1941, Nazi-occupied Amsterdam. An unforgettable story of love, hope and betrayal, and a testament to the courage of humanity in history’s darkest days.
As Nazis occupy his beloved city, Professor Josef Held feels helpless. So when he discovers his former pupil Michael Blum is trying to escape the Gestapo, he offers Michael a place to hide in his attic.
In the quiet gloom of the secret room, Michael talks of his beautiful, fearless girlfriend, Elke. Michael insists that not even the Nazis will come between them. But Elke is a non-Jewish Dutch girl, and their relationship is strictly forbidden
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A View Across the Rooftops by Suzanne Kelman is a quietly powerful historical novel that places moral courage and human connection at the centre of life under Nazi occupation. What begins as an intimate portrayal of a Dutch household in Amsterdam gradually deepens into a tense and emotionally resonant story of compassion, risk, and quiet defiance.
The novel opens in a world where ordinary routines are overshadowed by fear and surveillance. When Professor Josef Held chooses to hide a Jewish student, Michael Blum, in his home, the decision is not framed as grand heroism, but as a deeply human act—one rooted in empathy and an unwillingness to stand by in the face of injustice. From this point, the story builds its tension with remarkable restraint.
The strength of the book lies in its characterisation. Each individual feels authentic, shaped by fear, doubt, and a growing awareness of the consequences of their choices. Relationships evolve naturally under pressure, and the emotional weight of the narrative is allowed to develop gradually, making every risk feel immediate and real.
Rather than relying on dramatic twists, the novel draws suspense from the constant threat of discovery. Small, everyday moments—a knock at the door, an unexpected visitor, a pause in conversation—carry a quiet but persistent tension. This understated approach makes the danger feel ever-present and deeply personal.
I particularly appreciated the focus on intimate, individual acts of resistance. The story remains closely centred on the household, showing how courage often takes the form of persistence: continuing to protect, to care, and to hope despite the risks.
Amsterdam itself is vividly but subtly drawn. The rooftops, narrow streets, and hidden spaces reflect the confinement and secrecy of the characters’ lives, reinforcing the novel’s atmosphere without overwhelming it.
A View Across the Rooftops is a thoughtful and emotionally engaging exploration of ordinary people placed in extraordinary circumstances. With its restrained tension and strong sense of humanity, it offers a compelling reminder of the quiet strength found in doing what is right, even when the cost is high.
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Suzanne Kelman
Suzanne Kelman an Amazon bestselling author in America, the United Kingdom, Canada, and Australia, and her books have sold over 400,000 copies worldwide accumulated 10 rights deals across eight territories. Her WW2 historical fiction books are published by Bookouture - an imprint for Hachette U.K.
She is also the author of the bestselling book, "The Rejected Writers' Book Club", published by Lake Union, which is the first book in the Southlea Bay series. Other books in the series include, "Rejected Writers Take the Stage" and "The Rejected Writers' Christmas Wedding".
Kelman is an award-winning writer/screenwriter whose accolades include the Best Comedy Feature Screenplay Award from the L.A. International Film Festival, the Gold Award from the California Film Awards, and the Van Gogh Award from the Amsterdam Film Festival.
In 2015 her script, Held, was recognized by the Academy of Motion Pictures and was shortlisted to the top ten in the Academy Of Motion Pictures Nichols Fellowship competition.
As well as a screenwriter and a published author, Suzanne is also a playwright, and her award-winning comedy play, "Over My Dead Body", had its World Premiere at Outcast Theatre in Washington, Fall 2019.
Born in the United Kingdom, Suzanne now resides in Washington State.
Please sign up for her newsletter to stay in touch - https://www.suzannekelmanauthor.com
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