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How Huge the Night

3.83 of 5 stars 3.83 · rating details · 143 ratings · 62 reviews

Fifteen-year-old Julien Losier just wants to fit in. But after his family moves to a small village in central France in hopes of outrunning the Nazis, he is suddenly faced with bigger challenges than the taunting of local teens. Nina Krenkel left her country to obey her father's dying command: Take your brother and leave Austria. Burn your papers. Tell no one you are Jews....more Fifteen-year-old Julien Losier just wants to fit in. But after his family moves to a small village in central France in hopes of outrunning the Nazis, he is suddenly faced with bigger challenges than the taunting of local teens. Nina Krenkel left her country to obey her father's dying command: Take your brother and leave Austria. Burn your papers. Tell no one you are Jews. Alone and on the run, she arrives in Tanieux, France, dangerously ill and in despair.

Thrown together by the chaos of war, Julien begins to feel the terrible weight of the looming conflict and Nina fights to survive. As France falls to the Nazis, Julien struggles with doing what is right, even if it is not enough--and wonders whether or not he really can save Nina from almost certain death.

Based on the true story of the town of Le Chambon--the only French town honored by Israel for rescuing Jews from the Holocaust--"How Huge the Night" is a compelling, coming-of-age drama that will keep teens turning the pages as it teaches them about a fascinating period of history and inspires them to think more deeply about their everyday choices.

"The Munns have written an engrossing historical novel that is faithful to the actual events of World War II in western Europe during the tumultuous year 1940. But "How Huge the Night" is more than good history; it is particularly refreshing because the reader sees the conflict through the lives of teenagers who are forced to grapple with their honest questions about the existence and goodness of God in the midst of community, family, and ethnic tensions in war-ravaged France."--Lyle W. Dorsett, Billy Graham Professor of Evangelism, Beeson Divinity School, Samford University

"Seldom have the horrors of war upon adolescents--or the heroism of which they are capable--been so clearly portrayed. I loved this coming-of-age story."--Patricia Sprinkle, author of "Hold Up the Sky"

"The book expertly weaves together the lives of its characters at a frightening moment in conflicted times. As we read of their moral dilemmas and of their choices, we too wonder, "Would I do as these in the story have done?""--Karen Mains, Director, Hungry Souls(less)

Paperback, 304 pages

Published March 9th 2011 by Kregel Publications

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Oct 27, 2012 Jessica rated it 2 of 5 stars

Shelves: historical-fiction

Julien's story was decent, a story about a boy navigating school and how to deal with social pressure more than a story about a freedom fighter. It is also very much a story of a young boy becoming Christian. I felt it crossed the line from describing a person's religious beliefs to preaching a few times, but it was not the worst offender in that regard that I've come across. I could relate to a few of his dilemmas, such as his realization that the best way to convince someone to change is not t...more Julien's story was decent, a story about a boy navigating school and how to deal with social pressure more than a story about a freedom fighter. It is also very much a story of a young boy becoming Christian. I felt it crossed the line from describing a person's religious beliefs to preaching a few times, but it was not the worst offender in that regard that I've come across. I could relate to a few of his dilemmas, such as his realization that the best way to convince someone to change is not to embarrass them in public.

I found Nina's sections very boring and often confusing. There was something very choppy about them and many things were often unclear- for instance, (view spoiler)

The other major problem I have with Nina is her characterization. In the beginning she is a strong character trying to become the parent to her little brother. Only about three chapters later and she seems to do nothing (literally--she leaves it to Gustav to go begging in the streets and work for food while she stays inside whatever shelter he's found doing absolutely nothing). The only thing she does do is constantly get sick and be in the process of dying. It's a trope that loses its emotional appeal after the second or third time. By the time Nina is depicted as losing her will to live, I honestly didn't really care that she get it back. She was pathetic.

The thing that bothered me most about the book, however, was the role of Jews in the story arc, where they seemed like they were just a means for Christians to look better/ grow. There are pretty much no depictions of their religious beliefs and their understanding of God during the trials of WWII. On their rare mention of religion, the author chose to have them use the term God and not a Hebriac/Judaic term. While this might have been chosen for reader comprehensibility, it made it seem like Jews are just Christians who occasionally throw out one or two Jewish phrases. No one in the books seems to think it might be a bit insensitive or rude to make Jews join their church or read their bibles (and there is no excuse used that these things need to be done to prevent their being caught). Minus one discussion about reading the Torah, Hanukkah, giving up the yarmulke (which is mentioned more to discuss how no matter what Jews do to please their enemies, it is never enough), no Jew ever seems to miss his traditions or be angry at the fact that they can't worship or follow their traditions openly--in fact, they don't seem to ever worship in private either! Basically, it seemed like the Jews were only in the story so that the Christians could help them and feel better about themselves and their religion.

Using the background setting of a people being persecuted, tortured, and killed for their religion to glorify another religion left a bad taste in my mouth. The Christian view and response to the Holocaust is a story not often explored and an interesting choice of topic by Munn, but to examine the Christian response while completely ignoring the fact that the Jews are not, in fact, Christians who just speak another language really detracted from anything Munn wanted to say.(less)

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Jul 13, 2012 Pamela added it

How Huge the Night is an compelling and important book. The main character is a teenager named Julien, but in some ways the main character was the war. The politics and horrors of World War II shape the lives of all who come to live in the small French village of Tanieux. Through the eyes of Julien, readers learn about true events when a tiny group of people worked together to protect numerous Jewish refuges over the course of the war.

Each year school kids study World War II, learning important...more

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Jan 21, 2012 Patricia O'Sullivan rated it 1 of 5 stars

Julien Losier knows war is coming, but he does not like living in the countryside and he especially does not like the Jewish boy that his parents took in. Julien misses Paris and his friends there and he dislikes how the boys at his new school rally around a blockheaded bully named Henri. At the same time, Nika and Gustav, two Jewish teens from Austria, travel in secret, often going for days without food. By the time Nika and Gustav cross over to France, the Vichy government is in control. Julie...more

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Jun 24, 2011 Brenda Casto rated it 5 of 5 stars

Whenever I read a historical fiction story that is based on true events I always love the fact that I am learning a bit about history that perhaps I might never really know alot about otherwise. With How Huge The Night the authors do an amazing job of weaving together fact and fiction, to transport us back to the days of WWII, seeing the events of the time thru the eyes of two teenagers Nina and Julian, while I knew at some point their stories would meld I wasn't sure how they would connect.

The...more

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Jun 24, 2011 Andrea Schultz rated it 5 of 5 stars

One of my topics of great interest is the treatment of the Jewish people during World War II. My interest was spurred by the assigned reading of ‘The Diary of Anne Frank’ in sixth grade. So when I read the synopsis of ‘How Huge the Night’ by Heather Munn and Lydia Munn, my curiosity was piqued.
Here is the synopsis of this novel:
Based on Actual Events.
When Had God Ever Stopped A War Because A Teenager Asked Him To?
For fifteen-year-old Julien Losier, life will never be the same. His family has re...more

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Jun 23, 2011 Theresa rated it 5 of 5 stars Recommends it for: EVERYONE!!!

Recommended to Theresa by: Kregel

Shelves: favorites, fiction, historical-fiction, review-copy, series, teen, war, world-war-2, young-adult, living-history

"How Huge the Night" fits well in this category of living history. It is beautifully written and is filled with facts and events that come alive through the eyes of children. To hear how France was taken over by Germany from an adult's point of view is usually what one hears about, but the Munn's take it to another level by seeing it as the children did.

To say this book is amazing, is an understatement. It tore at my heart, and I found myself in tears more than once. From a parent's point of vi...more

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Jun 20, 2011 Kathleen (Kat) Smith rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: christian-historical-fiction

Sometimes we fail to see just how dark some parts of our life can be. Some times hate for one person's race can be just as dark, or how people can judge you based purely on the company you keep, while others will be blinded that all men are truly evil.

In the novel How Huge The Night by Heather and Lydia Munn we are called as witnesses into the lives of three very unique children thrown together by the circumstances of World War II. This novel is based on actual events and you, the reader will be...more Sometimes we fail to see just how dark some parts of our life can be. Some times hate for one person's race can be just as dark, or how people can judge you based purely on the company you keep, while others will be blinded that all men are truly evil.

In the novel How Huge The Night by Heather and Lydia Munn we are called as witnesses into the lives of three very unique children thrown together by the circumstances of World War II. This novel is based on actual events and you, the reader will be held spell bound to see how each of them fare in the end.

First we meet, Julian Losier, whose family has just relocated to his father's hometown from Paris, France, fleeing Hitler's advancing army. Praying that his family will be safe, he begins attempting to live a normal life by attending school. However once people there learn that he is from Paris, he becomes treated as an outcast at school. Left all alone on the school ground, he only ally, is his roommate Benjamin, whose parents have left him in the care of the Losier family. He is a Jewish-German and his parents hope for a normal life and education for him.

However, Julian finds that he can quickly work his way into the social group of boys since they have treated him and Benjamin as outcasts. When he informs them of Benjamin's race and religion, it will cost Julian more than just being one of the in-crowd. Julian will have to chose which side he will stand with.

Meanwhile, Nina and Gustav have just lost their father as sickness claimed him in the middle of the night. Leaving them with instructions to burn their resident cards declaring themselves Jewish, he makes them promise to flee Austria and find a way to Italy where he hopes they can find safety. He makes Nina promise to cut her hair and assume the identity of Niko, a boy and warns her that men are evil.

Fleeing for their lives, they are befriended by a man who only asks to be called Herr. He agrees to show them the gaps in the fence lines between Austria and will get them to the border of Italy for 50,000 francs. When Niko fears that there is more to his intentions than helping them cross the border, the children make a run for it in the middle of the night, not realizing that Herr has their pack with all their money and food inside. How will they make it alone in the midst of the war to safety?

I received this book compliments of Kregel Publications for my honest review and couldn't put it down. I can't imagine being a young teen in any of the circumstances and try to find a way to make it through the impending war that is looming on the horizon, not sure how or if you or your family would make it out alive and who would you trust to help you along the way. This is an amazing story of survival in the most difficult circumstances and truly worth reading. For anyone who has a love for historical Christian fiction, than this one is a 5 out 5 star book.(less)

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Jun 20, 2011 Ann Saylor rated it 4 of 5 stars

How Huge the Night is a historical fiction novel that gives readers a glimpse into daily life in southern France as the Nazi's were coming into power. Written by Heather Munn and Lydia Munn, this book captures the tale of young boys facing the realities of war, and realizing that their actions can make a difference in the lives of people around them.

The story offers timely opportunities to explore values as characters face fear, deception, racism, gender discrimination, poverty and inequality....more

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Jun 19, 2011 Jordan Mierek rated it 4 of 5 stars

I received a copy of HOW HUGE THE NIGHT: A NOVEL by Heather Munn and Lydia Munn, from Kregel Publications. The front of the cover says, “A teenager’s choices in the shadow of WWII will change him forever…” Instantly, I knew this was a book I could sink my teeth into, because I have a special admiration for historical stories. I have read numerous accounts of WWII and the Holocaust, but this was the first that dealt with a strong, religious background. The main characters relied heavily on their...more

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Jun 18, 2011 Britni rated it 5 of 5 stars

When was the last time you had to make a decision that was really the difference between life and death? How about the choice between being popular and standing up for what's right? Did you make the right choice?

In Heather Munn's new novel How Huge the Night, the teen protagonist Julian faces both of those decisions, big decisions for a 15-year old who really just wants to play soccer. The novel is really broken up into two stories - the story of Julian as he learns the difference between right...more

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Jun 18, 2011 Molly rated it 5 of 5 stars Recommends it for: everyone

Recommended to Molly by: Kregel

Shelves: book-review

Holy moly, this was a FANTASTIC book! It's a light read by any means. With a subject line of Nazi's and WWII, it is FAR from light. In fact, it has more of a slower, dark feel to it. But, with that said, Heather and Lydia Munn have put their talented authoring skills together and created one captivating, emotional read!!!

This book was written in a way that EVERYONE, young readers and old, can fully grasp the knowledge of the happenings during WWII. It truly amazes me that that time in history wa...more

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Jun 18, 2011 Kevin Sorensen rated it 5 of 5 stars

This was a delightful book. I enjoyed the historical context very much. I've been going through many of my father's old slides and even some old 8mm film from his days while stationed in Germany in 1952-53. Even though it's fifteen years later, seeing and listening to stories about that time make it seem all that much more real to one who was born long after the fact.

The Munns do an excellent job of bringing pre-war France to life through description of both places and characters. Lydia (the mot...more

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Jun 13, 2011 Nora St Laurent rated it 4 of 5 stars

Most of the books I’ve read about the Nazi’s were from an adult point of view. I enjoyed the review copy of this book which had the reader experience the war through the eyes of adolescents.

Not all parents were as helpful or took the time to explain life and events to their children like Julian Lozier’s parents did. He was fifteen-year-old and his parents wanted him to understand and process certain events so he could realize how it would impact their world.

Julian and his family fled to Souther...more Most of the books I’ve read about the Nazi’s were from an adult point of view. I enjoyed the review copy of this book which had the reader experience the war through the eyes of adolescents.

Not all parents were as helpful or took the time to explain life and events to their children like Julian Lozier’s parents did. He was fifteen-year-old and his parents wanted him to understand and process certain events so he could realize how it would impact their world.

Julian and his family fled to Southern France in hopes of avoiding Hitler’s threatening clutches. Julian is angry and confused by all the changes so were many of the other kids at school. Then there were children like Nina and Gustav’s whose world came to a complete halt when their father died and left them all alone and on the run for their lives! Who could they trust? Where would they hide so they didn’t get taken to a concentration camp?

The author notes filled in some blanks from real historical events for me. I found it interesting as they discussed so many choices people had during this time period. Heather and Lydia say, “Some got rich off the black market…Some used the Nazi’s for revenge, feeding them true and false information against their enemies. Some followed the law unquestionably; some just survived, and others were “wait-its,” who chose not to get involved. Some vowed to fight the Germans to the bitter end and started the resistance, which in the early days seemed completely doomed. And a few chose to focus on those in the deepest need and danger, and protect them from harm!”

It was fascinating and frightful to read about how all these choices played out. I hadn’t thought about all the choices people made then in this way before. It was interesting to read about them through youthful eyes, minds and hearts.

I highly recommend this moving story that touch my heart and gave me a peek at how scary this event was for the children and how they looked at their future. Some parts were horrifying and unbelievable what these young ones went through to survive on their own. I’m so glad the authors showed how some people went above and beyond – even to the point of putting themselves in danger to help young people and their families thrive!

Nora St.Laurent
The Book Club Network www.bookfun.org
Finding Hope Through Fiction www.psalm516.blogspot.com
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May 26, 2011 Linda rated it 5 of 5 stars

Due to the threat of Hitler’s war, fifteen-year-old Julien Losier and his family moved from Paris to the small town of his father’s upbringing, Tanieux, France, but it is not to his liking. He’s treated like an outcast at school, but perseveres to make friends. The family opens their home to a Jewish boy, Benjamin Keller, who is also from Paris, and he, too, is immediately ostracized at school.

Nina Krenkel of Vienna follows her father’s death-bed command to take herself and her brother, Gustav,...more Due to the threat of Hitler’s war, fifteen-year-old Julien Losier and his family moved from Paris to the small town of his father’s upbringing, Tanieux, France, but it is not to his liking. He’s treated like an outcast at school, but perseveres to make friends. The family opens their home to a Jewish boy, Benjamin Keller, who is also from Paris, and he, too, is immediately ostracized at school.

Nina Krenkel of Vienna follows her father’s death-bed command to take herself and her brother, Gustav, to Austria and to burn their papers–they were Jewish. Through deep trials, they arrive at Tanieux, France. Nina is sick and emaciated, lying on death’s door. Julien befriends them, and through the help of the pastor’s wife and his mother, they attempt to hide them from the town.

Although this book is mostly a confined read about the intensity of a small family and their interactions to hide Jewish children, it is definitely far from boring or mundane! It brings to light the extremes a family will go through to help the helpless in a time of war and extreme danger. The choice of Julien’s family to hide Jewish children is portrayed in such a warm, caring and loving way, though it was a dangerous proposition.

The whole story is believable as the circumstances and conversations unroll. The danger is palpable, the animosity true to life. Tension builds as France surrenders to Hitler. Though Tanieux is unoccupied, demands of the regime keep unfolding. It brings to light the horrors of WWII right into your living room. The war makes you question yourself, whether you would be willing to do the same amidst the animosity and the threats of death. Your faith is tested just as Julien’s family. What would your response be? What would God require of you?

This story is based on the true story of the town, Le Chambon, the only French town honored by Israel for rescuing Jews from the Holocaust.

This book was provided by Amy Lathrop, of Litfuse Publicity Group, in exchange for my honest review. No monetary compensation was exchanged. (less)

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May 26, 2011 Kaylea rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: see-blog-for-more-info

This book is unlike other historical novels I've read set during World War II. Not only does it's descriptions of war, racism, anger and compassion help define it as a strong book, the fact that it is written from the point of view of teenagers, sets it apart from others in its genre.

I really liked the story. It made me think - it also made me want to pull the book it's based upon (Lest Innocent Blood Be Shed) off my shelf to re-read it. That book, based upon the experiences in Le Chambon, tells...more

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May 16, 2011 Clockstein Lockstein rated it 5 of 5 stars

How Huge the Night by Heather & Lydia Munn is a compelling story of the German occupation of France during World War II through the eyes of two teenagers. Julien is angry when his family moves from Paris into the countryside of Tanieux to escape from Hitler's growing power. He resents the loss of his friends and what is familiar for hard farm work and a new school where the boys are led by arrogant Henri. He is even more upset when his parents take in a Jewish boy named Benjamin who will als...more How Huge the Night by Heather & Lydia Munn is a compelling story of the German occupation of France during World War II through the eyes of two teenagers. Julien is angry when his family moves from Paris into the countryside of Tanieux to escape from Hitler's growing power. He resents the loss of his friends and what is familiar for hard farm work and a new school where the boys are led by arrogant Henri. He is even more upset when his parents take in a Jewish boy named Benjamin who will also attend the school and never seems to look up from his books, except to insult Julien or give an answer in class to show up the rest of the boys. Meanwhile in Austria, Nina's father's dying wish is for her to take her younger brother Gustav, pretend to be a boy, and get out of the country before they are captured and sent to a camp for being Jewish. The plan seems doomed from the start when the rabbi who was to help the siblings to safety has been arrested, and the man they turn to for aid instead attempts to rape Nina, sending them on a wild race for their lives into the night. The story alternates between Julien's growing maturity as he struggles to understand how to fight someone with weapons of love as his pastor suggests and Nina's battle to keep her brother alive that soon becomes a giving up on life for herself. The stories come together when the siblings arrive in Tanieux and Julien helps them find safe refuge but even that is questioned when Henri threatens to turn them over to his father who will send them to a refugee camp, where Nina will most certainly die. The daughter/mother author team, Heather and Lydia Munn have really brought these based on real events to life, by sharing them through the eyes of Julien and Nina. Julien seems like a very average teenage boy, obsessed with soccer and fitting in with the other boys, angry at his parents uprooting him from all he knows, torn at his grandfather's stories of their Huguenot heritage. He matures as the story unfolds, learning to think about someone other than himself, deeply regretting words spoken in the heat of the moment, and finally coming to understand that you can't win someone's heart by fighting them. Nina's story is haunting and chilling as she experiences so much evil, more than any young girl should see, so much that she decides to give up on life. This is a quiet, yet powerful story of personal strength, faith, and sacrifice.(less)

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May 15, 2011 Victor Gentile rated it 5 of 5 stars

Heather Munn and Lydia Munn in their new book, "How Huge The Night" published by Kregel Publications takes us to Tanieux, a little town in southern France during World War II.

Fifteen year old Julien Losier has recently moved with his parents and younger sister from Paris to the town of Tanieux, a little town in southeastern France, where his father was born and his paternal grandfather still lives. He is very unhappy about this move as he would prefer to be back in Paris and does not see how he...more Heather Munn and Lydia Munn in their new book, "How Huge The Night" published by Kregel Publications takes us to Tanieux, a little town in southern France during World War II.

Fifteen year old Julien Losier has recently moved with his parents and younger sister from Paris to the town of Tanieux, a little town in southeastern France, where his father was born and his paternal grandfather still lives. He is very unhappy about this move as he would prefer to be back in Paris and does not see how he will ever be able to adapt and fit into life in this strange new place.

What would you do if your whole world was taken away from you to try to escape Hitler's invasion of your country only to find that there is no escape? Hitler had a personal animosity for France as they had held back the German invasion in WWI. Hitler made sure that France was unable to do that when his forces quickly marched through and took France. Now families and towns must make a decision as to what actions they will take for the rest of the war. The Losiers take in a young Jewish boy and hide him in order to prevent the Nazis from sending him to a Concentration Camp.

"How Huge The Night" is based on actual events and the Munns show us what God can do with people who will stand up and fight against the darkness that comes to overwhelm them. "How Huge The Night" is an absorbing book that will keep you up late at night as you quickly read to see what is going to happen next. This book is for Young Adults to read to know just what happened in history and, perhaps, to see what decision they would make in their mind if such events were to happen again. This book is also for us not so Young Adults who might remember those events or who heard them from our parents. I recommend this book highly and look forward to their next book.

If you would like to listen to interviews with other authors and professionals please go to www.kingdomhighlights.org where they are available On Demand.

To listen to 24 Christian music please visit our internet radio station www.kingdomairwaves.org

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Kregel Publications. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”(less)

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Jun 24, 2011 Crystal rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: for-review, read-june-2011

How Huge the Night is very thought-provoking, serious, yet loving and caring all in one package. It's a story of God's grace and how people can use it to grace others around them who are in need. It's a story of choices. It's a story of growing up and making decisions that can affect the rest of your life. All of that said, it really isn't that heavy of a story where you don't enjoy it and get lost in the lessons. Contrary to that in fact, the lessons are subtle, but the story is first and forem...more How Huge the Night is very thought-provoking, serious, yet loving and caring all in one package. It's a story of God's grace and how people can use it to grace others around them who are in need. It's a story of choices. It's a story of growing up and making decisions that can affect the rest of your life. All of that said, it really isn't that heavy of a story where you don't enjoy it and get lost in the lessons. Contrary to that in fact, the lessons are subtle, but the story is first and foremost and entertaining and educational.

I love the character of Julien in this book. I purposely seek out books where the protagonist is a boy because I have two boys of my own to raise and look forward to recommending great books to them one day soon. Julien is your average teenager even though the time is during the late 1930s and the place is France, the teenager is universal. He is brooding and sulky at the beginning because his family has been uprooted to move to a small town from the wonderful city of Paris. They are now living on a farm with his Grandfather with another teenager he doesn't know as a border with them. On top of it all, he has to find his place in a new school where his Dad is one of the teachers. To be honest there is not much to like about Julien in the beginning. Then you find out he likes soccer, but it's hard to get into the after-school games because they are ruled by the cool boys in the school and ultimately a boy named Henri. Eventually he does get to play but then problems start. And this is where Julien starts to grow on the reader and he himself begins to grow.

Julien continually questions God through the book and this is one of the things that helps him grow, here is one example:

In the evening, it was still the same: the radio, the cluster of faces around it. In the daytime, there was peace somehow--in the green of the land, in the strength of his legs, in the mass of solidity of the hills they climbed. But in bed at night, Julien tried fumblinglyy to pray and found no words. What did god have to do with German tanks overrunning the earth, with bombers pounding Rotterdam to blood and fire? What did God have to do with the blitzkrieg?

He didn't know.

As Julien tries to figure out right from wrong and goes from one day having a whole group of friends to the next having only Benjamin who lives with him but barely talks to him as a friend. Through this the reader gets to see Julien begin his transformation. I liked how the people around him helped to form him and guide him. His grandfather, his mother, Pastor Alexandre, the Rostins and others from the village for example.

And not only is there Julien and his village's story going on, but there is also the story of two teenagers, Nina and Gustav whose father dies as their part of the book opens. His dying words are for them to get out of Austria because he senses the evil coming. So Nina becomes Niko, cuts her hair and binds herself so she looks like a boy and they head out to cross borders they should not be crossing and have adventures that leave them starving and broken only to eventually cross paths with the villagers in Julien's village of Tanieux.

I love how the Munn's weaved the two story lines together. They worked great separately and I knew from the beginning they would come together but I didn't know how and this was just wonderful.

There is just so much to say about this book, the characters were great - all the main characters showed such growth that I was inspired. To me one of the themes was one of compassion and it shines through throughout the book and the characters. Another thing I think that was well done was the building of the suspense of the village waiting for occupation of the Germans. I felt the tension and felt I was right there in the village waiting day after day for the soldiers to come.

This book is Christian, and there are references to God and Jesus and I thought the Pastor's sermons were wonderful, they were thoughtful, timely and on the level for a teenager and especially Julien (and ultimately the reader) to understand. And even though those parts are there, I still feel the focus of the novel is showing God through good works and helping others. I think that ties right into the compassion theme of the novel and was what the Munn's were going for in How Huge the Night.

How Huge the Night is magnificent, it is amazing, it will leave you thinking long after you have finished it and I look forward to their next book which according to the author's notes at the end may have more focus on the interment camps in France during World War II. I think both of the authors have a firm grip on this time period and on the area and know how to weave an engaging story that you don't want to end.(less)

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Jun 20, 2011 Tammy rated it 5 of 5 stars

I enjoy books that deal with WWII and especially books that tell a story of Jews who escaped Hitler and his death trap.
Not only was I enticed by the cover of this book but the title "grabbed" me. How Huge the Night seems to aptly describe how most people must have felt during this terrible time in history ~ like the night would never end!
Julien was quite "real" to me....maybe because I remember being 15 and all the changes that came into my life at that age. But mostly, I think, because he is "r...more I enjoy books that deal with WWII and especially books that tell a story of Jews who escaped Hitler and his death trap.
Not only was I enticed by the cover of this book but the title "grabbed" me. How Huge the Night seems to aptly describe how most people must have felt during this terrible time in history ~ like the night would never end!
Julien was quite "real" to me....maybe because I remember being 15 and all the changes that came into my life at that age. But mostly, I think, because he is "real." His sentiments, his feelings about the war and his "misunderstandings" about his family are heart tuggers.
Of course, Julien isn't the only "likable or livable" character in this read ..... there's Nina (oh, Nina's story is quite stirring!) and then there's Benjamin! And Gustav! Oh, and I truly loved Julien's grandpa. A sweet, kindhearted, true blue gentlemen. Well, I could go on and on....but I don't want to give away spoilers!
Julien's parents feel that they MUST move their family to the small village of Tanieux, France. Julien's frustrations with attending a new, small school where he is the new kid and feels most unwelcome until one of his classmates strikes up a conversations and learns that Julien isn't truly a "foreigner." When his classmate, Roland, finds out that Julien's grandfather is a local and that Julien lives with him. He gives Julien some great advice on how to fit in as a local and with his classmates. After Julien learns "the ropes" his life begins to change.
Then one Sunday as Julien is sitting in church listening to the pastor's sermon the pastor booms, "Love your enemies!" Julien finds himself listening and thinking....the pastor continues his thought provoking sermon on loving your enemies. At the end the pastor states, "The weapons of love, Fearless love." Julien feels that he wants to do something/will do something as a solider would with fearless love.
This is 5 star GREAT-Tastic story! I simply loved this read even though it is classified as teen fiction I feel that adults will love this read too!
**Don't forget to read the very end of the book, Historical Note, by Heather Munn .
*This book was provided for review by Kregel Publications*(less)

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May 15, 2011 Laura rated it 4 of 5 stars

Title: HOW HUGE THE NIGHT
Authors: Heather Munn and Lydia Munn
Publisher: Kregel Publications
April 2011
ISBN: 978-0-8254-3310-8
Genre: Inspirational/young adult

Julien Losier is fifteen years old. Hitler’s troops have just started their invasion, and his family feels they’ll be safer in the south of France than in Paris. But Julien doesn’t want to run. The boys in the town don’t accept him and won’t let him play soccer; he is made fun of in school. But things get worse when his family take in a fifte...more
Title: HOW HUGE THE NIGHT
Authors: Heather Munn and Lydia Munn
Publisher: Kregel Publications
April 2011
ISBN: 978-0-8254-3310-8
Genre: Inspirational/young adult

Julien Losier is fifteen years old. Hitler’s troops have just started their invasion, and his family feels they’ll be safer in the south of France than in Paris. But Julien doesn’t want to run. The boys in the town don’t accept him and won’t let him play soccer; he is made fun of in school. But things get worse when his family take in a fifteen year old Jewish boy named Benjamin. News is grim when the family huddles around the radio at night. Julien becomes angry and frustrated, but is unable to do anything.

Nina and her brother Gustov are Jewish orphans. Right before their father died, he gave them detailed plans to get them to safety. Unfortunately, none of his plans worked and soon Nina and Gustov find themselves without a plan, reacting to circumstances. After they are robbed of everything they own, they do manage to make it out of Austria, but instead of safety, they find themselves not even one step ahead of the German army. And not every place was accepting of two Jewish orphans.

As the Germans invade France, Julien and the Jewish refugees are thrown together in a conflict too big for them to understand. But is it possible that there is a greater purpose in the shadows of this terrible war? Will their choices put them in greater danger?

HOW HUGE THE NIGHT is based on actual events. As I started to the book, I tried to remember whether Germany invaded France I tried to remember the details. Did they go to the south of France? Would Julien and his family be safe there? I seemed to remember that the Germans did stop near or at Paris, but I wasn’t sure. I found the parts written in Nina’s and Gustov’s points of views the most compelling. Their chapters were very short, but they were in grave danger the entire time and I had to keep reading… But Julien was a confused, hurting, angry fifteen year boy. He was struggling to fit in, struggling to understand the war, and there were more struggles added.

HOW HUGE THE NIGHT is a wonderful coming of age story set during a horrible period of time. The historical events are faithful to the actual events of World War II, and young adult readers will learn a lot about this particular historical time during the pages of this book. Excellent for homeschoolers, for church libraries, for school libraries, and for young adults. Highly recommended. $14.99. 304 pages.
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May 15, 2011 Holly (2 Kids and Tired) rated it 3 of 5 stars

A coming-of-age story set during the drama of France in World War 2. Upon relocating from Paris to his father's childhood home in rural France from Paris, Julien finds himself on the outside of the other boys his age. When, Benjamin, a Jewish refugee comes to live with him, the ostracism is worse. As the war breaks out, there is uncertainty and distrust, especially after Germany invades France.

Nina and her brother Gustav escape Austria and, after harrowing, near-death experiences, finally make t...more

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Oct 15, 2012 Brenda rated it 3 of 5 stars

"....Based on the true story of the town of Le Chambon—the only French town honored by Israel for rescuing Jews from the Holocaust...:

Have not read the history of Le Chambon, but was aware that France was duped into turning over their Jewish citizens to the German Nazis. Until reading this book, I was unaware that these citizens of France had taken such a commendable stand against Hitler's pogrom.

This story is finely written; the plot and characters are woven from historical fact, and a seamless...more

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May 18, 2011 Proud Book Nerd rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: blog-tours, faith-based-fiction, historical-fiction, litfuse, ya

This story shows that when there is such heavy darkness, there still are spots of light here and there. There are people who won’t let the darkness consume them, and will do what they can to help others into the light, too. Most of the players in this book question God – not just talking to Him, but even His existence. And I think it’s safe to say that just about everyone of faith has done that at one time or another. When things get tough, it’s only natural to question how God could be involved...more

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May 25, 2011 Maureen Timerman rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: 2011-read

I loved this book, we tend to forget what these poor people went through with Hitler coming to power.
This is Julien Losier story, a fifteen year old from Southern France, and Nina Krenkel [Niko] a Jewish girl from Austria. There is also the Losier family, and Benjamin Keller a Jewish boy who comes to live with them. The story includes every day life before the thick clouds of danger start to descend on the people of Tanieux.
The people of Tanieux show what it is to be a Christian. They give what...more

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Jul 03, 2011 Julie rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: 2011-reads, christian-fiction, kregel-publications, young-adult, holocaust

Normally, I really enjoy books centered around the Holocaust. For some reason, this one just didn't do it for me. Maybe it's because I didn't have the time to sit and really read it through once I got started, I don't know. I really wanted to like this one! There were so many parts that confused me and I jumbled all the characters up. I don't like going for long periods and stretching a book out but alas, grad school took priority. I also do not tend to restart books once I've already started. T...more

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Jun 08, 2011 Andi Newberry ~Tubbs rated it 4 of 5 stars

Having read The Hiding Place when I was a young girl and then getting the opportunity to meet Corrie Ten Boom when I was a young adult this book really touched my heart. Written from the point of view of teens during the occupation of France during WWII. Julian is very upset about having to move from Paris to the countryside of Tanieux. Julian also doesn't like it when his parents take in a Jewish boy, Benjamin, who does nothing but insult Julian. Nina is the other teen in the story and her fath...more

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May 25, 2011 Michelle rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: forreview, forpleasure, historicalfiction, christianfiction, blog-tour-book

More like 4.5 stars.

How Huge the Night is a different take on some aspects of WWII that aren't commonly written about in Christian fiction. There is a movie called Charlotte Gray (one of my favorites) that was based on a book about Vichy France and the resistance movement during the Nazi occupation. The fact that the French turned against their own people by aligning with Hitler is similar to when slaves were put in charge of other slaves and this was seen as a betrayal. What difficult times the...more More like 4.5 stars.

How Huge the Night is a different take on some aspects of WWII that aren't commonly written about in Christian fiction. There is a movie called Charlotte Gray (one of my favorites) that was based on a book about Vichy France and the resistance movement during the Nazi occupation. The fact that the French turned against their own people by aligning with Hitler is similar to when slaves were put in charge of other slaves and this was seen as a betrayal. What difficult times they were. The authors capture this theme very well.

One of the themes in this book that was uniquely different and inspiring compared to most WWII novels set in Europe was the fact that the story was told solely from the perspectives of the teenagers involved. The fight to survive and to escape persecution on the one hand and the desire to do the right thing and not cower to political pressure on the other. I found the story inspiring because of the way Julien realized that prayer would make a difference and that while his position was morally right, he was not doing the right thing by hating the person who was the "enemy" and antagonizing him. Instead he should be praying for his enemies while at the same time protecting the innocent and doing the right thing. This was very well done.

Another theme I appreciated was the message of hope and how Nina needed to know that someone else had understood her pain. She needed to know that there was hope. That people could be trusted. She had to learn how to fight to live and not just give up. She had to change the way she viewed her world. Very well done. Overall, I found this story to be very inspiring and compelling. I enjoyed it very much and would recommend it to anyone. The harsh realities of the time period were not smoothed over, and at the same time the twisted things that happened in those days wasn't elaborated on to the point of grossness. Again, well done. I am a big fan of WWII fiction set in Europe and have read several dozen novels (at least) during this time period. This novel was better than many I've read and is, in my opinion, of the same quality as novels written by the Thoenes.
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May 24, 2011 Renee rated it 5 of 5 stars

If there’s a young adult in your life, you can’t miss by introducing them to the talented mother/daughter writing team of Lydia and Heather Munn. Their debut novel How Huge the Night is a beautiful story of love and sacrifice among the teens in a small French village during World War II.

The main players in the story are Julien, Benjamin, Gustav, and Nina. Julien starts out with the typical goals, dreams, and fears of any fifteen-year-old boy. He resents being torn from his happy life in Paris to...more If there’s a young adult in your life, you can’t miss by introducing them to the talented mother/daughter writing team of Lydia and Heather Munn. Their debut novel How Huge the Night is a beautiful story of love and sacrifice among the teens in a small French village during World War II.

The main players in the story are Julien, Benjamin, Gustav, and Nina. Julien starts out with the typical goals, dreams, and fears of any fifteen-year-old boy. He resents being torn from his happy life in Paris to relocate to his father’s hometown. Even when his father explains his hope that the area is too rural and out of the way to interest the encroaching Nazis, Julien remains sullen and angry. However, God works in Julien’s heart through his grandfather’s godly wisdom, the circumstances of war, and the friendship he forges with the Jewish teen who boards with his family.

For the Jewish teens Benjamin, Gustav, and Nina, the war is a much different experience. While Julien wrestles with questions of conscience, these three struggle to survive. As the adults around them align themselves with either the freedom fighters or the Nazis, their lives depend on discerning who they can trust.

Here, the rich history of Julien’s town comes into play. The village had been founded by the Huguenots, who were seeking a haven from persecution, and soon the townspeople realize that they must be true to God and their heritage by welcoming any who flee to them for refuge–including Benjamin, Gustav, and Nina.

This book had all the elements I love in a story

Depiction of setting and atmosphere that made me feel like I was there myself
Events and struggles that drew me in
Characters–not just the teens, but also key adults–who touched my heart

Some of the teen novels I’ve truly enjoyed (To Kill a Mockingbird, The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn, The Giver, etc.) were great stories and contained moral characters who made hard choices. But few of those heroes were born-again Christians who acted out of biblical principles.

Too often, classic novels portray all believers as weak or hypocritical or too heavenly-minded to do anyone much good. So I especially appreciated the strong spiritual themes in this book as the folks explored their Huguenot background and heeded what Scripture had to say. And—how refreshing—the pastor of the town was one of its heroes!

This book was based on the true story of the town of Le Chambon, the only French town honored by Israel for rescuing Jews from the Holocaust.(less)

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Jun 12, 2011 Jennifer (Crazy-for-Books.com) rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: historical-fiction, read-in-2011, received-in-2011, received-for-review, ya

Julien Losier is a typical fifteen year old boy. He just wants to fit in. When Hitler invades Poland during World War II, his family moves from Paris to his father’s childhood home in Tanieux, in southern France, where they will be safer. The village boys call him names and won’t give him the time of day. Things get worse when Julien’s family takes in a German Jewish boy named Benjamin, who is Julien’s age. Any thoughts of Julien fitting in now are rapidly diminishing.

Concurrently, in Austria, N...more Julien Losier is a typical fifteen year old boy. He just wants to fit in. When Hitler invades Poland during World War II, his family moves from Paris to his father’s childhood home in Tanieux, in southern France, where they will be safer. The village boys call him names and won’t give him the time of day. Things get worse when Julien’s family takes in a German Jewish boy named Benjamin, who is Julien’s age. Any thoughts of Julien fitting in now are rapidly diminishing.

Concurrently, in Austria, Nina and Gustav are tending to their father on his death bed. In his final instructions, he tells them to burn their papers and leave Austria. If at all possible they should try to get to France. Their story is one of heartache and perseverance. The daily struggle just to survive is enormous. They face a battle at every turn, not knowing who can be trusted and uncertain of what their future will hold.

It’s no secret that I love historical fiction centered around World War II. This is the first novel that I’ve read that takes place in France during that time period. This is also only the second book I’ve read from the viewpoint of a teenager during this war. The other one being The Book Thief, a classic and in a category all its own.

This book was a bit slow to start for me. It wasn’t until 100 pages in that I really started getting into the story and once I hit page 130, I couldn’t put the book down. I think the back cover blurb/Amazon synopsis is a bit misleading. I kept waiting for Julien and Nina to meet. And it takes almost the entire book for this encounter to happen. I found Julien’s relationship with Benjamin to be more of a driving force in the story rather than the Julien/Nina storyline.

Don’t get me wrong. Both Julien’s and Nina’s stories are powerful and will give you a lot to think about. I was just expecting the two of them to meet much sooner than they did and for that relationship to be the driving force for the entire story. And that wasn’t how the story played out. So I was left feeling a little short-changed based on my assumption from the back cover of the book.

With that said, this book is well-written and will keep you on the edge of your seat. The characters are wonderfully drawn and you’ll find yourself really feeling for them as they struggle through this impossibly difficult time in their young lives. I especially loved Julien’s progression throughout the story, from a young boy who is mad at his parents for having to move at the beginning of the book, to a young man fighting for what he believes in by the end. Nina’s character arc is especially saddening, yet hopeful. A young girl, forced to leave her home, traveling on foot in unknown countries. It’s not something I can even imagine. I could feel her desperation, her helplessness, her hopelessness at times. She is a courageous, brave girl.

A strong component of this novel is each character’s faith journey, which I was not expecting, but added such depth to the story. The characters are searching, wondering if there really is a God amidst this horrific war. The faith components fit naturally within the context of the story and did not seem out of place to me. They added so much more to each character.

This is a fabulous novel that I recommend for people of all ages. There is something to be learned for everyone here. The most amazing thing about this book is that it is based on actual events. Tanieux is a fictional town, but it is based on the real village of Le Chambon-sur-Lignon. During the war, this small village of 3,000 people in central France saved the lives of more than 3,000 Jewish people. Amazing.(less)

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Jun 07, 2011 Tina Peterson rated it 5 of 5 stars

How Huge the Night is easily one of my favorite books this year. The historical aspect of the story is amazing and the book was very engrossing from the very first page on. The book itself was written for 14-17 year olds but definitely goes beyond that age group.

Julien is a 15 year old boy, uprooted from his home and forced to share his family with an "outsider". Benjamin is Jewish, stand-offish, smart, rich and not friendly. The boys of the village Julien's family has moved to are unfriendly,...more How Huge the Night is easily one of my favorite books this year. The historical aspect of the story is amazing and the book was very engrossing from the very first page on. The book itself was written for 14-17 year olds but definitely goes beyond that age group.

Julien is a 15 year old boy, uprooted from his home and forced to share his family with an "outsider". Benjamin is Jewish, stand-offish, smart, rich and not friendly. The boys of the village Julien's family has moved to are unfriendly, consider HIM an outsider (even though his family had lived in that region for generations) and not only that Julien's father is a teacher at his new school and planning on opening a new Christian school the following year which Julien blames for the move. You see the anger filling Julien and he has a choice - is it going to consume him or is he going to sweep it away?

The main story is about how Julien learns about prejudice and how he can support and encourage those being treated wrongly and stand up to the community for what is right. It begins with Julien learning how his own family escaped from persecution and helps to build this town they are know living in and continues with a challenge: his Grandfather challenges him to pray that God would show him what He wants Julien to do. In return his Grandfather would pray that the boys at school would "see the light".

Julien accepts this challenge and you begin to see Julien slowly change, his eyes are opened to what Benjamin must be feeling ~ his loneliness and anger to what is happening to his people. He sees France fall to Hitler and you see Julien's prayer change "that God would show him the road he wants him to go on". And then Julien begins to pray that God will help him learn to "love and forgive" his enemies. He learns to pray and speak with out pride and hate.

Parent's I strongly encourage you to read this book with your teens. Extremely well written, engrossing and challenging ~ This book will open the gates to conversation about prejudice and persecution giving you the opportunity to teach your children to stand up for what's right:

"...resist with the weapons of the Spirit; without fear, without pride, and without hate."(less)

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“Do you know what it’s called when you hate something you know nothing about? It’s called prejudice.” — 4 people liked it

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