Award Winning Finalist in the Fiction: Historical category of the International Book Awards
When the Germans invade Belgium in 1940, chemistry professor André Severin fears the worst. His colleagues believe their social and political positions will protect them during the occupation, but André knows better. He has watched Hitler’s rise to power and knows the Nazis will do anything to destroy their enemies. For the Severins are Jews, non-practicing, yes, but that won’t matter to the Germans—or to the Belgians desperate to protect themselves by informing on their neighbors. And so André and his brother Alin take their parents, wives, and children and flee south. But when France falls to the Nazis, the refugees are caught in a rural farming community where their only hope for survival is to blend in with the locals. Fortunately, the Severins have come to Huguenot country, settled by victims of religious persecution who risk their own lives to protect the Jewish refugees and defy the pro-Nazi government. And as the displaced family grows to love their new neighbors, André and Alin join forces with the French Resistance to help protect them. Based on one family’s harrowing true story of survival, In This Hospitable Land is an inspirational novel about courage and the search for home in the midst of chaos.
Download and start listening now!
"I really liked this book - mostly because it's based on a true story. I think if it was a complete work of fiction, I'd be a bit disappointed - but as is, very interesting and a great story."
— Jess (4 out of 5 stars)
" Although the writing was decent and the story intriguing, this read more like a careful historical chronicle written for family members than a work of literature. This book could be great with some ruthless editing, had it been half the length I suspect I would have given it 4 or 5 stars! "
— Leah, 9/4/2013" It was an okay read, not a real page turner "
— Beth, 5/29/2013" A bit slow to start, but overall engaging. A great testimony to the strength of the human spirit and the goodness of a simple people. I truly enjoyed this book. "
— Jordan, 2/16/2013" This is an amazing story. It is a testament to how kind and strong people can be when faced with horrific situations. "
— Lee, 1/4/2013Lynmar Brock, Jr. is a native of Pennsylvania who grew up in the Philadelphia suburb of Newtown Square. He earned a bachelor’s degree in English and an MBA from Dartmouth College before joining the US Navy in 1956. He served as an officer on a destroyer in the US Atlantic Fleet and later was transferred to the Pentagon, where he worked in the Office of the Chief of Naval Operations. After returning to civilian life, he took over operations of Brock and Company, his family’s food-services company, where he was president/CEO for forty-five years. He has also served on the board of directors of Rotary International, and his work with this worldwide service organization has taken him to India, Madagascar, Pakistan, and the Afghan border. He and his wife, Claudie, have two sons.