Imogen Matthews

The Hidden Village is an average read. I must admit to being somewhat disappointed since the storyline holds such potential.
WWII is at it’s height. Holland is occupied and the Germans have begun “The Final Solution”. Jews are being rounded up and taken to concentration camps. Rumors are flying as to what actually happens there. Whatever it is the Dutch know it’s not good. One town decides enough is enough. They will hide their Jews and any other whose community is targeted by the Germans: Poles,Russians, Allied pilots all will be helped. It soon becomes apparent that hidden rooms will not be enough. The town decides to build a “village “, deep in the woods, partially underground and hidden from German eyes. Berkenhout “The Hidden Village“is born. They hope to hide 80 people there. This story is based on an actual town that did just that. For some unknown reason the author has changed the name of the town, village and people involved. An authors note would have been very helpful here but none was present with the audiobook version I read. It would have helped answer this question and many others I had.
This story is a complex one that is simply written. Using simple prose and dialogue works well. One is able to keep straight the numerous characters and setttings in the book. No dictionary is needed here. The pace is even for the first half of the book advancing the story well, building up the characters to a point that we care and slowly building up the tension. Then it feels like another author takes over. The pace slows to the point that any tension is lost. By the time the book reaches its dramatic peak the tension is so low I have difficulty caring about what happens. But I still do and that leads me to my second problem. The ending, it felt very rushed and major side stories are just dropped with no resolution. There is an epilogue but it is far from complete and still gives no answer as to what happened with some prominent secondary characters. I now know there is a sequel focused on two characters who went missing but there were others who I would have liked to know about. The epilogue could have been used to hint at a second book and I would have known my answers might be found there but it didn’t.
The audiobook. Here is we’re I feel this book could have been helped but wasn’t. I’m not sure if the writing is the problem or the narrator or both. The narrator handled the American voices very well and no attempt is made at Dutch or German voices leading to a couple of confused moments. The build up of tension could have been helped greatly by the inflection of the actresses voice but was not. Though not quite flat the actress did not emote different feelings like joy, terror or anger (to name a few) particularly well. This is a very rare case where I may have enjoyed the print version more.
I was tempted to give 2 stars because of so many missed chances to make this a strong novel, but I did like the first half and there is much here to like So I give it 3 stars. Remember though, your mileage may vary! If you are intrigued by the story by all means try it there are plenty of reviewers that enjoyed this book!

I received an ARC of this book from the publisher, Bookouture Audio and NetGalley. This fact in no way influenced my review.… (mais)

It's September, 1944, and a group of people have created a hidden village in the woods in the Netherlands. Most of the people there are Jews who are trying to stay safe from the occupying German army and others are people who need to hide. The Nazis in this area have heard about this village in the woods and have been searching for it and on this morning, they have found it. As the shooting begins, several people run into the woods. The main characters, Wouter, who has been trained to help protect the people in the village, gets scared and runs to the woods to hide by himself. As walks for miles, trying to find a safe place, he meets a lot of people who are doing the same thing. Luckily, there were a lot of people who were sympathetic to the people in hiding and helped them with food and a place to sleep despite the danger. As Wouter, travels, he meets other people who had been in the hidden village but no one knows what happened to Laura, the love of his life. They are both running scared and their paths are often very close as they search for safety and each other. Will they be able to maintain their safety and find each other before they are found?

I read a lot of historical fiction and it was apparent that they author had done considerable research to make the story (based on fact) realistic. I read this book as a stand alone but plan to read the first book, The Hidden Village to get some additional back ground on the characters. Thanks to the publisher for a copy of this book to read and review.… (mais)

Bravery in Wartime.
Berkenhout Village was a collection of huts, partially hidden underground and concealed in dense forest. It was built during WWII, to protect the local Jewish population from persecution by the Germans. The author's mother lived close to this village and in her novel, Ms Matthews chose to highlight the brave efforts of the Dutch people in keeping their neighbours safe.

The main character, Sofie, was a young Jewish girl who became separated from own family early on in the war and adopted the people of Berkenhout Village as her surrogate family. The village was well concealed, but the residents still had to maintain constant vigilance and keep all sounds to an absolute minimum.
Jan, a young lad at the time, epitomised a wayward boy, out looking for adventure. With great excitement he stumbles across an English pilot who has been shot down. This appears to be the start of the underground movement in the area, which subsequently saves many people.

This is a well written fictional account, highlighting the amazing bravery and sacrifices of the people who found themselves invaded by a foreign power.
My version was excellently read by Liam Gerrard, who read clearly and at a good pace.
This was written for a Young Adult audience, but I would recommend it for adults as well.… (mais)