Women’s History Month Read: The Lioness of Leiden

I was sent an advanced copy of The Lioness of Leiden by Robert Loewen, which releases April 4. I just finished the World War II historical fiction book yesterday and I was hooked from start to finish.

The book was inspired by Loewen’s mother-in-law who served as a courier in the Dutch Resistance during World War II. I found the book so engaging and interesting, especially because I know so little about the Dutch Resistance.

The book follows a few different characters, but the main character is Hetty. Hetty was a student in Leiden, Netherlands when the war reached her country. After becoming interested in the Resistance through her boyfriend, Karl, and then his subsequent disappearance Hetty then becomes determined to do what she can to fight the Nazis. She becomes a Resistance member and courier. As the years pass, Hetty makes new friends and also tragically loses some through the brutality of war. Despite the great risk to her life and all the loses she endures, Hetty will not give up. Each loss fuels her to want to do all she can to help others and defeat the Germans and Nazis.

The book definitely had sad parts as to be expected with this topic, but it was also awe inspiring to see what Hetty and her fellow Resistance members were willing to do.

The book was a quick read, but definitely left a lasting impact!

*This book was sent to me in exchange for an honest review. This post contains affiliate links.*