Giving Thanks
Warmest words of gratitude to our followers, readers, and reviewers for your loyal support and encouragement. Your compliments inspire us and fuel our creative energy.
We wish you a very Happy Thanksgiving.
THE LITTLE DUTCH GIRLS
The Little Dutch Girls by Pablo Zaragoza offers a poignant and immersive exploration of the Dutch resistance during World War II, centering on the life of Freddie Oversteegen. Now 82 years old, Freddie, along with her sister Truus and their friend Hannie, has become a symbol of heroism for their courageous actions as teenagers during the war. Yet, despite the admiration that surrounds her, Freddie carries the weight of her past, often haunted by the memories of what she endured and the choices she made.
This historical fiction novel presents Freddie as a central figure, who is interviewed for a documentary about her wartime experiences. Through these interviews, readers are drawn into Freddie’s reflections, her encounters with the film crew, and her emotional journey as she revisits the traumas and triumphs of her youth. Zaragoza skillfully brings Freddie to life as a deeply human character—strong yet vulnerable, willing to share her feelings and inner struggles. This openness provides readers with a nuanced understanding of her emotional state, both during the war and in the present day. Freddie’s honesty about her wartime experiences, her lingering guilt, and the toll it has taken on her life makes her a relatable and compelling character. I found this vulnerability to be one of the most engaging aspects of her portrayal. It’s refreshing to see such raw honesty in a character, especially when discussing the personal impact of historical events. The novel also delves into her personal life, offering glimpses of her relationship with her late husband Jan and their shared journey of raising three children, which adds further depth to her character. Zaragoza’s attention to detail in depicting historical events makes this novel a standout for fans of historical fiction. Freddie’s story, while at the heart of the narrative, is enriched by the backstories of other key characters, even the minor ones, adding layers of realism and complexity to the overall plot. The blend of personal history with broader wartime events creates a well-rounded and vivid portrayal of life during the Dutch resistance.
For readers who enjoy richly detailed historical fiction, The Little Dutch Girls offers a moving, authentic portrayal of war, survival, and the long-lasting effects on those who lived through it. Freddie Oversteegen’s story is a testament to both the strength and fragility of the human spirit, making this novel a compelling and thought-provoking read.
GUEST AUTHOR – ILHAM BADREDDINE MAHFOUZ
International Award-Winning Artist
Whispers From The East
“In my paintings, I try to capture my life experiences as well as my outlook on life. Various layers of paint help me to display my emotions and reactions. Beneath these many layers may lie the subconscious. I enjoy the various emotions revealed to me from colors storming toward each other. Diverse lines and shapes ease the tension and help to balance the paintings harmoniously. Through my work, I support the message of peace and harmony. I believe that if we want a peaceful world we must live with and help each other.”
Internationally acclaimed and multiple award-winning artist Ilham Mahfouz was a young girl when she first fell in love with drawing. Fortunately, a cousin helped her to improve her drawing and use of mixed media. As an adult, she came from her native Syria to the United States. Here she studied art at Oakland Community College in Michigan under ceramic art teacher, Mr. Robert Piepenburg whom she credits with guiding her through her own style and reinforcing her confidence.
Art has touched the world, from cave drawings to Picasso’s La Guernica showing the great impact of civil war in Spain and to all cultures that have carried mankind to today’s advancements. According to Ilham, an artist chooses how to express his or her art to address current events, global problems, famine, genocide, war, and peace. Art can make an impact on mankind by showcasing mutual problems, locally, nationally, and internationally.
For young artists around the world, Ilham advises, “Pursue your dreams, never give up, and don’t get discouraged if someone harshly criticizes your work. That should inspire you to work harder toward perfecting your art. Take pride in your work and surround yourself with positive people who will bring you to a higher level of self-awareness in your humanity and art career.”
“I hope my artworks (painting and sculpture) inspire viewers to search for artistic ways to deliver messages of love and peace to humanity. We are all one family. We should help one another share our resources with which we have been blessed.”
