The Sound of Light by Sarah Sundin | Review

5 out of 5 stars for The Sound of Light! Highly recommend!

Here’s the back cover, followed by my review.

Back Cover

Copenhagen, 1940

When the Germans march into Denmark, Baron Henrik Ahlefeldt exchanges his nobility for anonymity, assuming a new identity so he can secretly row messages for the Danish Resistance across the waters to Sweden. American physicist Dr. Else Jensen refuses to leave Copenhagen and abandon her research–her life’s dream–and makes the dangerous decision to print resistance newspapers.

As Else hears rumors of the movement’s legendary Havmand–the merman–she also becomes intrigued by the mysterious and silent shipyard worker living in the same boardinghouse. Henrik makes every effort to conceal his noble upbringing, but he is torn between the façade he must maintain and the woman he is beginning to fall in love with.

When the Occupation cracks down on the Danes, these two passionate people will discover if there is more power in speech . . . or in silence.

Review

Trigger warning for this novel: torture (not explicitly graphic or long, but enough to depict the realities of war)

Intrigue, romance, faith, suspense, history, betrayal, danger … The Sound of Light has so many of my favorite things in a historical fiction novel. As for the heavier and difficult to read parts: I appreciated Sundin’s sensitive and realistic way. It was war, it happened, and we need not forget what really happened.

I’ll admit, I wasn’t entirely sure about the hero, Henrik, and the heroine, Else, from the start. But once I got into this page-turner, I adored them both and was completely won over. Especially Henrik who has so many layers to him as a character, and since he’s hiding his identity, he has several aliases in The Sound of Light. He fell into character for each one. Such a complex and fascinating character!  

Else, a humble but brilliant scientist, went on an incredible journey. From being meek and kind of a pushover to bold and courageous. And more, of course, but you’ll have to find out in the pages first hand! 

Also, her clothes! *heart eyes*

The love story was so unique, fresh, and beautiful. No spoilers, but I loved how Henrik, a former womanizer and now a new Christian, valued and respected Else.

With themes of courage, humility, forgiveness, and redemption the faith thread was astounding and left me inspired—convicted, even, leaving me to ask myself, “What would I have done?”

I learned so much from the history in this book. Sarah does her research, friends, and I have a new appreciation for the people of Denmark in WWII. Make sure you read the author’s notes at the end of the book. Fascinating, inspiring, but sobering.

All the stars for this gripping novel.

Also make sure you read the teaser at the end of the book for Sundin’s next release. Um, can we have the book now? *wink*

You can get your copy of The Sound of Light on amazon.ca and amazon.com.

Thank you to Revell for my complimentary copy of this novel. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

About the Author

Sarah Sundin is the bestselling author of When Twilight Breaks, Until Leaves Fall in Paris, and the popular WWII series Sunrise at Normandy, among others. She is a Christy Award finalist and a Carol Award winner, and her novels have received starred reviews from Booklist, Library Journal, and Publishers Weekly, and have appeared on Booklist’s “101 Best Romance Novels of the Last 10 Years.” Sarah lives in California. Visit www.sarahsundin.com for more information.