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Book Review: “The Sound of Light” by Sarah Sundin

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Sundin is outstanding at her craft. The attention to the historical detail, much of it factual, and the weaving of such strong themes of self-discovery, self-sacrifice and forgiveness through the lives of two tremendous characters was excellent. I looked forward to picking this story up each time and really didn’t want it to end.

Henrik (or Henning or Hemming) and Else are wonderfully crafted. Henrik, the rich playboy, who is challenged by his best friend to be more than he’s been and realise his potential, is developed brilliantly through the story. He joins the resistance using his rowing talent to transfer secrets across countries. This forces him to go undercover, so to speak, and assume a different persona which makes his transformation through the story even more significant.

Else is a Doctor of Physics and suffers from misogyny in her laboratory. To her immense credit she courageously challenges it and fortunately, we see some men who acknowledge her scientific talents irrespective of her gender.

The love story between these is beautiful to read. Full of tension and longing, our two lovers are drawn to each, even though Henrik carries a huge secret.

I loved the fact this story was set in Denmark. A first for me. Sundin demonstrates her significant research in sharing details of the German occupation and Danish resistance. I am now a little wiser on the impact WWII had on the Danish. We also get to see the uniqueness of the Danish coast and Copenhagen through the eyes of Sundin’s characters.

I feel very blessed having received an early ebook copy from Revell via NetGalley with no expectation of a favourable review.

Book Review: Until Leaves Fall in Paris by Sarah Sundin

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This is my first Sundin novel and wow, I realise I’ve been missing out on a wonderful story teller. Set in 1941 in German-occupied Paris, we meet Lucie Girard and Paul Aubrey, two Americans who choose to stay in Paris to serve the war effort in different ways. Lucie, a ballerina at the esteemed Paris Opera Ballet, retires from her great love to purchase a bookshop of her much loved friends, the Greenblatts. They are Jewish and sensibly choose to return to America.

Paul, a widower, elects to convert his successful automobile factory into one that builds civilian trucks for the Germans. Or so he believes. But in so doing, he also elects to use his esteemed position in Parisian society to spy on the Germans and feed the information back to his American comrades.

On first meeting, Lucie and Paul have an immediate attraction but she is opposed to the fact he is a German collaborator. Gradually, circumstances change and she too becomes a willing member of the resistance using her bookshop as a front for the distribution of messages. Paul’s daughter, Josie, plays a pivotal role in capturing Lucie’s heart and in so doing forcing the two of them to keep meeting. But how can Lucie let down her strong stance against Paul being a collaborator?

Sundin writes beautifully and brings the Paris of 1941 alive. It’s definitely a bit more grim than one comes to typically expect from the City of Lights. I learnt much about the German occupation of this wonderful city that I wasn’t previously aware and its impact on its residents and society in general.

The romance is very special. Sundin brings the passion and beauty of new love and the hope and wonder that goes with it. It was wonderfully portrayed on the page.

There is suspense, some good conflict, and plenty of twists and turns that keeps the reader guessing as to what the outcome will be. Will our two lovers finally be able to declare their love and be united?

I must now read some of Sundin’s early works.

I was very fortunate to receive an early ebook copy of the novel from the publisher via NetGalley with no expectation of a favourable review.