The People-In-Between: A review of the book, Helena

On April 9, Mary Hawkins invited Australian author,  Jo-anne Berthelsen, to speak to us about her writing journey. In addition to telling us about her life as a writer "down under.  Jo-anne  offered a copy of her first published novel, Helena,  as a giveaway. I was the fortunate recipient of this book.

Based on a true story, the book tells of a gifted Czechoslovakian pianist and music student, Helena. 

A few months before the outbreak of World War II, twenty-year-old Helena meets and marries Stefan, also a talented musician. Both Helena's father and Stefan are heavily involved in the underground movement in their homeland. During the following years, Helena's faith is frequently put to the test as she loses family, friends and the entire way of life that seemed so secure before the war.  

When I started reading this book, it took me a little getting used to the omniscient point of view that Jo-anne uses. However, I soon got into the story and read it within a few days. It presented, for me, a side of the war which I had never thought about; where friends are called to fight on opposing sides. All wars between countries have people on both sides, and most books are clearly written from the point of view of one or the other. In this book, we read of a hard-working, family-oriented people, who side neither with Britain nor Nazi Germany, yet are sucked into this cruel war.  They represent for me, The People In-Between.

Helena was originally intended to be the first section of a two-part book, and although the book doesn't end with a cliff-hanger, it certainly leaves us with a question mark. We say goodbye to Helena as she stands on deck, saying farewell to her native land. We wonder, with her, what life will be like in her new promised land of Australia. 


Although the book can be read as a stand-alone novel, most readers, like me, will  look forward to continuing her story in Book II, "All the Days of my Life."

You can read more about Jo-anne, or order one or both these books on her website by clicking here.

As a matter of interest, can you think of any other books or articles about the "people-in-between?" Those people who don't belong on either side of a conflict between nations, but get sucked into the chaos and horror? Perhaps some of you have been in that situation yourselves? Share your thoughts briefly below.

SHIRLEY M. CORDER is an RN, a pastor’s wife, mother, grandmother and multi-published freelance writer. You can contact Shirley through her website or follow her on Twitter.