Official Review: Madonna On The Bridge by Bert C. Wouters

EmunahAn · Post by **EmunahAn** » 15 Mar 2019, 04:57

[Following is an official OnlineBookClub.org review of "Madonna On The Bridge" by Bert C. Wouters.]

4 out of 4 stars

Share This Review

It is the beginning of the 1940s and the threat of a German invasion in Belgium is looming closer. Meanwhile, Danya, whose ancestors are from the ancient Circassian communities, is learning more about her heritage. When German occupation begins, Danya vows to fight for her people as her heritage dictates. It takes her courage to join the underground workers who are willing to die for the freedom of their people. Danya cunningly sidesteps the Gestapo as she distributes illegal pamphlets for the purpose of the resistance’s operations. Hell breaks loose when two Gestapo agents find her in possession of the pamphlets. She is sentenced to death with only one way to save herself: join the Lebensborn Project and help pass on the Aryan DNA. For Danya, however, this is worse than the death sentence.

The plot in Madonna On The Bridge by Bert C. Wouters moves swiftly and at every turn reveals the devastation of the war on Belgium and Holland and the courage of the resistance workers who risked everything to liberate their people from German rule. Danya and Arie, the two main characters, fight to the end even when threatened with death. When Danya is commanded to join the Lebensborn she is willing to die than be involved with German soldiers. The group’s courage is among the aspects of the book that I liked the most.

Not much is known about the Circassian people and the book sheds light on important bits of their history as it traces their background, values, and culture. In it, Danya and Arie are of Circassian ancestry which contributes to their decision to fight for liberation. From the beginning, their parents instill values of courage and loyalism according to the Circassian culture which provides a powerful foundation for their later life as they serve in the underground. The inclusion of the Circassian history conceptualizes the story and adds an additional fascinating flavor to the already captivating read.

The story is not devoid of action and suspenseful moments. The tension and the threat of death hang closely for most of the characters including Arie and Danya. However, reading can get intense as the plot moves forward fast. It is professionally edited though, and I did not identify any grammatical errors.

Madonna On The Bridge by Bert C. Wouters is inspiring and possesses a unique twist. It contains some graphic scenes that depict the terror during the war hence it may not be for sensitive readers. Readers, however, who are interested in learning about the Circassian culture and the underground workers’ efforts in Holland and Belgium during World War II, will love reading it. I rate it 4 out of 4 stars.

******
Madonna On The Bridge
View: on Bookshelves

Like EmunahAn's review? Post a comment saying so!

IamShing · Post by **IamShing** » 20 Mar 2019, 04:05

Circassian culture, don't interest me so much but i am going to give it a try.

Post by **Radiant3** » 20 Mar 2019, 07:24

I really never heard much about the Circassian communities before. Seems to be a very interesting book. Great review.

Prisallen · Post by **Prisallen** » 20 Mar 2019, 08:10

This sounds like an interesting way to learn some history about the Circassian people and World War II. The book seems to be really well written. I enjoyed your review!

Post by **kandscreeley** » 20 Mar 2019, 08:27

Wow! This one sounds quite intense. I admire Danya for being part of the resistance. I can't imagine what it would be like to be forced to pass on your Aryan genes... I wonder if death would be better? In any case, it definitely sounds like it's worth a read; it's going on my list.

chiefsimplex · Post by **chiefsimplex** » 20 Mar 2019, 12:18

Really appreciate these stories portraying a people's unwavering loyalty and sacrifice for one's beliefs.This should be a particularly enlightening read on the challenges of subjected communities during the world war.Thanks for the review.

spencermack · Post by **spencermack** » 20 Mar 2019, 13:07

This book seems fantastic! I have personally never heard of the Circassian people before. Seems like this is a great place to start! Thanks for the review!

Crazyreader01 · Post by **Crazyreader01** » 20 Mar 2019, 14:12

I feel like this book explores elements of WW2 that not many people know about, and since you gave it full stars, I'm definitely looking into it. Thanks for the review!

bigscarythingy · Post by **bigscarythingy** » 20 Mar 2019, 21:09

Excellent review. The Circassian people have never crossed my path, reading-wise. This sounds like a very intriguing read regarding a terrible but monumental period of recent history.