Beside the Annexe

The future of the Jordaan hangs in the balance. July 1942, Anne Frank and her family and friends go into hiding in a secret annexe. But what about those still living in Amsterdam; the pastor who was losing his faith, the caf owner with no customers, the doctor who couldn't treat his patients? Living and working alongside that annexe; how would they survive? While German soldiers stalked the streets confident in their victory, countless people suffered. All normality ripped away, human decency a thing of the past, the occupation put everyone to the test. Some became heroes, some cowards; most simply struggled in the daily fight to 'make it through.' None would emerge unscathed.Mary W. Craig, is a writer and historian. A former Carnegie scholar and a graduate of the University of Glasgow, Mary writes historical fiction and non-fiction about ordinary people and how they live their lives buffeted by the politics and economics of the elite. Some historians are known as hedgehogs, happily snuffling about rooting out the minutest of historical details. Others are known as eagles, soaring on high they see the great vistas of historical events. A few are known as magpies: if something shiny and interesting catches their eye they will try to capture it where possible. Mary is a magpie. She is also the author of 'A tangled Web' a biography of Mata Hari and 'The Borders Witch Hunt'.