The Jewish Nursery School
Original title: De Crèche
Synopsis
Van Rijn has written a wonderful novel: an extraordinarily gripping story, which will make readers smile, shudder and will move them to tears. […] Outstanding! — Nederlands Dagblad
Intense and honest […] Through the eyes of the caretakers, Van Rijn has retold an important part of the underground resistance in Amsterdam. — NRC
Impressively written – Feeling Magazine
Perfect for fans of The Tattooist of Auschwitz, We Were the Lucky Ones and The Nightingale.
Based on the story of Betty Oudkerk who, with other caretakers of the Jewish Nursery School, saved about six hundred children.
Amsterdam, 1942-1943. Opposite the Hollandsche Schouwburg the Jewish Nursery School is located, which has been transformed by the Germans into an assembly point for Jewish children awaiting transportation. Seventeen-year-old Betty Oudkerk and other caretakers of the nursery refuse to accept the children’s horrible fate, while outside the nursery life for Jews becomes more frightening with every passing day. In utmost secrecy, and under the direction of Henriëtte Pimentel, head of the nursery, they manage to prevent the deportation of over 600 children, despite the risks for all involved.
The Jewish Nursery School is a story of resistance by young women who, under dire circumstances, must make life-and-death decisions. Courageous women with a profound belief in a better future – because saving a child means saving the world.
Marketing Information
- For readers of Roxane van Iperen’s international best-selling title ‘t Hooge Nest (The Sisters of Auschwitz, Seven Dials/Orion).
- English translation available
- Ranked for 7 weeks in the Bestseller 60
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