When I was deployed and a chaplain recommended “Unbroken” to me, I was a little unenthused. I felt like, just perhaps, I’d really read enough about World War II and man’s inhumanity to man. Needless to say, I quickly realized how foolish a sentiment that was.

Having learned my lesson, it was very easy to sink my teeth into Ellie Midwood’s phenomenal new novel “The Indigo Rebels.” By my count, this is the author’s seventh novel set in Nazi-occupied Europe, including the highly acclaimed “The Girl from Berlin” series. Her experience and dedication to her subject matter is very evident, as each page shimmers with insight and realism. Her prose is absolutely superb, demonstrating am elegant smoothness with each new page.

The characters are equally noteworthy. Giselle is a fascinating lead character, and the cast of supporting characters compliment her superbly. The topic of collaboration and rebellion in Nazi-occupied Paris is at times unsettling, but frequently inspiring. It would have been easy to render Karl as a cardboard-cutout villain, but he is well-developed and complex. The relationship of Kamille and Jochen was intriguing, and Marcel was heroic yet vulnerable. The book concludes with a powerful epilogue.

If I had to criticize anything, I would have loved to see even more details of the things that make Paris what it is – the food, the architecture, the geography. This is a minor complaint, though. Ellie Midwood is quickly establishing herself as a major force in WWII historical fiction and romance. I highly recommend this poignant tale filled with love and hatred, rebellion and compromise, and a family’s rivalry and loyalty.

Thrilling!
I hadn’t planned to read the book immediately because I am half-way through another book but after reading the first page and then suddenly finding myself on page 10, I decided to give in and read the whole story. I wasn’t disappointed. The Indigo Rebels is a real page turner. The three main characters are French siblings, who have very different personalities. Giselle, the worldly-wise socialite, her timid sister Kamille and their self-deprecating brother, Marcel develop and transform, as their Nazi-occupied country changes.
It was interesting to read about Paris during the German occupation in the Second World War, and the detail given by the author allows one to imagine what life may have been like and to fully appreciate what drives the characters. It is also easy to sympathise with them, despite their flaws - and as far as the sisters are concerned, the imprudence of fraternising with the enemy.
A very human, enjoyable and thrilling read in an unusual setting. I would thoroughly recommend it.