“Sybil Hathaway … was a far braver and better person than the pseudohistorian who wrote this book”
Following up on a very positive review of Operation Basalt in the Wall Street Journal last month, ten days ago the WSJ decided to publish this letter:
I write in reference Martin Rubin’s review of “Operation Basalt” by Eric Lee (Books, Aug. 13). Sybil Hathaway, my great aunt, was a far braver and better person than the pseudohistorian who wrote this book. As her letters to family indicate, her dogs were what got her through the minefield to a shack where her radio was hidden. No one on Sark would ever call this lady, who struggled daily with her occupiers to reduce their stealing of islander food or secured them German medical service, a Quisling. She treated the Germans with the respect necessary to maintain her position and her influence for the benefit of all on Sark. Her working relationship with the enemy might leave room for fools’ comments, but the respect of every person on Sark, including the German commanders, was won by hard service and firm leadership for the sake of others.
Hathaway Brewster
Cushing, Maine