Review of 'Esther's Children' by Caroline Beecham
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Review of ‘Esther’s Children’ by Caroline Beech
Esther’s Children by Caroline Beecham is a story brimming with lasting love, great sacrifice and a passion for saving others. Of course, there is a romance at its heart and a heroine’s drive to save the man she loves and his parents. This relationship, although wonderful, is severely tested by trying circumstances and admirable ambitions that lead to unexpected complications.
This story, based on a real figure in history named Esther Simpson, is beautifully written in accomplished prose. The topic, a fight for freedom, is a painful journey set in a time filled with twisted control and harrowing prejudice. Yet the author handles it all with great sensitivity. I was drawn into the story immediately and felt as if I was there in the scenes with the characters. And my heart ached with the challenges Esther faced in trying to free those who were threatened by the march of Nazi rule.
I knew little of Esther Simpson’s life before Caroline’s novel shone a light on this admirable woman. I feel I am seeing her life now in a more personal way through the power of fiction. Esther worked tirelessly in the Society for the Protection of Science and Learning (a British organisation) to rescue some of the brightest minds of the world from the Nazis; many of which were Jewish academics and scholars and many who went on to win Nobel Prizes. She helped them find employment in ‘safe’ locations such as Britain and America. Looking at her work in this light, it is easy to see the value of her relentless dedication and how she became a major contributor to the ongoing advancements of genius minds. Of course, due to the nature of her missions, there were inevitable obstacles and major moments wrought with danger. Some of which were of great political and personal magnitude. But her courage seemingly never faltered.
Besides being a dedicated rescuer of great minds, Esther was also a proficient musician and her gift infuses the story with a special ingredient. Some of her colleagues felt her talent was a great tool to use for getting close to people in power. Their argument was that she could then influence them to open up to her requests. In understanding her character qualities, I don’t think she was comfortable with this idea and may have seen it as an act of deception. But it did put her in places where she could assist those she sought to be free. It also was where she met a man, Harry, (another a musician - a violinist ) who became very special to her throughout her life. This man, radiated with a warmth she could not resist. He was also unusual in that he was happy to play with female musicians. This was a rare occurrence because men at the time, even the educated ones, did not believe in doing so. But Harry was different. Esther and he grew very close and their journey together became both heart-warming and sad. I felt Caroline provided a wonderful depiction of their relationship and its importance. It certainly drew out the tears and tissues!
Esther’s Children is a deeply touching and tender story where love rises above pain and binds the threads of hope to an anchor of determination. It is based on a real individual in history who deserves to be remembered and I think author Caroline Beecham has done an exceptional job in giving us a memorable and triumphant story. May the proof of Esther’s actions continue to inspire hope and courage in the persecuted today. 5 Stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Many thanks to Allen & Unwin and Caroline Beecham for a review copy.
Note: at the back of Caroline’s novel is a code to scan where you can listen to the music that Esther played.
