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The BookViral Review:
An interesting and thought-provoking glimpse of the German resistance during World War II, ‘Resistance’ is the debut novel from Andy Murphy which also explores the roots of the real-life, wild and rebellious, Edelweiss Pirates.
Unsettling at times, it is an assuredly told and often emotional tale that avoids the popular propensity of War Fiction for overtly graphic drama, with Murphy keeping it grounded. Looking beyond the daily veneer of oppression, to explore human bonds at their most extraordinary as he creates a genuine sense of presence through well-observed commentary and thoughtfully rendered characters. Personalities that are readily identifiable and altogether endearing, as the complexities of their lives inevitably lead to decisions that will herald much risk and ultimately tragedy in their lives.
Resistance is first and foremost Karl’s tale, but Murphy remains ever cognizant that his story can’t be told in isolation and on this level he provides a brief but lingering glimpse into the psyche of the German resistance in World War Two. To this end, Murphy’s plot is simple and easy to follow as Karl becomes an integral member of Edith’s resistance cell but where ‘Resistance’ excels is in Murphy’s ability to capture the feel of his setting so we are instantly lost in the era.
It’s a sobering picture he paints which he tempers with moments of love and connection as Karl’s feelings for Gertrud grow but again Murphy’s determined to keep it real. Reminding us of the ever-present specter of death that hung over resistance members, the show trials of Hitler’s Peoples Court where there was no presumption of innocence and the enormous number of death sentences handed down led to over 16,000 executions by guillotine. But despite its tone of inevitably, Resistance maintains its plot ballast throughout to give us a read with genuine substance.
An enjoyable read and a strong debut from Murphy Resistance will have particular appeal to readers of War & Military Action Fiction and is certainly recommended.
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