Review: How Angels Die by David-Michael Harding

It is 1944 and France is resisting the Nazi invasion as best as it can, hoping that the rumours of an Allied invasion come to fruition.  Two sisters, Monique & Claire McCleash are part of the Resistance but they operate in totally different spheres.  Claire goes on operations, ambushing and killing German soldiers whereas Monique goes to a well known club and seduces German officers in order to garner intelligence that could prove useful to their movement.

Monique's role is a constant source of hurt and betrayal to Claire and the sisters are battling each other as much as the Nazis.  When their Resistance cell is in danger of being discovered, a series of tragic events reveal family secrets that will have the power to rip the McCleash family apart or make it stronger than ever.

REVIEW:

This is an extremely well-written and disturbing independent novel.  It is rare that an author will examine the role of women in wartime, especially ones who take such a dangerous and proactive role in resisting their oppressors.

The plot is simple, but fraught with suspense, intrigue and danger.  You immediately strike up an affinity with both of the McCleash sisters and David-Michael Harding has a talent for creating flawed characters who find themselves at war, not only with an enemy force, but with people they love.

This book is not easy reading, it will challenge your perceptions and morals but saying that it has been produced to a high standard and the quality of the prose, the construction of the plot and the creation of the characters are perfectly executed.  This is a very good novel and I look forward to reading more of Mr Harding's work.

I give "How Angel's Die" 4 Crosses!!

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