The Sound of Light is the latest novel to be published by author Sarah Sundin. Sarah Sundin specializes in World War 2 novels, so it came as no surprise when The Sound of Light was announced as a finalist for Best Historical Romance. I have read her books for a few years now and her skill as a writer has improved with every publication.

The Sound of Light might be her best work yet, as we are transported back to Denmark, 1943. Physicist Dr Elsebeth Jensen has continued her work in Copenhagen even in the midst of German occupation. Soon she finds herself part of the resistance, printing and transporting illegal newspapers.

Baron Henrik Ahlefeldts world comes crashing down when Germany invades Denmark in 1940. Within hours his country surrenders. Known for his wreckless and playboy ways, Henrik makes a charade of fleeing to Switzerland. With his new identity in place of a common laborer, Henrik works as a courier smuggling correspondence out of Denmark. Soon his path crosses with the intelligent Dr Jensen. Else is humble and kind, making it increasingly harder for Henrik to maintain his charade of nearly illiterate shipyard worker.

WW2 novels are some of my favorite and The Sound of Light does not disappoint. Few people know just how few Jewish lives were lost in Denmark with the entire country coming together to save their Jewish neighbors. These brave citizens managed to evacuate 7,220 of Denmarks 7,800 Jews. Denmark had one of the highest survival rates of Jews compared to any other Nazi occupied country.

The Sound of Light has many positive elements. It is no wonder it is a Christy Award finalist. The heroine first learns how to stand up for herself without compromising respect and kindness. That growth is what later gives her the strength to do what was right in the face of danger. The hero is transformed from a sinful, pleasure seeking man, to a new creation in Christ. The old has gone, the new has come. Living in truth, instead of fear of who he was, is something that takes him longer to learn.

CONCLUSION

Too often I read stories where the main character makes a noble sacrifice, but the lack of character growth makes it unrealistic. A strong moral character is built one brick at a time. Sarah Sundin recognizes this, bringing depth to her characters for a richer and more believable storyline.

Sarah Sundin does an excellent job merging the historical and romance genres together. A true historical romance, where both are working together from beginning to end, creating a novel worth reading.

CONTENT

Sexual content- Kissing with moderate description. Sexual attraction implied by noticing the curves of her body.

Violence- moderate. It’s not overly descriptive but as a WW2 historical novel some violence is to be expected.

Faith- Moderate. Biblical Christian Worldview. No progressive Christian elements found.

Cursing- none