Sixty Blades of Grass: a moving WW II drama based on true events Paperback – 22 May 2023

5* for sure. This is one of the most moving books I've ever read. I don't give praise easily, but cannot speak highly enough of this book. Part fact part fiction this was a book I had to read to the end to find out what happened to who. The story line may be a little slow sometimes, but persevere, it's worth it. I loved the main Dutch characters in this story of the German occupation of WW2 Holland. The way the author kept the story rolling through the main characters, their diaries and recollections was inspiring. Even more inspiring was the author's descriptions of life itself, the constant search for food, fuel and sustenance. The fight against the Germans. The final chapters were especially moving and emotive, detailing imprisonment, death, lifelike dreams and survival. A fabulous story told by a fantastic author.

This lady can write a compelling story, how the Dutch like many countries people suffered at the hands of evil.

As a lover of ww2 books and after reading reviews I decided to read this , well I was not disappointed, set in Holland it tells of a Dutch family living through the horrors of the German occupation, how brave strong and resilient they were , each with their own secrets to tell no one , it makes you think what would I have done if I’d had to endure what they had to . A great read and insight into this period of time in Holland ,

This story, based on the author's own relatives experiences during the German invasion of Holland, was a truly terrifying account. Written in the first person by each member of the family, it brought the ever-present fear of detection or capture by the Gestapo vividly to life. The courage of these people who worked for the Resistance was incredible. How easy life is now and how unbearably tough life was then. The ending had me in tears. What an heroic family these were. I thank the author for bringing the story of her Dutch/German relatives to the page. They deserve to be heard.

This book and the people in it gripped me from the first page to the last! I knew nothing about the experiences of the Dutch people during the occupation or of their resistance movement.I wish that I had read the authors note before reading the book as some of the characters were very real and incredibly brave, will I read again? Most certainly I will.

Absolutely felt this. So moving. Even though I have read similar stories. War is hell. This story deserved to be heardWill look forward to more from Elizabeth Millane

Sixty Blades of grass is a compelling read about Rika and her family who live in Holland during World War 2. Rika, an Art student works for the Dutch Resistance who suspects her German born father of collaborating with the Nazis. Rika's elder sister Liesbeth runs the family home and takes care of their younger sister, Amie. The family fear for Amie as she has learning difficulties and may give away information that would put them all in danger.Rika and her boyfriend's work as resistance fighters put them in continual danger but their love grows and they get engaged, hoping for a better future.I found this book well written and the author does not shy away from describing the harrowing details of the conditions people live during these dangerous times. It was a compelling read, especially as the book was based on the author's family.I would have given this book 5* but I found the ending quite abrupt and I would have liked to know more about what happened to the family.

This book makes you realise just what war must have been like for good Dutch people and Jews under German occupation .. it combines strength and duty with realism grief and despair …

Elizabeth Millane’s remarkable debut novel “Sixty Blades of Grass” transports readers to the haunting and turbulent world of Holland during the Nazi occupation of World War II. Through the eyes of the courageous protagonist, seventeen-year-old Rika, a member of the Dutch Resistance, Millane weaves a mesmerizing tale of love, resilience and the indomitable spirit of the human soul. From the very first page, it is impossible not to become involved in Rika’s journey.Millane’s writing style is captivating and heartfelt, conveying the range of emotions experienced by her characters. The pacing is excellent and kept me on the edge of my seat as I was eager to discover what fate had in store for Rika and her family. If you are a fan of historical fiction, “Sixty Blades of Grass” is a must-read. You will be moved and inspired by this extraordinary story of bravery and sacrifice.

When reading about WW2 and the occupation by the Nazis of various countries, it is worth noting that Holland had the misfortune of remaining occupied until almost the end of hostilities. That cruel twist of fate was due to the German military occupational force, well entrenched and willing to strip Holland of everything to slow down the collapse of the Reich.I grew up living in Belgium, knowing many elderly Dutch men and women who described the final few months of the war as an absolute catastrophe.The writer captures that bleakness and misery. A good read, a sobering/thought provoking book. S

I just finished Sixty Blades of Grass by Betsy Millane and I loved it!Betsy Millane put her heart and soul into this story – and it’s a whopper.Rika, the reluctant resistance fighter against the Nazis.Maxim, her concerned father – exactly who he’s siding with isn’t immediately clear.Liesbeth, Rika’s maternal sister, who is keeping a few secrets of her own.Amie – innocent and very stubborn. Simple minded yet shrewd enough to spot real evil when down stairs neighbor Pieter offers her some food. Pieter will make your skin crawl!The doomed Adriaan. Your heart breaks for him – and Rika.The Colonel: Evil personified! He’ll give you nightmares that won’t soon fade away.I really did feel transported to The Hague during the WW II resistance while I was reading this. Betsy brought some wonderful (and scary!) characters to life and captured a time and place that was life changing for so many people. I hope Hollywood comes calling for this one!!

I found SIXTY BLADES OF GRASS so compelling that even though I only intended to read a few opening pages the day I bought it, I stayed up till 2 am that night, finishing the very, very last words... and it was amazing.For a debut novel, it's doubly amazing.I literally COULD NOT PUT THIS DOWN. The picture Millane paints of wartime Holland was incredibly real, dangerous and lifelike--and I felt as though I suffered right along with the characters. The chapters being so short also helped me stay interested and involved.I found the entire piece both amazingly readable and brilliant.If I have one criticism, it's that we never really find out what Rika was painting into her works at the train station, so we never got a handle on the code, which I had expected would make up part of the narrative. But what Millane did with this family and all its secrets is so compelling that it didn't matter. She's a beyond-gifted storyteller.SIXTY BLADES OF GRASS is, quite simply, a triumph.

If the family had confided in each other, they Might not have suffered so much. Loved the use of painting as a way to pass on information. New author to me but will read more of her books.