My book review of “Citylights” [EN] / “Licht over de stad” [NL] written by Margreet Maljers
In my view…
Where the first book in the series ‘The Guide – Margreet Maljers‘ left, this sequel starts. It is 1943 and The Netherlands are at war with Germany. In the middle of WWII the story starts. Elja van Lier is now really a young adult and is running a fabrics store in the city of Alkmaar. Her aunts are running a photo shop next to the fabrics store. Her best friend Helmy helps her in the daily routine of being a shop owner. The inhabitants of Alkmaar are having a tough time. In the middle of this WWII lots of people have to buy their food, drinks and basic needs with vouchers. But the vouchers are scarce and as soon as a voucher is valid, it becomes really busy in the fabrics store of Elja. Together with some friends and family she helps refugees and crashed pilots who are wanted by the enemy. Family, love and friendship but also conspiracy. The good versus bad and the incredible kindness of good people that always survives war.
Who would you really trust when a war breaks out? What would you trust? Where do you trust to live then? Those questions I asked myself while I was reading this sequel.
Writing style / spelling
In the book I found only one error, a double printed word. The pace of the writing was at first quick and slowed down towards the middle of the story. A little bit too long slowly for my taste but towards the end it was al quickened up and it made me even wonder how the story would evolve if every year was so descriptive written.
Main characters
The main character in the story is Elja van Lier. And the other very important characters are her friend Everardus (Evert) Koomen, her aunts Flora & Aline van Henegouwen, the parents and aunts and uncles from Elja and Evert and best friend Helmy and her family are important as well. Together roughly three families and a many other persons. But you discover that in the book otherwise a complete story would already be told.
I hope you like the book too. It is worth to read it! I am not telling about the story too much– never do in my book reviews – you have to read the book yourself and make your own opinion.
Greetings by Sophie
Book Facts:
Title: Citylights [EN] / Licht over de stad [NL]
Author: Margreet Maljers
Genre: history war novel
ISBN: 9789401906500
NUR: 344 – Streek & Familieromans (Region & Family novels)
Publisher: Zomer & Keuning
Year 1st edition & read edition: 2016
Year read: 2017
Original title & language: Licht over de stad [NL]
Read language: Dutch
Pages: 214
Places: Alkmaar / Broek op Langedijk / Roosendaal
Rating: 4 / 5 stars
Sophie's Creative 
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