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caslater83's review
4.0
Touching.
This book was different from other WWII novels because the primary setting is in one of the Channel Islands called Jersey. I never gave Jersey much thought because we habitually think of London, Paris, or Berlin. The German soldiers were a ruthless lot. I felt terrible for the people who suffered at their hands. Celine and Rachel are two strong women trying to stay alive at a time when one wrong move could cost you your own life. Fred is a brave man who is trying to help the French Resistance stay a step ahead of the Nazis. That is no easy task! The hardest lesson is in realizing that in order to save someone, it is better to give up your life. Fred saved his friends, but gave up himself. I wanted Wolfgang to have a happy ending and I was hoping to see him reunited with Rachel and Celine. But it wasn't meant to be and that's okay because war doesn't give everyone the desired outcome. I look forward to reading more WWII books in the future.
This book was different from other WWII novels because the primary setting is in one of the Channel Islands called Jersey. I never gave Jersey much thought because we habitually think of London, Paris, or Berlin. The German soldiers were a ruthless lot. I felt terrible for the people who suffered at their hands. Celine and Rachel are two strong women trying to stay alive at a time when one wrong move could cost you your own life. Fred is a brave man who is trying to help the French Resistance stay a step ahead of the Nazis. That is no easy task! The hardest lesson is in realizing that in order to save someone, it is better to give up your life. Fred saved his friends, but gave up himself. I wanted Wolfgang to have a happy ending and I was hoping to see him reunited with Rachel and Celine. But it wasn't meant to be and that's okay because war doesn't give everyone the desired outcome. I look forward to reading more WWII books in the future.
darladark's review
5.0
I loved this, couldn't put it down. It was a different story from most historical war fiction, the characters were from both sides which presented a different perspective on the tragedy of war.
gothicvamperstein's review
5.0
The Occupation is a beautifully written novel and it did a nice job of telling both sides of WWII (at least within this tale). The descriptions are great and the characters, especially Celine, Fred and Rachael, have depth to them. It's also clear that the author has done some research in regards of WWII and the Channel Islands. It is a heartbreaking novel at times, but it needs to be read.
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