The Girl with the Red Hair
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1942, Amsterdam. The Nazi occupation has shattered the lives of inseparable best friends Hannie and Sonja. The canals and rainy cobbled streets they once strolled down are now patrolled by soldiers day and night, who arrest people at will and beat those who resist.
Hannie can’t stand by and watch the lives of the innocent be destroyed by the evil occupiers. At great danger to herself, she joins the underground resistance, where she meets the charming and mysterious Jan. She covers her bright red hair to avoid detection by the Nazis while distributing fake IDs. And she makes a promise to Sonja and her little sister Maya, who are Jewish – she will hide them and keep them safe, no matter the cost.
But as the German grip on the country tightens with each passing day, Sonja’s worst fears come true when members of her family are taken prisoner. With Jan by her side, Hannie goes undercover as a nurse to try to free them. But she’s devastated when she discovers they’ve been taken to a concentration camp in the isolated far east of the country. Is she too late to save them?
And when Sonja goes missing, Hannie is terrified the worst has happened – has someone betrayed her best friend? Hannie knows her most dangerous task is now ahead of her. Can Hannie save Sonja, and will she have to make the biggest sacrifice of all to bring her home?
What readers are saying about ‘The Girl with the Red Hair’:
‘Matthews' narrative of friendship, resistance, and the relentless pursuit of justice is beautifully crafted. Hannie's character, with her distinctive red hair and indomitable spirit, embodies the resilience of those who fought against the oppression of the Nazi regime from the shadows. Her journey is not just a tale of survival, but a testament to the power of human will to effect change in the face of insurmountable odds.’
Michelle, Goodreads
‘Kudos to Imogen Matthews for bringing us the story of another World War II Dutch resistance heroine.’
Elisabeth, Goodreads
‘The story is heartbreaking and I admit brought tears to my eyes.’
Lisa, Goodreads