The complexity of war

This story superbly illustrates how the choices that people make in war (have to make) result in knock-on choices for others: family, friends, lovers, strangers.

Having known nothing of Denmark's situation in the war, I feel like a decent compensation for that ignorance has at least begun.

Details of (1) how a resistance movement works (2) the world of signals and the music of morse (3) that ominous feeling of a divided country awaiting score-settling once the occupiers have left, were all wonderfully conveyed.

The cast of characters is large but so is world war. Given the nature of resistance and secrecy, some have two names. So it's worth paying close attention and, if you drift, rewinding.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

1 person found this helpful

well written story, great characters

really enjoyed this book on many levels. it was well written and pulled me into the plot from the beginning. on top of that, the narration was brilliant

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

Dreary tale of occupied Denmark

This story really dragged in places and made me think, for once, that I might have preferred the abridged version. I was interested to know about the Nazi Occupation of Denmark but that got swallowed up in a soapy storyline peopled by cardboard characters.

Also got really irritated that Copenhagen was always referred to in the Danish pronunciation- why? It's a story written in English and you'd laugh out loud if a similar story set in France always said "Paree" rather than Paris, wouldn't you?

I've heard this narrator before and thought it was just a one-off that she gave an ear piercing voice to one or two of the characters but, no, she did it again with this book - why? There's nothing in the description of the character that says they have a high pitched nasal voice that makes you turn down the volume or bury your iPad under several pillows.

It's an OK story but hard to feel much empathy with any of the characters and I will definitely avoid Anna Bentinck as a narrator in the future. Sian Thomas would have been a much better choice. She reads more fluently and is excellent with accents and inflexions. Maybe she has higher standards when choosing her authors.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

2 people found this helpful

Beautifully written and narrated story

One of the most gripping, nerve jangling books I’ve read. Beautifully crafted and one of the best narrative performances I’ve heard on Audible. Totally recommend, even if your interest isn’t around WW11 and SOE.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

1 person found this helpful

A beautiful story about occupied Denmark lacking the correct names, places and words which any language or country deserves.

Very sad and annoying that the Danish names, addresses and towns were so badly mispronounced. It would not have been difficult to find the correct pronunciation and convey respect to the Danish language.
Otherwise a very good story well read.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

Brilliant narration, what an ending!

Great storyline, so clever how the characters interlinked. It gave an insight into the struggles faced by the SOE and the interpreters during the war. I loved the characters and felt a range of emotions throughout. The story was gripping and I didn't want it to end.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

My first ever wartime story

Four completely separate lives, joined together by patriotism. Such bravery in the resistance and on the home front. Clever story bringing the pieces together, the committed Danish Felix, the elegant British Kay in the field, the cleverness and diligence of British Ruby and Mary on the home front.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

2 people found this helpful

EXCELLENT STORY! EXCELLENT NARRATOR!

I've listened to many WW2 stories over the past few years but this one tops my list. In fact, this was my second time of listening and it still affects me in so many ways.

I knew nothing of Denmark's role in WW2 and because of this it was very informative and the story was both personal and factual. The author wove a rich tapestry of what humans are capable of when pushed to their limit. They either stand up to be counted or fade away. It put brother against brother, wife against husband, as in this story, and the reader experiences so many different emotions. It was an excellent story and I didn't want it to end.

THE narrator was excellent too bringing to life the author's story. I definitely recommend it to anyone who is interested in WW2.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

1 person found this helpful

Loved it!

I knew nothing about Denmark's role in the last war and was fascinated right from the start. Kay is married to a Dane, has two children and considers Denmark her country, but was born British. She is horrified that her husband accepts the Germans walking in and taking over and is determined to fight back. I was completely engrossed in this story and was so sad when it finished!

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

2 people found this helpful

I can't begin to tell you..

what a fab listen this book is! I loved it.....

the Characters are well drawn and the story truly gripping.....try it, you will not be disappointed! 10 stars!

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!