Review of Vandella: Resilience

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[Following is an official OnlineBookClub.org review of "Vandella: Resilience" by M. Ch. Landa.]

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5 out of 5 stars

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Peach aspires to win an Olympic gold medal in the hurdles rather than marrying military men like her friends. She believes that this achievement will bring honor to her country. Peach does not oppose love, marriage, or motherhood. It is the lack of choice that women have. At a wedding in a castle, Peach witnesses a séance where a supernatural being promises military victory in exchange for seven youngsters held captive in the dungeon. She rescues the kids, but military forces and the Harbinger of Death pursue them as they try to cross the border. What price must she pay to keep the children safe?

Written by M. Ch. Landa, Vandella: Resilience is a young adult magical realism story about oppression and choice. The setting is Nazi-occupied Germany, where the ruling elite believed in a superior race and considered people with disabilities and illnesses inferior. Arranged marriages maintained the purity of the perceived superior race. Codes and standards conditioned women, mothers, and youth to serve and honor the country.

The novel uses vivid imagery to transport readers back in time, juxtaposing the calm landscape with the debris of destroyed structures, conveying the tragedy of war. The physical descriptions of the cast highlight societal outcasts and superior races, and the dialogue contributes to the inner journey of the lead character. The first-person perspective adds to the many twists, and the revelations from other characters are surprising. The tension, pace, and unpredictability make the story captivating, which I liked best.

The book explores a wide range of topics, including the Grigori, genetics, human experimentation, Nietzsche's philosophy, and Nazi ideology. It provides insight into the society and politics of Germany during that time. The novel demonstrates military power by highlighting the hierarchy of titles among the officers. Brides attend a school to prepare for marriage, and mothers with specific numbers of children receive recognition medals and enjoy unique benefits. Women have a code of conduct. However, the story also portrays those who oppose such views, dispelling the presumption that all Germans were Nazi sympathizers during the war.

The book reignites interest in World War II, offering a sobering account of the hardships of war for the younger generation while reminding the youth of today to be brave and stand against oppression in a world that still grapples with injustice and inequality.

Furthermore, the author dedicates the book to his mother. In keeping with this, the story explores the subject of motherhood through various depictions. The representations of several characters reflect this. As she travels with the children, Peach develops her perspective on motherhood, contrary to the norms of society.

Although it is the second book in a series, it stands alone. Before reading the novel, there is a suggested short story. Although it was free to download, I had no access to the website due to country restrictions. Nonetheless, the book is complete without reading the short story. The language is appropriate for the setting, with German terms and phrases enhancing authenticity. There are adequate translations and explanations for those unfamiliar, providing an excellent opportunity to learn some German vocabulary. The editing is tidy, with only one error. The book includes swear words in English and German. Intimate moments are light and not provocative, but there are references to sexual assault and torture. The content does not offend any religious group. The novel is a worthwhile reading assignment for students to discuss the impacts of war. Those interested in World War II and Nazi Germany should look into this. The magical realism has the vibe of stories by Isabel Allende and Gabriel García Márquez, and the historical background is reminiscent of the movie Schindler's List. The book is suitable for readers aged twelve and above, providing a captivating and thought-provoking read for young adults.

The novel is both enjoyable and informative, using historical references and magical realism to present the complexity of war and make it more accessible to the intended audience. The story rekindles interest in the past while still making it relevant to the present. I have no dislikes, and there is no reason to deduct points. It is a fascinating read that deserves a five out of five.

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Vandella: Resilience
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[Donaking]

According to the review, "Vandella: Resilience" is a captivating and thought-provoking young adult novel that combines magical realism with the historical backdrop of Nazi-occupied Germany. The vivid imagery, engaging characters, and unpredictable plot make it a worthwhile read for those interested in World War II. The book explores themes of oppression, choice, and bravery, shedding light on the hardships of war while reminding readers to stand against injustice and inequality. With its strong writing, insightful exploration of motherhood, and ability to make historical events accessible, "Vandella: Resilience" appears to be a compelling and highly recommended book.