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Bonfire Night
Spanning from England's anti-fascism protests of 1936 through the aftermath of WWII, this moving, intricately wrought historical novel brings together a young Irish Catholic photographer and a British Jewish medical student, each discovering the price of love, art, and ambition…
London, 1936: At twenty-one, Kate Grifferty is a press photographer in a Fleet Street agency, an unusual job for a young woman. But Kate is both talented and daring, recklessly going wherever the story might be—including, one October day, to an anti-fascism protest in East London. There, she meets David Rabatkin, a brilliant Jewish medical student. While his idealistic brother is eager to go to Spain and join the fight for the Republic, David knows where his path at home, fulfilling the expectations of his profession and his family.
Kate is exposed for the first time to the dangers and demands of David’s world, where marrying within the Jewish faith is seen as not only preferable, but key to survival. Kate neither expects nor wants to be any man’s wife, hampered by convention. And though she and David are both outsiders, as war looms, other differences between them are thrown into sharp relief.
Brighton, 1940: Catastrophe forces Kate to flee London and the onslaught of war finds her working at her sister’s seaside boarding house, while David tends patients at a busy London hospital as the Blitz rages. But Kate’s challenges and disappointments have only deepened her desire to capture images of life unfurling around her, the beauty and violence, struggles and surprising joys. And soon fate and ambition will align, providing her with the chance to make her mark at last . . .
London, 1936: At twenty-one, Kate Grifferty is a press photographer in a Fleet Street agency, an unusual job for a young woman. But Kate is both talented and daring, recklessly going wherever the story might be—including, one October day, to an anti-fascism protest in East London. There, she meets David Rabatkin, a brilliant Jewish medical student. While his idealistic brother is eager to go to Spain and join the fight for the Republic, David knows where his path at home, fulfilling the expectations of his profession and his family.
Kate is exposed for the first time to the dangers and demands of David’s world, where marrying within the Jewish faith is seen as not only preferable, but key to survival. Kate neither expects nor wants to be any man’s wife, hampered by convention. And though she and David are both outsiders, as war looms, other differences between them are thrown into sharp relief.
Brighton, 1940: Catastrophe forces Kate to flee London and the onslaught of war finds her working at her sister’s seaside boarding house, while David tends patients at a busy London hospital as the Blitz rages. But Kate’s challenges and disappointments have only deepened her desire to capture images of life unfurling around her, the beauty and violence, struggles and surprising joys. And soon fate and ambition will align, providing her with the chance to make her mark at last . . .
368 pages, Paperback
First published December 26, 2023
150 people are currently reading
12081 people want to read
About the author
Anna Bliss
1 book111 followersAnna Bliss is a graduate of UC Santa Barbara and the University of Sussex, where she wrote her dissertation on women’s narratives of the London Blitz during World War II. An alumna of the juried Northern California Writers’ Retreat, she also has studied at the UC Berkeley Graduate School of Social Welfare, the American Jewish University, and the UCLA Extension Writers’ Program. She lives in the Bay Area with her husband and sons and can be found online at AnnaBlissAuthor.com and on Instagram @annablissauthor.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 168 reviews
December 18, 2023
Bonfire Night: A Gripping and Emotional WW2 Novel of Star Crossed Love was Anna Bliss’s debut novel. I alternately listened to the audiobook that was well narrated by Alex Dunmore and read parts of Bonfire Night on my kindle. Bonfire Night took place in London over the years of 1936 through 1940. I enjoyed the way the author, Anna Bliss, developed the two central characters that were portrayed in this book. They were genuinely believable and well thought out. Their character development supported the roles they played throughout the book. Bonfire Night was well plotted, nicely written and paced just right. Although I did not learn much from this book, I enjoyed reading it. I found it interesting that the author chose to create a romance between a Jewish man and an Irish Catholic woman in this book and explored all the controversies that their relationship instilled.
Kate Grifferty grew up lonely and unloved. Her mother died when Kate was quite young. Her father provided a home for her and the essential things Kate needed to live. The one thing that Kate craved from her father was his love but her father was never able to give that to her. Whatever Kate did, her father never showed her the recognition, appreciation or love that she so desired. Even her older sister eventually left Kate when she got married. Kate missed the closeness she once shared with her sister but came to realize that that was gone forever too. Over the years, Kate learned to accept the neglect she was shown by her father. Despite everything, Kate became a press photographer and she was quite good at it.
David Rabatkin grew up in London in an Observant Jewish home with a loving mother, father and younger brother, Simon. When David was growing up, his sister had died from an illness that had spread throughout his entire family. Everyone else had been lucky enough to survive the illness except for his sister. His sister’s death greatly influenced his decision to become a doctor. When that tragedy occurred, David wanted to be able to help save lives. His parents sacrificed a lot to send David to medical school. David was a devoted son and always tried to do the things his parents expected of him. That included marrying a Jewish woman. David knew that marrying someone who was not Jewish would be an embarrassment to the family. He tried hard to please his family even when he was conflicted with his own feelings.
Fate brought Kate and David together. Kate Grifferty and David Rabatkin attended the same anti-Fascist protest in East London. Kate was there to photograph it for the paper she worked for. David was there at his younger brother, Simon’s request. It was pure fate that they met. David and Kate were instantly drawn to each other. They began to see each other. Neither Kate nor David were looking for a relationship. David tried desperately to stay away from Kate but he couldn’t. Both David and Kate fell in love with each other. What would David do? Could he convince his parents that his love for Kate was genuine and that mattered more than her being Jewish? Would David be able to leave his family behind for Kate?
Bonfire Night was a powerful yet poignant historical novel that explored the controversial role Kate played as a woman who chose a career that was seen as a man’s in a male dominated industry. It explored the beautiful yet challenging romance that existed between Kate and David at its conception and long after they went their separate ways. Would they ever find their way back to one another? As her debut novel, Bonfire Night was quite impressive. I look forward to seeing what Anna Bliss writes next. I enjoyed listening to the audiobook of Bonfire Night and highly recommend it.
Thank you to Recorded Books for allowing me to listen to the audiobook of Bonfire Night by Anna Bliss through Netgalley in exchange for a honest review.
Kate Grifferty grew up lonely and unloved. Her mother died when Kate was quite young. Her father provided a home for her and the essential things Kate needed to live. The one thing that Kate craved from her father was his love but her father was never able to give that to her. Whatever Kate did, her father never showed her the recognition, appreciation or love that she so desired. Even her older sister eventually left Kate when she got married. Kate missed the closeness she once shared with her sister but came to realize that that was gone forever too. Over the years, Kate learned to accept the neglect she was shown by her father. Despite everything, Kate became a press photographer and she was quite good at it.
David Rabatkin grew up in London in an Observant Jewish home with a loving mother, father and younger brother, Simon. When David was growing up, his sister had died from an illness that had spread throughout his entire family. Everyone else had been lucky enough to survive the illness except for his sister. His sister’s death greatly influenced his decision to become a doctor. When that tragedy occurred, David wanted to be able to help save lives. His parents sacrificed a lot to send David to medical school. David was a devoted son and always tried to do the things his parents expected of him. That included marrying a Jewish woman. David knew that marrying someone who was not Jewish would be an embarrassment to the family. He tried hard to please his family even when he was conflicted with his own feelings.
Fate brought Kate and David together. Kate Grifferty and David Rabatkin attended the same anti-Fascist protest in East London. Kate was there to photograph it for the paper she worked for. David was there at his younger brother, Simon’s request. It was pure fate that they met. David and Kate were instantly drawn to each other. They began to see each other. Neither Kate nor David were looking for a relationship. David tried desperately to stay away from Kate but he couldn’t. Both David and Kate fell in love with each other. What would David do? Could he convince his parents that his love for Kate was genuine and that mattered more than her being Jewish? Would David be able to leave his family behind for Kate?
Bonfire Night was a powerful yet poignant historical novel that explored the controversial role Kate played as a woman who chose a career that was seen as a man’s in a male dominated industry. It explored the beautiful yet challenging romance that existed between Kate and David at its conception and long after they went their separate ways. Would they ever find their way back to one another? As her debut novel, Bonfire Night was quite impressive. I look forward to seeing what Anna Bliss writes next. I enjoyed listening to the audiobook of Bonfire Night and highly recommend it.
Thank you to Recorded Books for allowing me to listen to the audiobook of Bonfire Night by Anna Bliss through Netgalley in exchange for a honest review.
January 25, 2026
I had been waiting for 2 years to read this one, and I was so excited when I finally bought this one. But honestly, this was such a waste of money and time😭😭
The premise was so good, and this had so much potential. But, it didn’t quite deliver in the way I had expected it to. It seemed as though the author tried too much, but failed tremendously in the execution.
At first, everything was kinda okay. The pacing was mediocre and the characters were just meh. But as the story progressed further, it just got worse. The writing was inconsistent. I couldn’t stand the writing style
Even the Historical part in this Historical Fiction was not that explored fully. Maybe I wouldve liked it better, if it had been more well researched? Idk. Maybe. It felt more like a romance, than a Historical Fiction.
And I generally don’t have a problem with that. I do like romance in my historical Fiction novels.But this felt more like insta-lust to me. Their relationship was sooo forced. No chemistry at all. And it seemed as if it was all based on the physical attraction. They did the deed in every other chapter.
(Ps it was so uncomfortable to read, I had to skim through those parts. Blehhh)
The ending was so rushed and so unexpected, and frankly, unnecessary.
All that aside, my main problem was with the characters. I find it very difficult to enjoy a book if I can’t connect with the characters. At first, I was just very apathetic and indifferent to the mc's. However, as the story progressed further, the mmc started behaving so stupidly and became such a doormat.
The fmc got sooo intolerable and got on my nerves. As a girl working in a male dominated field, especially in the 40’s ik it wasn't easy for her and that she had to face so manyyyy difficulties. But, in the name of being independent and mature, she came off as petty, immature and manipulative.
Suffice to say, I outright detested both of them.
I actually read this cs I reallyyyy loved “when twilight breaks" by sarah sundin. And when I read the premise, I thought that Kate was really similar to Evelyn. But that was just a wild guess. And it’s my fault for assuming.
Maybe I would’ve given it 2 stars, had I not started it with that many expectations. Completely my fault, I confess.But lesson learnt, ig.
The premise was so good, and this had so much potential. But, it didn’t quite deliver in the way I had expected it to. It seemed as though the author tried too much, but failed tremendously in the execution.
At first, everything was kinda okay. The pacing was mediocre and the characters were just meh. But as the story progressed further, it just got worse. The writing was inconsistent. I couldn’t stand the writing style
Even the Historical part in this Historical Fiction was not that explored fully. Maybe I wouldve liked it better, if it had been more well researched? Idk. Maybe. It felt more like a romance, than a Historical Fiction.
And I generally don’t have a problem with that. I do like romance in my historical Fiction novels.But this felt more like insta-lust to me. Their relationship was sooo forced. No chemistry at all. And it seemed as if it was all based on the physical attraction. They did the deed in every other chapter.
(Ps it was so uncomfortable to read, I had to skim through those parts. Blehhh)
The ending was so rushed and so unexpected, and frankly, unnecessary.
All that aside, my main problem was with the characters. I find it very difficult to enjoy a book if I can’t connect with the characters. At first, I was just very apathetic and indifferent to the mc's. However, as the story progressed further, the mmc started behaving so stupidly and became such a doormat.
The fmc got sooo intolerable and got on my nerves. As a girl working in a male dominated field, especially in the 40’s ik it wasn't easy for her and that she had to face so manyyyy difficulties. But, in the name of being independent and mature, she came off as petty, immature and manipulative.
Suffice to say, I outright detested both of them.
I actually read this cs I reallyyyy loved “when twilight breaks" by sarah sundin. And when I read the premise, I thought that Kate was really similar to Evelyn. But that was just a wild guess. And it’s my fault for assuming.
Maybe I would’ve given it 2 stars, had I not started it with that many expectations. Completely my fault, I confess.But lesson learnt, ig.
October 27, 2023
Kate Grifferty is a press photographer, an unusual job for a woman, she attends an anti-fascism protest in East London and here she meets David Rabatkin. He’s a Jewish medical student and his younger brother Simon is a fascist and he later travels to Spain the fight for the republic.
David knows his skills are needed in England, his mum and dad have sacrificed a lot for him to study medicine, they want him to finish his degree, marry a nice Jewish girl and have children.
Kate was raised by her Irish father Frank, her mother died giving birth to her and he sent her away to school, she’s always felt unloved and it made her very independent. Kate has never wanted to get married, she discovers David’s parents would never accept her, despite the feelings they have for each other and he has to choose between them.
Four years later, Kate is living with her much older sister Orla Sherwood in Brighton, she’s owns a boarding house, it’s busy with servicemen staying and the odd holiday maker and so far it’s been a phony war. David is working in a hospital in London, when the Blitz begins, he’s working in emergency and in the basement.
Both Kate and David face many challenges and disappointments, but they have never forgotten their first love and how they felt about each other.
The narrative focuses on the years from 1936 to 1940, a very turbulent time in England, with the Second World War, fear of the country being invaded, the uncertainty, and people being bombed out, injuries and nowhere is safe. Is it possible for love to bridge two different cultures, Kate is Catholic and David is Jewish and it’s not your typical love story.
I received a copy of Bonfire Night by Anna Bliss from Kensington Publishing and Edelweiss in exchange for an honest review. A narrative is about love, misunderstandings, racism, loss, the Battle of Cable Street, difficulties women faced in the workforce, the significance of Bonfire Night to the main characters and how photo’s documented British life.
Four stars from me, a well written debut full of history, suspense, secrets and the ending isn’t at all predictable.
David knows his skills are needed in England, his mum and dad have sacrificed a lot for him to study medicine, they want him to finish his degree, marry a nice Jewish girl and have children.
Kate was raised by her Irish father Frank, her mother died giving birth to her and he sent her away to school, she’s always felt unloved and it made her very independent. Kate has never wanted to get married, she discovers David’s parents would never accept her, despite the feelings they have for each other and he has to choose between them.
Four years later, Kate is living with her much older sister Orla Sherwood in Brighton, she’s owns a boarding house, it’s busy with servicemen staying and the odd holiday maker and so far it’s been a phony war. David is working in a hospital in London, when the Blitz begins, he’s working in emergency and in the basement.
Both Kate and David face many challenges and disappointments, but they have never forgotten their first love and how they felt about each other.
The narrative focuses on the years from 1936 to 1940, a very turbulent time in England, with the Second World War, fear of the country being invaded, the uncertainty, and people being bombed out, injuries and nowhere is safe. Is it possible for love to bridge two different cultures, Kate is Catholic and David is Jewish and it’s not your typical love story.
I received a copy of Bonfire Night by Anna Bliss from Kensington Publishing and Edelweiss in exchange for an honest review. A narrative is about love, misunderstandings, racism, loss, the Battle of Cable Street, difficulties women faced in the workforce, the significance of Bonfire Night to the main characters and how photo’s documented British life.
Four stars from me, a well written debut full of history, suspense, secrets and the ending isn’t at all predictable.
November 21, 2023
Rating: 5 Stars!!
Review:
Thank you to Kensington Publishing for picking me to win this FREE ARC COPY in a giveaway in their Email Newsletter last month.
This was my first time reading a book by Anna so i wasnt sure what to expect but i throughly enjoyed this one especially since Anna did lots of research to make this story so Real and Accurate for the Reader.
I especially loved how certain foods that were popular during WW2 were mentioned throughout the book. Treance Pork Chops, Stewed Apples and Parsnips and Beans on Toast.
The Characters were fun and enjoyable to read about. I really loved and shipped David and Kate so much even tho its a sin back then for a Jewish Man and Irish Catholic Woman to date and marry but i loved how they overcame those odds.
The Setting was beautifully described which made me feel like i was actually in 1936-1945 London and Liverpool England especially when the scenery was described since My Dad's Cousins live over there and My Grandma (My Dad's Mom) was born and raised in Liverpool from 1932 til 1950 and i fondly remember her telling me stories about when she was growing up.
Overall a Phenomenal and Surreal WW2 Historical Fiction about 2 Citizens who overcome the odds despite their religious and political views!! Can't wait to read more by Anna in the future!!
Review:
Thank you to Kensington Publishing for picking me to win this FREE ARC COPY in a giveaway in their Email Newsletter last month.
This was my first time reading a book by Anna so i wasnt sure what to expect but i throughly enjoyed this one especially since Anna did lots of research to make this story so Real and Accurate for the Reader.
I especially loved how certain foods that were popular during WW2 were mentioned throughout the book. Treance Pork Chops, Stewed Apples and Parsnips and Beans on Toast.
The Characters were fun and enjoyable to read about. I really loved and shipped David and Kate so much even tho its a sin back then for a Jewish Man and Irish Catholic Woman to date and marry but i loved how they overcame those odds.
The Setting was beautifully described which made me feel like i was actually in 1936-1945 London and Liverpool England especially when the scenery was described since My Dad's Cousins live over there and My Grandma (My Dad's Mom) was born and raised in Liverpool from 1932 til 1950 and i fondly remember her telling me stories about when she was growing up.
Overall a Phenomenal and Surreal WW2 Historical Fiction about 2 Citizens who overcome the odds despite their religious and political views!! Can't wait to read more by Anna in the future!!
September 29, 2023
3.5 stars
Interesting historical fiction about London just before and during the time of the Blitz. The parts about what the Londoners had to endure, and the descriptions of Kate’s photographs, were the most interesting parts for me. Margaret’s character of a feisty little girl was also enjoyable. There were some rather steamy sex scenes that I could have done without. Overall, good historical fiction about WW2.
Interesting historical fiction about London just before and during the time of the Blitz. The parts about what the Londoners had to endure, and the descriptions of Kate’s photographs, were the most interesting parts for me. Margaret’s character of a feisty little girl was also enjoyable. There were some rather steamy sex scenes that I could have done without. Overall, good historical fiction about WW2.
June 30, 2023
This story really broke my heart. I knew with it being a WWll novel it wasn’t going to be rainbows and sunshine but the ending crushed me.
I’m giving this 4 ⭐️ because it was written so well. The author gave meaningful historical accounts of all that happened in England, really something I had not heard or thought a lot about. My favorite part was the difficult and intense romance. It drove the story for me and I thought it was done well. I recommend if you like WWll books and realistic fiction.
Thanks Kensington Books via NetGalley.
I’m giving this 4 ⭐️ because it was written so well. The author gave meaningful historical accounts of all that happened in England, really something I had not heard or thought a lot about. My favorite part was the difficult and intense romance. It drove the story for me and I thought it was done well. I recommend if you like WWll books and realistic fiction.
Thanks Kensington Books via NetGalley.
October 7, 2023
I have a thing for WWII books, probably because my Dad was in the Air Force stationed in the Pacific during WWII. This really doesn’t explain all the WWII books I read that take place in Europe, hmmmm. Anyway, I’ve read more than forty books that take place either just before, during or just after WWII so, I feel that I can speak from a bit of knowledge when I say this book is different from most of the ones I’ve read.
It takes place in England just like several others I’ve read but this book addresses the rise of fascism just prior to the war. I had seen a series on PBS that addressed this so I was quite glad to see this in a book because this was something I was not aware of at all. I love a book that not only entertains me but also informs me, just like this book did.
Yes, there is a love story with a lot of self sacrifice and secrets but it’s how people survived in England or did not survive at all. In England a Jewish man and a Irish woman find love in the middle of the rise of the Nazi’s in Germany. Torn apart because of personal responsibilities, deep secrets and desire for a career, they are forced apart only to reconnect years later.
I really enjoyed this book which was so well written and researched. I especially enjoyed the storyline which was not really typical and I appreciated that very much.
I won this ARC in a First Reads giveaway. Thank you to John Scognamiglio Books, Kensington Books and the author Anna Bliss.
It takes place in England just like several others I’ve read but this book addresses the rise of fascism just prior to the war. I had seen a series on PBS that addressed this so I was quite glad to see this in a book because this was something I was not aware of at all. I love a book that not only entertains me but also informs me, just like this book did.
Yes, there is a love story with a lot of self sacrifice and secrets but it’s how people survived in England or did not survive at all. In England a Jewish man and a Irish woman find love in the middle of the rise of the Nazi’s in Germany. Torn apart because of personal responsibilities, deep secrets and desire for a career, they are forced apart only to reconnect years later.
I really enjoyed this book which was so well written and researched. I especially enjoyed the storyline which was not really typical and I appreciated that very much.
I won this ARC in a First Reads giveaway. Thank you to John Scognamiglio Books, Kensington Books and the author Anna Bliss.
September 25, 2023
I felt so lucky to receive an advance copy of this book. Thank you!
It was excellent. I couldn’t put it down.
A great historical fiction story of pre- World War 2/ World War 2 in London. A completely different perspective from what I’ve read previously. There is a love story also. It is wonderful but, some decisions made from the couple I can’t wrap my head around. I would love to discuss. Thx!
It was excellent. I couldn’t put it down.
A great historical fiction story of pre- World War 2/ World War 2 in London. A completely different perspective from what I’ve read previously. There is a love story also. It is wonderful but, some decisions made from the couple I can’t wrap my head around. I would love to discuss. Thx!
July 23, 2023
Bonfire Night is a love story set before WW2 with some history tied into it, but I would not consider this to be a historical fiction novel. The story begins with Kate Grifferty, Irish Catholic and David Rabatkin, a Jewish medical student. Their romance is complicated by David's strong Jewish family values and his mother's insistence for him to marry a Jewish woman. Kate is a lonely young woman that is a photographer and trying to navigate life after being neglected her whole life by her dad. Kate is desperate for affection and is also struggling with the changing roles of women at home and joining in the workplace.
This story was well written and I found myself rooting for a Kate to make the right choices and for a happy ending to this war-torn love story.
Thank you to #Netgalley for this eARC in exchange for my honest review.
#BonfireNight #NetGalley
This story was well written and I found myself rooting for a Kate to make the right choices and for a happy ending to this war-torn love story.
Thank you to #Netgalley for this eARC in exchange for my honest review.
#BonfireNight #NetGalley
December 20, 2023
Thanks @netgalley for this review copy!
A love story just before world war 2.
London, 1936. Kate is a photographer. At a anti-fascism protest she meets David, a Jewish medical student. They fall in love, but David is only allowed to marry a Jewish girl.
This was not a 100% my book. I thought it was a bit boring. And I didn’t like David AT ALL. Grow a pair of balls David!
Kate should have been happy that David didn’t want to marry her because of his family.
The setting was very imaginable written. Especially when the war really was going on.
You could feel the disaster and pain.
But at the end it was foremost just a little love story.
A love story just before world war 2.
London, 1936. Kate is a photographer. At a anti-fascism protest she meets David, a Jewish medical student. They fall in love, but David is only allowed to marry a Jewish girl.
This was not a 100% my book. I thought it was a bit boring. And I didn’t like David AT ALL. Grow a pair of balls David!
Kate should have been happy that David didn’t want to marry her because of his family.
The setting was very imaginable written. Especially when the war really was going on.
You could feel the disaster and pain.
But at the end it was foremost just a little love story.
December 24, 2023
Anna Bliss, the author of “Bonfire Night” has written a captivating and memorable novel. The Genres for this novel are Historical Fiction, World War Two, Romance, and Fiction. In this well written and vividly described novel, the author takes us back in time to 1936, to England, where Kate Grifferty, is a photographic journalist. Although, the year might be 1936, Kate is a modernized version of the “Me-Too” movement. Kate puts herself in great risk and danger to take photographs into a man’s world. Kate meets David Rabatkin, a Jewish medical intern, who is completing his last year of medical school. In David’s family, the only acceptable wife for him can be a Jewish girl. Kate is an Irish Catholic girl, brought up by an indifferent and strong willed father. Kate is not a conventional young women, and understands that she and David cannot marry.
Unexpected circumstances force Kate to work in her sister’s boarding house, and David is a physician in London, treating patients hurt in the Blitz. Survival is the key. Kate doesn’t take pictures for several years, and then starts to take pictures from her perspective of what is going on in the world.
I highly recommend this thought-provoking and heart-felt novel to others. I appreciate the research that the author has provided during this timeline, and discusses the hopes and dreams of those during the war.
Unexpected circumstances force Kate to work in her sister’s boarding house, and David is a physician in London, treating patients hurt in the Blitz. Survival is the key. Kate doesn’t take pictures for several years, and then starts to take pictures from her perspective of what is going on in the world.
I highly recommend this thought-provoking and heart-felt novel to others. I appreciate the research that the author has provided during this timeline, and discusses the hopes and dreams of those during the war.
December 20, 2023
Star-crossed lovers who leave their mark on each other’s lives. Do they become a couple, or are they the ones that got away?
Kate, a Catholic photographer, grew up with a hands-off father after her mother died in childbirth. She is fiercely independent, which is good since she works in a man’s world of photojournalism in London during World War II.
David is a Jewish medical student in London who comes from a close-knit but very poor family. He is working very hard to become a doctor to help his family. David’s mom wants him to marry a nice Jewish girl and have kids, even if it is initially not true love.
Anna Bliss wrote a beautiful story that made me smile, cry, and even have a few nail-biting moments. I hope there are more books for us to enjoy in the future! The audiobook was narrated by the ever-so-talented Alex Dunmore. Thank you for the advanced listener copy, NetGalley, and Recorded Books media.
Kate, a Catholic photographer, grew up with a hands-off father after her mother died in childbirth. She is fiercely independent, which is good since she works in a man’s world of photojournalism in London during World War II.
David is a Jewish medical student in London who comes from a close-knit but very poor family. He is working very hard to become a doctor to help his family. David’s mom wants him to marry a nice Jewish girl and have kids, even if it is initially not true love.
Anna Bliss wrote a beautiful story that made me smile, cry, and even have a few nail-biting moments. I hope there are more books for us to enjoy in the future! The audiobook was narrated by the ever-so-talented Alex Dunmore. Thank you for the advanced listener copy, NetGalley, and Recorded Books media.
December 23, 2023
This well-written novel of historical fiction brings the plight of Kate and David together as they fall in love and war begins. Kate uses her photography skills to bring attention and awareness to the plight of those she encounters, and David takes care of patients injured in the war. I enjoyed the author's writing style and the way she captures images, like photographs, with her words. I listened to the audiobook in addition to following along in the book and both are a beautiful way to immerse yourself in this incredible story.
I received a gifted copy in exchange for an honest review.
I received a gifted copy in exchange for an honest review.
September 26, 2023
I was so honored to be chosen to receive an advanced copy of this book. I thoroughly enjoyed this book from beginning to end. I went back and forth between wanting to read quickly to know how it ends and wanting to read slowly so it never ends. I enjoyed the characters and all of their complex relationships and how those relationships strongly affected their future. This book had many layers and I enjoyed each one, even the painful ones.
February 2, 2024
I absolutely loved this book. It's filled with photography, history of photography (one of my passions), history, and just the right amount of tension.
Beginning in 1936 and running through WWII, you'll find plenty of references to photographers, crafting action and emotive photos, and even developing film. These scenes feature the talented Kate Grifferty, a 21 year old Irish Catholic living in London. If you like photography, you'll know many of the names that are dropped.
The second aspect of this book I found fascinating was East London's Jewish community before WWII, featuring the Jewish Doctor, David Rabatkin, his brother Simon who was involved in anti-fascist protests, and attitudes toward life and inter-religious relations. The treatment of these difficult Jewish themes was very positive, lacking caricature and stereotyping.
I recommend this book for readers who like history, history of photography, and like a good story.
The writing flows and engages the reader from the very first scenes. I can't wait to read more books by Anna Bliss. Please write more!
Thanks to the Between The Chapters Book Club https://www.kensingtonbooks.com/betwe... and Goodreads for an ARC to read and review.
Beginning in 1936 and running through WWII, you'll find plenty of references to photographers, crafting action and emotive photos, and even developing film. These scenes feature the talented Kate Grifferty, a 21 year old Irish Catholic living in London. If you like photography, you'll know many of the names that are dropped.
The second aspect of this book I found fascinating was East London's Jewish community before WWII, featuring the Jewish Doctor, David Rabatkin, his brother Simon who was involved in anti-fascist protests, and attitudes toward life and inter-religious relations. The treatment of these difficult Jewish themes was very positive, lacking caricature and stereotyping.
I recommend this book for readers who like history, history of photography, and like a good story.
The writing flows and engages the reader from the very first scenes. I can't wait to read more books by Anna Bliss. Please write more!
Thanks to the Between The Chapters Book Club https://www.kensingtonbooks.com/betwe... and Goodreads for an ARC to read and review.
February 7, 2024
I won an ARC of this over through Goodreads. Very enjoyable read about two Londoners; Kate and David, who meet on Bonfire night in 1939 and are immediately attracted to one another. Kate, an Irish Catholic photographer, and David, a Jewish medical student, find themselves falling in love despite the difference in their religions. Both families are adamant that this union will never be accepted. Kate is very independent, determined to make a name for herself in photo journalism and unconcerned about her father's concern. David is more family oriented and feels he cannot go against his family's wishes. Circumstances force Kate to leave London, and David must find a way to live without her. The reader follows Kate and David through the bombings and terrors of World War 2, and how they navigate their lives without each other. The story was well written and the characters very well drawn. I would definitely recommend.
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November 13, 2023
A fantastic story from beginning to end. The story is set in London during Hitler’s rise to power and during WWII. It brings attention to fascism in London during this time and the violence that went on because of it. The book is also part love story and deals with differences in religion. Wonderfully written and keeps your attention. A combination of entertainment and education. I won this book in a GoodReads Giveaway.
October 27, 2023
Very well written and researched which set the stage for this heartful love story. While I was drawn in I loved watching the story play out. A wonderfully complicated love story set in tumultuous time. You root for the characters but .... a good read.
February 5, 2024
A love story beautifully woven through a story of the challenges and fears living in London as World War II from 1936 ending in 1945. The difficulty bridging the gap between Catholics and Jews and the challenge of being a professional woman. The author addressed so many issues of the day in these mere 300+ pages.
October 27, 2023
Bonfire Night is the best book!! Interesting read. Provocative words by Anna Bliss.
November 6, 2023
I was so excited to receive an advanced readers copy of Bonfire Night. It was a lovely story, beautifully written, about the years leading up to WW2, which was a new perspective for me. The characters were strongly developed, and at times, I felt as though I was living alongside them. I did not expect the ending that was written. It was a very enjoyable read and my first book by Anna Bliss. I look forward to reading more of her work.
January 30, 2024
This was a real page turner for me and an incredible debut. Kate was a compelling character - - an ambitious and talented photographer who was determined to establish herself professionally in a field dominated by men. Kate and David’s love was powerful even though forbidden by his family due to different religions backgrounds and beliefs. I wasn’t familiar with Bonfire Nights and enjoyed learning about them and the significance they held for Kate and David. I enjoyed the author’s note and was blown away by the amount of research that went into writing this wonderful story.
January 19, 2024
This is a historical fiction book with some unique aspects which I really enjoyed as well as learned from.
The book is set from 1936-1945 in Britain and tells about David, who is Jewish, and his relationship with Kate, who is Catholic. The book digs deep into the passion these two have for each other. It also shares Kate’s desire to be a photojournalist and David’s commitment to his family. I can’t give any of the book away, but I really found both main characters’ journeys very interesting.
The book also recognizes the fact that antisemitism was more of a problem in Britain than I realized.
The title itself, BONFIRE NIGHT, was an event I never knew existed until I read this book.
This read beautifully combines the complexity of history with the intricacies of relationships.
The book is set from 1936-1945 in Britain and tells about David, who is Jewish, and his relationship with Kate, who is Catholic. The book digs deep into the passion these two have for each other. It also shares Kate’s desire to be a photojournalist and David’s commitment to his family. I can’t give any of the book away, but I really found both main characters’ journeys very interesting.
The book also recognizes the fact that antisemitism was more of a problem in Britain than I realized.
The title itself, BONFIRE NIGHT, was an event I never knew existed until I read this book.
This read beautifully combines the complexity of history with the intricacies of relationships.
January 12, 2024
I couldn't believe this was a debut novel! Anna Bliss did a fantastic job researching and also writing both Kate and David's characters. The struggles they experienced during WWII in London are something I haven't read much about in books and I loved gaining more insight into their lives. David is Jewish and Kate is not which makes it almost impossible for them to be together. The war forever impacted their lives and they were forever tethered together by Margaret. The story was told from both of their perspectives and over the course of four years and I loved the character development. I selfishly wish the ending had been a little different but I understand why Anna Bliss ended the book the way she did. It made total sense. I'm really looking forward to what she comes up with next! Great debut!
June 30, 2023
Really disliked both main characters. They were selfish, petulant and immature and Kate was really manipulative and petty. If you wanted a picture of a toxic relationship solely built on the physical but *sure* they loved each other, this is it.
The writing was often stiff and stilted, would go into mundane detail in some places but more often gappy elsewhere and the narrative had you feeling like you were just watching it happen rather than invited into the story. Also the dialogue for Margaret was completely bizarre for a toddler, even a spoiled brat of one.
There was very little highlighted about fascism in London with Mosley or the child refugees. I think that’s why I kept reading instead of stopping the book, hoping it would offer something new to learn. But it didn’t. If you’re looking for more on Mosley, look for books on the Mitford sisters and the Bright Young Things - one of the sisters married Mosley.
Thanks to Netgalley for an advanced copy of this book. All opinions are mine.
The writing was often stiff and stilted, would go into mundane detail in some places but more often gappy elsewhere and the narrative had you feeling like you were just watching it happen rather than invited into the story. Also the dialogue for Margaret was completely bizarre for a toddler, even a spoiled brat of one.
There was very little highlighted about fascism in London with Mosley or the child refugees. I think that’s why I kept reading instead of stopping the book, hoping it would offer something new to learn. But it didn’t. If you’re looking for more on Mosley, look for books on the Mitford sisters and the Bright Young Things - one of the sisters married Mosley.
Thanks to Netgalley for an advanced copy of this book. All opinions are mine.
January 31, 2024
"When had she first felt it? At the Royal? In her bedroom? No, it was that day on Hampstead Heath--that queer feeling in her chest. An old feeling. Older than Kate. Old as there had been people."
A compelling firestorm of a novel set in London during the days leading into WWII. Each chapter develops into unforgettable snapshots as Jewish and Catholic worlds collide between the reluctantly dutiful David and the fiercely independent Kate. From immediate passion to inevitable heartbreak, they ache to heal as they find and lose and find themselves again. Unpredictable, painfully true, and intensely personal on a broad, war-torn canvas.
#BonfireNightANovel
A compelling firestorm of a novel set in London during the days leading into WWII. Each chapter develops into unforgettable snapshots as Jewish and Catholic worlds collide between the reluctantly dutiful David and the fiercely independent Kate. From immediate passion to inevitable heartbreak, they ache to heal as they find and lose and find themselves again. Unpredictable, painfully true, and intensely personal on a broad, war-torn canvas.
#BonfireNightANovel
January 6, 2024
I have a hard time reading books that don’t have the “perfect love story”, but this book was captivating and showed love can be fulfilling in multiple ways.
January 6, 2024
I just finished Bonfire Night by Anna Bliss and here is my review.
It’s 1936 and London is an exciting place for Kate Grifferty, a 21 year old photographer for a Fleet Street agency. A job a young woman wouldn’t normally have. She is tasked with getting some photos of the anti-fascism rally in Eastern London. David Rabatkin, a brilliant medical student and jewish to boot, is there with his brother and they happen to run into Kate.
As sparks fly between the pair, it comes obvious to both of them that she doesn’t belong in his world and he can’t be in hers but it doesn’t stop the two of them becoming close. She never wanted to be someone's wife, she wanted a career but David made her want more. Just as they take a step forward, David panics and walks away.
Kate flees London with not just a broken heart and her dreams in the toilet, she ends up at her sister's boarding house, working as a housekeeper. David stays in London becoming a Doctor but Kate never leaves his heart. Two very different lives and one love that can’t be tamed by distance or time.
It was nice to read an historical fiction that was original and not the same as every other WW2 book. I don’t usually enjoy the forbidden love trope but this one was done in such a way that I couldn’t help becoming invested. Kate is a strong woman who knows her own mind. She did what she wanted and didn’t conform to the ideals of the time she lived in. She would have married David even knowing the dangers and difficulties being a catholic girl loving a jewish man. It was irrelevant to her. David didn’t want to lose his family over her. I felt like she loved him more and she was willing to give up everything to be with him. Made me dislike David. No matter what he did after he walked away was not good enough for me.
The heartbreak in this book shattered through every page. It was a bit on the slower side but honestly the ending was a little surprising and it made me smile. I’m glad it didn’t take a conventional route and it made the book even better for me. It was worth the read if you like strong female MCs in historical fiction with a slightly edgy theme.
3.75 stars rounded to 4.
Thank you @netgalley and @kensingtonbooks for my gifted copy
#kensingtonbooks #annabliss #bonfirenight #historicalfiction #bookblogger #bookinfluencer #historicalfictionreader #instagramreader #readerofinstagram #kindlereader #ebooks #bookreviews #booksarelife
It’s 1936 and London is an exciting place for Kate Grifferty, a 21 year old photographer for a Fleet Street agency. A job a young woman wouldn’t normally have. She is tasked with getting some photos of the anti-fascism rally in Eastern London. David Rabatkin, a brilliant medical student and jewish to boot, is there with his brother and they happen to run into Kate.
As sparks fly between the pair, it comes obvious to both of them that she doesn’t belong in his world and he can’t be in hers but it doesn’t stop the two of them becoming close. She never wanted to be someone's wife, she wanted a career but David made her want more. Just as they take a step forward, David panics and walks away.
Kate flees London with not just a broken heart and her dreams in the toilet, she ends up at her sister's boarding house, working as a housekeeper. David stays in London becoming a Doctor but Kate never leaves his heart. Two very different lives and one love that can’t be tamed by distance or time.
It was nice to read an historical fiction that was original and not the same as every other WW2 book. I don’t usually enjoy the forbidden love trope but this one was done in such a way that I couldn’t help becoming invested. Kate is a strong woman who knows her own mind. She did what she wanted and didn’t conform to the ideals of the time she lived in. She would have married David even knowing the dangers and difficulties being a catholic girl loving a jewish man. It was irrelevant to her. David didn’t want to lose his family over her. I felt like she loved him more and she was willing to give up everything to be with him. Made me dislike David. No matter what he did after he walked away was not good enough for me.
The heartbreak in this book shattered through every page. It was a bit on the slower side but honestly the ending was a little surprising and it made me smile. I’m glad it didn’t take a conventional route and it made the book even better for me. It was worth the read if you like strong female MCs in historical fiction with a slightly edgy theme.
3.75 stars rounded to 4.
Thank you @netgalley and @kensingtonbooks for my gifted copy
#kensingtonbooks #annabliss #bonfirenight #historicalfiction #bookblogger #bookinfluencer #historicalfictionreader #instagramreader #readerofinstagram #kindlereader #ebooks #bookreviews #booksarelife
December 11, 2023
1936: All Kate Grifferty wants is a chance to prove herself. Unbeknownst to her father who sent her to school, she chose to study photography instead of secretarial courses. His lack of interest in her life is nothing new though. Kate dreams of working for a reputable paper, but unfortunately, the only job she can get is working for a handsy older man at a Fleet Street agency. Determined to get her shot, Kate takes chances that many other photographers won’t, including getting in the middle of an anti-fascism protest in East London. There she literally runs into Jewish medical student David Rabatkin who, at the request of their mother, is accompanying his brother in hopes of keeping him out of trouble. What begins as a chance meeting quickly blossoms into something more, but the odds are stacked against the two as their faiths clash and the political world is imploding around them.
1940: Kate is forced to flee London to her sister’s boarding house in Brighton. At the seaside and away from all the action, this photographer feels as though she is losing her dream and is unsure of her future. David is left behind working in the hospitals dealing with the never-ending victims of the German Luftwaffe’s wake. He tries his best to forget Kate, the woman his family would never accept and move on, but finds it near impossible. Fate does what it will though, and the two cross paths again and must make a choice.
These star crossed lovers not only faced turmoil in their relationship, but also in their every day lives as well. The sacrifices each make for their family are heartbreaking, and the secrets they keep from one another make one want to cry out in frustration. Bonfire Night is another fantastic addition to the WWII historical fiction genre, and more realistic than many stories as the plights so many had to face during war are put on full display.
Thank you to NetGalley, RB Media, and the author Anna Bliss for the advanced copy of the audiobook. Bonfire Night is out on December 26th. All opinions are my own.
Http://www.instagram.com/passionforprose
1940: Kate is forced to flee London to her sister’s boarding house in Brighton. At the seaside and away from all the action, this photographer feels as though she is losing her dream and is unsure of her future. David is left behind working in the hospitals dealing with the never-ending victims of the German Luftwaffe’s wake. He tries his best to forget Kate, the woman his family would never accept and move on, but finds it near impossible. Fate does what it will though, and the two cross paths again and must make a choice.
These star crossed lovers not only faced turmoil in their relationship, but also in their every day lives as well. The sacrifices each make for their family are heartbreaking, and the secrets they keep from one another make one want to cry out in frustration. Bonfire Night is another fantastic addition to the WWII historical fiction genre, and more realistic than many stories as the plights so many had to face during war are put on full display.
Thank you to NetGalley, RB Media, and the author Anna Bliss for the advanced copy of the audiobook. Bonfire Night is out on December 26th. All opinions are my own.
Http://www.instagram.com/passionforprose
January 23, 2024
I really enjoyed Bonfire Night by Anna Bliss and was pleased to win a copy from a Goodreads Giveaway and Kensington Books. The story and characters are quite original. Set in London beginning in 1936 we are introduced to Kate Grifferty and David Rabatkin. Kate is a driven, ambitious, young photographer working for a press agency. David is finishing his training as a physician and comes from a traditional Jewish family. Sparks just seem to immediately fly between the two of them when they meet. However, a lot stands in the way of their love. David is expected to marry a Jewish girl and Kate will not be accepted by his family and community.
Each of them experience hard times and loss during the war years. Through disappointments and trials, Kate realizes that she just doesn't want to be anyone's wife and still longs to see her photographs published. David wants a traditional marriage and to not lose his family and Jewish identity. This is a book where the characters have to find their own happiness even if it means that they have to sacrifice the love they have for each other.
I liked that this wasn't a traditional romance with a happily ever after ending. It seemed more realistic to me as how complicated love and life really is with family and ambitions mixed in. The characters are vivid a raw in their honest portrayals. I'm looking forward to more from this author!
Each of them experience hard times and loss during the war years. Through disappointments and trials, Kate realizes that she just doesn't want to be anyone's wife and still longs to see her photographs published. David wants a traditional marriage and to not lose his family and Jewish identity. This is a book where the characters have to find their own happiness even if it means that they have to sacrifice the love they have for each other.
I liked that this wasn't a traditional romance with a happily ever after ending. It seemed more realistic to me as how complicated love and life really is with family and ambitions mixed in. The characters are vivid a raw in their honest portrayals. I'm looking forward to more from this author!
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