★★★★★
Anneke Jantine van Arkel
It was wonderful to read your book, and get a much better understanding of our family’s experience through the war. I’m not a teary person, but reading about Menno Jr always makes me tear up, likely because it’s family. Either way, thanks for going through the effort of putting their story in a way that I, and hopefully my kids too, can learn about our Giliam family.
★★★★★
Annique
This is a great book! I admire how you put it into words that can describe these terrible but also wonderful events. The Lord works wonderfully! Thank you for sharing your families story!
In reply to Annique:
Thank you, Annique! We were very encouraged to receive your response to the book. Thank you for taking the time to write. God bless, Marney Blom
★★★★★
Bev Brocklebank
I just finished the book. It is one of the best books I have ever read. I feel honoured to have this book in my home and I thank you from the bottom of my heart.
★★★★★
Bert Stakenborg
” … God bless you for sharing this incredible story. The more I read, the greater I experienced its uplifting message.”
★★★★★
Jake Masselink
“I read your book. I couldn’t put it down. Very captivating … It has left an indelible imprint on my spirit …”
★★★★★
Cathy Rogers
My first reaction is WOW! … I was so drawn in that I could not put the book down. It truly puts the meaning of life into perspective lining up with my own philosophy “Life is about your relationship with God, the people you love, the people who love you and the memories you make together.” I found your book to be very thought provoking. As an Empath I struggle to understand how any human being can be so cruel to another. I felt angry about how your family and others were treated by the Japanese and yet your Grandfather was able to see past everything to befriend one of them. He saw them for the individuals that they were and he was blessed because of that. He was able to keep his mind focused on his faith and it really did carry him through. Your Grandmother proved to be very strong with all that she had to endure and it is evident that her faith carried her through it all as well … Thank you so much for sharing their story. It truly makes one realize how blessed we are and with that realization comes gratitude. It truly was thought provoking. I am blessed to have had the opportunity to read your book.
★★★★★
Nicole Arnold-Bik
Your book was a bright spot during a dreary winter in Michigan. My uncle heard of your book through his friend in the Netherlands, so I ordered two copies and immediately sent one to my other Dutch uncle and aunt living in France as missionaries. The three of us read the book at the same time, but they devoured it and finished before I did. We enjoyed discussing it via Whatsapp. 🙂 All that to say, the book was quite an international sensation with all of us discussing it and recommending it between states and continents!
★★★★☆
Nick Grooters
Thank you for sharing your family experiences during the war. I found your book in the Dutch Bakery and Variety Foods store in Ontario, California. I am Dutch born and named after my grandfather Nicolaas who suffered the same experiences with his wife and daughter … We know little but do have his camp diary with notes. My mother (with her mother) were interned just like your family in a civilian women’s camp. Your book gave me a glimpse of their experiences and I am grateful for sharing it, by publishing Shadow of the Sun. —Greetings from California! Nick Grooters
★★★★★
Karen Holmes
Dear Marney Your family’s story is incredible, and so well written. It as inspired my soul. Your Grand Father’s faith to believe that he would be reunited with his family, regardless of the reality that he was living, this was astonishing. Another point that inspired me was how God protected Menno, while his faith was being developed in a hidden/secret place. If he would have been caught it could have meant death. Also God gave him the Hope and Faith to believe God’s promises. Wow Bless you Marney
★★★★★
Michelle Fiore
Marney … I recently read your book, it was fabulous! I really enjoyed it, and will suggest that my kids and [husband] read it as well.
★★★★★
Yvonne de Vries
The book was fabulous! You did an amazing job of making your grandparents come alive in the story. I was moved to tears at times just living through their experiences as well as seeing the goodness and faithfulness of God through all they experienced. Their trust and confidence in Him was clearly evident and certainly a vibrant love relationship with both Jesus and each other.
I loved hearing your grandfather’s heart in recognizing his need for the Lord and His sustaining strength that he was able to draw on day after day .
Thank you for sharing this story and for pouring your life into creating this masterpiece! It blessed my heart in a profound way.
★★★★★
Faith Nobel Bosserman
Your book was such an insight into what happened during WW2 in Indonesia … It is one of the best missionary stories ever! … As former missionaries to Nigeria it was not hard to relate to life there in Indonesia. Your family really paid a price for following the Lord’s call to service! Our former missionary friends will all enjoy reading it.
★★★★★
Cindy Vos
Marney Blom, I have just finished your incredible book! Such faith in the midst of unspeakable trials. I picked up the book in Palmerston [Ontario] at the Dutch store there. Read it in 2 days. Riveting, suspenseful, faith filled, heartbreaking. A story that must be told and must be read! I am telling everyone about this incredible book. I pray they make a movie out of this very soon! Thank you for giving of your time and talents to bring this story to us! Wishing you all the success in the future.
★★★★★
Joanne Rienstra Talerico
I just finished Shadow of the Sun. Wonderful book. I bought it at The Dutch Store in Holland, Michigan. I bought it for my Dad but he declined to read it saying he has such horrible memories of the concentration camps that he didn’t want to relive it. He is 91 this year and survived it as a young boy. I was absolutely engrossed by the story and am so glad Marney brought her Oma and Opa’s story to life. We should all read it and thank the Lord for how good we have it!
★★★★★
Christy Eisner
I just read the last page of your book… I could not put it down! It was beautifully written and I am deeply moved by your grandparents’ story. Wow! What a testimony of God’s faithfulness in the midst of unimaginable hardship! I feel like I know Menno and Flo and their children personally, and that is a sign of a very good author! They would be so proud of what you have done… preserving their story that gives all the glory to God. I absolutely loved it and can’t wait to see the movie!!!
★★★★★
Dorianne Jennings
The book was very hard to put down (I’ll just read one more chapter … ). The strength, bravery, resilience and love that your grandparents exhibited is a true inspiration!!! It’s a prime example of the power of faith.
★★★★★
Marlene De Boer
“I do not normally respond to authors after reading but just wanted you to know how thankful I am to have read your book … I enjoyed learning more about the history of these times. Your book was very inspiring and well written.”
★★★★★
Debbie Reeve
“We were gifted your book … and I just wanted to say that I couldn’t put it down after I started reading it and read it in one sitting (a rare occurrence) … It was such an inspiring story to read and I believe you have given due honour to your grandparents, and mother for that matter. I do hope and pray that you are able to do justice to the story by making a movie of the book. It deserves it.”Debbie Reeve
★★★★★
Melinda Morris
“I LOVED the book and couldn’t put it down!! It was soooooo good — an INCREDIBLE story!”
★★★★★
Jannie Tolhoek
“The story is so vivid and grabbed me. I could not stop reading and finished it in two days. That says enough!”
★★★★★
Steve Bryan
“Must read page turner gives readers a front row seat to the experience of a Dutch family as Japanese POW’s during WWII. This riveting story quickly moves back and forth across two fronts as the father is working on the Burma Road and doing hard labor in Japan while Mom is trying to survive with 7 kids in a concentration camp in Indonesia. Based on a true story, pictures and letters provide authenticity.”
★★★★★
Karen Heinen
“I was deeply touched by the story of Marney Blom’s grandparents and of her mom and her siblings. They lived through some extraordinary years of suffering and difficulty. Their faith, their prayers, and their strength of character inspire fresh faith and hope in a God who never fails us if we trust in Him.
I was impressed with the way she described various scenes, with the dialogues she created, and with the historical background provided at each stage. I’ve been to Indonesia, Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore, and Japan so my own memories and imagination were kindled by her descriptions. The book came alive for me.”
★★★★★
Nancy Moore
“What an amazing story of God’s faithfulness!”
★★★★★
Eric Moore
“I have just finished the book. It is an astonishing account of faithful God looking after his people under the most appalling conditions. I think it ranks among the classics as a testimony to the faithfulness of a couple under the terrible situation they found themselves in.”
★★★★★
Shoshanna Perry
“This was one of the best books I have read in years! I couldn’t put it down and had to cry several times. Although the story is about horrible events that happened in the “camps” during WWII I was so encouraged at the amount of faith the family had in Christ! Oh that we all had that strength especially in these challenging days! It was written so well that it literally pulled you in and you shared their feelings and pain. It is inspiring for all ages and I’m looking forward to the movie!!!”
★★★★★
Mary Audrey Raycroft
“I just finished reading your wonderful book. Quite literally, I couldn’t put it down. What a tremendous, life-giving story about the power of love!”
★★★★★
Marj Halquist
“I read your book this week. It is totally awesome. I felt like I was right there, living through all the hardships, with them. I’ll be letting friends know about it. This is a “must read” for everyone.”
★★★★★
Jan van Velzen
“Such an amazing and moving story written so beautifully.”
★★★★★
Mike Dietvorst
“Wow! What a book! Marney, I just finished your “Shadow of the Sun”! What a story of faith and fortitude … I was especially touched by your grandparents … what gripping lives of faith!”
★★★★★
Charles Kolb
“I just finished reading your story about your Oma and Opa Giliam. Truly fascinating … I pray your story gets to the screen. I will be one of the first to see it and relish it.”
★★★★★
Annie Massey
“What an amazing book, I couldn’t put it down after I started reading it! It was so sad how your grandparents were treated and their resilience in trusting God through all the pain. You definitely have to make this in a film. This is a bestseller for sure.”
★★★★★
Dr. Rick Via, President, Founder of World Reach Partnerships
“I just finished reading your book. I was so challenged and blessed by your family’s story … I have read dozens of missionary biographies over the years. Yours is absolutely one of the best! I look forward to seeing the movie when it comes out.”
★★★★★
Agnes Lobbezoo
“There is a lot I can say after reading this book. It is well written and a refreshing change from other war stories from within Europe I have read. When your sibling found letters and papers … as per Marney’s post script, I could sense your grandparents knowing that this information would one day be found and put to good use, when the time was right. I will not forget this story because the story telling brought everything to light very clearly, visually and emotionally. Let us not forget!”
★★★★★
John Massey
“This is a book so gripping in its entirety, that once you start reading, it’s almost impossible to put it down. The Author has involved the reader in the story in such an amazing way, that I felt as if was living the story along with the characters of this unfolding drama of events. Without giving away the story, it’s enough to say, it’s a tale well told, involving love, faith and an undying trust in God, in the face of unimaginable suffering, during a time of a terrible war, where tragedy and great loss affected so many. I can hardly wait for the movie! But this book is a ‘must read’ for a real blessing. Well done Marney Blom!
★★★★★
Hope Gilmore
“I know now that the Lord led me to read your book, Shadow of the Sun. I am not an avid reader and rarely purchase a book to read. I found myself engrossed and unable to put it down … Thank you so much for yielding to the Lord and writing this story. I cannot wait for the movie!”
★★★★★
Jennie van der Toorn
“I read your book in two days after receiving it! You did an amazing job! … I cried several times but was amazed at your Opa’s and Oma’s faith during such difficult times! God is our refuge and strength in times of trouble! … I am looking forward to the movie!”
★★★★★
Connie Gambriel
“I have read many books, but Marney Blom’s book, “Shadow in the Sun” is the only one that I ever remember reading in one day! The story is so well written and the imagery so well expressed that I found myself making my own mental movie throughout the book!
Even more compelling than the style is the contents. The horrifying experiences endured by the valiant people in these account are gripping, but all the more because we know that they are descriptions of Miss Blom’s own family members. The book is an account of great faith in very difficult times and I believe it is a source of encouragement for our day. Heartily recommended!”
★★★★★
Kathy Stephen
“Shadow of the Sun is definitely an epic story, a true account of the human suffering caused by war, brought to life by the author, illuminating the power of faith and love that empowers human resilience in appalling conditions. I look forward to seeing the film.”
★★★★★
Carol Fraser
“I just finished reading your extraordinary book and was moved to tears, sadness and joy so many times while reading it … Thank you so much for writing this book to share the courageous story of Florence and Menno.”
★★★★★
Wenda McMullen
“It was a very interesting true story. Because of my age I could relate to the story and enjoyed reading it. The hardships, tragedy and love the family shared is inspiring. It would make a good movie to watch showing death, pain, suffering, fear, faith and a true family’s love outcome.”
★★★★★
Harriet Sherman
“Shadow of the Sun was so beautifully written, Marney. You captured so much in such a clear manner. I almost felt like I was there — sometimes the tears were flowing quite freely and at other times I was just in awe of what God was doing. The hymns, songs and terms of endearment written in Dutch made it even more tender to me and brought me right back to my own childhood and my mom singing of those same songs.
The thing that really blew me away was your [grandfather’s] indomitable spirit. I stand amazed at how God kept this man from utter despair. He definitely fits in the category with the apostle Paul ,“We were crushed and overwhelmed beyond our ability to endure, and we thought we would never live through it. In fact, we expected to die. But as a result, we stopped relying on ourselves and learned to rely on God, who raises the dead.” And that is exactly what happened.
And your [grandmother]!!! What a woman of courage and so graceful in many situations. She truly touched my heart as did each one of the children mentioned. What an ordeal those kids lived through — almost unimaginable!
The pure faith of those prisoners who knew Jesus wasn’t fancy and the treatment was something no one could ever properly prepare for yet God sustained them — both the men and the women.”
★★★★★
Peggy Kennedy
“I am so glad that I ordered your book! … Although I am familiar with other WWII theatres, I am much more ignorant of the Pacific Theatre. And, I had never read about the Japanese invasion and occupation of the Dutch East Indies.
The book gave such a window into the events, hardships, and the price paid for freedom by your grandparents and their fellow-prisoners. At times I was nearly overwhelmed … I certainly have never been required to “pay the price” of following the call of God such as they did.”
★★★★★
Marisca Baldwin
“I could not put this book down. In vivid detail, it offers the true account of a family’s resilience in the face of terrible atrocities and the faith that sustained them during the Japanese occupation of the Dutch Indies during World War 2; a side of the war that is not as well known.
Their story is told through letters written over 75 years ago by Menno Giliam during his four year captivity as a POW – letters recently found by his grand-daughter, the author of this book. While Menno suffered greatly in his captivity, he wrote these forbidden love letters to his young wife, Flo to keep his hope alive not knowing if his family were dead or alive. Many miles away Flo bravely cared for their seven young children in desperate conditions and terrible loss, interred by the Japanese.
This is a beautiful love story and timely beacon of hope. It’s a powerful reminder to never lose faith in a God who loves us, even in the midst of terrible trials.”
★★★★★
Shibolit
“An incredible story, you can’t stop reading. And to think it’s a true story!”
★★★★★
Walter Mohr
“I finished the book in three days, it was difficult to lay down. I have read and reread parts of the books ever since. Words that come to me are: riveting, challenging, moving, agonizing and encouraging.”
★★★★★
Veronique Golloher
“Finished Shadow of the Sun last night. I could not put it down!!! Wow, Marney Blom’s grandparents are true heroes of the Faith! So inspiring.”
★★★★★
Lydia Winardi
“This book inspired me that whatever our path is [in life], God’s grace, care and miracles are there [with us] … His powerful hand lifts us up so we can overcome and win. I recommend people read this book and I’m praying that it will come [to] theatres … I would like to watch it.”
★★★★★
Laurine Schmelzle
“What a gripping, powerful story … [the] message to all of us is that we can trust our God in all circumstances of our lives.”
★★★★★
Nancy Altenburg
“Thank you for sharing your oma and opa’s story. It was so sad but so wonderful to see the strength not only physically but mentally they had. Their love for God, their family and survival speaks volumes with regards to what I know of the Dutch culture.”