The fighting between the Nationalists and the Republicans grinds on across Spain, threatening to destroy everything and everyone in its path. International volunteers Sophie, Philip, and Deion are slowly coming to grips with the fact that if they are going to survive to help the people of Spain, they must escape this foreign land soon. But the line between friends and enemies is increasingly blurred, and the journey out of the country is fraught with danger. And then there's the gold. Walt has a plan for the treasure that he promises will help the people of Spain if Sophie will help him get it out of the country. But Michael is hot on their trail with plans of his own for the precious metal. The Whisper of Freedom reminds readers that victory is often unsure in times of war. Danger and darkness can threaten to silence all courage and faith. But as this committed band of volunteers and Spanish patriots learns-hope is more precious than gold.
Inca gold, Nazi bombs, and a war-torn Spain surround Sophie Grace, Walt Block, and Philip Stanford in A Whisper of Freedom, the third book in Tricia Goyer’s Chronicles of the Spanish Civil War. The trio are in more peril since they have tricked Michael, Sophie’s former fiancée, out of the gold he had stolen from Spain’s banks. Walt plans to take the gold to collectors in France who will buy it to finance the Republicans against the Fascists. Or does he?
Who is Walt really? And do Sophie and Philip dare to trust him? Can Philip ever trust Sophie again after her seeming second romance with Michael? While they hide out with Basque fighters in the mountains trying to figure out how to get the gold out, they struggle with recognizing their place in the fight, God’s protection, and what life’s real treasures are.
Meanwhile, Michael returns to France empty handed. After his father rejects him again, Michael turns to his Uncle Adolfo who has always supported him. But even Uncle Adolfo is not all that he seems. Michael’s desire for revenge on Sophie, Walt, Philip, and Jose grows.
Jose has rescued his father, another horse trainer, beautiful young Petra, and Adolfo’s horses, but he has lost his wife Ramona who remained behind to nurse wounded soldiers. His journey to find her leads him into Michael’s vengeful path.
Now recovered from his wounds, Deion Clay has fallen in love with his nurse, Gwen. However, when he cautions her against taking too much of the burden of the deaths upon herself, Gwen cuts him off. Deion returns to battle unreconciled with Gwen.
Ritter Agler continues ferrying planes and supplies from Hermann Goring into Spain, but the Nazi general has personal plans for the stolen gold. When Ritter discovers it, he finds that treachery occurs at the highest levels of the Nazi government.
Goyer intertwines these plots to help us understand the motivations of those involved in this little known piece of twentieth century history. She deftly shows that “what we believe colors our world and the view of it.” (p. 139) Her description of the beauty of Granada and Alhambra make you long to see them. She also takes you powerfully into the heart of battles, often lost battles and lost causes, to show the utter fatigue, the astounding courage and devotion of men too stubborn to admit they are beaten.
However, the story would be stronger if the various subplots came together at the end. Deion’s story doesn’t intersect the others in this book and feels non-essential when you’re reading it alone. I’m sure fans of previous books will be glad to see him again, but tying his plot into the others would help the new reader.
Sometimes the dialogue is a little stiff, but the story moves along well and draws the readers in. Fans of twentieth-century historical fiction will not want to miss this series. Debbie Wilson, www.ChristianBookPreviews.com
Average Rating: 5 out of 5 stars(5 out of 5 stars)
3 of 3 Reviews Showing:
5 out of 5 stars
Reviewed by Jane Squires (Wasola, Mo), April 21, 2009
When I was in Junior High, I studied the Spanish American War but remember little about it. So when I started this book, I did not know what to expect. I learned a lot about the Spanish American War. But what I loved most about this book was learning about how people related to this war and how it affected their lives. Faith is interwoven all throughout this book. My faith was increased and uplifted as I read about all the things the characters endured. The book grabbed hold of me and I just kept reading. Near the end I was a little shaken by the events but that is as life would have been. There is more than one romance story throughout this book. There is striving to stay alive in the conflicts of war. It is a good read anytime but with things as they are today, it would encourage you. Amazing book from beginning to end.
5 out of 5 stars
Reviewed by Deborah (Portsmouth, VA), May 13, 2008
Tricia Goyer has totally mastered the art of historical fiction. She is able to skillfully blend real life events with dramatic storytelling. This series has taken a little known event and brought it to public attention, allowing the reader to become more knowledgeable about this important part of history. I really felt like I was drawn into the story. I could see myself on the battle lines with Deion, going into hiding like Sofie and Philip, or being tortured like Juan. There is non stop adventure with twists the reader doesn't expect to see. The element of the gold adds more intrigue to the story as there is a race against time involving this plot. I'm really sad this series is ending. I've felt like I have connected with all the characters throughout all three books. To me the best part about reading the series was knowing how much research went into creating the story. As a history major, I can fully appreciate this because I know how hard this can be. Spain has never been so vividly described in this book. The reader walks away from the series with a better understanding of not only the country itself but the sacrifices that were made for the name of freedom. I hope these characters will pop up again in another book because I feel like their story isn't finished yet!
5 out of 5 stars
Reviewed by Marie Knoll (Crossville, TN), April 17, 2008
I really enjoyed seeing how all the lives of each person related to and intertwined with the others. Exciting story that shows God's faithfulness to His children whatever the circumstance.
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