The White Rose Network – ARC Book Review

1943, Germany: “I won’t be able to live if anything happens to you,” she whispered into his ear as they said goodbye, not knowing if they would ever see each other again. The White Rose Network brings to life the incredible true story of Sophie Scholl––one of history’s bravest women, who risked everything to lead a revolution against darkness.

Sophie was born to be a rebel, raised by parents who challenged the brutal Nazi regime. Determined to follow in their footsteps, she leaves for university, defying Hitler’s command for women to stay at home.

On her first day in Munich, Sophie’s brother Hans introduces her to his dear friend. When she meets Alexander, with his raven-black hair and brooding eyes, she knows instantly that she isn’t alone. There are more courageous souls like her, who will fight against evil.

Together, and with others who also refuse to back down, they form the White Rose Network. In an underground vault, Sophie and Alexander conspire in whispers, falling in love as they plot against Hitler. Promising her heart to Alexander is the most dangerous act of all––with each risk they take, they get closer to capture.

As snowflakes fall on a frosty February morning, Sophie and her brother scatter Munich University with leaflets calling for resistance: “We will not be silent; we will not leave you in peace!”

But their lives hang in the balance, with the secret police offering a reward to anyone with information on the White Rose Network. It is only a matter of time before the Gestapo closes in… And when Sophie is imprisoned in an interrogation room, staring a Nazi officer in the eye, will she take their secrets to her grave? Will she sacrifice her freedom for love?

Even before reading this book, I have heard of The White Rose Network, which comprises of young Germans, run by brother and sister, Hans and Sophie. This network is a resistance group against the Nazis who opposed Nazis’ brutality against the Jews and other minorities and did not agree with its principles. This book is of such story.

The author has done tremendous research on this story and I have to give kudos to the author for writing this story, making the story realistic as possible. The parts about the interrogation was the ones that interested me most along with how Sophie, who came to study at the University of Munich became involved with the resistance movement by printing and distributing the pamphlets around the university. As a person who did German history, I know how the Nazis tried everything to stop resistance as much as possible, even though the young, brave and courageous men and women like Sophie did not stop their work and continued with their resistance. The story is told mainly from Sophie’s point of view as a third person as she is the central character in the book.

This was also an emotional and heartbreaking read as well, as this is based on the true story. I just simply couldn’t even believe that despite their youth, the way they fell in love and romance blossoming, they would not sop fighting against the Nazis and Hitler and so this was a page turning book as well. Really amazing and this will make you cry particularly the ending.

Worth five stars!

Many thanks to Netgaley and Bookouture for the ARC. The review is based on my honest opinion only.