Under the Cover of Mercy

This book was ... gutting. In a really good way.

I had never heard of Edith Cavell until this read, and am very thankful her story and I crossed paths. Wow--just wow.

I can only think of one other book I've ever cried while reading (Mary Beth Chapman's Choosing to SEE), and this one very nearly joined it, especially at a few points in the last quarter. I am really glad I didn't end up trying to finish it at bedtime (unlike when I started it).

The synopsis indicated that the book was set during WWI. I really felt it read more as if it were set during WWII, and second-guessed myself for a good chunk of the book. I wished the author had done more to create a specific sense of place and setting within the war. For being a story about an show more (unjustly so) largely unsung hero, I think that would have gone a long way in adding even more depth to what is, absolutely and already, a powerful story here.

There were a fair few lengthy quotations near the end, as well. Lengthyyyyyy. On the one hand, I loved it, because I love liturgy and that's largely what these excerpts were from, paired with Scripture and hymns. They certainly lent gravitas to two very serious and climactic scenes. So on the one hand, I loved it--but on the other hand, multiple pages of liturgical (and not short) prayers and scriptures verbatim became a bit ... stilted and forced this reader, anyway, to sit and struggle with all the feels. It did make me take a hard look at my own faith, see myself in the scene, and really have to sit/dialogue with faith-meets-end-of-life elements.

All that to say, a stunning read that certainly forced me to do some long and hard inner reflection. Imperfect, but well worth the time even so.

I received an eARC of the book from the publisher via NetGalley. All opinions are my own. show less

Rebecca Connolly is a fantastic historical fiction writer. I’ve enjoyed all the books I’ve read by her including her historical romances. This book is the beautifully written story of Edith Cavell who was the Head Nurse at Berkendael Medical Institute in Brussels, Belgium during WWI. Her courageous actions were inspirational and I thoroughly enjoyed learning more about this little known story in history.

In 1914, the Germans took over Brussels. The new German governor directs Edith, who is the Matron of the Red Cross hospital, and her nurses to guard any prisoners of war they treat. As a devoted Christian believer, Edith has instructed her nurses to treat anyone regardless of what country they are from and refuses to be their show more jailers. Through her close friend who has ties to the Belgian underground, she treats two British soldiers and helps them escape to freedom. What follows is a harrowing story of bravery as she works to heal and free the Germans’ enemies. Her close friend and fellow nurse Elizabeth helps her on this mission. They risk everything, all under the close scrutiny of the Germans.

I was touched by Edith’s story and her desire to do what she felt she was guided to do. She didn’t hesitate to help others or risk her own life. This was the first I’d heard of this inspiring woman and I’m so glad that she and her fellow nurses will be remembered through this powerful story. The ending provoked all kinds of emotions and I found myself reflecting on what I would have done in her situation.

I read an advanced copy of the book and so I’m not sure what the final product will be like, but I only wished there was a list of the characters and maps included with the book. It would have been so nice to be able to picture where the Berkendael Institute was located. There were also several characters who all played significant roles in the story and I would have liked to have been able to have a quick reference for each of them. All in all though a fantastic read for historical fiction fans. I received an advanced complimentary copy from the publisher. All opinions are my own and voluntarily given. show less