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A Place to Hide
From the winner of the National Jewish Book Award
Theodore “Teddy” Hartigan is the scion of a wealthy Washington, D.C. family who place him into a comfortable job at the State Department and a placid diplomat’s career. In 1938, as Hitler’s inexorable rise continues, Teddy is re-assigned to the US Consulate in Amsterdam to replace fleeing staff
Teddy’s job is to process visa applications, and by 1939, refugees from Nazi-conquered Poland, Austria, and other countries are desperate to secure safe passage to America. As Hitler sweeps through France, Belgium, Luxembourg, Denmark, and Holland, the screws tighten and law after virulent law is passed to threaten the lives, indeed the very existence of the Jewish people. When Teddy and his girlfriend Sara are introduced to an orphaned young girl named Katy, who has been abandoned on the grounds of a nursery school, they agree to adopt her. Teddy comes to realize that he holds the key to saving lives, whether five, fifty, or five hundred—and makes the dangerous and selfless decision to join with underground groups and use his position at the Consulate to rescue those with no other avenue of escape.
Powerful and dramatic, National Jewish Book Award winner Ron Balson’s A Place to Hide explores the deeply-moving actions of an ordinary man who resolves, under perilous circumstances, to make a difference.
Theodore “Teddy” Hartigan is the scion of a wealthy Washington, D.C. family who place him into a comfortable job at the State Department and a placid diplomat’s career. In 1938, as Hitler’s inexorable rise continues, Teddy is re-assigned to the US Consulate in Amsterdam to replace fleeing staff
Teddy’s job is to process visa applications, and by 1939, refugees from Nazi-conquered Poland, Austria, and other countries are desperate to secure safe passage to America. As Hitler sweeps through France, Belgium, Luxembourg, Denmark, and Holland, the screws tighten and law after virulent law is passed to threaten the lives, indeed the very existence of the Jewish people. When Teddy and his girlfriend Sara are introduced to an orphaned young girl named Katy, who has been abandoned on the grounds of a nursery school, they agree to adopt her. Teddy comes to realize that he holds the key to saving lives, whether five, fifty, or five hundred—and makes the dangerous and selfless decision to join with underground groups and use his position at the Consulate to rescue those with no other avenue of escape.
Powerful and dramatic, National Jewish Book Award winner Ron Balson’s A Place to Hide explores the deeply-moving actions of an ordinary man who resolves, under perilous circumstances, to make a difference.
304 pages, Hardcover
Published September 17, 2024
274 people are currently reading
13716 people want to read
About the author
Ronald H. Balson
13 books1,868 followersWhen he’s not writing books, Ron is a practicing attorney with the firm of Stone, Pogrund & Korey in Chicago. He has been a civil litigation attorney for forty-three years. He was an adjunct professor of business law at the University of Chicago, Graduate School of Business for twenty-five years and was a frequent lecturer in the federal bar certification course and in trial advocacy seminars.
The demands of his legal practice have taken Ron into courts all across the United States and Canada, and for deposition testimony all across Europe and Asia. A few years ago, Ron became involved in a commercial dispute concerning telephone service in Poland. Numerous trips to Warsaw and southern Poland provided the inspiration for his first novel, Once We Were Brothers. Ron’s love of history and his travels to the Middle East provided the motivation for his second novel, Saving Sophie.
During the Once We Were Brothers book tour, Ron was introduced to several survivors of the World War II concentration camps. Of all the stories of courage and determination, one woman’s story was so moving that it formed the basis for Karolina’s Twins, Ron’s third book due out in 2016.
Ron was a finalist for the Harper Lee Award for Legal Fiction in 2014 and a finalist for the Premio Bancarella Italian Literature Award in 2014. He was an honoree at the Chicago Public Library Foundation’s Carl Sandburg Literary Award dinner.
The demands of his legal practice have taken Ron into courts all across the United States and Canada, and for deposition testimony all across Europe and Asia. A few years ago, Ron became involved in a commercial dispute concerning telephone service in Poland. Numerous trips to Warsaw and southern Poland provided the inspiration for his first novel, Once We Were Brothers. Ron’s love of history and his travels to the Middle East provided the motivation for his second novel, Saving Sophie.
During the Once We Were Brothers book tour, Ron was introduced to several survivors of the World War II concentration camps. Of all the stories of courage and determination, one woman’s story was so moving that it formed the basis for Karolina’s Twins, Ron’s third book due out in 2016.
Ron was a finalist for the Harper Lee Award for Legal Fiction in 2014 and a finalist for the Premio Bancarella Italian Literature Award in 2014. He was an honoree at the Chicago Public Library Foundation’s Carl Sandburg Literary Award dinner.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 396 reviews
September 27, 2024
Whenever Ronald H. Balson writes a new book I get excited! I have either read or listened to every book that he has written. His attention to different aspects of World War II history always surprises me because he always manages to include a little known fact of something that I was not aware of before reading his book. A Place to Hide brought his readers to the Netherlands during World War II. Although I was aware of some of the things that the Netherlands went through during WWII, Ronald H. Balson was able to incorporate new information as well. It is always refreshing the way Ronald H. Balson chooses to tell his story. His characters came alive in A Place to Hide and the reader was able to feel their skepticism, fear, frustration and hopes. It was hard to put this book down once I started listening to it. The narrator, Fred Berman, was excellent and kept me engaged from start to finish.
Theodore Hartigan, better known as Teddy to all that knew him, came from a distinguished family with ties to the White House and State Department. Teddy and his family lived in Washington D. C. area as did his steady girlfriend who he hoped to get engaged to very soon. He had high expectations about his career path in the State Department. When Teddy was asked to travel to the Netherlands to take over a position at the U. S. Consulate in Amsterdam his whole life changed in an instant. His girlfriend tried to talk him out of going. When she saw he was determined to follow orders, she refused to go with him and proceeded to end their plans for marriage. Teddy was devastated but proceeded with his orders. When Teddy arrived in Amsterdam, he found himself in charge of processing the immigrants who were seeking asylum in countries that were not threatened by Nazi rule. Unfortunately, Teddy soon learned that those countries like the United States and Britain had quotas and those quotas were already filled before Teddy even arrived. Thankfully, the Netherlands was a neutral country and the people of the Netherlands believed that the Nazis would respect their status. As history shows, the Nazis were not inclined to follow what others believed in. The Nazis invaded the Netherlands regardless of their position of neutrality and imposed sanctions, round-ups and death to the Jewsish people that lived in the Netherlands. Teddy remained in Amsterdam even when he was encouraged to leave. His courage, bravery, determination and dedication to the Jewish people, especially its children, while he was in Amsterdam, went well beyond the boundaries of his position and his own resources. His dedication and accomplishments were exemplary.
Teddy Hartigan was now a ninety-two year old man living in an assisted living facility in the Washington D. C. area. It was 2002. Teddy had expressed his desire to find someone who would help him write his memoir so that his children and grandchildren would learn all that he had done during World War II. Teddy was ready to tell his story. His cousin had made the acquaintance of a former journalist who was also a Holocaust survivor while he was in Israel on business. Karyn, the former journalist, told Teddy’s cousin that she and her sister had been living in a children’s orphanage in Amsterdam during World War II. Both her sister and Karyn had been placed with different families and saved from the atrocities the Nazis were planning on carrying out. Unfortunately, Karyn lost track of her sister but truly believed that she was still alive. Karyn had never given up hope for finding her sister someday. She made a deal with Teddy’s cousin that day. If Teddy would help Karyn find her sister, she would listen to his story and write his memoir. Neither Teddy nor Karyn could have imagined what would transpire between them as Teddy revealed his story piece by piece.
A Place to Hide by Ronald H. Balson was captivating, heartfelt and inspiring. It is often hard for Holocaust survivors to tell their stories. The pain, loss and suffering that they endured was not something that they could talk about easily. Their fears, memories they learned to suppress and anger prevented these people from speaking out. Teddy’s story was equally as compelling as others that had lived through this horrific time in history. He bravely and frequently put his life in danger to help others, especially young Jewish children. These stories must continue to be told. We must never forget.
Ronald H. Balson was able to provide detailed information about the events that led up to the Nazi invasion of the Netherlands, the way life changed for the Jews of Amsterdam and how good Christian families stood up and helped to save their fellow citizens from Nazi oppression and persecution. A Place to Hide was well written, impeccably researched and touched every one of my emotions. I highly recommend A Place to Hide by Ronald H. Balson if you enjoy reading/listening to historical fiction about World War II.
Thank you to Macmillan Audio for allowing me to listen to the audiobook of A Place to Hide by Ronald H. Balson through Netgalley in exchange for an unbiased review.
Theodore Hartigan, better known as Teddy to all that knew him, came from a distinguished family with ties to the White House and State Department. Teddy and his family lived in Washington D. C. area as did his steady girlfriend who he hoped to get engaged to very soon. He had high expectations about his career path in the State Department. When Teddy was asked to travel to the Netherlands to take over a position at the U. S. Consulate in Amsterdam his whole life changed in an instant. His girlfriend tried to talk him out of going. When she saw he was determined to follow orders, she refused to go with him and proceeded to end their plans for marriage. Teddy was devastated but proceeded with his orders. When Teddy arrived in Amsterdam, he found himself in charge of processing the immigrants who were seeking asylum in countries that were not threatened by Nazi rule. Unfortunately, Teddy soon learned that those countries like the United States and Britain had quotas and those quotas were already filled before Teddy even arrived. Thankfully, the Netherlands was a neutral country and the people of the Netherlands believed that the Nazis would respect their status. As history shows, the Nazis were not inclined to follow what others believed in. The Nazis invaded the Netherlands regardless of their position of neutrality and imposed sanctions, round-ups and death to the Jewsish people that lived in the Netherlands. Teddy remained in Amsterdam even when he was encouraged to leave. His courage, bravery, determination and dedication to the Jewish people, especially its children, while he was in Amsterdam, went well beyond the boundaries of his position and his own resources. His dedication and accomplishments were exemplary.
Teddy Hartigan was now a ninety-two year old man living in an assisted living facility in the Washington D. C. area. It was 2002. Teddy had expressed his desire to find someone who would help him write his memoir so that his children and grandchildren would learn all that he had done during World War II. Teddy was ready to tell his story. His cousin had made the acquaintance of a former journalist who was also a Holocaust survivor while he was in Israel on business. Karyn, the former journalist, told Teddy’s cousin that she and her sister had been living in a children’s orphanage in Amsterdam during World War II. Both her sister and Karyn had been placed with different families and saved from the atrocities the Nazis were planning on carrying out. Unfortunately, Karyn lost track of her sister but truly believed that she was still alive. Karyn had never given up hope for finding her sister someday. She made a deal with Teddy’s cousin that day. If Teddy would help Karyn find her sister, she would listen to his story and write his memoir. Neither Teddy nor Karyn could have imagined what would transpire between them as Teddy revealed his story piece by piece.
A Place to Hide by Ronald H. Balson was captivating, heartfelt and inspiring. It is often hard for Holocaust survivors to tell their stories. The pain, loss and suffering that they endured was not something that they could talk about easily. Their fears, memories they learned to suppress and anger prevented these people from speaking out. Teddy’s story was equally as compelling as others that had lived through this horrific time in history. He bravely and frequently put his life in danger to help others, especially young Jewish children. These stories must continue to be told. We must never forget.
Ronald H. Balson was able to provide detailed information about the events that led up to the Nazi invasion of the Netherlands, the way life changed for the Jews of Amsterdam and how good Christian families stood up and helped to save their fellow citizens from Nazi oppression and persecution. A Place to Hide was well written, impeccably researched and touched every one of my emotions. I highly recommend A Place to Hide by Ronald H. Balson if you enjoy reading/listening to historical fiction about World War II.
Thank you to Macmillan Audio for allowing me to listen to the audiobook of A Place to Hide by Ronald H. Balson through Netgalley in exchange for an unbiased review.
September 17, 2024
This is an astounding story of bravery, dedication, fearlessness, and hope. I've read a lot of WWII historical fiction, but I was not aware of what went on in the Netherlands until I read this book.
At the beginning of WWII, the Netherlands believed themselves to be a neutral country, which they were during WWI, and that Hitler would not attack them. However, on May 10, 1940, Germany invaded Holland in the hope of establishing an airfield along the coast in order to have a base to attack England. There were 140,000 Jews in Holland when the Nazis took over. By the end of WWII hiding places had been found for over 30,700 Jewish people who were saved from transportation to extermination camps, including 700 children.
In a vein similar to Schindler's List, this is a historical fiction story of courage and unselfishness that is recounted by an American government consulate worker who spent a treacherous time in the Netherlands during WWII. He chose to stay even when he could have gone back to the U.S.
In reading this book about heroic men and women who performed astonishing feats of bravery in the face of adversity, I was once again awestruck by the selflessness and devotion of people that wanted to help others, even if it put the safety and security of themselves and their families at great risk in which they could lose everything they owned, including their lives.
My sincere thanks to St. Martin's Press and NetGalley for giving me the opportunity to read a DRC of this novel in exchange for an honest review. All opinions expressed are my own.
At the beginning of WWII, the Netherlands believed themselves to be a neutral country, which they were during WWI, and that Hitler would not attack them. However, on May 10, 1940, Germany invaded Holland in the hope of establishing an airfield along the coast in order to have a base to attack England. There were 140,000 Jews in Holland when the Nazis took over. By the end of WWII hiding places had been found for over 30,700 Jewish people who were saved from transportation to extermination camps, including 700 children.
In a vein similar to Schindler's List, this is a historical fiction story of courage and unselfishness that is recounted by an American government consulate worker who spent a treacherous time in the Netherlands during WWII. He chose to stay even when he could have gone back to the U.S.
In reading this book about heroic men and women who performed astonishing feats of bravery in the face of adversity, I was once again awestruck by the selflessness and devotion of people that wanted to help others, even if it put the safety and security of themselves and their families at great risk in which they could lose everything they owned, including their lives.
My sincere thanks to St. Martin's Press and NetGalley for giving me the opportunity to read a DRC of this novel in exchange for an honest review. All opinions expressed are my own.
September 25, 2024
In 1939, Theodore "Teddy" Hartigan is reassigned from his comfortable job at the State Department in Washington DC to the US Consulate in Amsterdam. His job is to process visa applications and, as Hitler sweeps through Europe, refugees become even more desperate to secure safe passage to America. As the situation in Europe becomes more dire, Teddy realizes that he holds the key to saving lives. Risking his own security, he makes the dangerous decision to join the resistance and help those with no other avenue of escape.
In 2002 Karyn Sachnoff encounters Burt Franklin, a cousin to Teddy Hartigan, in Tel Aviv and eventually agrees to meet with Teddy and record his memories of his time in the Netherlands. In return Teddy will make enquiries about Karyn's sister Annie from whom she was separated when they were very young.
I was lucky enough to have a copy of the audiobook as well as the e-book and alternated the two versions. I think I prefer the audiobook but both were very good. Fred Berman did a great job as narrator of the audiobook and I was able to picture 92-year-old Teddy in my mind. His story is told to Karyn and, as interesting as it was, it was like a non-fiction memoir which I suppose is the point since it's based on real facts. As someone else mentioned there's not much description of location or even of what the characters looked like. Nevertheless it was a look at how the German occupation affected people in a different country than those we usually associate with WWII. I'm not sure I was even aware that residents in the Netherlands suffered from the German invasion as much as they did. There were some new-to-me names of Nazi officials and they were all despicable. I had tears in my eyes and a lump in my throat by the end. I'm rating this 4.5 stars rounded down but I think a different format, more showing than telling, would've increased it to a 5.
My thanks to St. Martin's Press Marketing for inviting me to read an advance copy of the e-book and to Macmillan Audio for providing a copy of the audiobook, both via Netgalley. All opinions expressed are my own.
Publication Date: September 17, 2024
In 2002 Karyn Sachnoff encounters Burt Franklin, a cousin to Teddy Hartigan, in Tel Aviv and eventually agrees to meet with Teddy and record his memories of his time in the Netherlands. In return Teddy will make enquiries about Karyn's sister Annie from whom she was separated when they were very young.
I was lucky enough to have a copy of the audiobook as well as the e-book and alternated the two versions. I think I prefer the audiobook but both were very good. Fred Berman did a great job as narrator of the audiobook and I was able to picture 92-year-old Teddy in my mind. His story is told to Karyn and, as interesting as it was, it was like a non-fiction memoir which I suppose is the point since it's based on real facts. As someone else mentioned there's not much description of location or even of what the characters looked like. Nevertheless it was a look at how the German occupation affected people in a different country than those we usually associate with WWII. I'm not sure I was even aware that residents in the Netherlands suffered from the German invasion as much as they did. There were some new-to-me names of Nazi officials and they were all despicable. I had tears in my eyes and a lump in my throat by the end. I'm rating this 4.5 stars rounded down but I think a different format, more showing than telling, would've increased it to a 5.
My thanks to St. Martin's Press Marketing for inviting me to read an advance copy of the e-book and to Macmillan Audio for providing a copy of the audiobook, both via Netgalley. All opinions expressed are my own.
Publication Date: September 17, 2024
September 12, 2024
Thanks to St. Martin's Press for an ARC copy of this book to read and review. As a Holocaust survivor myself, I find it very difficult to read about the time period I lived through as a very young child. This novel, however, focuses on the positive difference made by small groups of people who risked their lives to shelter and/or save Jews (particularly children) in Nazi occupied Holland. It was just such righteous Christians who sheltered and saved me and my family in Poland.
Ronald Balson, an attorney, has written a historical novel that is accurate in time and occurrences of that horrific period. It is a work of fiction that nonetheless presents an accurate picture of the wartime occupied Netherlands. It is told from the point of view of Teddy Hartigan to a survivor who is now a journalist. She, Karyn, agrees to write a memoir for Teddy's children and grandchildren in return for his help in locating her long-lost sister who, like her, was adopted out to a Christian family in order to save their lives.
In the telling of Teddy's story, there are real people named along with their involvement in the history of the time. In its telling, moving lightly across the unimaginable horror, you have the chance to meet people who risked their own lives in order to make a difference and so saved the lives of countless Jews.
Living in this time of growing antisemitism, directed by a man who bears a remarkable resemblance to Adolf Hitler, it is worth your time to return to the 1930's and 40's to see what is possible when an insane despot rises to power.
Ronald Balson, an attorney, has written a historical novel that is accurate in time and occurrences of that horrific period. It is a work of fiction that nonetheless presents an accurate picture of the wartime occupied Netherlands. It is told from the point of view of Teddy Hartigan to a survivor who is now a journalist. She, Karyn, agrees to write a memoir for Teddy's children and grandchildren in return for his help in locating her long-lost sister who, like her, was adopted out to a Christian family in order to save their lives.
In the telling of Teddy's story, there are real people named along with their involvement in the history of the time. In its telling, moving lightly across the unimaginable horror, you have the chance to meet people who risked their own lives in order to make a difference and so saved the lives of countless Jews.
Living in this time of growing antisemitism, directed by a man who bears a remarkable resemblance to Adolf Hitler, it is worth your time to return to the 1930's and 40's to see what is possible when an insane despot rises to power.
December 29, 2024
If I could rate this one more than five stars, I would.
The way the story was set up was amazing. In 2002, a Holocaust survivor meets with a former employee of the U.S. consulate of Amsterdam, hoping to find information about her long-lost sister. The elderly gentleman agrees to help Karyn in her search , on one condition; that she will take notes on his memories of WW2 and form them into a written memoir for his grandchildren. What follows is a thrilling, heart-rending, unputdownable account from a man who risked much to save people who were otherwise doomed to a horrible fate.
This is historical fiction at its best. I’ll certainly be looking for more books by this author!
*In 2024, the Amsterdam nursery school and Jewish theater which were major features in this story, have been converted into a Holocaust museum and memorial and opened to the public.*
**I received a digital copy from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are strictly my own.**
The way the story was set up was amazing. In 2002, a Holocaust survivor meets with a former employee of the U.S. consulate of Amsterdam, hoping to find information about her long-lost sister. The elderly gentleman agrees to help Karyn in her search , on one condition; that she will take notes on his memories of WW2 and form them into a written memoir for his grandchildren. What follows is a thrilling, heart-rending, unputdownable account from a man who risked much to save people who were otherwise doomed to a horrible fate.
This is historical fiction at its best. I’ll certainly be looking for more books by this author!
*In 2024, the Amsterdam nursery school and Jewish theater which were major features in this story, have been converted into a Holocaust museum and memorial and opened to the public.*
**I received a digital copy from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are strictly my own.**
September 17, 2024
Ninety-two-year old Teddy realized no one knew about his time in the occupied Netherlands during the war and wanted to make it known.
Karyn, a former journalist, is hired to write his story in return for trying to find her sister who was saved from the Nazis by being sent to live with a family different from the one she went with.
A PLACE TO HIDE does not read as a memoir even though Teddy is telling his story of the sacrifices he made for himself and how he saved many Jewish families.
There is a story in between as he’s telling about his life.
Fans of Mr. Balson will be captivated by his amazing research as he has Teddy recalling everything that happened even though it does get a bit heavy with all that was going on.
World War II enthusiasts will have all the information they could ever want about how things progressed.
The book is very detailed as well as frightening as we find out what went on, but also wonderful to hear what the citizens of the Netherlands did to ease some of the horror. 4/5
Thank you to the publisher for a copy of this book. All opinions are my own.
Karyn, a former journalist, is hired to write his story in return for trying to find her sister who was saved from the Nazis by being sent to live with a family different from the one she went with.
A PLACE TO HIDE does not read as a memoir even though Teddy is telling his story of the sacrifices he made for himself and how he saved many Jewish families.
There is a story in between as he’s telling about his life.
Fans of Mr. Balson will be captivated by his amazing research as he has Teddy recalling everything that happened even though it does get a bit heavy with all that was going on.
World War II enthusiasts will have all the information they could ever want about how things progressed.
The book is very detailed as well as frightening as we find out what went on, but also wonderful to hear what the citizens of the Netherlands did to ease some of the horror. 4/5
Thank you to the publisher for a copy of this book. All opinions are my own.
August 31, 2024
Special thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for a free, electronic ARC of this novel received in exchange for an honest review.
Expected publication date: Sept. 17, 2024
Award-winning author Ronald H. Balson introduces a new World War Two novel, “A Place to Hide”. Told by a survivor of World War Two, who tells his story to a journalist, the similarities between “Hide” and “The Tattooist of Auschwitz” are obvious. “Hide” takes place in the Netherlands, which provides a different backdrop then the plethora of World War Two fiction already out in the world, and it is clear that Balson does his research. I was not a fan of the writing style of this story, but more on that later.
Teddy Hartigan is an American, working at the consulate in the Netherlands, when he meets a young Jewish teacher named Sara. The two fall in love and become the guardians of an abandoned Jewish girl by the name of Katy, and soon, Teddy has two females in his life that he would do anything to protect. When word comes that Germany is invading the Netherlands, Teddy is given the option to return to America, but only Teddy. Not willing to leave his family, Teddy remains behind, even when the United States joins the war and the U.S. consulate is shuttered. Although everyone he loves is at risk, Teddy finds himself embroiled in a secret mission that works to house and protect Jewish people, especially children.
“Hide” is the first novel I’ve read by Balson, but I’ve read plenty of World War two novels (“Tattooist” being one of my favourites). It is obvious that Balson has done his research, and he is telling a story based on true events. I enjoyed reading about the Nazi occupation of the Netherlands, as this is not often an area that is covered in other World War two novels I’ve read. It was also exciting to read about Teddy’s love story with Sara, and the risk they both faced just to have a life together.
As mentioned above, “Hide” is the story of Teddy Hartigan’s experiences in the Netherlands during World War Two, as told to journalist Karyn, who, in turn, is using Teddy’s knowledge and connections to reconnect with her sister, who Karyn was separated from during the war. Karyn and Teddy meet right at the beginning of the novel, and I felt this relationship was sudden and forced. There is limited character development and, in fact, even the basic facts of the protagonists’ appearance, or the details of their geographical settings, are left out. The story is a monologue by Teddy who, albeit has an exciting experience to tell that is worthy of respect, the small details that make me connect to a story were missing.
With the highest level of respect for Teddy’s heroism during the occupation (and his compatriots), I enjoyed “Hide” enough to finish it, but I was missing the connection that a few extra details would’ve provided. There are enough World War two novels on the market that a novel needs to stand out in order to catch my attention, and this one did not succeed.
Expected publication date: Sept. 17, 2024
Award-winning author Ronald H. Balson introduces a new World War Two novel, “A Place to Hide”. Told by a survivor of World War Two, who tells his story to a journalist, the similarities between “Hide” and “The Tattooist of Auschwitz” are obvious. “Hide” takes place in the Netherlands, which provides a different backdrop then the plethora of World War Two fiction already out in the world, and it is clear that Balson does his research. I was not a fan of the writing style of this story, but more on that later.
Teddy Hartigan is an American, working at the consulate in the Netherlands, when he meets a young Jewish teacher named Sara. The two fall in love and become the guardians of an abandoned Jewish girl by the name of Katy, and soon, Teddy has two females in his life that he would do anything to protect. When word comes that Germany is invading the Netherlands, Teddy is given the option to return to America, but only Teddy. Not willing to leave his family, Teddy remains behind, even when the United States joins the war and the U.S. consulate is shuttered. Although everyone he loves is at risk, Teddy finds himself embroiled in a secret mission that works to house and protect Jewish people, especially children.
“Hide” is the first novel I’ve read by Balson, but I’ve read plenty of World War two novels (“Tattooist” being one of my favourites). It is obvious that Balson has done his research, and he is telling a story based on true events. I enjoyed reading about the Nazi occupation of the Netherlands, as this is not often an area that is covered in other World War two novels I’ve read. It was also exciting to read about Teddy’s love story with Sara, and the risk they both faced just to have a life together.
As mentioned above, “Hide” is the story of Teddy Hartigan’s experiences in the Netherlands during World War Two, as told to journalist Karyn, who, in turn, is using Teddy’s knowledge and connections to reconnect with her sister, who Karyn was separated from during the war. Karyn and Teddy meet right at the beginning of the novel, and I felt this relationship was sudden and forced. There is limited character development and, in fact, even the basic facts of the protagonists’ appearance, or the details of their geographical settings, are left out. The story is a monologue by Teddy who, albeit has an exciting experience to tell that is worthy of respect, the small details that make me connect to a story were missing.
With the highest level of respect for Teddy’s heroism during the occupation (and his compatriots), I enjoyed “Hide” enough to finish it, but I was missing the connection that a few extra details would’ve provided. There are enough World War two novels on the market that a novel needs to stand out in order to catch my attention, and this one did not succeed.
October 27, 2024
story is beautifully crafted!
just had some issues connecting with the interview-type of writing style the entire way through the book.
just had some issues connecting with the interview-type of writing style the entire way through the book.
September 7, 2024
Historical fiction at its best. I’ve read a lot of ww2 historical fiction this year & this story is by far one of the best written. If I could give it more than 5 stars, I would.
Everytime I read about the horrible things that happened during world war 2 I learn new things. Most of the time they are heartbreaking and unbelievable because of their cruelty.
I was thankful there was some good things to learn from this story and that some of the places referenced are now holocaust museums. I have revealed to the holocaust museum in Washington DC and can speak to the importance of making sure that these atrocities and major parts of history are never ever forgotten.
I was moved by this story and of course a complete puddle multiple times throughout reading this amazing book.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read this amazing arc in exchange for my honest review.
Everytime I read about the horrible things that happened during world war 2 I learn new things. Most of the time they are heartbreaking and unbelievable because of their cruelty.
I was thankful there was some good things to learn from this story and that some of the places referenced are now holocaust museums. I have revealed to the holocaust museum in Washington DC and can speak to the importance of making sure that these atrocities and major parts of history are never ever forgotten.
I was moved by this story and of course a complete puddle multiple times throughout reading this amazing book.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read this amazing arc in exchange for my honest review.
August 9, 2024
2.5 stars
A Place To Hide opens in a coffee shop in Israel where a chance encounter leads to a woman named Karyn telling an American stranger that she was separated from her sister and adopted as a young child during the war in the Netherlands. He advises that he might be able to help her reunite with her sister as his cousin, Teddy Hartigan, worked at the American Consulate in Amsterdam during the war. After returning to the US, he calls to let Karyn know that Teddy will do what he can to help her if she agrees to travel to Washington, DC, interview him and write his memoir.
Karyn, a former journalist, travels to Washington and meets daily with the elderly Teddy who shares the story of his experience in Amsterdam. Teddy had been working at the State Department in DC when he received an unexpected reassignment to the American Consulate in 1938 to process visa applications. Teddy fell in love with a Dutch woman so remained in the country following the outbreak of war and witnessed first hand as the Nazis took over, removed freedoms from Jewish citizens and began deporting them to death camps.
The subject matter of this novel is quite interesting as it relates to what happened in the Netherlands in the period just before and during World War II. The novel is well-researched and educational particularly with respect to Nazi actions in the Netherlands, the laws that were passed to hurt the Dutch Jews and how difficult it was for Jews to emigrate as there were very limited visas available. The main character is entirely fictional, however, several real life people who have been credited with saving the lives of hundreds of Jewish children in Amsterdam are featured as secondary characters in the novel including Dutch educator Johan van Hulst, Henriëtte Pimentel who owned a daycare/creche and Walter Süskind who worked at the Jewish Theatre that was converted into the city's deportation centre.
The Author's Note was quite interesting and led me to do more reading about the nursery school/creche and teaching college in Amsterdam's Jewish Quarter that were converted into a National Holocaust Museum which opened in 2024 and the Jewish Theatre across the street which is now a memorial. While three quarters of the Dutch Jewish population was killed by Nazis during World War II, these brave resistance workers were able to smuggle hundreds of children to safety.
While the subject matter of this novel was interesting, the writing style just didn't work for me at all. It is written as an interview between 92 year-old Teddy in 2002 and a woman who was adopted as a child in Amsterdam. As a result, the novel consists almost entirely of dialogue between the two which didn't feel natural or believable as well as being a bit simplistic and not particularly engaging. I also think I would have appreciated this book more if it had been told as a story of the Dutch Resistance without filtering it through the lens of a fictional American.
Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for sending a digital ARC of this book for review consideration. All opinions are my own.
A Place To Hide opens in a coffee shop in Israel where a chance encounter leads to a woman named Karyn telling an American stranger that she was separated from her sister and adopted as a young child during the war in the Netherlands. He advises that he might be able to help her reunite with her sister as his cousin, Teddy Hartigan, worked at the American Consulate in Amsterdam during the war. After returning to the US, he calls to let Karyn know that Teddy will do what he can to help her if she agrees to travel to Washington, DC, interview him and write his memoir.
Karyn, a former journalist, travels to Washington and meets daily with the elderly Teddy who shares the story of his experience in Amsterdam. Teddy had been working at the State Department in DC when he received an unexpected reassignment to the American Consulate in 1938 to process visa applications. Teddy fell in love with a Dutch woman so remained in the country following the outbreak of war and witnessed first hand as the Nazis took over, removed freedoms from Jewish citizens and began deporting them to death camps.
The subject matter of this novel is quite interesting as it relates to what happened in the Netherlands in the period just before and during World War II. The novel is well-researched and educational particularly with respect to Nazi actions in the Netherlands, the laws that were passed to hurt the Dutch Jews and how difficult it was for Jews to emigrate as there were very limited visas available. The main character is entirely fictional, however, several real life people who have been credited with saving the lives of hundreds of Jewish children in Amsterdam are featured as secondary characters in the novel including Dutch educator Johan van Hulst, Henriëtte Pimentel who owned a daycare/creche and Walter Süskind who worked at the Jewish Theatre that was converted into the city's deportation centre.
The Author's Note was quite interesting and led me to do more reading about the nursery school/creche and teaching college in Amsterdam's Jewish Quarter that were converted into a National Holocaust Museum which opened in 2024 and the Jewish Theatre across the street which is now a memorial. While three quarters of the Dutch Jewish population was killed by Nazis during World War II, these brave resistance workers were able to smuggle hundreds of children to safety.
While the subject matter of this novel was interesting, the writing style just didn't work for me at all. It is written as an interview between 92 year-old Teddy in 2002 and a woman who was adopted as a child in Amsterdam. As a result, the novel consists almost entirely of dialogue between the two which didn't feel natural or believable as well as being a bit simplistic and not particularly engaging. I also think I would have appreciated this book more if it had been told as a story of the Dutch Resistance without filtering it through the lens of a fictional American.
Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for sending a digital ARC of this book for review consideration. All opinions are my own.
January 22, 2025
A Place To Hide is a historical fiction book written by Ronald H Balson. This is a book that beautifully and accurately written from start to finish, obviously with some fictionalized characters. However the times, setting, and key events are all true, I enjoyed reading this book from start to finish. It's been a while since I read a a piece of historical fiction that was as good as this. World War II was an event that shook the entire world, Ronald H Balson writes about the amazing Comraderie, solidarity, unity, friendship, love, determination, humanity, strength and resilience from the Dutch resistance against the Neo Nazi Rule.
The book is well researched and written from the point where Germany slowly begins to take over Europe by attacking and invading it's surrounding countries. Building up to the invasion of the Netherlands in 1940, it follows the main character Teddy Hartigan born and raised in the United States who comes from a political family, with a father that is a strong isolationist. I got to read and see how a man who worked in the basement of a US State Department, who read articles about the fast rise of Germany and Hitler's crazy plan to take over Europe. Become part of a strong rebellious community in Netherlands who fought to save many children, toddlers and babies from being sent to the concentration camps in Wannsee.
Ronald H Balson wrote about real characters who made a massive difference and played a huge role in saving the lives off many Jewish families and children. These people have now passed away: Henriette Pimental, Walter Suskind, Johan Van Hulst, Alice Cohn and many more more. As well as members from the UKC Group (Utrechts Kindercomité), these were students from the University of Utrecht who initiated rescue operations for the Jewish people.
This was truly a profound and eye opening book for me, I am a huge lover of History. I thought I knew all the important parts of World War II but A Place To Hide revealed to me so much that I didn't know. I'm in awe of the people that fought to protect and save the Jewish who were persecuted during that period. What a truly remarkable story, I only wish more people were saved back then. If you are a fan of history than I highly recommend giving this Historical Fiction a read, Ronald H Balson does not disappoint you will be instantly hooked and enjoy each page of this book with its key main characters.
The book is well researched and written from the point where Germany slowly begins to take over Europe by attacking and invading it's surrounding countries. Building up to the invasion of the Netherlands in 1940, it follows the main character Teddy Hartigan born and raised in the United States who comes from a political family, with a father that is a strong isolationist. I got to read and see how a man who worked in the basement of a US State Department, who read articles about the fast rise of Germany and Hitler's crazy plan to take over Europe. Become part of a strong rebellious community in Netherlands who fought to save many children, toddlers and babies from being sent to the concentration camps in Wannsee.
Ronald H Balson wrote about real characters who made a massive difference and played a huge role in saving the lives off many Jewish families and children. These people have now passed away: Henriette Pimental, Walter Suskind, Johan Van Hulst, Alice Cohn and many more more. As well as members from the UKC Group (Utrechts Kindercomité), these were students from the University of Utrecht who initiated rescue operations for the Jewish people.
This was truly a profound and eye opening book for me, I am a huge lover of History. I thought I knew all the important parts of World War II but A Place To Hide revealed to me so much that I didn't know. I'm in awe of the people that fought to protect and save the Jewish who were persecuted during that period. What a truly remarkable story, I only wish more people were saved back then. If you are a fan of history than I highly recommend giving this Historical Fiction a read, Ronald H Balson does not disappoint you will be instantly hooked and enjoy each page of this book with its key main characters.
April 18, 2024
Ronald Balson is the master when it comes to sharing unique points of view during WWII. In A Place To Hide, he introduces us to Teddy, a well to do young man who’s familial connections land him a job in the State Department. Climbing the ladder has always been his destiny but the world turns upside down when Hitler comes to power and the next thing Teddy knows, he’s on his way to Amsterdam to fill a vacant position in the consulate. Flooded with refugees seeking asylum in the United States, Teddy’s hands are tied as officially, the refugee quota had been filled. He is also adamant that the Netherlands will remain neutral as they had during the Great War but slowly things begin to change and Teddy realizes that he has the ability to do more, especially when the Nazi’s start to crack down on the Jewish population.
This story is an excellent insight into the history of Amsterdam during the war. It left me with a greater knowledge than before and for that I’m always grateful. The story left me with lots of questions about Teddy that had they been answered would have tied up some loose ends that I saw at the end of the book. While not necessary for the story to wrap up beautifully, I would have enjoyed that little extra bit.
Thank you so much to NetGalley, St Martin’s Press and the amazing Ronald Balson for early access to the incredible story!
This story is an excellent insight into the history of Amsterdam during the war. It left me with a greater knowledge than before and for that I’m always grateful. The story left me with lots of questions about Teddy that had they been answered would have tied up some loose ends that I saw at the end of the book. While not necessary for the story to wrap up beautifully, I would have enjoyed that little extra bit.
Thank you so much to NetGalley, St Martin’s Press and the amazing Ronald Balson for early access to the incredible story!
March 28, 2024
Ronald Balson has done it again! Every book of his is thoughtfully written, engaging and A Place to Hide is no exception. Teddy Hartigan is sent to Amsterdam during World War II to work in the US Consulate. Throughout the book, Teddy is confronted with the complicated intricacies of immigration during war time, exploring moral questions and themes that are relevant to this day. The book is great historical fiction with the twist of a perspective that is not commonly written about. The book was engaging and filled with suspense from the first page to the last. Thank you NetGalley for the opportunity to read this book early.
September 19, 2024
Present Day Washington DC and 1938-1941 The Netherlands
Engaging and filled with history, this fictional tale with historical details unfolds through the voice of Teddy Hartigan who gets nearly forced into a position at the US Consulate in Amsterdam. Over time he comes to love the country and its people. Teddy's career and life events bring history alive on the pages.
The ending is realistic and as heartwarming as a WWII novel can be.
Nice job by the narrator Fred Berman.
My gratitude to MacMillan Audio for a complimentary audiobook copy of the novel. I was not required to post a review and all opinions expressed are my own.
Engaging and filled with history, this fictional tale with historical details unfolds through the voice of Teddy Hartigan who gets nearly forced into a position at the US Consulate in Amsterdam. Over time he comes to love the country and its people. Teddy's career and life events bring history alive on the pages.
The ending is realistic and as heartwarming as a WWII novel can be.
Nice job by the narrator Fred Berman.
My gratitude to MacMillan Audio for a complimentary audiobook copy of the novel. I was not required to post a review and all opinions expressed are my own.
July 25, 2024
An inspiring story of love and resilience that I won’t soon forget. Well done.
It’s so easy to forget all the little steps that were taken—all the dozens of edicts aimed at discriminating against the Jews—by the Nazis towards their goal of the Final Solution. So often we recount the death count and the atrocities committed without taking a look at the smaller events that led to them and the common heartbreaks along the way: the families torn apart and the parents that had to make awful decisions in an effort to save their children. I appreciated that this story—told from the eyes of an old man (one of the fictional characters) recounting his life as a diplomat working at the US consulate in The Netherlands in the late 1930s and throughout WWII—focused on that slow march, those difficult days and weeks that turned into months and years. I especially appreciate that this story is anchored around events that really happened, inserting fictions in the characters (although some characters were actual people in history!) and smaller elements rather than attempting to rewrite history. I felt like I was reading an easy to digest history lesson!
Thank you NetGalley and the publisher and a big thank you to the author for sharing your story—it’s an important one to tell and I am honored to have read an advanced copy of this book. I hope that—just like Teddy intended—some of those adopted children will read it and feel seen.
It’s so easy to forget all the little steps that were taken—all the dozens of edicts aimed at discriminating against the Jews—by the Nazis towards their goal of the Final Solution. So often we recount the death count and the atrocities committed without taking a look at the smaller events that led to them and the common heartbreaks along the way: the families torn apart and the parents that had to make awful decisions in an effort to save their children. I appreciated that this story—told from the eyes of an old man (one of the fictional characters) recounting his life as a diplomat working at the US consulate in The Netherlands in the late 1930s and throughout WWII—focused on that slow march, those difficult days and weeks that turned into months and years. I especially appreciate that this story is anchored around events that really happened, inserting fictions in the characters (although some characters were actual people in history!) and smaller elements rather than attempting to rewrite history. I felt like I was reading an easy to digest history lesson!
Thank you NetGalley and the publisher and a big thank you to the author for sharing your story—it’s an important one to tell and I am honored to have read an advanced copy of this book. I hope that—just like Teddy intended—some of those adopted children will read it and feel seen.
March 18, 2024
This is historical fiction at its finest.
Most didn’t believe Hitler would take the Netherlands next during WWII. He already had control of Austria, Czechoslovakia, Hungry, Poland, Denmark, Norway and France. It was a neutral country and many figured it would never happen to them.
We look back on how this occurred many years ago and how incredibly sad it was. And we think: how could this happen? Yet, we never seem to grasp that history could repeat itself with a war that could again cost millions of lives. Read this book! While it’s in the past, it could happen with an evil dictator in charge. The book is expertly written with a handful of characters during this horrific time.
It starts when Karyn Sachnoff agreed to write Teddy Hartigan’s story in exchange for help in finding her sister, Annie. She lost track of her when they were separated as young children during WWII in Amsterdam. Teddy still had contacts that she hoped would be useful. He was in his 90s and his health wasn’t great. But his memory was right on with details that weren’t yet told to his adult children. Now he was ready to give them the full story of his life.
This isn’t filled with descriptions of blood on the streets. It’s a beautiful love story about a time when people had courage to resist and help others. It’s well researched and makes the reader think about how quickly this dictator gained power and was able to take over. Hitler and his German leaders wiped out most of the Dutch Jews in the Netherlands along with citizens willing to fight back. It’s disturbing and thought provoking.
My thanks to St. Martin’s Press and NetGalley for allowing me to read an advanced copy of this book with an expected release date of September 17, 2024.
Most didn’t believe Hitler would take the Netherlands next during WWII. He already had control of Austria, Czechoslovakia, Hungry, Poland, Denmark, Norway and France. It was a neutral country and many figured it would never happen to them.
We look back on how this occurred many years ago and how incredibly sad it was. And we think: how could this happen? Yet, we never seem to grasp that history could repeat itself with a war that could again cost millions of lives. Read this book! While it’s in the past, it could happen with an evil dictator in charge. The book is expertly written with a handful of characters during this horrific time.
It starts when Karyn Sachnoff agreed to write Teddy Hartigan’s story in exchange for help in finding her sister, Annie. She lost track of her when they were separated as young children during WWII in Amsterdam. Teddy still had contacts that she hoped would be useful. He was in his 90s and his health wasn’t great. But his memory was right on with details that weren’t yet told to his adult children. Now he was ready to give them the full story of his life.
This isn’t filled with descriptions of blood on the streets. It’s a beautiful love story about a time when people had courage to resist and help others. It’s well researched and makes the reader think about how quickly this dictator gained power and was able to take over. Hitler and his German leaders wiped out most of the Dutch Jews in the Netherlands along with citizens willing to fight back. It’s disturbing and thought provoking.
My thanks to St. Martin’s Press and NetGalley for allowing me to read an advanced copy of this book with an expected release date of September 17, 2024.
May 23, 2024
“A Place to Hide” by Ronald H. Belson is exceptional! I cant remember ever reading a book that was more engrossing, educational, and unputdownable! The story is about a woman who agrees to write the life story of a non Jewish man who wants to make sure his grandchildren understand his life’s work in the Netherlands as a State Department diplomat during the Nazi occupation in WWII. In exchange for writing his story he agrees to help her find her long lost sister as they became separated as young children in Amsterdam at the beginning of the war. I know you may think you know this story about the “orphaned” children of the war but I promise you have never read a book like this one. The incredible amount of research and detail that is included in this story brought to life for me the horror of how hatred can easily take over when left unchecked. It also brought to life how incredibly courageous people were who were brave enough to help others and resist the evil work of Hitler and his emissaries. This book needs to be read by everyone and I recommend it highly. There aren’t enough existing stars to give this book!
Thank you NetGalley and St. Matin’s Press for the ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review.
June 20, 2024
I always enjoy different perspectives on World War II and learning what different countries went through throughout the war. This book was no exception.
Most of this book is set in the Netherlands during the years of World War II. It shows the horrors of life for the Jews even outside of Germany. I enjoyed seeing the hero’s of the time doing their best to save as many Jewish people including children from the concentration camps the most.
I had a hard time with how this book was set up. It’s told in mostly interview style. I had a hard time staying engaged with this writing style. Also, the main premise of the book. The reason the interview was happening to begin with did not get resolved.
Overall a pretty good historical fiction read.
Most of this book is set in the Netherlands during the years of World War II. It shows the horrors of life for the Jews even outside of Germany. I enjoyed seeing the hero’s of the time doing their best to save as many Jewish people including children from the concentration camps the most.
I had a hard time with how this book was set up. It’s told in mostly interview style. I had a hard time staying engaged with this writing style. Also, the main premise of the book. The reason the interview was happening to begin with did not get resolved.
Overall a pretty good historical fiction read.
May 24, 2024
To all my fellow historical fiction lovers: READ THIS! A few years ago, I exclusively read WWII historical fiction, but the heaviness of those stories made me take a break. When I picked up this book, I was worried it wouldn't measure up to titles like *The Nightingale*, but it did not disappoint. The historical details were so descriptive and accurate that I felt completely immersed in the time period. This is a story of kindness, bravery, and learning from our history. This was my first book by this author, but it certainly won’t be my last.
Thank you to NetGalley for this ARC in exchange for my honest review.
Thank you to NetGalley for this ARC in exchange for my honest review.
September 29, 2024
Thank you so much St Martins Press for this free ARC!! I really enjoyed this story! To me, it read more like something from a history book, but it still kept me engaged. The authors note in the back lets us know that several of the characters he portrayed in this fiction are actually based on real people and their very real words and actions. Like this:
"Why not thirteen?”
Although my only qualm with this story is that it was very much a reimagining of real events. If you are well versed in Netherlands World War II history, then skip this book, because there is little story to add to the history bits that you already know. I felt there was jusssssst enough fictitious story to keep you intrigued and with the mindset of “what will happen next” that it could be worth the read if you a) really really like historical fiction and/or b) are not familiar with the inner workings of the Netherlands during World War I and II. But every single person on this planet knows how World War II ended, so the devil is in the details with these types of books.
That being said, I knew very little about the Netherlands struggles and fights during the 2 world wars, so the story and history was new and very interesting to me. All in all, I would recommend this!!
.
.
ʏᴏᴜʟʟ ʟɪᴋᴇ ᴛʜɪꜱ ɪꜰ ʏᴏᴜ ʟɪᴋᴇ:
•historical fiction
•women in history
•world war II
"Why not thirteen?”
Although my only qualm with this story is that it was very much a reimagining of real events. If you are well versed in Netherlands World War II history, then skip this book, because there is little story to add to the history bits that you already know. I felt there was jusssssst enough fictitious story to keep you intrigued and with the mindset of “what will happen next” that it could be worth the read if you a) really really like historical fiction and/or b) are not familiar with the inner workings of the Netherlands during World War I and II. But every single person on this planet knows how World War II ended, so the devil is in the details with these types of books.
That being said, I knew very little about the Netherlands struggles and fights during the 2 world wars, so the story and history was new and very interesting to me. All in all, I would recommend this!!
.
.
ʏᴏᴜʟʟ ʟɪᴋᴇ ᴛʜɪꜱ ɪꜰ ʏᴏᴜ ʟɪᴋᴇ:
•historical fiction
•women in history
•world war II
September 15, 2024
“A Place to Hide” is the story of Teddy Hartigan who was transferred to the US consulates office in Amsterdam just as tensions in Europe were rising. As Hitler’s control expands and the Anti-Semitic edicts continue, the US enters the war, and news of death camps surfaces, Teddy becomes more involved with the resistance and helping to save the Jewish People of the Netherlands.
I love historical fiction mostly because at the end of a book, I have typically learned something new. But I also love historical fiction because it brings history alive, placing you right there is the thick of it. The balance of the two is what, for me, makes a great book. Unfortunately, I felt the balance was off in this one. This one had a lot of historical facts that kept this story moving forward, but the heart and soul of the story didn’t actually start until about 60-70% of the way through. While some of the set up was needed, some of the beginning felt repetitive and slow. There were a lot of characters that were briefly a large part of the story, but they suddenly disappeared and we never brought up again. I questioned why half of them were included at all. I also struggled with the structure of the story which was told through the eyes of a journalist who was documenting Teddy’s memoir. The secondary story line of the journalist seemed like an afterthought and was not developed at all. I would have loved to have seen a different structure such as dual timeline used to capture and highlight both stories. As a disclaimer, I did read this as an ARC and some of these issues might have been resolved by final publishing. Despite all the issues, the heart of the story and premise of the book was great and I felt worth the read, but I also feel like it could have been so much better.
I love historical fiction mostly because at the end of a book, I have typically learned something new. But I also love historical fiction because it brings history alive, placing you right there is the thick of it. The balance of the two is what, for me, makes a great book. Unfortunately, I felt the balance was off in this one. This one had a lot of historical facts that kept this story moving forward, but the heart and soul of the story didn’t actually start until about 60-70% of the way through. While some of the set up was needed, some of the beginning felt repetitive and slow. There were a lot of characters that were briefly a large part of the story, but they suddenly disappeared and we never brought up again. I questioned why half of them were included at all. I also struggled with the structure of the story which was told through the eyes of a journalist who was documenting Teddy’s memoir. The secondary story line of the journalist seemed like an afterthought and was not developed at all. I would have loved to have seen a different structure such as dual timeline used to capture and highlight both stories. As a disclaimer, I did read this as an ARC and some of these issues might have been resolved by final publishing. Despite all the issues, the heart of the story and premise of the book was great and I felt worth the read, but I also feel like it could have been so much better.
September 3, 2024
Oh my word!!! I have chills. I am in awe of the bravery exhibited by many of the characters. I shed many tears over the horrors experienced by the Jewish people in Holland. A Place to Hide was a well written novel, sharing so much that I did not know. I was shocked as I looked things up (I like to try and figure out fact from fiction) that some of the characters were actually people. It is such a beautiful way to honor those that made a difference. Because of them, fewer children met the fate of so many.
I was impressed with the way the story was written. Teddy had been part of the American Consulate in Amsterdam when war broke out. He now wants to write down his story. He wants his grandchildren to know about his time in WW2 Holland. He needs to finally put the past behind after so many years of refusing to talk about it.
When he is introduced to one the children, all grown up, it seems fortuitous. How lucky for him that Karyn was once a reporter for the Jerusaleum Times. She would write his story in exchange for his help finding her sister, Annie. During the time Teddy helped save Jewish children; Karyn and her sister were separated. In Teddy telling his story Karyn learned of her own past.
Read A Place to Hide and discover some of the heroes of Holland. They saved Jewish children at great risk to themselves. They spied on the Nazis helping the allies. Travel back in time and be awed by thier bravery and dedication.
I was impressed with the way the story was written. Teddy had been part of the American Consulate in Amsterdam when war broke out. He now wants to write down his story. He wants his grandchildren to know about his time in WW2 Holland. He needs to finally put the past behind after so many years of refusing to talk about it.
When he is introduced to one the children, all grown up, it seems fortuitous. How lucky for him that Karyn was once a reporter for the Jerusaleum Times. She would write his story in exchange for his help finding her sister, Annie. During the time Teddy helped save Jewish children; Karyn and her sister were separated. In Teddy telling his story Karyn learned of her own past.
Read A Place to Hide and discover some of the heroes of Holland. They saved Jewish children at great risk to themselves. They spied on the Nazis helping the allies. Travel back in time and be awed by thier bravery and dedication.
September 2, 2024
A PLACE TO HIDE by Ronald H. Balson
This was a *very* detailed account of the events leading up to WWII, from the perspective of a US Consulate official. Theodore “Teddy” Hartigan’s story gives a glimpse into late-1930s Netherlands, when rules, edicts were slowly introduced then enforced that discriminated against the Jewish population.
This book attempts to answer the question often asked regarding WWII — How could they let it happen? However, in doing so, some of the passages felt too textbook-y. It’s also hard to believe Teddy would be able to recount exact dates, details and conversations so clearly given the circumstances.
Overall, a well researched and educational story of friendship and family, politics and morality, courage and resistance. Also, a reminder to not let history repeat itself.
Rating: 4/5⭐️
Pub Date: September 17, 2024
**ARC courtesy of StMartinsPress & Goodreads giveaway.
This was a *very* detailed account of the events leading up to WWII, from the perspective of a US Consulate official. Theodore “Teddy” Hartigan’s story gives a glimpse into late-1930s Netherlands, when rules, edicts were slowly introduced then enforced that discriminated against the Jewish population.
This book attempts to answer the question often asked regarding WWII — How could they let it happen? However, in doing so, some of the passages felt too textbook-y. It’s also hard to believe Teddy would be able to recount exact dates, details and conversations so clearly given the circumstances.
Overall, a well researched and educational story of friendship and family, politics and morality, courage and resistance. Also, a reminder to not let history repeat itself.
Rating: 4/5⭐️
Pub Date: September 17, 2024
**ARC courtesy of StMartinsPress & Goodreads giveaway.
September 22, 2024
By happenstance, in a coffee shop in Tel Aviv, Karyn ,a journalist and Dutch holocaust survivor as a child, meets a man who hears her history and her wish to find her long lost sister, Annie. Karyn is put in touch with Teddy Hartigan, son of a wealthy politically conservative father with influence enough to help Teddy get a job in pre war 1938 Amsterdam, as a diplomat in the Amsterdam American consulate, charged with assisting applicants secure an American visa. Teddy left his home and fiancé in Washington DC to embark upon what would turn out to be the story of a lifetime. Teddy has never been able to find the words to relate his,life’s story to his grandchildren and strikes a deal with Karyn. If she will agree to write his biography he will call in favors and attempt to locate Annie.
What follows is Teddy telling the details of his time in Amsterdam to Karyn. The story itself is important and compelling with some real life war heroes alongside the fictional ones. For me the problem was that the retelling conversation sounded more like a history text than the way people actually use spoken language. I was disappointed and started to speed read. But then, as I read on the story itself took precedence over the vehicle used in telling the tale. as I felt myself actually in a clueless and naive Holland that just could not fathom the evil lurking at their borders and the possibility that the Netherlands,, declaring itself neutral, could fall victim to the Nazi war machine determined to control all of Europe while annihilating every last Jew.
At a time presently when the world once more struggles with virulent and pervasive antisemitism, the message in this novel is a crucial one. Never underestimate what evil minds can conjure and set into motion. Remember that speaking out and doing the next right things to fight against inhumanity is essential. As Teddy tells of the effort to save Jewish lives, both families and children, from the soulless Hell imposed by Hitler and his henchmen, we see how hope can rise when good people ban together in righteous acts. At the end of the book, Balson has a chapter about his research and tells which characters actually existed. Wonderful to read that summary which gives closure to a remarkable story.
Four shining stars for an imperfect but very engaging story with an urgent message. It was published on September 17,2024 and is available now. Read it for an historical perspective that I’ve never read before in a fictional account of Holland’s brave resistance and their efforts to save the lives Jewish children. My thanks to NetGalley and St Martin’s press for an advance reader’s copy in exchange for my honest review.
What follows is Teddy telling the details of his time in Amsterdam to Karyn. The story itself is important and compelling with some real life war heroes alongside the fictional ones. For me the problem was that the retelling conversation sounded more like a history text than the way people actually use spoken language. I was disappointed and started to speed read. But then, as I read on the story itself took precedence over the vehicle used in telling the tale. as I felt myself actually in a clueless and naive Holland that just could not fathom the evil lurking at their borders and the possibility that the Netherlands,, declaring itself neutral, could fall victim to the Nazi war machine determined to control all of Europe while annihilating every last Jew.
At a time presently when the world once more struggles with virulent and pervasive antisemitism, the message in this novel is a crucial one. Never underestimate what evil minds can conjure and set into motion. Remember that speaking out and doing the next right things to fight against inhumanity is essential. As Teddy tells of the effort to save Jewish lives, both families and children, from the soulless Hell imposed by Hitler and his henchmen, we see how hope can rise when good people ban together in righteous acts. At the end of the book, Balson has a chapter about his research and tells which characters actually existed. Wonderful to read that summary which gives closure to a remarkable story.
Four shining stars for an imperfect but very engaging story with an urgent message. It was published on September 17,2024 and is available now. Read it for an historical perspective that I’ve never read before in a fictional account of Holland’s brave resistance and their efforts to save the lives Jewish children. My thanks to NetGalley and St Martin’s press for an advance reader’s copy in exchange for my honest review.
November 4, 2024
Rounding this book up to a 2.5.
Thank you to Goodreads for choosing me as one of the winners to win this book, I do appreciate it so much. There were a lot of people that enjoyed this book, but to be honest I did not enjoy it that much and it was not that entertaining. This book I think was to short and could have been a little longer and shown his life a little more. However I did not buy this book I did win this book on a Goodreads giveaway. The ending was not very satisfying it felt like they could have said so much more near the middle/ end of the book. I always love historical fiction books they are some of my favourites to read and learn about. I wish there was more to this book I also wish the ending was just better. Happy Reading!!
Thank you to Goodreads for choosing me as one of the winners to win this book, I do appreciate it so much. There were a lot of people that enjoyed this book, but to be honest I did not enjoy it that much and it was not that entertaining. This book I think was to short and could have been a little longer and shown his life a little more. However I did not buy this book I did win this book on a Goodreads giveaway. The ending was not very satisfying it felt like they could have said so much more near the middle/ end of the book. I always love historical fiction books they are some of my favourites to read and learn about. I wish there was more to this book I also wish the ending was just better. Happy Reading!!
February 9, 2025
Ronald Balson never disappoints. I loved every minute of this, was completely hooked, & it was incredibly informative about WWII in the Netherlands. My only complaint is the ending felt kind of abrupt. Otherwise, another fantastic read from this fantastic author!
November 3, 2024
Once again blown away by a Ronald H. Balson book. Captivating!
January 17, 2025
Historical fiction at its finest.
What an amazing story of bravery, fearlessness and resilience. A Place to Hide brings readers to Holland during WWII thru the eyes of Teddy Hartigan, a U.S. State Consulate, who processes visas for refugees fleeing from the Nazi war machine.
He soon falls in love with a Jewish woman, Sara, and the couple decides to adopt a child refugee. Even though Sara is the wife of a diplomat she is unable to escape Europe and Teddy stays realizing the fate of his new family is in his hands.
This book is such a timely and important message when Jews around the world are being vilified and antisemitism is running wild under the guise of “protest” and “intellectualism”, it’s important to remember the consequences of such rhetoric.
Don’t miss this one once it’s published.
Many thanks to NetGalley and St Martin’s Press for the ARC in return for an honest review.
What an amazing story of bravery, fearlessness and resilience. A Place to Hide brings readers to Holland during WWII thru the eyes of Teddy Hartigan, a U.S. State Consulate, who processes visas for refugees fleeing from the Nazi war machine.
He soon falls in love with a Jewish woman, Sara, and the couple decides to adopt a child refugee. Even though Sara is the wife of a diplomat she is unable to escape Europe and Teddy stays realizing the fate of his new family is in his hands.
This book is such a timely and important message when Jews around the world are being vilified and antisemitism is running wild under the guise of “protest” and “intellectualism”, it’s important to remember the consequences of such rhetoric.
Don’t miss this one once it’s published.
Many thanks to NetGalley and St Martin’s Press for the ARC in return for an honest review.
September 16, 2024
I found this to be a unique version of events during World War II. Readers are not taken to the concentration camps, although the camps are often alluded to in the book.
Instead, readers follow the life of Theodore (Teddy) Hartigan as he takes a job at the US Consulate in Amsterdam. It is 1938 and already Hitler has grabbed the attention of the world by his rapid rise to power.
Teddy’s job was to process visa applications, but the United States had quickly reached the limit on the number of visa applications available. Teddy soon comes to realize he has to help get these people to safety.
In the meantime, Teddy has fallen in love with Sara and they have taken a little homeless girl, Katy, to care for as their daughter. To complicate matters, Sara and Katy are both Jewish.
By this time, the war has escalated and no flights to the US are available. The people in Amsterdam are trapped by the borders surrounding it that are full of Nazis. Teddy soon finds himself working with the resistance in Amsterdam and as a spy for the US.
The tension builds as the authorities begin looking for Teddy and the Nazis have stepped up their deportation of the Jewish people. Before the book ends, readers will learn that Teddy was able to save many children and becomes an unsung hero to many of the people in Amsterdam.
Many thanks to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for allowing me to read an advance copy. I am happy to give my honest review and recommend this book to other readers.
Instead, readers follow the life of Theodore (Teddy) Hartigan as he takes a job at the US Consulate in Amsterdam. It is 1938 and already Hitler has grabbed the attention of the world by his rapid rise to power.
Teddy’s job was to process visa applications, but the United States had quickly reached the limit on the number of visa applications available. Teddy soon comes to realize he has to help get these people to safety.
In the meantime, Teddy has fallen in love with Sara and they have taken a little homeless girl, Katy, to care for as their daughter. To complicate matters, Sara and Katy are both Jewish.
By this time, the war has escalated and no flights to the US are available. The people in Amsterdam are trapped by the borders surrounding it that are full of Nazis. Teddy soon finds himself working with the resistance in Amsterdam and as a spy for the US.
The tension builds as the authorities begin looking for Teddy and the Nazis have stepped up their deportation of the Jewish people. Before the book ends, readers will learn that Teddy was able to save many children and becomes an unsung hero to many of the people in Amsterdam.
Many thanks to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for allowing me to read an advance copy. I am happy to give my honest review and recommend this book to other readers.
March 10, 2024
First of all I want to thank NetGalley and StMartin’s Press for giving me the opportunity to read Roandl Balson’s A Place to Hide I have read all of his books and each one is just as good as the others.
Another type of story about Germany, the Nazis, Hitler in the Netherlands. Teddy, is on his career path to being a diplomat in 1938 He is sent to the Netherlands to replace staff who are fleeing from the Nazis and their onward take over of the Netherlands, Poland, Austria among others. When the atmosphere gets worse, even he and his Jewish wife, and the child they adopted cannot get visas since the US quota is full. In trying to help others he and his father in law try to save some Jewish people and their families who are being taken by the Germans and sent to work camps by taking the children and hiding them or finding adoptive homes. The parents wanted their children to live and so they gave them up to other families. A very sad situation. This is one of a kind story. I had so many emotions reading this story. When you find how many were saved it was a more than happy feeling. You must read to his to understand the whole situation- what everyone went through and how it all ended. You won’t be sorry you read this book It is worth every moment of reading.
Another type of story about Germany, the Nazis, Hitler in the Netherlands. Teddy, is on his career path to being a diplomat in 1938 He is sent to the Netherlands to replace staff who are fleeing from the Nazis and their onward take over of the Netherlands, Poland, Austria among others. When the atmosphere gets worse, even he and his Jewish wife, and the child they adopted cannot get visas since the US quota is full. In trying to help others he and his father in law try to save some Jewish people and their families who are being taken by the Germans and sent to work camps by taking the children and hiding them or finding adoptive homes. The parents wanted their children to live and so they gave them up to other families. A very sad situation. This is one of a kind story. I had so many emotions reading this story. When you find how many were saved it was a more than happy feeling. You must read to his to understand the whole situation- what everyone went through and how it all ended. You won’t be sorry you read this book It is worth every moment of reading.
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