that simultaneously highlights both the very best and very worst of human nature. Prior to reading this, I knew very little about the German occupation of the Netherlands, and Paulette Mahurin immerses us in this heartbreaking era, in which Jewish children were torn from their parents and, for the lucky few, saved against all odds. What I loved most about this book, as in all of this author’s work, is the way she so cleverly brings to life real-world heroes who should never be forgotten. This is a book I will be thinking about for a long time to come.
Bill5.0 out of 5 stars *****Gripping story! Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 23 August 2021Verified Purchase I love reading stories set during WW2, especially when they tell of the bravery of ordinary people resisting the Nazis. This is one of my favourite authors and she has delivered another gripping story based on true events. This is a story set in Holland and tells of the attempts of the Dutch resistance to save Jewish children before they are sent to the concentration camps. The subject matter is shocking and you are left pondering how the Nazis could have such disregard for human life. The resistance workers reveal their humanity by risking their own lives to save children they don’t know simply because it is the right thing to do. A book I finished in two sittings and thoroughly enjoyed despite the realistic, dark episodes described. Highly recommended.
Kid Ferrous5.0 out of 5 stars *****Powerful and heart-breaking Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 25 August 2021 An incredibly powerful and heart-breaking book, made all the more remarkable by it being based on real people, who saved hundreds of Jewish children from the Nazis. I highly recommend this riveting story.
AMAZON FRANCE
jeanniell5,0 sur 5 étoiles Powerful and empathetic *****Commenté en France le 12 août 2021Achat vérifié It is May 1940 and the German army has invaded the Netherlands. In the years that follow, over 50% of the Jewish population would be hunted down and sent to concentration camps. But in the city of Amsterdam hundreds of Jewish children (estimated between 500 and 1000) would escape such a fate thanks to the efforts of ordinary people with extraordinary courage. The Plantage Middenlaan Trio as they became known- Johan van Hulst, Protestant deputy principal of a Teacher Training College, Henriette Pimentel, a Sephardic Jewess in charge of a children’s daycare centre, and Walter Süskind, a Jewish theatre manager- devised a scheme to smuggle to safety children under four years old. These small vulnerable ‘parcels’ (weighing less than 13 kilos) were passed from the holding centres in the theatre and daycare over the hedge to the college, then hidden in bags and boxes and taken to willing foster families. It was audacious and terribly dangerous. The members of the group would have to operate their illicit scheme right under the noses of the German guards. Who could they trust? Who might be ready to risk their lives by lending a helping hand? Who were the unseen enemies, those ready to denounce and betray? As the first batch of infants is ready to be smuggled out, the tension rachets up. Mahurin draws us in to the plot, fleshing out her protagonists and building up a nail-biting picture of each different stage. Outdoors, the violence of the oppressors is echoed in the elements, driving rain and thunder-flashes. Indoors, in the sombre pewter tones of the Dutch masters, the author paints scenes of bedlam and confusion as group after group of terrified prisoners is horded into the former theatre to wait deportation in appalling conditions. Walter, on the front line, is forced to feign sympathy with his Nazi masters, his mind and body gradually breaking down under the effort of witnessing their sneering contempt and savagery. ‘A rash broke out on the back of his neck…soon weeping sores drained yellow pus on his collar.’ Henriette is faced with the painful task of overseeing the pitiful child prisoners. Among these are those who will be passed over the hedge – sick, malnourished babies, terrified toddlers unable to comprehend what is happening and why they have been torn from their parents. In the college, Johan and his team organise the logistics for the children’s physical transportation out of the city via bicycle or truck, each courier haunted by the threat of being stopped and searched by Nazi guards. The physical and mental toll on all the participants is heavy. Meanwhile the general situation worsens. Sabotage attacks by the Dutch resistance result in brutal civilian reprisals by the Nazis. Hitler’s growing obsession with racial hygiene leads to orders to get rid of more and more Jews. The occupying army cracks down. Families and friends break under the pressure, turn on each other or sell out to the authorities: ‘ Seven and a half guiders per Jew’ What I found particularly impressive was the way the author got inside the heads of two of her main characters, Walter and Henriette, so that we become caught up in their inner turmoil. Forced to witness day after day the suffering and distress of the victims and the hatred of their tormentors, Walter concludes the world has literally gone mad. His stupefaction at what is happening will strike a familiar chord with many readers. How can such evil have come about? How have millions of seemingly civilised human beings allowed themselves to be brainwashed into condoning the mass murder, the systematic elimination, of millions of others, the non-Aryan ‘untermensch’ ? Henriette, trying to save the babies that are given to her and not to become too attached before she must say goodbye, is also struggling to make sense of a nightmare world. In a series of movingly written episodes, Mahurin shows Walter emerging from the depths of despair and finding the courage to go on, remembering ‘the other two sides of his triangle, Henriette and Johan’. Similarly Henriette forces herself not to become overwhelmed by the sheer misery of it all and to think instead ‘One baby at a time,’ – to remember the individual babies and toddlers, the Alims, the Rose-Golds, the Avivas and Ariels ,whom she has nursed back to life and delivered to a new future over the hedge. This is the author’s fourth historical novel about the Holocaust, illustrating through remarkable personal stories and fuelled by a strong moral sense, the best and the worst of humanity. Today, more than seventy years after ‘the dark curse of Hitler’, the number of living survivors able to bear testimony is dwindling while anti-semitic incidents are on the rise. We need powerful and empathetic storytellers like Paulette Mahurin to keep the flame alive and to remind us ‘Never again.’
GOODREADS
Over the Hedge by Paulette Mahurin (Goodreads Author) Books‘s review Aug 29, 2021 it was amazing***** Heart wrenching. Stories of ordinary people doing extraordinary things continues to inspire and give hope.
DOGS RESCUED FROM KILL SHELTERS
Prudence has been rescuedPrudence’s freedom photoSenior Shadow has been rescuedsenior Shadow’s freedom photo
For those of you enrolled on NetGalley my book is on their site for the next month. Stop over and grab a copy. If you are not enrolled stopped over and check it out. And if you do read my book, I’d love a review.
I’m deeply grateful to everyone who has purchased, read, and taken the time to review one of my books. Profits from my books go to help get dogs like siblings Ashton & Clarice, Rockafellar, Benson, Shiloh, senior girl Louise, Jessie, Orson, Trevor, Clementine, Samson, Teddy, Kiri, Dozer, Racco, bonded siblings Nova & Lola, and Tristan (see photos below) out of kill shelters. So far in 2021 47 dogs have been rescued. In 2020 157 dogs have been rescued. In 2019 409 dogs have been rescued. In 2018 670 dogs have been rescued. In 2017 we’ve helped free 904 dogs. In 2016, 250 dogs were freed. In 2015, 149 dogs were freed.
And please for everyone who’s purchased a book could I humbly ask you to write a review when you’ve completed the read. Amazon promotes and ranks books according to number of reviews in addition to sales. Every voice helps spread the word and that is an energy that can help a dog.
LINK TO PURCHASE ALL MY BOOKS and to see all reviews for all my books click on the books cover:
My books have been ranked in the best seller lists on Amazon U.S., U.K., & Australia in their categories (historical fiction, teen and young adult, and literary fiction). What an honor to be ranked #87 MOST POPULAR BOOK IN LITERARY FICTION next to Paulo Coelho; incredible author of The Alchemist and The Pilgrimage.
AMAZON MOST POPULAR BOOKS IN HISTORICAL FICTION: THE SEVEN YEAR DRESS & TO LIVE OUT LOUD
AMAZON U.S. U.K. & AUSTRALIA RANKING FOR THE SEVEN YEAR DRESS
AMAZON RANKING #3 FOR A DIFFERENT KIND OF ANGEL
AMAZON RANKING #38 FOR THE DAY I SAW THE HUMMINGBIRD
AMAZON RANKING #86 FOR THE OLD GILT CLOCK
AMAZON RANKING #11 FOR WHERE IRISES NEVER GROW
AMAZON RANKING FOR OVER THE HEDGE
AMAZON U.K. #1 HOT NEW RELEASE
#1 Hot New Release Amazon U.K.Amazon U.K.
AMAZON U.S. #1 HOT NEW RELEASE
#1 Hot New Release Amazon U.S.Amazon U.S.Amazon U.S.
RECENT REVIEWS FOR OVER THE HEDGE
AMAZON U.S.
Heather Hansen5.0 out of 5 stars***** Great Read! Reviewed in the United States on August 2, 2021Verified Purchase A captivating story based on real events highlights the heroic actions of three Dutch citizens: Walter, a German Jew, transported to the Netherlands; Henreitte, a Safardic Jew, and Johan the principal of a Christian college. Working together, facing Nazi hostilities, the three managed to rescue hundreds of Jewish children in a few short months. This is a remarkable story that shines a very bright light on a very dark time in history. It’s a story of deep abiding friendship and loyalty to a cause greater than any one individual. Where this author shines is in her character development. We care about the three main characters and what they have to overcome to help the children. We worry about their fate. What will happen if discovered as they operate discreetly under Nazi rule. There is also dept given to the antagonists in the story; in particular one of the Nazi officers whose past comes forth causing the reader to gain an understanding of how the vile dictator Hitler cast his web and enlisted his “loyal victims.” This was a remarkable read that kept me up through the night. Knowing that real people lived the actions portrayed in the story made this all the more a riveting read. One that I highly recommend.
Dolli Alexander5.0 out of 5 stars *****I love this book! Reviewed in the United States on August 3, 2021Verified Purchase In the Netherlands as Dutch Jewish citizens registered their religious identity plans were underway by the Dutch resistance to help save some of the Jewish children. At the helm of the ship guiding the young ones from the deportation center to freedom were three people, real people: the man who ran the deportation center; the woman who ran a Jewish daycare across the street; and a man who headed up the college next door to the daycare. In the backyard, separating the daycare from the college, was a hedge. It was used to move children from the daycare to the college. From there they were shipped out to safehouses. What is remarkable about this story was how the mission to save children was designed and carried out: ingenious. The fact it really happened made this a fascinating read, hair-raising and fascinating. Right under Nazi guards the plan was carried out in an extremely clever way. If this weren’t a fictionalized story based on real events it’s doubtful I would believe such a feat was even possible. Reading this I could only imagine the stress, the tension, living under such a horrific regime. I can’t for the life of me imagine what Walter, Henriette, and Johan felt as they risked much, worked vigilantly, and manipulated their way around Nazi scrutiny. I especially liked the multiple perspectives the author brought to the read: the threesome implementing the plan, the victims in hiding, the Nazi rule and duress from higher ups that ran through the chapters. Never was the human struggle lost to the reader. Nor the dept of compassion in the worst of circumstances by a brave few. This is a story I will read and reread. I loved it. Highly recommend.********
R35.0 out of 5 stars *****Over the Hedge Reviewed in the United States on August 4, 2021Verified Purchase As with so many of the stories about WWII, this one is heartbreaking, especially as it focuses on saving children. It’s such a small number that the heroes in the story saved, compared to the millions murdered, but each one who was allowed to continue his/her life is precious. People need to read stories like this one to continue to be reminded of the sacrifices others have made in the name of freedom.
PeaceLoveHopeVINE VOICE5.0 out of 5 stars *****Courage of the few to save many Reviewed in the United States on August 10, 2021Verified Purchase This is the 5th book I’ve read by Mahurin. Though the topic is heartbreaking, as usual, I was not disappointed with this selection. Such bravery shown by Walter, Henriette, Johan, and those who collaborated with them to save hundreds of children in the Netherlands. It left me yearning to know the stories of the children post-holocaust. How interesting it would be to learn of their achievements in life. All because of a brave few.
AMAZON U.K.
Helen Devries5.0 out of 5 stars *****A story of heartbreaking courage Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 8 August 2021Verified Purchase Jewish children, doomed to be sent to the camps, were aved by the efforts of the man running the deportation camp, a woman running a day care centre and the principal of a college…together with those they could trust to help them. Only selected children could be saved…those small enough to be smuggled out in a suitcase or a laundry bag right under the noses of the German units set up to deport all the Jews in Holland to the death camps. The author makes these people live again…you can see them in their surroundings, among all the privations, carrying on as best they could, all the time aware that if they were caught not only would they die, but they would suffer terribly beforehand. The Nazis were masters of fear…As Auden says in ‘The Shield of Achilles ‘ What their foes like to do was done, their shame Was all the worst could wish; they lost their pride And died as men before their bodies died.’ But still these and others carried on that others might live…even if so very few. This is a multifaceted book…the author lays bare the fear of those harbouring Jews…the forces that led them to reject those they had started by harbouring with good will, even family members….and she also considers, in the case of an SS oficer, how people can be, and were, manipulated by propaganda using the hatred of ‘the other’ to lose their own humanity and become brutes, the process enhanced by the pressure to achieve ‘results’. There are lessons in this book for our times.
Books R Best5.0 out of 5 stars *****NEEDS TO BE TOLD Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 10 August 2021Verified Purchase While some in the world are now denying the holocaust ever took place, stories like this need to be told. This is the story of three brave and selfless people who rescued children from a certain death in the gas ovens. Johan, Henriette, and Walter put their lives on the line in this heart-warming and heart-stopping book. While the story of Ann Frank is well known, it is easy to forget how active the Dutch Resistance was during the Second World War and how many Jewish people owe their lives to their unspoken deeds.
RECENT REVIEW FOR WHERE IRISES NEVER GROW
AMAZON U.S.
Star5.0 out of 5 stars *****Where Irises Never Grow Reviewed in the United States on August 1, 2021Verified Purchase Where Irises Never Grow is a great historical novel that transports you to the inhumane Nazi occupation in France. The horrors and brutality were well-written and riveting. The suffering, bravery, and humanity of the characters gripped my soul. The well-researched history came alive in my mind, and the emotions were soul-wrenching. The heroinism is unforgettable. It is a story that will stay with me. I commend the author for writing about a time in history the world should never forget. Bravo, well done!
AMAZON U.K.
Sharon5.0 out of 5 stars *****When fact and fiction meet Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 18 July 2021Verified Purchase Paulette Mahurin is an author that delivers a good book that I know I will enjoy every time. As an author of historical fiction she ensures that her research is correct no matter how harrowing it must have been. Then takes that knowledge and weaves it into a story that will remain with you. It’s descriptive but not overly so and done in great taste. She has a good eye for detail and is able to lead the reader as though they could envisage particular scenes and places. What I do like about Mauhrin’s books is that the dialogue and characters are realistic, down to earth and believable.
Where Irises Never Grow is a must read novel – it would hold the interest of any reader – not just those of historical fiction. The premise of the story and how it plays out has been well thought out. The double time line is interconnected and it is brought to a conclusion with nothing left hanging.
As a fan of historical fiction it must be noted that the author’s research must have been done in great depth. We know this because of her accounts that are driven into the story and tells of time of grief and occupation that we only have heard about. Her main character is strong and interesting and we also meet others from the past, again all believable. With the facts of history and a fictional story Paulette has woven them into Where Irises Never Grow and produced another great novel that should be read and enjoyed by every one.
RECENT REVIEWS FOR THE PERSECUTION OF MILDRED DUNLAP
AMAZON U.S.
LoveLit5.0 out of 5 stars *****A brilliantly original love story Reviewed in the United States on July 10, 2021Verified Purchase A brilliantly original and deeply emotional story of two women challenging the social mores of their time and the lasting friendships that carry them through. Mahurin’s prose sets the perfect tone for this brave mid western historical. True to her style, Mahurin hits all the right notes on this sensitive topic.
RECENT REVIEWS FOR THE SEVEN YEAR DRESS
GOODREADS
The Seven Year Dress by Paulette Mahurin (Goodreads Author) Elise‘s review Jul 08, 2021 it was amazing***** bookshelves: top-books Read 2 times. Last read January 10, 2021 to January 14, 2021. I loved loved this book so much and I loved Helen and her journey through WWII. The events she experienced were disturbing but the compassion and love she was shown in the death-camps by those also affected by Hitler’s war was beautiful and made me love those characters even though they were just that; characters. WWII was very real and equally very devastating but Helen’s story was truely inspiring. I definitely recommend this book if you want to know more about how cruel WWII was and how kind and loving people can really be in the worst of times. The worst of times can bring out the best or worst in people.
DOGS RESCUED FROM KILL SHELTERS
Clarice has been rescued with his sibling AshtonAshton’s been rescued with sibling ClariceAshton & Clarice’s freedom photo. Names changed by the rescueRockafellar has been rescuedRockafellar’s freedom photoBenson’s been rescued Benson’s freedom photoShiloh has been rescuedShiloh’s freedom photo
Senior girl Louise has been rescued
Louise’s freedom photo
Jessie has been rescuedJessie’s freedom photoOrson has been rescuedOrson’s freedom photo
Trevor has been rescued
Trevor’s freedom photo
Clementine has been rescuedClementine’s freedom photoSamson has been rescuedSamson’s freedom photoTeddy has been rescuedTeddy’s freedom photoKiri has been rescued Kiri’s freedom photoDozer’s been rescuedDozer’s shelter photoDozer’s freedom photoRacco’s been rescued Racco’s freedom photo
This novel that lays bare the horrors of war in an occupied country and the strength of a people to resist, reviewed in March this year. Where Irises Never Grow by Paulette Mahurin
About the book
With courage, depth, and passionate insight, bestselling author Paulette Mahurin captures the horrors of the German occupation of France. Where Irises Never Grow tells the story of how one book that escaped Nazi confiscation moved through time holding a cryptic note.
Unraveling its mystery brings the reader to Lyon, France. It is there war, in all its bloodstained pathos, is witnessed through the escalating cruelty of the Vichy regime. Particularly impacted is the Legrand family. Thrown into a whirlwind of turmoil they struggle to help the Resistance while maintaining deceitful relations with the government. As the Nazis move toward occupying southern France, the duplicity unravels along with all the Legrands are protecting.
Thank you to everyone who purchased my new book, Over the Hedge. You all put it on the top 100 best seller lists on Amazon U.S. and U.K. I’m truly grateful for all your support.
I’m so excited to announce the release of my new book: Over the Hedge.
I hope you’ll pick up a copy and enjoy the read.
SYNOPSIS:
During one of the darkest times in history, at the height of the German occupation of the Netherlands in 1943, members of the Dutch resistance began a mission to rescue Jewish children from the deportation center in Amsterdam. Heading the mission were Walter Süskind, a German Jew living in the Netherlands, Henriëtte Pimentel, a Sephardic Jew, and Johan van Hulst, principal of a Christian college. As Nazis rounded up Jewish families at gunpoint, the three discreetly moved children from the deportation center to the daycare across the street and over the backyard hedge to the college next door. From the college, the children were transported to live with Dutch families. Working against irate orders from Hitler to rid the Netherlands of all Jews and increasing Nazi hostilities on the Resistance, the trio worked tirelessly to overcome barriers. Ingenious plans were implemented to remove children’s names from the registry of captured Jews. To sneak them out of the college undetected past guards patrolling the deportation center. To meld them in with their new families to avoid detection. Based on actual events, Over the Hedge is the story of how against escalating Nazi brutality when millions of Jews were disposed of in camps, Walter Süskind, Henriëtte Pimentel, and Johan van Hulst worked heroically with the Dutch resistance to save Jewish children. But it is not just a story of their courageous endeavors. It is a story of the resilience of the human spirit. Of friendship and selfless love. The love that continues on in the hearts of over six hundred Dutch Jewish children.
I’m deeply grateful to everyone who has purchased, read, and taken the time to review one of my books. Profits from my books go to help get dogs like Kingston, Andre, Gerardo & Ruby (see photos below) out of kill shelters. So far in 2021 29 dogs have been rescued. In 2020 157 dogs have been rescued. In 2019 409 dogs have been rescued. In 2018 670 dogs have been rescued. In 2017 we’ve helped free 904 dogs. In 2016, 250 dogs were freed. In 2015, 149 dogs were freed.
And please for everyone who’s purchased a book could I humbly ask you to write a review when you’ve completed the read. Amazon promotes and ranks books according to number of reviews in addition to sales. Every voice helps spread the word and that is an energy that can help a dog.
LINK TO PURCHASE ALL MY BOOKS and to see all reviews for all my books click on the books cover:
My books have been ranked in the best seller lists on Amazon U.S., U.K., & Australia in their categories (historical fiction, teen and young adult, and literary fiction). What an honor to be ranked #87 MOST POPULAR BOOK IN LITERARY FICTION next to Paulo Coelho; incredible author of The Alchemist and The Pilgrimage.
AMAZON MOST POPULAR BOOKS IN HISTORICAL FICTION: THE SEVEN YEAR DRESS & TO LIVE OUT LOUD
AMAZON U.S. U.K. & AUSTRALIA RANKING FOR THE SEVEN YEAR DRESS
AMAZON RANKING #3 FOR A DIFFERENT KIND OF ANGEL
AMAZON RANKING #38 FOR THE DAY I SAW THE HUMMINGBIRD
AMAZON RANKING #86 FOR THE OLD GILT CLOCK
AMAZON RANKING #11 FOR WHERE IRISES NEVER GROW
RECENT REVIEWS FOR WHERE IRISES NEVER GROW
AMAZON U.S.
5.0 out of 5 stars *****The French Resistance in Lyon Reviewed in the United States on April 27, 2021Verified Purchase I enjoyed this book a lot. It kept me glued to the story. I don’t care much for books in modern times and want to get to the meat of the story of WWII. Thankfully this one didn’t take too long to get there for my taste. I do think the author did a good job of tying both time lines together. Charlotte was a love, a kind compassionate woman, who has integrity and strength of character yet we also saw her side of anger and frustration. I loved her character. I really felt for Agnes and her hopeless situation and can’t imagine her frustration in being hidden but parts of her character were difficult to be sure. Especially having little maternal love. But her circumstances did contribute possibly to her aloofness. Many reviewers have gone to great depth over the characters so I’ll leave this as enough said. I felt the author really gave us the picture of the fear and suffering and struggle of the people of Lyon. To live day in and day out with this fear and lack of hope would drive one mad. The horrible evil and brutality of Klaus Barbie is horrendous! Heartbreaking the many who suffered at his hand. This book explains well the fear and evil the citizens and the Resistance were up against. The Resistance folks are heroes and men and women of great courage!
Kathryn Gauci5.0 out of 5 stars *****Where Irises Never Grow. Reviewed in the United States on May 12, 2021 A story that takes us to the darkest places of Nazi-occupied France and the torture chambers of the Hotel Terminus where Klaus Barbie reigns supreme. I felt empathy for the Resistants struggling to walk a fine line between living a normal life and being caught in a web of horror. The story centers on Charlotte and Victor Legrand, and a temperamental young Jewish girl whose actions put their lives at risk. As the story unfolds, their lives are threatened. A harrowing story in places, but one told with empathy. It will grab you until the very last page. Highly recommended.
Becky5.0 out of 5 stars *****I THOUGHT I knew the Holocaust… Reviewed in the United States on May 30, 2021Verified Purchase I read the classic books in school, learned the history, saw the historical photos…it didn’t prepare me for how heart-achingly engrossing this novel was. It was as if I’d been pulled into a world I’d only glimpsed before. Mahurin masterfully creates her characters to bring the gut-wrenching tragedy to life, as if you are right there with them the entire time. I bought this to read on a long flight and I finished the whole thing in one go, I absolutely couldn’t put it down. When I was done, I felt like I had woken up from someone else’s memories. I strongly recommend this to any fan of historical novels who doesn’t mind living through the darker parts of our history. I personally love historical novels and this was perfectly done, I felt as if I was reliving the characters’ experiences, as if I’d been pulled back with them. Mahurin gave it an air of reality that I felt myself wondering if this story could have been a part of our history.
Paulette Mahurin transported me directly to WW2. The events are devastating and heartbreaking, but must never be forgotten. This gives you a glimpse into that time. Never forgetting and passing on what happened is the point. I know we were taught very little about it in school and I am in my 40s. Thank you to the publisher for this ebook I won from them on a Goodreads giveaway!
RECENT REVIEWS FOR THE SEVEN YEAR DRESS
GOODREADS
The Seven Year Dress by Paulette Mahurin (Goodreads Author) Karen Mcnicol‘s review Apr 14, 2021 it was amazing***** This book is based on true events, very sad and horrific events. The world lost its innocence during WWII when they found out a madman led his country to try and rid the world of humans whos only black mark against them was that they were born Jewish. No matter how many books I read about this it’s so hard to imagine, yet it happened.
Jun 23, 2021SOMAMA rated it really liked it**** This book is very well-written.
I’m deeply grateful to everyone who has purchased, read, and taken the time to review one of my books. Profits from my books go to help get dogs like Mac, Paulie, Rocky, Winston, Blackie, Greta, Justice, Darlene, elderly Camille, elderly Ghost, Sultan, Bea, senior Bear, elderly Brownie, Carson, Emma, & Hank (see photos below) out of kill shelters. So far in 2021 25 dogs have been rescued. In 2020 157 dogs have been rescued. In 2019 409 dogs have been rescued. In 2018 670 dogs have been rescued. In 2017 we’ve helped free 904 dogs. In 2016, 250 dogs were freed. In 2015, 149 dogs were freed.
And please for everyone who’s purchased a book could I humbly ask you to write a review when you’ve completed the read. Amazon promotes and ranks books according to number of reviews in addition to sales. Every voice helps spread the word and that is an energy that can help a dog.
LINK TO PURCHASE ALL MY BOOKS and to see all reviews for all my books click on the books cover:
My books have been ranked in the best seller lists on Amazon U.S., U.K., & Australia in their categories (historical fiction, teen and young adult, and literary fiction). What an honor to be ranked #87 MOST POPULAR BOOK IN LITERARY FICTION next to Paulo Coelho; incredible author of The Alchemist and The Pilgrimage.
AMAZON MOST POPULAR BOOKS IN HISTORICAL FICTION: THE SEVEN YEAR DRESS & TO LIVE OUT LOUD
AMAZON U.S. U.K. & AUSTRALIA RANKING FOR THE SEVEN YEAR DRESS
AMAZON RANKING #3 FOR A DIFFERENT KIND OF ANGEL
AMAZON RANKING #38 FOR THE DAY I SAW THE HUMMINGBIRD
AMAZON RANKING #86 FOR THE OLD GILT CLOCK
AMAZON RANKING #11 FOR WHERE IRISES NEVER GROW
RECENT REVIEWS FOR THE SEVEN YEAR DRESS
AMAZON CANADA
Karen V. Mcnicol5.0 out of 5 stars *****Well written. Reviewed in Canada on April 14, 2021Verified Purchase This book is based on true events, very sad and horrific events. The world lost its innocence during WWII when they found out a madman led his country to try and rid the world of humans whos only black mark against them was that they were born Jewish. No matter how many books I read about this it’s so hard to imagine, yet it happened.
RECENT REVIEWS FOR WHERE IRISES NEVER GROW
AMAZON U.S.
Cstuie5.0 out of 5 stars Once again, a great read *****Reviewed in the United States on March 21, 2021 I’ve been a fan of Paulette Mahurin’s books for quite sometime and this book does not disappoint. Writing about such a dark period of world history can’t be easy but Paulette has given a small glimpse into that time with her unique storytelling. The events of this book hit very close to the personal accounts of my parents that experienced fleeing for their lives and in a labor camp. Thank you Paulette for keeping these historical events alive in the way you do so well.
Just one more chapter!4.0 out of 5 ****stars Kept Me Turning The Pages Reviewed in the United States on March 23, 2021Verified Purchase The mention of Aesop’s Fables in this book sold me and kept me turning the pages. It was a childhood favourite. Definitely not for the faint-hearted though.
Freeza3795.0 out of 5 stars *****A must read Reviewed in the United States on March 26, 2021Verified Purchase Where Irises Never Grow is a gripping story that takes place during the Nazi occupation of France in 1942. Mostly. There’s a clever storytelling device that connects the story to the present and adds mystery to the tale. Paulette Mahurin’s writing paints a visceral image of the inhumanity suffered by the occupation’s victims. As well as the courage of those who were brave enough to risk their own lives to do the right thing.
This novel is a must read for those who love well written historical fiction.
Book Squirrel5.0 out of 5 stars *****A powerful story. Reviewed in the United States on April 17, 2021Verified Purchase Paulette Mahurin has written a number of excellent books about different people’s experiences during World War II, each unique and compelling in its personal conflicts and central dilemmas. ‘Where Irises Never Grow’ is another profoundly told story, set in France during the ravages of the war and the Vichy regime.
Mahurin is a writer who brings her characters and settings to life with effective imagery and lively narrative that immerses the reader in the story and makes them feel as though they stand alongside the characters in the situations and challenges they experience. The characters are lifelike and complex, some of them demonstrating the best of human nature while people around them are hell-bent on demonstrating the worst.
Although it is fiction, this book has a strong sense of realism and immediacy that comes from thorough research and strong empathy for the experiences of the people upon whom this story is based.
‘Where Irises Never Grow’ is an important and relevant book for 21st century readers: the dangers and divisions caused by hatred and prejudice are as real now as they were in the 1930s and 40s, and we must do all we can to oppose them lest the horrendous experiences of the past be repeated. We must never allow new generations to forget what was suffered, nor how many were lost, in the Holocaust and the war that changed the world. One person found this helpful
AMAZON U.K.
Helen Hollick VINE VOICE 5.0 out of 5 stars***** An excellent novel Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 5 March 2021 While researching her dissertation, Monica Chastain purchases a rare, antique copy of Aesop’s Fables. Inside the spine, she finds a sliver of newsprint with what appears to be a swastika, two names and the date 1942 written in the margin. The two names are Madeline Leblanc and Madeline Eisenberg. With her dissertation finished and accepted, Monica has time on her hands to explore the intriguing note and see where it leads.
From that point on, the narrative switches to September 3rd 1939, the day France declared war on Germany and the same day that the parents of a 17-year-old Jew, Agnès Eisenberg, are involved in a fatal accident. Fortunately for Agnès, she is taken in by good friends of her mother’s, Victor and Charlotte Legrand. They live in Lyon, in the area controlled by the Vichy government, where collaboration means the rounding up of Jews for extermination.
The Legrands risk their own lives to protect Agnès when she meets and falls in love with a member of the resistance and has a baby. With the arrival of the sadistic Klaus Barbie, the ‘Butcher of Lyon’ the net begins to close in on both Jews and members of the resistance. Barbie’s dungeon is the place where irises, France’s national flower, never grow.
The three main characters are all too human in their weaknesses and strengths, their loyalty, compassion and fears, their oscillating emotions. The author’s prose is so authentic that the reader is inescapably bound with them in the same rooms as they listen for the dread arrival of the Nazis. It is an excruciating depiction of what so many went through during the Hitler regime. I felt their terror and shared their frantic hope for an avenue of escape to open before the Butcher came for them.
The goodness and decency of the Legrands stands in sharp contrast to the viciousness of Klaus Barbie, just as the selfless courage of the resistance, those who helped them and those who risked their lives by sheltering and helping Jews, shines all the brighter when compared with the cowardly collaboration of the Vichy Government.
This is an excellent novel, well-written and steeped in the awful atmosphere of Lyon during those years. Some readers might find the descriptions of torture disturbing. Nevertheless, I wholeheartedly recommend this book.
This novel is one that brings to life a time, still within living memory, that demonstrated how thin the veneer of civilisation really is. All it takes is a cadre of evil men, led by a man without humanity, to perpetrate one of the worst atrocities in modern history.This carefully and well researched story, based on actual reports by survivors and historians of the time, spotlights the best and the worst traits of mankind.
Set in Vichy France where pro-Nazi leaders began to systematically remove their own citizens from the population at the behest of the occupiers, a resistance movement grows as defiant men and women took a stand against the tyranny. Putting their own lives at risk and those of their close family and friends to save those among them who follow a religion that is being demonised. .
The author captures and brings the horrifying events of those few years in the early 1940s into stark reality. Isolated and hunted by packs of men and dogs, Jewish families and captured resistance fighters faced the horror of the basement in a previously luxury hotel at the hands of a monster. Those who did not fall into the hands of the Gestapo lived in fear of being discovered, wondering what the next bang on the door would bring.
The characters are vividly portrayed and the reader becomes engaged and emotionally invested in their plight and fight for survival. The author keeps up the pace of this desperate race against time, and despite the dreadful consequences of a careless whisper or action, there are still moments of humanity and the power of love in sustaining the human spirit.
I give the book five stars unreservedly, but I do understand that it might not be a book that everyone feels they can read. This is about the past, and today enemies have become allies. And even in that time of desperation, there were elements within the occupying army who were sympathetic and compelled to pass along information to the resistance that saved lives. There are few left alive who perpetrated this particular atrocity, but even today there are still millions who live in fear and seek to escape persecution in other parts of the world.
The truth is hard to face, and there are certainly more than a handful of people who voice their disbelief that the holocaust took place. This book based on actual accounts of the time, leaves the reader in no doubt about its truth. And part of that truth is that very few of our own countries can take the moral high ground with regard to religious persecution over the centuries and even today. This book reinforces the need for responsible nations to stand up for those who cannot defend themselves.
At its heart, this novel is also about remembrance, and a tribute to the millions who lost their lives along with the thousands of men and women who saved as many as they could, at the expense of their own survival. They should always be remembered. Recommended.
AMAZON CANADA
JJF5.0 out of 5 stars Where Irises Never Grow by Paulette Mahurin, an absolutely terrific page turner! Reviewed in Canada on December 20, 2020Verified Purchase I have just finished re-reading Paulette Mahurin’s novel, Where Irises Never Grow and I must reiterate that her style and method of expression in and how the story unfolds is positively fantastic and uncanny as to making the reader feel that he is part of and living the story as tho it was his life she was telling. I was a young child in th early forties when the world was made to suffer by that madman Hitler, who was inciting the part of the German peoples, as evil as him and allowing them to ply their sick brains in the torture of the unfortunate. I have read most of her books and I can but marvel at her story telling talent and imagination. Bravo Paulette Mahurin!
GOODREADS
David‘s review Mar 08, 2021 it was amazing***** Where Irises Never Grow by Paulette Mahurin is the latest historical-based fiction I read. It has a commonly-used convention of a current day tie to the past that works well as done by this author. A woman who collects first-edition books purchases one of Aesop’s Fables that falls and has damage to the book binding and spine. She takes it to a specialist in restoring old books who discovers a small note on an old newspaper clipping that had been tucked into the binding and came loose. Her search for information about the name Madelin on the note takes readers back to World War II in nazi-occupied Vichy France in the area around Lyon, France. The author then begins the unwrapping of a web of anti-nazi French partisans experiencing increasing oppression under German control that ultimately progressed to the nazis taking direct control in the Vichy free zone and starting roundups of Jews to be shipped off to concentration and death camps. The author makes good use of actual historical figures including Klaus Barbie, the notorious Butcher of Lyons and describes some of his techniques for torturing partisans and Jews to get them to disclose locations of others spreading fear throughout the local community of being betrayed and rounded up for deportation or murder. I was particularly impressed with this author’s abilities at character development, particularly the Legrand family, that made me want to continue reading to learn what would happen to them. Near the end the story returns to the woman and her repaired book that had mostly escaped my mind as I had gotten so invested in the people from WWII. The author successfully personalizes the horrors of WWII that the nazis perpetrated on the conquered population and the survival level of existence that was forced on them. The literary roller coaster ride came to an end and I was still ready for it to continue.
DOGS RESCUED FROM KILL SHELTERS
Mac has been rescuedMac’s freedom photoPaulie’s been rescuedPaulie’s freedom photoRocky’s been rescuedRocky’s freedom photoWinston has been rescuedWinston’s freedom photoBlackie has been rescuedBlackie’s freedom photoGreta’s been rescuedGreta’s freedom photoJustice has been rescuedJustice’s freedom photoDarlene’s been rescuedDarlene’s freedom photo Camille (named by rescue) has been rescued Camille’s freedom photoElderly Ghost has been rescuedElderly Ghost’s freedom photoSultan’s been rescuedSultan’s freedom photoBea’s been rescued
Bea’s freedom photo
Bear has been rescued
Bear’s freedom photo
Elderly Brownie has been rescuedElderly Brownie’s freedom photoCarson has been rescuedCarson’s kennel informationCarson’s freedom photo
I’m deeply grateful to everyone who has purchased, read, and taken the time to review one of my books. Profits from my books go to help get dogs like Cain, Molly, Ladybug, Bonnie, senior Remie, Reggie, elderly Nena & Denver (see photos below) out of kill shelters. So far in 2021 8 dogs have been rescued. In 2020 157 dogs have been rescued. In 2019 409 dogs have been rescued. In 2018 670 dogs have been rescued. In 2017 we’ve helped free 904 dogs. In 2016, 250 dogs were freed. In 2015, 149 dogs were freed.
AND please for everyone who’s purchased a book could I humbly ask you to write a review when you’ve completed the read. Amazon promotes and ranks books according to number of reviews in addition to sales. Every voice helps spread the word and that is an energy that can help a dog.
LINK TO PURCHASE ALL MY BOOKS and to see all reviews for all my books click on the books cover:
My books have been ranked in the best seller lists on Amazon U.S., U.K., & Australia in their categories (historical fiction, teen and young adult, and literary fiction). What an honor to be ranked #87 MOST POPULAR BOOK IN LITERARY FICTION next to Paulo Coelho; incredible author of The Alchemist and The Pilgrimage.
AMAZON MOST POPULAR BOOKS IN HISTORICAL FICTION: THE SEVEN YEAR DRESS & TO LIVE OUT LOUD
AMAZON U.S. U.K. & AUSTRALIA RANKING FOR THE SEVEN YEAR DRESS
AMAZON RANKING #3 FOR A DIFFERENT KIND OF ANGEL
AMAZON RANKING #38 FOR THE DAY I SAW THE HUMMINGBIRD
AMAZON RANKING #86 FOR THE OLD GILT CLOCK
AMAZON RANKING #11 FOR WHERE IRISES NEVER GROW
RECENT REVIEWS FOR WHERE IRISES NEVEVER GROW
AMAZON U.S.
Maria Catalina Egan5.0 out of 5 stars *****A Book Readers Will Never Forget Reviewed in the United States on January 3, 2021Verified Purchase It takes courage as a writer to tap into eras of darkness, hatred, and tyranny. It takes brilliance to bookend the storyline with a modern perspective and curiosity. That is what Paulette Mahurin achieves with WHERE IRISES NEVER GROW. She taps into positive and negative human emotions in a way the reader wants to jump into the page and embrace the characters, wipe their tears, and comfort their suffering, in short, she transforms the reader into Monica; a modern intelligent woman whose curiosity and an antique book of Aesop’s Fables takes her to World War II Lyon, France. To the horrors endured under the cruel hand of the Butcher of Lyons, Klaus Barbie. With magnificent prose, “…He moved a few strands of hair from her eyes to clear her vision. Her face held a new network of worry lines spreading from her mouth. Her drooping lids and glassy eyes told of the wear and tear of living under oppression night and day. He saw the negative impact it had on her body. He felt it in his.” She finds a way to shed life and light to those enduring the horrors we, through history, know well as part of Nazi oppression; “In the midst of so much pain and suffering, with the world around them crumbling, a baby resting in the fold of his wife’s elbow was a miracle. There was good. There was love.” Keep your handkerchief or Kleenex handy, you will cry, and sometimes your tears may be of joy, but there will be tears of sadness and frustration. Coming face to face with what exemplifies the worst of what humans can do to others. It is one of those books a reader never forgets.
Crystal Clifton5.0 out of 5 stars *****Always amazing Reviewed in the United States on January 9, 2021 I was given a copy of this book in return for an honest review. As always the Author has made me cry, love, fear and see through the eyes of the characters. I enjoy reading holocaust stories and this Author has a way with telling them completely. This one takes you back in time from present day and tells a story of so much pain as lives were lost during WWII. The few few chapters start in present day with Monica and Aesop’s Fables part in the story, but then goes in to the past with Charlotte and Victor , Agnes and Jacques and many other people during the war. I would definitely recommend this amazing story to everyone.
DRE5.0 out of 5 stars *****Perfect for lovers of WWII Historical Fiction! Reviewed in the United States on January 9, 2021 “Where Irises Never Grow” is a beautifully written story that takes the reader on an incredible journey woven with love and strength during the horrors of WWII. I loved how the author brought the story to life with Aesop’s Fables as the centerpiece that connected the past to the future. Set in the city of Lyon, France, the story focused on the resistance and the Jews they helped protect. I felt connected to the characters and was immersed in their storylines from the beginning. Full of well-researched history, this novel brings forward a reminder of the many devastating atrocities that were committed during the war. This was the first book I have read by Paulette Mahurin, but it certainly won’t be the last!
Betti5.0 out of 5 stars *****None so blind Reviewed in the United States on January 13, 2021 That monster’s dungeon would never grow irises – there is none of God’s sunshine down there!
This should be required reading for every high school student. I’m sure I will never be the same after reading the horror perpetrated on innocent people.
Lisa alleva5.0 out of 5 stars***** Paulette Mahurins Best Work To Date Reviewed in the United States on January 14, 2021Verified Purchase I’ve read a handful of books from Paulette, and have loved every one of them, but with Where Irises Never Grow she’s topped herself. I enjoy taking a journey with writers, and not just within their stories but with them as a writer, from the first book to the last one, each writer gets better in their craft, and Where Irises Never Grow is proof positive of this assumption. If I could give another star to this latest book I would. This isn’t to say the authors previous books were not good, because that would be a falsity, I’m referring to an incredible writers growth into something more. Paulette has a way of weaving tragedy into depths of character development, using history through a modern lens to reflect the tyranny and hope that exists within human hearts. An excellent piece of literature, you need to follow this author.
Gnomes 5.0 out of 5 stars *****Brilliant piece! Reviewed in the United States on January 21, 2021Verified Purchase I didn’t plan on finishing this so fast! I wouldn’t call it “entertaining”, but rather a beautifully written fictional piece about a time period that never should’ve happened and shouldn’t be forgotten. Had the author not put a disclaimer at the beginning, I would have assumed it was non fiction. The history of this dark time was so accurate and thoroughly researched, it felt like a play unfolding in front of me. The language is thoughtful, brilliant and vivid. I felt all the tears, sadness and could almost hear the voices of the characters. Stunning piece of work. This book was recommended to me and I’m glad. Now I’m a fan and will happily devour all other works by this writer. A+. Bravo!
ReaderX5.0 out of 5 stars *****Where Irises never grow… Reviewed in the United States on January 23, 2021Verified Purchase I am an avid reader of historical fiction. This book fits that mold with a feeling of mystery and a slew of interesting characters wrapped up in a historically accurate portraying of ww2 France. The author brings that horrible time to life and you can actually feel the desperation, the fear, the hopelessness of not only the Jewish people but the ones who tried to help them. It’s a haunting reality of the real world and its history, the hatred that can exist in its people and the evil that played out. It’s a forewarning on today’s trying times and what is possible.
Kindle Customer5.0 out of 5 stars *****A beautifully harsh story Reviewed in the United States on January 28, 2021 Possibly one of the most beautiful and heart wrenching stories I have read. Especially the week of the Holocaust rememberance and living in a state where the Aryan Brotherhood are proud, I felt my world shift. This book ripped open my heart as I read this tale terror of the Jews and their allies in Lyon, France. Fantastically done.
LoveLit5.0 out of 5 stars *****Another inciteful Mahruin Masterpiece Reviewed in the United States on January 31, 2021Verified Purchase A book collector is drawn into a gripping family drama when she finds a note sealed in a copy of Aesop’s Fables. While history warns us what happens when a population fails to stand up for what’s right, this story shines the light on a family that does it to their own peril. With her usual skill for taking us to the heart of the matter, Mahurin gives us three dimensional characters we will never forget.
AMAZON U.K.
Billy5.0 out of 5 stars *****Superb Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 9 January 2021 I dare you not to feel the urge to cry as this story comes to an end. Absolutely absorbing and puts you at the heart of one of the worst atrocities in history. One that should never be forgotten. Paulette Mahurin reminds us of that when she alternates the timeline of occupied France and modern day America. Many of us are familiar with some of the horrors of the haulocost but I don’t think it is possible to imagine the enormity of it or just how deep the wounds go. Yet every character in this novel is living proof.
A book that brings to life it’s characters but also serves as a stark and emotional reminder of something that happened not so long ago and led to the deaths of millions.
Phenomenal!
Fifty Sheds of Books VINE VOICE 5.0 out of 5 stars *****Where Irises Never Grow Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 24 January 2021Verified Purchase Paulette Mahurin is a wonderful historical novelist. And, remarkably, her books get better with each publication. Where Irises Never Grow is now my favourite. The story depicts the horrors of the Nazi occupation of France during the Second World War.
The brutality of that occupation is well described. The people of Lyon suffered more than most and in this author’s skilful hands you really feel for them.
The double timeline offers a subtle reminder: what happened then could easily happen now. Recent events are a testimony to that.
The courage and bravery of Resistance members reveals that while humanity creates its monsters it also creates heroes and heroines, and the people in this book are among the most heroic.
Painful at times, but essential reading with a reminder that loyalty, friendship and love with always defeat the hate promoted by despotic monsters.
Dab Reader5.0 out of 5 stars *****Deeply moving Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 24 January 2021Verified Purchase This was a deeply moving exploration of the horrors of the holocaust. It was brilliantly told through the experiences of a special family. My only regret is that I read it during a worldwide pandemic, but that’s not the author’s fault it just took me longer to read than would be my normal. Stories like this one need to be told so we never forget the suffering encountered during the dark times of the Second World War.
AMAZON CANADA
5.0 out of 5 stars *****Superb Reviewed in Canada on February 7, 2021Verified Purchase Monica Chastain is preparing for her doctorate dissertation, but she requires one important component, Aesop’s Fables. When she tracks down the only copy of the antique book available to her, it’s a French edition. Luckily, she can read French and after a few days she completes the draft of her dissertation. Unfortunately, while she is gathering up her finished work, she inadvertently knocks the book to the floor, damaging its spine. Now she must get the antique book repaired. And so begins the unravelling of a mystery.
Where Irises Never Grow by Paulette Mahurin is a wonderful historic fiction novel. It tells of the atrocities of the German occupation of France through the eyes of a fictitious family who are part of the resistance. The story is captivating, and at times, I had a hard time putting it down, even through tear filled eyes. The writing is superb. The characters are well developed and the world building brought the story to life. Like the Diary of Ann Frank, this is one of those books that I know will stay with me for a long time.
GOODREADS
Jan 15, 2021Mark Decker rated it it was amazing***** With it’s somber and tragic historical setting in Nazi controlled France during WW2, this story is very well written in a compelling way. It begins with a 21st century historian whose research leads her uncover the story of 1940’s French Resistance undercover activities, betrayal, and inevitable tragedy. Even if you aren’t unfamiliar with the history of the French Resistance during the Nazi occupation, I believe you will find this story fascinating and memorable. The characters were realistic and well-rounded, and I found myself rooting for them to succeed in their efforts against the Nazi’s.
Jan 16, 2021Nissa rated it it was amazing *****Shelves: 20th-century, adult-fiction, contemporary-fiction, fiction, historical-fiction, contemporary, literary-fiction, literary, stand-alone-novel, novel This book had everything a reader would like about characters who had to cope with the brutality of the Nazi’s during World War II. These men and women were courageous and they had great endurance to persevere through it all. The author did a masterful job of bringing the characters to life. I never realized how many unacknowledged heroes there were endangering not only their own lives, but those of everyone they knew just by being in the resistance. Beautifully written that fills your heart with hope and sorrow. I was immersed so deeply is this story I did not want to let go. Highly recommend reading this book.
“Life matters” Beautiful, compelling and heart wrenching.
DOGS RESCUED FROM KILL SHELTERS
Cain has been rescuedCain’s shelter infoCain’s freedom photoMolly has been rescuedMolly’s shelter notesMolly’s freedom photoLadybug has been rescuedLadybug’s shelter infoLadybug’s freedom photoBonnie has been rescuedBonnie’s freedom photo with new siblingSenior Remie has been rescuedSenior Remie before and after groomingRemie’s freedom photoReggie’s been rescuedReggie’s freedom photo to the rightElderly Nena has been rescuedNena’s freedom photoDenver has been rescuedDenver’s freedom photo
I’m deeply grateful to everyone who has purchased, read, and taken the time to review one of my books. All profits from my books go to help get dogs like Neve, Ernie, siblings Max & Mila, Merry, Choca, Dixie, senior girl Georgia & Luke (see photos below) out of kill shelters. In 2020 157 dogs have been rescued. In 2019 409 dogs have been rescued. In 2018 670 dogs have been rescued. In 2017 we’ve helped free 904 dogs. In 2016, 250 dogs were freed. In 2015, 149 dogs were freed.
LINK TO PURCHASE ALL MY BOOKS and to see all reviews for all my books click on the books cover:
My books have been ranked in the best seller lists on Amazon U.S., U.K., & Australia in their categories (historical fiction, teen and young adult, and literary fiction). What an honor to be ranked #87 MOST POPULAR BOOK IN LITERARY FICTION next to Paulo Coelho; incredible author of The Alchemist and The Pilgrimage.
AMAZON MOST POPULAR BOOKS IN HISTORICAL FICTION: THE SEVEN YEAR DRESS & TO LIVE OUT LOUD
AMAZON U.S. U.K. & AUSTRALIA RANKING FOR THE SEVEN YEAR DRESS
AMAZON RANKING #3 FOR A DIFFERENT KIND OF ANGEL
AMAZON RANKING #38 FOR THE DAY I SAW THE HUMMINGBIRD
AMAZON RANKING #86 FOR THE OLD GILT CLOCK
AMAZON RANKING #11 FOR WHERE IRISES NEVER GROW
RECENT REVIEW FOR MY BOOKS
WHERE IRISES NEVER GROW
AMAZON U.S.
Marina Osipova5.0 out of 5 stars *****Heart-stopping. A story I will never forget. Reviewed in the United States on December 4, 2020Verified Purchase A skillful introduction to the story, the prologue is instantly intriguing, suspense mounting with every page. And how wonderfully the author weaved Aesop’s Fables in the tapestry of the major characters’ lives! A most disgraceful and tragic time for France: the year is 1942. The author writes, “Desperation. Deportations. Jews in hiding betrayed. Ravenous citizens who joined the human hunt for food and to protect themselves . . .” Paulette Mahurin introduces to the reader Charlotte and Victor Legrand, well-to-do Lyon citizens, Agnes and Jacques, young Jewish people, along with several other fascinating characters (Resistance members and the famous Klaus Barbie and his henchmen) whose actions are expertly woven into the historical context. In this world filled with nightmares there is remarkably also trust and kindness, self-sacrifice and even emerging love, and, sadly, the situation when a mother wants for her daughter: “Never tell her she is Jewish.” There are heart-ripping scenes between the young mother and her newborn who has come to this world of Nazi-infested France to be annihilated and the life-protecting love of another woman who risks her own life to save the baby who otherwise was doomed. You have to read the book to find out how it all ended. Realistic—nothing held back—descriptions brought a feeling of being there, experiencing the every-moment danger of being seized, brutalized, and destroyed. The torture scenes (everyone interested in the genre knows the name of the notorious Butcher of Lyon) are blood-freezing. The descriptions of animosity toward Jewish people and Resistance members are unbearable. An emotional, disturbing, touching tale. The reader parts with Monica, the first character we meet as the story unfolds, at the Los Angeles Museum of the Holocaust, feeling deep appreciation to the remarkable author who writes stories that must never be consigned to oblivion. This book deserves the highest recommendation.
reader20105.0 out of 5 stars***** It leaves you speachless Reviewed in the United States on December 8, 2020Verified Purchase And will stay with you for days. At odd times you will recall things. A dark and terrible time in the history of the world is brought to life through the lives of the people battered and bruised. Forces greater then themselves twist their lives into distorted caricatures. It is a wonderfully written book and as with all great stores, the protagonist grows and changes. A great read.
Sherrie HansenVINE VOICE5.0 out of 5 stars***** A Beautiful Tribute to Bravery Reviewed in the United States on December 8, 2020Verified Purchase Where Irises Never Grow is one of the most impactful books I have ever read. It is honest, raw, and insightful in a way that will affect you deeply. Filled with flawed, but completely loveable heroes and heroines, purely evil villians, and a supporting cast of incredible men and woman straight from the pages of history, the story of the Legrand family, the French Resistance, and endangered Jews, Agnes and Jacque, will break your heart and inspire you at the same time. I was mortified at the lethal influence of the puppet goverment and the media’s propganda – and the realization that although these innocent people thought it could never happen to them, or their country, it did. Where Irises Never Grow is a story of betrayal and loyalty, good and evil, of lives saved for a time, and then lost, all undergirded by a grand effort to help one another. Mahurin’s insights and intensely real characters renewed my perspective and allowed me to experience the world through someone else’s eyes, and reminded me of the simple yet enduring truths learned from Aesop’s Fables, where a glimmer of hope and truth is always to be found.
JJ5.0 out of 5 stars *****What a read. Reviewed in the United States on December 8, 2020Verified Purchase Incredible. I can’t stop thinking about the story, the cruelty that the Nazis did to Jews. And resistance members or anyone who helped Jews. What I found especially compelling was the way the author presented relationships with all the human emotions and reactions we possess. There was nothing cut out or cardboard about any of the characters for they were unique and ran deep. I loved the interplay between Agnes and the Legrands, the support, kindness, frustration and gratitude. I really like the subtle unfolding that showed emotions migrating from what appeared to be cold and uncaring/immature to deep and selfless. A realistic ending left me wanting to go to the Holocaust Museum to see photos, listen to stories, honor the victims. This is such a great read.
C F Brown5.0 out of 5 stars *****Ms. Mahurin’s Next Great Read Reviewed in the United States on December 19, 2020Verified Purchase This book is not an ‘easy’ read. The emotions you will feel will only be a shadow to the suffering people endured. With her words you will travel to that horrendous time and back again to wonder ….how. Why.
PeaceLoveHopeVINE VOICE5.0 out of 5 stars *****Compelling Read 4.5/5 Stars Reviewed in the United States on December 20, 2020Verified Purchase I had no doubt when diving into Mahurin’s latest work, Where Irises Never Grow, that I would find myself in a story rich with complex, believable characters and steeped in history. It is apparent the amount of research Mahurin put into this piece; even though this is a heartbreaking story, I learned a lot about the German occupation of France. I enjoyed the way the author wove the story of a beloved book from present, to the past, and again back to present day; it was well done.
Kell Frillman5.0 out of 5 stars***** This book will test your soul Reviewed in the United States on December 29, 2020Verified Purchase This is the first I’ve heard or read of this author and I was definitely not prepared for the roller coaster ride that this book sent me on. As someone once said to me, “Our own history is far more horrific than anything your imagination can come up with” and I’ve found that to be entirely true. This book intentionally fails to sugarcoat the darkest aspects of our Jewish history while stabbing you in the gut with its realism, but it also shines a light on the trials, tribulations, and extreme bravery of the heart-felt, flushed out characters that it focuses on. Despite being almost impossibly brave, none of the characters come across as “Mary Sue’s” or as if their choices are unrealistic. This book showcases the worst of humanity, but it also showcases the great potential that we have to do GOOD, instead. I read this in about two and a half days, and for hours after I finished it, I found myself lost in thought and reflection. Its impact will stay with me well into the future. Bravo, this author has my utmost respect for choosing such an incredibly sensitive subject matter and bringing out the themes that we all need to reflect on in our current modern-day society.
AMAZON U.K.
bookworm815.0 out of 5 stars *****Powerful writing Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 14 December 2020Verified Purchase Where Irises Never Grow is a harrowing yet beautifully written book about a period in history that should never be forgotten. Impeccably researched, Paulette Mahurin’s latest novel takes the reader from 21st century California to Lyon at the height of the German occupation. The characters are multi-layered and realistic, their flaws and ultimate humanity emphasising the horrors of the holocaust. The juxtaposition of the modern-day narrative was a powerful reminder of the lingering effects of this period in history, and as readers experience the story of Charlotte, Agnes, Jacques and Madeline alongside Monica, they cannot helped but be moved.
Bill5.0 out of 5 stars *****Emotional and brilliant! Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 15 December 2020Verified Purchase I am a great fan of this author and am always eager to read her latest book. Once again, I have not been disappointed! This is another gem of a book, which is beautifully written and tells a story that grips your heart and stays with you long after you finish turning the pages. A story set during the second world war, which is focused on one family, but in its telling provides a wider historical portrayal of the persecution of Jews in France during the occupation by Nazi Germany. A story I would encourage everyone to read, especially younger people, so that we learn from the past and don’t repeat the same terrible mistakes. The author is particularly adept at writing emotional stories and most readers will find it hard not to shed a tear or two. Highly recommended!
Maria5.0 out of 5 stars***** Where Irises Never Grow Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 16 December 2020Verified Purchase A harrowing story from the period France was occupied during WW2. I do enjoy books that have a double timeline as this one does. To complete her dissertation a modern-day student, Monica buys a French edition of Aesop’s Tales. Monica discovers a newspaper cutting and handwritten note hidden in the book and sets out to discover the original owner. Monica is an interesting character with doubts about her boyfriend and is determined to unravel the book’s secrets even if it causes friction. Along with Monica, the reader discovers the history of the book hidden by the Legand family to prevent it being destroyed by the Nazis. As the occupation progresses the family find themselves at the centre of the resistance movement and not only hiding books to ensure they survive. A moving tale that doesn’t sugarcoat the situation and the hard decisions people were forced to make. I really appreciated that while brave and noble the characters also had basic flaws whether it was regret, jealousy or selfishness. Having these “normal” flaws made them more relatable and emphasised how courageous they were.
Amazon Customer5.0 out of 5 stars *****Quite Incredible Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 21 December 2020Verified Purchase The story I have just read has vacillated emotionally like a rollercoaster ride through the turns and twists with ups and downs of despair. Sometimes I had to put the book down for several days, because the horrors were just too much to bear. Even though we all know of the holocaust and the atrocities committed, somehow reading about it happening to a family one has come to know through an authors hand, was somehow much more painful. But the sweet moments between Victor and Charlotte, Jaqueline and Agnes, and all those other beautiful moments of love and hope, balanced it out and I invested several hours at a time. This is an incredible story, told through the experiences of survivors. The love, support and bravery of all the characters in the book are are testament to all those who lost their lives, or were willing to risk their lives in the pursuit of freedom. Surely one of the most painful episodes in history, this book has been written honestly, sensitively and masterfully. Everyone should read it. I am left with the feeling that I am so lucky to live when I do, and where I do, with the knowledge that none of my war-time family had to suffer such awful acts of barbarity. A brilliant book and if I could give it ten stars I would.
Books R Best5.0 out of 5 stars***** ANOTHER NOVEL TO READ AND REMEMBER Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 23 December 2020Verified Purchase I always enjoy this author’s books set during World War II. This one is set in Lyon, France and features a young Jewish girl who is taken into hiding. One huge difference in her case to Ann Frank is that she is pregnant. How do cope in a situation like that? And what if her protectors are themselves part of the French Resistance? A nail-biting, page-turning book that will keep you up far into the night.
Helen Devries5.0 out of 5 stars *****When ordinary people have to be heroes. Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 28 December 2020Verified Purchase The central characters reminded me so much of the Resistance members I was privileged to meet in France. Ordinary people, unremarkable people, who had been willing to take unimaginable risks to try to preserve civilised values, and some of whom suffered the consequnces, lucky to survive the camps. The courage of the couple who took in the young girl, the wife suffering her own agony of mind as, unable to have a child herself, she finds that the girl has become pregnant, shows complex characterisation…you feel you know these people. The brutality of the Barbie regime is not toned down, nor should it be. We need to remember – or realise – that once you demonise a person, or a group, once you can see them as the ‘other’ you permit yourself a licence you would hold unthinkable in respect of people ‘like us’. We are all ‘like us’.
Trypsin5.0 out of 5 stars *****Out of the deepest darkness comes brightness Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 28 December 2020Verified Purchase This is a historical fiction book giving a passionate insight into the horrors of the German occupation of France. Where Irises Never Grow tells the story of how one book a French edition of Aesop’s Tales escaped Nazi confiscation, and moved through time while harbouring a cryptic note. When a Californian student, Monica Chastain, finds the book in 2017, she uncovers an incredible story of horrendous events befalling a family in war-ravaged France. This is an emotional and gripping story with memorable characters (Charlotte in particular). It is evident the story was thoroughly researched, and research adds chilling authenticity to the narrative such that some torture scenes make harrowing reading. But out of the darkness comes hope and brightness.
I have just finished reading this gripping book that transports us to the awful times of German occupation of France – my own country – during WWII. The story unveils the dark hours of the town of Lyon where the butcher Klaus Barbie settled with his barbaric methods. It also reveals how some people from the French resistance had to compromize themselve with the enemy, until the ultime sacrifice, in order to help the secret network to survive.
We follow, page after page , the moving destiny of a recomposed family entangled between duty, love and survival, linked around the Aesop Fables book and a mysterious first name Madeline with two surnames, one of them being jewish .
I really enjoyed this book and I even learned that the symbol of French Royalty was first an Iris before becoming a lilly !
GOODREADS
Dec 13, 2020Yesh rated it it was amazing *****· review of another edition I thoroughly enjoyed Ms. Mahurin s newest book. It was well researched,extremely informative, and engrossing until the last page. Her characters are relateable, interesting and multidimensional. Her use of language is vivid and colorful. I will definitely pass this book along to friends and family.
DOGS RESCUED FROM KILL SHELTERS
Neve has been rescuedNeve’s freedom photoErnie has been rescuedErnie’s freedom photoMax & Milas’ shelter infoMax has been rescuedMax’s freedom photoMila has been rescuedMila’s freedom photoMerry has been rescuedMerry’s freedom photoChoca’s been rescuedChoca’s freedom photoDixie has been rescuedDixie’s freedom photoSenior girl Georgia’s been rescued Senior girl Georgia’s freedom photoLuke’s been rescued Luke’s freedom photo
jeanniell5,0 sur 5 étoiles *****Fighting for survival in Vichy France Commenté en France le 12 décembre 2020Achat vérifié With her latest novel Paulette Mahurin has once again created a gripping fictionalised story based on serious historical research. It’s a story which starts with a real book -Aesop’s Fables – symbolising some of the moral principles which underpin western democracy. Later we will meet a real character, a man representing an ideology which is the antithesis of democracy- that of totalitarianism, in which books like Aesop’s Fables are banned. The man’s name, Klaus Barbie, still sends a chill into the souls of those who remember the years of the Nazi occupation in France or are familiar with its history: a member of the SS he was responsible for the arrest, torture, murder and deportation of thousands of Jews and resistance fighters. Through this contrast Mahurin leads us into the heart of the matter, showing how, less than one hundred years ago, a civilisation could tip from democracy to totalitarianism in a way that seems almost unbelievable today. Prompted by an intriguing mystery – the discovery of a paper with a swastika, a date and two names on it, hidden in the spine of an old copy of the fables written in French- graduate student Monica Chastain sets out on a quest to find out more. Her research takes us back to the early 1940s and the city of Lyons where the intriguing mystery turns into a horror story. Through painstaking detail and sympathetic characterisation Mahurin builds up a bleak picture of life in Vichy France: the freezing cold, lack of food, money, work, and above all the mounting sense of foreboding, of dread, the impression of a trap closing in on the inhabitants. Jews, communists, resistance fighters and ordinary citizens must fight for survival in an atmosphere of fear and mistrust. Spies, collaborators, suspicious eyes are everywhere, and the dangers of exposure and betrayal become acute with the arrival of Barbie, henchman of Eichmann, architect of the final solution which led to the murder of 6 million Jews. Against this dark background the personal drama of the Legrand family plays out: Victor and Charlotte are hiding a 17-year-old Jew, Agnès Eisenberg, who discovers she is pregnant to her lover Jacques, on the run from the authorities. As the pregnancy advances, the three of them struggle to cope with the enormous strain of keeping up such a deception while reports come in of the atrocities carried out by the new head of the Gestapo, a sadist who enjoys taking part in the tortures inflicted on his prisoners. Such scenes, chillingly recounted by the author, do not make easy reading. But, as she points out in the Afternote, they are based on true accounts from survivors. (One witness at Barbie’s trial in 1987 was Charlotte Lagrange who, aged only thirteen, suffered a 9-day ordeal at the hands of the unrepentant Butcher of Lyons.) But as well as physical intimidation, Barbie also wielded the classic psychological weapon of mind control used by totalitarian regimes, encouraging people to denounce their neighbours either through fear of becoming victims themselves or because, over time, they succumb to the relentless anti-Semitic propaganda depicting Jews as less than human – vermin, pigs and cockroaches. As the novel nears its climax, the Legrands are tormented by thoughts of the future. What will happen when the baby is born? How can they get Agnes to safety? Will they, after years of existing on a knife’s edge, manage to escape from the nightmare without being betrayed? We’ve recently seen some alarming trends in modern society – the rise of social media mobs threatening those do not conform to ideological hegemony, the censorship of books, the emergence of self-appointed moral guardians preaching a dangerous puritanism about the way we think and behave. The powerful message of Paulette Mahurin’s book could not be more timely, urging us to ‘never forget’, to remember what history has taught us, and to take a stand against what Montaigne called ‘man’s instinct to inhumanity.’
I’m deeply grateful to everyone who has purchased, read, and taken the time to review one of my books. All profits from my books go to help get dogs like Felix, Malibu, Orion, Zoey, Ollie, Kylo, Howie, Vance, Homer, Freckle, Kratos, Langston, Andy, Xena, Daisy, Jericho, Chyna, Isabelle, Mazie, Leela, Layla, Betty, Bruce, Athena, Eleanor, Lucas, (see photos below) out of kill shelters. So far in 2020 148 dogs have been rescued. In 2019 409 dogs have been rescued. In 2018 670 dogs have been rescued. In 2017 we’ve helped free 904 dogs. In 2016, 250 dogs were freed. In 2015, 149 dogs were freed.
AND please for everyone who’s purchased a book could I humbly ask you to write a review when you’ve completed the read. Amazon promotes and ranks books according to number of reviews in addition to sales. Every voice helps spread the word and that is an energy that can help a dog.
DOGS RESCUED FROM KILL SHELTERS
Eleanor has been rescuedEleanor’s freedom photoLucas has been rescuedLucas’ freedom photoAthena has been rescuedAthena’s freedom photoBruce has been rescuedBruce’s freedom photoBetty (named by rescue) has been rescuedBetty’s freedom photoLayla’s been rescuedLayla’s freedom photoLeela has been rescuedLeela’s freedom photoMazie has been rescued Mazie’s freedom photoIsabelle has been rescuedIsabelle’s freedom photoChyna’s been rescuedChina’s shelter informationChyna’s freedom photo with new familyJericho has been rescued Jericho’s freedom photo
Louise G, Reviewer ****
![Over the Hedge by [Paulette Mahurin]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51FCTz2XBLL.jpg)
Naira A, Reviewer *****
