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After the Darkest Hour: A Gripping Historical Page-turner of Love and Revenge
He survived the war, but never forgot it.
***
A slow-burning page-turner of hope, love, sacrifice, and justice for those left behind during humanity’s darkest hour.
Poland, 1948 . It’s been years since the Second World War ended, but life in Poland hasn’t quite settled for Maria Zaneski. After losing her husband and son to the German labor camps, her only consolation from the horrors of war is her youngest daughter, Anna, whose childhood was sheltered from the terrible acts inflicted on her Jewish neighbors. Meanwhile, a chance meeting with a Jewish businessman holds the key to their salvation.
After years in exile, Olek Rabinovitch returns home to Poland in search of family members who may have survived the Nazi extermination machine. A courageous man with a keen sense of morality, Olek is tormented by his inaction during the War. He takes up residence in Maria’s rental apartment, where he and Anna quickly develop a unique partnership – further tightening the secret history that binds them.
Because aside from looking into his family’s fate, Olek’s homecoming has a darker, secret reason. One he cannot risk sharing with anyone—not even with Anna. Even as their relationship grows increasingly intimate, Olek’s past wounds refuse to heal. Not until his mission is finished, and justice for his fellow Jews can finally be served.
***
A slow-burning page-turner of hope, love, sacrifice, and justice for those left behind during humanity’s darkest hour.
Poland, 1948 . It’s been years since the Second World War ended, but life in Poland hasn’t quite settled for Maria Zaneski. After losing her husband and son to the German labor camps, her only consolation from the horrors of war is her youngest daughter, Anna, whose childhood was sheltered from the terrible acts inflicted on her Jewish neighbors. Meanwhile, a chance meeting with a Jewish businessman holds the key to their salvation.
After years in exile, Olek Rabinovitch returns home to Poland in search of family members who may have survived the Nazi extermination machine. A courageous man with a keen sense of morality, Olek is tormented by his inaction during the War. He takes up residence in Maria’s rental apartment, where he and Anna quickly develop a unique partnership – further tightening the secret history that binds them.
Because aside from looking into his family’s fate, Olek’s homecoming has a darker, secret reason. One he cannot risk sharing with anyone—not even with Anna. Even as their relationship grows increasingly intimate, Olek’s past wounds refuse to heal. Not until his mission is finished, and justice for his fellow Jews can finally be served.
313 pages, Paperback
Published June 1, 2023
212 people are currently reading
87 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
June 14, 2023
A strange and engrossing romance
Israeli author Yecheskel Rubin understands the premise of this fine novel, having been born in Poland to Holocaust survivors. AFTER THE DARKEST HOUR is his second novel and has been translated from the Hebrew by Sharon Singer. The poignancy of his story is apparent in the first paragraph: ‘A sharp pain rushed through Maria Zaneski one spring morning in May of 1948…In an irrational habit she had embraced over the past two years, Maria would stand staring out of her window for hours each day, like she was waiting for an occurrence that would change her life around.’ Suspense (and empathy) established, the story moves along.
Rubin condenses the plot - ‘Poland, 1948. It’s been years since the Second World War ended, but life in Poland hasn’t quite settled for Maria Zaneski. After losing her husband and son to the German labor camps, her only consolation from the horrors of war is her youngest daughter, Anna, whose childhood was sheltered from the terrible acts inflicted on her Jewish neighbors. Meanwhile, a chance meeting with a Jewish businessman holds the key to their salvation. After years in exile, Olek Rabinovitch returns home to Poland in search of family members who may have survived the Nazi extermination machine. A courageous man with a keen sense of morality, Olek is tormented by his inaction during the War. He takes up residence in Maria’s rental apartment, where he and Anna quickly develop a unique partnership – further tightening the secret history that binds them. Because aside from looking into his family’s fate, Olek’s homecoming has a darker, secret reason. One he cannot risk sharing with anyone—not even with Anna. Even as their relationship grows increasingly intimate, Olek’s past wounds refuse to heal. Not until his mission is finished, and justice for his fellow Jews can finally be served.’
With powerful and immersive prose Rubin scribes a mesmerizing story that blends romance with philosophy in a very strong novel. Successful on many levels, this is the work of an author of importance. Highly recommended
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.
Israeli author Yecheskel Rubin understands the premise of this fine novel, having been born in Poland to Holocaust survivors. AFTER THE DARKEST HOUR is his second novel and has been translated from the Hebrew by Sharon Singer. The poignancy of his story is apparent in the first paragraph: ‘A sharp pain rushed through Maria Zaneski one spring morning in May of 1948…In an irrational habit she had embraced over the past two years, Maria would stand staring out of her window for hours each day, like she was waiting for an occurrence that would change her life around.’ Suspense (and empathy) established, the story moves along.
Rubin condenses the plot - ‘Poland, 1948. It’s been years since the Second World War ended, but life in Poland hasn’t quite settled for Maria Zaneski. After losing her husband and son to the German labor camps, her only consolation from the horrors of war is her youngest daughter, Anna, whose childhood was sheltered from the terrible acts inflicted on her Jewish neighbors. Meanwhile, a chance meeting with a Jewish businessman holds the key to their salvation. After years in exile, Olek Rabinovitch returns home to Poland in search of family members who may have survived the Nazi extermination machine. A courageous man with a keen sense of morality, Olek is tormented by his inaction during the War. He takes up residence in Maria’s rental apartment, where he and Anna quickly develop a unique partnership – further tightening the secret history that binds them. Because aside from looking into his family’s fate, Olek’s homecoming has a darker, secret reason. One he cannot risk sharing with anyone—not even with Anna. Even as their relationship grows increasingly intimate, Olek’s past wounds refuse to heal. Not until his mission is finished, and justice for his fellow Jews can finally be served.’
With powerful and immersive prose Rubin scribes a mesmerizing story that blends romance with philosophy in a very strong novel. Successful on many levels, this is the work of an author of importance. Highly recommended
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.
September 3, 2023
Story about a secret holocaust avenger who comes to Poland to seek any family who may have survived. Bumping into Maria changes both of their lives at first thinking he may be her missing son. Instead, she was his nanny in his childhood before his family fled. He comes to know her daughter, Anna, where there is an ongoing attraction. Together, one-by-one, they manage to find and through much undercover investigation bring a few 'Nazi butchers' to justice and beyond. Much suspense, danger, and secrets involved in this lengthy but mesmerizing novel that ends rather abruptly. One last question involves Maria and her future (left behind) or what? It could use just a bit more finality to it......
August 24, 2024
This story takes place in Poland in the few years following World WAR 2. A young woman named Anna meets a young, mysterious man named Olek who, as it develops is on a mission to seek out Nazi war criminals who might otherwise avoid prosecution. The two fall in love and he focuses his attention on catching those who brutalized her family but does so through lawful means. The horrors of the holocaust are graphically described through flashbacks and trial testimonies but one problem I had with this book was that these villains were too easily caught. They fell for the scams and setups a bit too enthusiastically and flawlessly for the storyline to be completely believable. A potentially exciting storyline fell just a bit short.
May 13, 2025
An Exciting Love Story With A Surprising History
I have read hundreds of books about WW2, but very few about the lives of the civilians of Poland in the Post-war era. This book, with its vibrant cast of characters, brings that era to life. The pain of loss, the triumph of justice, the sweetness of first love and the search for a family are all part of this exciting story.
The characters are all well-written and very believable. There are heroes, but they are actual men and women, not superspies. There are people who are found, but very many who remained unknown.
I wholeheartedly recommend thus book. I'd say okay for ages 13 and up.
I have read hundreds of books about WW2, but very few about the lives of the civilians of Poland in the Post-war era. This book, with its vibrant cast of characters, brings that era to life. The pain of loss, the triumph of justice, the sweetness of first love and the search for a family are all part of this exciting story.
The characters are all well-written and very believable. There are heroes, but they are actual men and women, not superspies. There are people who are found, but very many who remained unknown.
I wholeheartedly recommend thus book. I'd say okay for ages 13 and up.
January 24, 2024
Contrived and Interesting
The Story is contrived in a mixture of interest and, of course, the perfect ending to each dilemma. But, there were some interesting concepts among them . The use of MS and pantyhose and other terms nonexistent at that time, increased the confusion. It was just okay.
The Story is contrived in a mixture of interest and, of course, the perfect ending to each dilemma. But, there were some interesting concepts among them . The use of MS and pantyhose and other terms nonexistent at that time, increased the confusion. It was just okay.
November 9, 2023
Amazing story
It was difficult to stop reading this book to attend to life!
The suffering of the characters is hard to imagine . That Sarale survived was definitely due to divine intervention.
It was difficult to stop reading this book to attend to life!
The suffering of the characters is hard to imagine . That Sarale survived was definitely due to divine intervention.
November 14, 2023
Very interesting novel
This is a very good story of a battered people who choose justice for there murdered loved ones. And it was justice not revenge. The characters are very real and passionate it is a beautiful story in many ways. I recommend this book.
This is a very good story of a battered people who choose justice for there murdered loved ones. And it was justice not revenge. The characters are very real and passionate it is a beautiful story in many ways. I recommend this book.
August 20, 2024
Atonement
A very well written book consisting of a novella and 3 short stories. To be honest, it reminded me a lot of "The Sting" movie, but with a Jewish twist! I really enjoyed it, thanks!
A very well written book consisting of a novella and 3 short stories. To be honest, it reminded me a lot of "The Sting" movie, but with a Jewish twist! I really enjoyed it, thanks!
December 8, 2025
A can not put down story
From one tragedy to another, then a couple working together find each other. Gaining justice for the Polish Jews. I did not assimilate that the Polish not only had to survive the Nazis, but also the Soviets.
From one tragedy to another, then a couple working together find each other. Gaining justice for the Polish Jews. I did not assimilate that the Polish not only had to survive the Nazis, but also the Soviets.
March 15, 2024
Multiple stories in one
I really enjoyed the stories as they wove through many times and places. I learned quite a bit of the "how's" and "where's" of the Holocaust survivors.
I really enjoyed the stories as they wove through many times and places. I learned quite a bit of the "how's" and "where's" of the Holocaust survivors.
December 13, 2024
Very very interesting book..
A must read- in case we forget..
We are BLESSED IN AMERICA!
A must read- in case we forget..
We are BLESSED IN AMERICA!
November 29, 2023
Meaningful and Well Written
This work is intense. The characters are clearly defined and the story is moving. It turns historical facts into personal experience. The reader becomes the Holocaust survivor.
This work is intense. The characters are clearly defined and the story is moving. It turns historical facts into personal experience. The reader becomes the Holocaust survivor.
June 13, 2023
A gripping historical page-turner...
In "After the Darkest Hour," Yecheskel Rubin delivers a gripping historical page-turner that explores the themes of love, revenge, and the enduring power of hope in the aftermath of humanity's darkest hour.
Set in post-war Poland, the story follows Maria Zaneski, a woman still grappling with the devastating losses she endured during the Second World War. Bereaved of her husband and son in the German labor camps, Maria finds solace in her youngest daughter, Anna, who was shielded from the horrors of the war. Their lives take an unexpected turn when Maria encounters a Jewish businessman whose presence holds the key to their salvation… After spending years in exile, Olek Rabinovitch, a brave man who regrets his own inaction during the war, returns to Poland. Determined to uncover the fate of his surviving family members, Olek finds refuge in Maria's rental apartment. As he and Anna form an unlikely alliance, their bond strengthens, shrouding them in a shared secret history… However, Olek's desire to reunite with family is not the only reason for his return to Poland. He harbors a darker, hidden purpose that he dare not reveal, even to Anna. As their relationship deepens, Olek's unresolved past wounds continue to haunt him, fueling his determination to complete his mission and seek justice for his fellow Jews.
Rubin skillfully weaves a narrative that immerses readers in the post-war setting, capturing the lingering aftermath of tragedy and the resilience of those who survived. Through Maria and Olek's compelling journey, the novel explores themes of redemption, sacrifice, and the pursuit of justice. The slow-burning tension keeps readers engrossed, eagerly turning each page to uncover the secrets that lie within.
"After the Darkest Hour" is a poignant tale of resilience and the indomitable human spirit in the face of unimaginable loss. Yecheskel Rubin's storytelling prowess shines as he crafts a narrative that grips the reader from beginning to end. With its captivating blend of historical accuracy and emotional depth, this book offers a compelling exploration of love, revenge, and the enduring hope that can emerge from even the darkest moments in history. Highly recommended and a well-deserved five stars from me. I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.
In "After the Darkest Hour," Yecheskel Rubin delivers a gripping historical page-turner that explores the themes of love, revenge, and the enduring power of hope in the aftermath of humanity's darkest hour.
Set in post-war Poland, the story follows Maria Zaneski, a woman still grappling with the devastating losses she endured during the Second World War. Bereaved of her husband and son in the German labor camps, Maria finds solace in her youngest daughter, Anna, who was shielded from the horrors of the war. Their lives take an unexpected turn when Maria encounters a Jewish businessman whose presence holds the key to their salvation… After spending years in exile, Olek Rabinovitch, a brave man who regrets his own inaction during the war, returns to Poland. Determined to uncover the fate of his surviving family members, Olek finds refuge in Maria's rental apartment. As he and Anna form an unlikely alliance, their bond strengthens, shrouding them in a shared secret history… However, Olek's desire to reunite with family is not the only reason for his return to Poland. He harbors a darker, hidden purpose that he dare not reveal, even to Anna. As their relationship deepens, Olek's unresolved past wounds continue to haunt him, fueling his determination to complete his mission and seek justice for his fellow Jews.
Rubin skillfully weaves a narrative that immerses readers in the post-war setting, capturing the lingering aftermath of tragedy and the resilience of those who survived. Through Maria and Olek's compelling journey, the novel explores themes of redemption, sacrifice, and the pursuit of justice. The slow-burning tension keeps readers engrossed, eagerly turning each page to uncover the secrets that lie within.
"After the Darkest Hour" is a poignant tale of resilience and the indomitable human spirit in the face of unimaginable loss. Yecheskel Rubin's storytelling prowess shines as he crafts a narrative that grips the reader from beginning to end. With its captivating blend of historical accuracy and emotional depth, this book offers a compelling exploration of love, revenge, and the enduring hope that can emerge from even the darkest moments in history. Highly recommended and a well-deserved five stars from me. I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews