by Hannah Byron (Author)
In the depths of wartime, love emerges as an unyielding force. Prepare for an unforgettable journey through heartbreak and courage in this gripping WW2 tale. Drawing inspiration from captivating classics like The Lost Girls of Paris and The Nightingale, this book will ensnare you from the very first page.
Amsterdam, 1939
Dance is the poetry of her soul; dance is her sanctuary.
In the ruthless world of professional dance, Edda Van der Valk, a blue-blooded prima ballerina, sacrifices everything for her passion. But her dreams crumble under the weight of a relentless Russian rival. Seeking solace, she flees to a Swiss finishing school.
Amidst Germany's tightening grip on her homeland, Edda is confronted by her parents courting Hitler's Fascism. A glimmer of hope emerges when she meets Asher Hoffmann, a fellow dancer whose Jewish family sought safety in Holland. Together, they dance to forget their sorrows, only to be engulfed by betrayal and deportation.
Driven by determination, Edda joins the Dutch Resistance, defying insurmountable odds to protect Jewish families. But framed by treacherous members of the Dutch NSB, she faces arrest and is sent to Camp Westerbork-a haunting purgatory before the harrowing journey to the concentration camps. Amidst despair, she loses Ash's cherished butterfly brooch, the symbol of their love.
In this gripping historical fiction, Edda's resilience unravels as she battles against the darkness of World War II, portraying the unbreakable spirit of those who risked everything for love and freedom.
The Crystal Butterfly unveils the heart-breaking journey of a dreamlike, artistic spirit, who crashes down hard only to find her true wings when all hope is lost.