Genre City Review: Whisper on the Wind
Title: Whisper on the Wind
Author: Maureen Lang
Publisher: Tyndale
Genre: Historical Romance
Date: August 2010
ISBN: 978-1414324364
Reviewed by: Darlo Gemeinhardt
Whisper on the Wind is the romantic story of Isabelle Lassone’s return to Brussels during the German occupation of Belgium in 1916. Isa, a Belgian–American socialite, sneaks back into the country against her parent’s wishes. It is her intent to rescue her dear friend Edward, his mother, and younger brother.
...hear the rhythmic tramp of the German soldiers’ two-step march, smell the fear, and see the furtive glances of the civilians…
Edward refuses to leave, and Isa soon finds he is involved in a secret underground newspaper—La Libre Belgique. Isa pledges to use her money and influence to help the cause, thereby endangering herself and those around her.
Maureen Lang creates a sense of tension throughout the story, making the reader anticipate imminent imprisonment or worse by the German army. Young Isa has no idea of how her beauty affects the German officers and enlisted men. Lang also portrays a softer side to the occupation army by showing the integrity of Major Johann Maximilian Gottfried von Burkel, a wounded German officer living in Isa’s family home. And as in any war involving multiple nationalities, there are multiple facets to their personalities.
Well-developed characters and an intimate knowledge of the historical time and setting transport the reader to an almost forgotten time. You can hear the rhythmic tramp of the German soldiers’ two-step march, smell the fear, and see the furtive glances of the civilians as they strive to go unnoticed. The suspenseful climax will keep you turning the pages, and if you listen closely, you will hear the Whisper on the Wind.