Fenn's escape from Holland was quite dramatic? Did you see similarities to more modern events?

I wondered if this section of the novel was intended to show parallels to more contemporary events. I found this one of the more dramatic sections of the book.

What similarities are you thinking of, smallino? I'm not coming up with any myself, but then again I'm not fully caffeinated yet! But I'd love to hear your take on this.

I was thinking of those immigrants from Africa, Syria, elsewhere in the middle east. The boat stories and the danger. So many lost at sea. I thought that passage quite chilling and scary, and thought of those poor people trying to escape from their own wars.

Fenn's escape was daring and so tense. I have to wonder (and actually do believe) there are escapes similar in harrowing acts and danger going on every day while we just live our comfortable lives. I think of all the countries and occupied territories where citizens are living in danger every day. I think of the Ukraine, Afghanistan, war torn African countries and villages. Not to mention the human trafficking rings present in our country. Human nature is to always seek safety.
I would be willing to bet people are risking their lives (and those of their family's) to run towards a better more free life.

I found the question confusing. I am trying to think of situations that would be similar to Fenn's where she is behind enemy lines and is actually being sought by the enemy for the murder of a high official and kidnapping. Most people fleeing from a war torn country today are aware of the risks they are taking and no one is searching to bring them back. I did think of North Koreans who do face death and imprisonment if captured and who do leave their families in terrible danger.

Actually, in response, I do think many are being sought when they escape a war torn country. I just read an article about an Afghan family who wouldn't show their faces or their names as they were afraid the Taliban would target them, even this far away. I also saw a play about middle eastern refugees (Syria, Afghan) and it took these poor orphan boys a year to cross from Syria to Britain. Like Fenn they had to cross the English Channel at night. It was terrifying. I couldn't help feeling what those poor souls feel. So sad.