Review by Kajori50 -- Sandra Eden's War by Michael Low
Posted: 12 Jul 2020, 15:27
[Following is a volunteer review of "Sandra Eden's War" by Michael Low.]
Undoubtedly, the Second World War was one of the bloodiest war that was waged on this earth. Whenever we think of it, the names that cross our minds are Hitler, Churchill, Roosevelt, Stalin, and Mussolini among many others. The visions of soldiers firing at each other, hiding in muddy trenches, or bombing enemy camps fill our imaginations. We think of spies and political intrigue. However, one thing is for certain. We always visualize men performing these daring acts. Even in today's age of female empowerment, it is hard to come up with the names of women who gallantly gave their all to the war. In truth, most of us balk to think that women could perform such feats of bravery.
Michael aka Mike Low's Sandra Eden's War, showcases the acts of bravery that were performed by women during those turbulent times. Sandra Eden, a British SOE agent, is sent to France to disrupt the Axis Forces. However, a faulty parachute drop makes the authorities think that Sandra lost her life.
Will Sandra be able to prove that she is alive after all? Will she be able to disrupt the Nazi forces stationed in occupied France? Most importantly, will the male-dominant French Maquis accept her leadership?
Most of us have read and loved stories set during WWII. The perspective of Low's novel makes it unique in a sea of war stories. Sandra Eden's War is told from a feminist point of view. Through Sandra's story, the author conveys the sacrifices that women made during the war. He also showcases that one of the biggest obstacles that these heroines had to overcome was to prove their capabilities in their own home front. This is quite similar to what ladies have to experience in today's male-dominant corporate world. I have to admire the effortless way Low portrays this. Sandra and Nancy are both faced with apprehension by the male members of their group. However, both of them win them over by plunging into action themselves and proving their capabilities. Without much ado, they make everyone understand that they are no shrinking violets. They win over skeptical men like Louis by their actions. Men like Michel are impressed by their daring acts. Michel does everything to help Sandra in her endeavors. I have to say that Michel is one of my favorite characters.
The author does an amazing job at showcasing the covert operations that were undertaken by secret agents to sabotage the Nazi regime. He writes about the bombings, and also hints at the rescue operations that were undertaken. He does not sugar-coat the atrocities performed by the Nazis. The torturous methods employed by the Gestapo, and the heinous crimes against innocent citizens are also alluded to.
I found very few errors in the book. Hence, I consider it to be well-edited. In fact, there is nothing that I did not like about the book.
Keeping in mind the pros and cons, I will rate this book 4 out of 4 stars. This is an absolute treat for fans of stories set during WWII. Feminists would also enjoy this amazing read. Overall, it is an action-pact and engrossing novel.
******
Sandra Eden's War
View: on Bookshelves
Undoubtedly, the Second World War was one of the bloodiest war that was waged on this earth. Whenever we think of it, the names that cross our minds are Hitler, Churchill, Roosevelt, Stalin, and Mussolini among many others. The visions of soldiers firing at each other, hiding in muddy trenches, or bombing enemy camps fill our imaginations. We think of spies and political intrigue. However, one thing is for certain. We always visualize men performing these daring acts. Even in today's age of female empowerment, it is hard to come up with the names of women who gallantly gave their all to the war. In truth, most of us balk to think that women could perform such feats of bravery.
Michael aka Mike Low's Sandra Eden's War, showcases the acts of bravery that were performed by women during those turbulent times. Sandra Eden, a British SOE agent, is sent to France to disrupt the Axis Forces. However, a faulty parachute drop makes the authorities think that Sandra lost her life.
Will Sandra be able to prove that she is alive after all? Will she be able to disrupt the Nazi forces stationed in occupied France? Most importantly, will the male-dominant French Maquis accept her leadership?
Most of us have read and loved stories set during WWII. The perspective of Low's novel makes it unique in a sea of war stories. Sandra Eden's War is told from a feminist point of view. Through Sandra's story, the author conveys the sacrifices that women made during the war. He also showcases that one of the biggest obstacles that these heroines had to overcome was to prove their capabilities in their own home front. This is quite similar to what ladies have to experience in today's male-dominant corporate world. I have to admire the effortless way Low portrays this. Sandra and Nancy are both faced with apprehension by the male members of their group. However, both of them win them over by plunging into action themselves and proving their capabilities. Without much ado, they make everyone understand that they are no shrinking violets. They win over skeptical men like Louis by their actions. Men like Michel are impressed by their daring acts. Michel does everything to help Sandra in her endeavors. I have to say that Michel is one of my favorite characters.
The author does an amazing job at showcasing the covert operations that were undertaken by secret agents to sabotage the Nazi regime. He writes about the bombings, and also hints at the rescue operations that were undertaken. He does not sugar-coat the atrocities performed by the Nazis. The torturous methods employed by the Gestapo, and the heinous crimes against innocent citizens are also alluded to.
I found very few errors in the book. Hence, I consider it to be well-edited. In fact, there is nothing that I did not like about the book.
Keeping in mind the pros and cons, I will rate this book 4 out of 4 stars. This is an absolute treat for fans of stories set during WWII. Feminists would also enjoy this amazing read. Overall, it is an action-pact and engrossing novel.
******
Sandra Eden's War
View: on Bookshelves