Set during the final eighteen months of German occupation in Southern Netherlands, Anna’s War by DJ Talyor and published by Riveted Press is a gripping story of heroism, hope, unbreakable family bonds and courage during a time of unimaginable suffering, loss and danger. As the war advances, everything Anna and her family once believed is challenged. The moral principles that once guided their life and shaped their values no longer apply; honesty and trust could now have dire consequences. The once familiar rules of community give way to secrecy and suspicion as the pressure to survive intensifies. This story draws on the real-life experiences of Taylor’s parents in law, it deftly explores the complexities of war through the lens of one family.
Anna Jansen’s family live under the watchful eye of German soldiers who patrol their town. Freedoms have been lost and curfews are in place, identity papers must be presented and travelling outside the home is dangerous, especially with Nazi officer, Horst, prowling the streets, cruel and eager to assert his power by interrogating Anna, a minor. Anna meets each threat with quick thinking responses, bold defiance and a courage far greater than her years, proving she will not be easily broken and can help her family support the resistance.
German soldiers round up the men in the town so they can be transported to Germany to work in factories. Anna’s father avoids this fate at an enormous emotional and physical cost. He anticipates this reality and meticulously plans for it by creating a secret cellar in their home that only Anna, her Mum and her Oma’s know about. Anna’s siblings are not aware that during the war their father, who they miss beyond measure, is there in their home. This is a secret that Anna has been trusted to not divulge to anyone, including her siblings and best friend, Josephine. This weighs enormously on Anna’s conscience and in time greater and graver secrets must be kept.
Horst suspects the story that Anna’s mother told him about her husband’s whereabouts is false and has German soldiers search their place. The secret cellar is searched and it is in this terrifying moment that Anna first encounters Karl, Horst’s interpreter. Karl’s surprising actions in this moment leave Anna questioning his motives. She grapples with her feelings towards Karl, could he really be someone that could help her family, someone to be trusted? It seems inconceivable; however, his actions defy logic, or do they?
The layered characters are rendered with such authenticity and clarity of voice that they settle into the story with natural, effortless realism. Their depth and believability draw you in completely, creating a powerful sense of investment that helps drives the book’s momentum, giving it a page‑turning energy.
This book is historical fiction at its finest, weaving real life experiences from the past to masterfully craft a story where darkness and light coexist. It shows how ordinary people, thrust into extraordinary, unthinkable circumstances find strength and courage they never knew they possessed to achieve extraordinary things. This is a story that is deeply human, profoundly moving and a must have for all library collections.