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The Swiss Nurse
Based on the true story of an astonishingly brave woman who saved hundreds of mothers and their children during the Spanish Civil War and World War II. Elisabeth Eidenbenz left Switzerland in 1937 to aid children orphaned during the Spanish Civil War. Now, her work has led her to France, where she’s determined to provide expectant mothers and their unborn children a refuge amid one of the worst humanitarian crises of the twentieth century. Desperate to escape the invasion of Franco’s Fascist troops, Isabel Dueñas becomes one of many Spanish patriots fleeing their country. She leaves behind her husband as he fights for democracy, and she seeks asylum in a refugee camp across the border in France. Without adequate shelter, clean drinking water, or medical care, Isabel’s future looks bleak—until she meets Elisabeth. When Germany invades Poland, an avalanche of humanity sweeps into France. In the cascade of crises that follow, Isabel and Elisabeth learn the cost and the unexpected joy of sacrifice. Based on the true stories of refugees and the woman who risked everything to save them, The Swiss Nurse shares a message of love and strength amid one of history’s often overlooked conflicts.
368 pages, Paperback
First published April 18, 2023
About the author
Mario Escobar
231 books1,153 followersMario Escobar Golderos has a degree in History, with an advanced studies diploma in Modern History. He has written numerous books and articles about the Inquisition, the Protestant Reformation, and religious sects. He is the executive director of an NGO and directs the magazine Nueva historia para el debate, in addition to being a contributing columnist in various publications. Passionate about history and its mysteries, Escobar has delved into the depths of church history, the different sectarian groups that have struggled therein, and the discovery and colonization of the Americas. He specializes in the lives of unorthodox Spaniards and Americans. Books
Autor Betseller con miles de libros vendidos en todo el mundo. Sus obras han sido traducidas al chino, japonés, inglés, ruso, portugués, danés, francés, italiano, checo, polaco, serbio, entre otros idiomas. Novelista, ensayista y conferenciante. Licenciado en Historia y Diplomado en Estudios Avanzados en la especialidad de Historia Moderna, ha escrito numerosos artículos y libros sobre la Inquisición, la Reforma Protestante y las sectas religiosas.
Publica asiduamente en las revistas Más Allá y National Geographic Historia
Apasionado por la historia y sus enigmas ha estudiado en produndidad la Historia de la Iglesia, los distintos grupos sectarios que han luchado en su seno, el descubrimiento y colonizacíón de América; especializándose en la vida de personajes heterodoxos españoles y americanos.
Su primera obra, Conspiración Maine 2006, fue un éxito. Le siguieron El mesías Ario (2007), El secreto de los Assassini (2008) y la Profecía de Aztlán (2009). Todas ellas parte de la saga protagonizada por Hércules Guzmán Fox, George Lincoln y Alicia Mantorella.
Su libro Francisco. El primer papa latinoamericano ha sido traducido a 12 idiomas, entre ellos el chino, inglés, francés, italiano, portugues, japonés, danés, etc.
Sol rojo sobre Hiroshima (2009) y El País de las lágrimas (2010) son sus obras más intimistas. También ha publicado ensayos como Martín Luther King (2006) e Historia de la Masonería en Estados Unidos (2009). Los doce legados de Steve Jobs (2012). La biografía del papa Francisco. El primer papa latinoamericano (2013). La Saga Ione (2013) o la Serie Apocalipsis (2012).Saga Misión Verne (2013)
www.marioescobar.es
http://www.amazon.com/Mario-Escobar/e...
http://www.sagamisionverne.es/
Autor Betseller con miles de libros vendidos en todo el mundo. Sus obras han sido traducidas al chino, japonés, inglés, ruso, portugués, danés, francés, italiano, checo, polaco, serbio, entre otros idiomas. Novelista, ensayista y conferenciante. Licenciado en Historia y Diplomado en Estudios Avanzados en la especialidad de Historia Moderna, ha escrito numerosos artículos y libros sobre la Inquisición, la Reforma Protestante y las sectas religiosas.
Publica asiduamente en las revistas Más Allá y National Geographic Historia
Apasionado por la historia y sus enigmas ha estudiado en produndidad la Historia de la Iglesia, los distintos grupos sectarios que han luchado en su seno, el descubrimiento y colonizacíón de América; especializándose en la vida de personajes heterodoxos españoles y americanos.
Su primera obra, Conspiración Maine 2006, fue un éxito. Le siguieron El mesías Ario (2007), El secreto de los Assassini (2008) y la Profecía de Aztlán (2009). Todas ellas parte de la saga protagonizada por Hércules Guzmán Fox, George Lincoln y Alicia Mantorella.
Su libro Francisco. El primer papa latinoamericano ha sido traducido a 12 idiomas, entre ellos el chino, inglés, francés, italiano, portugues, japonés, danés, etc.
Sol rojo sobre Hiroshima (2009) y El País de las lágrimas (2010) son sus obras más intimistas. También ha publicado ensayos como Martín Luther King (2006) e Historia de la Masonería en Estados Unidos (2009). Los doce legados de Steve Jobs (2012). La biografía del papa Francisco. El primer papa latinoamericano (2013). La Saga Ione (2013) o la Serie Apocalipsis (2012).Saga Misión Verne (2013)
www.marioescobar.es
http://www.amazon.com/Mario-Escobar/e...
http://www.sagamisionverne.es/
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 205 reviews
April 23, 2023
Over the years, I have had the opportunity to read several books written by Mario Escobar. Although The Swiss Nurse was not my favorite book written by Mario Escobar, I did enjoy reading it. I was able to learn about things that I had not known about before reading it. I switched back and forth between reading The Swiss Nurse on my kindle and listening to the audiobook. The audiobook was very well narrated by Saskia Maarleveld. She has become one of my favorite narrators over the years. Mario Escobar based The Swiss Nurse on true facts and real people. It was a very moving story that was told in alternating point of views from three distinct characters.
Mario Escobar chose to begin The Swiss Nurse in Spain during The Spanish Civil War. Franco’s wrath was felt and dreaded by all the people of the Republic as he forged ahead to take control of Spain. Isabel Duenas, a seamstress in Barcelona, had witnessed death and destruction at the hands of Franco and the Fascists. She was left no alternatives but to flee from Barcelona and escape to France. Her American born husband, Peter Davis, was still helping the Spanish fight for freedom and democracy. Isabel and Peter planned to meet in France and travel to the United States together where they hoped to live their lives together as man and wife near Peter’s family. Elisabeth Eidenbenz, a Swiss teacher and nurse had gone to Spain in 1937 to help Spanish orphans escape the persecutions and atrocities caused by the Spanish Civil War. The route from Spain to France was long, difficult and dangerous over the Pyrenees. None of the refugees had expected any of the delays they were met with or the treatment they received once they arrived at the French border.
Isabel ended up being placed in an internment camp in France where the conditions were so dire. The camp was built on the beach where the housing was less than ideal, the drinking water was not suitable for drinking and medical care was less than adequate. By chance she met Elisabeth at the camp one day. Elisabeth had been instrumental in saving many orphaned children that lost their families as a result of the Spanish Civil War. She worked beside the members of the Association to Aid Children in War to provide safety for the orphaned children. Elisabeth wanted to do more, though. She wanted to help pregnant women and their babies. She was appalled by the conditions at the internment camps. She could not envision pregnant women giving birth at these camps. Finally, in 1939, Elisabeth, with the help from the Quakers, the Swiss Red Cross and the Mennonite Society, Elisabeth was able to open the Elne Maternity Hospital in France. Elisabeth’s selfless compassion and commitment helped save Isabel from the fate she surely would have faced if she had been left living in the internment camp. When World War II began and the Nazis invaded France, Elisabeth also provided shelter for Jewish pregnant women refugees and their families as well. She was a brave, courageous and determined woman.
I enjoyed reading and listening to The Swiss Nurse by Mario Escobar. His books always seem to make me a little smarter. Before reading The Swiss Nurse, I had never heard of Elisabeth Eidenbenz. Her contributions to helping defenseless orphaned children and pregnant mothers and their newborn babies was immeasurable. Much appreciation goes to Mario Escobar for telling her story and making her contributions to humanity known. I also had not been aware of the way the Spanish refugees were treated when they first arrived in France. After the Spanish refugees had already suffered so much pain and loss in the Spanish Civil War, the French government treated the refugees awfully and showed them little to no empathy. The Swiss Nurse was a well written book that I highly recommend.
Thank you to Harper Muse for allowing me to read The Swiss Nurse by Mario Escobar through Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. All opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
Mario Escobar chose to begin The Swiss Nurse in Spain during The Spanish Civil War. Franco’s wrath was felt and dreaded by all the people of the Republic as he forged ahead to take control of Spain. Isabel Duenas, a seamstress in Barcelona, had witnessed death and destruction at the hands of Franco and the Fascists. She was left no alternatives but to flee from Barcelona and escape to France. Her American born husband, Peter Davis, was still helping the Spanish fight for freedom and democracy. Isabel and Peter planned to meet in France and travel to the United States together where they hoped to live their lives together as man and wife near Peter’s family. Elisabeth Eidenbenz, a Swiss teacher and nurse had gone to Spain in 1937 to help Spanish orphans escape the persecutions and atrocities caused by the Spanish Civil War. The route from Spain to France was long, difficult and dangerous over the Pyrenees. None of the refugees had expected any of the delays they were met with or the treatment they received once they arrived at the French border.
Isabel ended up being placed in an internment camp in France where the conditions were so dire. The camp was built on the beach where the housing was less than ideal, the drinking water was not suitable for drinking and medical care was less than adequate. By chance she met Elisabeth at the camp one day. Elisabeth had been instrumental in saving many orphaned children that lost their families as a result of the Spanish Civil War. She worked beside the members of the Association to Aid Children in War to provide safety for the orphaned children. Elisabeth wanted to do more, though. She wanted to help pregnant women and their babies. She was appalled by the conditions at the internment camps. She could not envision pregnant women giving birth at these camps. Finally, in 1939, Elisabeth, with the help from the Quakers, the Swiss Red Cross and the Mennonite Society, Elisabeth was able to open the Elne Maternity Hospital in France. Elisabeth’s selfless compassion and commitment helped save Isabel from the fate she surely would have faced if she had been left living in the internment camp. When World War II began and the Nazis invaded France, Elisabeth also provided shelter for Jewish pregnant women refugees and their families as well. She was a brave, courageous and determined woman.
I enjoyed reading and listening to The Swiss Nurse by Mario Escobar. His books always seem to make me a little smarter. Before reading The Swiss Nurse, I had never heard of Elisabeth Eidenbenz. Her contributions to helping defenseless orphaned children and pregnant mothers and their newborn babies was immeasurable. Much appreciation goes to Mario Escobar for telling her story and making her contributions to humanity known. I also had not been aware of the way the Spanish refugees were treated when they first arrived in France. After the Spanish refugees had already suffered so much pain and loss in the Spanish Civil War, the French government treated the refugees awfully and showed them little to no empathy. The Swiss Nurse was a well written book that I highly recommend.
Thank you to Harper Muse for allowing me to read The Swiss Nurse by Mario Escobar through Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. All opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
April 7, 2023
The Swiss Nurse is based on the heroic actions of an extremely brave woman Elisabeth Eidenbenz, and what she did during the Spanish Civil War and World War Two. Mario Escobar uses the testimonies of Spanish refugees, who crossed the Pyrenees mountains into France, where the French government set up two internment camps and they lived in atrocious conditions, and information he uncovered about the Association to Aid Children in War and the Elne Maternity Hospital to write his latest book.
The story is told from the points of view of the three main characters, Isabel Dueñas, a Spanish seamstress who has flee Barcelona to escape the Fascist troops and she want's to be reunited with her American born husband Peter Davis and he's fighting for democracy. Elisabeth Eidenbenz is a Swiss teacher and nurse, she leaves Spain with a group of orphaned children, eventually they arrive in France, and Elisabeth is shocked by the conditions at the internment camps. Women and children are living on a beach, with no proper shelter, clean drinking water, many are suffering from malnutrition, it’s a breeding ground for diseases and corruption.
When Germany invades Poland, another refugee crisis begins, Elisabeth has opened her maternity hospital in Elne and in an abandoned mansion. Here she takes care of pregnant women and children and she helps and hides Jewish people fleeing percussion. Elisabeth’s work in Spain and France is paid for by voluntary donations, once the war begins it stops and she becomes associated with the Red Cross and this gives her some protection.
I received a digital copy of The Swiss Nurse from Edelweiss and Harper Muse in exchange for an honest review. The narrative is about Elisabeth Eidenbenz, Isabel Dueñas and their association with aid workers, Ruth Von Wild and Karl Ketterer. How during times of great humanitarian crisis, they discover the power of friendship, solidarity and they believe all people should be equal, no matter their race or religion and be able to live in peace.
I can understand why some people have found the story hard to follow, you do need to really concentrate while reading the novel, as it's told from alternating points of view and locations, and it’s certainly worth the effort. Once again Mr. Escobar has written about a little know time in history, ironically while a war is raging in the Ukraine and an humanitarian crisis is happening. I'm a big fan of Mario Escobar, I tell anyone who will listen to read Auschwitz Lullaby, and I feel the same way about The Swiss Nurse, five stars from me and I'm left pondering why don't leaders of power hungry countries learn from previous dictators mistakes?
The story is told from the points of view of the three main characters, Isabel Dueñas, a Spanish seamstress who has flee Barcelona to escape the Fascist troops and she want's to be reunited with her American born husband Peter Davis and he's fighting for democracy. Elisabeth Eidenbenz is a Swiss teacher and nurse, she leaves Spain with a group of orphaned children, eventually they arrive in France, and Elisabeth is shocked by the conditions at the internment camps. Women and children are living on a beach, with no proper shelter, clean drinking water, many are suffering from malnutrition, it’s a breeding ground for diseases and corruption.
When Germany invades Poland, another refugee crisis begins, Elisabeth has opened her maternity hospital in Elne and in an abandoned mansion. Here she takes care of pregnant women and children and she helps and hides Jewish people fleeing percussion. Elisabeth’s work in Spain and France is paid for by voluntary donations, once the war begins it stops and she becomes associated with the Red Cross and this gives her some protection.
I received a digital copy of The Swiss Nurse from Edelweiss and Harper Muse in exchange for an honest review. The narrative is about Elisabeth Eidenbenz, Isabel Dueñas and their association with aid workers, Ruth Von Wild and Karl Ketterer. How during times of great humanitarian crisis, they discover the power of friendship, solidarity and they believe all people should be equal, no matter their race or religion and be able to live in peace.
I can understand why some people have found the story hard to follow, you do need to really concentrate while reading the novel, as it's told from alternating points of view and locations, and it’s certainly worth the effort. Once again Mr. Escobar has written about a little know time in history, ironically while a war is raging in the Ukraine and an humanitarian crisis is happening. I'm a big fan of Mario Escobar, I tell anyone who will listen to read Auschwitz Lullaby, and I feel the same way about The Swiss Nurse, five stars from me and I'm left pondering why don't leaders of power hungry countries learn from previous dictators mistakes?
June 18, 2023
The Swiss Nurse by Mario Escobar. Just didn’t do it for me. Most books by this author I love. This one held my interest . Just another WW2 book. Nothing unknown or unique
February 17, 2023
3.5 ⭐
Eager to escape General Francisco Franco’s repressive regime at the end of the Spanish Civil War, half a million refugees began La Retirada, their long voyage of escape. Awaiting for them after an arduous trek by foot, were deplorable conditions in French refugee camps. It’s against this backdrop that Escobar’s latest, The Swiss Nurse, is set.
When all around her was pain and sadness and she had every reason to do nothing, Elisabeth Eidenbenz risked it all and make room for her humanity to shine. Appalled by the conditions in the refugee camps, she created the Elna Maternity Hospital and the Mothers of Elne in a desperate scramble to save those who couldn’t help themselves - expectant mothers exiled during La Retirada. France was witness to countless refugees after the Spanish Civil War and Eidenbenz was bold enough to make a difference in their lives.
Author Escobar has given us a roving camera view of life at this time by offering readers three different points of view: Isabel, a refugee who requires the services of the maternity hospital, Peter, her husband who gets caught up in political turmoil, and Elisabeth, the heroine of the story. In doing so, Escobar paints a true picture of this slice of history.
I struggled to write this review. I really wanted to like this one more than I did and it bothered me so much that I set it on the backburner…for months! With renewed optimism, I attempted it again and concluded that, although it’s well researched and translated, I was unable to connect to the characters in a meaningful manner. The atrocities and swearing added to my fatigue and, unfortunately, Eidenbenz’s courage and efforts weren’t strong enough to pull me out of a funk.
Although my least favourite of his novels, this book still manages to honour Elisabeth Eidenbenz, a true hero who left an unbelievable legacy.
I was gifted this copy by Harper Muse and NetGalley and was under no obligation to provide a review.
Eager to escape General Francisco Franco’s repressive regime at the end of the Spanish Civil War, half a million refugees began La Retirada, their long voyage of escape. Awaiting for them after an arduous trek by foot, were deplorable conditions in French refugee camps. It’s against this backdrop that Escobar’s latest, The Swiss Nurse, is set.
When all around her was pain and sadness and she had every reason to do nothing, Elisabeth Eidenbenz risked it all and make room for her humanity to shine. Appalled by the conditions in the refugee camps, she created the Elna Maternity Hospital and the Mothers of Elne in a desperate scramble to save those who couldn’t help themselves - expectant mothers exiled during La Retirada. France was witness to countless refugees after the Spanish Civil War and Eidenbenz was bold enough to make a difference in their lives.
Author Escobar has given us a roving camera view of life at this time by offering readers three different points of view: Isabel, a refugee who requires the services of the maternity hospital, Peter, her husband who gets caught up in political turmoil, and Elisabeth, the heroine of the story. In doing so, Escobar paints a true picture of this slice of history.
I struggled to write this review. I really wanted to like this one more than I did and it bothered me so much that I set it on the backburner…for months! With renewed optimism, I attempted it again and concluded that, although it’s well researched and translated, I was unable to connect to the characters in a meaningful manner. The atrocities and swearing added to my fatigue and, unfortunately, Eidenbenz’s courage and efforts weren’t strong enough to pull me out of a funk.
Although my least favourite of his novels, this book still manages to honour Elisabeth Eidenbenz, a true hero who left an unbelievable legacy.
I was gifted this copy by Harper Muse and NetGalley and was under no obligation to provide a review.
March 9, 2023
I really wanted to enjoy this book because it sounded so intriguing. Nursing? WW2? High stakes? That stunning cover?! Yes, please! Unfortunately, I felt rather disappointed & a bit overwhelmed.
This book was an insight into an event I knew little about—the Spanish Civil War (1936-39). As a history lover, I greatly appreciated how well-researched & informed the story was. Beforehand, I had no clue of the war’s effects on & proximity to WW2 & all the chaos it unleashed in Europe. Some unfamiliar eras you can read about and still understand… but with this one, there was so much information presented (often in large chunks of dialogue) that it was hard to take in at times. And the politics… I still don’t fully understand them.
Character wise, I was super excited for a story about a nurse, but I often found Elisabeth’s story (the nurse) was overshadowed by Peter & Isabel’s POVs. Personally, I LOVED Elisabeth. She’s strong, determined, sacrificial, empathetic—like I said, I loved her! I would have been happy to read an entire book with just her POV because I wanted more of her story/journey. Don’t get me wrong, Peter & Isabel were okay, and my heart broke for them & those they met on their journeys, but I guess I went into this story with different expectations.
The main thing I struggled with was how bleak this story was. The atrocities were vivid. There was so much heartache, so much loss, so much darkness. And not a lot of hope. I’m not against raising awareness of the horrors of history, far from it. If we aren’t remembering history, then we’re doomed to repeat it. But I believe we need to temper that bleakness with a silver lining of hope. By the end, I was emotionally drained & exhausted, and still had questions.
In terms of content, there was a lot of language/swearing. Way more than I was expecting, and I quickly lost count of all the usages. There are hints of a married couple having intimacy (not shown), a woman remembering her wedding night (not detailed), and prostitution & trafficking play a part in the story along with 2-3x non-graphic s*xual assaults. There are traumatic births, mentions of suicide, and all around, a lot of dying. It isn’t a read for the faint of heart.
That said, even though this wasn’t the book for me, I do appreciate the author bringing a relatively obscure part of history to life, and this quote resonated with me, as it feels especially relevant to our modern era:
“‘That’s the problem. In our world today, ideology has infected everything. You’re either for something or against it, and nobody cares about the truth.’”
*Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the complimentary copy of this book. I was not required to write a positive review. These are my honest thoughts and opinions.
This book was an insight into an event I knew little about—the Spanish Civil War (1936-39). As a history lover, I greatly appreciated how well-researched & informed the story was. Beforehand, I had no clue of the war’s effects on & proximity to WW2 & all the chaos it unleashed in Europe. Some unfamiliar eras you can read about and still understand… but with this one, there was so much information presented (often in large chunks of dialogue) that it was hard to take in at times. And the politics… I still don’t fully understand them.
Character wise, I was super excited for a story about a nurse, but I often found Elisabeth’s story (the nurse) was overshadowed by Peter & Isabel’s POVs. Personally, I LOVED Elisabeth. She’s strong, determined, sacrificial, empathetic—like I said, I loved her! I would have been happy to read an entire book with just her POV because I wanted more of her story/journey. Don’t get me wrong, Peter & Isabel were okay, and my heart broke for them & those they met on their journeys, but I guess I went into this story with different expectations.
The main thing I struggled with was how bleak this story was. The atrocities were vivid. There was so much heartache, so much loss, so much darkness. And not a lot of hope. I’m not against raising awareness of the horrors of history, far from it. If we aren’t remembering history, then we’re doomed to repeat it. But I believe we need to temper that bleakness with a silver lining of hope. By the end, I was emotionally drained & exhausted, and still had questions.
In terms of content, there was a lot of language/swearing. Way more than I was expecting, and I quickly lost count of all the usages. There are hints of a married couple having intimacy (not shown), a woman remembering her wedding night (not detailed), and prostitution & trafficking play a part in the story along with 2-3x non-graphic s*xual assaults. There are traumatic births, mentions of suicide, and all around, a lot of dying. It isn’t a read for the faint of heart.
That said, even though this wasn’t the book for me, I do appreciate the author bringing a relatively obscure part of history to life, and this quote resonated with me, as it feels especially relevant to our modern era:
“‘That’s the problem. In our world today, ideology has infected everything. You’re either for something or against it, and nobody cares about the truth.’”
*Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the complimentary copy of this book. I was not required to write a positive review. These are my honest thoughts and opinions.
April 25, 2023
I had such high hopes for this book - based on a true story and tied to the Spanish Revolution. Yet it just fell flat for me.
May 1, 2023
Such a beautiful portrayal of some dark and painful times. The hope of Christ is woven in so delicately and is the much needed contrast to such devastating times.
Reads like a memoir/biography style and reminds me of the Zookeeper's Wife.
Recommend if you want to learn more about the way WW2 affected Swiss, French, and Spanish countries and peoples.
Reads like a memoir/biography style and reminds me of the Zookeeper's Wife.
Recommend if you want to learn more about the way WW2 affected Swiss, French, and Spanish countries and peoples.
April 28, 2023
1939-1940 Spain & France
The Swiss Nurse honors the work of Elisabeth Eidenbenz. Elisabeth left her home country of Switzerland to use her nursing skills to benefit the orphans of the Spanish Civil War. Her selfless acts saved the lives of numerous pregnant women and their babies. The conditions for refugees was deplorable. Elisabeth was committed to better conditions for the women and children.
While part of the novel is told from Elisabeth's point of view, there is also the perspective of fictional characters Peter and Isabella. Peter is an American that voluntary came to Spain to help with their civil war. Spaniard Isabella and Peter fall in love and marry. Their tale begins years after their wedding and with Peter serving in the army and Isabella fleeing to France.
I enjoyed learning more about Elisabeth Eidenbenz and the Spanish Civil War through this novel.
My gratitude to publisher Harper Muse for a complimentary audiobook through NetGalley. I was not required to post a review and all opinions expressed are my own.
The Swiss Nurse honors the work of Elisabeth Eidenbenz. Elisabeth left her home country of Switzerland to use her nursing skills to benefit the orphans of the Spanish Civil War. Her selfless acts saved the lives of numerous pregnant women and their babies. The conditions for refugees was deplorable. Elisabeth was committed to better conditions for the women and children.
While part of the novel is told from Elisabeth's point of view, there is also the perspective of fictional characters Peter and Isabella. Peter is an American that voluntary came to Spain to help with their civil war. Spaniard Isabella and Peter fall in love and marry. Their tale begins years after their wedding and with Peter serving in the army and Isabella fleeing to France.
I enjoyed learning more about Elisabeth Eidenbenz and the Spanish Civil War through this novel.
My gratitude to publisher Harper Muse for a complimentary audiobook through NetGalley. I was not required to post a review and all opinions expressed are my own.
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November 7, 2022My blurb...
Within the harrowing landscape of both the Spanish Civi War and World War II, Escobar shines a light on hope and humanity through Elisabeth Eidenbenz and her work to create the Elna Maternity Hospital and the Mothers of Elne, saving countless mothers and their newborn children. Descriptions and prose, both startling and lyrical, bring you onto the scene and into the lives of both Elisabeth and Isabel as they strive to survive, thrive, and care for others in this gripping tale of destruction, war, and the endless potential within the human heart to endure, sacrifice, and rejoice.
— Katherine Reay, Author of The London House and A Shadow in Moscow
Within the harrowing landscape of both the Spanish Civi War and World War II, Escobar shines a light on hope and humanity through Elisabeth Eidenbenz and her work to create the Elna Maternity Hospital and the Mothers of Elne, saving countless mothers and their newborn children. Descriptions and prose, both startling and lyrical, bring you onto the scene and into the lives of both Elisabeth and Isabel as they strive to survive, thrive, and care for others in this gripping tale of destruction, war, and the endless potential within the human heart to endure, sacrifice, and rejoice.
— Katherine Reay, Author of The London House and A Shadow in Moscow
June 17, 2023
I enjoy historical fiction, especially if it is based on real people and about events that I don't know a lot about. The Swiss Nurse fits the bill perfectly. This book is set as the Spanish Civil War is winding down. It's 1939 and Franco's troops have marched into Barcelona. The people who supported the Republican Government made up of socialists and communists fled and marched to France where they were told they could enter as refugees. As well, many of the men fighting for the Republic fled as well. Isabel Dueñas is married to an American, Peter Davis, who is fighting for the Republic, she is pregnant and forced to flee. Elisabeth Eidenbenz is a swiss nurse who is running a maternity hospital to help the refugees and those who live in the area. It is funded privately and through the Swiss Red Cross. Although France has allowed the refugees to enter their country, they are treated terribly. Living in cramped refugee camps with little food, contaminated water and many with no roofs over their heads. Although both Isabel and her husband are in the camp, they are separated because he is in the military area. She gives birth at the hospital and vows to help Elisabeth and her volunteers. Things do not go well, as Hitler invades France and makes things even more difficult. Will Isabel and her husband and child survive? Will they get to the U.S.? Will Elisabeth and her husband be able to help all the women who need them? What about the Jewish families?
This was a heartbreaking story. The terrible conditions in the camp resulted in many people dying as well as women being raped and turned to prostitution. The people that were supposed to be helping were stealing supplies and selling them on the black market. There were some honest and caring people, but they seemed to be outnumbered. They didn't want these "communists" in their country. That didn't stop them from sending the soldiers to the front. I loved learning about the strong women who worked at the maternity hospital. Elisabeth stood up to everyone in order to do what she needed for her mothers and their babies. I was afraid for her many times. The story is told from three POVs. Elisabeth, Isabel and Peter all share the events that they are dealing with, and they sometimes overlap. It is well researched and I learned a lot about Elisabeth. Between 1939 and 1944, she saved some 600 children who were mostly the children of Spanish Republicans, Jewish refugees and gypsies fleeing the Nazi invasion. This is a story of strong, courageous independent women, who learn that friendship, solidarity and the belief that all people are created equal, helped save many that otherwise would have perished. It is not an easy book to read, but it is a time in history that needs to be shared. Elisabeth Eidenbenz needs to become someone that we learn about, a true hero!
I listened to the audiobook, but also had the ebook. The story does jump around a lot and there were times that I went to the ebook because I missed things while listening to this one. Saskia Maarleveld does an amazing job with the voices of the various characters as well as the emotion that this story contains. If you enjoy audiobooks, I think a read/listen is the best way to go.
This was a heartbreaking story. The terrible conditions in the camp resulted in many people dying as well as women being raped and turned to prostitution. The people that were supposed to be helping were stealing supplies and selling them on the black market. There were some honest and caring people, but they seemed to be outnumbered. They didn't want these "communists" in their country. That didn't stop them from sending the soldiers to the front. I loved learning about the strong women who worked at the maternity hospital. Elisabeth stood up to everyone in order to do what she needed for her mothers and their babies. I was afraid for her many times. The story is told from three POVs. Elisabeth, Isabel and Peter all share the events that they are dealing with, and they sometimes overlap. It is well researched and I learned a lot about Elisabeth. Between 1939 and 1944, she saved some 600 children who were mostly the children of Spanish Republicans, Jewish refugees and gypsies fleeing the Nazi invasion. This is a story of strong, courageous independent women, who learn that friendship, solidarity and the belief that all people are created equal, helped save many that otherwise would have perished. It is not an easy book to read, but it is a time in history that needs to be shared. Elisabeth Eidenbenz needs to become someone that we learn about, a true hero!
I listened to the audiobook, but also had the ebook. The story does jump around a lot and there were times that I went to the ebook because I missed things while listening to this one. Saskia Maarleveld does an amazing job with the voices of the various characters as well as the emotion that this story contains. If you enjoy audiobooks, I think a read/listen is the best way to go.
November 17, 2022
I had pretty high expectations concerning "The Swiss Nurse", as I am fond of historical fiction, but I ended up disappointed.
The story is told alternatively between three characters: a Swiss nurse, Elizabeth (a true character, although by reading this book, we don't know how much is true and how much is fiction); a Spanish refugee, Isabel, and her American husband, Peter. I understand the choice to show different characters' points of view, but as a result, we don't get to know any of them well. I expected Elizabeth and Isabel to become very close as they are "together in the most important work of their lives" according to the book summary, but even though they do work together, they rarely interact on the pages.
I didn't find the characters endearing, and instead of having compassion for their suffering, I was mostly annoyed at all the bad things happening to them. To me, the author didn't manage to make the reader feel close to any character - not the three protagonists, nor all the (many) side characters, who basically all died horrible death every couple of pages. Rather than eliciting pity and horror, it rather normalised violence and inhumanity.
As a consequence, it wasn't a very enjoyable book. Books about war are of course not fun to read, but at least you should finish it by feeling compassion for the characters, or admiration for the protagonists... I was disappointed that despite its title, we didn't get to know so much about the Swiss nurse. The note at the end of the book gives minimum detail about the rest of her life. Also, the prologue and epilogue didn't bring anything at all to the story.
I therefore would not recommend this book, but I was still glad to have read a book taking place during the Spanish Civil War as it made me discover this conflict I knew nothing about (although I am still very confused as it was never really clear what was happening between who and why in the book, according to a neophyte like me).
*I received a complimentary eARC and this is my honest opinion*
The story is told alternatively between three characters: a Swiss nurse, Elizabeth (a true character, although by reading this book, we don't know how much is true and how much is fiction); a Spanish refugee, Isabel, and her American husband, Peter. I understand the choice to show different characters' points of view, but as a result, we don't get to know any of them well. I expected Elizabeth and Isabel to become very close as they are "together in the most important work of their lives" according to the book summary, but even though they do work together, they rarely interact on the pages.
I didn't find the characters endearing, and instead of having compassion for their suffering, I was mostly annoyed at all the bad things happening to them. To me, the author didn't manage to make the reader feel close to any character - not the three protagonists, nor all the (many) side characters, who basically all died horrible death every couple of pages. Rather than eliciting pity and horror, it rather normalised violence and inhumanity.
As a consequence, it wasn't a very enjoyable book. Books about war are of course not fun to read, but at least you should finish it by feeling compassion for the characters, or admiration for the protagonists... I was disappointed that despite its title, we didn't get to know so much about the Swiss nurse. The note at the end of the book gives minimum detail about the rest of her life. Also, the prologue and epilogue didn't bring anything at all to the story.
I therefore would not recommend this book, but I was still glad to have read a book taking place during the Spanish Civil War as it made me discover this conflict I knew nothing about (although I am still very confused as it was never really clear what was happening between who and why in the book, according to a neophyte like me).
*I received a complimentary eARC and this is my honest opinion*
May 28, 2023
Based on the heroic endeavors of real life nurse Elisabeth Eidenbenz, this heartfelt tribute chronicles the victims of the Spanish Civil War and the Nazis. Escobar has a talent for highlighting brave, unsung heroes who put their own lives at risk to help others.
The descriptions of the impacts of the Spanish Civil War in particular were a unique account. This will appeal to fans of Kristin Harmel and Pam Jenoff.
Many thanks to Netgalley, Edelweiss, Harper Muse and Mario Escobar for my complimentary e-copy ARC in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
The descriptions of the impacts of the Spanish Civil War in particular were a unique account. This will appeal to fans of Kristin Harmel and Pam Jenoff.
Many thanks to Netgalley, Edelweiss, Harper Muse and Mario Escobar for my complimentary e-copy ARC in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
August 4, 2024
The writing was fine, but I just couldn't get into it. I didn't connect with it at all. I might try again in the future, but I'm going to give this 3 ⭐ for now. It wasn't bad. I just don't feel in the mood for a WW2 fiction novel.
September 5, 2023
Mario Escobar is my favorite Spanish author. I lived in Spain from 1981-83 and knew many people who were impacted by the Spanish Civil War. This story is a moving one of the struggles the refugees of Spain had to deal with as they fled a conquered Spain by the racist, Franco, to France where they really weren’t welcomed. Escobar writes his historical novels in a way that you picture yourself there. Despite the dark days of war there were people who brought rays of hope to others.
November 21, 2022
Mi corazón paso toda la lectura como una pasita, tengo una pequeña de 3 años y no pude evitar imaginarme en las situaciones que plantea el libro , me robo muchas lágrimas
Un libro muy fácil y rápido de leer la dinamita de las historias entrelazadas me mantuvo en una lectura conteste que no pude parar hasta terminar.
Un libro muy fácil y rápido de leer la dinamita de las historias entrelazadas me mantuvo en una lectura conteste que no pude parar hasta terminar.
March 26, 2023
"The Swiss Nurse is the story of the Elne Maternity hospital and some of the women who found in that peaceful haven enough hope and strength to keep going." The little-known story of Elisabeth Eidenbenz, who saved young refugees during the Spanish Civil War and WWII through her French maternity clinic has come to life in The Swiss Nurse by Mario Escobar.
From the first line "I had always been aware of the fleeting nature of life" to the last line, Author Mario Escobar keeps me turning pages in this compelling story of a little known (to me) time in history and made it come alive. What horrors come with war. And yet small lights can shine deeply into the darkness.
With shades of history repeating itself in our times, the more things change, the more they stay the same. What ideological differences lead to war and hate, and hatred ruins hope. "Yet they were in the grip of the same spirit of the twentieth century that had poisoned half of Europe: damned ideologies that promised prosperity and a better future but that dragged humanity into a bottomless abyss." "That's the problem. In our world, ideology has infected everything. You're either for something or against it, and nobody cares about the truth." "By getting rid of God, we thought we were freeing ourselves from divine tyranny, but all we did was turn men into gods and our ideologies into the new religion......We destroyed moral values and erected the most atrocious relativism in their place.....The only new beginning is to lay a foundation for hope for a world that is truly fraternal and is ruled by love for others and respect for human life and dignity."
"What poets and intellectuals did not realize was that, by distancing humankind from the divine, they were severing themselves from the sanctity of what it means to be human."
"Right then she understood the Bible's words about how all who are weary and burdened should come to him. Sometimes people had to be at the end of their strength to understand the source of life's true strength."
For lovers of historical fiction, this is an important slice of life to know about, and the author deftly weaves a tale we won't soon forget.
Thank you to the publisher and net galley for allowing me to read an early copy. All opinions are my own.
From the first line "I had always been aware of the fleeting nature of life" to the last line, Author Mario Escobar keeps me turning pages in this compelling story of a little known (to me) time in history and made it come alive. What horrors come with war. And yet small lights can shine deeply into the darkness.
With shades of history repeating itself in our times, the more things change, the more they stay the same. What ideological differences lead to war and hate, and hatred ruins hope. "Yet they were in the grip of the same spirit of the twentieth century that had poisoned half of Europe: damned ideologies that promised prosperity and a better future but that dragged humanity into a bottomless abyss." "That's the problem. In our world, ideology has infected everything. You're either for something or against it, and nobody cares about the truth." "By getting rid of God, we thought we were freeing ourselves from divine tyranny, but all we did was turn men into gods and our ideologies into the new religion......We destroyed moral values and erected the most atrocious relativism in their place.....The only new beginning is to lay a foundation for hope for a world that is truly fraternal and is ruled by love for others and respect for human life and dignity."
"What poets and intellectuals did not realize was that, by distancing humankind from the divine, they were severing themselves from the sanctity of what it means to be human."
"Right then she understood the Bible's words about how all who are weary and burdened should come to him. Sometimes people had to be at the end of their strength to understand the source of life's true strength."
For lovers of historical fiction, this is an important slice of life to know about, and the author deftly weaves a tale we won't soon forget.
Thank you to the publisher and net galley for allowing me to read an early copy. All opinions are my own.
June 30, 2024
La Maternidad de Elna, una historia bien documentada, narrandonos lo que se vivió durante la Guerra Civil Española, y el éxodo de ciudadanos Españoles huyendo del Franquismo, dirigiendose a Francia.
Una enfermera Suiza llamada Elisabeth Eidenbenz, hace hasta lo imposible por crear una Casa de Maternidad en Elna (Francia) para así ayudar a las mujeres embarazadas y librarlas de los campos donde las tenian en pesimas condiciones. Ahí seremos testigos de las mil cosas por las que tuvo que pasar para poder seguir con su proyecto; su fuerza y enteresa era de admirarse, y que nunca se dió por vencida.
Lectura que se lee rápido y que te tendrá con el corazón apachurradito.
Una enfermera Suiza llamada Elisabeth Eidenbenz, hace hasta lo imposible por crear una Casa de Maternidad en Elna (Francia) para así ayudar a las mujeres embarazadas y librarlas de los campos donde las tenian en pesimas condiciones. Ahí seremos testigos de las mil cosas por las que tuvo que pasar para poder seguir con su proyecto; su fuerza y enteresa era de admirarse, y que nunca se dió por vencida.
Lectura que se lee rápido y que te tendrá con el corazón apachurradito.
July 21, 2023
I've tried a few other titles on audiobook written by Mario Escobar, and didn't make it very far through them.
I completed this one, the subjects covered were interesting;
the end of the Spanish Civil war,
the beginning of WII in France, and,
the Swiss nurse, Elisabeth Eidenbenz, who worked to save the lives of pregnant Spanish refugee women and the babies they carried.
This has Christians themes running through it, but the author isn't trying to bludgeon the reader into his world view .
Extra: this has some really gritty, awful things happening ( especially to females), mentions beatings, rapes, suicides, still births, deaths of babies/small children.
I completed this one, the subjects covered were interesting;
the end of the Spanish Civil war,
the beginning of WII in France, and,
the Swiss nurse, Elisabeth Eidenbenz, who worked to save the lives of pregnant Spanish refugee women and the babies they carried.
This has Christians themes running through it, but the author isn't trying to bludgeon the reader into his world view .
Extra: this has some really gritty, awful things happening ( especially to females), mentions beatings, rapes, suicides, still births, deaths of babies/small children.
March 22, 2023
This historical fiction about the Elne maternity hospital is based on true events and real people. It is mainly the story of Elizabeth Eibedbenz, a Swiss teacher, who helped orphan during the Spanish Civil War and after the defeat of the Republic, crossed the Pyrenees Mountains. In 1939 she opened a maternal hospital to care for Spanish republican women who were pregnant and force to give birth in terrible conditions at the refugee camps. It is also the story of Isabel Duenas who sought asylum in France with her husband Peter.
The author paints a picture of this time in history with a solid stroke of the brush. It is said in three different points of views alternating their voices in a soft tone and easy going pace. Although it is well said, I did find the narration to wander quite a bit, this dilly dally and turning in circle got on my nerves , I love things to move faster. I cannot define why I had trouble being even staying invested in the characters. Maybe Isabel and Peter overshadowed Elizabeth’s story too much and their stories was much more exciting to follow. I disagree with those saying the atrocities were vivid and there is too much of it. War is war you expect hardship to be there with all its definitions and Mr. Escobar does this with aplomb.
The Spanish Civil War and what happened to the millions of refugee that escaped is a part of history I am grateful to learn a little more each time. It is evident that Mr. Escobar love to share this with us.
I may not have enjoyed this novel at its fullest, nevertheless I think "The Swiss Nurse" is a must read.
My thanks to Harper Muse and Netgalley for this ARC
The author paints a picture of this time in history with a solid stroke of the brush. It is said in three different points of views alternating their voices in a soft tone and easy going pace. Although it is well said, I did find the narration to wander quite a bit, this dilly dally and turning in circle got on my nerves , I love things to move faster. I cannot define why I had trouble being even staying invested in the characters. Maybe Isabel and Peter overshadowed Elizabeth’s story too much and their stories was much more exciting to follow. I disagree with those saying the atrocities were vivid and there is too much of it. War is war you expect hardship to be there with all its definitions and Mr. Escobar does this with aplomb.
The Spanish Civil War and what happened to the millions of refugee that escaped is a part of history I am grateful to learn a little more each time. It is evident that Mr. Escobar love to share this with us.
I may not have enjoyed this novel at its fullest, nevertheless I think "The Swiss Nurse" is a must read.
My thanks to Harper Muse and Netgalley for this ARC
October 31, 2022
Un libro que te enseña la realidad de lo que fue la guerra civil española, lo difícil que fue huir de España y poder ingresar a Francia y dentro de este país tampoco les fue tan bien, ya que con los refugiados estaban “probando” los campos de concentración sin asesinarlos, pero si en donde había poca higiene, cero humanidad, apañamientos, violaciones, etc.
Después cuando se termina la guerra civil los españoles se quedaron como en tierra de nadie, ya que los que estaban en Francia no podían regresar por traidores a la patria y serían asesinados y en Francia ya no los querían, posteriormente les toca vivir la Segunda Guerra Mundial en donde fueron enlutados para hacer trabajos pesados para el ejército francés.
Nos cuenta la historia de Isabel quien hasta que no piso América, fueron tragedia tras tragedia.
América quien vio morir a su familia y posteriormente le toca ser violada y asesinada
Peter ciudadano estadounidense quien a pesar de querer regresar a su país siempre le fue imposible y le tocó pisar los campos de concentración
Elizabeth, ciudadana suiza quien después de ver la guerra en españa decide ayudar a las madres y niños refugiados y abre la maternidad de Elna.
Después cuando se termina la guerra civil los españoles se quedaron como en tierra de nadie, ya que los que estaban en Francia no podían regresar por traidores a la patria y serían asesinados y en Francia ya no los querían, posteriormente les toca vivir la Segunda Guerra Mundial en donde fueron enlutados para hacer trabajos pesados para el ejército francés.
Nos cuenta la historia de Isabel quien hasta que no piso América, fueron tragedia tras tragedia.
América quien vio morir a su familia y posteriormente le toca ser violada y asesinada
Peter ciudadano estadounidense quien a pesar de querer regresar a su país siempre le fue imposible y le tocó pisar los campos de concentración
Elizabeth, ciudadana suiza quien después de ver la guerra en españa decide ayudar a las madres y niños refugiados y abre la maternidad de Elna.
August 17, 2023
I thought this would be much more about the mothers, children and nurses at the maternity home but I felt that it hardly was at all! There were so many boring details about the war and fighting that i felt didn’t add to the story at all. I had huge hopes for Elisabeth’s story, but man did this fall short. Characters had no depth and I didn’t relate to any of them. Not sure how a book in this subject matter could be boring, but this one managed it.
March 28, 2023
Thank you NetGalley and HarperMuse for a complimentary copy of this book! Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own. This novel is told from three different viewpoints and takes place during the Spanish Civil War. There is Peter, Isabel’s husband who is a US citizen and came to help in the fight. There’s Isabel, a Spanish refugee, and Elisabeth, the Swiss nurse who provides aid to women and children. This novel is mostly about Elisabeth Eidenbenz. Each of these people’s lives will intersect with Elizabeth’s. Throughout most of the story we see Isabel and Peter trying to find each other. They end up at the refugee camps close to each other at one point, but they keep getting torn apart. At one point, they do meet, Isabel is left pregnant. At the refugee camps in France, conditions aren’t good. Isabel finally gets the opportunity to go to the maternity hospital that Elisabeth started. Isabel gives birth, and remains there afterwards to help out.
There was quite a bit of carnage and rape scenes in this novel, so beware of triggers. I couldn’t seem to get as into this novel as I did Escobar’s other book, Remember Me. I have a few of his I have yet to read, so I’m still looking forward to the others! I felt that the relationship between Isabel and Elisabeth could have had more interaction between them. Overall, I still recommend this novel! Release date is April 18.
There was quite a bit of carnage and rape scenes in this novel, so beware of triggers. I couldn’t seem to get as into this novel as I did Escobar’s other book, Remember Me. I have a few of his I have yet to read, so I’m still looking forward to the others! I felt that the relationship between Isabel and Elisabeth could have had more interaction between them. Overall, I still recommend this novel! Release date is April 18.
June 16, 2023
Wow. There is a reason I don't often read Historical Fiction, it's because they affect me so much. This was such a moving and beautifully written novel. I couldn't tell you how many times I cried because I lost count, it was so often. It pains me to read about how terrible and vile humanity can be. It also warms with hope how some people are willing to put their lives in at risk to help others - even if it is just to provide a slice of bread. I finished this book over a day ago and still start crying when I want to talk about it. The narrator does an amazing job and bringing these characters to life from the book. The author really showed the humanity inside each character.
It also reflects on the fact that so many of our parents, grandparent's, great grandparent's, and ancestor's went through so much and never speak of it. Whether it be because it is too difficult, traumatizing, or sad - they do not share what they have survived. Sadly, because they don't talk about their past, history can be lost. It's novels like this that make me reflect on what my own family has endured, and what many others have endured. World War 2 only ended 78 years ago. Thats it, 78 years! That means there are so many alive today that underwent horrible tragedies. It sickens me how cruel and vile humanity can be. That all being said, this is one of the top five books I have read this year, absolutely beautiful.
Thank you NetGalley for an Advanced Listening Copy.
It also reflects on the fact that so many of our parents, grandparent's, great grandparent's, and ancestor's went through so much and never speak of it. Whether it be because it is too difficult, traumatizing, or sad - they do not share what they have survived. Sadly, because they don't talk about their past, history can be lost. It's novels like this that make me reflect on what my own family has endured, and what many others have endured. World War 2 only ended 78 years ago. Thats it, 78 years! That means there are so many alive today that underwent horrible tragedies. It sickens me how cruel and vile humanity can be. That all being said, this is one of the top five books I have read this year, absolutely beautiful.
Thank you NetGalley for an Advanced Listening Copy.
February 14, 2024
The only reason this book got 3 stars was because of the history I learned. I had no knowledge of the Spanish Civil War beforehand and how that carried into WW2. Overall I felt that it was poorly written, had too many characters(many times I forgot everyone's individual story, as most characters introduced came with a whole storyline of their own, even if they only lasted a few chapters), and was emotionally heavy with no hope, though the author is a Christian. I had expected a more thorough explanation for suffering than the trite conversations that were contained in the book.
April 16, 2023
You have to be ready to read escobar's books, both emotionally and psychically. They are (in my opinion) very graphic and down to.the point. I liked that the book was based on a true person, and that it showed resicillience and glimmer of hope in a.dark.era. For me the book jumper to much in time. And it felt like heavy on the politic. But that is Just my opinion..
Thank you to netgalley for letting me read this e arc in exchange for an honest opinion
Thank you to netgalley for letting me read this e arc in exchange for an honest opinion
June 14, 2023
The title is a little misleading. The Swiss nurse plays a part in the story and is based on a real person. But the story is more about a number of people who fled Spain during the Spanish civil war only to end up trapped in France and the outset of ww2. I learned lots about the Spanish civil war. It was hard to feel like you got to really know any of the characters well, until the final half of the book because there were several involved in the story. It is not all sunshine. But war and life aren’t all sunshine. The book does delve into some tough topics about love, hate and how can God be good when so much bad is out there. I wonder if something was lost in translation because I didn’t find this as good as some of Mario Escobar’s other books.
May 11, 2023
I wanted to try a historical fiction book and man this wasn't it. It wasn't for me. Had me laughing when the American told other people "Remember the Alamo" as if it common knowledge what happened there.
Just not for me. Now I know to stay away from Historical Fiction books even if they have nice cover or try to cover a subject a like.
Just not for me. Now I know to stay away from Historical Fiction books even if they have nice cover or try to cover a subject a like.
July 5, 2024
This book read like a YA novel. That didn't bother me, but I kept trying to pinpoint what it was that did bother me. Finally, about 3/4 way through, it hit me. It was set up like a tv series, each chapter (episode) tied up with a neat bow. The resolution of each conflict, of which there were plenty, seemed too simplified. Sometimes there was a little "cliffhanger" to entice the reader to continue to the next chapter.
Previously on "The Swiss Nurse" . . . Peter obtained his traveling papers only to be sent to yet another refugee camp.
In the next episode of "The Swiss Nurse" . . . Elisabeth tells off the procurement officer, who cowers in her formidable presence.
Previously on "The Swiss Nurse" . . . Peter obtained his traveling papers only to be sent to yet another refugee camp.
In the next episode of "The Swiss Nurse" . . . Elisabeth tells off the procurement officer, who cowers in her formidable presence.
April 30, 2023
3.75 stars
An important story but the writing wasn't up to par. It read a bit stilted and choppy.
An important story but the writing wasn't up to par. It read a bit stilted and choppy.
May 4, 2023
One word: BORING. Historical fiction is my least favorite genre because so many writers bore me. This one reemphasized why I should stay away from it. Mad at myself for wasting my time.
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