vanderzon

Catherine Ruyter grew up on her parents' dairy farm in Northern Holland. As a child, she rode her bike to school, skated with her family in winter, and in summer swam in the canals that bordered the family farm. In May, 1940, when she was about to turn seven, Hitler invaded Holland and the German army ruled the country. Life changed. There were food and fuel shortages, radios and guns were confiscated, young men were arrested and deported to work in German labor camps. One day a man in a long black leather coat came to the farm to talk to Catherine's father. He was Wim Stolp, a leader in the Dutch resistance. After his visit, the Ruyter family became involved with the Underground. In this brief, compelling memoir, Catherine tells the story of one family's courage in opposing the German occupation and the terrible price they paid. This is an unforgettable story of loss and, ultimately, of forgiveness.