I've recently become quite interested in the subject of the WWII Nazi occupation of the Channel Islands - Jersey, in this case - although I don't know too much about it. This book, although fiction, is clearly very well-researched and includes a lot of the real people and stories from the time - Albert Bedane and Louisa Gould, for instance, really existed and did indeed do the things described here. As, unfortunately, does Heinz Carl Wölfle, the "Wolf of the Gestapo". Although the cover looks quite cosy there are some dark things that happen in this book, as you would expect from the subject matter, and the backdrop for the story clearly draws heavily on real events.

The two fictional young women/best friends at the heart of the story, librarian Grace and post office worker Bea, are both engaging characters and both show a huge amount of bravery as they try both to survive and to fight back in their own way. Both stories are engaging and I was very invested in their outcomes (though it was perhaps a little bit too long drawn out at the end). The "banned books" which are scattered throughout with brief explanations add an interesting dimension.

There are some lengthy after notes by the author, gleaned from her research, which are interesting to read and go into much greater detail about the real stories included here, along with others. I particularly liked the story of Doris. I haven't read all these notes yet, but will go back and finish them at some stage.

Thank you for the opportunity to read and review - I enjoyed it a lot.

Wow what an emotional read. Tears laughs and genuine love for all the characters in this book.
Really makes you think as Jersey was occupied in WW2. Bea and and Grace are two young ladies caught up in the Nazi regime as the soldiers made their lives horrific. This book concentrates on the work of these two women in the post office and the library’.
Fascinating to learn of their journey and ups and downs.
Brilliantly written in The way that you felt that you were there.