VVMBookBlog

Hitler’s Canary by Sandi Toksvis

This is another book on WWII. The narrator, Bamse, of this story is a young man who wants to help with the war efforts as his country, Denmark, is being invaded by the Germans. His older brother has already taken part of the Danish Resistance. Many people living in Denmark are confused at what actions to take. Some ignore the Germans. Some try to fight against the Germans. Some protect their Jewish neighbors. Some readily give up their Jewish neighbors. Bamse and his family make difficult decisions that change their lives. Before the war his family was involved in the theater and everything seemed to be a play (unrealistic). As the war continues the family must face the reality brought with the German invaders and their dislike of the Jewish people. To make matters more complicated, Bamse’s best friend is a Jew.

The title of this book is important because Denmark is called Hitler’s Canary by the British because the Danish people are in a cage and sing anything Hitler wants. The Danes were a peaceful people before the war and tried to remain peaceful during the war. As with many books about WWII, Hitler’s Canary shows how war affects families. This is the first book WWII book I’ve read with the setting of Denmark. I liked this book because it showed how important youth were to the war efforts.