Lynn Austin's Newest Historical Fiction

 

Chasing Shadows by Lynn Austin

This novel is the latest by Lynn Austin and takes place in the Netherlands during the time of World War 2.  It centers around a family and their friends, including some Jews.  Ans, the oldest daughter leaves the farm that her parents, Lena and Pieter run in order to find her life in the city.  Suddenly the neutral Netherlands are plunged into the war and everyone’s life is turned upside down.  Both Ans and her parents must decide how to respond to the Nazi occupation.  Their decisions are the ripples in the pond which carry the book’s plot forward.

This book has some dark, despair-filled sections, which must have mirrored the real events on which it is based.  There are, however, also some times where the light breaks through and hope shines brightly.  Sacrificial love, forgiveness, belief in the providence of God and standing up for the right make this a novel to remember.

Reading this book causes the reader to remember that others have suffered and that the suffering is never in vain but produces fruit in the lives of those suffering.  Readers who enjoy historical fiction laced with the reality of darkness and hope will enjoy this book.  I am grateful to the publisher for the copy to read and review for this, my honest opinion.