“One thing I like about historical fiction is that I’m not constantly focusing on me, or people like me; you’re obliged to concentrate on lives that are completely other than your own.” —Emma Donoghue
Give it up for Room’s brainchild, will you? Emma’s apparently like me—a fan of a novel masquerading as real events. Historical fiction has always been my favorite genre. I’m happy to report that Gian Sardar’s recent release When the World Goes Quiet is a real fiction winner.
Sardar’s story is set in 1918 German-occupied Bruges, Belgium (a captivating city everyone loves). The narrative centers around a young married artist named Evelien whose husband, Emiel, is off fighting the war while she remains behind in Bruges with his parents. She has been given the task of caring for her wealthy friend and employer’s home. He owns beautiful works of art that have been hidden from the Germans. If Evelien safeguards the art successfully, one of the treasured paintings will be hers. A magnificent score. As the war marches slowly to a close, Evelien knows she must bide her time and stay out of trouble for just a little bit longer. If only it could be that easy.
This review resonated with me: “Masterfully crafted, When the World Goes Quiet draws you in from the first page and doesn’t let go. ‘In war, actions do not define the man…or the woman.’ This story pits passion against devotion and loyalty against duty and does a brilliant job weaving a heartrending web between them. It is storytelling at its best―part history lesson, part survival story, part love story. Stunning.” I’ll add an amen. And assign shiny stars—espionage, love, betrayal, and a lovely twist make this book a 4.5 out of 5 stars for this historical fiction lover.