The Hidden Village: An absolutely gripping and emotional World War II historical novel (Wartime Holland Book 1)
– Learn MoreA Nazi soldier slams his rifle into her father’s head. From her hiding place, Sofie stifles a scream as tears roll down her face. Suddenly she can’t take it any more. ‘Stop, stop!’ she sobs, rushing out and pushing the soldier away. And then freezes, as he snarls and whips the gun round to point at her…
1943, Nazi-occupied Holland: In fifteen-year-old Sofie’s beloved hometown, German soldiers patrol the streets. Each week more families disappear without trace, never to be seen again. When her family is threatened, they hide away in a neighbour’s secret attic, but Sofie knows her time – and luck – is nearing an end.
So when whispers reach her of a secret village, built by the townspeople and concealed in the woods as a haven for Jewish refugees, Sofie makes a desperate flight in the depths of winter to find it. Remote, cold and bleak, yet filled with the hopeful laughter of children playing, it is the one place Sofie has the chance to live.
But rumours of the hidden village have been swirling. The Nazis are determined to find and destroy it, and everyone who has found refuge there. As soldiers patrol the woods in ever-greater numbers, snow cuts the villagers off from the outside world. And when the worst happens, and the threat of starvation sets in, Sofie knows what she must do.
If the people of the village are to make it through, she must put herself in terrible danger and risk everything to seek assistance. But tragedy looms for the hidden village, and Sofie will need to find every ounce of her courage in order to just survive…