The Orphans of Berlin
A heartbreaking World War 2 novel that tells the story of two women’s fight for love, family and hope, as the world crumbles around them. Based on the true story of the Kindertransport rescue from Nazi-occupied Europe.
Berlin, 1936. The Landau family are at the heart of their community, running a music shop in Berlin and just trying to survive. But their lives are unravelling as Hitler's power increases and the treatment of Jewish families deteriorates. Eldest daughter, Rachel, fears for her sisters' future and will do anything she can to keep them safe. Will she find hope in the darkness?
Paris, 1936. As whispers of war travel over from Europe, American debutante Kay escapes her mother's grasp and travels as a reluctant spy from Paris to Berlin. But a chance meeting with the Landau family will change her life forever. Kay is determined to give Rachel and her sisters a fighting chance in a society where the youngest are paying the ultimate price, even if it means making dangerous enemies along the way…
As the world marches toward war, these brave women will find strength in joining forces to save the ones they love. But they will need the support of one another more than they will ever realise in order to survive…
A gripping and heart-wrenching historical novel about hope, tragedy and two women's limitless courage. Perfect for fans of The Tattooist of Auschwitz, The Nightingale and My Name is Eva.
As the blurb above says, this book really is perfect for HistFic readers who love a good WWII story. With a focus on kindertransport and the impact of the war on young Jewish children, this book took a slightly different approach than many of the WWII historical fictions I've read recently. That being said, there was also a strong storyline related to the French Resistance, which has been written about extensively in the popular historical fictions of the last few years.
The book is well written and very clearly well researched as well. It is a powerful and heartbreaking story that will definitely stay with you. The story does time hop, mainly between 1935 and 1942, and is told from two perspectives, Kay, an American heiress and Rachel, the oldest sibling who is trying to save her younger sisters.
Thanks to Boldwood Books and Rachel's Random Resources for giving me the chance to be part of this tour and to read this book!
Purchase Link - https://amzn.to/3A64rjQ
Author Bio –
Jina Bacarr is a US-based historical romance author of over 10 previous books. She has been a screenwriter, journalist and news reporter, but now writes full-time and lives in LA. Jina’s novels have been sold in 9 territories. Her first novel with Boldwood is called Her Lost Love.
Social Media Links –
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Bookbub profile: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/jina-bacarr
Thank you for the lovely review! I appreciate your kind words.... and yes, I did a ton of research... everything from the what the Hotel Ritz looked like during the Occupation... to the Beechcraft airplane our hero files... to what exit visaa and letters were needed to get the Landau sisters out of Nazi Germany. PS -- it's Jina here. I'm not sure how to make my name show up!