When I was head judge for Writers’ Forum’s short story competition, I read many delightful stories by Mark deMeza. I was thrilled to hear that he has a book coming out on January 27th. It sounds like it’ll make a compelling read. Here’s the blurb:

The Thirteenth Child

Inspired by a true story, this compelling WWII novel tells of the Kisch family’s struggle against Nazi oppression. When the Nazis invade the Netherlands in 1940, the Jews of Amsterdam know nothing of the Final Solution and the Holocaust. As the measures imposed by the cruel SS become ever more repressive, sister and brother, Rachael and Henrik join the Dutch Resistance. Meanwhile, their parents, Franck and Elizabeth strive to keep their younger brother, Hannes safe…but time is against them all, as every day more and more Jews are being deported to unknown camps in Eastern Europe. Will the family be able to stay together and survive? Readers moved by Schindler’s List, The Tattooist of Auschwitz and the Boy in the Striped Pyjamas will be gripped.

And some information about Mark:

The Thirteenth Child is Mark deMeza’s first full novel. He has written a sizeable number of short stories which have been published and/or shortlisted by Writing Magazine, Henshaw Press, Scribble, Cranked Anvil, Writers’ Forum, Yeovil Literary Prize, the Mechanics’ Institute and Shorts Magazine.

Mark’s family emigrated from Amsterdam to the United Kingdom at the end of the 19^th century, and it was the discovery of 11 members of the extended deMeza clan who were murdered in Sobibor and Auschwitz which provided the stimulus for the research which, in turn, led to the novel itself. There is a sequel in progress due for release later in 2024.

Comment from Mark deMeza: “Writing this novel was a deeply personal and emotional journey. The discovery of my ancestors’ names and the impact of their tragic stories fuelled my commitment to tell a tale of survival, resistance, and the enduring impact of the Holocaust. Keeping concentration is enormously difficult with ADHD, so retaining structure and consistency throughout the novel was a real challenge,” deMeza admitted. “But  if I ever felt overwhelmed I would stop writing and take a break.”

I wish Mark all the best with his book.