The Myth of Jolly Frank - Paul Seelen

Subject: The subtitle reads "True stories about the war in Venlo". The book contains a collection of historical stories and eyewitness accounts about World War II in Venlo and the surrounding area. The title "The Myth of Vrolijke Frans" refers to one of the most remarkable stories in the collection, which critically examines historical facts surrounding a local war figure or event.

Content: As in his other books, Seelen combines in-depth archival research with an accessible, narrative writing style. Attention is paid to daily life under occupation, the heavy bombardments of Venlo (including the battle for the Maas bridges) and the impact of the war on the local population.