***Winner of the 2015 Midwest Book Award for Historical Fiction and Eric Hoffer Finalist in Historical Fiction in 2016.*** <P>An inspiring story everyone should know...and will never forget! Based on historical fact, this captivating novel tells the story of the legendary Edith Cavell, a British nurse whose duties as a healer clashed with the demands of a ruthless occupying regime during World War I. At the request of a brilliant, hot-headed surgeon, Edith went from London to Brussels to create Belgium's first school of nursing. At the height of her success, the German army marched into neutral Belgium and took over her hospital and school. Knowing the dangers of working against the repressive and brutal control of the German occupiers, Edith joined the Resistance movement. Her life was then plunged into the dangerous and clandestine world of the Belgian Underground, where she became a key link in the rescuing of Allied soldiers separated from their units. For nine months, this quiet, religious nurse went about saving over a thousand soldiers under the very noses of the German command. "Patriotism is not enough." - Edith Cavell This book is the British edition of "Fatal Decision: Edith Cavell WWI Nurse" by Terri Arthur.
Inspired by the images on a set of vintage postcards, Terri Arthur set about learning more about the life and death of a British nurse, Edith Cavell. A nurse herself, Arthur was surprised to learn that none of her nursing colleagues were familiar with Cavell s amazing story or knew how it had influenced World War I. Arthur also discovered that none of the books about Cavell had been written by a nurse and felt strongly that as a nurse, she could throw fresh light on the life and career of this extraordinary woman. After many years of research, which included two visits to Belgium and four visits to the United Kingdom, she wrote this historical novel based on Cavell's heroic career. Arthur was invited by the nurses of Norwich, England to join them in the memorial ceremony honoring Edith Cavell at the Norwich, Cathedral in October 2013. Representing the American Red Cross, Arthur is the first American to have been so honored. She is referred to as the American Cavellite by the Norwich nurses. Born in New York, Arthur is a long-time resident of Massachusetts and has served as a nurse in hospitals on Martha's Vineyard, Cape Cod, and Plymouth. She is also a volunteer for the American Red Cross. In addition to her nursing, she holds a BS in Education and Biology, and an MSM in Health Business Management. Also an entrepreneur, Arthur created and manages Medical Education Systems, Inc. a business that provides continuing education to nurses, doctors, and medical personnel.
