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by Julie Bayl (Author)
Focus on Survival commences before World War II when Ben, a highly skilled photographer meets Em, a midwife, whilst she is caring for the birth of he and his first wife's second child. She soon realises his marriage is on the rocks. Ben falls in love with Em and after his divorce, asks her to marry him. Em agrees but not without her family's strong disapproval. Within eighteen months Em gives birth to a daughter, Gerda. Ben expresses his fear that there is going to be another war. He begins making preparations to provide for and protect his family Before Charles, their second child is born, World War II has broken forth. In May 1940, the Nazis overthrow The Netherlands and set up Nazi Occupation. Within a very short time, they begin persecuting and hounding all people of Jewish background. Ben is not Jewish but he is incensed at man's inhumanity to man. He is gratefully accepted into the Underground movement who are dedicated to helping the poor Jews escape and actively resist the Nazi government over them. He forges passports and new identities for them. When Ben is apprehended under suspicion and held in the Nazi headquarterss, beaten and finally allowed to go home, Ben realises he must find a fool proof way of avoiding capture. He comes up with an incredible plan, and with Em's help puts it into action. Meanwhile food is scarce and electricity is cut off. People are both hungry and cold. During this time Ben and Em realise their son has Haemophilia. They almost lose him. Then Em finds she is pregnant again - another mouth to feed. Finally in desperation the Nazis call up all able bodied men to go to Germany and work in the factories supporting the Nazi war effort. Ben refuses to go and now his life is in even deeper danger. Em by now has another son, Louis, who also has Haemophilia. Now to protect Ben and her children, she pregnant again risks her life to get help from a distant relative over 100 kilometres away in Zwolle. Finally three weeks before Em gives birth to her fourth child, Marjolein, the war ends. She and Ben are thankful, that they stayed focused and survived the world's worse co flirt as a family, still in tact. The story ends with victory celebrations by the triumphant Dutch nation and the rest of Europe.
