Helena
Author: Jo-Anne Berthelsen
OCBC Price: $19.95
Twenty-year-old Czech music student, Heléna, meets and marries Stefan only months before the outbreak of World War Two, while preparing for a career as a concert pianist. Stefan is heavily involved in the underground movement in their homeland, as is Heléna’s father. In the ensuing years, Heléna’s faith and courage are challenged to the utmost, as she faces great personal tragedy and danger, and suffers loss of family, friends, wealth and career. Eventually she flees her homeland, hoping to begin a new life in Australia. This book is based on the true story of a remarkable woman whose inner strength and courage impacted many. It has been written in the hope that others might be similarly inspired to continue to ‘keep the faith’, whatever the difficulties encountered as they journey through life.
‘Helena’ is not a great piece of writing but it is of historical interest, enjoyable and a testimony to God’s faithfulness to his people when the world is in chaos. I look forward to reading the sequel to be released in 2008.