UNDER THE COVER OF MERCY, by Rebecca Connolly, Shadow Mountain, April 11, 2023, Hardcover, $26.99 (young adult/ new adult/ adult fiction)
A group of nurses work to save the lives of soldiers behind enemy lines during WWI in Under the Cover of Mercy, by Rebecca Connolly.
November 1914
The Great War has come to Brussels, and Edith Cavell, Head Nurse at Berkendael Medical Institute, faces an impossible situation. She has sworn an oath to help any who are wounded, under whatever flag they are found. But Governor von Lüttwitz, the ranking German officer, has ordered her and her nurses to also stand guard over the wounded Allied prisoners of war and prevent them from escaping.
Edith feels that God called her to be a healer, not a jailer. How can she heal these broken boys, only to see them returned to the hands of their oppressors to be beaten again?
So, when members of the Belgian resistance, desperate for help, bring two wounded British soldiers to her hospital in secret, she decides she will heal the soldiers, and then help smuggle them out of the hospital to freedom.
With her loyal friend and fellow nurse, Lizzie, by her side, Edith establishes her hospital as a safe house for the resistance, laboring tirelessly to save as many soldiers as she can. Working under the watchful eyes of the German army, Edith faces challenging odds as she fights to bring hope to her small corner of a war-torn world. —Synopsis provided by Shadow Mountain
Based on a true story, Under the Cover of Mercy is the fictionalized story of Edith Cavell, a woman of strength, conviction and faith. When faced with the choice of providing safety or turning soldiers over to the Germans, Edith chose to follow her conscience.
Under the Cover of Mercy is told from the alternating viewpoints of Edith and Lizzie (who was also a real nurse). This gives readers an intimate view of Edith’s mindset while showing the effects her decisions had on those who supported and worked for her.
Under author Rebecca Connolly’s deft hands, Edith comes to life. She’s heartfelt and authentic, and her steadfastness anchors the narrative. The “brighter/lighter” spots come more from the other nurses and her interactions with them.
Under the Cover of Mercy is not a happy novel per say, but it is an uplifting one that is ultimately satisfying. Connolly’s writing is smooth and welcoming. She skillfully tackles weighty topics and the faith elements throughout feel natural.
*Cracking the Cover occasionally features books that are technically adult fiction but are appropriate for young adult readers. Though there are a few moments of violence and descriptions of death, Under the Cover of Mercy is still suitable for older young adults, new adults, and readers of adult fiction.
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