Title- Under the Cover of Mercy
Author- Rebecca Connolly
Publisher- Shadow Mountain Publishing
Pages- 304
Rating- 3.5/5
Expected Date of Publication- 11th April, 2023
Summary- In August 1914, the Germans occupied Brussels. Edith Cavell, the Matron of Berkendael Medical Institute, was very upset. As a nurse, she had always thought it her duty to serve the sick and the wounded. So she decided to inform the German Governor-General that her nurses were always at the services of the wounded irrespective of their nationality. However, when she approached him, she was told that it was also expected of the nurses to guard the soldiers while treating them so that they didn't escape, to which she disagreed. Then one day, someone from the Belgian resistance came to Edith's institute seeking her help in treating and hiding two wounded English soldiers. Thus, she started her journey of saving hundreds of Allied soldiers by helping them escape from the Germans. However, with the German soldiers regularly coming for inspection, it was not an easy job. Was she successful in protecting them? What price did she pay for her noble act?
Review- This was my first World War 1 historical fiction, and I do not regret reading it. I thank the author for enlightening me about an important but lesser-known woman in history. The book showcases the problems faced by the medical staff during times of war. If the medical team are working in an occupied country, then the problem is even more significant. The story also highlights that during dark phases and times of distress, people often try to find hope by submitting themselves to the Almighty. It also gives us an idea about the brutality of the Germans during the war.
Edith Cavell was a living example of courage and sacrifice. During wartime, when people feel hopeless, people like her help restore faith in humanity. She followed her conscience by helping people in danger, even if it threatened her life. She was a God-fearing person who had immense faith in him. She was compassionate towards her fellow nurses and the probationers. She always guided them on the right path, and they also turned to her for help. She always found her assistant Elizabeth Wilkins by her side in whatever she did. Edith, on the other hand was a friend and a mentor to her.
A significant part of the book has quotes from the Bible and hymns which slows down its pace. I being a non-Christian, was unable to decipher most of it. I agree that Miss. Cavell was profoundly religious, but it could have been portrayed in some other way, not just by quoting the Bible.
Overall it was a great read, and I am grateful to the author for bringing to light such a powerful woman whom time has long forgotten. Readers who would like to know about the admirable lady should definitely read this gem.
I am grateful to the author, the publisher and NetGalley for the ARC of this novel.
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