Review: A Woman of War by Mandy Robotham
- Kath Chuah Leong
- Jun 8, 2020
- 5 min read
Updated: Oct 17, 2020
“He only needs to know that he was born out of a mother’s love, into an uncertain world, as one of thousands emerging under the awning of bombs, rubble or threat.”
“‘I may not have seen what you have, have suffered as others, but I know what goes on. I have ears and eyes, and sometimes wish I hadn’t.’”
My interest for historical stuff has led me to World War 2 stories this time (from reading war veterans and survivals’ stories, various historical events on research papers, articles and on History to watching documentaries about World War 2 on YouTube). Previously, I was reading mostly on World War 2 on the Japanese perspective. This time around, the focus is on the European/ Western perspective. I’ve learned lots and discovered some historical facts that was not widely known to many. I have to admit wartime stories are a difficult read. Not because of the language, but the wartime activities and atrocities that took place in that era. They are not beautiful nor are they rose-coloured.
A Woman of War by Mandy Robotham is one of those books that does not try to pepper down the horrors of war. While the book is categorised as fiction, some of the places and events mentioned in the book are based on actual historical facts and based on “what ifs”. The author gave some insights of what life was in Germany during the Nazi regime and of course, the infamous concentration camps during the first part of the book. The focus is not on Auschwitz-Birkenau Concentration Camp (the largest of all death camps), but on Ravensbruck Concentration Camp, which was exclusively for women. The description of the camp and the events that took place there were bone-chilling and one could only imagine the unspeakable atrocities committed, deemed as inhumane. This novel is definitely not for those who are seeking for a light-hearted read.
Without further ado, here’s the synopsis:
Germany, 1944.
Taken from the camps to serve the Führer himself, Anke Hoff is assigned as midwife to one of Hitler’s inner circle. If she refuses, her family will die.
Torn between her duty as a caregiver and her hatred for the Nazi regime, Anke is swept into a life unlike anything she’s ever known – and she discovers that many of those at the Berghof are just as trapped as she is. And soon, she’s falling for a man who will make her world more complicated still…
Before long, the couple is faced with an impossible choice – and the consequences could be deadly. Can their forbidden love survive the horrors of war? And, more importantly, will they?
Plot
A Woman or War focuses on the heroine Anke Hoff, a German midwife, who worked at the Berlin Hospital before she was captured and placed at the Ravensbruck Concentration Camp as a political prisoner. Her father, being a politician, does not approve of the wartime activities of the Nazi regime, hence the reason for her family’s deportation to different concentration camps, forced to do various duties in the camp (forced labour). Anke tried to hide her skills in midwifery at the beginning, thinking that it would be of no use in the camp. Hoping to increase her chances of survival, she told the officer that she was skilled in sewing. A change of events led her to revealing her skills in midwifery and was later assigned to the maternity section of the camp, where she learns the horrors that took place there. Witnessing it first-hand, she resolved to save as many babies as she could though deep down, she knew the life-expectancy of each baby born in the camp is close to zero. One day, Anke was selected to be the ‘lucky’ one for her expertise and growing reputation to serve as a midwife to Adolf Hitler’s mistress, Eva Braun, who is pregnant.
A gentle note, historically, Eva Braun was never pregnant, but the novel’s premises are based on ‘what ifs’. The latter part of the book focuses on Anke’s time at the Berghof, Adolf Hitler’s private home in the Bavarian Alps, Germany, and her relationship with Eva Braun and an SS officer.
Character
Anke’s character development felt real, brilliant and her passion in midwifery was inspiring. Despite the horrors of war, she did her duty, bringing life to the world. Though the chances of the baby’s survival rate at the camp, she did what humanity inspired us to do. While the concentration camps were often deemed as a place of death, it was also the place of birth. Witnessing the brutalities of the concentration camp first-hand, Anke’s moral was dwindling day by day. Nevertheless, she fought on for her family's safety and the hope that the war will end soon. During her time at the Berghof, she was conflicted and torn between her loyalties for her country Germany (not to the Reich and the Führer – Adolf Hitler) and her duty as a midwife when a small group of Resistance fighters plot to overthrow the Nazi regime by making use of Eva Braun’s pregnancy embroil in the Reich's propaganda. This is where the plot gets even more interesting.
While reading the novel, there were a few interesting facts that was not widely known to many. Some of these facts of World War 2 was the emergence of “Lebensborn”, a program for breeding and raising the master race, also known as, Aryan children classified as “racially pure” and “healthy” by the Nazis. The program was founded by Heinrich Himmler, one of the main architects of the Holocaust. The program came to an end in 1945, after Germany’s surrender.
In addition, Anke’s character reminded me of two historical figures. The first, was known as Stanislawa Leszczynska, a Polish midwife who delivered 3,000 babies during her internment at Auschwitz during World War 2 in unfathomable conditions at the camp. To learn more of her story: https://www.thefirstnews.com/article/the-midwife-of-auschwitz-extraordinary-life-of-heroine-who-delivered-3000-babies-in-horror-death-camp-to-be-told-in-new-documentary-6418
The second historical figure was Dr. Gisella Perl. She was a gynecologist who saved hundreds of women’s lives at the Auschwitz Concentration Camp during World War 2. To learn more about her, here’s the link: https://www.history.com/news/auschwitz-doctor-prisoner-saved-womens-lives-gisella-perl
When I came to the end of the novel, I was left in an emotional roller-coaster ride. I was sad, inspired, angry, fearful, disgusted and relieved. When a book managed to make you feel all sorts of emotions, you know it is a good book :)
Overall, A Woman of War was a well-written, enthralling and inspiring read, which deserves more attention and acclamation. The insights on the wartime activities serves as a reminder to all of us on the devastating effects of war inflicted on humankind. The characters felt realistic and there was not a single moment that keeps you off the book. I even learned some midwife lingo and the process of birthing a child. It was surreal and truly a wonder of mother nature.
Final Rating: 4.5/5
Genres: Historical, War, Romance
Details of the book can be found on:
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