Betrayal with Sinterklaas
Author: Bies van Ede
Illustrator: no illustrations
Original language: Dutch
Translated into English: not
Published: September 2019
Publisher: Omniboek
EAN: 9789401916363
Price: € used or available at the library
Age: 13-14 years and up...
"Betrayal with Sinterklaas" is a beautiful and exciting book, written by the Dutch author Bies van Ede. It's a book for young people that many adults will certainly enjoy reading as well. World War II is a crucial period in Dutch history, a horrific time that should never be forgotten.
The story takes place during the famine winter of 1944-45, towards the end of World War II. A terribly difficult time in the Netherlands, when people are starving to death. Three very different boys meet by chance and become friends in very difficult circumstances. Various dilemmas arise: can you trust another person in a time when betrayal is rampant on all sides?
Because this book is written through the eyes of 13-14 year-old boys, based on the memories of people who experienced it themselves, it's such a moving read. For today's peers, it's impossible to imagine having no heating at home during the harsh winter. You can not go to school, there's no heating and no lights when it gets dark in the afternoon.
No gas to cook on, and no phone to order food via an app. All the shops are empty and closed. Just hungry all day and happy when you get something to eat once a day, no matter how foul it is. For which you stood in line for hours with your coupons and a pan at the Central Kitchen.
The windows are blacked out, and after some disgusting soup, it's off to bed, because there is not anything to by the light of one precious candle. Moreover it is very cold and the streets are too dangerous... A beautiful story that will stay with you.
3+ stars for Betrayal with Sinterklaas, from our young readers and the (older) out-loud readers!