A passion for wartime Holland books
Imogen Matthews is an Oxford-based, award-winning author and journalist with a passion for forgotten stories from wartime Holland.
Imogen was born in Rijswijk, Holland, to a Dutch mother and English father who moved the family to England when Imogen was very young. All her life, she listened to her mother’s stories about her life in Holland, in particular the hardships she faced during the Hunger Winter in 1944-5, which has had a profound impact on her writing.
★★★★★
5 Star Netgalley review for ‘The Wartime Nurse’:
‘This book was incredible! It pulled me in from the very first chapter and had me madly flipping the pages! There was never a dull moment and the writing was superb.
It’s a love story set during the darkest periods in man’s history, but more that that it’s one of human resilience. I highly recommend this book for lovers of World War 2 fiction.’
★★★★★
5 Star Goodreads review for ‘The Girl with the Red Hair’:
‘The Girl with the Red Hair’ is a testament to the power of hope, love, and unyielding heroism against the backdrop of one of history’s darkest times.
‘And I have to say that I loved the dedication of the book. It reminds us as we read historical fiction about WWII that real people suffered through the horrors that permeate off of the pages, bravely enduring unimaginable tragedies and loss.’
★★★★★
5 star Goodreads review for The Girl Across the Wire Fence:
“Her vivid depictions of survival life in Dutch villages during wartime are heartbreaking. I was genuinely invested in her layered characters and cared about their survival.
“This five-star read needs to top your list - especially if you are a lover of historical fiction!”
★★★★★
5 star Amazon review for The Hidden Village:
“I loved reading this intriguing historical story that took place in the Netherlands during World War 2. Imagine an actual hidden village!! The characters were well developed and the courage and depth of love …'“
★★★★★
5 star Goodreads review for Hidden in the Shadows:
“This picks up the story of the main characters who were in hiding in a hidden village in the forest in Holland during World War II. The incredible hardships they endured just to survive, are so heartwrenching. Some are searching for loved ones, others are …”
★★★★★
5 star Amazon review for The Boy in the Attic:
“This is a brilliant read. It has everything you would want. Love, intrigue, suspense and twist and turns. She could be my new favourite author.”
The Wartime Nurse
Based on one of Holland’s most courageous women Resistance fighters
The Girl with the Red Hair
Based on the true story of Hannie Schaft, World War 2 freedom fighter and Dutch icon
The Girl from the Resistance
Based on one of Holland’s most courageous women Resistance fighters
The Boy in the Attic
A story of courage and love set in WW2 Holland.
The Girl Across the Wire Fence
Unforgettable WWII historical fiction based on a true story.
