Book Review - Beyond Belief By Dee White

 Beyond Belief

By Dee White

My Review:

I was so looking forward to reading this and the anticipation did not disappoint! After listening to the journey that Dee White went on to write this book (Portable Magic podcast by Sue Lawson), I was very interested to see how her research translated through the book. It was exciting when certain scenes played out to know the process White had gone through to create accuracy for the story.

The story is told through the eyes of Reuben, an 11 year-old Jewish boy forced to live within the safety of a mosque in Nazi occupied Paris. Whilst the story encapsulates Reuben's journey to try and remain hidden and safe, we meet many characters who will linger with the reader long after the last page has been read.

The extensive research conducted by White about the history of that time was woven into the the story with ease. It was easy to get swept away in the detailed description that allowed the reader to imagine the scenes and setting as it was read. However, it was not easy to forget that this story was based on a true story. That fact alone made it all the more harrowing to try and grasp that this unimaginable event actually happened. 

Highly recommend this if you love historical fiction and stories of hope.

From SCHOLASTIC

Inspired by the true story of Muslims who saved the lives of Jewish children in the Second World War. 

In 1942, in the Grand Mosque in Paris, 11-year-old Ruben is hiding from the Nazis. Already thousands of Jewish children have disappeared, and Ruben’s parents are desperately trying to find his sister. Ruben must learn how to pass himself off as a Muslim, while he waits for the infamous Fox to help him get to Spain to be reunited with his family. One hint of Ruben's true identity and he'll be killed. So will the people trying to save him. But when the mosque is raided and the Fox doesn't come, Ruben is forced to flee.

Finding himself in the south of France, he discovers that he must adjust to a new reality, and to the startling revelation of the Fox's true identity.

You can check out my other reviews at GOODREADS.

Beyond Belief by Dee White
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I was so looking forward to reading this and the anticipation did not disappoint! After listening to the journey that Dee White went on to write this book (Portable Magic podcast by Sue Lawson), I was very interested to see how her research translated through the book. It was exciting when certain scenes played out to know the process White had gone through to create accuracy for the story.
The story is told through the eyes of Reuben, an 11 year-old Jewish boy forced to live within the safety of a mosque is Nazi occupied Paris. Whilst the story encapsulates Reuben's journey to try and remain hidden and safe, we meet many characters who will linger with the reader long after the last page has been read.
It was easy to get swept away in the detailed description that allowed the reader to imagine the scenes and setting as it was read. However, it was not easy to forget that this story was based on a true story. That fact alone made it all the more harrowing to try and grasp that this unimaginable event actually happened. Highly recommend this for young and old!

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