The White Rose Resists

Author: Amanda Barratt
Genre: Historical Fiction
Release Date: May 26, 2020

Inspired by the incredible true story of a group of ordinary men and women who dared to stand against evil

The ideal of a new Germany swept up Sophie Scholl in a maelstrom of patriotic fervor--that is, until she realized the truth behind Hitler's machinations for the fatherland. Now she and other students in Munich, the cradle of the Nazi government, have banded together to form a group to fight for the truth: the White Rose. Risking everything to print and distribute leaflets calling for Germans to rise up against the evil permeating their country, the White Rose treads a knife's edge of discovery by the Gestapo.

Annalise Brandt came to the University of Munich to study art, not get involved with conspiracy. The daughter of an SS officer, she's been brought up to believe in the Führer's divinely appointed leadership. But the more she comes to know Sophie and her friends, the more she questions the Nazi propaganda.

Soon Annalise joins their double life--students by day, resisters by night. And as the stakes increase, they're all forced to confront the deadly consequences meted out to any who dare to oppose the Reich.

A gripping testament to courage, The White Rose Resists illuminates the sacrifice and conviction of an unlikely group of revolutionaries who refused to remain silent-no matter the cost.

---

Reviewer: Winnie Thomas

Inspiring, heart-rending, and exquisitely written, The White Rose Resists is a story that will stick with me for a long time. Memorable characters and unforgettable detail, combined with impeccable historical research, made this slice of history come alive to me. The main characters, both real and added fictional ones, were vividly drawn and captivating. Amanda Barrett’s powerful story left me in awe of Hans, Sophie, and their friends and the courage and conviction they had to stand for truth and freedom.

“Some things, you can’t wait to do until you’re strong enough. Some things, you just have to do afraid.”

“. . .someday, all of us must stand before God and give account for our actions. Before Him, no one will be able to hide.”

I found myself wondering if I would have had the courage and conviction to do what these young men and women did in speaking out against the evil going on around them, especially when the cost of their actions was so dear and could affect not only themselves but also family and friends. I often feel that, since I’m only one person, my voice won’t count for much, but as Barrett says in her book, “Even the greatest darkness can be breached by the flame of a single candle.” Hopefully, we can each be a candle to others and stand up for what is right and good.

This book is easily one of the most riveting and compelling books I’ve read lately and is one for the keeper shelf. Do yourself a favor and read this one!

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy from the author and publisher. All opinions are my own.

---

---

Reviewer: Laura J. Davis

Amanda Barratt grabbed my interest in her new book when I interviewed her about it, and I knew I had to read it. I am so glad I did!

Set in Germany during WWII and based on the true story of Sophie Scholl, a member of a student-lead resistance group called The White Rose, this is a book everyone should read. I had never heard of the White Rose Resistance, and so I'm delighted Amanda took up the challenge of writing a fictional account based on facts. While Sophie is the main character in the book, the author has allowed the reader to be a sort of "fly on the wall" by writing in the first person and giving us their take on why they joined the resistance. So we are not only privy to Sophie's thoughts, but also her brother Hans' and other members of the group as well.

The only fictional characters in the book are Annalise and Kirk, but this well-developed story with its carefully crafted characters will have the reader wishing they were real. I found this book incredibly hard to put down. The courage, faith and sacrifice of Sophie, Hans, Alex and others made, to warn their fellow Germans, is a testament to all those who stand up for truth and stand against tyranny.

This book is a definite keeper, and if you are a homeschooling mom (and who isn't in the time of COVID-19?), you need to make this book part of your curriculum. 

Kudos to the author! You made history real and gave a voice to those who gave their lives for freedom. 

I received this book courtesy of Kregel Publications through NetGalley.

---