What Did You Do in the War Sister? by Dennis J. TurnerBook Review - Blog Tour -Giveaway (US only)

Publication Date: February 27, 2020
Paperback, eBook & Audiobook
Genre: Historical Fiction/Biographical

Synopsis

"A powerful story of seldom-sung heroines in humanity's darkest days and a vivid reminder of the power of conscience." -- Edgardo David Holzman, author of Malena

Throughout the occupied territories, Catholic Sisters were active members of The Nazi Resistance.

Based on letters and documents written by Catholic Sisters during WWII, this book tells the remarkable story of these brave and
faithful women.

From running contraband to hiding Jews, from spying for the allies to small acts of sabotage, these courageous women risked their lives to help defeat the Reich.

This is a story that needs to be told.

"an engaging account of World War Two as told through the voice of a fictional Belgian nun... fascinating and valuable." -- Donald Lystra, Author of Season of Water and Ice

""…a generous recounting of the deeds of marvelous nuns living in the midst of mortal danger. It's also a great read!" -- Father James Heft, Professor of Religion at the University of Southern California

My Thoughts

What Did You Do in the War Sister? is a fictional memoir based on actual letters and incidents. The narrator is Sister Christina, born Sophia Pansing in 1913 and raised on a farm in Ohio, USA. She takes her final vows in 1938 and is posted to the Motherhouse of the Sisters of Our Lady of Namur, in Belgium. It is a fascinating account of what the Sisters endured during World War II and as such is a history lesson in itself.

Initially the first occupation by the German army didn't alter life that much, but gradually various restrictions were enforced and the nuns had to adapt very quickly to the changes. They did so with acceptance and the help of their faith. For a cloistered community, they were very well informed what was happening in the world outside the convent. The respect that they were held in also helped on many occasions. Sister Christina mentions that at times the wearing of the black habit saved them from further scrutiny.

As the war progressed, the nuns aided the Resistance by offering a safe haven for refugees, Jewish girls, and allied airmen. The systems they implemented to protect themselves and their charges from the Nazis were ingenious.

Some respite was had when the Americans briefly liberated the region, but conditions were dire when the German army returned. The convent already suffering damage from German and Allied bombs, became a prime target when tanks were parked in the convent's orchard.

There are some amusing incidents. One being how the sisters were overwhelmed by parcels of tinned sardines sent to them by other religious communities. The surplus, however, proved handy for trading for essentials on the black market.

There are also some sad and poignant moments too. A scene involving a scared, German boy soldier touched me deeply.

What Did You Do in the War Sister? is one of the best novels of World War II that I have read in a while. I wasn't sure what to expect, but from the first page I was impressed by the writing style and how engaging the story was despite the horrors of a world in chaos.



Available on Amazon

About the Author

Dennis Turner graduated from Georgetown University in 1967 with a degree in History. He received his Juris Doctorate degree from Georgetown University Law School in 1970. He has served as an Assistant County Prosecutor and as a Magistrate-Judge. Since 1974, he has been a Professor of Law at the University Of Dayton School Of Law. During his tenure at the University of Dayton he has served as Assistant Dean, Acting Dean, Director of the Law Clinic and Director of the Legal Profession Program. The University of Dayton has awarded him its highest award for teaching, The Faculty Teaching Award. He has also received numerous Teacher of the Year Awards from the students at the University Of Dayton School Of Law and was chosen to be one of the Master Teaching Fellows for the University of Dayton. He has been a visiting professor for the University of Notre Dame London Law Program. He also has extensive experience with the British criminal justice system through his association with the barrister firm, Pump Court Chambers, in Winchester, England.

Dennis Turner is the author of many law review articles and a law text book, Steele v. Kitchener Case File. For two years, he also wrote a bi-weekly column for the Dayton Daily News entitled, On the River.

Blog Tour Schedule

Monday, July 6
Review at Books and Backroads

Wednesday, July 8
Excerpt at What Is That Book About

Thursday, July 9
Review at YA, It's Lit

Friday, July 10
Review at Books and Zebras

Monday, July 13
Excerpt at The Caffeinated Bibliophile

Wednesday, July 15
Guest Post at Chicks, Rogues, and Scandals

Friday, July 17
Review at A Darn Good Read
Review at Reading is My Remedy

Giveaway (US only)

During the Blog Tour, we are giving away a copy of What Did You Do in the War Sister?. To enter, please use the Gleam form HERE

Giveaway Rules
– Giveaway ends at 11:59 pm EST on July 17th. You must be 18 or older to enter.
– Paperback giveaway is open to the US only.
– Only one entry per household.
– All giveaway entrants agree to be honest and not cheat the systems; any suspicion of fraud will be decided upon by blog/site owner and the sponsor, and entrants may be disqualified at our discretion.
– The winner has 48 hours to claim prize or a new winner is chosen.