Occupied by Survival

Tina Boscha's "River in the Sea" is a compelling story of the final months of the German occupation of the Netherlands during World War II.  The story focuses on Leen, a 15 year old girl, and her family's struggles during a time when the men and boys are forced to hide in the fields and barns to avoid being captured by the Germans.

Leen must pass by the German camp on the outskirts of town each day as she travels between home and work and back again.  One fateful day a guard dog runs in front of her truck and she kills it.  After they force her to bury the dog she is allowed to go home.  Her family fears repercussions and her father and brother, Isaac, go into hiding.  Eventually the rather is rounded up and the women are left to fend for themselves.

As the months go by and the food supplies dwindle the mother loses hope and becomes despondent.  It is up to Leen to see that the family survives until the Allied forces can reach their town.

This was a fascinating read about an aspect of the war (the occupation of the Netherlands) that I haven't read about in other books. It's definitely worth a read!