REVIEW
Sisters of the Resistance is an incredible finale to a deeply moving, sensitive and powerful two book story of the Daisy Sisters who were torn apart when an arrogant SS Nazis officer came in and stole their art and took the older sister Justine as his prize. For years these two women lived very different lives. One in the thick of the Nazis world as a double agent and the other fighting in the Resistanceātheir activities unbeknown to each other. This is a story about getting justice, even though it is a fair while coming. But it does come and not without sacrifice and heartache.
The Sisters of Resistance is the best WW2 sequel I have ever read for many reasons. It picks up quickly where the previous novel leaves off as if we were just on intermission. The story flows along with the same brilliance as the first. It is well written with lots of action and on the edge of your seat moments. My heart was gripped so many times and my eyes often filled with tears. I was pulled into the scenes by vivid details. Jina captures the horror of what many sufferedāparticularly focusing on the women who were violated, abused and brutally discarded at times. The emotions are real and it was easy to feel the charactersā frustrations and fears during the battles but also their hopes and dreams when things start looking up. Sisters Justine and Eve both show great courage and determination in dealing with the enemy. Certain facts are withheld from each other for their protection: and this is especially challenging for Justine who has to remain under cover for as long as possible. She is an incredible actress, though, and plays her part well as the mistress of the SS Officer. It would be difficult to appear as a supporter of Hitlerās new order. And even harder to ālieā to her sister and mother. Mind you, their mother never once believed Justine had changed or gone over to the enemyās side. And, of course, she did not. Justineās reason to āplay alongā is to stay alive and keep her family safeā including her daughter.
Eve, too, is an amazing woman. She exhibits great courage in the face of danger and uses her science skills to launch attacks on the enemy. She certainly grows up quickly and her determination is fuelled by her desire to protect her country and family. Growth is evident in her when she takes on the role as a freedom fighter, unafraid to take risks. She also is awakened to the depth of emotions and experiences of loveāboth romantically and for her family. When her little nieceās health is in danger, Eve rejoins her sister to save her.
There are some wicked Nazis characters that darken the plot as you would expect. But there is one exception: a German leader who truly cares for Justine and has ethics. I really came to like this gentle man, who actually was not happy about what the Nazis were doing to the Jews and as a result he plays a very dangerous game in his position.
I really donāt want to give away the plot so it is hard for me to discuss various aspects of the story except to tell everyone please read it. It is obvious to me that Jina, the author, has poured her heart and soul into this novel. She draws from her own traumatic personal experience in many ways, so there is a lot of fire in this very special delivery. I admire her courage and how she has championed and encouraged other women to speak up who have been violated. This novelās ending has a very victorious scene when Justine is allowed to face her abuser. I think this is a key underlining moment in the plot that sends out a message to women that they can overcome the suffering and pain caused by men who have made them a victim. There was a lot of rape happening during WW2 through these Nazis officers and so many women became victims. The potential psychological damage as a result is addressed through various characters.
Please read book one first of the series and then Sisters of the Resistance. It is about pain, suffering, loss, domination and violation yes, but it is also about healing, regaining of confidence, overcoming the enemy and achieving real justice. I give this more than 5 Stars as it flies the flag of hope in taking back the power, defeating control and providing not only the promise of new beginnings but seeing freedom come to fruition. Big cheers to Jina Bacarr on a daring, riveting story with a life-changing ending. Restoration is the word for the Daisy Sisters and their surviving families and friends. Love truly can conquer hate. āļøāļøāļøāļøāļø+
Thanks to Boldwood Books and Netgalley for a review copy.
