Joseph Hanauer

by Douglas W. Jones

As central Europe crumbles during the Thirty Years War, Joseph Hanauer and a group of other Jewish refugees struggle to make their way from the Rhineland to Poland. Their plans change with rumors of troop movements and then an even more astounding rumor, that the actual pit of Hell has opened in the hills of the Thuringerwald. In this story, part of Eric Flint's Ring of Fire alternate history series, Joseph Hanauer and his friends find themselves thrust into the 20th century, or at least into one down-on-its-luck corner of 20th century West Virginia. How do they react to these strange circumstances? How do modern Americans look from their perspective? Most important, what should they do? Continue their attempt to escape into Poland, or plunge into the sweeping political and social transformations that are beginning to emerge in central Europe?

Genres: Alternate History, Time Travel

159 pages, Kindle Edition

First published June 20, 2013

Reviews

[Dan · Rating 3 out of 5]

An OK short story.

[Charles · Rating 4 out of 5]

A different perspective

From a 15th century Jew's view of his times and Grantville a effect on both his life and his religion. I have a fdifficulkt time understanding the Catholic protestant conflict and then everyone coming down on the Jews! This was a tough time. I personally was introduced to a number of Jewish beliefs,traditions, religious life. Enjoyed the whole thing. Gave it a four because it should have been longer.

[John Slack · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very interesting and enjoyable book

Obviously a good story leaves you with questions about "what happened next?" What happened to this character? In addition to the typical questions, I also ended with an interest in knowing more about the Jewish faith and it's practices. I hope the writer continues the story.

[Ronald Spitzer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting entry in the 1632verse. This one focuses on Jewish refugees trying to avoid rampaging armies and ending up in Grantville not long after it is deposited in 1631 Germany. It fills in yet another aspect of the 1632verse and is interesting. Recommended

[Michael Brown · Rating 2 out of 5]

Liked the concept, had problems understanding some of the characters. This tale fits into early events in Grantville but skims over them as the story is about a Jewish group adjusting to the strange town and not about filling in too much of the Ring of Fire history.

[Randy Pursley · Rating 3 out of 5]

This story was different than the others of the Ring of Fire series. I did learn some about Jewish traditions, but it was clear that book only scratched the surface.

[Michael Annis · Rating 2 out of 5]

Poor

Not a great addition to the series, endless talk and names on a very long journey. Correctly written but not for me.

[Allen McDonnell · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good but short

I enjoyed this book and it wasn't overly pricey, but it felt like just as things were getting to the peak of my interest it abruptly ended.