Other than daily trips to Methodist Hospital seeking the ability to glow in the dark, what else do I have to do, except read? By now, both of you recognize that mostly I read books that MJV sends me and this latest is no exception. It's a story, or I should say, stories that should be told.
The author, Dirk Van Leenen was born in Nazi occupied Netherlands in 1940. Resistance On A Bicycle is filled with vignettes of the courageous and dangerous resistance to the occupiers. Even Cornelius, beginning when he was three, played a significant role in hiding and feeding Jews, and working to defeat the invader. Cornelius father is the lead character of the book, but young Cornelius was able to help him in many ways. Often, when father was stopped at a Nazi check point, and was being hassled by soldiers, on a signal from father, Cornelius would cry so loudly and long they'd be sent on their way. Cornelius also established a backyard garden to help feed his family and the Jews they were hiding.
It's not easy to read of the brutality and violence, but the main theme is the success of the resistance in protecting many and getting them to freedom. Apparently the book is self published so likely the author did not have the assistance of significant editorial help. In spite of that, the episodes are compelling and a worthy record of life under occupation. I recommend it. MJV also sent me the sequel, The Americans Are Coming.
Takk for alt,
Al
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