Defy The Night by Heather and Lydia Munn - REVIEWED

About the Book:

In the midst of war, one teenager is determined to make a difference

If no one will do anything, she'll have to do it herself.

In 1941 France is still "free." But fifteen-year-old Magali is frustrated by the cruel irony of pretending life is normal when food is rationed, new clothes are a rarity, and most of her friends are refugees. And now the government is actually helping the Nazis. Someone has got to do something, but it seems like no one has the guts—until Paquerette arrives.

Smuggling refugee children is Paquerette's job. And she asks Magali to help.

Working with Paquerette is scary and exhausting, but Magali never doubts that it is the right thing to do. Until her brash actions put those she loves in danger.

My Thoughts:

“When you walk unarmed into a lion’s den to take his prey, do not tell me that it is not dangerous, permission or no permission.”   (p. 47)

The CIMADE walked into the lion’s den over and over and over again.  They are responsible for saving the lives of countless children displaced, orphaned and imprisoned during WWII. This is Magali’s story.  She may be only fifteen years old, but she represents some of the most heroic young women in history.  Her thoughts, written as though she were saying them directly to your heart, represent the very heart of this true and important part of history; “I do what I can, that’s all.  I do what I can for them.  And there’s nothing I’d rather be doing. Nothing at all.”

This is a book that is painful in the victory it represents.  To realize such sacrifice was made over and over again for the children of total strangers….it takes my breath away!  To know that young women sacrificed so much and made such a difference in one of the darkest times of history makes me tremble with respect and joy.  I know that this same sacrificial spirit still operates in the world today, because it is God’s Spirit moving in the hearts of women and men of all ages.  It is my prayer that I will be as brave and courageous as Magali if the Lord ever gives me the opportunity to sacrifice for others.

Heather and Lydia Munn write a powerful story of some of the most unsung heroes in history.  I was moved to tears as I read.  I was transported to a place and time where life had taken on hellish hues under the shadow of Hitler’s regime. Yet there was victory. There was salvation of children.  There was a passion to do something against this evil that spread itself over Europe.  Magali represents this passion – this movement. 

I ask you to allow Defy the Night to inspire you.  To challenge you.  To awaken the hunger to stand up for those who are unable to stand for themselves.  Defy the Night.

About the Authors:

Heather Munn was born in Northern Ireland and grew up in southern France where her parents were missionaries like their parents before them. She has a BA in literature from Wheaton College and now lives in a Christian intentional community in rural Illinois, where she and her husband, Paul, host free spiritual retreats for the poor, especially those transitioning out of homelessness or addiction. When not writing or hosting, she works on the communal farm.  

Lydia Munn, daughter of missionary parents, grew up in Brazil. She received a BA in literature from Wheaton College, and an MA in Bible from Columbia Graduate School of Bible and Missions. With her husband, Jim, she has worked in church planting and Bible teaching since 1983, notably in St. Etienne, near the small town in the central mountains of France which forms the background of How Huge the Night. The Munns now live in Grenoble, France.