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The Orphans of Berlin
The Orphans of Berlin <> Hardcover <> JinaBacarr <> BoldwoodBooksLtd
Hardcover
First published November 10, 2022
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February 11, 2025
My least favorite read in a long time. Poorly written and light on history. I should have put the book down when it first annoyed me, which was early and often.
The book’s summary says it’s a historical novel about two women and the Kindertransport to rescue Jewish children before the war broke out. Ha! There is hardly any details or much content dedicated to the Kindertransport, which was the reason I read this book, and the second female character has zero character development, she is simply a friend that is occasionally in the story.
Even if you enjoy light-reading historical novels, which are defined as stories “set in a historical period of time and convey the spirit, manners, and social conditions of a past age with realistic detail…” this failed to achieve much focus on the setting and time in history.
This story takes place during WWII but it’s not really about the war, despite reviews and the books description. It’s about a debutant who doesn’t want to be one, has a bad relationship with her cold hearted mother, flees to Paris, falls in love with a man and with a Jewish family in Berlin that they are able to save. There is a lot of redundancies about Katy’s feelings, mostly about her mother, the loss of her child, and feelings towards the men in her life; which is more of the focus than what’s actually happening during the war.
Even if you don’t want to read / learn about WWII, this story is poorly written and not entertaining. As another reviewer said, “Way too much filler and not enough substance.” I’m shocked I finished it and wish I simply moved onto something else.
I also struggled with the writing style: unrealistic and repetitive. Multiple examples of this are throughout the book, but I’ll highlight two:
- It’s hard to take this book seriously when the main character, Katy, is being perused by a Nazi SS officer, she has time to wonder if a Jew she’s trying to protect is pregnant. Really, at this very moment you have time to think about something other than escaping? “I shoot her a look. Are you…? She nods.” Give me a break! So unrealistic. It’s insulting to the real fear situations like this that actually occurred.
- While being shot at by Nazis, Katy has a flirtatious conversation with pilot Max who struggles to fly the airplane and has a lengthy internal dialogue about how she’s falling for him. All while she’s afraid of heights and bullets are wizzing past them…. If potential death was that close, I’d be behaving differently.
Additionally, it makes absolutely no logical sense that after Americans were being rounded up and sent to camps, after America entered the war, that Katy, who was previously arrested from her home at The Ritz Hotel, would return to live there for the duration of the war, collecting intelligence as a spy - this is briefly referenced at the end of the book, which was rushed and ended in haste.
I’m honestly mad at how misleading the book’s description is and makes me mistrust anything published by Boldwood Books.
The book’s summary says it’s a historical novel about two women and the Kindertransport to rescue Jewish children before the war broke out. Ha! There is hardly any details or much content dedicated to the Kindertransport, which was the reason I read this book, and the second female character has zero character development, she is simply a friend that is occasionally in the story.
Even if you enjoy light-reading historical novels, which are defined as stories “set in a historical period of time and convey the spirit, manners, and social conditions of a past age with realistic detail…” this failed to achieve much focus on the setting and time in history.
This story takes place during WWII but it’s not really about the war, despite reviews and the books description. It’s about a debutant who doesn’t want to be one, has a bad relationship with her cold hearted mother, flees to Paris, falls in love with a man and with a Jewish family in Berlin that they are able to save. There is a lot of redundancies about Katy’s feelings, mostly about her mother, the loss of her child, and feelings towards the men in her life; which is more of the focus than what’s actually happening during the war.
Even if you don’t want to read / learn about WWII, this story is poorly written and not entertaining. As another reviewer said, “Way too much filler and not enough substance.” I’m shocked I finished it and wish I simply moved onto something else.
I also struggled with the writing style: unrealistic and repetitive. Multiple examples of this are throughout the book, but I’ll highlight two:
- It’s hard to take this book seriously when the main character, Katy, is being perused by a Nazi SS officer, she has time to wonder if a Jew she’s trying to protect is pregnant. Really, at this very moment you have time to think about something other than escaping? “I shoot her a look. Are you…? She nods.” Give me a break! So unrealistic. It’s insulting to the real fear situations like this that actually occurred.
- While being shot at by Nazis, Katy has a flirtatious conversation with pilot Max who struggles to fly the airplane and has a lengthy internal dialogue about how she’s falling for him. All while she’s afraid of heights and bullets are wizzing past them…. If potential death was that close, I’d be behaving differently.
Additionally, it makes absolutely no logical sense that after Americans were being rounded up and sent to camps, after America entered the war, that Katy, who was previously arrested from her home at The Ritz Hotel, would return to live there for the duration of the war, collecting intelligence as a spy - this is briefly referenced at the end of the book, which was rushed and ended in haste.
I’m honestly mad at how misleading the book’s description is and makes me mistrust anything published by Boldwood Books.
November 15, 2022
Right from the first chapter this book was engrossing and hard to put down. It takes place in the beginning s of Hitler's rise and focuses on an American debutante ,Kay and a teenaged Jewish girl, Rachel, who cross paths in Berlin. Each chapter is dedicated to either Kay or Rachel..I do not want to give away any of the story with the exception that it is very well written. The descriptions of the city bring you there. The characters are memorable and touch your heart. Kay and Rachel are both very brave, determined, loyal women who go through situations that would destroy most. Intertwined within the story , both women find love. The author does a very good job letting the reader know the aftereffects of all the characters.situations. The ending is bittersweet; A consequence of war. I did have happy tears at the end. This is at minimum a 3 tissue read and at the same time inspiring with how resilient the human spirit is. Thanks to NetGalley, Boldwood books and the author for the opportunity to read and review this book.
October 27, 2022
Wow! I was blown away by the magnitude of this novel. It is exceptional on so many levels. It is hard to know where to begin in singing its praises. The Orphans of Berlin is incredible in its presentation, topic and progression. The description is so vivid, it is like watching a mini-series. I also felt the emotional roller coaster rides of each of the dominant characters and was successfully transported to the settings of Philadelphia and Bethlehem in Pennsylvania, Paris and Berlin. I easily embraced the story lines of each of the two lead speakers whose lives are very different in so many ways. Kay is the American heiress debutante and Rachel, the Jewish musician Berlin orphan. Their paths cross and become intertwined in such an unexpected way. Each of their stories equally captured my attention and pulled my heart in so many directions. I deeply cared about these two and their associate family, friends and loves.
The novel opens in September 1942 with nineteen year old Rachel Landau and the French police storming the Chateau outside Paris where she lives with her two siblings. The local gendarmes are taking orders from the Nazis. Nobody is safe; especially Jews. But Rachel is not inside with them. She is on the grounds but in a secret meeting in the gamekeeper’s cottage when she hears the roar of the big trucks. Her worst fears are happening. Her two sisters are captured. Along with their governess – a Polish girl. Who has betrayed them? How will she save them from the death camps?
The second chapter (still in September 1942) introduces Kay Alexander and her undercover business. She is an untrained agent, spying for allies but utilising effectively her debutante skills. As her uncle Archibald says, it is her position in society that gives her a ‘certain cachet on foreign soil.’ She is clever and resourceful. We learn a lot about her in this chapter. How she helped rescue the Jewish Landau sisters from Berlin and now she must help them escape Paris where the Gestapo have been hunting down Jewish children hiding in France.
A few chapters in, we are sent back to the earlier days of both Kay and Rachel before and after they meet. Much of the story is told in flashbacks and how their chance encounter changes both their lives. Rachel is full of courage and determination and cares deeply about her family. She shares a closeness with her parents and younger siblings and will do whatever it takes to save them. After Kay meets Rachel and her family, she is deeply moved by their love for each other and warmth. So, when she is called upon to help, she is ready for action.
But what has led Kay Alexander to this place? We are provided flashbacks of her life before the war. We learn a lot about her—including her love of reading and how books are her escape from the real world. She is a very wealthy heiress to a candy fortune in Philadelphia who must ‘come out,’ find a husband and take her place in the top realms of society. It is Mrs Alexander’s ambition for her daughter to become Debutante of the Year. But this goes against every fibre of Kay’s being for these social things are of no interest to her. Kay Alexander wants to do something special with her life—something that matters. And becoming a debutante is not a worthy goal in her mind. She says it is ‘torture.’ Of course, at this stage she does not know how her social position will help her and others in the future. I found this part of her story quite intriguing—and how a debutante’s training in the art of attracting publicity will assist her in future missions.
There is one more thing Kay wants desperately and that is to gain her mother’s respect and love. But her mother has made it clear she is not proud of her—even after she gives in and does what she wants. She goes through the Debutant training and once done, her mother’s lack of true acknowledgement, breaks her heart and sends her on the run out into the world and into the arms of someone she feels she can trust and love. Of course, things go very bad and some major heartbreaking events occur. Yet Kay still gains no compassion from her mother who continues to be very sharp and unfeeling towards her. It becomes obvious her mother’s ambitions are clouding her judgement as far as Kay is concerned. But through a strange twist of fate or divine intervention, Kay’s life takes a turn, assisted by her uncle. Which then leads to meeting a special artist pilot and the arrival of love into her life. This man shares her passion to help others fight against Hitler’s takeover. They begin some harrowing adventures together. But Kay harbours a secret that may affect their relationship.
A lot of research has obviously gone into The Orphans of Berlin and Jina has mastered that and more magnificently. The core of this story circles around the Kindertransport history—an informal rescue of Jewish children from Hitler’s destruction. Moving them was an epic act of survival. With such hefty inspiration woven into this story’s fabric, it is no surprise that it is a gripping, heart wrenching story of chaos, sacrifice and courage. And yes, many were saved despite the battles and yes, there was also great loss. But Jina paints not only the sadness and devastation but also the love, strength and determination of those who fought hard to save as many as they could. It is a harrowing journey and one that is written in such a way you will not forget the horrors that Jews and others experienced under Hitler’s regime. This is a moving demonstration of steady acts of courage. A commemoration of the many who tried to relieve the suffering of these children and to deliver the wrongfully condemned. The Dedication at the beginning of the novel reflects beautifully the heart of this story. ‘To the brave men and women who risked their lives to save innocent Jewish children from the ravages of Hitler’s war machine…’
The Orphans of Berlin will stay with me forever. This multi-layered story has great depth and heart and shows how even initial negative experiences can be turned around and used in a positive way. There is also an epic lesson in The Orphans of Berlin that out of the ashes of sorrow, beautiful flowers of love and healing can spring—if bitterness is not allowed to take root.
The Orphans of Berlin is a powerful story of love, courage, determination, purpose and identity. It is a must-read for historical fiction lovers and deserves all the stars and more. It is filled with saddening moments but also joyous ones. The victories are sweeter because they are hard earned and deserved. I highly recommend this novel as it will touch your heart deeply as it did mine. 5 Stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Many thanks to Jina Bacarr, Boldwood Books and Netgalley for my review copy.
The novel opens in September 1942 with nineteen year old Rachel Landau and the French police storming the Chateau outside Paris where she lives with her two siblings. The local gendarmes are taking orders from the Nazis. Nobody is safe; especially Jews. But Rachel is not inside with them. She is on the grounds but in a secret meeting in the gamekeeper’s cottage when she hears the roar of the big trucks. Her worst fears are happening. Her two sisters are captured. Along with their governess – a Polish girl. Who has betrayed them? How will she save them from the death camps?
The second chapter (still in September 1942) introduces Kay Alexander and her undercover business. She is an untrained agent, spying for allies but utilising effectively her debutante skills. As her uncle Archibald says, it is her position in society that gives her a ‘certain cachet on foreign soil.’ She is clever and resourceful. We learn a lot about her in this chapter. How she helped rescue the Jewish Landau sisters from Berlin and now she must help them escape Paris where the Gestapo have been hunting down Jewish children hiding in France.
A few chapters in, we are sent back to the earlier days of both Kay and Rachel before and after they meet. Much of the story is told in flashbacks and how their chance encounter changes both their lives. Rachel is full of courage and determination and cares deeply about her family. She shares a closeness with her parents and younger siblings and will do whatever it takes to save them. After Kay meets Rachel and her family, she is deeply moved by their love for each other and warmth. So, when she is called upon to help, she is ready for action.
But what has led Kay Alexander to this place? We are provided flashbacks of her life before the war. We learn a lot about her—including her love of reading and how books are her escape from the real world. She is a very wealthy heiress to a candy fortune in Philadelphia who must ‘come out,’ find a husband and take her place in the top realms of society. It is Mrs Alexander’s ambition for her daughter to become Debutante of the Year. But this goes against every fibre of Kay’s being for these social things are of no interest to her. Kay Alexander wants to do something special with her life—something that matters. And becoming a debutante is not a worthy goal in her mind. She says it is ‘torture.’ Of course, at this stage she does not know how her social position will help her and others in the future. I found this part of her story quite intriguing—and how a debutante’s training in the art of attracting publicity will assist her in future missions.
There is one more thing Kay wants desperately and that is to gain her mother’s respect and love. But her mother has made it clear she is not proud of her—even after she gives in and does what she wants. She goes through the Debutant training and once done, her mother’s lack of true acknowledgement, breaks her heart and sends her on the run out into the world and into the arms of someone she feels she can trust and love. Of course, things go very bad and some major heartbreaking events occur. Yet Kay still gains no compassion from her mother who continues to be very sharp and unfeeling towards her. It becomes obvious her mother’s ambitions are clouding her judgement as far as Kay is concerned. But through a strange twist of fate or divine intervention, Kay’s life takes a turn, assisted by her uncle. Which then leads to meeting a special artist pilot and the arrival of love into her life. This man shares her passion to help others fight against Hitler’s takeover. They begin some harrowing adventures together. But Kay harbours a secret that may affect their relationship.
A lot of research has obviously gone into The Orphans of Berlin and Jina has mastered that and more magnificently. The core of this story circles around the Kindertransport history—an informal rescue of Jewish children from Hitler’s destruction. Moving them was an epic act of survival. With such hefty inspiration woven into this story’s fabric, it is no surprise that it is a gripping, heart wrenching story of chaos, sacrifice and courage. And yes, many were saved despite the battles and yes, there was also great loss. But Jina paints not only the sadness and devastation but also the love, strength and determination of those who fought hard to save as many as they could. It is a harrowing journey and one that is written in such a way you will not forget the horrors that Jews and others experienced under Hitler’s regime. This is a moving demonstration of steady acts of courage. A commemoration of the many who tried to relieve the suffering of these children and to deliver the wrongfully condemned. The Dedication at the beginning of the novel reflects beautifully the heart of this story. ‘To the brave men and women who risked their lives to save innocent Jewish children from the ravages of Hitler’s war machine…’
The Orphans of Berlin will stay with me forever. This multi-layered story has great depth and heart and shows how even initial negative experiences can be turned around and used in a positive way. There is also an epic lesson in The Orphans of Berlin that out of the ashes of sorrow, beautiful flowers of love and healing can spring—if bitterness is not allowed to take root.
The Orphans of Berlin is a powerful story of love, courage, determination, purpose and identity. It is a must-read for historical fiction lovers and deserves all the stars and more. It is filled with saddening moments but also joyous ones. The victories are sweeter because they are hard earned and deserved. I highly recommend this novel as it will touch your heart deeply as it did mine. 5 Stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Many thanks to Jina Bacarr, Boldwood Books and Netgalley for my review copy.
October 14, 2022
It's 1942 and some of Berlin's Jews have come to France, only now it is occupied and they are being rounded up. This is based on the true story of the kinder transport. The Landau girls have fled, only someone has given them away and the two youngest are taken away. Rachel, the eldest, was out at the time meeting her resistance friend. She quickly decides there is only one option- to find her friend who is in Paris that helped them get away in the first place.
Kay is a debutante- or at least her mother would like her to be. She is an American heiress but hates the circles she “ should” move in and prefers to do her own thing- something more mentally challenging. The two women join together to try and save Rachel's sisters and do what they can for the war effort.
I quickly got into this and liked both Rachel and Kay- both feisty, determined, tenacious women putting themselves at risk for others. We get the background story for both of them before and in the early stages of the war- two very different backgrounds. A wonderful, in parts heart wrenching story of warmth and human kindness and getting through the very worst of times ‘#neverforget
For more reviews please follow me on Twitter@nickisbookblog
January 12, 2023
disappointed
This book starts off in the near present and then goes backward in time to tell the story up to that point. Talk about a long way to get there. Too much filler and not enough substance is the best way to describe it. The storyline could have been excellent but so much didn’t add up especially the chance encounter of Kay meeting Rachel and her sisters and then the inexplicable bond that happened in that short meeting where Rachel mails Kay for help in leaving Berlin. Did not add up. But the worse part was the ending, when a lifelong rift between Kay and her mother all of a sudden disappears. It was too much. I love historical fiction especially about World War II, but this fell short
This book starts off in the near present and then goes backward in time to tell the story up to that point. Talk about a long way to get there. Too much filler and not enough substance is the best way to describe it. The storyline could have been excellent but so much didn’t add up especially the chance encounter of Kay meeting Rachel and her sisters and then the inexplicable bond that happened in that short meeting where Rachel mails Kay for help in leaving Berlin. Did not add up. But the worse part was the ending, when a lifelong rift between Kay and her mother all of a sudden disappears. It was too much. I love historical fiction especially about World War II, but this fell short
November 18, 2022
Not the story I expected
The Orphans of Berlin is well written and the characters are well developed. However, the story focuses more on romance, a chocolate heiress seeking to create her own life, family dynamics, some basic spying, more than on the orphans. As a reader expecting more of a story focused on the orphans of war, I was disappointed.
The Orphans of Berlin is well written and the characters are well developed. However, the story focuses more on romance, a chocolate heiress seeking to create her own life, family dynamics, some basic spying, more than on the orphans. As a reader expecting more of a story focused on the orphans of war, I was disappointed.
May 27, 2023
A great & exciting story of an American Heiress who lost her only child on a lonely Christmas,but pulled herself together to go to Germany & help hundreds of Jewish children escape the Nazis.
Kay & her husband Max,who was a pilot for the RAF worked underground in plain sight to help many Jewish people escape the camps.
This is obviously a fictional account,but the Kindertransport was real.
The characters & story are ones,you won't soon forget.
Kay & her husband Max,who was a pilot for the RAF worked underground in plain sight to help many Jewish people escape the camps.
This is obviously a fictional account,but the Kindertransport was real.
The characters & story are ones,you won't soon forget.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 9, 2024
The book was a good account of what happened in the war . How people had to help each other to survive . Kay and Rachel were so brave and risked their lives to save Rachel’s sister who were sent to a prisoner of war camp they never gave up .
November 15, 2023
I felt there was too much focus on Kay’s life as a debutant and her romance and not enough on the jewish family and their struggles.
January 18, 2025
Rating: 3.5
Rachel and her two sisters live in France above the music shop owned by their father. Life is wonderful and they enjoy working in the shop and playing their own instruments. Kay is a young adult living in Pennsylvania and being pushed by her mom to get engaged and married which is the last thing she wishes to do. Kay decides to take a trip to France against her mother's wishes, and that is where she meets Rachel and her family just as the Germans are beginning to take over France. How will Kay show her independence and support her Jewish friends in the midst of turmoils as well as find the person that is meant for her?
The beginning of this book as the author leads the reader through both Rachel's family life and Kay's life seemed to be a bit slow, and I began to wonder if I'd ever get to the orphans of Berlin. But the last third seemed to pick up and show how Kay and her friends helped Rachel's family as well as some other Jewish children who had to leave their homes. This is my first read by this author.
Rachel and her two sisters live in France above the music shop owned by their father. Life is wonderful and they enjoy working in the shop and playing their own instruments. Kay is a young adult living in Pennsylvania and being pushed by her mom to get engaged and married which is the last thing she wishes to do. Kay decides to take a trip to France against her mother's wishes, and that is where she meets Rachel and her family just as the Germans are beginning to take over France. How will Kay show her independence and support her Jewish friends in the midst of turmoils as well as find the person that is meant for her?
The beginning of this book as the author leads the reader through both Rachel's family life and Kay's life seemed to be a bit slow, and I began to wonder if I'd ever get to the orphans of Berlin. But the last third seemed to pick up and show how Kay and her friends helped Rachel's family as well as some other Jewish children who had to leave their homes. This is my first read by this author.
January 22, 2025
Audiobook - 2.5 ⭐️ rounded up. No authors note, so that’s one ⭐️ docked right off the bat. So much potential here, but the whole thing seemed contrived and glossed over. Way too much about the American debutante and her journey to being part of the Resistance, than what I thought the book was about… the Kindertransport. So, kind of a bait and switch. I found myself rolling my eyes more than once at the unrealistic nature of many scenes. Part of me wonders how in the world it has the GR rating it does. 🤷🏼♀️
Not sure I will revisit the author. Read quickly on my part because life circumstances allowed big chunks at one time.
Not sure I will revisit the author. Read quickly on my part because life circumstances allowed big chunks at one time.
November 15, 2022
This Is a story set in WII. It is the story of a Jewish families struggle to survive the Nazis and an American debutant who is compelled to help. The story is based on the Kindertransport rescue of Jewish children from countries occupied by Nazis. It is not a happy story and is a tough but compelling story. Thank you to net galley for an advanced readers copy.
May 11, 2023
3.5 stars for me. The last 25% of book was very good. I enjoyed Rachel’s story. Kay’s storyline was good in the sense that she became more independent Overall the book kept me interested but it was more of a romance story where I would have preferred to read more about the impacts of war as the title infers
May 12, 2023
This book kept my attention for the first half of the book and than lost my attention for the rest of the book. Others may like it though if they are into war and holocaust type of stuff.
August 6, 2023
It was okay, but not as engaging as I would have wanted. A but too much emphases was put on the debutant and her overbearing mother in my opinion.
June 10, 2023
There was a lot going on in the book—felt like it took a long time for a little to happen and then a lot happened in a few pages…not my favorite HF book.
March 15, 2023
An historical romance with the emphasis on romance. Quite saccharine in that regard. Little to add in its historical aspects which seem to rely on general knowledge with little research. There are so many truthful and affecting books about Nazi treatment of the Jews. This is not one. Should be called The Heiress and her Flyer. Sorry.
October 30, 2022
The Orphans Of Berlin by Jina Bacarr is a powerful historical novel that consumed me from the start.
The action is set from 1936 to roughly 1942, with a post war epilogue. We hear the events through two alternating voices, both of which are incredibly brave.
Events take place in America, Paris and Berlin. The gaiety of America in 1936 contrasts with events in Europe as the storm clouds are gathering, and the persecution of the Jewish people is beginning to reach beyond Germany.
It is against this background that we find ordinary people committing extraordinary acts of bravery. Despite the fear, even young children stand up for family. It was a time of unspeakable horror, and also great love and bravery.
As we follow the orphans of Berlin, we see an ordinary Jewish family who are united by love and music. Music lifts us beyond our circumstances as we seek to lose ourselves within the melody.
Before the war, we see the pressures put on an American heiress to make a marriage match. She is worth so much more than her fortune. As her character emerges, we witness her strength and her tenacity to travel along the path of righteousness.
Love still blooms in times of war. We share the worry as lives face danger.
Jina Bacarr has constructed a powerful and heart-breaking story. Her fictional tale weaves in factual details such as Kristallnacht, the kinder transport, Berlin zoo etc. I was completely caught up in the action, hanging on Jina Bacarr’s every word. She has written a marvelous, captivating and powerful tale.
I received a free copy from Rachel’s Random Resources for a blog tour. A favourable review was not required. All opinions are my own.
The action is set from 1936 to roughly 1942, with a post war epilogue. We hear the events through two alternating voices, both of which are incredibly brave.
Events take place in America, Paris and Berlin. The gaiety of America in 1936 contrasts with events in Europe as the storm clouds are gathering, and the persecution of the Jewish people is beginning to reach beyond Germany.
It is against this background that we find ordinary people committing extraordinary acts of bravery. Despite the fear, even young children stand up for family. It was a time of unspeakable horror, and also great love and bravery.
As we follow the orphans of Berlin, we see an ordinary Jewish family who are united by love and music. Music lifts us beyond our circumstances as we seek to lose ourselves within the melody.
Before the war, we see the pressures put on an American heiress to make a marriage match. She is worth so much more than her fortune. As her character emerges, we witness her strength and her tenacity to travel along the path of righteousness.
Love still blooms in times of war. We share the worry as lives face danger.
Jina Bacarr has constructed a powerful and heart-breaking story. Her fictional tale weaves in factual details such as Kristallnacht, the kinder transport, Berlin zoo etc. I was completely caught up in the action, hanging on Jina Bacarr’s every word. She has written a marvelous, captivating and powerful tale.
I received a free copy from Rachel’s Random Resources for a blog tour. A favourable review was not required. All opinions are my own.
April 29, 2023
I DNF this book about half way through. I just couldn’t get in to it. I thought it was starting to pick up but then slowed again. It’s called the orphans of Berlin but most of the first half revolves around Kay’s (not one of the orphans) love life and relationship with her mom. Hardly any info about the orphans and their supposedly super close bond with Kay but I think they only spent like 24 hours together?? It’s an ok book but there are a lot of WW2 historical fiction books out there that are much better
November 13, 2022
Anybody who knows me well knows that not only am I a book geek but I am also a history nerd. Combine the two and you have a very happy me. So you can probably appreciate why the synopsis of 'The Orphans Of Berlin' appealed to me so much. So without further ado, I grabbed a cup of tea, grabbed my Kindle and settled down for what proved to be an interesting and emotional afternoon of reading. I thoroughly enjoyed 'The Orphans Of Berlin' but more about that in a bit.
I was drawn into 'The Orphans Of Berlin' from the synopsis alone and as soon as I started reading, I knew that I wasn't going to be able to put this book down. I was spot on too. My Kindle wasn't exactly glued to my hand but it might as well have been because it travelled everywhere with me. I simply couldn't bear to miss a single second of the story. I had warmed to the female lead characters to the extent that I began to feel as though they had become friends of mine and I felt protective of them. I had to keep reading to see how their part of their story panned out. I became so wrapped up in the story and in the lives of the characters that I lost all track of time and I also lost track of just how quickly I was getting through the book. All too quickly I reached the end of 'The Orphans Of Berlin' and I had to say goodbye to the characters. I found 'The Orphans Of Berlin' to be a gripping and emotional read. Historical fiction at its best.
'The Orphans Of Berlin' is extremely well written but then I have come to expect nothing less from Jina Bacarr. Jina certainly knows how to grab the reader's attention and draw them into what proves to be one hell of a story and then some. Jina clearly cares about her characters and this shines through in the very vivid and realistic way in which she describes them. The author has clearly done a heck of a lot of research into the time period during which the story takes place and this helps to make the story seem that bit more authentic. Having studied 1930s Germany for my college course, I knew a fair bit about what happened during that time but Jina's book gave me a whole different appreciation for how frightening it must have been to actually live under such conditions. Reading 'The Orphans Of Berlin' felt a bit like being on an unpredictable rollercoaster ride with all of the ups and downs, highs and lows and well you get the picture. I love the way in which Jina makes the reader feel as though they are part of the story and at the heart of the action.
In short I thoroughly enjoyed reading 'The Orphans Of Berlin' and I would definitely recommend the story to other readers. I will certainly be reading more of Jina's work in the future. The score on the Ginger Book Geek board is a very well deserved 4* out of 5*.
I was drawn into 'The Orphans Of Berlin' from the synopsis alone and as soon as I started reading, I knew that I wasn't going to be able to put this book down. I was spot on too. My Kindle wasn't exactly glued to my hand but it might as well have been because it travelled everywhere with me. I simply couldn't bear to miss a single second of the story. I had warmed to the female lead characters to the extent that I began to feel as though they had become friends of mine and I felt protective of them. I had to keep reading to see how their part of their story panned out. I became so wrapped up in the story and in the lives of the characters that I lost all track of time and I also lost track of just how quickly I was getting through the book. All too quickly I reached the end of 'The Orphans Of Berlin' and I had to say goodbye to the characters. I found 'The Orphans Of Berlin' to be a gripping and emotional read. Historical fiction at its best.
'The Orphans Of Berlin' is extremely well written but then I have come to expect nothing less from Jina Bacarr. Jina certainly knows how to grab the reader's attention and draw them into what proves to be one hell of a story and then some. Jina clearly cares about her characters and this shines through in the very vivid and realistic way in which she describes them. The author has clearly done a heck of a lot of research into the time period during which the story takes place and this helps to make the story seem that bit more authentic. Having studied 1930s Germany for my college course, I knew a fair bit about what happened during that time but Jina's book gave me a whole different appreciation for how frightening it must have been to actually live under such conditions. Reading 'The Orphans Of Berlin' felt a bit like being on an unpredictable rollercoaster ride with all of the ups and downs, highs and lows and well you get the picture. I love the way in which Jina makes the reader feel as though they are part of the story and at the heart of the action.
In short I thoroughly enjoyed reading 'The Orphans Of Berlin' and I would definitely recommend the story to other readers. I will certainly be reading more of Jina's work in the future. The score on the Ginger Book Geek board is a very well deserved 4* out of 5*.
October 21, 2022
Wow, what an emotional read that was.
The story starts with Kay Alexander, an American heiress being arrested by the Gestapo in Paris. A young German girl, Rachel, has come to warn her, but is also traumatised by the fact her little sisters have been taken into custody as well.
From there, the story is principally a long flashback to how Kay and Rachel met, and how their lives became permanently entangled.
A light-hearted beginning sees Kay as a reluctant debutante in Philadelphia who rebels against her mother's wishes to "come out" and find a husband. Sneaking off to dances with her instructor, Kay falls in love... but it doesn't end well (I'm not going to spoil things here, you'll have to read it for yourself ;) Sorry, not sorry!) Unable to face returning home with her mother after what she has put her through, Kay moves on to Paris before war breaks out, asked by her uncle to keep an eye on things "over there" and report back.
On a trip to Berlin at her uncle's behest to see how the German citizens are coping, in particular the Jews, Kay takes refuge from the rain in a glorious music shop, not realising that purchasing from Jewish businesses is forbidden. What follows is an enlightenment for Kay, especially on seeing how Rachel stands up for her deaf mother. Kay wishes she had that kind of lovingly loyal relationship with her own mother. Ever the rebel, she buys sheet music and a music box from Rachel's family shop, asking for the goods to be shipped to The Ritz in Paris. It is this connection that gives rise to the heart of the story.
Expect romance for Kay with a quirky British artist/pilot, a deep friendship with the amazing powerhouse that is Gertrude, and a heart-warming and heart-breaking relationship with Rachel and her sisters, whose life in Berlin is getting worse and more dangerous by the day.
The Orphans of Berlin tells the tale of despair turning to hope, casual encounters leading to the strongest of "family" ties, and the difficulty of keeping secrets from those you love. Told from Kay's and Rachel's perspectives the story is based on the Kindertransport scheme that saw 10,000 children be taken to the UK during the war. What seemed to be a rebellious streak in Kay turns out to be a determination to help others, to use her wealth for the greater good.
Beautifully told, with an ending as perfect as one can be given the atrocities experienced, it brought a tear to my eye. Highly recommended!
The story starts with Kay Alexander, an American heiress being arrested by the Gestapo in Paris. A young German girl, Rachel, has come to warn her, but is also traumatised by the fact her little sisters have been taken into custody as well.
From there, the story is principally a long flashback to how Kay and Rachel met, and how their lives became permanently entangled.
A light-hearted beginning sees Kay as a reluctant debutante in Philadelphia who rebels against her mother's wishes to "come out" and find a husband. Sneaking off to dances with her instructor, Kay falls in love... but it doesn't end well (I'm not going to spoil things here, you'll have to read it for yourself ;) Sorry, not sorry!) Unable to face returning home with her mother after what she has put her through, Kay moves on to Paris before war breaks out, asked by her uncle to keep an eye on things "over there" and report back.
On a trip to Berlin at her uncle's behest to see how the German citizens are coping, in particular the Jews, Kay takes refuge from the rain in a glorious music shop, not realising that purchasing from Jewish businesses is forbidden. What follows is an enlightenment for Kay, especially on seeing how Rachel stands up for her deaf mother. Kay wishes she had that kind of lovingly loyal relationship with her own mother. Ever the rebel, she buys sheet music and a music box from Rachel's family shop, asking for the goods to be shipped to The Ritz in Paris. It is this connection that gives rise to the heart of the story.
Expect romance for Kay with a quirky British artist/pilot, a deep friendship with the amazing powerhouse that is Gertrude, and a heart-warming and heart-breaking relationship with Rachel and her sisters, whose life in Berlin is getting worse and more dangerous by the day.
The Orphans of Berlin tells the tale of despair turning to hope, casual encounters leading to the strongest of "family" ties, and the difficulty of keeping secrets from those you love. Told from Kay's and Rachel's perspectives the story is based on the Kindertransport scheme that saw 10,000 children be taken to the UK during the war. What seemed to be a rebellious streak in Kay turns out to be a determination to help others, to use her wealth for the greater good.
Beautifully told, with an ending as perfect as one can be given the atrocities experienced, it brought a tear to my eye. Highly recommended!
November 19, 2022
“I wonder where we’ll be when this war is over. Will we have interesting stories to tell, scars to show? Or will we reminisce about how we got through the war unscathed? Will any of us be here at all.”
Berlin 1936. The Landau family are at the heart of their community, running a music shop and just trying to survive. Their lives are beginning to unravel as Hitler's power grows and the treatment of Jewish families deteriorates. The oldest daughter, Rachel, fears for her sisters' future and will do anything she can to keep them safe. Paris 1936. As whispers of war travel over from Europe, American debutante Kay escapes from her mother's grasp and travels as a reluctant spy from Paris to Berlin. A chance meeting with the Landau family will change her life forever. Kay is determined to give Rachel and her sisters a fighting chance, even if it means making dangerous enemies along the way. These brave women will find strength in joining forces to save the ones they love. But they will need the support of one another more than they realize to survive.
This book was told from both Rachel and Kay's perspectives and I think this was an amazing way to highlight the different experiences for each woman. Both of them had dramatically different lives which became entwined with the war. Kay was mostly just looking for a way to be the opposite of what her mom wanted and found herself doing something great.
The book starts off very action packed with a lot of lives at stake, and on the most intense moment of the story, decides to switch back in time to show what led each woman to be there in that moment. The story is abo it love, family and hope something that the author does an amazing job of portraying throughout. I think it helped to see the vast differences in Rachel's experience with the war and with Kay's.
Perhaps most important is that this store shows the lengths both Rachel and Kay are willing to go to in order to keep this family together! All of the women in this novel prove to be incredibly strong and resilient, facing each situation with a sense of resolve. It was a moving and heartwarming story that left me thinking.
Berlin 1936. The Landau family are at the heart of their community, running a music shop and just trying to survive. Their lives are beginning to unravel as Hitler's power grows and the treatment of Jewish families deteriorates. The oldest daughter, Rachel, fears for her sisters' future and will do anything she can to keep them safe. Paris 1936. As whispers of war travel over from Europe, American debutante Kay escapes from her mother's grasp and travels as a reluctant spy from Paris to Berlin. A chance meeting with the Landau family will change her life forever. Kay is determined to give Rachel and her sisters a fighting chance, even if it means making dangerous enemies along the way. These brave women will find strength in joining forces to save the ones they love. But they will need the support of one another more than they realize to survive.
This book was told from both Rachel and Kay's perspectives and I think this was an amazing way to highlight the different experiences for each woman. Both of them had dramatically different lives which became entwined with the war. Kay was mostly just looking for a way to be the opposite of what her mom wanted and found herself doing something great.
The book starts off very action packed with a lot of lives at stake, and on the most intense moment of the story, decides to switch back in time to show what led each woman to be there in that moment. The story is abo it love, family and hope something that the author does an amazing job of portraying throughout. I think it helped to see the vast differences in Rachel's experience with the war and with Kay's.
Perhaps most important is that this store shows the lengths both Rachel and Kay are willing to go to in order to keep this family together! All of the women in this novel prove to be incredibly strong and resilient, facing each situation with a sense of resolve. It was a moving and heartwarming story that left me thinking.
November 8, 2022
BOOK REVIEW: THE ORPHANS OF BERLIN BY JINA BACARR—A REVIEW BY VERONICA JORGE
Boldwood Books, 2022
Distance and independence from her overbearing mother are just what Kay Alexander needs to establish her life on her own terms, and figure out who she is and her place in the world. When her uncle Archibald offers her an unusual opportunity in Paris, she jumps at the chance. Fluent in French, a debutante, socialite, and heiress to her family’s Radwell chocolate business, Kay feels confident to take on this challenge.
How hard can it be to mingle and observe what goes on in the salons and grand hotels, and spy on some German leader named Hitler?
Under the guise of studying the French chocolate business, in order to open an American Radwell Chocolates branch in Paris, Kay finds her own troubles pale in comparison to the realities of German occupation, brutal Nazi soldiers, and horrific antisemitism.
Thrust into the precipice of a world on the verge of war, Kay determines to use her money and affluence to help as many people as she can; in particular three young Jewish sisters, desperate to escape Europe and the certain death camps that threaten to swallow them up.
The risks she takes, the friends she makes, and the daring pilot she falls in love with, will change her life forever.
As one of the characters states, “…we’re stronger in harmony.”
The Orphans of Berlin is a song of bravery, sacrifice, and freedom that sings out loud and strong.
Boldwood Books, 2022
Distance and independence from her overbearing mother are just what Kay Alexander needs to establish her life on her own terms, and figure out who she is and her place in the world. When her uncle Archibald offers her an unusual opportunity in Paris, she jumps at the chance. Fluent in French, a debutante, socialite, and heiress to her family’s Radwell chocolate business, Kay feels confident to take on this challenge.
How hard can it be to mingle and observe what goes on in the salons and grand hotels, and spy on some German leader named Hitler?
Under the guise of studying the French chocolate business, in order to open an American Radwell Chocolates branch in Paris, Kay finds her own troubles pale in comparison to the realities of German occupation, brutal Nazi soldiers, and horrific antisemitism.
Thrust into the precipice of a world on the verge of war, Kay determines to use her money and affluence to help as many people as she can; in particular three young Jewish sisters, desperate to escape Europe and the certain death camps that threaten to swallow them up.
The risks she takes, the friends she makes, and the daring pilot she falls in love with, will change her life forever.
As one of the characters states, “…we’re stronger in harmony.”
The Orphans of Berlin is a song of bravery, sacrifice, and freedom that sings out loud and strong.
November 20, 2022
🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
Jina Bacarr has done it again!
A master of historical fiction, this is another unputdownable read!
Set within World War II and split predominantly between Berlin and Paris, the plot doesn’t shy away from the horrors inflicted on Jewish families by the Nazi regime or the intimidation they used to impose fear over those in occupied territory. But this is so much more than your standard historical war novel.
Bacarr’s central characters Rachel and Kay couldn’t be further apart in background and upbringing, yet find their lives inextricably linked. What follows, through a series of flashback chapters, is an incredibly powerful testament to the strength of the human spirit and the lengths individuals will go to in order to protect and honour their loved ones.
This is a story of love, both given and desperately longed for, courage, bravery and above all, hope and determination that good will come out of darkness.
It’s exquisitely written, drawing you in from the very first page and evidently very well researched for historical accuracy. I also have utter admiration for the author for including what was a personally devastating experience in her own life as a key element of the storyline and found this incredibly poignant on reading her notes at the end of the book.
When a story stays with you long after you turn the final page, you know you’ve hit gold.
With thanks to the author, Rachel at Random Resources and Boldwood Books for the opportunity to participate in the tour.
Jina Bacarr has done it again!
A master of historical fiction, this is another unputdownable read!
Set within World War II and split predominantly between Berlin and Paris, the plot doesn’t shy away from the horrors inflicted on Jewish families by the Nazi regime or the intimidation they used to impose fear over those in occupied territory. But this is so much more than your standard historical war novel.
Bacarr’s central characters Rachel and Kay couldn’t be further apart in background and upbringing, yet find their lives inextricably linked. What follows, through a series of flashback chapters, is an incredibly powerful testament to the strength of the human spirit and the lengths individuals will go to in order to protect and honour their loved ones.
This is a story of love, both given and desperately longed for, courage, bravery and above all, hope and determination that good will come out of darkness.
It’s exquisitely written, drawing you in from the very first page and evidently very well researched for historical accuracy. I also have utter admiration for the author for including what was a personally devastating experience in her own life as a key element of the storyline and found this incredibly poignant on reading her notes at the end of the book.
When a story stays with you long after you turn the final page, you know you’ve hit gold.
With thanks to the author, Rachel at Random Resources and Boldwood Books for the opportunity to participate in the tour.
November 30, 2022
TRIGGER WARNING: infant death, Nazi brutality
1942, Paris: two Jewish refugee girls are captured by the Nazis. Their elder sister hides at the request of her Resistance lover who is the father of her unborn child. She heads to the Ritz to the American woman she hopes can save them all...
The Orphans of Berlin is an historical novel set in the 1930s and 40s. It begins in 1942 showing us the dire circumstances that the Jewish Landau family find themselves in. It then moves back in time to show the terrible situation they escaped in Germany as well as the sadness of Kay who helped them escape.
Both Kay and Rachel face dreadful emotional circumstances. The Jewish girls experience shocking cruelty from other children as well as adults. I found this very upsetting especially as I awaited physical abuse to follow. Kay's mother's emotionally bullying behaviour was so awful and I didn't blame Kay for wanting to strike out on her own.
The book is written from the alternating first person viewpoints of the main two women. Both narratives made me emotionally involved with the events that were depicted. The women had an energy and devotion to family that transcended their terrible experiences. I felt that the epilogue rounded off most of the character arcs and concluded the plot effectively.
The Orphans of Berlin is an emotional historical novel about the personal and international troubles caused by social and political unrest in the 1930s.
1942, Paris: two Jewish refugee girls are captured by the Nazis. Their elder sister hides at the request of her Resistance lover who is the father of her unborn child. She heads to the Ritz to the American woman she hopes can save them all...
The Orphans of Berlin is an historical novel set in the 1930s and 40s. It begins in 1942 showing us the dire circumstances that the Jewish Landau family find themselves in. It then moves back in time to show the terrible situation they escaped in Germany as well as the sadness of Kay who helped them escape.
Both Kay and Rachel face dreadful emotional circumstances. The Jewish girls experience shocking cruelty from other children as well as adults. I found this very upsetting especially as I awaited physical abuse to follow. Kay's mother's emotionally bullying behaviour was so awful and I didn't blame Kay for wanting to strike out on her own.
The book is written from the alternating first person viewpoints of the main two women. Both narratives made me emotionally involved with the events that were depicted. The women had an energy and devotion to family that transcended their terrible experiences. I felt that the epilogue rounded off most of the character arcs and concluded the plot effectively.
The Orphans of Berlin is an emotional historical novel about the personal and international troubles caused by social and political unrest in the 1930s.
July 7, 2023
I enjoyed the story and I rather liked Kay Alexander, one of the two main characters.
Oh dear, though, there was much that irritated.
I’m not sure that two first person present tense narratives really worked.
Certainly, I didn’t warm to the characters until we started getting the back story. And I may have given up if this topic weren’t so interesting to me.
The normal abbreviation for the Bund Deutscher Mädel is BDM, not BdM.
No, a person with two or three Jewish grandparents is not a full Jew according to the 1935 Nuremberg laws. A person with two Jewish grandparents is a Mischling 1st Grade and a person with three Jewish grandparents is fully Jewish.
Why was their friend’s husband, clearly a Catholic, sent to a camp if the photo of his wedding stopped the Gestapo arresting Helga?
How did her father manage to play the violin he had sold a few days before in order to buy food on the Black Market?
I failed to understand why Kay inherited the chocolate business; her father was a banker. It was her mother, still alive in the novel, who came from chocolate money. Maybe they had decided to let her have her mother’s business whilst her mother lived on her father’s estate?
There is one scene where Kay seeks out her friend who is always asleep at the hotel. Except she clearly isn’t; as usual, she is busy in the café…
Suicide a sin by the Jewish faith? Much was made of this when Helga’s parents left a suicide note but little when their friend attempted to kill herself.
Nevertheless I enjoyed the story on the whole and it was interesting to read about the French Kindertransport.
The imagined air Kindertransport was also an interesting concept.
Oh dear, though, there was much that irritated.
I’m not sure that two first person present tense narratives really worked.
Certainly, I didn’t warm to the characters until we started getting the back story. And I may have given up if this topic weren’t so interesting to me.
The normal abbreviation for the Bund Deutscher Mädel is BDM, not BdM.
No, a person with two or three Jewish grandparents is not a full Jew according to the 1935 Nuremberg laws. A person with two Jewish grandparents is a Mischling 1st Grade and a person with three Jewish grandparents is fully Jewish.
Why was their friend’s husband, clearly a Catholic, sent to a camp if the photo of his wedding stopped the Gestapo arresting Helga?
How did her father manage to play the violin he had sold a few days before in order to buy food on the Black Market?
I failed to understand why Kay inherited the chocolate business; her father was a banker. It was her mother, still alive in the novel, who came from chocolate money. Maybe they had decided to let her have her mother’s business whilst her mother lived on her father’s estate?
There is one scene where Kay seeks out her friend who is always asleep at the hotel. Except she clearly isn’t; as usual, she is busy in the café…
Suicide a sin by the Jewish faith? Much was made of this when Helga’s parents left a suicide note but little when their friend attempted to kill herself.
Nevertheless I enjoyed the story on the whole and it was interesting to read about the French Kindertransport.
The imagined air Kindertransport was also an interesting concept.
November 2, 2023
Orphans of Berlin is a very upclose and personal look at the lives of two women in 1936--Rachel a Jewish teenager in Berlin, and Kay an American debutante in Paris. Parts of this story are in the future, part of the story goes back a little ways, and part of it goes back many years. The story begins with Rachel in a moment of climax--as her little sisters are led off by Gestapo and she's hiding vowing to be reunited with them like she promised her mother. And she says she will get help from the American.
The story then jumps to Kay and we learn what she's doing in Paris (spying for the Allies) and how she's connected with Rachel. We see her being almost caught by the SS and then the book jumps again.
Through the course of the jumping you learn Kay's story about her life before she was in Paris and what led her there and what led her to the choices she's currently making. But it's like an onion and just when you get started, someone peels off another layer before you are done with the previous one.
If you like books with smooth timelines, this one will drive you crazy. But you will get two very different looks into what it was like as the Nazi's came to power.
For those who would want to know there is premarital sex and promiscuous behavior. There is also a character with a LGBQ implied relationship. Also sex trafficking.
All in all, I give it a 3 stars. It was okay, but many of the things I just mentioned made it not one that I will recommend.
The story then jumps to Kay and we learn what she's doing in Paris (spying for the Allies) and how she's connected with Rachel. We see her being almost caught by the SS and then the book jumps again.
Through the course of the jumping you learn Kay's story about her life before she was in Paris and what led her there and what led her to the choices she's currently making. But it's like an onion and just when you get started, someone peels off another layer before you are done with the previous one.
If you like books with smooth timelines, this one will drive you crazy. But you will get two very different looks into what it was like as the Nazi's came to power.
For those who would want to know there is premarital sex and promiscuous behavior. There is also a character with a LGBQ implied relationship. Also sex trafficking.
All in all, I give it a 3 stars. It was okay, but many of the things I just mentioned made it not one that I will recommend.
February 21, 2023
I wanted a break from thrillers, and for me, an 8th grade ELA teacher- Tis the season for the Holocaust - I love reading about WWII. This was quite the undertaking. There is nothing on this topic that you can read that will not break your heart. And mine is already heavy. I wasn’t sure I liked this for the first 30-50 pages. Spies. Resisters. France. It was a LOT. But by the time it flashbacked and then built back to present day, I was hooked. An American Heiress who strives to be so much more. A wealthy Jewish family that believes their love will protect them and then realizes it can not. I enjoyed reading about the most trivial tasks that offered resistance to the war. You become so invested in these strong characters, you have to finish to see how this will play out. And no matter how much I read about WWII, it is never enough. I always seem to learn so much more. I don’t often read Acknowledgements by the authors. But this one was so explanatory, I am glad I did. I thought when getting into this, that it would strike me in the middle. But, scratch that. Finishing this pushes it to the top of my list. Call it love of well built characters. Call it seeing the good guy win. Call it a story from a side I have never read before. Whatever you call it, this book is a must read!
August 5, 2023
Fabulous!
I thoroughly enjoyed this novel! I love WW2 historical fiction as I find it very fascinating. The courage that the people of that era had to muster to survive is simply astounding. While I realize that this is a novel and not a true account, it does tell a story that has its roots in the truth and that makes it all the more interesting to me.
The plot of the book was very entertaining and kept my attention throughout. I did have to double-check a few times to ensure I knew which character was "speaking" as it is written from both Kay's and Rachel's points of view, but I felt that this dual perspective gave the book an extra depth it would have otherwise been missing.
The characters were very well-developed, and I enjoyed getting to know them. I was interested in their stories and cared about what happened to each one of them. I appreciated the epilogue the author included so as to tie up loose ends and not leave me wondering what had transpired with particular situations.
I will definitely be searching for more books by this author!
I thoroughly enjoyed this novel! I love WW2 historical fiction as I find it very fascinating. The courage that the people of that era had to muster to survive is simply astounding. While I realize that this is a novel and not a true account, it does tell a story that has its roots in the truth and that makes it all the more interesting to me.
The plot of the book was very entertaining and kept my attention throughout. I did have to double-check a few times to ensure I knew which character was "speaking" as it is written from both Kay's and Rachel's points of view, but I felt that this dual perspective gave the book an extra depth it would have otherwise been missing.
The characters were very well-developed, and I enjoyed getting to know them. I was interested in their stories and cared about what happened to each one of them. I appreciated the epilogue the author included so as to tie up loose ends and not leave me wondering what had transpired with particular situations.
I will definitely be searching for more books by this author!
October 28, 2022
Wow what a book! Set in both Paris and Berlin this is a very emotional story that focuses on how Kay Alexander, a socialite from America, ends up being a spy and rescues the Landau sisters. The other main character is Rachel Landau who lives in Berlin with her family who run a music shop. The story is told from these two strong female characters view, how they meet and where their story goes from there. There is an excellent backstory for both of them and a fabulous supporting cast of characters. It was really interesting to read about the Kindertransport in Europe and lengths people went to rescue children from the Nazi’s, putting themselves in grave danger. There has obviously been a lot of research and I found this both heartbreaking and heartwarming. A fantastic read with an outcome that I couldn’t guess. Thank you to Netgalley and Boldwood Books for the opportunity to read this in exchange for an honest review.
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