Nervous Mary: Drawing Strength from Weakness (ePub)

"Amidst the horrors of the Spanish Civil War, one girl struggles to keep her family alive."

Trapped in enemy territory during the Spanish Civil War, an impetuous, painfully nervous girl from a Catholic military family is called upon to put aside her worst fears and take charge of her young brothers, mentally ill mother and tortured prisoner-of-war father. In the process she unwittingly demonstrates the true meaning of bravery and loyalty.

"Based on the childhood & adolescent years of the author's mother-in-law in Madrid, Nervous Mary presents the Spanish Civil War, and the years leading up to it, through the eyes of a girl on the Nationalist side of the conflict. But it champions neither the Nationalists nor the Republicans. Rather, it portrays characters from both sides as the imperfect people we all are, no matter our political or religious views."

Free supplemental/educational website, nervousmary.com offers photos, documents, reviews, videos, Teacher & Students pages, and more!

Nervous Mary is also available in Spanish: Mari Nervios: Sacando fuerzas de flaqueza

Spanish free supplemental/educational website: marinervios.nervousmary.com

"A historically intriguing coming-of-age drama, starring a protagonist who discovers a surprising resilience." ~ Kirkus Reviews

"A heartbreaking look at a family facing the brunt of a civil war, Nervous Mary is a well-researched and thoughtful study of the devastating impact of war on innocents. Author Laura Atwood Duran draws inspiration from her mother-in-law's experiences in the Spanish Civil War and weaves a captivating tale showcasing the resilient spirit of human beings amidst loss and tragedy. The narrative is unflinchingly raw and doesn't portray either side as heroic or evil. Instead, Duran focuses on the human side of things as war causes havoc, regardless of one's political leanings or religious preferences. The characters are well-fleshed-out and feel genuinely authentic. You can't help but care for Maria and her family's fate. Anyone who prefers historical fiction and coming-of-age tales will find Nervous Mary a rewarding reading experience." ~ Readers' Favorite 5-Star Review

"A fascinating book, Nervous Mary serves as a warning about the dangers of social and political polarization that much of the world is experiencing today. As the son of Republican refugees, this book offered me a new view of the war and helped me understand those I have seen as rivals. It reminded me that when we are not open to understanding the concerns and needs of our ideological adversaries, it is easy to dehumanize them, and this can have terrible consequences. I hope Mari Nervios helps people of all ages to explore different points of view and find common ground with people who do not share their vision of the world." ~ Dr. Juan Carlos Areán, Futures Without Violence, specialist in prevention of gender violence"