Three Ordinary Girls, by Tim Brady is a fascinating true story about three teenage girls who served in the resistance in the Nazi-occupied Netherlands during World War II.
I initially thought this was a historical fiction book, but upon beginning to read it, I was pleasantly surprised to discover that it was in fact a well-researched non-fiction book telling the story of these three brave and daring teenage girls.
Summary
Three Ordinary Girls is the complete account of three teenage girls, Hannie Schaft and sisters Truus and Frannie Oversteegen, who join a small resistance cell in the Dutch city of Haarlem. These three eventually band together to form a female underground squad, serving as spies, saboteurs, and Nazi assassins.
Hannie, Truus and Frannie took terrifying and decisive action against Nazi targets. Their brave actions included sheltering Jews, political dissidents and other Dutch resisters. They sabotaged bridges and railways, led children to safehouses, and covertly transported weapons. They also carried out assassinations of German officers and traitors.
In telling the story of these three young women, Tim Brady gives an eye opening view of the Dutch resistance during the war. He gives a well-researched and in-depth look at how these “girls” became involved in the underground and how their fervent dedication evolved into dangerous, life-threatening missions regardless of the consequences.
What I Loved
I was fascinated by this book and the stories of these three incredibly brave and passionate women. I mistakenly thought I was going to be reading a historical fiction book, but I am now so thankful that it was a TRUE story of the real lives of three heroes of the resistance that I have never heard of before. It was much more than a fictional novel could have been.
I loved seeing how Hannie, Truus and Frannie were changed by the war and their participation in the resistance, but also didn’t regret their involvement.
It was also interesting to references to Anne Frank and where her family was at different parts of the book.
Rating
I was provided with an Advanced Reader Copy (ARC) by Net Galley in order to read and review this book that will be released in February 2021.
[…] did a full review of this book here. It releases in February 2021 and I highly recommend it as a read if you enjoy […]