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The Postwoman
Based on the story of WWII Resistance fighter Andrée De Jongh, The Postwoman recounts the gripping story of one woman’s courageous actions and sacrifices in the face of great peril.
In 1940, Andrée “Dedee” de Jongh, a twenty-four-year-old Belgian nurse, is horrified by her country’s quick surrender to Nazi Germany. Every week she observes Germans inspecting the infirmary for injured Allied soldiers to ship off to work camps. Every day she witnesses new atrocities in the streets, such as Jewish countrymen being brutally beaten.
Outraged at the injustice, Dedee devises a strategy with her father to aid in the resistance effort against the Germans. They hatch a plan to help downed Royal Air Force fliers escape Belgium and France and return to England, where they can rejoin the fight. It’s a dangerous endeavor and guaranteed death sentence if they’re caught, but Dedee is determined to do her part to defeat the enemy.
Over time, the secret organization becomes one of the most successful wartime escape lines, saving more than eight hundred Allied fliers. Dedee manages to outwit the Nazis for a time, but with German soldiers hunting for the group and its leaders at every turn, will she be able to escape with her life?
In 1940, Andrée “Dedee” de Jongh, a twenty-four-year-old Belgian nurse, is horrified by her country’s quick surrender to Nazi Germany. Every week she observes Germans inspecting the infirmary for injured Allied soldiers to ship off to work camps. Every day she witnesses new atrocities in the streets, such as Jewish countrymen being brutally beaten.
Outraged at the injustice, Dedee devises a strategy with her father to aid in the resistance effort against the Germans. They hatch a plan to help downed Royal Air Force fliers escape Belgium and France and return to England, where they can rejoin the fight. It’s a dangerous endeavor and guaranteed death sentence if they’re caught, but Dedee is determined to do her part to defeat the enemy.
Over time, the secret organization becomes one of the most successful wartime escape lines, saving more than eight hundred Allied fliers. Dedee manages to outwit the Nazis for a time, but with German soldiers hunting for the group and its leaders at every turn, will she be able to escape with her life?
249 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 7, 2018
176 people are currently reading
1199 people want to read
About the author
Michael Kenneth Smith
9 books26 followersMICHAEL KENNETH SMITH is the author of six historical novels including the international Amazon bestseller, The Postwoman, based on the true story of WWII Resistance fighter, Andreé De Jongh. Trained as a mechanical engineer, Smith turned to writing after building—and selling—a successful auto parts business. Storytelling is his lifelong passion.
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Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
dnf
May 21, 2023*Won via goodreads giveaways, all my opinions are my own *
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The story is intriguing and I'll look up more later but didn't connect with the writing style.
DNF at page 85
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The story is intriguing and I'll look up more later but didn't connect with the writing style.
DNF at page 85
February 27, 2023
Belgium.
This was a fascinating work of historical fiction about Andree de Jongh and her work in the Resistance during WWII. She worked tirelessly and at great danger to herself to return downed English pilots to their home so that they could return to action.
This book would be wonderful for those interested in the inner workings of the Resistance, as well as those wishing to know more of the evil that was Nazi Germany. I’m glad I read it.
This book was received from NetGalley in return for an honest review.
This was a fascinating work of historical fiction about Andree de Jongh and her work in the Resistance during WWII. She worked tirelessly and at great danger to herself to return downed English pilots to their home so that they could return to action.
This book would be wonderful for those interested in the inner workings of the Resistance, as well as those wishing to know more of the evil that was Nazi Germany. I’m glad I read it.
This book was received from NetGalley in return for an honest review.
April 25, 2018
That was a wonderful tale. It is very well-written and thought out. This is a great book for WWII buffs. I love historical books when they get it right and this one was great.
Thia book is about a real woman, and the major events are historically accurate. This is Dede’s story. This book is much more than a biography. Even though the thoughts and feelings of the of these people are from the author's imagination. It is what makes this story that would be an otherwise boring account of her life into a real page turning story. I had a hard time just putting the book down for a few minutes and ended up reading late into the night to finish it. This is a compelling story about of WWII and those who worked behind German lines to help Allied pilots and others escape. I loved the images in the book even if not all worked on my tablet. They did not take away from the story.
Now before I ruin this for you I will leave off here. I hope you enjoy this book as much as I did. If you do like this book, please consider leaving a review. The Authors really like it when you do; they value your opinions too.
Thia book is about a real woman, and the major events are historically accurate. This is Dede’s story. This book is much more than a biography. Even though the thoughts and feelings of the of these people are from the author's imagination. It is what makes this story that would be an otherwise boring account of her life into a real page turning story. I had a hard time just putting the book down for a few minutes and ended up reading late into the night to finish it. This is a compelling story about of WWII and those who worked behind German lines to help Allied pilots and others escape. I loved the images in the book even if not all worked on my tablet. They did not take away from the story.
Now before I ruin this for you I will leave off here. I hope you enjoy this book as much as I did. If you do like this book, please consider leaving a review. The Authors really like it when you do; they value your opinions too.
April 23, 2018
If you enjoy a strong female lead, this is the book for you! I loved the main character Dedee. Her country surrenders to the Nazi's which breaks her heart, but Dedee decides to fight against the surrender in her own way- by rescuing and aiding captured British soldiers/pilots to return to their home. Dedee plans escape routes through the mountains with the aid of her father and supporters who also want to fight the Nazi's and the horrors their rule has brought to their beloved country. Dedee is only in her early 20's, a fact that did not escape me as I think about 20-year-olds today. She was incredibly brave, smart, and resilient during a time that brought out the worst in many. The story is simply amazing and the writing was good as well. It flows smoothly and I was impressed. This is a really goo, fast-paced suspenseful read about one woman (and her following) trying to save people's lives in the aftermath of a surrender they did not agree to.
November 28, 2019
Here my stars are rounded up for the story itself, otherwise the book as a unit would be 3 stars max for me because of structural problems. This is the story of Andree "Dedee" de Jongh, the real-life inspiration behind the book The Nightingale, which is a HEAVILY fictionalized account of the Comet Line and the WWII life of Dedee. It's a lovingly researched and written book, and if you can handle the writing and editing, very much worth the read (and you can handle it - it's just lacking polish).
Momentary grammar nerd sidebar: the one mistake I could not get over was the author referring to Dedee's eventual investiture as her "divestiture". Which literally means the opposite. Come come, people! Ok fine, the other two I never forgot were "une superbe actrice", which in proper French would actually have the noun and adjective reversed from the usual English order to be "une actrice superbe" (a superb actress) yes it's picky but c'mon it's not hard, and all the Americanized slang.
Truly though, the fact that a 24 year old conceived of, organized, and proceeded to personally guide men through the Comet Line, including crossing the Pyrenees on foot in winter with at least two river fords, is astonishing. She didn't use a code name, which was a rare mistake in a remarkable achievement, but that was because she started this all on her own, rather than being guided by Resistance members or government secret agents - those she connected and negotiated with later. I had to request this book on interlibrary loan (understandably, though regrettably for the subject matter, it is not in wide circulation) and it was absolutely worth it.
Momentary grammar nerd sidebar: the one mistake I could not get over was the author referring to Dedee's eventual investiture as her "divestiture". Which literally means the opposite. Come come, people! Ok fine, the other two I never forgot were "une superbe actrice", which in proper French would actually have the noun and adjective reversed from the usual English order to be "une actrice superbe" (a superb actress) yes it's picky but c'mon it's not hard, and all the Americanized slang.
Truly though, the fact that a 24 year old conceived of, organized, and proceeded to personally guide men through the Comet Line, including crossing the Pyrenees on foot in winter with at least two river fords, is astonishing. She didn't use a code name, which was a rare mistake in a remarkable achievement, but that was because she started this all on her own, rather than being guided by Resistance members or government secret agents - those she connected and negotiated with later. I had to request this book on interlibrary loan (understandably, though regrettably for the subject matter, it is not in wide circulation) and it was absolutely worth it.
June 12, 2018
An amazing and insightful read into real World War II heroes
The Postwoman by Michael Kenneth Smith is based off the story of a real life heroine Andrée De Jongh aka Deedee. Deedee is a young nurse in Belgium when World War II breaks out and the Nazis took over her beautiful country in one swoop. Dedee pairs up with others in her country to create a sort of underground to smuggle downed allied pilots into England where they are treated and able to rejoin the fight once they are healed. It is not without grave risk, many of Deedees comrades are caught by the Nazis but they keep true to their mission as save as many as they could.
In a time when the men were heralded as the heroes it’s great to read a story of such a strong heroine and how her efforts truly made a different in the war. I think this book would appeal to anyone who loves reading about World War II as well as anyone who appreciates a strong female character who takes charge, isn’t afraid to put her life on the line and take care of business.
The Postwoman by Michael Kenneth Smith is based off the story of a real life heroine Andrée De Jongh aka Deedee. Deedee is a young nurse in Belgium when World War II breaks out and the Nazis took over her beautiful country in one swoop. Dedee pairs up with others in her country to create a sort of underground to smuggle downed allied pilots into England where they are treated and able to rejoin the fight once they are healed. It is not without grave risk, many of Deedees comrades are caught by the Nazis but they keep true to their mission as save as many as they could.
In a time when the men were heralded as the heroes it’s great to read a story of such a strong heroine and how her efforts truly made a different in the war. I think this book would appeal to anyone who loves reading about World War II as well as anyone who appreciates a strong female character who takes charge, isn’t afraid to put her life on the line and take care of business.
September 10, 2019
The postwoman is author Michael Kenneth Smith’s third historical novel. It is outstanding as it shines a well-deserved light on the true story of an amazingly brave young woman, Andrée (Dedee) de Jongh, a formidable member of the Resistance in WWII.
At the beginning of WWII many English airmen were shot down and sent to Belgian hospitals. Dedee, although trained as a commercial artist, volunteered to work as a nursing assistant one such hospital. Her ingenuity and soft spot for airmen meant that she saved many from being sent to the German work camps, when the SS Officers toured the beds looking for new workers. However, she wanted to do more. She lived at home with her father Paul in the Schaerbeek District of Brussels. From childhood she had had a deep admiration for the famous French fighter pilot Jean Mermoz, who was a WWI hero in Syria. This, and her loathing of the Germans, led her to convince her father to help her set up an escape route for English airmen, across the Pyrenees, and into Spain, then ultimately home.
With help from like-minded friends, she did just that. Through ingenuity, hard work, clever tactics, and experience, she and the safe houses’ owners, trail guides, forgers, and others who made up the escape route, helped many English airmen to return home. She convinced the English Embassy to assist her, and they gave her the nickname of ‘The Postwoman.’ With the horrors of war ever present, foremost in their minds was the knowledge that if they were caught they would suffer torture or worse. However the small childish frame of Dedee meant that she got away with things others couldn’t, and it is this, her bravery and her determination which enabled this inspiring young woman to remain at liberty for so long helping others despite the danger to herself.
However, she was eventually captured, tortured, and sent to the Ravensbruck woman’s concentration camp. The horrors of the experiences endured in these camps are clearly portrayed by the author, and he graphically describes the lives of the prisoners under incarceration.
When times are hard everyone needs something to cling on to. Dedee needed to see a future after the war. One encounter, and the fantasy of feelings it awoke in her at the time, kept her resilient and gave her the strength to go on when she feared she might fail. Even the strongest of us need to believe in something. But, if she does survive the war, will her fantasy turned into reality? That’s for the reader to discover.
In Summary: This is a truly amazing account of the wartime experiences of this inspiring young woman. It is a story everyone should read, take to their hearts and feel grateful for the opportunity to be living in the world we do today, free because of people like Dedee. Highly Recommended!
At the beginning of WWII many English airmen were shot down and sent to Belgian hospitals. Dedee, although trained as a commercial artist, volunteered to work as a nursing assistant one such hospital. Her ingenuity and soft spot for airmen meant that she saved many from being sent to the German work camps, when the SS Officers toured the beds looking for new workers. However, she wanted to do more. She lived at home with her father Paul in the Schaerbeek District of Brussels. From childhood she had had a deep admiration for the famous French fighter pilot Jean Mermoz, who was a WWI hero in Syria. This, and her loathing of the Germans, led her to convince her father to help her set up an escape route for English airmen, across the Pyrenees, and into Spain, then ultimately home.
With help from like-minded friends, she did just that. Through ingenuity, hard work, clever tactics, and experience, she and the safe houses’ owners, trail guides, forgers, and others who made up the escape route, helped many English airmen to return home. She convinced the English Embassy to assist her, and they gave her the nickname of ‘The Postwoman.’ With the horrors of war ever present, foremost in their minds was the knowledge that if they were caught they would suffer torture or worse. However the small childish frame of Dedee meant that she got away with things others couldn’t, and it is this, her bravery and her determination which enabled this inspiring young woman to remain at liberty for so long helping others despite the danger to herself.
However, she was eventually captured, tortured, and sent to the Ravensbruck woman’s concentration camp. The horrors of the experiences endured in these camps are clearly portrayed by the author, and he graphically describes the lives of the prisoners under incarceration.
When times are hard everyone needs something to cling on to. Dedee needed to see a future after the war. One encounter, and the fantasy of feelings it awoke in her at the time, kept her resilient and gave her the strength to go on when she feared she might fail. Even the strongest of us need to believe in something. But, if she does survive the war, will her fantasy turned into reality? That’s for the reader to discover.
In Summary: This is a truly amazing account of the wartime experiences of this inspiring young woman. It is a story everyone should read, take to their hearts and feel grateful for the opportunity to be living in the world we do today, free because of people like Dedee. Highly Recommended!
March 5, 2025
Andree De Jongh's actions in rescuing downed airmen and other allies from the clutches of the Gestapo should be as well known as those of major military leaders. I first heard of her operation in a fiction novel by Kristen Hannah (The Nightingale), and was happy to find this more thorough account of her life.
Some disappointments in this book are with errors that indicated an independent publication that needs more editing. Minor irritations.
But other inconsistencies arose as I looked for more online information. In the book, her father is Paul, but I found it to be Frederic. Some accounts mention a sister. And a husband. Not so. These are not critical issues unless one really wants to know. And I do.
Overall, most important is her "Comet" rescue operation for which there is no doubt and for which grateful nations presented her with rewards and high honors. The King of England personally presented her award.
Even more unfathomable than her WWII rescue work is how she spent the remainder of her life. You'd think that having barely survived the concentration camp that she would live a quiet life back in Belgium, not in Africa nursing in leper colonies, until poor health in her 90s forced her retirement to her home country.
She amazed everyone who learned of her work at the time, even the Gestapo was astounded.
Some disappointments in this book are with errors that indicated an independent publication that needs more editing. Minor irritations.
But other inconsistencies arose as I looked for more online information. In the book, her father is Paul, but I found it to be Frederic. Some accounts mention a sister. And a husband. Not so. These are not critical issues unless one really wants to know. And I do.
Overall, most important is her "Comet" rescue operation for which there is no doubt and for which grateful nations presented her with rewards and high honors. The King of England personally presented her award.
Even more unfathomable than her WWII rescue work is how she spent the remainder of her life. You'd think that having barely survived the concentration camp that she would live a quiet life back in Belgium, not in Africa nursing in leper colonies, until poor health in her 90s forced her retirement to her home country.
She amazed everyone who learned of her work at the time, even the Gestapo was astounded.
Read
February 24, 2024After I read The Nightingale, historical fiction based on the wartime heroism of a Belgian woman named Andrée De Jongh, I wanted to read this book “based on the true story of Andrée De Jongh” herself. Unfortunately, The Postwoman is nowhere near as good as its fictional counterpart. Not just because fiction has liberty to create the story the author wants - The Postwoman simply isn’t as well written.
The reason is the writing style. The writing style is like this. Sentences are short and clumsy. Or else, they use commas, where commas, don’t belong. Everything is told but nothing is shown. There are many characters, almost all of them are one dimensional. It sounds as if it was clumsily translated. But I don’t think that was the case. The reason is there is no mention of a translator. And I think the author’s native language, is English. (OK, enough of that, it’s exhausting just to try to write this way.)
There are also constant careless errors: foreign words misspelled, typos in the English, incorrect or questionable translations, and more.
It seems that little has been written about De Jongh, so if you want to know her story, this is the book. If you want to read a much better written book loosely based on the story, I recommend The Nightingale.
The reason is the writing style. The writing style is like this. Sentences are short and clumsy. Or else, they use commas, where commas, don’t belong. Everything is told but nothing is shown. There are many characters, almost all of them are one dimensional. It sounds as if it was clumsily translated. But I don’t think that was the case. The reason is there is no mention of a translator. And I think the author’s native language, is English. (OK, enough of that, it’s exhausting just to try to write this way.)
There are also constant careless errors: foreign words misspelled, typos in the English, incorrect or questionable translations, and more.
It seems that little has been written about De Jongh, so if you want to know her story, this is the book. If you want to read a much better written book loosely based on the story, I recommend The Nightingale.
June 24, 2025
The Postwomen is a unique and heartfelt exploration of strength, community, and resilience through the eyes of women working in the traditionally male-dominated world of postal delivery. Kenneth Michael Smith crafts a story that celebrates everyday heroes—the women who lace up their boots, brave the elements, and deliver more than just mail.
Set in a small-town backdrop, the novel weaves together multiple perspectives, highlighting not only the camaraderie between the postwomen but also the personal challenges they face behind the scenes. Themes of perseverance, dignity in labor, and the quiet power of female friendship shine throughout.
Smith’s writing is straightforward yet touching, bringing to life characters that feel real and relatable. While the plot may be slow in parts, the emotional depth and strong character development make it worth the read. Readers who enjoy slice-of-life narratives, especially those centered around women's experiences, will find The Postwomen a quiet but powerful tribute.
Set in a small-town backdrop, the novel weaves together multiple perspectives, highlighting not only the camaraderie between the postwomen but also the personal challenges they face behind the scenes. Themes of perseverance, dignity in labor, and the quiet power of female friendship shine throughout.
Smith’s writing is straightforward yet touching, bringing to life characters that feel real and relatable. While the plot may be slow in parts, the emotional depth and strong character development make it worth the read. Readers who enjoy slice-of-life narratives, especially those centered around women's experiences, will find The Postwomen a quiet but powerful tribute.
June 12, 2021
This is a fictionalized “true” story about heroine Andree du Jongh, a Belgian Resistance fighter during WWII. The author explained that he wanted to honor “Dedee” for her bravery but most records were destroyed and he didn’t have as much information at hand to do a biography. He filled in details where necessary and I believe he did an awesome job without getting into any details or spoilers. Do you enjoy stories about heroes? This is a great book to read!
November 24, 2018
I learned
The book read like an article but that was okay. I was born on September of 44. I learned of these events that overlapped my early years so far removed in rural southern Illinois. I can't explain why it matters to me to know I was breathing when all of this took place. I just know it does and I'm honored to learn about it.
The book read like an article but that was okay. I was born on September of 44. I learned of these events that overlapped my early years so far removed in rural southern Illinois. I can't explain why it matters to me to know I was breathing when all of this took place. I just know it does and I'm honored to learn about it.
February 2, 2019
Great Read
I love reading about history, especially during the WWII era. This book is so well written and gives us insight into what people went through who helped pilots shot down while fighting the enemy. If it weren't for the heroism of people like Adrienne de Jongh and her group, the war may have had a different outcome. She made a huge difference in the lives of many.
I love reading about history, especially during the WWII era. This book is so well written and gives us insight into what people went through who helped pilots shot down while fighting the enemy. If it weren't for the heroism of people like Adrienne de Jongh and her group, the war may have had a different outcome. She made a huge difference in the lives of many.
July 19, 2021
This is the story of Andree de Jongh, a young Belgian woman who worked to help Allied airmen escape from behind enemy lines. Her life was certainly eventful! I enjoyed learning about her and all of her friends and family. I just wish the author had included how she lived the rest of her life after the WWII was over.
I received this book as a Goodreads giveaway. Yay!
I received this book as a Goodreads giveaway. Yay!
May 16, 2023
I love historical fiction that respects the facts yet has the courage to interpret the characters and behaviours of its subjects. I've never heard of Andree de Jongh or her sacrifice in bringing injured British and US pilots back to Britain, but I am glad that I have because her story is inspirational. MK Smith has done a great job in bringing her character to life.
May 13, 2024
This book is remarkably short on specifics because so much of it covers events never documented. That said, high praise for the author because he refused to let the story of an incredibly brave, diminutive Belgian woman, at great personal risk, to help Allied soldiers escape the clutches of Gestapo agents in Europe. Andreé De Jongh epitomized what its means to give oneself to a righteous cause.
June 18, 2018
I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
An interesting book, detailing the Resistance movement in WWII Europe. Fascinating look into the life of Andree de Jongh, a Belgian nurse. Historically accurate portrayal of this most brave woman from history.
An interesting book, detailing the Resistance movement in WWII Europe. Fascinating look into the life of Andree de Jongh, a Belgian nurse. Historically accurate portrayal of this most brave woman from history.
August 24, 2018
What a brave woman,so glad she survived the war and was able to continue her life of service. We don’t have many people of her caliber around today but her life is truly inspiring. Recommend to young people especially.
February 11, 2020
DeDee
I am amazed at the individual efforts and accomplishments of young women to aid the downed airmen during WW2. This book is another very honest and successful attempt of bringing their life’s to us. Andree was indeed a special and courageous person.
I am amazed at the individual efforts and accomplishments of young women to aid the downed airmen during WW2. This book is another very honest and successful attempt of bringing their life’s to us. Andree was indeed a special and courageous person.
February 1, 2021
Really enjoyed this book. Having read so much around the topic of Allied Escape routes through France, I was eager to read this biography and was not disappointed. It was an easy and engaging read and left me wanting to know more!
August 18, 2021
The Postwoman
I had not heard about Desde until I read the story. She was such a courageous, guttsy young woman during WWII as a Resistance Fighter. I will definitely recommend this one to my friends and family. Everyone should read this story!
I had not heard about Desde until I read the story. She was such a courageous, guttsy young woman during WWII as a Resistance Fighter. I will definitely recommend this one to my friends and family. Everyone should read this story!
November 13, 2022
The Postwoman
I will recommend this book at our next book club meeting. Having watched films and read many books about those heroes during WWII, this story line was different. Details were there so the reader can be totally engaged. Thank you
I will recommend this book at our next book club meeting. Having watched films and read many books about those heroes during WWII, this story line was different. Details were there so the reader can be totally engaged. Thank you
February 10, 2024
What an amazing read! Absolutely hooked from start to finish. A young woman leading a resistance movement and getting the Nazi’s a tad irate in her achievements. The bravery of these women should never be forgotten. This would also make a good movie or a documentary.
September 26, 2019
Wow! Amazing what ppl did to survive WW2! What an unbelievable story.
August 9, 2021
Such a wonderful story
Read
July 16, 2022Amaturely written, cannot recommend
May 11, 2018
This book is fiction that is based on actual events. Dedee was a real person and this book summarized her work as part of the resistance during World War II. The author was able to add fictionalized characters to the book without ruining the historical accuracy of the events. Very well-written and enjoyable!
Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews