“The Belgian Girls” by Kathryn J. Atwood

I recommend “The Belgian Girls” for anyone of any age who is interested in women’s history or wartime resistance.

Kathryn J. Atwood’s “The Belgian Girls” is a poignant and powerfully told dual-timeline novel. I found it a fascinating and enjoyable story of the quiet heroism of women whose bravery helped shape history. Inspired by the real-life story of Belgian spy Gabrielle Petit, this historical fiction bridges two generations of female resistance fighters. One (the real person Gabrielle Petit) is active during World War I; the other (the fictional Julienne) lives in the shadow of World War I. The two are bound not by blood, but by courage, conviction, and a strong sense of justice. And how their different lives and stories inter-connect is intriguing.

The author, Kathryn Atwood, is a seasoned historian known for her non-fiction books for young adults. These include Women Heroes of World War One, Women Heroes of World War Two, and Code Name Pauline. In “The Belgian Girls” she crafts a narrative set in occupied Brussels. Through the interwoven stories of two young women living decades apart, she explores how the acts of one generation can inspire the next. Their separate struggles against German occupation are marked by parallel themes of loyalty, secrecy, and sacrifice. At the same time both women enjoy – and struggle with – the power of hope and friendship.

What I particularly like about Kathryn’s novel is her obvious devotion to painstaking research. It allows her to evoke the fear and resilience of wartime Belgium, while bringing to the reader’s attention to the often-overlooked contributions of women in both world wars. Interestingly, in both lives, the women choose active resistance when passive silence might have been safer.

“The Belgian Girls” is thus a tribute to the unsung heroines of history and a reminder that courage often comes in quiet, determined acts. I thoroughly recommend this novel for anyone of any age who is interested in women’s history or wartime resistance.

“The Belgian Girls” is available via your local bookshop, Amazon, or other online sources.

For more information on some of the real-life people mentioned in the book, you might like to visit my articles on Gabrielle Petit, Andrée de Jongh, and Edith Cavell. 

Denzil Walton

I created Discovering Belgium in 2011 to share the country’s hidden stories, fascinating places, and remarkable people. Through articles, photography, and audio walks, I share discoveries that reveal Belgium beyond the obvious. Hope you enjoy this site.