Mother and daughter writing team Heather and Lydia Munn put together a very compelling story that will appeal to teenagers and adults alike. (Read exert) Julien is believable as an ordinary teenager caught up in extraordinary circumstances. I became engrossed in the dramatic struggles that his family faced as well as the parallel story of Nina and Gustav. I liked the honesty of this book in how it dealt with faith. Real people struggle with their faith especially in horrible circumstances like those of war. It is all too easy to lose hope. The authors met those issues head-on. The reader can relate to the characters because they are not portrayed as perfect beings (a flaw that I’ve sometimes encountered when reading other Christian fiction). Having read Sarah’s Key and Suite Francaise, I was familiar with the German occupation of France and how the Vichy government treated the Jews. But, I did not know that there was a town that stood up for what was right and protected many refugees during the war. Ultimately, How Huge the Night is a story about hope, faith and courage in the face of unimaginable hardship and atrocity, and I was profoundly moved. (Review copy provided by Kregel Publications for blog tour)
Lydia Munn says
Thank you for the review. I’m so glad you liked the book! It was because I was so moved by the quiet heroism of the people who lived these events that I wanted to write this story. If you are interested, there’s more of the true story on our website.
Lydia Munn
peggy moyer says
Wow, one of the authors wrote to you. Great! Sounds like a good book. I am still waiting for the library to find the last one you recommened that sounded good.
Allie says
I appreciate Lydian Munn commenting on this review. In addition, Heather Munn graciously emailed me to thank me for reviewing this book and also included some comments that I’d like to share here. “How Huge the Night is very close to my heart. It was my Mom’s dream for many years to publish a work of fiction based on the true story of Le Chambon-sur-Lignon, a French village that saved 3,000 Jewish people during World War II, largely inspired by the true, practical Christian faith taught by the local pastor, Andre Trocme….How Huge the Night is somewhat of a dark book. Its characters go through a great deal of suffering over the course of the story. We were trying to accurately portray the terrible trials of WWII, as well as, in some parts of the story, the suffering necessary for spiritual growth. We do believe that we have kept the book appropriate for teenagers. And accurately portrayed the goodness of God as well!”