*I received a copy of this book in eBook format via NetGalley in return for this review. All reviews published on Yours, Chloe are completely honest and my own, and are in now way influenced by the gifting opportunity.
Title: If I Can Save One Child
Author: Amanda Lees
Genre: Historical Fiction
Rating: ★★★★★
France, 1942: Robert curls
sleepily into me, his tiny hand grasping mine like a lifeline. He’s been so
brave, this little boy who has been through the unimaginable. As his eyes
close, I wonder how much longer we can go on. But I promised to save him. And I
can’t give up now…
Young linguist Elisabeth has
been working for the British secret service since the war began, rescuing
downed pilots and Jewish refugees. Now the Gestapo are on her trail: her next
mission must be her last. Or she may never see the white cliffs of Dover again.
But she can’t even think
about abandoning her post when so many remain in danger. So when daredevil
fellow agent Guy arrives with a frantic plea, there was never
any doubt that Elisabeth would help. Somewhere in occupied France is a little
boy, the last survivor of a Jewish orphanage, desperately trying to make his
way to safety. They have to save him.
Elisabeth knows the mission
may be suicide. But she also knows she could never live with herself if she
didn’t try to save this child. And so she and Guy set off on one last journey
together, into the mountains. For freedom – for this child – they’ll risk it
all…
If I Can Save One Child is the latest breathtaking novel from
historical fiction author Amanda Lees. This page-turning story explores themes
of survival, courage, hope, sacrifice and love of all types, set against the
backdrop of Nazi-occupied France.
Amanda Lees is one of my favourite authors in the Second
World War historical fiction genre due to her incredible ability to craft
compelling, emotive and powerful stories packed full of meticulously researched
history, so I was eagerly awaiting the release of If I Can Save One Child and
it only exceeded my incredibly high expectations. There is genuinely nothing I can
fault with any of her books I’ve read so far, she’s an absolute star of the genre.
I was truly captivated from the gripping prologue and this
carried on throughout the entire novel, which I read in a single day. Personally,
I adore the use of short and snappy chapters in all of her books as it helps to
maintain a fast-paced narrative which is packed full of tension. This tension puts
you on the edge of your seat from the very first page and the story takes so
many twists and turns that you never know what is going to happen next; that is
some of the true magic of Amanda Lees’ stories. The vivid setting descriptions
brought the French settings to life on the page, leaving you as the reader
feeling like you’re actually hiding out in the caves with the characters or
sitting with them in the various safehouses they frequent.
Elisabeth was a courageous and strong female protagonist who
was beautifully written. I also loved Guy’s character and will admit that I fell
in love with him very quickly. The way that the two of them were willing to
risk their lives to try and save a child was beautiful and a powerful tribute
to the real men and women who were part of the SOE and the French resistance, including
those who ran the escape lines out of France. I loved the historical romance
element we had through Elisabeth and Guy’s characters. It was included in the
story in a way which was impactful yet didn’t take away from the drama of the
main plot line. It really provided a sign of hope and light against the
darkness they were facing.
Overall, If I Can Save One Child is a really powerful story which
is undoubtedly one of the best pieces of historical fiction writing I’ve ever
read. Amanda Lees is one of the true queens of the genre and I can’t wait to
see what comes next from her.
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