Review of 'Never to Surrender' by Mary-Anne O'Connor
Release date: February 1st, 2023
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I always know that when I read a novel by Mary-Anne O’Connor, it is going to be exceptional historical fiction. She always delivers an interesting point of view and I learn something new that makes me think about the injustices that occurred in the past and whether they have spilled into the present.
Never to Surrender is a story about family and the horrific struggles encountered on two shores. This novel touches on prejudice but, also promise and passion and is set during WWII. A time when its dire effects were ripping through people’s lives and tearing many apart. This story also shows two kinds of passion: one jealous and one selfless.
Australian-born Carl Smith is training to become a doctor. He is a kind, caring man who dearly loves his father and is very protective of him. Dr Louis Schmidt, a German born professor, fled his birth country with his wife many years previous to live peacefully in Australia. Carl has known no other home and is devoted to Australia. Both his father and late mother pledged their allegiance, too. But the war stirs up emotions of fear and distrust in those around them proving Australia is not as free as thought to be. And one woman, poised with the dagger of vengeance, takes advantage of this negative charged atmosphere. Sadly, her betrayal will cut deep into the fabric of Carl’s family.
Carl’s dedication and devotion to his family and countrymen radiates throughout this novel. He sacrifices his own safety, education and career to enlist as an Australian soldier. He goes to war and ends up in Crete with hopes his positive actions will protect his father’s reputation. For surely a man whose son is willing to fight for Australia proves his loyalty? But when things do not go as planned, despair rises within him. Until his father’s wise words of encouragement become his mantra and this helps him to press on. Even while staring down the barrel of a gun and being mutilated by a whip, his heart remains steadfast. When hatred for the enemy could rise from these horrible acts bestowed upon him and when betrayal could cause him to turn the other way, he fights against these negative reactions with surprising strength and reaps some interesting results.
One injustice that stands out in Never to Surrender is prejudice and its terrible effects. It is never right to blanket judge a race of people. Two pacificists like Carl and Louis have been wrongly treated because of their German heritage. The fact that Carl's parents fled their home country and came to Australia as refugees was not enough to save them or prevent them from being labelled as a threat even when they were not. This kind of prejudice stings and I truly felt sad for the victims in the story. As in real life, actions of betrayal and false judgement cut deep and hurts more than one person. And in Never to Surrender we see the destruction caused by a vengeful act aimed at one German -Australian family.
No novel of Mary-Anne’s would be without a love story and Never to Surrender has a beautiful one. Carl meeting a passionate Cretan girl named Athena turns his world around. It is uplifting to watch their relationship grow and experience some joyful interludes during a time of great upheaval. Even though this is fiction, it is still encouraging to witness a steadfast love that endures the horrors of war and separation.
Louis, Carl and Athena, along with the other characters, are well portrayed. I felt quite emotionally involved in their lives. Also, because the setting is so beautifully crafted, I was effortlessly transported to the island of Crete with Carl and Athena. Soon I was poking around in the ruins and swimming in the sapphire sea beside them! Then during chaos, when the ethereal landscape fades, my sights zeroed in on the enemy. During those dangerous times, I found myself wishing for their escape. Unfortunately, as it is with war, some will make it and others will not.
This is a powerful story. The events are believable and the emotions real, raw and raging. Even though, sadly, there are losses, I was happy with the ending. For love lingers, endures and has a chance to flourish again. I sincerely loved Never to Surrender and highly recommend it. 5 Stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Thanks to Harlequin Australia (HarperCollins Au) and Netgalley for a review copy.
