Introducing JANTINA: A Gripping True Story of Resilience and Courage

Step into the compelling life of Jantina, a remarkable woman born in a humble Drenthe sod house in a family of sixteen children. Growing up in Enschede, her world is forever changed when her beloved older sister, Lena, tragically succumbs to tuberculosis at the tender age of twenty. Little does Jantina know, within her possession lies a mysterious brown booklet with her name scribbled upon it, containing Lena's enigmatic predictions for Jantina's future.

An Unexpected Journey

As the world is engulfed in the turmoil of World War II, Jantina finds herself making difficult choices when her husband joins the Waffen-SS. Separating from him, she bravely enlists in the Overduin resistance group, dedicating herself to the dangerous task of rescuing Jewish and Romani children, using her cunning to evade capture by occasionally utilizing her SS identification card. However, fate takes a cruel turn when she is eventually apprehended, enduring unspeakable torture and humiliation. The war leaves indelible scars on Jantina's soul, perpetuating a lifelong battle against depression and manic episodes.

A Hidden Truth Unveiled

Unveiling a remarkable untold tale, "JANTINA" exposes long-kept secrets that have never before seen the light of day. From the shocking revelation surrounding the execution of resistance fighters at the war's end, falsely attributed to a stranded German soldier, Jantina knows the true culprits responsible for this tragic event—a truth meticulously documented within the pages of this book. Entrusting all her memories to her eldest son, with whom she shared many poignant conversations during her final years, Jantina's story is passionately passed down to author Metje Blaak.

A Legacy of Struggle

Haunted by the stigma of being perceived as the wife of an SS officer, Jantina, alongside her children and grandchildren, navigates a life marked by resentment, vilification, and profound wounds. The scars left by the war continue to reverberate to this day, with one of her grandchildren even resorting to changing their name in an effort to reclaim their identity.

Discover the extraordinary strength of the human spirit as you immerse yourself in the unforgettable journey of JANTINA—a tale of triumph, heartbreak, and the enduring power of resilience.