
LitPick Review

The Belgian Girls follow the lives of two Belgian ladies, Julienne and Gabrielle, in an alternating manner across different timelines. The former, Julienne, supported and fought for the citizens of Belgium under the tyrannical rule of the Germans during World War II. The latter, Gabrielle, fought for her country, Belgium, during World War I. Acting as a spy, Gabrielle worked to support, protect, and defend Belgium from her enemies. These two ladies found purpose in their respective missions, and they served their country wholeheartedly alongside their fellow teammates who share the same vision. Amidst several deadly and unexpected occurrences posing a threat to the lives of these patriotic ladies, will these women win their respective fights or will their enemies prevail?
Opinion:
The Belgian Girls has an intriguing storyline. The characters were well-described and fitted well into their respective roles, amongst which Julienne and Gabrielle left a strong impression. Julienne, a young lady with a compassionate heart was willing to serve and help her countrymen. She and her teammates fought courageously, defending and protecting Belgians and its allies, the British soldiers, from their enemy, the Germans. Gabrielle is a bold, fierce, and patriotic lady. She is capable of standing her ground against those who try to demean her. This Belgian lady played a remarkable role as a spy in her fight against the Germans during World War I. She loved, supported, and defended her country. She later became a symbol of inspiration for Julienne and many others in their fight against the enemies of their country.
Kathryn J. Atwood's writing style is commendable, weaving the lives of two Belgian ladies, across different timelines, into a compelling storyline. The setting, houses, shops, and events were vividly described, helping readers grasp the tragic occurrences during the First and Second World War. The book, though written in English, showcased the use of several other languages like French and German, giving it a distinct tone. There were several instances where sentences in other languages weren't translated, creating a puzzle. However, there is a glossary of non-English words which is quite helpful in deciphering words in other languages.
I recommend this book to lovers of historical fiction. This emotion-evoking and suspenseful story will keep you hooked on wondering what happens next. Portraying a fierce sense of patriotism, The Belgian Girls is beautifully inspiring.