Review by Lunastella -- Sandra Eden's War by Michael Low

[María Andrea Fernández Sepúlveda]

[Following is a volunteer review of "Sandra Eden's War" by Michael Low.]

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4 out of 4 stars

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Sandra Eden is part of an elite group of agents, the Special Operations Executive, created by the British government to cause the most disruption possible for the Germans during WWII and, hence, shorten the war. But, when her parachute fails while landing in Normandy, will she be able to conduct her mission? Sandra Eden’s War by Michael Low describes the fight of Sandra along with the French Resistance to sabotage the Nazis during WWII.

I have nothing but good things to say about this book. I’ve read my fair share of WWII books, fictional and not, but I had never heard of the SOE. The topic is original and I love a strong female lead. Sandra is a realistic and congruent main character. What I liked the most about this book is that Sandra is an absolutely fierce warrior without compromising her femininity. We see this, for example, when she cries after a particularly cruel Nazi retaliation. The book is also coherent with the period. Not everyone accepts that a woman can carry on such dangerous missions, much less lead them, and I think that adds even more value and realism to the story.

The plot is well-developed and fast-paced. The author doesn’t dwell on lengthy descriptions, but he still perfectly creates the ambiance: you realize resistance fighters were not walking on eggshells but on landmines, where a minor slip could cost them their lives. There’s not a single boring moment in the book and I can safely say without revealing spoilers that the ending is memorable.

This book made me reflect on the importance of not only elite agents like Sandra, but of every single citizen that risked their comfort and even their lives in the pursuit of freedom. A great example of this is Claudette, the woman who tends the safe house where the Maquis work. I was in awe, also, of the clever ways the Resistance had to communicate, fight, and sabotage without all the technology we have available now.

The novel mostly takes place in Normandy and, of course, includes some lines in French, but the author was generous enough to provide the translation.

I think the book is flawless but if I was asked to suggest an improvement, I would’ve liked to know more about the characters’ backstories, especially Sandra’s. I was left wondering what had taken a woman in the 1940s to take on such a dangerous career when it was not accepted and much less encouraged as a life path at the time?

There are some instances of profanities and, of course, being this a war book, violence, but it’s nothing too extreme. There are no sex scenes. Readers thirteen and up can safely read this.

The book is flawlessly edited, and I only found a couple of mistakes. Because of the original subject, fast-paced plot, and inspiring characters, I rate Sandra Eden’s War by Michael Low 4 out of 4 stars.

I would recommend this novel to anyone who enjoys historical fiction, thrillers, and to readers who like powerful characters and lots of action. Romance or fantasy readers might not enjoy the book so much. I started researching the woman who inspired Sandra Eden’s character and fell in an unending rabbit hole of tales about the many brave men and women who fought in the different Resistance groups. I have to warn you: this book stays with you.

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Sandra Eden's War
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[Nerea]

I totally agree with you that Sandra is realistic and a fierce warrior. I like the point you raised about characters' backstories. A detailed background of the characters will make the narrative sound more realistic and exciting too. Besides, the reader will understand the characters better. Your review is amazing. Good job.

[Elvis Best]

I read this book sometime ago aand really enjoyed it. Thanks for your honest review. Good job!

[Susmita Biswas]

My review has just been published a few days ago. I loved this book. I enjoyed your review. Great one.

[María Andrea Fernández Sepúlveda]

I totally agree with you that Sandra is realistic and a fierce warrior. I like the point you raised about characters' backstories. A detailed background of the characters will make the narrative sound more realistic and exciting too. Besides, the reader will understand the characters better. Your review is amazing. Good job.

I really wonder what drove Sandra to become an agent!
Thank you so much for your kind words, @Nerea .

[María Andrea Fernández Sepúlveda]

My review has just been published a few days ago. I loved this book. I enjoyed your review. Great one.

Yes, I read your review. Thanks for stopping by, dear.

[María Andrea Fernández Sepúlveda]

I read this book sometime ago aand really enjoyed it. Thanks for your honest review. Good job!

It's a brilliant book and a mind-blowing story of courage. Thank you!

[Aisha_123]

It's really very rare to find a women lead a special operation during the time of war. It also says a lot that the war bwing fought was back in the 1940s where women inclusivity was almost nonexistent. I also agree with you on Sanda having a back story. It would be nice knowing how or why she joined the forces. Great book, Nice review!

[María Andrea Fernández Sepúlveda]

It's really very rare to find a women lead a special operation during the time of war. It also says a lot that the war bwing fought was back in the 1940s where women inclusivity was almost nonexistent. I also agree with you on Sanda having a back story. It would be nice knowing how or why she joined the forces. Great book, Nice review!

I thought it was super unusual too, but I think such a strong female is a great role model. I'm surprised this isn't talked about more often.
Thank you for your insightful comment!

[honesty_pays]

An interesting book that shows bravery and loyalty to their government by exemplary ladies. It was a nice rice and your review also affirms that point.