I need to be writing my "project prospectus," but, ya know, I'd rather suggest a book that will rip your heart out and stomp on it.
Actually, two books, because they're great.
These are books that are/aren't a series. Yes, they're connected, and there's even a prequel to Code Name Verity. But, you don't have to read them in any particular order. In fact, the prequel was written after the other two, so, you do you. I do suggest reading "Verity" before "Rose." Just because there are some reoccurring characters that you will understand a lot better in "Rose."
So, let's get into it!
Code Name Verity is written as a confession. A confession from a World War II British ("I'm Scottish!" -Julie) spy to be given to the Nazi soldiers she's held captive by. You rarely get in the moment story telling, as Julie is writing down how she met her best friend, Maddie, and telling the reader about the horrors of being a prisoner in this Paris hotel.
Julie is extremely brave through this entire time, and I wish her story was true, but it is all fictional. Despite being held in grueling conditions, and suffering from the knowledge that Maddie is dead, she continued to fight and hold her ground when faced with the Nazi officers.
It's a beautifully written non-linear plot, and Julie keeps the reader (and the Nazis) desperate for answers. So, she keeps writing, and we keep reading. We want to know all about Maddie and Queenie, and how she was taken in as a spy when she reveals she mostly helped work the phone lines. The reader also waits anxiously to see if she figures out a way to escape or rescued, or if the war will just end before anything too bad happens to her.
Now, I know what happens. But you should read it to find out yourself. The story is exciting, and Julie won't let you put this confession down. Go read it!
Then! Read "Rose Under Fire."
This book is written as a journal entry after everything has happened to Rose. Rose, like Julie, is also part of the war effort, but from America. She works as a taxi pilot, similar to Julie's best friend, Maddie. She has connections high up, and is allowed to taxi her Uncle to Paris, while it's occupied. Much like Julie, she is caught. But, instead she is taken to a work camp, Ravensbruck. Rose speaks a little French, but makes friends with women from all over Europe, such as a multi-lingual Polish woman, and a Russian woman. The Polish woman is part of a group called "The Rabbits." Google "Ravensbruck Rabbits" and you'll find images of what these women went through. The Nazis performed horrible medical experiments on them, half hoping they'll die, half hoping to find better ways to care for the German soldiers.
Like "Verity" this book gives the reader some insight into World War II, and though The Rabbits were real, Rose was not. But it's still so good!
The reader waits for Rose to make her escape, tries to figure out what happened to the friends she keeps talking about, and cringes at what happens in the work camp.
I love the journal entry style of storytelling. I love the character's bravery, and I love learning about World War II. The other day I sold this book to a young boy who had to read about WWII, and I was happy for days. Whenever I sell these books I do dances and try and imagine them up late that night trying to finish the books through their tears.
They're so good, guys! Read them! I need to re-read them. But also, there are so many good books out there to read! Ugh, the constant dilemma.
No comments:
Post a Comment