Review: The White Rose Resists by Amanda Barratt

About the Book
Inspired by the incredible true story of a group of ordinary men and women who dared to stand against evil

The ideal of a new Germany swept up Sophie Scholl in a maelstrom of patriotic fervor--that is, until she realized the truth behind Hitler's machinations for the fatherland. Now she and other students in Munich, the cradle of the Nazi government, have banded together to form a group to fight for the truth: the White Rose. Risking everything to print and distribute leaflets calling for Germans to rise up against the evil permeating their country, the White Rose treads a knife's edge of discovery by the Gestapo.

Annalise Brandt came to the University of Munich to study art, not get involved with conspiracy. The daughter of an SS officer, she's been brought up to believe in the Führer's divinely appointed leadership. But the more she comes to know Sophie and her friends, the more she questions the Nazi propaganda.

Soon Annalise joins their double life--students by day, resisters by night. And as the stakes increase, they're all forced to confront the deadly consequences meted out to any who dare to oppose the Reich.

A gripping testament to courage, The White Rose Resists illuminates the sacrifice and conviction of an unlikely group of revolutionaries who refused to remain silent-no matter the cost.

Amazon / Goodreads 

My Thoughts

Wow! This was a stunningly powerful read. There's no way my words will ever be able to do justice to this magnificent, heartbreaking, courageous book.

I can't believe I didn't know the true story this was based on. The heroic actions of the White Rose were so inspiring. They knew what the consequences would be if they were caught, but they felt so convicted in what they were doing, in trying to inform the German population of the atrocities their government were committing, they felt they had no other choice. They were all so brave.

I highly, highly recommend this book to everyone. It's a definite must read. It's captivating and inspiring and one of the best books I've ever read.

Quotes:

What is the measure of my life if I stand by and do nothing? Does the blood of Jews stain my hands any less because mine did not pull the trigger? How can I go on, day after ceaseless day, occupied with study, friends, concerts, lectures?

“I've felt powerless for too long.” My heart races though my tone remains calm. “I know the risks. They're worth it to me. If I'm not willing to pay the price, then who am I to expect others to do so? If I do not fight against, aren't I as good as fighting for?”

“I don't regret my conduct. I believe I've done the best I could for my country and my conscience. I'm ready to stand before God only with the regret I didn't do more.”

There is purpose in this. In death, as in life. Someday perhaps my story will be told, and others will remember. That to witness wrong and stay silent is as much a crime as committing evil oneself. That youth does not exempt one from responsibility. That freedom is a gift.

I pray they will remember. For I will not be here to tell them.

Five Stars