A human story of resilience in the face of evil; a memoir to be cherished. - Dr. Hemchand Gossai, Professor of Humanities and Social Sciences
A Child's Perspective on WWII in Occupied Netherlands
Brave Face chronicles the harrowing true story of Meta, the daughter of a Dutch postman and his German wife, whose childhood was shattered by the outbreak of World War II. At just five years old, Meta's world transformed from innocence to terror as Nazi occupation consumed her homeland. This authentic WWII memoir captures the unique perspective of a Dutch-German child caught between two worlds during one of history's darkest periods.
Surviving Nazi Occupation and Starvation
Meta's wartime experience is haunted by der Stiefel, a Nazi soldier whose presence intensifies her anxiety and fear. As the war progresses, conditions deteriorate drastically. The memoir documents Meta's descent from a vivacious young girl to a child so weakened by starvation that survival itself becomes questionable. This unflinching account reveals the brutal reality of civilian life under Nazi occupation in the Netherlands during the 1940s.
Post-War Struggles: Poverty, Prejudice, and PTSD
The end of the war does not bring relief. Meta faces new challenges as poverty, prejudice against her German heritage, and undiagnosed PTSD continue to shape her life. Her dream of becoming a physician seems impossibly distant. The memoir explores her internal struggle: should she surrender to despair, merely put on a brave face, or find the strength to pursue achievable goals despite overwhelming obstacles?
A Testament to Human Resilience
Written by I. Caroline Crocker and Meta A. Evenbly, this biographical work stands as a testament to the resilience of children during wartime. The narrative moves chronologically through the 1940s, providing readers with an intimate understanding of how war trauma extends far beyond the battlefield and into the lives of innocent civilians. This is not just a war story—it is a deeply human account of survival, adaptation, and the ongoing battle to reclaim one's life after unimaginable hardship.
Essential Reading for WWII History Enthusiasts
Published by Amsterdam Publishers as part of their Holocaust Era collection, Brave Face offers valuable historical insight into Dutch and German history during World War II. The memoir serves as both an educational resource and an inspirational account of one woman's journey through childhood trauma to eventual healing. For readers interested in personal narratives from the Second World War, children's experiences during the Holocaust era, or stories of remarkable human endurance, this memoir provides an unforgettable perspective on a pivotal moment in European history.
