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on November 16, 2015
This book offers a different approach to WW II and how Hitler's actions impacted families. This is such a dark period of world history but this book didn't dwell on the horrors. The characters carry the book.
on June 7, 2017
Believable, human characters interact during a difficult time. This story was easy to read and very realistic. I will read other historical fiction novels written by this author when available.
on November 5, 2015
Exceedingly well written. It begins with a child telling the story of Germany changing as Hitler's laws are put in place to annihilate all Jews. Mother decides to take her two small children to Poland where she was raised thinking it safer there. Sadly, no place that Hitler wanted was safe, and when his stormtroopers get to Poland things get dicey, but it really turns a corner when little Greta is taken by the Nazis for their Ayran program to create more "pure" Ayrans. The story was fast paced before, but now it takes off with Heinrik wanting to find his little sister. I cannot say enough good about this tale and Gemma Liviero's fine talent in telling this tale.
on November 15, 2015
A comprehensive story of loss and grief during the war that focuses on the children who had questionable heritage. One that has not been looked at in depth in many other stories. This, told from the childrens' viewpoint, was a beautifully told story! It drew me in as if I were there- what a better way to tell a story!
on June 9, 2016
This one is a gem. It never quite gets maudlin, and is quite believable, despite the protagonists being on the run from the Nazis and the Camps in WWII Poland and Germany. Ms Liviero has painted a picture of dull horrors, full up scares, and an occasional glimpse of frightened people being kind in a society where kindness is not the norm. I found myself engrossed in what was not an action filled story. And make no mistake, this is not a "teen read," it is a book for thinkers. The violence is war, the sexual content is implied not explicit. I highly recommend.
on October 22, 2015
what an incredible book, starting out narrated by a child = at times incredibly funny and realistic! The Child grows up and doesn't really understand the sad situation of the world around him. We slowly get a very realistic view of the slow development of the Third Reich and what it means to families of 'mixed blood'. The boy grows up and has to face a new life far away from the luxuries of his privileged childhood and with this mother and sister he has to adapt to life in a Polish village - we start to grasp realities of these times that we never could have fathomed without this superbly written account of what really happened. The boy becomes a man in a very short time while witnessing what nobody should have to witness - he is a strong survivor and adapts to any situation. We suddenly are given the opportunity to 'listen' to the very different, but no less touching 'diary' of a wonderful young lady who starts sharing the 'adventures' with our young man - and together they face most difficult experiences to find Warsaw and the abducted sister. Some of what we are witnessing through the eyes of this brave young woman is not what one wants to share = however it is brought to us with so much realism and honesty that we become totally absorbed in life on those days. Finally, a third voice is allowed to show yet a different account of hope, survival and acceptance of fate. A superb account, hard to put down!!
on May 17, 2016
I read all the less than positive reviews before I bought this book. I am so glad that I overcame my hesitation and doubt. Once I started to read this book, I didn't stop until I was finished. I was never bored. I was never tired. I devoured each and every word. I yearned to share my strength with Rebekah. I wanted to nurture Henrik as he struggled with the passage from boyhood to adulthood. I wanted to comfort Karolin and Emmett when they faced the realization that some dreams will remain just that, nothing more. And Femme . . . If only I could speedup her awakening to the fact that both joy and pain are the result of our choices, not those of others.
This book is touted as a story about Henrik's coming of age . To me it is a story about all of the characters, both major and minor, countries and their citizens, all coming of age via the madness of war. I liked the book, I hope you will also. Buy it!
This book is touted as a story about Henrik's coming of age . To me it is a story about all of the characters, both major and minor, countries and their citizens, all coming of age via the madness of war. I liked the book, I hope you will also. Buy it!
on May 18, 2016
This is heartwarming and heartbreaking at the same time. The story of the horrific events is so real and compelling it is difficult to put it down. Even though I know the history of World War 2, the photos of man at his most inhuman capabilities, it still doesn't seem fully real. This book makes you feel in a way the classroom history lesson never quite reaches. I highly recommend everyone read this so we never allow ourselves to become this kind of society again. Never again for any people.
on March 13, 2017
Fantastic read. Couldn't put the book down. This historical novel brings forth the past. The author writes as if you, the reader, is actually there in the story. Suspenseful s well. Great work!
