Riveting story of remarkable woman

Codename Suzette

AUTHOR: Anne Nelson PUBLISHER: Allen & Unwin RRP: $29.99

REVIEWER: Mary Ann Elliott

STORIES about the Holocaust are legion. However once in a while one comes along that really grips the reader.

While researching the period, writer Anne Nelson came across an intriguing woman, Suzanne Spaak. Born into a wealthy Belgian Catholic family, she married the equally affluent Claude and moved to Paris.

During the Nazi occupation, Suzanne befriended Jewish refugees and became leader of an effective resistance group.

She enlisted people of all religious persuasions and wealthy Parisians to help rescue Jewish children. She hid them in other families and raised funds to help feed them. Suzanne Spaak saved more than 1000 children from the gas chambers.

Based on interviews with Suzanne’s two children and others who took part, Nelson paints a vivid picture of Paris under Nazi occupation.

No one knew which neighbours or other people in the community could be trusted. Talking to the wrong person could be a dangerous thing to do.

This riveting story helps us understand what it was like during this horrific time. It brings to life a truly remarkable woman.

Given that she took great risks, Suzanne’s compassion, decency and courage were extraordinary.

If this true story were not so poignant, even harrowing, this book could be read as a thrilling adventure story.