Inspired by true stories, Mario Escobar tells the story of a Spanish woman wed to an American helping fight in the Spanish Civil War who sought refuge in France and the story of Elisabeth Eidenbenz, a Swiss woman who went to teach Spanish children and established hospitals to help pregnant Spanish women give birth in sanitary conditions. Later these same hospitals helped Jewish women as long as they could. The author rotated between the stories of Isabel, Peter, and Elisabeth (and those with whom they came in contact), usually with multiple story-lines per chapter. I knew very little about the Spanish Civil War and really did not realize how close it was to the start of World War II. I really enjoyed this story, and I love the way the author incorporated the faith of her characters when appropriate. I learned a lot about the refugee situation in France during and after the Spanish Civil War. I am glad the author told these women's stories. ( )

I learn so much from reading Mario Escobar's books, especially about the history of Spain. The Swiss Nurse begins during a civil war in Spain in the late 1930s and continues into Germany's occupation of France and the United States entering World War II. Hundreds of thousands of Spanish refugees fled into southern France during the civil war creating a severe humanitarian crisis. Elisabeth Eidenbenz, a Swiss teacher, along with members of the Association to Aid Children in War worked diligently to aid as many orphaned children as possible. Elisabeth soon recognized that there was also a great need to assist pregnant women and newborn babies. Her persistence in seeking permission and funding led to Elisabeth's opening the Elne maternity hospital. The Swiss Nurse is the story of Elisabeth Eidenbenz and a couple who benefited from her care and compassion. While Elisabeth is a real character, the couple is fictional.

I really enjoyed reading The Swiss Nurse, but was keenly aware of my emotional response to the story based on the author's writing style employed in crafting this book. While I felt moved and empathetic to the characters' plight, I also felt somewhat removed. It was like the difference between speaking with someone who was involved in a situation vs only hearing about it on the nightly news. While this is not my typical response to war time historical fiction, it did not diminish my enjoyment in reading the story, nor does it make me the least bit hesitant in recommending it to other historical fiction fans. I am grateful to have received a complimentary copy of The Swiss Nurse from Harper Muse via NetGalley without obligation. All opinions expressed here are my own. ( )

The Swiss Nurse
By Mario Escobar

The Swiss Nurse is inspired by the true stories of two strong women, Isabel, a Spanish patriot, and refugee, and the swiss nurse, Elizabeth, who eventually opens a maternity hospital to help women refugees during the war. The story is set in the late 1930s following the end of the Spanish Civil War and then continues during WWII. Elizabeth's courage is powerfully written throughout the story as she fulfills her humanitarian calling to minister to mothers and children. The author also does a masterful job telling Isabel's love story, based on real-life accounts from his grandmother. Isabel gets swept into a journey she never expected, only wishing to reunite with her daring soldier husband, Peter, and begin their lives together. Without the help of Elizabeth, Isabel's story may never have been told.

This thoroughly researched historical fiction pays tribute to the lesser-known stories of women refugees and heroines during WWII. The author included his own personal reasons for writing this story in the prologue. Heartfelt, well-researched, and filled with courage, this is a story worth the time to read. I would recommend this book to teen girls and adult women, as well as anyone who is interested in WWII history.

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own. ( )

This historical fiction about the Elne maternity hospital is based on true events and real people. It is mainly the story of Elizabeth Eibedbenz, a Swiss teacher, who helped orphan during the Spanish Civil War and after the defeat of the Republic, crossed the Pyrenees Mountains. In 1939 she opened a maternal hospital to care for Spanish republican women who were pregnant and force to give birth in terrible conditions at the refugee camps. It is also the story of Isabel Duenas who sought asylum in France with her husband Peter.

The author paints a picture of this time in history with a solid stroke of the brush. It is said in three different points of views alternating their voices in a soft tone and easy going pace. Although it is well said, I did find the narration to wander quite a bit, this dilly dally and turning in circle got on my nerves , I love things to move faster. I cannot define why I had trouble being even staying invested in the characters. Maybe Isabel and Peter overshadowed Elizabeth’s story too much and their stories was much more exciting to follow. I disagree with those saying the atrocities were vivid and there is too much of it. War is war you expect hardship to be there with all its definitions and Mr. Escobar does this with aplomb.

The Spanish Civil War and what happened to the millions of refugee that escaped is a part of history I am grateful to learn a little more each time. It is evident that Mr. Escobar love to share this with us.

I may not have enjoyed this novel at its fullest, nevertheless I think "The Swiss Nurse" is a must read.

My thanks to Harper Muse and Netgalley for this ARC ( )