Book Review: ‘The Girl From The Channel Islands: A Novel’ By Jenny Lecoat

The Channel Islands are small islands off the coast of Britain. And they would seem immune to what is going on at the start of WWII. But they residents are wrong. And now in the summer of 1940 The Germans have bombed and are arriving on the island. And for the Jewish people it’s not good news. Hedy Bercu is a local girl and a Jew. And now she has to register as being Jewish. She’s afraid that any day she will be rounded up, even though the Germans have said nothing will change.

She gets a job at the German headquarters as a translator and her religion is kept quiet. And she has the eye of one of the officers named Kurt, who takes the fall for her (she’s been stealing fuel coupons). They soon start a torrid affair but she never tells him she’s a Jew. He finds out and is furious but ends up forgiving her. He soon learns the extent of what Hitler and the Germans are doing and is appalled. They do little things to try and slow the Germans down but nothing big.

Then Hedy’s stealing is revealed and she has to hide in order to stay alive. Kurt is by her side trying to help but has to be very careful. The German’s are determined to find her at all costs and it could be both their lives.

A strong story of a small island in the battle of WWII with characters you root for and a love story that makes you happy. It’s based on a real story and will keep you engaged throughout the novel.

You can pick up The Girl From The Channel Islands in stores on Tuesday, February 2nd from Graydon House.