Burning Island: Absolutely heartbreaking World War 2 historical fiction

Greece 1944. Though they don’t know it, five-year-old Matilde and three-year-old Anna have kissed their mother for the last time. The Nazis have reached their sun-scorched home, and they are being taken to a place of safety, on the north-eastern tip of the rocky island of Corfu, to be hidden at great risk by kindly Agata and her husband until the terrible war is over.

Matilde and Anna’s tears are soothed by Agata’s bedtime stories, but she is always alert. So far no soldiers have ventured down the steep rocky hillside to their secret haven, but Agata knows they are constantly scouring the island for missing Jews. And then, on a day when Agata’s husband is away, a German soldier appears…

2006. Under a baking June sun, Amber and her husband arrive in Corfu from England, hoping for a fresh start. But not everyone is pleased by their arrival, and with the pressures of pregnancy, the couple grow further apart. Desperate to find a sense of belonging for herself and her unborn child, Amber finds herself drawn to the local story of two little girls, left by their parents and hidden for their own protection.

But there are some who would rather Amber left Corfu’s terrible history well in the past. Can Amber uncover the heart-breaking truth about the two little girls, and what happened after a German soldier took a swim in the bay by their house? If she does, can the secrets of the past help her find happiness, or will they send her running from the island, alone?

A gripping, heart-wrenching and compelling read about the shadows at the heart of the sun-drenched island of Corfu and survival against all odds. Fans of Victoria Hislop, The Nightingale and The Tattooist of Auschwitz will fall in love with Burning Island.

Readers are hooked on Burning Island:

‘Two tragic stories, both equally well told. I couldn't put the book down. The book will keep you reading until the end. It is exciting and tragic at the same time. It will keep you on the edge of your seat waiting to find out what happens next. This is one book you will not want to miss. I recommend it.’ Goodreads Reviewer, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

‘Told in two different time periods, this is a story that will leave you in tears, as humanity is exposed at its very worst, but also its very best’ Cayo Costa, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

‘The way this author writes I could feel what the Jewish people were going through… this story will make you cry in some spots so beware when you take up this book. You'll not want to put it down!… you might want a box of tissues too. I highly recommend this book’ Red Headed Book Lady, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

‘Beautifully written story with a dual storyline. Tragic and sad but filled with strong women this story will have you crying and reaching for that ray of hope… I had never read any book on Hitler’s reach in Greece. Wonderful book. Definitely recommend.’ Goodreads Reviewer, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

‘Wow where to start with this one… both stories are gripping in themselves and as both storylines continue you are gripped with each of them… willing them on’ Goodreads Reviewer, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

‘Have to admit to shedding a few tears at the end and will be keeping an eye out for more of this author’s work, this book won’t disappoint and it highlights the journey of the Corfu Jews and how they were treated by the Germans’ Goodreads Reviewer, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

‘A captivating novel… You will not regret reading this book. Suzanne Goldring did a fantastic job of writing this.’ Goodreads Reviewer, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

‘This was a heart wrenching story and it was told well. Having no idea there were Jews on Corfu, even though I know Greece suffered horribly at the hands of the Germans during WWII. A dual timeline novel made it even more interesting. These stories are difficult to read, but authors such as Suzanne Goldring bring you the reality, capturing the history and the humanity that can't help but draw you in.’ Goodreads Reviewer.

‘This was a beautiful story, though heartbreaking and tragic. The writing flowed perfectly and made even a sad story such as this a joy to read. I felt the emotions in every character to the point that I was in tears. I especially liked seeing a WWII story focusing on strong women. I look forward to reading more from this author!’ Goodreads Reviewer

‘Two storylines come together beautifully in this historical fiction story. They cross over in ways that I didn't see coming and both stories show us strong women in different situations. I really loved the flow of this story and I would love to see what else this author has out there. The characters are all written wonderfully and I couldn't put this down.’ Crossroad Reviews

‘I really enjoyed this book. I found the juxtaposition between the two story lines very interesting and captivating… Both storylines cross in a beautiful and unexpected way, drawing Amber, Anna, and Matilde closer and giving them an even deeper appreciation for their lives.’ Goodreads Reviewer