The stories in this book were inspired by real events in the life of Meta Bisschop Evenbly. The names used belong to actual people. most of whom are deceased. Every effort has been made to portray these people faithfully. The dialogue is a product of the authors' imaginations. Brave Face is part of a series WW2 Historial Fiction. Illustrations are mostly from the author's family album, but also include some public domain photographs.
Summary:
As the daughter of a Dutch postman and his German wife, five-year-old Meta finds her life totally changed when WWII begins. Meta's anxiety is exacerbated by der Stiefel, a Nazi soldier who haunts her. Life continues downhill until starvation renders the formerly vivacious child so weak that she doesn't care if she dies. After the war ends, poverty, prejudice, and PTSD continue to dog her every step, and Meta finds herself unable to pursue her dream of becoming a physician. Should she give in to despair, just put on a brave face, or accept reality and work towards those goals that are still possible?
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