Brave Face
The Inspiring WWII Memoir of a Dutch/German Child
A powerful story of resilience, love, and surviving the unthinkable
Brave Face is a deeply moving historical biography following Meta, a Dutch girl with a German mother whose childhood is shattered by the horrors of WWII. From terrifying encounters with Nazi soldiers to devastating losses, Meta’s journey reveals the strength of the human spirit in the face of unimaginable fear and hardship. Haunted by trauma but buoyed by hope and love, she learns what it means to survive—and to live again.
Perfect for readers of historical fiction, WWII stories, and tales of resilience, this emotionally powerful novel explores courage, trauma, and healing with honesty and heart.
A World War II book you’ll never forget
“A human story of resilience in the face of evil; a memoir to be cherished.”
—Dr. Hemchand Gossai, Professor of Humanities and Social Sciences
The war stole her childhood. Would it steal her future, too?
This unforgettable memoir—first in a series of WWII stories by the author—follows Meta, the spirited five-year-old daughter of a Dutch postman and his German wife. When the Nazis invade, her once joyful life is shattered. Haunted by der Stiefel, the terrifying Nazi soldier who stalks her nightmares, and weakened by hunger and fear, Meta spirals into a quiet despair.
But even after peace is declared, the battle continues. Poverty, trauma, and discrimination threaten to smother her dreams—including the dream of becoming a doctor. Will Meta surrender to bitterness, hide behind a brave face, or find a way to hope again?
Raw, moving, and deeply human, this is the true story of a girl who faced the darkness—and chose to reach for the light.