Review by monicamu -- Sandra Eden's War by Michael Low
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monicamu
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Review by monicamu -- Sandra Eden's War by Michael Low
[Following is a volunteer review of "Sandra Eden's War" by Michael Low.]
Sandra Eden's War by Michael Low is a gripping story of WWII from the perspective of the British collaboration with the French Resistance. The story has a dramatic beginning as Sandra’s parachute fails to open when she’s dropped over Normandy. Sandra was recently trained as a member of Britain’s SOE (Special Operations Executive.). With the Allied invasion imminent, her mission is to make contact with the French Resistance in Normandy and create as much disruption to the German supply and communication lines as possible in order to smooth the way for the Allied troops.
Against the odds, and in spite of what the pilot saw when she jumped, Sandra does actually survive – her fall broken by a tree. She makes contact with Michel and Marcel, members of the local Resistance. Word is soon received back at SOE headquarters that Sandra is alive. This is viewed as quite impossible and thus highly suspicious so it is decided to send in a replacement. This turns out to be Nancy, a delightful character who proves to be a welcome addition to the team.
Sandra and Michel go to the drop zone to meet the new agent. There are some tense moments when Sandra and Nancy first meet as Nancy has been ordered to shoot Sandra as an imposter. That hurdle is overcome, and the Resistance is only too happy to welcome another agent.
Nancy provides some much-needed relief in the tense moments, but she is very much a secondary character. This is, after all, Sandra Eden’s war.
With their objective being to damage as much infrastructure as they can, Sandra wastes no time in taking the lead and planning and executing several acts of sabotage. There is, periodically, some resistance to this. She is, after all, "only a woman." Sandra soon puts the men right on that score by her successes. The central characters go on to perform several more successful acts of sabotage. It’s not all smooth going though, as they face betrayal, treachery, and even arrest. Sandra is tortured after she is captured by the Germans and the method used is described in painful detail.
James, the pilot who dropped both Sandra and Nancy, is shot down while attempting to drop supplies. He meets up with Sandra, and they renew the affection that began when he flew her into Normandy.
The story reaches a climax when it’s time for Sandra and James to make their escape from France. You’ll have to read the book to find out how that turns out.
What I liked best was the way Sandra’s character is portrayed. While there is no doubt that she is extremely brave and competent, she still has very human weaknesses. I was also impressed by the fact that I found very few errors, even in the foreign language parts — this makes such a refreshing and welcome change.
What I enjoyed least was the description of Sandra’s torture although there is no doubt it added to the story and such things really did happen.
There are a few instances of very mild profanity and no sex which makes the book suitable for all readers, particularly those who enjoy stories of WWII.
Overall, the story left me feeling proud that there are people who will stand against injustice, no matter what.
As this is such an uplifting story and there are so few errors, I am happy to award four out of four stars .
******
Sandra Eden's War
View: on Bookshelves
Sandra Eden's War by Michael Low is a gripping story of WWII from the perspective of the British collaboration with the French Resistance. The story has a dramatic beginning as Sandra’s parachute fails to open when she’s dropped over Normandy. Sandra was recently trained as a member of Britain’s SOE (Special Operations Executive.). With the Allied invasion imminent, her mission is to make contact with the French Resistance in Normandy and create as much disruption to the German supply and communication lines as possible in order to smooth the way for the Allied troops.
Against the odds, and in spite of what the pilot saw when she jumped, Sandra does actually survive – her fall broken by a tree. She makes contact with Michel and Marcel, members of the local Resistance. Word is soon received back at SOE headquarters that Sandra is alive. This is viewed as quite impossible and thus highly suspicious so it is decided to send in a replacement. This turns out to be Nancy, a delightful character who proves to be a welcome addition to the team.
Sandra and Michel go to the drop zone to meet the new agent. There are some tense moments when Sandra and Nancy first meet as Nancy has been ordered to shoot Sandra as an imposter. That hurdle is overcome, and the Resistance is only too happy to welcome another agent.
Nancy provides some much-needed relief in the tense moments, but she is very much a secondary character. This is, after all, Sandra Eden’s war.
With their objective being to damage as much infrastructure as they can, Sandra wastes no time in taking the lead and planning and executing several acts of sabotage. There is, periodically, some resistance to this. She is, after all, "only a woman." Sandra soon puts the men right on that score by her successes. The central characters go on to perform several more successful acts of sabotage. It’s not all smooth going though, as they face betrayal, treachery, and even arrest. Sandra is tortured after she is captured by the Germans and the method used is described in painful detail.
James, the pilot who dropped both Sandra and Nancy, is shot down while attempting to drop supplies. He meets up with Sandra, and they renew the affection that began when he flew her into Normandy.
The story reaches a climax when it’s time for Sandra and James to make their escape from France. You’ll have to read the book to find out how that turns out.
What I liked best was the way Sandra’s character is portrayed. While there is no doubt that she is extremely brave and competent, she still has very human weaknesses. I was also impressed by the fact that I found very few errors, even in the foreign language parts — this makes such a refreshing and welcome change.
What I enjoyed least was the description of Sandra’s torture although there is no doubt it added to the story and such things really did happen.
There are a few instances of very mild profanity and no sex which makes the book suitable for all readers, particularly those who enjoy stories of WWII.
Overall, the story left me feeling proud that there are people who will stand against injustice, no matter what.
As this is such an uplifting story and there are so few errors, I am happy to award four out of four stars .
******
Sandra Eden's War
View: on Bookshelves
Latest Review: Snow Country Lane by Sarah Vail
