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The Franklin Trilogy #1
Posthumous: The Life and Deaths of Hannah Franklin
It is December 2012. German born Hannah Franklin declares to her family that she is terminally ill with cancer. With only weeks to live, she reveals secrets about her past that place her at the heart of the Third Reich at the end of the Second World War. Her Grandson, Alex, a history teacher, is faced with the task to decipher Hannah’s story. What revelations has she kept secret for almost seventy years?What is clear is that Hannah is in possession of some of the greatest secrets of the twentieth century.
492 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 30, 2013
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41 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
May 10, 2014
What if someone had ghost-written Hitler's diaries and what if that someone was a young girl who didn't reveal this to her family until she was on her deathbed? I got this book free on the kindle, and it was exceptionally good. There are some typographical errors, and quite a few places the story goes over the top, almost embarrassingly so, but still worth the 5-stars on my personal 5-star scale.
September 6, 2015
Posthumous - The Life and Deaths of Hannah Franklin has everything going for it. I have to put this book high on my best reads of 2015.
James Davidson has an eye for detail and a love of history and this is more than evident in this debut novel. The story moves forwards and backwards in time with such ease you hardly realise it. Both time periods will hold the readers interest from start to finish. Hannah, the main character is believable, flawed, strong, honest, and holds dark secrets of a country losing its hold on at the end of WW2. Her strength is seen at the beginning of the book and the end. Even within the dynamics of family her strength and loyalties are something to be admired.
Davidson doesn’t use a plethora of characters, but those who do appear are all meaningful and play an important part in The Life and Deaths of Hannah Franklin. The dynamics of Hannah Franklin is fractured as she desperately tries to tie up all her lose ends.
The Life and Deaths of Hannah Franklin is like having two books in one that work, and read well together. We have the all-important Diary and her family, their, thoughts, life and doubts. So, for me it was a double treat.
The twists took me by surprise and I definitely didn’t see them coming. The pacing of the novel is brilliant. I felt the tension mount as I read on and all lose ends were tied up. All I thought when I finished was, ‘wow what a read.’ I am so glad there will be more works from this author.
James Davidson has an eye for detail and a love of history and this is more than evident in this debut novel. The story moves forwards and backwards in time with such ease you hardly realise it. Both time periods will hold the readers interest from start to finish. Hannah, the main character is believable, flawed, strong, honest, and holds dark secrets of a country losing its hold on at the end of WW2. Her strength is seen at the beginning of the book and the end. Even within the dynamics of family her strength and loyalties are something to be admired.
Davidson doesn’t use a plethora of characters, but those who do appear are all meaningful and play an important part in The Life and Deaths of Hannah Franklin. The dynamics of Hannah Franklin is fractured as she desperately tries to tie up all her lose ends.
The Life and Deaths of Hannah Franklin is like having two books in one that work, and read well together. We have the all-important Diary and her family, their, thoughts, life and doubts. So, for me it was a double treat.
The twists took me by surprise and I definitely didn’t see them coming. The pacing of the novel is brilliant. I felt the tension mount as I read on and all lose ends were tied up. All I thought when I finished was, ‘wow what a read.’ I am so glad there will be more works from this author.
May 19, 2016
Posthumous- The life and deaths of Hannah Franklin- James Davidson 5*
This is a stunning book. I am not into history or historical novels but this one is so much more.
Hannah is dying and bequeaths her history teacher grandson a secret that she has kept for 60 years under very secure lock and key. What transpires is a story of the Reich and life in Germany between and during the Second World War from a very different angle.
This is written with such power and empathy as well as giving a (albeit authors version) of what did and might have happened during those times.
There are a few typo’s (Pairs for Paris and Dairy for Diary!) however these do not detract from the story, but a further beta read wouldn’t do any harm.
A poignant story that should be read by anyone who wants to know that little bit more about war times and what went on behind closed doors (or secure bunkers!), the “zeitgeist” so to speak.
A story of a very determined woman, her lives, her loves and mostly that of loving her daughter through thick and thin. Chapters alternate between the war and current times until they meet but are easily distinguishable. Some laughs, some tears, the gamut of emotions, a really lovely enjoyable read.
This is a stunning book. I am not into history or historical novels but this one is so much more.
Hannah is dying and bequeaths her history teacher grandson a secret that she has kept for 60 years under very secure lock and key. What transpires is a story of the Reich and life in Germany between and during the Second World War from a very different angle.
This is written with such power and empathy as well as giving a (albeit authors version) of what did and might have happened during those times.
There are a few typo’s (Pairs for Paris and Dairy for Diary!) however these do not detract from the story, but a further beta read wouldn’t do any harm.
A poignant story that should be read by anyone who wants to know that little bit more about war times and what went on behind closed doors (or secure bunkers!), the “zeitgeist” so to speak.
A story of a very determined woman, her lives, her loves and mostly that of loving her daughter through thick and thin. Chapters alternate between the war and current times until they meet but are easily distinguishable. Some laughs, some tears, the gamut of emotions, a really lovely enjoyable read.
January 10, 2017
A SPRAWLING epic! "Posthumous" is an exceptional story that spans over half a century. Part history, part fiction. It uniquely blends into one exquisite read. History buffs can enjoy, along with those (such as myself) who enjoy a good mystery. It it definitively a unique pice of work, unlike anything I have read before. Hannah Franklin is an unforgettable character, and as such her journey will stick with me long after this read! I look forward to reading more from James Davidson!
November 22, 2018
I could compare the construction of this tremendously completed fiction read in the form of Trilogy with a classic symphony composed by the German famous composers of the past, so much in-depth the historical research has been accomplished by the author. The Trilogy depicts a fascinating story of Hannah Franklin, an outstanding woman, with her living tragedies throughout the tough times of WWII and subsequent dramas in all the finest details. Yes, some meticulously researched details and subtle hints and precisely outlined political parallels speak of themselves in the actual performances, very often are given in the same manner that operatic selections are rendered in musical concerts of all the time. The audience starts to know the stories from different angles, and the characters are recognized not so much by their conventional masks and costumes rather than by the contents of their dialogues, while the spirit of the solid frame of the Propaganda Bureau pictured so thoroughly, intertwines in each chapter with a definite set of tunes in a well-known lovable suite, letting the reader go through fire and water. The voltage does not reduce due to the sharp look at the inside scheme of the conspiracy unfolded around the puzzled diary, the plot of which occupies the central place in this eminent historical libretto. A striking blow for the historical fiction.
November 25, 2018
This book has so many things to recommend it. The story follows two different timelines: one in the present, one in the mid 1940's. The way the author weaves these two stories together is seamless. It's clear, also, that the author knows history. Although this book is fiction, it feels like it actually happened because of how well-researched and well-written it is. The tale follows that of Alex, in the present day timeline, and Hannah, in the past timeline. Alex is trying to figure out his gran's past when she sends him to recover a mysterious diary. We are given insight into her story, and wow, is it a wild one. Be prepared to hear familiar names you've heard from history class, and see them come alive on the page. I don't want to spoil anything, but hear me. If you love history, well-written plots, in-depth characters, dramatic themes, and fresh takes on the World War, pick this one up.
December 11, 2018
Truth can Reveal All
A brilliantly written book, even though it’s a fictional story, telling the tale of a woman’s need to disclose the truth to her daughter before she dies. The telling of this truth will change the lives of her family forever. The book is masterfully written and I don’t want to give the story away. But our families don’t always tell us the truth, even in death. The truth can go to the grave.
I feel this book is a book that could encourage others to speak their truth before its to late. In truth we can heal. Unless we know our history we don’t know what is locked up within us. Hannah wanted her daughter to know the truth. Each member of Hannah’s family were touched by the revealing of a lie to bring light to the truth. Lives were lost; for the sake of the truth and for the necessity; for forgiveness.
A brilliantly written book, even though it’s a fictional story, telling the tale of a woman’s need to disclose the truth to her daughter before she dies. The telling of this truth will change the lives of her family forever. The book is masterfully written and I don’t want to give the story away. But our families don’t always tell us the truth, even in death. The truth can go to the grave.
I feel this book is a book that could encourage others to speak their truth before its to late. In truth we can heal. Unless we know our history we don’t know what is locked up within us. Hannah wanted her daughter to know the truth. Each member of Hannah’s family were touched by the revealing of a lie to bring light to the truth. Lives were lost; for the sake of the truth and for the necessity; for forgiveness.
July 23, 2015
I had expected an historical mystery tied into a period of history and this is what I got and then some. What I did not expect was that I would be so tied up with the characters that I would end up crying at the end. Nicely done.
This is a history told from the losing side, although they were unaware they were losing until near the end of the conflict and even then some of them maintained the fiction that a victory was just in sight. Obviously a lot of research has gone into this book as the setting are alive and the feel of history is poignant. There is a distinct difference in flavor between the unfolding of events in the past and the characters who are discovering what happened in the present day. I think one of my favorite pieces was the suggestion of what would have happened to the leaders of the Allies had the victory gone in a different direction. I hadn't really thought about that before, but the author obviously did.
The main character, Hannah, remains fascination throughout as she slowly has the blinkers removed from her eyes and sees her 'gods' unvarnished. I am left wondering if such a person did exist and if such a thing as she did might have happened. I would like to think so.
This is a history told from the losing side, although they were unaware they were losing until near the end of the conflict and even then some of them maintained the fiction that a victory was just in sight. Obviously a lot of research has gone into this book as the setting are alive and the feel of history is poignant. There is a distinct difference in flavor between the unfolding of events in the past and the characters who are discovering what happened in the present day. I think one of my favorite pieces was the suggestion of what would have happened to the leaders of the Allies had the victory gone in a different direction. I hadn't really thought about that before, but the author obviously did.
The main character, Hannah, remains fascination throughout as she slowly has the blinkers removed from her eyes and sees her 'gods' unvarnished. I am left wondering if such a person did exist and if such a thing as she did might have happened. I would like to think so.
October 13, 2015
This is a very well-crafted, intriguing and soulful novel.
The central character, Hannah, is particularly well drawn, and provides a stable point of reference as the storylines unfold. The author has succeeded in finding a fresh angle on one of the most documented periods in history. Deploying thoughtful details and intricate references, the book brings the reader inside pre-collapse Berlin, and offers clever insights about the real situation faced by the characters – even though those characters are blinded by propaganda and a very limited view of the world. It also plays on a nice symmetry: we know things the characters don’t, but they have information to reveal to us, too. And by switching between the near-present and the past, we’re given a thoughtful long-term perspective on the doomed days in Berlin.
The final plot-twist is intriguing, too. Not what I was expecting (I would write more on this, but that would spoil the story).
All in all, this is a top quality historical novel. Highly recommended.
The central character, Hannah, is particularly well drawn, and provides a stable point of reference as the storylines unfold. The author has succeeded in finding a fresh angle on one of the most documented periods in history. Deploying thoughtful details and intricate references, the book brings the reader inside pre-collapse Berlin, and offers clever insights about the real situation faced by the characters – even though those characters are blinded by propaganda and a very limited view of the world. It also plays on a nice symmetry: we know things the characters don’t, but they have information to reveal to us, too. And by switching between the near-present and the past, we’re given a thoughtful long-term perspective on the doomed days in Berlin.
The final plot-twist is intriguing, too. Not what I was expecting (I would write more on this, but that would spoil the story).
All in all, this is a top quality historical novel. Highly recommended.
September 3, 2015
This book could have been a 5* story. It is intriguing. Hannah was born in Germany and became a devoted Nazi. After July 20, 1944 she is taken to Berlin to work for some top Nazis. Her WW2 story is juxtaposed with the end of her life in England and the revelation of her history to her family.
Had the story ended with her death and revelation this would have been a great book but the author instead continues on creating havoc for the characters and making me hate the ending.
There is also an ongoing error of Dairy and Diary which is annoying and funny (the Fuhrer's Dairies - Nazi super cows?)
There is one chapter where two characters, historians both, are discussing the secret and giggling and laughing that feels really inappropriate. And a historical inaccuracy where a historian suggests that Hitler could have used a helicopter to escape Berlin. While the Nazis did develop some autogyro and helicopter type machines none were ever really used
Had the story ended with her death and revelation this would have been a great book but the author instead continues on creating havoc for the characters and making me hate the ending.
There is also an ongoing error of Dairy and Diary which is annoying and funny (the Fuhrer's Dairies - Nazi super cows?)
There is one chapter where two characters, historians both, are discussing the secret and giggling and laughing that feels really inappropriate. And a historical inaccuracy where a historian suggests that Hitler could have used a helicopter to escape Berlin. While the Nazis did develop some autogyro and helicopter type machines none were ever really used
April 18, 2016
As a fan of historical fiction I love discovering new authors who bring fresh stories that no one wrote about before. “Posthumous” is one of such stories, full of intrigue, secrets and brilliantly fictionalized psychological portraits, such as Bormann and Goebbels themselves.
The main character Hannah, a prominent agent of the Propaganda ministry, is given a secret task, on the completion of which her very life is depending. The story doesn’t take place in a continuous timeframe, and I especially enjoyed Hannah’s flashbacks back to the WWII era, accurately portraying Hitler’s rise to power, and the life and mood of the nation under his new rule.
The conspiracy surrounding the secret diary, meticulously researched historical events and political figures make this WWII novel an outstanding historical fiction. Five stars.
The main character Hannah, a prominent agent of the Propaganda ministry, is given a secret task, on the completion of which her very life is depending. The story doesn’t take place in a continuous timeframe, and I especially enjoyed Hannah’s flashbacks back to the WWII era, accurately portraying Hitler’s rise to power, and the life and mood of the nation under his new rule.
The conspiracy surrounding the secret diary, meticulously researched historical events and political figures make this WWII novel an outstanding historical fiction. Five stars.
December 30, 2015
Very clever but irritating
Whilst I really enjoyed the concept and found the book interesting and absorbing I was regularly frustrated by the jumping between first and third parties. This book would definitely benefit from and deserves the attention of a good proof reader. Having said all that there is still merit in it and I will definitely be looking out for more from this author.
Whilst I really enjoyed the concept and found the book interesting and absorbing I was regularly frustrated by the jumping between first and third parties. This book would definitely benefit from and deserves the attention of a good proof reader. Having said all that there is still merit in it and I will definitely be looking out for more from this author.
February 28, 2016
Translated?
I wonder if this book was translated as there were so many spelling and grammatical errors that they distracted from the storyline.
On the whole an interesting enough tale but with some very predictable and silly subplots.
I wonder if this book was translated as there were so many spelling and grammatical errors that they distracted from the storyline.
On the whole an interesting enough tale but with some very predictable and silly subplots.
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews