Member Review

I was so enchanted by this story that I immediately googled the sisters in the book- it was based on a true story which was remarkable as I’d never heard of the main protagonists. In fact the author has changed their names and obviously the book is “based” on their lives during World War 2 and just before so I couldn’t find information on Connie and Dottie until I learned therein real names, This is not a biography but a fictionalalised story of their lives.
These two brave sisters, are living in 1930s England. They love Opera and save all their money over 2 years to make trips to view their favourite opera stars, even travelling to New York, having never been abroad before.
Dottie is a romantic novelist and Connie works in a government office.
When they visit Germany and meet up with their childhood friend Stephen, a diplomat, they discover that terrible things are happening to many Jewish people and they resolve to help by smuggling jewels and possessions out of the country so they can be used in England to finance the refugees’ emigration. The Nazis have made it impossible for Jewish people to take their possessions out of Germany and without money they cannot leave or get a visa.
These two amazing women risked their lives to help and never gave up even when they were in danger of being caught by the regime. They continued to help Jewish friends to escape right until war broke out and rescued at least 30 people
They have been honoured in the same way as Nicholas Winton who organised the Kindertransport but their names are not well known. I had to look up their real identities - Ida and Louise Cook- Ida was indeed an author and wrote for Mills and Boon as Mary Burchell using her money to finance refugees.
What an amazing story- this book does what a good novel should- it brings interesting information to the reader’s attention and really makes them think. It was also an exciting and page turning story.
For me this is a five star read and I urge you to read it to learn more about these very special women who selflessly risked their lives.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publishers for my advance copy.