[ About the Book ]
In the cold winter of 1944, Sr Kate McCarthy – Irish nun and French Resistance leader – arrives at the gates of Ravensbrück Concentration Camp for women. She has endured four years of horrendous suffering in various prisons, still having the courage to resist the Nazi regime, a journey that began at the outbreak of World War II when she joined the resistance movement.
Her actions have saved hundreds of lives and brought her to the edge of existence. Together with her friends Sylvette and Angèle, they have survived against the odds. But nothing can prepare her for what awaits beyond the Ravensbrück gates. And soon, Kate will face her biggest test yet…
The Nun of Ravensbrück is the gripping account of a remarkable woman whose deep faith and untold courage would shine a light in the darkest of places. It is a tale of horrendous tragedies and small mercies, of the bonds of women in a world of war, and of how one nun’s courage changed the course of history.
[ My Review ]
The Nun of Ravensbrück by Cathi Fleming published June 4th with Hachette Ireland and is described as ‘a powerful debut novel based on real events, bringing to life the untold story of an extraordinary woman who lit a beacon of hope in humanity’s darkest hour.’
Being from Cork I was very surprised to learn that Sr Marie-Laurence, French Resistance fighter, was born Kate McCarthy in Drimoleague in West Cork in 1895. When she was 18 years old she took the name Marie-Laurence and nursed at a convent hospital in Béthune, north of Paris, during the First World War. She then travelled to Louisiana in America, where she worked for a number of years, before returning to Béthune in 1940 as the Nazi machine took hold.
I held off on posting my review until after I visited Sr Marie-Laurence’s grave in St Finbarr’s cemetery in Cork city. In the Franciscan Sisters plot, her name is etched into the base of a large cross, having died in her sleep in 1971. Apparently the funeral cortège was extremely impressive with a huge turnout for this incredible woman.
Cathi Fleming is a retired primary school teacher and historian. After a number of years investigating the background of Irish women who were interred in the Ravensbrück Concentration Camp, she became fascinated with the story of one in particular, Kate McCarthy. In her debut biographical historical fiction novel, Cathi Fleming has paid a beautiful tribute to this most courageous of women.
Kate McCarthy arrived to France determined to assist in any way she could. As both a nurse and a nun her talents were welcomed. She had a great manner with her patients but she was soon shocked and appalled by the scenes she witnessed. When contacted by a local member of the Resistance, she was initially quite reticent but as the Nazi regime made itself known she felt she had no alternative but to step up and contribute as best she could. She was ultimately responsible for saving the lives of many but her path took a treacherous turn when the Nazis became aware of her involvement. Captured, beaten and submitted to fierce interrogation she eventually was imprisoned in the notorious Ravensbrück Concentration Camp, located north of Berlin.
Her experiences there were terrifying and Cathi Fleming paints a very shocking picture, not shying away from the barbaric treatment of all the inmates of that camp. What these women endured was horrendous, but Kate McCarthy always held onto to her belief that good would conquer all.
The Nun of Ravensbrück is the remarkable story of Sr Marie-Laurence (Kate McCarthy) and all the women, and men, who stood alongside her.
Kate McCarthy continued helping people after the war but she remained at home in Cork, assisting those locally in need. She shied away from any media attention, living an unassuming life. With this insightful debut novel, Cathi Fleming immerses the reader in the fear and stench of that appalling period of history. The women of the Ravensbrück Concentration Camp were exposed to the most inhumane acts of brutality and cruelty. Their suffering, their pain is exceptionally depicted in this extremely poignant story, highlighting their extraordinary resilience and bravery. Their ability to overcome adversity and push through the most nightmarish scenarios in such horrific circumstances is truly phenomenal. An outstanding debut, The Nun of Ravensbrück is a challenging read, but also one packed with many moments of raw courage and determination. I felt a shiver up my spine as I knelt by her grave in St Finbarr’s. I felt proud of this Cork woman who stood up to tyranny when the world, as she knew it, crumbled around her.
[Thank you to Hachette Ireland for a copy of The Nun of Ravensbrück in exchange for my honest review]
