Anna’s War

Anna’s War by DJ Taylor (Riveted Press) PB RRP $17.99 ISBN 9781763526075

Reviewed by Dianne Bates

It’s southern Holland in the last eighteen months of World War 11 when 14-year-old Anna’s life changes. The Nazis in her German-occupied town are recruiting local men to work as slaves for their factories; thus, her father decides to hide. He has prepared a false door inside a cupboard in the family’s cellar. Anna is aware of this, but her three younger siblings have no idea, and Anna swears not to tell anyone, including her best friend, Josephine. Her father remains hidden for over a year, only coming out when Anna takes her siblings outdoors to play.

Then Anna meets Karl, a young German translator whose good looks and unexpected kindness leave her conflicted. Against her better judgement, she is drawn to him and begins to believe he can be trusted - especially when he keeps her father’s hiding place a secret from Horst, the ruthless Nazi officer he translates for. But as her feelings deepen, so do the risks. One misstep could unravel everything Anna and her family have fought to protect.

Anna’s War is a gripping, tension-filled and realistic depiction of wartime life. It cleverly shows the resilience, forbidden connection, family loyalties and the bravery of a young girl thrust into the deep shadows of war.

The upper middle-grade novel is based on the childhood experiences of the author’s mother-in-law who helped save her father when he hid in a secret cellar to avoid arrest.