Author: Kathryn J. Atwood

Publisher: Catherine Rose Press

ISBN Paperback: 979-8-218-65088-9 

ISBN eBook: 979-8-218-65089-6

The Belgian Girls: A Novel, written by Kathryn J. Atwood, author of Women Heroes of World War II, is a well-researched account of two young women’s lives, both based, at least in part, in Brussels, one, the real-life World War I heroine, Gabrielle Petit, and the other, the fictional embodiment of the Belgian Resistance during World War II, Julienne Gobert, who both are shown to bravely resist the inhumane German occupation of their home country, Belgium. 

The authenticity of the details provided can clearly be seen in the bibliography of the First and Second World Wars that Atwood supplies at the end of the novel. The close parallel between the lives and fundamental characteristics of the two girls forms the basic structure of The Belgian Girls, as the novel unravels the two girls’ stories in tandem and juxtaposition with each other.

Atwood’s lively and animated account of the lives and actions of two young women is much enlivened by the author’s frequent use of direct speech throughout 

The Belgian Girls. Atwood also encourages her readers to share in reflecting on aspects of the story through making her leading characters continuously question themselves and aspects of their everyday environment. 

The strong ethical stance taken relating to the circumstances and conditions of hardship and privation prevailing during the two World Wars is shown in her portrayal of how a diverse and well-captured array of characters, spearheaded by our two key protagonists, relates to scenes of brutality and callousness, with nobility and integrity of character emanating from the more admirable, who set a fine example for Atwood’s foreseen adolescent readership.

Atwood’s predilection for bringing the past to life through her intimate fictional portrayal of heroic characters who exemplify the best of humankind places her in a pivotal position for bringing out the best in the young. The Belgian Girls should, therefore, serve as an ideal springboard for discussion in youth groups, as well as in the middle school classroom.