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The Forgotten Children
Paris, 1941. As we drive down the cobbled street, I take in the red banners with swastikas covering every building. Suddenly a group of guards appears in the street. I duck beneath the window of the car, and my heart thumps as my hand jumps to my chest. But I'm not wearing my yellow star now, I left it with my sister. Tears well in my eyes. Will I ever see her again? 1939 . Standing in front of the orphanage's imposing stone walls, eleven-year-old Jewish twins Helga and Ruth shiver with fear. The war has taken their mother and father, their home in Berlin has been turned to rubble, but their soft, dark eyes meet and Helga gives Ruth a reassuring smile. They should be safe here together. Yet every day bombs fly overhead. And when Ruth becomes desperately unwell, the girls are torn apart. As war rages on, will they ever find each other? Paris, 1990 . When Naomi moves to Paris, she hopes the city will help her find herself again. But whilst exploring the antique markets in the early morning sun, she is shocked to discover a duplicate of a photograph her mother Helga has on her mantelpiece back in London of a magnificent vine-covered villa on the outskirts of the city. Naomi soon discovers it was used as an orphanage during the Second World War. But why was the photo so precious to her mother? When Naomi tells her mother what she's found, Helga is furious. She begs Naomi to leave the orphanage alone. But Naomi is already desperate to discover the truth about her mother and the secrets of the other forgotten children of Montmorency. If Naomi learns the heart-shattering mistake her mother made, it will change their lives forever. But if she leaves the secrets in the past, Helga will never find out what happened to her sister... Breathtaking and unputdownable, this story is about courage, hope and the resilience of the human spirit, perfect for fans of Before We Were Yours , Sold on a Monday and The Orphan's Tale. What readers are saying about Ann ' So captivating, I was on edge while flipping through the pages as fast as I could... Truly heart-warming... Emotional, heartbreaking... I loved this... A must read!' Pageturners ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
314 pages, Paperback
Published May 15, 2023
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June 29, 2023
The Forgotten Children by Ann Bennett
Synopsis /
Paris, 1941. As we drive down the cobbled street, I take in the red banners with swastikas covering every building. Suddenly a group of guards appears. I duck beneath the window of the car, and my heart thumps as my hand jumps to my chest. But I’m not wearing my yellow star now, I left it with my sister. Tears well in my eyes. Will I ever see her again?
1939. Standing in front of the orphanage’s imposing stone walls, eleven-year-old Jewish twins Helga and Ruth shiver with fear. The war has taken their mother and father, their home in Berlin has been turned to rubble, but their soft, dark eyes meet and Helga gives Ruth a reassuring smile. They should be safe here together.
Paris, 1990. When Naomi moves to Paris, she hopes the city will help her find herself again. But whilst exploring the antique markets in the early morning sun, she is shocked to discover a duplicate of a photograph her mother Helga has on her mantelpiece back in London of a magnificent vine-covered villa on the outskirts of the city. Naomi soon discovers it was used as an orphanage during the Second World War. But why was the photo so precious to her mother?
My Thoughts /
4 stars rounded up to 4.5
Children were especially vulnerable in the era of the Holocaust. Theirs was a life in shadows, where a careless remark, a denunciation, or the murmurings of inquisitive neighbours could lead to discovery and death.
Driven by a racist ideology that viewed Jews as “parasitic vermin” worthy only of eradication, the Nazis implemented genocide on an unprecedented scale. All of Europe's Jews were slated for destruction: the sick and the healthy, the rich and the poor, the religiously orthodox and converts to Christianity, the aged and the young, even infants.
The Nazis advocated killing children of “unwanted” or “dangerous” groups either as part of the “racial struggle” or as a measure of preventative security. The Germans and their collaborators killed children for these ideological reasons and in retaliation for real or alleged partisan attacks. There are written accounts that Nazi Germany and its collaborators were responsible for the deaths of approximately 1.5 million Jewish children. Jewish and non-Jewish adolescents between the ages of 13–18 had a greater chance of survival, as they could be used for forced labour.
To circumvent this happening to their children, many Jewish (and non-Jewish) families purchased tickets for their children to board ships which were providing safe passage out of Germany to other countries such as Europe, France, and the United States. It was the hope of every parent, that by making this ultimate sacrifice, they would ensure their child had a better chance of living a full life. Every child would have had a difference experience. Some remained in contact with their families, while others lost contact and were alone, relying only on their “adopted” families.
Only later did I find out that my mother had gone out of the ghetto, sold a diamond and pearl ring to get me an orange. That was the last birthday gift from my parents.
—Gerda Weissmann Klein
Soon after Hitler's 1933 seizure of power in Germany, two-year-old Suse Grunbaum and her parents fled to the Netherlands and settled in the town of Dinxperlo. In 1943, Jews in German-occupied Dinxperlo were ordered to assemble for deportation. Hearing of these plans, the Grünbaums went into hiding, finding refuge with Dutch farmers. The Hartemink family hid Suse and her mother for two years in their barn, first under the floorboards, then in a specially constructed hiding space.
—Suse Grunbaum
Germany invaded Poland on September 1, 1939. After the German occupation, Sarah (Sheila) Peretz Etons, (then just three years old) and her mother were forced into a ghetto. One day, a Polish Catholic policeman warned them that the ghetto was about to be liquidated. He sheltered Sarah and her mother first in his house, then in a potato storage bunker, and then in a chicken coop on his property. Sarah hid there for more than two years, until the area was liberated by Soviet forces.
— Sarah (Sheila) Peretz Etons
The Forgotten Children is a dual timeline and generational novel set in Europe during the 1930s and 1990s.
The story opens in Paris, 1941. Eleven-year-old Helga is ensconced in the back of a car fleeing the city. Nazi troops were invading. Tanks and armoured cars were everywhere. She was on her way to Gare de Lyon to board a train which would take her to safety. Tears kept rushing to her eyes.
1990 and Naomi has left London for a six-month job placement working at a law firm in Paris, where she spends her time pouring over notes in a case before the International Court involving breaches of human rights and acts of genocide. She'd expected to be ecstatic finally arriving here in Paris, but all she felt was deflated. Her mother seemed far from pleased when Naomi had phoned and told her about her six month appointment, flatly refusing to visit Naomi while she was there. Naomi couldn't put her finger on the source of her mother's annoyance. Helga was always a source of inspiration and encouragement to Naomi when she was growing up. Why was she being so difficult about Paris?
Another wonderfully written dual timeline novel, where each timeline balances with the other seamlessly. Helga's story is written with empathy and compassion, and I felt the author was trying to deeply understand what it must have been like for Helga and so many other young children during this time. The story itself is one of bravery and courage; but also sacrifice and loss. At times, I found myself, doing a double take - the maturity these children had - honestly, it surpasses a lot of adults I've met. Separated from their family, placed into unfamiliar situations which they had to navigate themselves through, not knowing whether their safety will be snatched from underneath them today or tomorrow. Not knowing who to trust. Not understanding the 'why' - why were they singled out over everyone else?
Long after the physical wounds have healed, the mental wounds have not. Let's not underestimate the effects this has had on those who suffered. Will be adding Ann Bennett to my list of go to authors.
Synopsis /
Paris, 1941. As we drive down the cobbled street, I take in the red banners with swastikas covering every building. Suddenly a group of guards appears. I duck beneath the window of the car, and my heart thumps as my hand jumps to my chest. But I’m not wearing my yellow star now, I left it with my sister. Tears well in my eyes. Will I ever see her again?
1939. Standing in front of the orphanage’s imposing stone walls, eleven-year-old Jewish twins Helga and Ruth shiver with fear. The war has taken their mother and father, their home in Berlin has been turned to rubble, but their soft, dark eyes meet and Helga gives Ruth a reassuring smile. They should be safe here together.
Paris, 1990. When Naomi moves to Paris, she hopes the city will help her find herself again. But whilst exploring the antique markets in the early morning sun, she is shocked to discover a duplicate of a photograph her mother Helga has on her mantelpiece back in London of a magnificent vine-covered villa on the outskirts of the city. Naomi soon discovers it was used as an orphanage during the Second World War. But why was the photo so precious to her mother?
My Thoughts /
4 stars rounded up to 4.5
Children were especially vulnerable in the era of the Holocaust. Theirs was a life in shadows, where a careless remark, a denunciation, or the murmurings of inquisitive neighbours could lead to discovery and death.
Driven by a racist ideology that viewed Jews as “parasitic vermin” worthy only of eradication, the Nazis implemented genocide on an unprecedented scale. All of Europe's Jews were slated for destruction: the sick and the healthy, the rich and the poor, the religiously orthodox and converts to Christianity, the aged and the young, even infants.
The Nazis advocated killing children of “unwanted” or “dangerous” groups either as part of the “racial struggle” or as a measure of preventative security. The Germans and their collaborators killed children for these ideological reasons and in retaliation for real or alleged partisan attacks. There are written accounts that Nazi Germany and its collaborators were responsible for the deaths of approximately 1.5 million Jewish children. Jewish and non-Jewish adolescents between the ages of 13–18 had a greater chance of survival, as they could be used for forced labour.
To circumvent this happening to their children, many Jewish (and non-Jewish) families purchased tickets for their children to board ships which were providing safe passage out of Germany to other countries such as Europe, France, and the United States. It was the hope of every parent, that by making this ultimate sacrifice, they would ensure their child had a better chance of living a full life. Every child would have had a difference experience. Some remained in contact with their families, while others lost contact and were alone, relying only on their “adopted” families.
Only later did I find out that my mother had gone out of the ghetto, sold a diamond and pearl ring to get me an orange. That was the last birthday gift from my parents.
—Gerda Weissmann Klein
Soon after Hitler's 1933 seizure of power in Germany, two-year-old Suse Grunbaum and her parents fled to the Netherlands and settled in the town of Dinxperlo. In 1943, Jews in German-occupied Dinxperlo were ordered to assemble for deportation. Hearing of these plans, the Grünbaums went into hiding, finding refuge with Dutch farmers. The Hartemink family hid Suse and her mother for two years in their barn, first under the floorboards, then in a specially constructed hiding space.
—Suse Grunbaum
Germany invaded Poland on September 1, 1939. After the German occupation, Sarah (Sheila) Peretz Etons, (then just three years old) and her mother were forced into a ghetto. One day, a Polish Catholic policeman warned them that the ghetto was about to be liquidated. He sheltered Sarah and her mother first in his house, then in a potato storage bunker, and then in a chicken coop on his property. Sarah hid there for more than two years, until the area was liberated by Soviet forces.
— Sarah (Sheila) Peretz Etons
The Forgotten Children is a dual timeline and generational novel set in Europe during the 1930s and 1990s.
The story opens in Paris, 1941. Eleven-year-old Helga is ensconced in the back of a car fleeing the city. Nazi troops were invading. Tanks and armoured cars were everywhere. She was on her way to Gare de Lyon to board a train which would take her to safety. Tears kept rushing to her eyes.
1990 and Naomi has left London for a six-month job placement working at a law firm in Paris, where she spends her time pouring over notes in a case before the International Court involving breaches of human rights and acts of genocide. She'd expected to be ecstatic finally arriving here in Paris, but all she felt was deflated. Her mother seemed far from pleased when Naomi had phoned and told her about her six month appointment, flatly refusing to visit Naomi while she was there. Naomi couldn't put her finger on the source of her mother's annoyance. Helga was always a source of inspiration and encouragement to Naomi when she was growing up. Why was she being so difficult about Paris?
Another wonderfully written dual timeline novel, where each timeline balances with the other seamlessly. Helga's story is written with empathy and compassion, and I felt the author was trying to deeply understand what it must have been like for Helga and so many other young children during this time. The story itself is one of bravery and courage; but also sacrifice and loss. At times, I found myself, doing a double take - the maturity these children had - honestly, it surpasses a lot of adults I've met. Separated from their family, placed into unfamiliar situations which they had to navigate themselves through, not knowing whether their safety will be snatched from underneath them today or tomorrow. Not knowing who to trust. Not understanding the 'why' - why were they singled out over everyone else?
Long after the physical wounds have healed, the mental wounds have not. Let's not underestimate the effects this has had on those who suffered. Will be adding Ann Bennett to my list of go to authors.
May 18, 2023
Eleven year old twins Helga and Ruth were on their own after the Nazis had taken their mother, and some months later, arrested their father as they were about to board a ship to Cuba. As he called to them, begging them to continue their journey, an elderly Jewish couple came to the rescue, saying they would care for the girls on board. But when Cuba, and then other countries, refused to take the refugees from the ship, Helga and Ruth found themselves returned to an orphanage in Montmorency near Paris...
It was 1990 when Naomi, who lived in London with her mother Helga, moved to Paris for a six month placement in a lawyer's office. The Sunday before she was due to begin work, she went to the antique markets to browse, and was shocked to discover a picture identical to one her mother had in her bedroom at home. As her research into the origins of the picture, alongside her case work which she was loving, kept her busy, a rare weekend off saw her travelling to Montmorency, the place in her picture. But her mother wasn't happy at Naomi's research. Helga's life during the second world war was locked inside her, and she didn't want those memories to surface. But Naomi wanted to discover about the lost Jewish children from WWII. Would Helga relent, or would her past remain a secret?
The Forgotten Children by Ann Bennett is another excellent WWII story, but this time is told of an area I hadn't read before. The children of Jewish families plus the heartbreak of children being separated from their parents. But there were kind and compassionate people who wanted to help as well. This is my first read by this author, and I'll be happy to read more. Highly recommended.
With thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for my digital ARC to read in exchange for an honest review.
It was 1990 when Naomi, who lived in London with her mother Helga, moved to Paris for a six month placement in a lawyer's office. The Sunday before she was due to begin work, she went to the antique markets to browse, and was shocked to discover a picture identical to one her mother had in her bedroom at home. As her research into the origins of the picture, alongside her case work which she was loving, kept her busy, a rare weekend off saw her travelling to Montmorency, the place in her picture. But her mother wasn't happy at Naomi's research. Helga's life during the second world war was locked inside her, and she didn't want those memories to surface. But Naomi wanted to discover about the lost Jewish children from WWII. Would Helga relent, or would her past remain a secret?
The Forgotten Children by Ann Bennett is another excellent WWII story, but this time is told of an area I hadn't read before. The children of Jewish families plus the heartbreak of children being separated from their parents. But there were kind and compassionate people who wanted to help as well. This is my first read by this author, and I'll be happy to read more. Highly recommended.
With thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for my digital ARC to read in exchange for an honest review.
May 20, 2023
The Forgotten Children is a dual timeline story set during WWII as well as in 1990. Helga, her twin sister Ruth and her parents were living in Berlin in 1938 when new laws are enacted against the Jewish people. When her mother dies on Kristallnacht, their father is able to get papers and passage on the St. Louis to Cuba. Their father is arrested before he is able to board the ship, so an older Jewish couple take care of Ruth and Helga on board. When their papers are revoked during the voyage, only those with US visas are allowed off the ship. No one else will accept the refugees, so the St. Louis is turned back to Germany. The captain is sympathetic to the Jewish passengers and tries to find places for them to go. He arranges for an orphan rescue to take the girls when they dock in Antwerp. Helga marries and has a daughter, Naomi, who she never tells about her past. Naomi gets a job working for a law firm in Paris and finds a postcard that has her wondering about her mother's past. She begins to ask questions and she finally learns about her mother's family and past.
The Forgotten Children is a very interesting story. I had heard about the St. Louis and it's aborted trip to save 1000s of Jewish refugees, but this story puts a face on that story, specifically the face of children. Shame on so many nations that refused to allow those passengers to disembark and provide them refuge. So many people refuse to talk about their past, when it is tragic or involves things they want to forget, so it didn't surprise me that Helga wouldn't talk. Hers is a very tragic past, but she still doesn't have all the answers she needs. Naomi is a great character. She is a wonderful daughter, smart, and caring, but she wants answers. She is extremely curious and making friends easily, is able to find information. Although a lot of this story is set during WWII, it shows people who were trying to help the Jewish people to escape and be safe. There is a lot of goodness and hope here, but it is still tragic, and is something we never should forget. If you enjoy historical fiction or want to know more about incidents during WWII that you may not know a lot about, then I recommend you pick up The Forgotten Children.
The Forgotten Children is a very interesting story. I had heard about the St. Louis and it's aborted trip to save 1000s of Jewish refugees, but this story puts a face on that story, specifically the face of children. Shame on so many nations that refused to allow those passengers to disembark and provide them refuge. So many people refuse to talk about their past, when it is tragic or involves things they want to forget, so it didn't surprise me that Helga wouldn't talk. Hers is a very tragic past, but she still doesn't have all the answers she needs. Naomi is a great character. She is a wonderful daughter, smart, and caring, but she wants answers. She is extremely curious and making friends easily, is able to find information. Although a lot of this story is set during WWII, it shows people who were trying to help the Jewish people to escape and be safe. There is a lot of goodness and hope here, but it is still tragic, and is something we never should forget. If you enjoy historical fiction or want to know more about incidents during WWII that you may not know a lot about, then I recommend you pick up The Forgotten Children.
May 21, 2023
It’s been quite some time since I have read a book by Ann Bennett, so much so that I had forgotten how good her stories are. This new book, The Forgotten Children, was a quick read and that’s not because I was rushing to get through it. More so, that once I started I found it difficult to put down as I quickly became invested in Naomi’s quest to discover her mother’s history. Just what has she been keeping secret? The story is told in a dual timeline format moving seamlessly between 1939-1941 and 1990. Having the more modern day aspect of the story set in 1990 was very clever as it tied in with the falling of the Berlin Wall which was very significant for one character in particular. It really helped things come full circle especially with the way the epilogue was written which meant I felt the book got a very satisfactory ending.
The book opens in Paris in 1941 as a young girl is driven through the streets of Paris which are filled with tanks, armoured cars and soldiers with swastikas adorning every building. There is a great sense of urgency that this girl must be brought to safety as the Nazi’s have taken over the city and time is of the essence.How has this girl reached this point and why is it necessary that she flee? To discover the answers to these questions and much more I delved into the story and barely came up for air until I had reached the last page. What I really loved about The Forgotten Children is that it provided the reader with a different viewpoint to the war as told through the eyes of young children. Also, the fact that the majority of the events in the book occur before war had even been declared really showed the reader that there was much suffering and needless persecution long before September 1939 and the laws enacted and the brutalisation that occurred was just a foreshadowing of what was to come.
1990 and Naomi is about to spend six months working at the Paris branch of her law firm. She is excited at what lays ahead and it’s obvious from the beginning that she is not overly upset at leaving her partner Liam behind in London. It was clear what was going to happen with this angle of the story and in some ways I think it was there just as a means of providing some other romance in the story for Naomi. Whether it needed to be there or not I still wonder as all the other strands of the story were strong enough to sustain the entire plot. I admit to not giving this element of the book much thought as I was far more caught up in Helga and her fascinating yet traumatising experiences.
As Naomi settles into her new role she explores Paris and becomes friends with her co-worker Martine whilst also enjoying working alongside her boss Oliver on an interesting case. Whilst rambling through a Parisian market Naomi stumbles across a postcard in a frame. What made it catch her eye is the fact that the same picture stands on her mother’s bedroom windowsill. The picture shows Villa Helvita which is located some distance outside Paris. What really intrigues Naomi is the fact that her mother has never been to France or so she claims. So why does she have the picture in her possession and on such prominent display and what is the significance of the property?
Naomi’s interest is instantly piqued. She is aware that her mother, Helga, was born in Germany but she refuses to talk about anything to do with the war or her time spent there. Therefore, she summarises that her experiences must have been horrific and that she suffered greatly. She knows that her mother was always a stickler for the truth and about being open and clear with people so why the need for secrecy? She is determined to get to the bottom of things as this is very much her heritage too. She needs to know about the past in order to move on with her own future and so she sets about digging up the past which Helga wants firmly buried. Helga is standoffish when confronted over the picture and to be honest I couldn’t blame her. If something which created such fear happened to you and has left such long and impactful memories that you want kept firmly to the back of your mind then that is where they should stay. I think she was horrified that Naomi was edging further to the truth through her investigations and that she would more than likely would have to confront what she had kept hidden for so long.Even though she would want the opposite to happen.
For me, there was just the right balance between Naomi finding out things in the modern setting and the reader learning about Helga’s experiences in the war. One didn’t dominate the other and everything that we learned from Helga fed well into what Naomi was going through on an emotional level. I loved that Naomi wasn’t afraid to push her mother when needed but that she also knew when to step back a little when things were becoming too much when she could see that Helga was becoming upset and starting to isolate herself even from her good friend Kitty. Naomi was astute in that she knew when to give her mother space to breathe and to contemplate. It was as if she sensed that with time the truth would come to the fore and when it does it will bring a tear to your eye especially seen as if one thing had not occurred than the overall result could have been so very different. There just seemed to be such a sense of injustice about the whole thing.
1939 and Helga lives in Berlin with her twin sister Ruth and her parents. Her father is a tailor who has his own shop and the family are fairly comfortable. But times are changing and new laws have come into force curtailing the freedom of Jews. They are made to wear a yellow star on their clothing which identifies them as being Jewish. The twins are forced to stop attending their school and are moved to a school which only Jews can attend. Soon even the right to an education is taken from them and they must remain at home. Their father’s shop is attacked on Kristallnacht and his livelihood is taken from him with him being reduced to take in some small amounts of tailoring work at home. Evil sweeps through the city and infects the hearts of their neighbours and friends and the twins lives are altered forever. None more so when their beloved mother leaves one night to get medicine and never returns. Their father is distraught and doesn’t know how to carry on with the situation for Jews gradually deteriorating around them. But he must find a way to get his remaining family members to safety before the worst could possibly befall them.
What follows is an incredible story of loss, bravery, courage and sacrifice and to go into much detail regarding Helga and Ruth would really spoil the story. Suffice to say they go on an incredible journey which they should never have had to undertake. Both show great maturity for their age given that they are only ten and they are experiencing untold horrors and suffering. It’s a cruel act of fate that rips their family apart and I thought it was even crueler that when they thought that they had potentially reached safety it was snatched from underneath them. The further Helga’s story is revealed you gain a deeper appreciation and understanding of why she kept things secret from Naomi. Guilt has eaten away at her and as a reader you realise that this feeling will never leave her unless she can get everything that happened off her chest and in doing so she can finally be free. The Forgotten Children reminded me how much I enjoy the writing of Ann Bennett. It’s a heart wrenching story full of love, loss and devotion and one that will stay with you long after you have read the final word.
The book opens in Paris in 1941 as a young girl is driven through the streets of Paris which are filled with tanks, armoured cars and soldiers with swastikas adorning every building. There is a great sense of urgency that this girl must be brought to safety as the Nazi’s have taken over the city and time is of the essence.How has this girl reached this point and why is it necessary that she flee? To discover the answers to these questions and much more I delved into the story and barely came up for air until I had reached the last page. What I really loved about The Forgotten Children is that it provided the reader with a different viewpoint to the war as told through the eyes of young children. Also, the fact that the majority of the events in the book occur before war had even been declared really showed the reader that there was much suffering and needless persecution long before September 1939 and the laws enacted and the brutalisation that occurred was just a foreshadowing of what was to come.
1990 and Naomi is about to spend six months working at the Paris branch of her law firm. She is excited at what lays ahead and it’s obvious from the beginning that she is not overly upset at leaving her partner Liam behind in London. It was clear what was going to happen with this angle of the story and in some ways I think it was there just as a means of providing some other romance in the story for Naomi. Whether it needed to be there or not I still wonder as all the other strands of the story were strong enough to sustain the entire plot. I admit to not giving this element of the book much thought as I was far more caught up in Helga and her fascinating yet traumatising experiences.
As Naomi settles into her new role she explores Paris and becomes friends with her co-worker Martine whilst also enjoying working alongside her boss Oliver on an interesting case. Whilst rambling through a Parisian market Naomi stumbles across a postcard in a frame. What made it catch her eye is the fact that the same picture stands on her mother’s bedroom windowsill. The picture shows Villa Helvita which is located some distance outside Paris. What really intrigues Naomi is the fact that her mother has never been to France or so she claims. So why does she have the picture in her possession and on such prominent display and what is the significance of the property?
Naomi’s interest is instantly piqued. She is aware that her mother, Helga, was born in Germany but she refuses to talk about anything to do with the war or her time spent there. Therefore, she summarises that her experiences must have been horrific and that she suffered greatly. She knows that her mother was always a stickler for the truth and about being open and clear with people so why the need for secrecy? She is determined to get to the bottom of things as this is very much her heritage too. She needs to know about the past in order to move on with her own future and so she sets about digging up the past which Helga wants firmly buried. Helga is standoffish when confronted over the picture and to be honest I couldn’t blame her. If something which created such fear happened to you and has left such long and impactful memories that you want kept firmly to the back of your mind then that is where they should stay. I think she was horrified that Naomi was edging further to the truth through her investigations and that she would more than likely would have to confront what she had kept hidden for so long.Even though she would want the opposite to happen.
For me, there was just the right balance between Naomi finding out things in the modern setting and the reader learning about Helga’s experiences in the war. One didn’t dominate the other and everything that we learned from Helga fed well into what Naomi was going through on an emotional level. I loved that Naomi wasn’t afraid to push her mother when needed but that she also knew when to step back a little when things were becoming too much when she could see that Helga was becoming upset and starting to isolate herself even from her good friend Kitty. Naomi was astute in that she knew when to give her mother space to breathe and to contemplate. It was as if she sensed that with time the truth would come to the fore and when it does it will bring a tear to your eye especially seen as if one thing had not occurred than the overall result could have been so very different. There just seemed to be such a sense of injustice about the whole thing.
1939 and Helga lives in Berlin with her twin sister Ruth and her parents. Her father is a tailor who has his own shop and the family are fairly comfortable. But times are changing and new laws have come into force curtailing the freedom of Jews. They are made to wear a yellow star on their clothing which identifies them as being Jewish. The twins are forced to stop attending their school and are moved to a school which only Jews can attend. Soon even the right to an education is taken from them and they must remain at home. Their father’s shop is attacked on Kristallnacht and his livelihood is taken from him with him being reduced to take in some small amounts of tailoring work at home. Evil sweeps through the city and infects the hearts of their neighbours and friends and the twins lives are altered forever. None more so when their beloved mother leaves one night to get medicine and never returns. Their father is distraught and doesn’t know how to carry on with the situation for Jews gradually deteriorating around them. But he must find a way to get his remaining family members to safety before the worst could possibly befall them.
What follows is an incredible story of loss, bravery, courage and sacrifice and to go into much detail regarding Helga and Ruth would really spoil the story. Suffice to say they go on an incredible journey which they should never have had to undertake. Both show great maturity for their age given that they are only ten and they are experiencing untold horrors and suffering. It’s a cruel act of fate that rips their family apart and I thought it was even crueler that when they thought that they had potentially reached safety it was snatched from underneath them. The further Helga’s story is revealed you gain a deeper appreciation and understanding of why she kept things secret from Naomi. Guilt has eaten away at her and as a reader you realise that this feeling will never leave her unless she can get everything that happened off her chest and in doing so she can finally be free. The Forgotten Children reminded me how much I enjoy the writing of Ann Bennett. It’s a heart wrenching story full of love, loss and devotion and one that will stay with you long after you have read the final word.
April 14, 2023
I thought this book was excellent. It gives an insight into the early days of the Holocaust and in particular Kristallnacht and the infamous journey of the St Louis. While there is a positive ending, and plenty of heart wrenching detail, there is a realistic finale. It would be easy to have written of a miraculous reunion but a better, more true to life ending saw a main character finding out about those she lost, coming to terms with her grief and being left with some previously undiscovered mementoes. A thoroughly worthwhile read.
May 11, 2023
Grab the tissues, The Forgotten Children is a real heartbreaker. This is a dual timeline story beginning in 1938 and ending in 1990. Both timelines needed tissues. I couldn't stop the tears from flowing.
The story begins in Berlin in 1938 giving the reader an overview of what it was like for the Jewish people at the beginning of the war. Helga and her family lived in a Jewish neighborhood that soon became a place attacked by those thinking they were better than the Jewish people. They have no option but to flee. It won't be easy. I sit in marvel over what had to be endured in order to escape.
As a reader, I was able to gain a better understanding of some of the challenges many were up against as they fled Germany. Helga and her sister, Ruth, ended up on a ship without a parent heading toward Cuba. I had no idea that the Cuban president changed his mind and yet kept the money spend on visas. I didn't realize that members of the Nazi party worked on the ships, watching, waiting and
Helga and Ruth, as children, got assistance for the OSE, giving the reader a look into the dedicated people that were trying to save Jewish children. Unfortunately, safety is an allusion. Helga and Ruth are soon separated. Helga is sent to America. Ruth was to meet her at a later date, but it never came. Helga may have survived, but was she able to live?
I will never completely understand how the war atrocities affected the survivors. It was dealt with in many different ways. For Helga, she lived in the world of denial. She began anew in England, never to speak of her family or her childhood. That is until she could no longer avoid it.
In 1990, her daughter, Naomi, went to work in Paris. In a market she discovered a picture. It was the same picture her mother had on her windowsill in England. She had questions. Questions her mother did not want to answer. I had questions, questions my mother didn't want to answer. The Forgotten Children gave me direction to search and get answers. I am so grateful to the author for giving me guidance.
The Forgotten Children gives the reader two perspectives--what happened during the war and what happened afterwards and changed by 1990. From the safety of my chair, I was given glimpses into the evils of WW2. Even after closing the book, by heart still bleeds for the innocence lost. What made this story different is that it centered around children and how they were affected. They have had to live a very long time with the past haunting them. They are to be respected and honored for surviving. We can do that by making sure the atrocities don't happen again.
The story begins in Berlin in 1938 giving the reader an overview of what it was like for the Jewish people at the beginning of the war. Helga and her family lived in a Jewish neighborhood that soon became a place attacked by those thinking they were better than the Jewish people. They have no option but to flee. It won't be easy. I sit in marvel over what had to be endured in order to escape.
As a reader, I was able to gain a better understanding of some of the challenges many were up against as they fled Germany. Helga and her sister, Ruth, ended up on a ship without a parent heading toward Cuba. I had no idea that the Cuban president changed his mind and yet kept the money spend on visas. I didn't realize that members of the Nazi party worked on the ships, watching, waiting and
Helga and Ruth, as children, got assistance for the OSE, giving the reader a look into the dedicated people that were trying to save Jewish children. Unfortunately, safety is an allusion. Helga and Ruth are soon separated. Helga is sent to America. Ruth was to meet her at a later date, but it never came. Helga may have survived, but was she able to live?
I will never completely understand how the war atrocities affected the survivors. It was dealt with in many different ways. For Helga, she lived in the world of denial. She began anew in England, never to speak of her family or her childhood. That is until she could no longer avoid it.
In 1990, her daughter, Naomi, went to work in Paris. In a market she discovered a picture. It was the same picture her mother had on her windowsill in England. She had questions. Questions her mother did not want to answer. I had questions, questions my mother didn't want to answer. The Forgotten Children gave me direction to search and get answers. I am so grateful to the author for giving me guidance.
The Forgotten Children gives the reader two perspectives--what happened during the war and what happened afterwards and changed by 1990. From the safety of my chair, I was given glimpses into the evils of WW2. Even after closing the book, by heart still bleeds for the innocence lost. What made this story different is that it centered around children and how they were affected. They have had to live a very long time with the past haunting them. They are to be respected and honored for surviving. We can do that by making sure the atrocities don't happen again.
May 13, 2023
Grab the tissues, The Forgotten Children is a real heartbreaker. This is a dual timeline story beginning in 1938 and ending in 1990. Both timelines needed tissues. I couldn't stop the tears from flowing.
The story begins in Berlin in 1938 giving the reader an overview of what it was like for the Jewish people at the beginning of the war. Helga and her family lived in a Jewish neighborhood that soon became a place attacked by those thinking they were better than the Jewish people. They have no option but to flee. It won't be easy. I sit in marvel over what had to be endured in order to escape.
As a reader, I was able to gain a better understanding of some of the challenges many were up against as they fled Germany. Helga and her sister, Ruth, ended up on a ship without a parent heading toward Cuba. I had no idea that the Cuban president changed his mind and yet kept the money spend on visas. I didn't realize that members of the Nazi party worked on the ships, watching, waiting and
Helga and Ruth, as children, got assistance for the OSE, giving the reader a look into the dedicated people that were trying to save Jewish children. Unfortunately, safety is an allusion. Helga and Ruth are soon separated. Helga is sent to America. Ruth was to meet her at a later date, but it never came. Helga may have survived, but was she able to live?
I will never completely understand how the war atrocities affected the survivors. It was dealt with in many different ways. For Helga, she lived in the world of denial. She began anew in England, never to speak of her family or her childhood. That is until she could no longer avoid it.
In 1990, her daughter, Naomi, went to work in Paris. In a market she discovered a picture. It was the same picture her mother had on her windowsill in England. She had questions. Questions her mother did not want to answer. I had questions, questions my mother didn't want to answer. The Forgotten Children gave me direction to search and get answers. I am so grateful to the author for giving me guidance.
The Forgotten Children gives the reader two perspectives--what happened during the war and what happened afterwards and changed by 1990. From the safety of my chair, I was given glimpses into the evils of WW2. Even after closing the book, by heart still bleeds for the innocence lost. What made this story different is that it centered around children and how they were affected. They have had to live a very long time with the past haunting them. They are to be respected and honored for surviving. We can do that by making sure the atrocities don't happen again.
The story begins in Berlin in 1938 giving the reader an overview of what it was like for the Jewish people at the beginning of the war. Helga and her family lived in a Jewish neighborhood that soon became a place attacked by those thinking they were better than the Jewish people. They have no option but to flee. It won't be easy. I sit in marvel over what had to be endured in order to escape.
As a reader, I was able to gain a better understanding of some of the challenges many were up against as they fled Germany. Helga and her sister, Ruth, ended up on a ship without a parent heading toward Cuba. I had no idea that the Cuban president changed his mind and yet kept the money spend on visas. I didn't realize that members of the Nazi party worked on the ships, watching, waiting and
Helga and Ruth, as children, got assistance for the OSE, giving the reader a look into the dedicated people that were trying to save Jewish children. Unfortunately, safety is an allusion. Helga and Ruth are soon separated. Helga is sent to America. Ruth was to meet her at a later date, but it never came. Helga may have survived, but was she able to live?
I will never completely understand how the war atrocities affected the survivors. It was dealt with in many different ways. For Helga, she lived in the world of denial. She began anew in England, never to speak of her family or her childhood. That is until she could no longer avoid it.
In 1990, her daughter, Naomi, went to work in Paris. In a market she discovered a picture. It was the same picture her mother had on her windowsill in England. She had questions. Questions her mother did not want to answer. I had questions, questions my mother didn't want to answer. The Forgotten Children gave me direction to search and get answers. I am so grateful to the author for giving me guidance.
The Forgotten Children gives the reader two perspectives--what happened during the war and what happened afterwards and changed by 1990. From the safety of my chair, I was given glimpses into the evils of WW2. Even after closing the book, by heart still bleeds for the innocence lost. What made this story different is that it centered around children and how they were affected. They have had to live a very long time with the past haunting them. They are to be respected and honored for surviving. We can do that by making sure the atrocities don't happen again.
May 16, 2023
My Mother's Wartime Secret
A dual timeline story about two twin sisters during the war and the daughter of one that later in life decides to find out her mother's history during the war.
This is a bit of a sad story in parts as Helga the same as many Jewish survivors of the Holocaust do not wish to talk about the things that they suffered during the war. It is often too painful and takes them back to a time and place they do not want to revisit. It is Helga and her twin sister Ruth's story in one part of the book.
The other part of the book is the story of Naomi (Helga's daughter) trying to find out the story of her mother's time in the war years. Naomi goes to take a job in Paris, and while she is there finds a photo at an antique market which matches a photo that is always in her mother's window at home. She is curious and starts to dig out information. However, when she asks her mother about it she becomes very defensive and refuses to talk about it. Naomi wonders what secrets she is hiding and is more determined than ever to find out.
It is a story of love and trust and of loss and fear. A horrible time in history, a family in turmoil and a horrible loss. One woman trying to forget the past and leave it behind her and another determined to find it out. Can Helga find the courage to tell her daughter her story or will she forever keep the past closed?
It was a very good book, it deserved every one of the 5 stars I gave it. I enjoyed the love between Ruth and Helga and the love between Naomi and Helga and Helga's friend Kitty. What a wonderful story, I really enjoyed reading it.
Thanks to Ann Bennett for writing a great story, to Bookouture for publishing it and to NetGalley for providing me with a free copy to read and review.
A dual timeline story about two twin sisters during the war and the daughter of one that later in life decides to find out her mother's history during the war.
This is a bit of a sad story in parts as Helga the same as many Jewish survivors of the Holocaust do not wish to talk about the things that they suffered during the war. It is often too painful and takes them back to a time and place they do not want to revisit. It is Helga and her twin sister Ruth's story in one part of the book.
The other part of the book is the story of Naomi (Helga's daughter) trying to find out the story of her mother's time in the war years. Naomi goes to take a job in Paris, and while she is there finds a photo at an antique market which matches a photo that is always in her mother's window at home. She is curious and starts to dig out information. However, when she asks her mother about it she becomes very defensive and refuses to talk about it. Naomi wonders what secrets she is hiding and is more determined than ever to find out.
It is a story of love and trust and of loss and fear. A horrible time in history, a family in turmoil and a horrible loss. One woman trying to forget the past and leave it behind her and another determined to find it out. Can Helga find the courage to tell her daughter her story or will she forever keep the past closed?
It was a very good book, it deserved every one of the 5 stars I gave it. I enjoyed the love between Ruth and Helga and the love between Naomi and Helga and Helga's friend Kitty. What a wonderful story, I really enjoyed reading it.
Thanks to Ann Bennett for writing a great story, to Bookouture for publishing it and to NetGalley for providing me with a free copy to read and review.
May 29, 2023
The Forgotten Children were those from Jewish families who were separated from their parents by the Nazis during the Second World War. Helga was one of those children. Now in 1990 she is still keeping her experiences secret from her daughter Naomi. As her daughter sets off for 6 months work in a Paris legal office Helga says nothing of the time when she too lived in the French capital. In dual time we follow Naomi’s experiences making new friends and working hard at a task which she loves, and then life for Helga and her twin sister Ruth in 1938. Living with their parents they have a happy life in Berlin unaware of the dark forces about to change everything.
This well researched novel features real events including the violent acts on Kristallnacht, the ill-fated voyage of the St Louis to Cuba and the many kind people who tried to help Jewish children escape from the Nazis. As Helga struggles to talk about her past, Naomi investigates the villa outside Paris which she recognises from a photograph in her mother’s bedroom. This causes a rift in her relationship with Helga on top of the feeling of estrangement between Naomi and her boyfriend, Liam, back in London.
Against the background of the breaking down of the Berlin wall, Helga lets down her defences and the reader becomes totally involved in her incredible life story. It’s an emotional experience of suffering and generosity. Helga is a survivor but at what cost to her mental well-being? Luckily Naomi’s maturity and understanding gradually brings them closer. As with all of Ann Bennett’s stories I was gripped by the intensity of the plot and couldn’t stop turning the pages.
This well researched novel features real events including the violent acts on Kristallnacht, the ill-fated voyage of the St Louis to Cuba and the many kind people who tried to help Jewish children escape from the Nazis. As Helga struggles to talk about her past, Naomi investigates the villa outside Paris which she recognises from a photograph in her mother’s bedroom. This causes a rift in her relationship with Helga on top of the feeling of estrangement between Naomi and her boyfriend, Liam, back in London.
Against the background of the breaking down of the Berlin wall, Helga lets down her defences and the reader becomes totally involved in her incredible life story. It’s an emotional experience of suffering and generosity. Helga is a survivor but at what cost to her mental well-being? Luckily Naomi’s maturity and understanding gradually brings them closer. As with all of Ann Bennett’s stories I was gripped by the intensity of the plot and couldn’t stop turning the pages.
May 21, 2023
Blog tour post here https://veganbookblogger.wordpress.co...
The Forgotten Children by Ann Bennett captivated me as I read it. It is a gripping and heartbreaking story. Such an excellent story! Swirled amongst the dual timeline you'll find a historical fiction story filled with sadness as you feel empathy for our young Helga in the earlier timeline. A very trying, scary and confusing time for a young person to have to experience during the war. Due to circumstances she had to move around a lot and didn't have the security of a good home environment.
In a later time frame, we meet her daughter, who would really love to know about her mother's past and her experiences. Helga, due to her tragedies will not share her story with her daughter and it's causing such a tension in their relationship. Many secrets are being kept; can this mother daughter bond be broken by omission of truths? I very much enjoyed reading Helga's backstory, it's so tragic but yet I could see why she wanted this kept secret and to not bring it to mind again. We get a harsh insight into the darker side of war and how it affected the innocent children. Will her daughter make a breakthrough with her mother? The ending was superb, the light shines through in such a beautiful way! I loved this book!
Pub Date 18 May 2023
I was given a complimentary copy of this book.
All opinions expressed are my own.
The Forgotten Children by Ann Bennett captivated me as I read it. It is a gripping and heartbreaking story. Such an excellent story! Swirled amongst the dual timeline you'll find a historical fiction story filled with sadness as you feel empathy for our young Helga in the earlier timeline. A very trying, scary and confusing time for a young person to have to experience during the war. Due to circumstances she had to move around a lot and didn't have the security of a good home environment.
In a later time frame, we meet her daughter, who would really love to know about her mother's past and her experiences. Helga, due to her tragedies will not share her story with her daughter and it's causing such a tension in their relationship. Many secrets are being kept; can this mother daughter bond be broken by omission of truths? I very much enjoyed reading Helga's backstory, it's so tragic but yet I could see why she wanted this kept secret and to not bring it to mind again. We get a harsh insight into the darker side of war and how it affected the innocent children. Will her daughter make a breakthrough with her mother? The ending was superb, the light shines through in such a beautiful way! I loved this book!
Pub Date 18 May 2023
I was given a complimentary copy of this book.
All opinions expressed are my own.
December 30, 2023
TRIGGER WARNING: Holocaust and Nazi brutality
1938, Helga and Ruth are Jewish twins in Berlin during an increasingly fraught time. Their only hope is to escape abroad but can they save each other? 1990, Naomi goes to France for work but discovers clues about her mother Helga's secret family history...
The Forgotten Children is a dual timeline and generational novel set in Europe during the 1930s and 1990s.
Naomi's mother Helga has always been secretive about her past. Naomi's father escaped from Germany on the Kindertransport but Helga's past is unknown. The only clue is a photo of a building but even when Naomi finds the site Helga denies all knowledge. Meanwhile in the 1930s we see Helga's horror at the growing hatred of the Jews. Luckily Helga has a twin Ruth but the pair struggle to adapt to the devastating treatment that the Jews face at the hands of the Nazis.
I found myself fully absorbed by this book as Helga in the past and present struggles to accept the truth of her experience. Naomi wants to find the truth and learn about her family but her search puts her at odds wth her mother. There is plenty of emotion as Helga in the 1930s copes with increasing prejudice and violence. I also found myself sympathetic to her situation in the present as she denies the past. Ruth isn't mentioned in the present so I was waiting with dread to find out what happened to her in the past.
The Forgotten Children is a gripping and emotional historical novel.
1938, Helga and Ruth are Jewish twins in Berlin during an increasingly fraught time. Their only hope is to escape abroad but can they save each other? 1990, Naomi goes to France for work but discovers clues about her mother Helga's secret family history...
The Forgotten Children is a dual timeline and generational novel set in Europe during the 1930s and 1990s.
Naomi's mother Helga has always been secretive about her past. Naomi's father escaped from Germany on the Kindertransport but Helga's past is unknown. The only clue is a photo of a building but even when Naomi finds the site Helga denies all knowledge. Meanwhile in the 1930s we see Helga's horror at the growing hatred of the Jews. Luckily Helga has a twin Ruth but the pair struggle to adapt to the devastating treatment that the Jews face at the hands of the Nazis.
I found myself fully absorbed by this book as Helga in the past and present struggles to accept the truth of her experience. Naomi wants to find the truth and learn about her family but her search puts her at odds wth her mother. There is plenty of emotion as Helga in the 1930s copes with increasing prejudice and violence. I also found myself sympathetic to her situation in the present as she denies the past. Ruth isn't mentioned in the present so I was waiting with dread to find out what happened to her in the past.
The Forgotten Children is a gripping and emotional historical novel.
May 21, 2023
Helga and Ruth, eleven year old Jewish twins lose both their mother and father to the War. Not only have they lost their parents but their home is gone as well. Their new home is an orphanage and they are lucky to have been placed there together. But when Ruth gets sick they are separated from each other. It’s 1990 and Naomi moves to Paris in search of finding her place in life. While touring the antique markets she comes across an old familiar photograph. The same photo sits on top of the mantle in her mother, Helga’s house in London. Naomi tells her mother about the photograph she has found and Helga wants Naomi to leave things alone but Naomi must find out the history of the photographs, while Helga hopes the secrets of her past stay in the past.
The Forgotten Children written by author Ann Bennett was a wonderful and heartbreaking time slip novel. I was inspired by the strength and courage that they had to survive. This captivating story had me in tears more than once as I flipped through the pages of this heartwarming story. This incredible story is an absolute must read and I highly recommend it.
The Forgotten Children written by author Ann Bennett was a wonderful and heartbreaking time slip novel. I was inspired by the strength and courage that they had to survive. This captivating story had me in tears more than once as I flipped through the pages of this heartwarming story. This incredible story is an absolute must read and I highly recommend it.
May 19, 2023
The Forgotten Children is Helga and Ruth’s story as Jewish children in Germany in WWII. They witnessed horrible things and has to do the unimaginable to survive. Years later Helga’s daughter Naomi finds a picture identical to one her mother has while working in France and wants to know why the pictures are the same. Helga has never spoken of the war and insists she was never in France.
Helga and Naomi both tell the story and Helga’s is told in the present and in past during the war. I found the book fascinating, heartbreaking and heartwarming at the same time. The author created characters you can relate to and want to help in any way you can.
Helga and Naomi both tell the story and Helga’s is told in the present and in past during the war. I found the book fascinating, heartbreaking and heartwarming at the same time. The author created characters you can relate to and want to help in any way you can.
November 11, 2023
I enjoyed the main storyline of this book. Naomi and Helga were very well developed. I had read The German Girl, so appreciated the journey of the St Louis being mentioned.
I did not see the relevance of Naomi having a boyfriend. He was a very minor character. I felt it was strange that there would be any attraction between Naomi and her boss. He was described as being much older than Naomi. He had fluffy grey hair…and later on, he said that Naomi reminded him of a younger version of his deceased wife. Both of those relationships could have been left out, and I would have enjoyed the story more.
I did not see the relevance of Naomi having a boyfriend. He was a very minor character. I felt it was strange that there would be any attraction between Naomi and her boss. He was described as being much older than Naomi. He had fluffy grey hair…and later on, he said that Naomi reminded him of a younger version of his deceased wife. Both of those relationships could have been left out, and I would have enjoyed the story more.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 20, 2023
The Forgotten Children is the second book that I’ve read by this author and it was a wonderful read, heartbreaking and emotional at times. Whilst it’s an easy read it is also one that will draw you into the story from the very beginning. Told in a dual timeline , 1938 - 1941 and 1990 both timelines completely gripped me as I read this book. This is a book that fans of Historical Fiction will absolutely love. 4⭐️
February 9, 2025
What a story! What the Jewish children went through under the Nazi regime and WW11 Is heartbreaking!
To speak of the horrors when you are older must bring back nightmares but the words need to be said so they can never be forgotten.
The characters were strong and the story flowed well. The relationship between mother and daughter was interesting. Love, compassion and understanding was what held them together.
Would recommend
To speak of the horrors when you are older must bring back nightmares but the words need to be said so they can never be forgotten.
The characters were strong and the story flowed well. The relationship between mother and daughter was interesting. Love, compassion and understanding was what held them together.
Would recommend
February 19, 2025
A different story about WW2 and the struggle of a German Jewish family. Hearing this tale about trying to get out and the obstacles they faced, was captivating. Additionally, in this story the struggles just continued across the Atlantic and Europe in ways new to me. I like a good story that vacillates from present day to the past drawing you into the characters lives. It started out slow, but in the end, I couldn’t put it down.
June 20, 2023
The forgotten children
Very well-written, well-constructed plot......uncovering experiences of World War Two and surviving The Holocaust. Some of it takes place in the1990s, as a woman learns about what her mother experienced as a Jewish child in Berlin in the 1930s, about which she has not spoken in decades.
Very well-written, well-constructed plot......uncovering experiences of World War Two and surviving The Holocaust. Some of it takes place in the1990s, as a woman learns about what her mother experienced as a Jewish child in Berlin in the 1930s, about which she has not spoken in decades.
July 13, 2023
Another mostly unknown story of the Jewish experience during WWII. I was fascinated by how the story of two young Jewish girls were shuttled from Berlin to Cuba and England with stops in America, France and Portugal. Although fictional, the basis of the story is factual and many children were uprooted, separated and lost during the war. Their stories should never be forgotten.
June 11, 2025
This era in history is fascinating and heartbreaking. How did we even get to this place in history? Helga went through so much heartbreak, unbelievable heartache. But kind people were there, doing the right things even among so much evil. Her daughter Naomi is a major character as well. No spoilers. Just know this is a great book!
January 30, 2024
A heartbreaking read
This book tells the story of 2 sisters in war torn Berlin during WW2.
Now Helgas daughter encourages her mother to tell her experiences during the war.
This is well, worth reading but I enjoyed Ann Bennets Far East stories better.
This book tells the story of 2 sisters in war torn Berlin during WW2.
Now Helgas daughter encourages her mother to tell her experiences during the war.
This is well, worth reading but I enjoyed Ann Bennets Far East stories better.
May 31, 2023
My Musings
Great book with compelling characters and intriguing plot. I am so glad I found this one in Kindle Unlimited. Happy reading!
Great book with compelling characters and intriguing plot. I am so glad I found this one in Kindle Unlimited. Happy reading!
June 10, 2023
Touching
This tale moved me to better understand the toll of the war on families. The devastation and long lasting effects.
This tale moved me to better understand the toll of the war on families. The devastation and long lasting effects.
August 15, 2024
I enjoyed this book. I was convinced that Martine’s grandmother was Ruth, but sadly she wasn’t.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 19, 2025
I couldn't put it down. Amazing
author,
author,
October 20, 2025
Great book!
June 3, 2023
This is a historical fiction by Ann Bennett. I could not put this down. It was heart-wrenching at times, but I needed to know what happened. I recommend the read.
The Nazis have control of Berlin in 1938 and it's not safe to be Jewish. Twin sisters, Helga & Ruth are happy girls who live with their parents. When they are forced to flee their home and comfortable lives, it takes them on a journey they will never forget. Even if they want to.
Now it's 1990 and we are introduced to Naomi, Helga’s daughter. She is suddenly transferred to Paris to work at her company law firm on a case & instantly loves the city. She is taken by surprise when she discovers a postcard at a flea market that is identical to the one her mother keeps by her window. Upon investigation, she discovers that the building was once an orphanage. Why would her mother keep this photo?
Helga wants to leave the past where it lies, but Naomi just can’t let this go. She feels there is more to her history and longs to hear the story from her mom. Will Helga tell Naomi about her past?
Thanks to the author, publisher, and NetGalley for the advance copy in exchange for an honest review.
Merged review:
This is a historical fiction by Ann Bennett. I could not put this down. It was heart-wrenching at times, but I needed to know what happened. I recommend the read.
The Nazis have control of Berlin in 1938 and it's not safe to be Jewish. Twin sisters, Helga & Ruth are happy girls who live with their parents. When they are forced to flee their home and comfortable lives, it takes them on a journey they will never forget. Even if they want to.
Now it's 1990 and we are introduced to Naomi, Helga’s daughter. She is suddenly transferred to Paris to work at her company law firm on a case & instantly loves the city. She is taken by surprise when she discovers a postcard at a flea market that is identical to the one her mother keeps by her window. Upon investigation, she discovers that the building was once an orphanage. Why would her mother keep this photo?
Helga wants to leave the past where it lies, but Naomi just can’t let this go. She feels there is more to her history and longs to hear the story from her mom. Will Helga tell Naomi about her past?
Thanks to the author, publisher, and NetGalley for the advance copy in exchange for an honest review.
The Nazis have control of Berlin in 1938 and it's not safe to be Jewish. Twin sisters, Helga & Ruth are happy girls who live with their parents. When they are forced to flee their home and comfortable lives, it takes them on a journey they will never forget. Even if they want to.
Now it's 1990 and we are introduced to Naomi, Helga’s daughter. She is suddenly transferred to Paris to work at her company law firm on a case & instantly loves the city. She is taken by surprise when she discovers a postcard at a flea market that is identical to the one her mother keeps by her window. Upon investigation, she discovers that the building was once an orphanage. Why would her mother keep this photo?
Helga wants to leave the past where it lies, but Naomi just can’t let this go. She feels there is more to her history and longs to hear the story from her mom. Will Helga tell Naomi about her past?
Thanks to the author, publisher, and NetGalley for the advance copy in exchange for an honest review.
Merged review:
This is a historical fiction by Ann Bennett. I could not put this down. It was heart-wrenching at times, but I needed to know what happened. I recommend the read.
The Nazis have control of Berlin in 1938 and it's not safe to be Jewish. Twin sisters, Helga & Ruth are happy girls who live with their parents. When they are forced to flee their home and comfortable lives, it takes them on a journey they will never forget. Even if they want to.
Now it's 1990 and we are introduced to Naomi, Helga’s daughter. She is suddenly transferred to Paris to work at her company law firm on a case & instantly loves the city. She is taken by surprise when she discovers a postcard at a flea market that is identical to the one her mother keeps by her window. Upon investigation, she discovers that the building was once an orphanage. Why would her mother keep this photo?
Helga wants to leave the past where it lies, but Naomi just can’t let this go. She feels there is more to her history and longs to hear the story from her mom. Will Helga tell Naomi about her past?
Thanks to the author, publisher, and NetGalley for the advance copy in exchange for an honest review.
May 7, 2023
This dual timeline historical fiction follows the experience of eleven year old Jewish twins, Helga and Ruth Beider growing up in Berlin, Germany just preceding and during the war. On the evening of Kristalnacht, the happy lives of the girls change with the loss of their mother and as danger escalates, Tate Beider makes plans for his daughters to find safety away from Europe. In alternating chapters, we forward to 1990 where we meet Helga and her daughter adult daughter Naomi , who knew nothing of her mother’s experiences during the war until she gets a job in Paris and finds a postcard in a flea market depicting a children’s home in France, an exact likeness to a photograph in Helga’s home.
This is a story of the children who bore witness to war, the trauma they carried into adulthood and the love of family and friends to help them reconcile their childhood by unburdening the anguish and finding peace. I appreciated this story as told from the perspective of the innocent children who lose their childhood when living in wartime. It is heartbreaking that these experiences are still being realized by children throughout the world today.
Thank you NetGalley and Bookouture for giving me the opportunity to read an advanced copy in exchange for my honest review.
This is a story of the children who bore witness to war, the trauma they carried into adulthood and the love of family and friends to help them reconcile their childhood by unburdening the anguish and finding peace. I appreciated this story as told from the perspective of the innocent children who lose their childhood when living in wartime. It is heartbreaking that these experiences are still being realized by children throughout the world today.
Thank you NetGalley and Bookouture for giving me the opportunity to read an advanced copy in exchange for my honest review.
May 31, 2023
I enjoyed the novel immensely since Historical Fiction was one of my favorite genres to read; however, most novels followed a type formula.I was pleasantly surprised with this novel and did not follow the formula. The novel takes place during a dual time between 1938 and1990, which I enjoyed in the novel.
Eleven year Jewish twins Helga and Ruth had their fair share of sadness in their short lives. The girls lost their parents due to the war and their home. What did give solace to the girls was that they were together, unfortunately this was short lived and the sisters were separated and with that, they lost their feeling of comfort. Eventually, the twins' next home was an orphanage, which was not a home.
Historical Fiction is one of my favorite genres; however, the style follows a formula. I was surprised with this novel and it did not follow any other novel’s formatting. I did find reviewing a bit difficult, mainly because of the complexity of the characters. The novel was well researched and written and researched an incredibly passionate novel. Ann Bennett shows passion in her writing and I appreciate that in her.
Ann Bennett, Bookouture, and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review this book
Eleven year Jewish twins Helga and Ruth had their fair share of sadness in their short lives. The girls lost their parents due to the war and their home. What did give solace to the girls was that they were together, unfortunately this was short lived and the sisters were separated and with that, they lost their feeling of comfort. Eventually, the twins' next home was an orphanage, which was not a home.
Historical Fiction is one of my favorite genres; however, the style follows a formula. I was surprised with this novel and it did not follow any other novel’s formatting. I did find reviewing a bit difficult, mainly because of the complexity of the characters. The novel was well researched and written and researched an incredibly passionate novel. Ann Bennett shows passion in her writing and I appreciate that in her.
Ann Bennett, Bookouture, and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review this book
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