A Story of Survival in WW2 Holland - The Hidden Village

This was the first time I ever heard of an underground hidden community in the woods where resisters and jews lived during WW2. It was compelling reading, and though it was a fictitious story, it represented what the people did endure as the years passed and they were forced to leave their families and hide away during the day in underground huts, coming out at night. I highly recommend this book to anyone interested in history or the WW2 period.

I've read other accounts of this time in history. The people of the Netherlands were starving. In this book there seemed to be ample food funneled in to the Jews who were being held in the safety of this camp. One thing really bothered me - the author wrote that they had BACON to eat. Jewish people do not eat bacon. So I think accuracy could have been better in this story.

Bought book because of the subject matter, but disappointed from the outset in the very simplistic prose and juvenile presentation of what could have been a fascinating story. the store should label books as "YA" (Young Adult). Pushed myself to read about most of it, hoping for an improvement in the writing but ultimately gave up. Even though it is purportedly a true story, there was really no sense of the kind of suffering which we know those under the German occupation endured. Would like to read a better written and more realistic book on the same subject.

The story of the people living in huts in the woods was very inspiring. I liked the historical aspect of the book but I felt the writing was a bit of a let down. It slid into a romance novel mentality that I felt took away from the heart of the story which was how everyday people put in the right or perhaps wrong set of circumstances can rise above hardship and tyranny and live a life greater than oneself. I would love to read whatever historical information is available about this village and it's people.

The ripple effect that Hitler had on the world is staggering. It is felt to this day and finding out what other countries suffered was unbelievable. We where not taught about the deep suffering inflicted on so many. I believe it is not taught to this day. Many want to change history and we just can't let that happen. It is part of what the world is all about. To change history will make us different to what we have learnt not to do or be about!!

I purchased this book since the proposed story, based on a true historic event, sounded interesting. I read through Part 1 but then put the book down. The narrative, which lacked depth and contained too many cliches, didn't hold my interest. The characters were stereotypical and the short, slightly developed chapters caused me to feel like I was reading a book written for young teens. I gave the book three stars instead of two because the basic event was well-documented by the author.

I didnt find the characters very real for some reason and didnt particularly like the writing style, however the historical facts of this dutch village as a collective doing what they did and nearly got away with it, was fascinating and gives one positivee encouragement for the human race.

Three point five stars.

The Hidden Village is YA historical fiction set in Holland during World War II. It features the work of the Dutch resistance who hid people from the German army, primarily Jewish families. This story is about a group who created Berkenhout, a hidden village deep in the woods, which the Germans spent many years trying to find. Meanwhile the resistance secretly moved people, food and escaping allied pilots. To give added interest, it's actually based on a true-life story, from the memories of the author's mother.

The storyline represented many who risked their lives daily in the fight against the German occupation. It was hard to pick a favourite character; several were children, but I think Jan was portrayed well by the author. The cast of characters is large and interesting, and at times it was hard to keep them all in my head; I wondered if the story would have had more impact with less characters, but more time spent developing key people and the parts they played.

Despite constant raids by the Germans, this is not an action/suspense thriller but an examination of the conflicting emotions of the people forced to live in the village, their reluctance to do so, etc; Sofie worries that she might never be reunited with her family, for instance. It's very much a 'human interest' story, with just a dash of intrigue; the head woodman, Henk Hauer, is under suspicion because of his meetings with the Germans. I would have liked a little more practical information about the construction of the village and how it was hidden, which confused me at first, though this becomes clearer later on.

This is an informative piece of work from an important time in history which highlights the bravery of the Dutch resistance, and shows what the time was like for those who suffered through it.

This is an interesting little book to read for pleasure. Keep in mind that it is written by a woman so it is filled with relationships and feelings and how the players felt about the events. And especially the children.
It does not give a fact by fact account of what happened but it does give the reader a sense of how difficult times were during the German occupation.

I really enjoyed this book until the end, where it fell flat. Ms. Matthews wrote about a compelling time in history with very compelling characters. However when the war ended it is as though Ms. Matthews just didn't know where to take her characters and so it was as if they too suddenly stopped short.

A fascinating story based on true events, but somewhat poorly written. The author is obviously not a native English speaker and overused archaic expression "whilst" constantly. Perhaps it just needed a better editor.

The story of the people living in huts in the woods was very inspiring. I liked the historical aspect of the book but I felt the writing was a bit of a let down. It slid into a romance novel mentality that I felt took away from the heart of the story which was how everyday people put in the right or perhaps wrong set of circumstances can rise above hardship and tyranny and live a life greater than oneself. I would love to read whatever historical information is available about this village and it's people.

The ripple effect that Hitler had on the world is staggering. It is felt to this day and finding out what other countries suffered was unbelievable. We where not taught about the deep suffering inflicted on so many. I believe it is not taught to this day. Many want to change history and we just can't let that happen. It is part of what the world is all about. To change history will make us different to what we have learnt not to do or be about!!

I purchased this book since the proposed story, based on a true historic event, sounded interesting. I read through Part 1 but then put the book down. The narrative, which lacked depth and contained too many cliches, didn't hold my interest. The characters were stereotypical and the short, slightly developed chapters caused me to feel like I was reading a book written for young teens. I gave the book three stars instead of two because the basic event was well-documented by the author.

I didnt find the characters very real for some reason and didnt particularly like the writing style, however the historical facts of this dutch village as a collective doing what they did and nearly got away with it, was fascinating and gives one positivee encouragement for the human race.

Three point five stars.

The Hidden Village is YA historical fiction set in Holland during World War II. It features the work of the Dutch resistance who hid people from the German army, primarily Jewish families. This story is about a group who created Berkenhout, a hidden village deep in the woods, which the Germans spent many years trying to find. Meanwhile the resistance secretly moved people, food and escaping allied pilots. To give added interest, it's actually based on a true-life story, from the memories of the author's mother.

The storyline represented many who risked their lives daily in the fight against the German occupation. It was hard to pick a favourite character; several were children, but I think Jan was portrayed well by the author. The cast of characters is large and interesting, and at times it was hard to keep them all in my head; I wondered if the story would have had more impact with less characters, but more time spent developing key people and the parts they played.

Despite constant raids by the Germans, this is not an action/suspense thriller but an examination of the conflicting emotions of the people forced to live in the village, their reluctance to do so, etc; Sofie worries that she might never be reunited with her family, for instance. It's very much a 'human interest' story, with just a dash of intrigue; the head woodman, Henk Hauer, is under suspicion because of his meetings with the Germans. I would have liked a little more practical information about the construction of the village and how it was hidden, which confused me at first, though this becomes clearer later on.

This is an informative piece of work from an important time in history which highlights the bravery of the Dutch resistance, and shows what the time was like for those who suffered through it.

This is an interesting little book to read for pleasure. Keep in mind that it is written by a woman so it is filled with relationships and feelings and how the players felt about the events. And especially the children.
It does not give a fact by fact account of what happened but it does give the reader a sense of how difficult times were during the German occupation.

I really enjoyed this book until the end, where it fell flat. Ms. Matthews wrote about a compelling time in history with very compelling characters. However when the war ended it is as though Ms. Matthews just didn't know where to take her characters and so it was as if they too suddenly stopped short.

A fascinating story based on true events, but somewhat poorly written. The author is obviously not a native English speaker and overused archaic expression "whilst" constantly. Perhaps it just needed a better editor.

Since I lived through the German occupation dring WW2, I noticed several ridicules items in this boll, like Dutch people driving cars! The whole book was riddled with faulty descriptions of situations and occurrences.

So much new history i had never heard before. This was a book well worth reading, although it wasn't particularly well written. Nevertheless, I could not put it down. So much suffering, may we learn from history so it is not repeated.

Odd ending, friend with no husband (or family) takes on baby of friend who was raped by a German soldier...noble deed but no story line, just 20 years later this still unwed woman spills the beans to the 'child'.
Did learn there was actually a hidden village, sad that people had to endure that in war time.

This is an engaging story based on historical fact. The character development is in depth and well done. I have enjoyed the story and learning about this time period and the efforts good people put forth to save those in trouble. A good read.

Disjointed and lacking in emotion. If it were written for a child, I would say it could be a good introduction to the history of World War II, because the horrors were mostly soft-pedaled. Not well-written at all.

If this is based on a true story it has been a complete disservice to those who lived through it. The book made me so sad, not because of the events but because of the shallow way the people in it were depicted. Those who may have actually experienced these horrific experiences deserved a better depiction of their lives and deaths. This book is a poorly written accounting of the horrors of ww2. It reads as though the author,who was privileged to hear the actual accounting of these peoples lives, was completely void of human emotion and wrote a manuscript for a thesis. There is NO heart in this book. These were human lives who lived through the war but their humanity was erased and denigrated in this attempt to tell their story. I'm sad for the author as well. So privileged to learn about ww2 and then write such a shallow portrayal. I've never written a book, but I know enough not to write about such a subject unless I could do it justice.

The backdrop of this novel is the occupation of Holland during the Second World War and the effect it has on a group of families, some of whom flee to the hidden village of the title to escape Nazi persecution, and worse. I hadn't been aware such villages existed until I read this novel. Well done, Imogen, for shedding new light on these dark events. The characters are well drawn and the historical details convincing, not surprising since the author tells us in a foreword that her mother was Dutch and was in Holland during these troubling times. Though the subject matter is tough, there are lighter moments and the book rattles along at a good pace. The varied cast of characters, especially the younger ones, keeps your interest. Highly recommended.

A very eye opening story of survival and hope during WWII for the people of Holland who risked their lives to help the Jewish people. Holland/The Netherlands was a neutral country, and Hitler rolled over them and managed to starve and kill thousands by cutting off supplies, blowing up windmills and flooding fields. The Dutch are a strong people and undermined the Nazis by helping people by a secret underground system that worked very well. I would recommend this novel to anyone who wants to know more about History.

This is a page-turning book; it is compulsive reading. Based on real events that took place in the Dutch Veluwe woods and the memories of the author's mother during the Dutch hunger winter of 1944/45, the story tells of how the residents of a small village, men, women and children, resisted the German occupation of their country and protected many Jews from extermination. The characters are believable and, for anyone who has lived in Holland, the scenery is familiar. Whilst the vast majority found ingenious ways to survive, to hide food and people, one or two were suspected of complicity with the enemy, which adds to the drama. After nearly two years in hiding, the story culminates in a dramatic and tragic event that impacts terribly on a young girl and affects her life for many years after the war. It is the story of a community facing atrocities of the worst kind. The book is skilfully written and the words flow. It is a book you should read.

Some time ago I had the honour to read a earlier version of the book, and it captivated me from the beginning to the end. I'm sure it only improved in between. Though being Dutch, I never knew about this hidden village. Congratulations with this result!

I cannot imagine how people could survive having their lives uprooted and their only recourse becoming existing from one day to the next, constantly aware of every word uttered and to whom, living a never-ending struggle for the basics of life. The people in this book did that, though, and helped each other get through this horrible time. How can human beings allow themselves to become so enraptured with "leaders'" dogmas that they follow blindly? It is still happening today, so I can only conclude that people do not learn. Be strong, think for yourself and question the information being disseminated, especially at this time in history. You owe it to yourself and the people you love.

This is the story of the life of a Dutch village in the last two years of the Second World War. It is full of surprising twists and agonising suspense that lead the reader to feel great empathy and anxiety for the fate of its inhabitants in general and some individuals in particular against the backdrop of impending doom. The novel is noteworthy for the generosity and good humour of the characters in frightening circumstances.
Even though the events are imagined, the author has carried out painstaking research into the real historical background of the war in Holland, making the story quite authentic
I found the many scenes of Dutch rural domestic life set against the menacing dangers represented by the occupying German Army very moving.
If one wanted to be overcritical, one could say that perhaps one fallen pilot (the American one) would have been sufficient to make the point that the Allies were quite active in the Dutch theater of war at that time and that, perhaps the English one, could have been left to the imagination. Nevertheless, a fascinating read all round.
I can recommend it to anyone interested in the events of 1943-1945 in Holland, in the bravery of the Dutch Resistance, in the extraordinary humanity and good humour of the ordinary Dutch men, women and young people toward anyone in danger and, not least, an enchanting story of nascent young love.

his is a gripping novel from the start. The way the local community responds to the casual cruelty of the German occupation in this Dutch village is so well captured. The organisation and maintenance of this village hideout in the woods and the constant risk of discovery keeps the pages turning. The feel is so authentic it is clearly the result of detailed research and the personal empathy of the author.

This book was so boring, as the story was so lame and the characters so underdeveloped. The ending felt very rushed. Writing was very reminiscent of a very bad YA novel. Don't waste your time with this book

The Hidden Village by Imogen Matthews accompanied me through the last few weeks as I have transitioned my family to a new home. As an audiobook it resonated in my ears and heart while I packed, cleaned, and unpacked our family.

It really was a delightful and engaging story. That may seem like a strange description for a book all about nazi-occupied Holland. However, the nature and youthfulness of the characters throughout the story provided an innocence during a scary and intense period of their lives. The premise of the story being about a hidden underground hiding place (Berkenhout) for those needing refuge was a really interesting and exciting twist. It made this book very different than others I’ve read in the same time period. I cannot even imagine living underground, and many of the sentiments communicated by the characters seem to be just the tip of the iceberg about what life would be like in these extreme circumstances.

Matthew’s choice of having the main characters be teenagers and preteens gives the story of very different spin. I found several of the characters to be naive and their childhood innocence was foundational to how the story transpires. Giving this story a very unique perspective.

Without giving too much away the story it does become less predictable and intense in the end which definitely took me by surprise and kept me listening. There were characters I immediately took to and others like Sophie who grew on meme over time.

Liam Girard, the narrator, did a great job of pacing and intonation. He has an accent himself and it was definitely appropriate for several of the characters. His voice was also very believable across genders and I loved when he did utilize a German accent for others. Occasionally I found it challenging to decipher some of the Dutch characters simply because there was not a Dutch accent used and since that is the setting of the story occasionally I would have to backtrack to listen again. I will be honest and say this may not be entirely due to his narration, but to the fact that I was multitasking.

One reason I love historical fiction is because it teaches and brings me a better understanding of different time periods. This story was no exception. I have read some historical fiction in this era, but nothing quite like this story; and it left me intrigued and wanting to read more.

Thanks to Audiobookworm Promotions for providing me with a copy of the story so that I could participate in the blog tour. The tour is being sponsored by Essential Audiobooks. The gifting of this audiobook did not affect my opinion of it.

The book tells the story of the inhabitants and refugees living in the fictional village of Berkenhout during WWII. In the prologue, the author mentions that the book is a compilation of stories told by a relative. I was interested in this book since I've visited the Netherlands several times since I lived in Belgium for some years. 

It was an enjoyable tale, with likable characters and heartbreaking stories. I think historical fiction is one of the best ways of learning about history, and this is a good example of it. There has been a good amount of research in writing this book, and I do appreciate the few words in Dutch scattered throughout the book.

Even though I really enjoyed the story, there were some aspects that prevented me from granting it a 5-star review. I think the book would have impressed me a lot more were the characters more developed. They were many, with a very brief introduction for each of them, and at times they blended a bit into each other. I was not able to connect with them, and I didn't much care about their luck. I think the book would have worked much better if told from the perspective of one of the characters, providing more insight and more character development.

Liam Gerrard's narration was quite good, providing with different voices and styles to the characters, and bringing them to life through great character interpretations. Gerrard really helped in creating more vivid characters and adding interest to the story. His pronunciation of the Dutch language was quite decent but I spotted a couple of mispronounced words, and the fact that Brabant is pronounced in two different ways (one right, one wrong) just caught my attention. Nevertheless, Dutch is not an easy language to pronounce, and I think Gerrard did a very good job dealing with it.

I think the book is what it is: a collection of stories and anecdotes from terrible times, with lots of interesting information for the history aficionado. 

I received this audiobook as part of my participation in a blog tour with Audiobookworm Promotions. The tour is being sponsored by Essential Audiobooks. The gifting of this audiobook did not affect my opinion of it.

I really looked forward to reading this book as I used to live and work in the Netherlands and my elderly boss had told me many stories about the sufferings of occupied Holland in the Second World War. These stories of ordinary people need to be told...and remembered... the human race is capable of such bravery - and wickedness. Although I enjoyed the read, I found myself feeling that the story was somewhat sanitised. Especially the first part felt like a book written for teenagers. Did I miss something in the book description? Is it aimed at YA? I wanted more detail of how the underground buildings were constructed - the photos at the end went some way towards that - and I needed more fear on the pages. Maybe Imogen Matthews wrote it from the perspective of youngsters, who to a large degree, accept what is happening around them, because they know little else up until now. I felt the ending was rushed too - to skip twenty years on and find how the main character fared. I needed more of her suffering early on - not hints at what might have happened. Nevertheless, applause for Imogen for bringing to light this story. And bedankt.

I've done extensive reading on WW11 and the Holocaust but never came across this. It is an important addition to Holocaust history. Interesting reading. I googled it and there are excellent and amazing pictures of the village as well as several YouTube videos which are unfortunately all in Dutch but showed the area and huts. It's an amazing story and brings to light more unsung heroes of the war. The author does not claim the book to be historically accurate which was a bit disappointing. When googling the village, the little I found in English proved this to be true. I'd like to read more about the actual village that was accurate. I did not care for most of the characters and could not warm up to them. I did read this was a YA book which explained the more juvenile writing. I do recommend the book for the interesting subject matter.

I was gripped by this novel from the start. The characters are so real that you get drawn into their lives and their emotions as they battle the dramas unfolding in their everyday existence. This skillful blend of fiction within the factual events, happening to many at those times, holds you to the end. I couldn't put it down, nor did I want to until the final page. A brilliant read from this talented and knowledgeable author.

The Hidden Village is an exceptional historical novel based on an actual refugee center built in and under the dense Dutch Veluwe Forest in eastern Holland during the German Occupation of that country in what was to become known as the Hunger Winter in 1944/1945 and beyond. Those of the Jewish faith, men and boys hiding from mandatory labor in German prison-of-war camps, resistance persons and the occasional German military political refugee sought by the Germans were spirited to these hidden huts with great care, were fed and clothed and doctored at great cost to the local citizens. Children of those lost or imprisoned were folded into the local families or those well hidden in the woods. And this was done out of the goodness of the hearts of this community oppressed.

This is a novel of the purity and faith of the human spirit. It is one everybody should read.

I really enjoyed the book, and it is well-written.... for the most part. I was a bit disappointed at the brevity of the details regarding the surviving characters lives after the end of WWII. I had hoped that the author would have added more to the story regarding that.

To my way of thinking, I would have rather seen a sequel ( a second novel) that would have continued the character’s individual lives after the war.

One last comment: in the back of the book is are a few pages of translation of the few Dutch terms that are used sporadically throughout the novel. I wish that I had known that from the beginning of the book.

This is a page-turning book; it is compulsive reading. Based on real events that took place in the Dutch Veluwe woods and the memories of the author's mother during the Dutch hunger winter of 1944/45, the story tells of how the residents of a small village, men, women and children, resisted the German occupation of their country and protected many Jews from extermination. The characters are believable and, for anyone who has lived in Holland, the scenery is familiar. Whilst the vast majority found ingenious ways to survive, to hide food and people, one or two were suspected of complicity with the enemy, which adds to the drama. After nearly two years in hiding, the story culminates in a dramatic and tragic event that impacts terribly on a young girl and affects her life for many years after the war. It is the story of a community facing atrocities of the worst kind. The book is skilfully written and the words flow. It is a book you should read.

Some time ago I had the honour to read a earlier version of the book, and it captivated me from the beginning to the end. I'm sure it only improved in between. Though being Dutch, I never knew about this hidden village. Congratulations with this result!

I cannot imagine how people could survive having their lives uprooted and their only recourse becoming existing from one day to the next, constantly aware of every word uttered and to whom, living a never-ending struggle for the basics of life. The people in this book did that, though, and helped each other get through this horrible time. How can human beings allow themselves to become so enraptured with "leaders'" dogmas that they follow blindly? It is still happening today, so I can only conclude that people do not learn. Be strong, think for yourself and question the information being disseminated, especially at this time in history. You owe it to yourself and the people you love.

While The Hidden Village is a work of fiction, Matthews’ does a magnificent job of translating the feelings, the situations and the real horrors of the Hunger Winter. What I have noticed with many Holocaust books / memoirs is the relentless recalling of facts and dates that bombard readers with unbearable horror. The Hidden Village, however, while just as true to the horrors of the Holocaust, allows the readers to not just be reminded of what has happened but to also be able to immerse themselves into a world of well written fiction. Overall, if you are looking for true factual recollections, this book may not be for you. However, if you are sensitive to the topic it will be a great introduction to the many Holocaust memoirs and novels Amsterdam Publishers has to offer.

I have been given this book for my honest review.

This is the story of the life of a Dutch village in the last two years of the Second World War. It is full of surprising twists and agonising suspense that lead the reader to feel great empathy and anxiety for the fate of its inhabitants in general and some individuals in particular against the backdrop of impending doom. The novel is noteworthy for the generosity and good humour of the characters in frightening circumstances.
Even though the events are imagined, the author has carried out painstaking research into the real historical background of the war in Holland, making the story quite authentic
I found the many scenes of Dutch rural domestic life set against the menacing dangers represented by the occupying German Army very moving.
If one wanted to be overcritical, one could say that perhaps one fallen pilot (the American one) would have been sufficient to make the point that the Allies were quite active in the Dutch theater of war at that time and that, perhaps the English one, could have been left to the imagination. Nevertheless, a fascinating read all round.
I can recommend it to anyone interested in the events of 1943-1945 in Holland, in the bravery of the Dutch Resistance, in the extraordinary humanity and good humour of the ordinary Dutch men, women and young people toward anyone in danger and, not least, an enchanting story of nascent young love.

his is a gripping novel from the start. The way the local community responds to the casual cruelty of the German occupation in this Dutch village is so well captured. The organisation and maintenance of this village hideout in the woods and the constant risk of discovery keeps the pages turning. The feel is so authentic it is clearly the result of detailed research and the personal empathy of the author.

This book was so boring, as the story was so lame and the characters so underdeveloped. The ending felt very rushed. Writing was very reminiscent of a very bad YA novel. Don't waste your time with this book

The Hidden Village by Imogen Matthews accompanied me through the last few weeks as I have transitioned my family to a new home. As an audiobook it resonated in my ears and heart while I packed, cleaned, and unpacked our family.

It really was a delightful and engaging story. That may seem like a strange description for a book all about nazi-occupied Holland. However, the nature and youthfulness of the characters throughout the story provided an innocence during a scary and intense period of their lives. The premise of the story being about a hidden underground hiding place (Berkenhout) for those needing refuge was a really interesting and exciting twist. It made this book very different than others I’ve read in the same time period. I cannot even imagine living underground, and many of the sentiments communicated by the characters seem to be just the tip of the iceberg about what life would be like in these extreme circumstances.

Matthew’s choice of having the main characters be teenagers and preteens gives the story of very different spin. I found several of the characters to be naive and their childhood innocence was foundational to how the story transpires. Giving this story a very unique perspective.

Without giving too much away the story it does become less predictable and intense in the end which definitely took me by surprise and kept me listening. There were characters I immediately took to and others like Sophie who grew on meme over time.

Liam Girard, the narrator, did a great job of pacing and intonation. He has an accent himself and it was definitely appropriate for several of the characters. His voice was also very believable across genders and I loved when he did utilize a German accent for others. Occasionally I found it challenging to decipher some of the Dutch characters simply because there was not a Dutch accent used and since that is the setting of the story occasionally I would have to backtrack to listen again. I will be honest and say this may not be entirely due to his narration, but to the fact that I was multitasking.

One reason I love historical fiction is because it teaches and brings me a better understanding of different time periods. This story was no exception. I have read some historical fiction in this era, but nothing quite like this story; and it left me intrigued and wanting to read more.

Thanks to Audiobookworm Promotions for providing me with a copy of the story so that I could participate in the blog tour. The tour is being sponsored by Essential Audiobooks. The gifting of this audiobook did not affect my opinion of it.

The book tells the story of the inhabitants and refugees living in the fictional village of Berkenhout during WWII. In the prologue, the author mentions that the book is a compilation of stories told by a relative. I was interested in this book since I've visited the Netherlands several times since I lived in Belgium for some years. 

It was an enjoyable tale, with likable characters and heartbreaking stories. I think historical fiction is one of the best ways of learning about history, and this is a good example of it. There has been a good amount of research in writing this book, and I do appreciate the few words in Dutch scattered throughout the book.

Even though I really enjoyed the story, there were some aspects that prevented me from granting it a 5-star review. I think the book would have impressed me a lot more were the characters more developed. They were many, with a very brief introduction for each of them, and at times they blended a bit into each other. I was not able to connect with them, and I didn't much care about their luck. I think the book would have worked much better if told from the perspective of one of the characters, providing more insight and more character development.

Liam Gerrard's narration was quite good, providing with different voices and styles to the characters, and bringing them to life through great character interpretations. Gerrard really helped in creating more vivid characters and adding interest to the story. His pronunciation of the Dutch language was quite decent but I spotted a couple of mispronounced words, and the fact that Brabant is pronounced in two different ways (one right, one wrong) just caught my attention. Nevertheless, Dutch is not an easy language to pronounce, and I think Gerrard did a very good job dealing with it.

I think the book is what it is: a collection of stories and anecdotes from terrible times, with lots of interesting information for the history aficionado. 

I received this audiobook as part of my participation in a blog tour with Audiobookworm Promotions. The tour is being sponsored by Essential Audiobooks. The gifting of this audiobook did not affect my opinion of it.

I really looked forward to reading this book as I used to live and work in the Netherlands and my elderly boss had told me many stories about the sufferings of occupied Holland in the Second World War. These stories of ordinary people need to be told...and remembered... the human race is capable of such bravery - and wickedness. Although I enjoyed the read, I found myself feeling that the story was somewhat sanitised. Especially the first part felt like a book written for teenagers. Did I miss something in the book description? Is it aimed at YA? I wanted more detail of how the underground buildings were constructed - the photos at the end went some way towards that - and I needed more fear on the pages. Maybe Imogen Matthews wrote it from the perspective of youngsters, who to a large degree, accept what is happening around them, because they know little else up until now. I felt the ending was rushed too - to skip twenty years on and find how the main character fared. I needed more of her suffering early on - not hints at what might have happened. Nevertheless, applause for Imogen for bringing to light this story. And bedankt.

I've done extensive reading on WW11 and the Holocaust but never came across this. It is an important addition to Holocaust history. Interesting reading. I googled it and there are excellent and amazing pictures of the village as well as several YouTube videos which are unfortunately all in Dutch but showed the area and huts. It's an amazing story and brings to light more unsung heroes of the war. The author does not claim the book to be historically accurate which was a bit disappointing. When googling the village, the little I found in English proved this to be true. I'd like to read more about the actual village that was accurate. I did not care for most of the characters and could not warm up to them. I did read this was a YA book which explained the more juvenile writing. I do recommend the book for the interesting subject matter.

This was an educational and charming tale about Nazi occupied Holland during WWII. ‘Charming’ probably sounds a little odd for the subject but it was mostly a light-hearted tale about hiding in the woods and pulling the wool over the eyes of the Nazis. Jan, a lad of 11 years old, plays a major role in the story and for much of it, this was just one big adventure. It was exciting running messages and supplies to the Jews hiding in the woods (Berkenhout). He slips through Nazi hands again and again. Also, he’s found a few pilots that had to bail out. Sometimes his family helps out pilots or Jews by hiding them in their attic. So I can see how it’s all very exciting for the lad.

It took me a while to like Sofie. She is separated from her family and lives in Berkenhout on her own as a teenager. There, she eventually learns to help out. I’m not sure if she had a maid come in and clean once a week before the war, but now she learns to cook and clean and eventually enjoys all the tasks she takes on.

I’m going to show my ignorance here but this one little thing keeps niggling at me. The characters in this story (Jew or not Jew) all enjoy pork. Ham or bacon is nearly a daily ingredient in the cooking. There’s no discussion of ‘Oh, well, things are desperate and we really need the protein so we’ll eat pork even though it’s not kosher’. So was it common for 1940s Dutch Jews to eat pork? I don’t know and my few on-line searches haven’t answered the question. A few lines in the story would have educated me and cleared up that minor mystery.

The ladies in general were comforters and romantic interests. When two or more got together, they almost always talked about boys or men. I was a bit disappointed in this aspect of the story. We all know that the ladies did plenty in WWII besides the cooking, cleaning, reproducing, and flirting.

The last hour of the book gets very serious and it was a definite change of tone from the rest of the book. Unfortunately, several people die or are injured. There’s also the question of whether or not a certain side character betrayed the people of Berkenhout. Unfortunately, that mystery is never clearly answered.

I enjoyed the two pilots. One was a Brit, Nigel. Then later in the book there’s Donald, an American from Ohio. Both were welcomed into Jan’s house, partially because Jan and his mom (who is British) speak English. They both made a good counterpoint to Jan’s dad, who was always in a bad mood and rather gruff with Jan. After Jan’s older brother Oscar went off on a small mission for the local resistance, Jan didn’t have a steady male mentor. Both Nigel and Donald treated Jan well and appreciated his help.

Liesbeth, Sofie’s best friend from school, is a small comforting presence for much of the story. At the end she plays an important role and I liked her all the better for it. Though once again, I had some questions about how Liesbeth’s generosity changed her life and how she pulled it off.

So, as you can see, it was educational for me (who knew nothing about Nazi-occupied Holland before reading this story) yet it left me with several small questions. 4/5 stars.

The Narration: Liam Gerrard was great for this story. He was the perfect, excitable Jan. He also had believable female voices. I know it would be a lot to ask for, but I would have enjoyed a Dutch accent for the Dutch characters… but that would have been the majority of the book so I understand why it wasn’t done. Gerrard used a light British voice for the majority of characters, which was perfect for the two British characters but it did make it feel like the story was set somewhere in the UK rather than in Holland. Gerrard had a good German accent for the Nazis and the one German defector. I also liked his American accent for Donald (who is from Ohio). His pacing was good too. There were no technical issues with the recording. 4.5/5 stars.

I received this audiobook as part of my participation in a blog tour with Audiobookworm Promotions. The tour is being sponsored by Essential Audiobooks. The gifting of this audiobook did not affect my opinion of it.

I was gripped by this novel from the start. The characters are so real that you get drawn into their lives and their emotions as they battle the dramas unfolding in their everyday existence. This skillful blend of fiction within the factual events, happening to many at those times, holds you to the end. I couldn't put it down, nor did I want to until the final page. A brilliant read from this talented and knowledgeable author.

The Hidden Village is an exceptional historical novel based on an actual refugee center built in and under the dense Dutch Veluwe Forest in eastern Holland during the German Occupation of that country in what was to become known as the Hunger Winter in 1944/1945 and beyond. Those of the Jewish faith, men and boys hiding from mandatory labor in German prison-of-war camps, resistance persons and the occasional German military political refugee sought by the Germans were spirited to these hidden huts with great care, were fed and clothed and doctored at great cost to the local citizens. Children of those lost or imprisoned were folded into the local families or those well hidden in the woods. And this was done out of the goodness of the hearts of this community oppressed.

This is a novel of the purity and faith of the human spirit. It is one everybody should read.

I really enjoyed the book, and it is well-written.... for the most part. I was a bit disappointed at the brevity of the details regarding the surviving characters lives after the end of WWII. I had hoped that the author would have added more to the story regarding that.

To my way of thinking, I would have rather seen a sequel ( a second novel) that would have continued the character’s individual lives after the war.

One last comment: in the back of the book is are a few pages of translation of the few Dutch terms that are used sporadically throughout the novel. I wish that I had known that from the beginning of the book.

I read and heard much about the pure hatred for the Jews during WWII by the Germans. I also knew about prison camps and hiding in attics and floor spaces, it never heard of the ingenious idea of hiding in the woods! I don't mean any disrespect in saying this yet at the same time can not fathom being one of the Jews in hiding during that time. Bravo to Imogen for teaching u s about these poor people and sharing this suffrage through this story you so elegantly wrote. Thanks you for sharing, Imogen.

What an enjoyable book to read, even with the heartfelt story it captured. It is well written and keeps the reader engaged. The author did a wonderful job of projecting the characters onto the backdrop of a real story set so that the reader could feel what it might have been like living hidden for years. It is well worth the time taken to read this tale of how people lived during such an awful time.

This story recounts the occupation of Holland during the war . I am sure there are many such stories as there was a youth underground and many people trying to save the Jews . May the world never forget this . We lived in West Berlin Germany so we saw firsthand the oppression of the people in East Berlin . We saw the horrible wall and the death strip where people were shot for trying to escape. This story does honor to those who tried so hard to survive and then ingenious ways they came up with to do so.

I enjoy reading Historical Fiction but this was a different take on Nazi occupied Germany from the view of those in Holland. There were some parts of the book that were slow that I did skim over, but then there were other parts that kept me enthralled for pages and pages! I felt at times the author did a good job with the description and details...to the point, I could visualize it. It wasn't until the end of the book that there were a few pictures relating to the book and a Glossary of often used Dutch and German words; which may have been more helpful in the beginning of the book. Overall, this was an interesting read that kept me reading to the end!

A good story and sad fact of life the people of Holland had to endure during the Nazi attempt to rule the world. The villagers all came together to protect and hide Jewish people in a hidden village in the forest. Oscar and Jan, brothers who had different jobs during this war, and a difficult relationship with their father. Jan, young and impetuous, seems to have caused some problems which at the end of the story was rather tragic. Though this was fiction book, the author drew on stories her family told her to weave this interesting story.

I found this a fascinating story and applaud the work of those who made it possible in the Netherlands. Those honest people saved the lives of many who would have been sent to death camps. The picture in the back of the book demonstrates the remarkable feat that was accomplished. The story keeps one reading well beyond time for bed because the reader wants to know what is happening. Excellent story based on true facts.

This was an interesting subject, and after reading the reviews, I was so disappointed. The author could have explored the insights of the characters much more deeply. The discovery of the downed British plane and cheerful survivor (who had nothing to eat or drink in over 2 days) was just not believable. He was as unconcerned about his 2 fellow missing airmen as if they had possibly gone out to lunch. The writing about the children's extended families and their reactions to what should have been a horrific, troubling event was just not believable. The mother who caught her son and friends gathering food for the downed, injured airman more or less treated it casually and with good humor, then went about her household chores. The writing of an attack by 2 Nazi officers on another couple seemed forced and disconnected. Perhaps a young reader may find it entertaining, but I gave up after the first chapter.

This is a wonderful story about WW2. When the German' s took over Holland. The story go on to tell how the Kampenveld community worked together to save many many Jewish people of their village and Jewish people all over Holland. First they built a hidden village in the middle of the forest. The hidden village was called Berkenhoust. It consisted of huts built underground and some above ground. The people of Kampenveld supplied Berenhoust with food and some medical supplies. These people of Kampenvald helped save many Jewish people from being set to concentration camps or worse. The love and compassion of these people is inspiring.

Thank Imogen Matthew for a wonderful story

Fascinating account of bravery and sacrifice to hide a multitude of Jewish people. The cruelty of Hitler and the mass acceptance of his decrees still causes me to shake my head. The people in this story are heroes.

My loving, Jewish Uncle, married into our Christian family and awaken my early interest in the holocaust and survivor histories. Reading Imogen Matthews' historical fiction brought me back to when my uncle told me details of his son fighting the Nazis dusing WWII. Written with an understanding of human strengths and foibles, her story rings true and brings to life the amazing goodness which lies within the worst tragedies. Excellent writing. I could not put the book down.

I really enjoyed reading this book. It was a good story and I felt like I was there in Holland with all the characters in the book. I wish the book gave more details of what Jan felt visiting Ohio and also his mother seeing the American in Ohio. That could me a story in itself. Also, what happened to his brother Oscar and also what happened to the father. I would recommend this book to a friend.

This moving and captivating work was written with such detail and vividness that I was completely immersed in the recounting from beginning to end. The "characters" were so well developed that I felt as though I knew them, and wanted to know more, though I never felt as though anything was missing. And lastly, without giving anything away, I must say that I very much appreciated the closure. Well done - thank you!

The spirit of people will tell in demanding circumstances. This but one more revealing stories about what good people endured and actually dominated in terrible times. While the people are fictitious, the circumstances are true. If you are a person who likes to learn history of that time, this will be worth reading.

This historical fiction novel open my eyes to how wide spread the efforts of hiding Jews was during the war. I've read many books about the Resistance in France and Italy but never Holland. It is amazing that these people risked their lived for strangers who became more like family.
The book was well written and included a glossary to help the reader understand the Dutch and German phrases. I am going to recommend this book to my daughter since she enjoys books about this period too.

What a wonderful story of events I have never had knowledge of about the war. I have always been aware of other clever ways the people of Holland where to help hide countrymen from the Germans, but this was them first time I've been aware of this kind of ingenious way. Thank you for the most interesting presentation. I have highly recommended it to many of my family and friends.

It's very hard to imagine what these people went through, saving them selves and others. I often wonder if today,s people could go through this. They hid in under ground huts, while certain people in town took care of them. The Nazis could not find them. Jon, a 11 yr old boy is caught up in all the intrigue. A good read.

The author was inspired to write this book after her visit to an underground village where Jews, and others, hid during WWII. Even though her characters are fictional, they are well detailed. The story kept my interest from the first page until the last. If you like historical fiction, you will enjoy this read.

This is a fascinating story of Holland and its Jews in World War II, what the inhabitants went through to protect them from the Nazis. It also is about the inhabitants who also faced fear and sometimes trouble with the SS. Read it. RSC

I have read many books concerning the holocaust but not one of the Dutch influence. This book is very well written. You get lost with the intrigue and curiosity of Jan, you fall in love with Sara and Sofie and you hurt all over again for all the displayed. Jews. I looked forward to each session of reading .

I'm a fan of World War II stories especially the ones about the civilians who suffered under the state of German occupation. This story, bordering on the truth, was well written and exciting enough to hold my interest. When I say, exciting, I don't mean hold your breath kind. Sort of mellow exciting.
But I did enjoy the story.
Carole Yarwood

I loved the book until I reached the end. The author led the reader into the lives of these characters, rich with personality, motivations and complexity. Then, she must have gotten tired of writing, and the ending left the reader hanging. AND not in the good, interpret what the end means for you sort of way. What happened to Sarah, Donald, Oscar, Arend, and some of the other characters who we came to care about?? The ending centered around Sofie's child, a product of a rape, and Lisbeth who disappeared for most of the story. If the author thought the ending was going to be a surprise shocker, she couldn't have been more wrong. I couldn't have cared any less for this girl, Sophie's long lost daughter, and I'm an product of adoption myself. She was literally introduced in the last chapter, or maybe second to last. So disappointing. Not a mention of Sophie's life after the village, and I'm sure I'm not the only one who would have liked to know. If you don't mind horribly weak endings that fail miserably to tie up loose ends, this is the book for you!!

A young Dutch boy sees German soldiers stuff his Jewish neighbors into a van never to be seen again. He joins in helping his father and others create an efficient underground system and hidden village to save others in peril. A heart-rending tale of torn families, newfound love, and suspense all the way through.

If you loved The Nightingale you will love this too. It is a poignant tale of a part of the second world war I hadn't known much about.
The focus is often on the children who form a central part of the community and I really enjoyed that aspect.
It also resonated because my grandfather was shot down over Denmark and rescued by a farmer. The farmer gave him a meal of bacon and eggs despite having little food for his family. The Hidden Village highlights these acts of kindness and shows the strength of community. A well researched and well told story.

This was a most difficult book for me to review. For the first 80% of the book I thought it perhaps a bit too "storybook", too predictable. The true sense, the true emotion of the story occurred in the last 20%. Ending mixed with sadness and happiness with only one question. What happened to Oscar?

We should never forget what this nation
Started ! Twice. What evils they did to all humans.
Never forget they are the same, check the
hapsburg family, they've been fighting forever.
No more no more. Thank you Mrs Matthews.

I could hardly put the book down once I started. Good development of characters and historical knowledge of a time in Dutch history. A beautiful story of a community banding together to save innocents affected by a horrific war.

The history behind this book and the story is really something to behold. The author put life into characters you can feel their emotions and view the story as part of the atrocities of WW 2. Anyone interested in WW2 read!

Sad and interesting. The things people can do to survive continually surprise me. Sophie was a sad person in this story as they all are. I continue to read these books because I am committed to NEVER FORGET!

A very interesting read. Many people didn't know the sacrifices the Dutch people made to hide there Jewish neighbors and friends from the Nazis.
Food and and basic were at a minimum during the occupation, but the Dutch people found it in there hearts to help others even at the cost of their
own lives. May god bless these people for doing the right thing at such a dark time in our history.

Another thing I didn't know about World War Two. The hidden Village was a real place where real people had to hide or be taken to their deaths!
Thank God there was people to help hide and save others.

Although this was a book of fiction it was based on fact. It was amazing to read this. You don't realize how some people tried to help. It's horrible to know how cruel People can be, this can never be forgotten. It

I was born in 1932 and in our grade school we bought savings bonds .made scrap iron drives for the war effort. I loved to read and read all the war news, I had two brothers who served. This book keep me spell bound. Anyone who is interested in the Holocaust will like this.

I loved reading the book especially about the history surrounding those that tried to help one another during WWII. Wish there were more historical accounts like this one that engaged me quickly and kept me reading. Bless those all who risked their lives to save anyone and everyone from Hitler's despicable cruelty to humankind.

Excellent book.very enlighten gas to how people survived during the war. How people went to such extremes to help the Jewish people due this terrible war. God bless all those who put themselves in harms way

Enjoyed this sad story of survival during the Nazi takeover - and on a 1-10 scale would give it an 8.5. As one person noted, it is not as gruesome as many true stories of this period are. But the fear is palpable.

This book is interesting, and portrays something of the war I was unaware of. However, The story jumped around too much so that it was easy to lose who was who. I was easily able to set this down and pick it up on a future day.

This was an amazing story of empathy, struggle, determination and betrayal. The author brought the characters into my mind and heart. there is no denial of history when these stories keep being written.

This book is interesting, and portrays something of the war I was unaware of. However, The story jumped around too much so that it was easy to lose who was who. I was easily able to set this down and pick it up on a future day.

I am, for some strange reason, completely entranced with World War II history, especially stories about real people. This was a great story, and I was completely surprised to learn that it was a true story.

This was an amazing story of empathy, struggle, determination and betrayal. The author brought the characters into my mind and heart. there is no denial of history when these stories keep being written.

Wow! What a story! I have read several books about WW2, but this one blew me away. I think, but not sure, the author wrote it intended for young adults. Everyone who is interested in this time period should read it. This story, fictional but based on true facts, is about how a few brave souls (teenagers mostly) braved being caught by German soldiers

While an interesting historical look back, I thought this story was a little simplistic and predictable. The ending was abrupt. I was distracted by the incorrect wording and misspellings in many places, but wasn't sure if this was as written or due to a sloppy Kindle translation. Worth reading, but not very intellectually grabbing.....

I like this book for what it revealed about This part of Europe during World War II. The characters, all of them, were complex. The only part I did not like is the clarification of the end of the camp; Who all died, who went where, what happened to Oscar and some of the other major characters.

I enjoyed learning details I was not aware of before through this historical novel if WW11. The events were somewhat disjointed and the plot twists not always clear because it 'jumped around" a good deal. The ending was a bit peculiar, I thought.

I kept thinking that this was a young adult book. Very simplistic writing. It does cover a little known chapter in WWII history, so I did learn something, but the story doesn't really pick up until about 3/4 of the way in.

The historical background is fascinating and would be very interesting if well told. However the story line is superficial as is the development of characters. I really wanted to like this book but it lacks so much.

I loved that the author brought us such a rich story about unknown courage during World War 2. I really enjoyed the characters that she created but I felt the final chapters left the reader hanging. I had so many questions because the war section ends abruptly and then it jumps to twenty years later.

There are details in this fiction that I find hard to accept in that the author seemed to have no sense of Jewish culture. No mention of Jewish holidays, no mention of them keeping the 7th day Sabbath and no mention of kosher diet, which forbids the eating of pork among other things. This leads me to believe that she didn't do enough research about the events portrayed.

I couldn't read all the story too much cussing &sexual content. No mention of the Bible or Jesus, how could anyone survive such suffering without reaching out to Jesus. I don't recommend the book due to the negative parts. It's not necessary to add all the details, those people went through so much why add vulgar speech and actions? I will monitor the books I choose more closely.