The Whisper Sister

by Jennifer S. Brown

The author of Modern Girls delivers an atmospheric coming-of-age story set in Prohibition-era New York, tracing one immigrant family’s fortunes and a young girl’s journey from the schoolyard to the speakeasy.

The streets of New York in 1920 are most certainly not paved with gold, as Minnie Soffer learns when she arrives at Ellis Island. Her father, who left Ukraine when Minnie was a toddler, feels like a stranger. She sleeps on a mattress on the kitchen floor. She understands nothing at school. They came to America for this?

As her family adjusts to this new life, Minnie and her brother work hard to learn English and make friends. When her father, Ike, opens his own soda shop, stability and citizenship seem within reach. But the soda shop is not what it seems; it’s a front for Ike’s real a speakeasy.

When tragedy strikes the Soffers, Minnie has no choice but to take over the bar. She’s determined to make the speakeasy a success despite the risks it brings to herself, her family, and her freedom. At what price does the American dream come true? Minnie won’t stop until she finds out.

Genres: Historical Fiction, Fiction, Jewish, Book Club, Audiobook, Historical, Judaism

419 pages, Kindle Edition

First published September 3, 2024

About the author

Jennifer S. Brown’s debut novel, Modern Girls , was a USA Today bestseller, a Massachusetts Book Award “Must Read,” and a 2016 Goodreads Choice semifinalist for Historical Fiction. Her writing has been published in Fiction Southeast, McSweeney’s, The Best Women’s Travel Writing, The Southeast Review, and Bellevue Literary Review, among other places. She teaches writing, both in-person in the Boston area and online through the Loft Literary Center. The Whisper Sister is her second novel. Jennifer lives with two beagles and a husband who pretends not to hear her when she says she wants to adopt more dogs.

She's happy to visit your book club via Zoom. You can reach her at jennifer@jennifersbrown.com.

Reviews

[Maureen · Rating 5 out of 5]

‘Whisper Sister’ is set in Prohibition era New York. It’s a coming of age story following Minnie Soffer, a Ukrainian who is arriving at Ellis Island with her mother and brother Max. Their father, Ike, will be waiting for them, having arrived seven years earlier.

Minnie was just a toddler when she last saw her father, and her arrival in this place where the ‘streets are paved with gold’, and filled with hopes and dreams is a huge disappointment. She has to sleep on a mattress, and she doesn’t understand the language which makes school particularly difficult. However, Minnie works hard to learn the language and begins to make friends, slowly settling in to this new life thousands of miles from her homeland.

Ike eventually opens a soda shop, but all is not what it seems, it’s actually a speakeasy where alcoholic beverages were being sold and consumed in secret. It was a dangerous business to be involved in, and speakeasy’s actually contributed to the rise of organized crime in the United States.

When things go badly wrong for Ike, Minnie takes over the bar, but she will face not only heartache, but danger is waiting around every corner.

This was a well written, well researched book, with the atmosphere of 1920s New York being richly depicted, along with the dangerous underbelly of the speakeasy’s. Minnie is a fascinating character, and I loved her determination to overcome the many obstacles placed in her way. A wonderful read!

Thanks Tina for putting this on my radar!

*Thank you to Netgalley and Lake Union Publishing for my ARC in exchange for an honest unbiased review *

[Canadian Jen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nothing like a shady speakeasy in New York City, late 1920’s.
The grittiness of the city and prohibition in full force.

Here we meet Minnie. A Jewish immigrant who arrived from Ukraine at age 12. Her family meeting up with their dad who was there for several years setting up shop. That is: a soda shop with a side door leading to an illegal bar.

Then tragedy strikes. Minnie is forced to make ends meet so she decides to manage the bar herself.

We get dubious characters; corrupt police; bootlegging boozers; a strong female who can mix a mean cocktail. The depression kicks in. Turbulent times and distrust becomes rampant.

A great HF read!
5⭐️

[Rosh · Rating 5 out of 5]

In a Nutshell: A historical fiction set during the Prohibition era. Great protagonist, great character development, great storyline, great themes, great writing. Basically, just great!

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Plot Preview:

1920. When Minnie Soffer arrives with her family to New York, she is surprised to learn that it isn’t as grand as she was told. Her father, who had emigrated to the US some years before, lives in a small house, and the language that everyone at school speaks is unfamiliar. Minnie and her elder brother Max work hard to adjust to their new lives. When her father opens a soda shop, it seems like life is finally going the right way. But the soda shop is just a front for a speakeasy, which soon becomes a bigger part of their life than they had anticipated.
The story, spanning the thirteen years of prohibition in the USA, covers Minnie’s struggles through childhood and young adulthood, and is written in her first-person perspective.

Bookish Yays:
🥂 Historical fiction novels often have stories of refugees/immigrants who come to America with golden dreams and then slog hard towards success. But this is not a typical rags-to-riches novel. It contains a realistic depiction of immigrant life, with financial struggles, adjustment to the new way of life, generational differences, and bi-cultural conflict getting prime focus.

🥂 The women in such narratives are always good, homely, and sacrificing. Minnie is, hence, a breath of fresh air with her spunkiness and rebellious attitude. She is strong, outspoken and intelligent, and doesn’t hesitate to take brave decisions, even if they go against the norm. She is the perfect protagonist for this coming-of-age story that centres on her identity as a daughter, a sister, a business-owner, and a Jewish woman.

🥂 The other characters, whether Minnie’s family or her friend or fellow Jews, or even her fellow workers at the speakeasy, are also well-written. Most of their portrayals are not stereotypical.

🥂 There are many emotional moments in the plot, but the content doesn’t swerve towards OTT melodrama.

🥂 The author manages to capture the historical atmosphere of the 1920s accurately, with the glitzy clubs contrasting with the sleazy speakeasies. There’s a great deal of authenticity in the writing.

🥂 All aspects of the Prohibition era, positive and negative, are tackled in the plot. For a change, I can't complain about too much alcohol in the story because alcohol is the foundation of the plot. Thankfully, the characters in this story can hold their liquor. Even our titular protagonist isn't a weak character who loses it after a drink (or few.) Minnie certainty knew her alcohol, and the author’s note clarifies the reason for the accurate portrayal 😉 The writing is so realistic and descriptive that even though I am a teetotaller, I could actually feel how the varied drinks tasted.

🥂 The Jewish portrayal seems excellent and accurate. (As far as I could make out!) I appreciate how the author provides a genuine representation of Orthodox Jew practices without resorting to clichés or stereotypes or judgemental observations. It was a beautiful portrayal of Jewish culture and traditions.

🥂 The story even highlights how gangs worked during the prohibition. I am not usually a fan of gangland plots, but this book was a welcome exception.

🥂 While I am not fond of romance in non-romance genre books, this plot keeps the romance at just the right level, using it as a genuine plot device rather than as a light distraction.

🥂 The author's note, while entertaining, depicts the extent of her research. Her efforts show in the storyline.


Bookish Mixed Bags:
🍺 The title is really good. (I didn’t know its meaning at first, but it is explained in the book.) However, as the actual ‘whisper sister’ part doesn't begin until the second half of the storyline, the first half, though engrossing, involves a lot of waiting to see how Minnie ends up working in the bar. The story thus has two distinct parts: Minnie’s life prior to her working in the speakeasy, and her working as the “whisper sister”. Both parts are engrossing, but the second half is stronger in its content.


Bookish Nays:
🍸 The sexual assault scene was a bit too crude for my liking, though I get why the author may have written it thus. I felt like it deliberately piled on the crassness, perhaps to enhance the impact of the situation, but it didn’t suit the tone of the rest of the book. This may not be a Nay to others as the discomfort is more due to my reading preferences than a fault of the book per se.


Bookish Doubt:
🥤 Why are the time references in the pattern “2 o'clock p.m.” or “4 o'clock a.m.”? Isn’t it either o’clock or a.m./p.m.? I’ve never seen both being used at once! I am not sure if the time references are like this in the book as well, but the narrator uses this format multiple times in the audio version. It was very distracting.


🎧 The Audiobook Experience:
The audiobook, clocking at 12 hrs 21 min, is narrated by Helen Laser. This is my first time listening to her, and I am so blown away! She is fabulous! Every single character is voiced almost to perfection. Her rich voice suits Minnie well. I appreciated most that she never makes Minnie sound like giggly even though she is so young.


All in all, this is one of the best historical fiction novels I have read in a long time. It hits the mark with its story, its authenticity, and its characters. The fact that it is set in an era that isn’t often represented and through such a strong character’s perspective adds to its charm.

Strongly recommended to every historical fiction reader. Do check out the content triggers.

4.5 stars, happy to round up.


My thanks to Brilliance Audio for providing the ALC of “The Whisper Sister” via NetGalley. This review is voluntary and contains my honest opinion about the book.

The digital version of this book is currently available free to Kindle Unlimited subscribers.

A shoutout to my GR friend Tina whose enthusiastic review made me rush towards this book!

Content warnings: Miscarriage, sexual assault, imprisonment, parental abandonment, parental death, infidelity, physical assault.

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[Angela · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Whisper Sister by Jennifer Brown

Synopsis /

The streets of New York in 1920 are most certainly not paved with gold, as Minnie Soffer learns when she arrives at Ellis Island. Her father, who left Ukraine when Minnie was a toddler, feels like a stranger. She sleeps on a mattress on the kitchen floor. She understands nothing at school. They came to America for this?

As her family adjusts to this new life, Minnie and her brother work hard to learn English and make friends. When her father, Ike, opens his own soda shop, stability and citizenship seem within reach. But the soda shop is not what it seems; it’s a front for Ike’s real moneymaker: a speakeasy.

When tragedy strikes the Soffers, Minnie has no choice but to take over the bar. She’s determined to make the speakeasy a success despite the risks it brings to herself, her family, and her freedom. At what price does the American dream come true? Minnie won’t stop until she finds out.

My Thoughts /

First and foremost, a huge THANK YOU to NetGalley, Lake Union Publishing, and author Jennifer Brown, for providing me with a copy of this publication, which allows me to provide you with an unbiased review. Publication date is currently set for September 3, 2024.

I have to mention, that I was inspired to read The Whisper Sister after reading the stellar review written by my GR friend, Tina, and I encourage you to jump on over and have a read of that review here.

🍸🍸🍸🍸🍸5 highly inebriated alcoholic stars

The 1920s is one of my favourite time period settings. Collectively speaking it’s a vibrant and alive period of time. The 1920s was the first decade to have a nickname: “Roaring 20s" or "Jazz Age." It was a decade of prosperity and dissipation; jazz bands, bootleggers, raccoon coats, bathtub gin, flappers, flagpole sitters, bootleggers, and speakeasies. The 1920s heralded a brave new world that emerged from the devastation of World War I. America was in turmoil in terms of political and social reform with more and more people rebelling against the traditional ways of life which stemmed from the Victorian times. This change brought opportunity, and criminals around the world found ways to cash in on developing illegal markets.

At the beginning of the decade known as the ‘Roaring Twenties’, America had just entered the Prohibition era where liquor and other alcoholic beverages were illegal between the years of 1920 and 1933. This resulted in the formation of illicit Speakeasies and at one point, there were thought to be over 100,000 Speakeasies in New York alone. The phrase, ‘Speakeasy’ originates from a term that bartenders used where people needed to, “speak easy” (quietly), when ordering at the bar in order to not draw attention to the prohibited act of buying alcohol. When a woman ran a secret speakeasy she was known as a “Whisper Sister”. In order to gain access to these illicit bars, a password, specific handshake or secret knock was required. Furthermore, slang words for alcohol such as ‘coffin varnish,’ ‘monkey rum’ and ‘tarantula juice’ were created to fool police and neighbours. Police forces, their numbers reduced by war, were caught on the back foot. Their work was made harder by the fact that laws did not always keep up with the pace of criminal evolution.

Don’t be fooled by the title, The Whisper Sister is loud and proud!

This is the story of the Soffer family, a Jewish Ukrainian family who emigrated to New York during the 1920s, just as Prohibition was declared; although, it’s the family’s eldest daughter, Malka (Minnie) who is most central to this story.

January 17, 1920: the day Prohibition began in the United States, and the day Minnie and her mother and brother stepped onto Ellis Island in New York, leaving behind their homeland of Ukraine. Waiting on the docks for the boat to arrive was Ike Soffer, Minnie's father, who had arrived a few years earlier, settled in New York and then called for his family. Minnie was brimming with excitement, this ‘coming to America’ heralded a new start for the family. A new life. A better life.

But Minnie Soffer will quickly learn that the streets of New York were not paved with gold.

The Whisper Sister is a story about reality versus the imaginary and shines a spotlight on what it was like to enter the country as an immigrant in the early 1900s. It’s a story about strength and resilience. It’s a story of lies, love and devastating betrayals. It’s a story of passion and shocking violence. But above all, it’s a story about family and sacrifice and striving to make a better life for yourself and those you love.

The Whisper Sister will be among my favourite reads of 2024, I loved every written word. Just like one of Minnie’s well-mixed “specials”, Jennifer Brown has delivered an enticing blend of historical fiction and family drama. Brown’s character development in The Whisper Sister is worthy of praise. Minnie is depicted with a harsh authenticity and it’s her mixture of strength and vulnerabilities that make her such a vivid character. You can feel the tension as Minnie struggles to find the right balance between her duty to her family and her own dreams and desires.

Highly recommended for those who love historical fiction and indeed, to any reader wanting to pick up a well-written and engaging novel.

With thanks to NetGalley and especially to Lake Union Publishing for the much appreciated arc in return for an honest review.

[Christy fictional_traits · Rating 4 out of 5]

'...you just arrived. You will see how America works. Everything is different'.

Malka and Shmerka arrive with their mother, after a long trip from Ukraine, to reunite with their father in New York City, in January 1920. It's immediately apparent that they've been transplanted into a whole new world, and nothing will be the same, including, evidently, their names. Malka quickly becomes Minnie and her brother Shmerka is changed to Max. But this is America - anything is possible - and during the Prohibition era, plenty is possible. Minnie's dad decides to try and make his own dreams come true by opening a speakeasy. It may be against the law, and it may involve borrowing money from a mobster but it's an opportunity to give his family everything they dreamed of. However, when a series of tragedies visit the Soffer family, it's up to Minnie to discover who she really is and create her own destiny and identity by taking the speakeasy over and becoming a 'whisper sister' - a woman who runs a bar. Her Papa told her to rely on no one and her illicit role flies in the face of her religion but Minnie believes she can do it all on her own. However, her father also used to say believing you can do it all, is the first sign that you can't.

This is a highly readable story that covers so much about the 1920s in New York- immigrants, mobsters, speakeasies. It is essentially in two parts. One covers Minnie growing up from a child to a young adult, and the other is Minnie's real education.

'Home is where your people are, Mama had once said. My people were here. In America'.

[Milena · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Whisper Sister is a historical fiction book about a Jewish family coming to the USA from Ukraine in the 1920s to pursue a better life. The Soffer family arrives on Ellis Island the same day the Prohibition law goes into effect. Minnie, Max, and their mother join Ike, Minnie's and Max's father, who arrived in the country years earlier. We follow Minnie and her family as they adjust to life in NYC and assimilate into American culture. The Soffer family experiences many hardships and prejudices while adjusting to their new life. To provide for his family, Ike opens a speakeasy. When Ike gets arrested, Minnie takes over the family business, even though she knows that running an illegal establishment as a young woman comes with many risks.

I loved Minnie. She is a strong and courageous heroine, devoted to her family and determined to build a better life for her loved ones. I appreciated reading about the Jewish community in NYC and the Jewish immigrant experience. The Whisper Sister has all the elements of an outstanding historical fiction novel: a compelling story, a fascinating historical setting, complex and interesting characters, drama, and romance. The Whisper Sister is one of my favorite books of 2024. I cannot recommend it enough!

*ARC provided by the publisher via NetGalley

[Louise · Rating 4 out of 5]

(4.5 stars)
Once I started reading (and listening to) The Whisper Sister, I had a hard time stopping! The story follows the Soffer family who emigrated from what is now Ukraine to New York in 1920. It brings the Lower East Side to life and reflects how hard life was for so many people who lived in very small quarters and literally lived paycheck-to-paycheck. The two youngsters in the family get their names “Americanized” at school. Malka becomes Minnie and her brother becomes Max.

The family arrive in the United States the day that Prohibition goes into effect. Prohibition plays a large part in the story! Actually, the father preceded them to the US, as happened often. He found work for the local mob, becoming a well-known figure in the neighborhood. He also owns a soda shop with a speakeasy behind it. Once she's old enough, she tries different kinds of employment, to help with the family, but nothing works out well. One job had her fighting off advances from her boss. Ugh (and too common!). Her mother is intent on bearing more children now that the family is reunited but has trouble. Two little girls are born, Gertrude/Gittel and Louise - my own names! (my Hebrew/Yiddish name is Gittel and I was almost named Gertrude!). Times are hard. Minnie has to support the family along with Max who works AND goes to school to become a lawyer. Eventually Minnie winds up managing her father’s speakeasy, almost unheard of for a woman. That’s where the title of the book comes from.

The book actually starts off in 1932 and teases something that happens near the end of the book - a very intriguing way to start the story! I don’t want to say much more about the plot to avoid spoilers, but trust me, you will love Minnie. She was a great character, spunky and determined. I also loved her friend Sylvia! Jewish traditions and observance are treated beautifully in this novel.

Thank you to Lake Union Publishing and NetGalley for the opportunity to read a review copy of this book. I also wound up listening to the audiobook, beautifully narrated by Helen Laser. All opinions are my own.

[Lynda Loigman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Don’t let the title fool you: Jenny Brown’s latest is anything but quiet. From New York City’s crowded tenements to its supper clubs and secret speakeasies, The Whisper Sisters of Baxter Street takes readers on a heart-stopping journey of lies, passion, and shocking betrayal. When young Minnie Sofer arrives at Ellis Island a full seven years after her father, her family is greeted by a clean-shaven stranger who works for the city’s most notorious gangsters. Smarter than all the men in her family combined, it is only a matter of time before Minnie claims her rightful place as her father’s successor. Packed with tragic twists and stunning surprises, this Prohibition era saga will have readers drunk on Jenny Brown’s talent.

[Dianne Alvine · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the story of one Jewish immigrant family, the Soffers, who arrive at Ellis Island from the Ukraine, to meet their father Ike, who's already been in America for seven years.

The main characters include: Ike, Fiege (mother), Max and Minnie, who are brother and sister, as well as their little sisters Gertie and Louise, children born in America. Hardship strikes and causes many changes, some of which are tragic and devastating.

The Soffers are a strong and loving family, who enter America at the beginning of the Prohibition era in N.Y. and live in a tenement on the Lower East Side. Ike opens a 'soda shop' which is not what it seems, but is a front for a speakeasy. But, tragedy strikes and Ike goes to jail. Minnie deals with the fallout.

I learned alot about Prohibition era N.Y. and the Volstead act, gangsters and the crime syndicate, and speakeasies. The story held me closely as did the characters emotions. Many times as I turned the pages I felt their struggles and pain, and it was heartrending.

Brown has written one of my favorite books of the year. I loved Minnie's strength and courage, and her guts. She's a feminist of the 1920's, and truly the bright star of this story. She's the whisper sister who defied the odds.

Thank you, Crystal King, for offering this book in a recent giveaway! So glad I won, and got to read Brown's beautifully written and well researched book.

[Di · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the story of the Soffer family, a Jewish Ukrainian family who emigrated to New York during the 1920s, just as Prohibition was declared. The young daughter, Minnie, is our central character.

I really enjoy reading about different time periods. In this case, times were hard for immigrants. New York was full of gangs claiming neighbourhoods as their territories. There were speakeasies, bootlegging and lots of tough times. It was legal on job applications to ask your religion. Many would not hire Jews or Catholics.

Whisper Sister is an expression I had not heard of. It refers to an outlaw woman who runs an underground bar. I'm always happy to learn something new. It might come in handy someday while I’m watching Jeopardy. The story enters the dark world of illegal bars and speakeasies that were so common during the prohibition.

This is a longish book but it flies by. The story is well written and keeps the reader's interest. The characters are well described, I can picture many of them. Minnie, the main character, turns out to be a very strong and determined woman because of life's circumstances.

I appreciate it when the author leaves notes at the end. For this book, Ms Brown described how terrible Prohibition was with the dangers of the underworld and payoff demands.

Thank you to NetGalley and the Publisher for the Advance Readers Copy.

[Nursebookie · Rating 4 out of 5]

The author of Modern Girls delivers an atmospheric coming-of-age story set in Prohibition-era New York, tracing one immigrant family’s fortunes and a young girl’s journey from the schoolyard to the speakeasy.

TITLE: THE WHISPER SISTER
AUTHOR: Jennifer S Brown
PUB DATE: 09.03.2024

THE WHISPER SISTER is a beautifully written historical fiction novel set during the prohibition centered on the Soffer family when Minnie, Max, and their mother arrive at Ellis island from Ukraine to meet their father. The first part of the novel focuses on how Minnie and Max assimilate to America, learning how to speak English, adapting to another culture, and living through the struggles of an immigrant family.

My heart melts for Minnie’s character, having to grow up way too fast. But all through adversity and the challenge, our heroine rises up to the challenge. A wonderful read about the Probibition era and the immigrant experience.

[♡Heather✩Brown♡ · Rating 5 out of 5]

✨B O O K • T O U R✨

#ad I received a gifted copy of this book - many thanks to @getredprbooks + @brownjennys #partner

The Whisper Sister // Releases: Sept 3, 2024

Preorder this one now! 💥

The only thing I love more than a good thriller is a good historical fiction set in the 1920’s. And this book delivers. Prohibition is alive and kicking - but we all know what was really taking place in the underbelly of America during this time.

Minnie and Max’s parents came to America from Ukraine. They work hard to learn the language and work harder to keep their kids in line. Minnie was born with something inside her that no man - definitely not her father - could contain.

It’s hard to make a living following the straight path, and Minnie knew this better than anyone. She just watched her father. In a way, she was born into this new life. After he opens a “soda shop” tragedy strikes not once but twice. It’s now up to Minnie to run the business.

Her specialty the Whisper Sister, a drink that’ll teach a man a thing or two. I loved Minnie’s character so much. Her life, at times terribly sad, she never let anything hold her back.

This book is an absolute favorite of mine. With great writing, even better research, and characters you can’t forget, this book will worm its way into your heart.

A must read for any historical fiction lover. The good and the bad, the fun and the not-so-fun of the 1920’s is captured completely.

Also: the author’s note, I thought that first paragraph was talking about America in 2020’s. The parallels are scary. 100 years later and here we are.

[Stacey (Bookalorian) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Well this one was a beautiful surprise!

It's prohibition and Minnie is a child immigrant from the Ukraine.

We watch Minnie through her school life to taking over her fathers speakeasy.

The plot was amazing and the characters... CHEFS KISS!!

I enjoyed the heck out of it.

[Melissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am highly impressed by Jennifer S. Brown's latest novel, The Whisper Sister. It's about a woman who owns a speakeasy during the Prohibition era. There is a lot of Judaism throughout the novel, which I appreciated. The story was really interesting and well-told, holding my attention the entire time.

Minnie went through a lot and I was with her through all her ups and downs. The novel is long because it really goes into everything that happened to Minnie starting from when she emigrated to America as a young girl. The situations she experiences are harrowing, but the story is so well-told that it's easy to get caught up in her life, even before the speakeasy comes into play. I found myself rooting for Minnie the entire time, even when I didn't always agree with the choices she made (knowing they could put her in danger). I just loved her personality and moxie. The naturalization process felt so frustrating and time-consuming. It reminded me of just going to the department of motor vehicles nowadays. (Where they keep changing the rules about what they require.)

I had one question while reading this novel: If speakeasies were supposed to be secretive, why were people writing about them in the newspaper and technically advertising them? It wasn't something I would have imagined happening and would appreciate some enlightenment on that.

This novel made me think of my late grandparents. My maternal grandma spoke fluent Yiddish and said "and how!" a lot. And I pictured my paternal grandparents' apartment in Chicago (before they moved to the suburbs) as Minnie's home.

Overall, an excellent piece of historical fiction, especially if you're looking for something outside of the WWII topic. I hope it won't be long before Jennifer publishes another novel.

(Trigger warnings below.)

Movie casting suggestions:

Minnie: Sarah Ramos (Iris Apatow for her teenage years)

Max: Alex Wyse

Duke: Dave Franco

Sylvia: Catherine Cohen

Leo: Josh Peck
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TW: Death of parent, death during childbirth, violence, sexual assault, miscarriage, poverty

[Nathan Medros · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good book with deeply engaging characters and a firm grounding in the historical world of prohibition era New York. When Minnie hoped for a miracle I found myself hoping right alongside her and when her anger flared I could feel myself shaking from the adrenaline. -0.5 stars for no character named after me but +0.25 for the birthday which rounds up nicely to 5/5 stars

[Marcia reading past dark · Rating 5 out of 5]

As THE WHISPER SISTER opens, readers are right there on Ellis Island, as Minnie and her family are reunited with their father who had traveled to the United States before them. But as joyful as this moment is, Minnie’s toughest battles lay before her. The setting is prohibition days in NYC, an era that Jennifer Brown brings to life while weaving accurate historical detail into the narrative. It’s all there on every page, vivid descriptions of the smells, the sights, and the sounds of the busy city, from the hidden bars with its dangerous mobsters to a prison and to crowded tenement housing. Minnie is part of it all as she accepts responsibilities well beyond her age and training—first filling the role of a loving mother, and then assuming her father’s responsibility as a business owner. She does what she must in order to survive.

This saga of an immigrant’s life is one that centers around family and faith. What a beautiful story! I could not put it down. And with a whisper, I raise this toast to life, “L’Chaim.”

Published September 3, 2024.

[Dana Halek Damato · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this story of a Jewish immigrant family trying to acclimate and survive in 1920's New York. Somehow, prohibition, flappers, whisper sisters and betrayal, mixed with Jewish traditions, makes for a wonderful story of strength and determination in achieving the American Dream.

[Rachel · Rating 4 out of 5]

I almost didn’t make it through this because it was so emotional. The next day I knew I had to keep reading so I powered through and I’m glad I did. I could not put it down in the second half.
The Whisper Sister is a Jewish immigrant story on the Lower East Side of New York City in the 1920s. It reminds me of books I read as a teenager, when these were the Jewish stories that were being told. While I am immensely grateful for the Jewish joy in many more recent novels, I still love a Jewish immigrant story, and I think they are important to tell.
Minnie’s story is probably similar to many immigrant stories at the time. She goes through some traumatic events and becomes determined to succeed, which was challenging in depression-era NYC. I love all the side characters that really become Minnie’s found family and ultimately, I think this really a story of finding where you belong.
I’ve never read a book about a speakeasy during prohibition, much less one owned by a Jewish woman. You know I enjoy reading about female entrepreneurship and this was no exception, even if it was a century ago, in a dangerous time and place. I loved it. I also loved all the Jewish rep and references.
4.5 Stars

[Hijabi_booklover · Rating 5 out of 5]

Strong, fierce female character-check, charcater development-check, willing to do anything for family-check. This is my first book by this author, and it will not be my last. The title and the cover are what drew me in and had me wanting to read this book. This book did not disappoint, it is about an immigrant family that comes from Ukraine to America with the promise of a better life. The book follows Malka aka Minne, and her brother Max is his American name. As they go through trial and tribulations as individuals and as a family Minnie and Max are trying to navigate this new world and learn who they are in a foreign land. This book has happiness, sadness, action packed with a hint of hidden romance within it, it has family trials and tribulations. This book is based on the roaring 20's, during speakeasies, mobsters and does not disappoint. if you are looking for a book that you can't put down than this is the book for you. However, I highly suggest if you are a person who has trigger warnings. Check before reading.

[Katherine · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars, rounded up to 4. A Historical fiction and coming of age story, about a Ukrainian family who moves to New York in the prohibition era. It was slow to start, but about halfway through gathered pace and the second half really kept me wanting to continue reading. It was very interesting to delve into the world of Speakeasies and how it wasn’t all glitz, glamour and flappers in the 1920s. Eye opening and an enjoyable story. I really warmed to Minnie.

[Julia]

Two stars for me, though I am in the minority here. I loved Brown's first book, but her latest was derivative for me, like I had already read it before. 1920s Prohibition NYC spunky young female bartender dealing with gangsters and using the words kale and cabbage too much.

[Fay · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you GetRedPRBooks, Jennifer Brown, Lake Union, Brilliance Audio for my #gifted copies of The Whisper Sister! #TheWhisperSister #LakeUnion #lakeunionpublishing #lakeunionauthors #historicalfiction #JenniferSBrown #BrillianceAudio #BrilliancePublishing #HelenLaser

𝐓𝐢𝐭𝐥𝐞: 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐖𝐡𝐢𝐬𝐩𝐞𝐫 𝐒𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐫
𝐀𝐮𝐭𝐡𝐨𝐫: 𝐉𝐞𝐧𝐧𝐢𝐟𝐞𝐫 𝐒. 𝐁𝐫𝐨𝐰𝐧
𝐍𝐚𝐫𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐨𝐫: 𝐇𝐞𝐥𝐞𝐧 𝐋𝐚𝐬𝐞𝐫
𝐏𝐮𝐛 𝐃𝐚𝐭𝐞: 𝐒𝐞𝐩𝐭𝐞𝐦𝐛𝐞𝐫 𝟑, 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟒

𝟱★(𝗕𝗥𝗜𝗚𝗛𝗧 𝗦𝗧𝗔𝗥𝗦)

A MUST READ! This book will be one of my favorite historical fiction books of the year. I devoured this book and cannot stop thinking about it! I loved everything about this and fell in love with the courage and tenacity of the main character, Minnie Soffer from the very start. Coming-of-age novels are some of my favorite, and I love how this one was also a blend of historical fiction, set in the Prohibition era of New York. Arriving in America from Ukraine as a toddler, Minnie, along with her brother Max, feel like they don’t belong. Her father, Ike, opens a soda shop, but Minnie soon finds out the soda shop is a front for a speakeasy. When tragedy strikes, Minnie has no choice but to step up and take over and run the bar. Determined to become a US citizen and also make her family proud, she does everything in her power to succeed.

I found this book to be so fascinating. I loved Minnie so much and all of the sacrifices she made for her family. She experienced so much heartbreak and had to grow up faster than most, but I just loved how she never gave up and pushed forward for her mother and her father. I learned so much about speakeasies and the prohibition period and this book was truly just so good. I cannot recommend it enough. I could not read it fast enough, but at the same time, I did not want it to end!

🎧I alternated between the physical book and the audiobook, narrated by one of my absolute favorite narrators, Helen Laser. Laser delivered a stellar performance! Seriously, I feel like it was award-worthy! I loved how she so effortlessly switched between accents and just took the reader on such an amazing journey! I highly recommend this one on audio!

[Becky • bookmarked by becky · Rating 5 out of 5]

This compelling story revolves around Jewish immigrants pursuing the American dream. Our FMC, Minnie Soffer, makes heartbreaking sacrifices to support her family and their business. However, her resilience shines through as she takes over her father's speakeasy, becoming a formidable female bar owner—aka a Whisper Sister. In this role, she must tangle with the Jewish mob to keep the bar open and afloat.

What I loved:
✨Prohibition setting: vivid descriptions and well-researched details that include speakeasies such as The Cotton Club, dangerous yet influential Jewish mobsters such as Rothstein and Lansky, and the omnipresent Volstead Act. Similar vibe to Broadwalk Empire on HBO.
✨Immigrant Experience: challenges of balancing work and family responsibilities, navigating assimilation while preserving Jewish cultural identity, and navigating the challenging naturalization process.
✨Narration: Helen Laser is absolutely perfect! She effortlessly captures all the accents, vividly portrays Minnie's unwavering determination to succeed, and masterfully builds tension throughout the story!

If you're a fan of historical fiction, have a fascination with the 1920s, or enjoy championing the underdog, then you absolutely need to read The Whisper Sister! This story captivated me, I literally could not out it down!! And I know Minne's character will stay with me for a long time. 5 glorious stars!!!! ⭐

[Karen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you @getredprbooks @brownjennys & #lakeunion for my complimentary copy. My thoughts are my own.

Things are not easy for young Malka and Shmerka Soffer when they immigrate with their mother to the United States in the early 1900s. Their Americanized father, who had immigrated seven years earlier wasn’t even recognizable to them. While their mom clings to their old traditions, Malka and Shmerka become Minnie and Max, and they struggle to become more American as they go to school and make friends. Their dad, Ike, runs a soda shop, but it is really a front for a speakeasy.

The story is told through Minnie’s perspective. Minnie is curious about her dad’s business but she accepts it as she grows up. As a young adult, Minnie tries to work but her naivety makes her an easy target for the lowlifes who live around her. But when tragedy happens and circumstances change dramatically, Minnie is forced to take over running the illegal bar in order to provide for herself, her brother who is studying to be a lawyer, and her two much younger sisters.

I became thoroughly enmeshed in this well-researched and compelling story which promises to make the reader laugh out loud at times and shed a few tears at others. The story explores 1920s life from a Jewish immigrant’s perspective. Full of mobsters, speakeasies, and flappers, this era was the beginning of social change in America, including gender roles. Minnie makes for a well-developed character experiencing life against this turbulent backdrop. I enjoyed watching her transition from an uncertain young teenager into a confident woman.

[Edens Book Den · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a MUST read!! There is nothing like the way a good book makes you feel when you finish it. I didn’t want the story to end yet I couldn’t read it fast enough. This novel is reminiscent of all the great books I have loved that tell the realities of coming to a new country and making a new life. I adored The Whisper Sister and if the author would let me I’d send her a giant hug for sharing this beautiful story. It will absolutely be in my top five reads this year!!

The story is set during the prohibition era in NYC. Minnie and her family have recently landed on Ellis Island to meet their father who emigrated before them. What unfolds is a tale that you won’t forget. A story that centers around family and what people do to survive. It’s gritty and brutal and honest. I implore you to go into this one blind. This journey is meant to be unfolded page by page. It’s heartbreaking yet beautiful in its telling and you won’t forget it.

Speakeasies, the Mob, tenement housing, prison, the characters go through it all to have a better life. Throughout, the overall theme is perseverance and determination. What people do to survive and what they sacrifice for those they hold dear. If you loved the books Angela’s Ashes or a Tree Grows in Brooklyn this is a must read. 5+stars from me!! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️



I was given an advance copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

[Jacklyn B · Rating 5 out of 5]

Minnie has emigrated from the Ukraine to NYC with her parents as a child. She goes to school and tries to learn English. Her parents try so hard to provide for their family but it was very difficult as Jewish immigrants. Her father opens a soda shop…expect it’s not just a soda shop. Minnie is forced to take over and she is determined to make it a success…but is there a price for the American Dream?

This book dives into the Prohibition Era…but not the glamorized version we often see. This book gets into the darker side of the 1920’s and how difficult it was for immigrants in NYC. From gangs and bootleggers to corruption times were very tough.

I had never heard the term Whisper Sister before but it refers to women who operated secret speakeasy bars. I really liked Minnie - she was so strong and willing to do anything for her family.

This was such a well researched book (please read the author’s note at the end.) It felt so authentic and it was easy to get invested in the story. I really enjoyed this book and highly recommend it!

[Sarah - Lifeofabookqueen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you Get Red PR, Amazon Publishing and Brilliance Audio for the #gifted ALC and finished copy to read and review.

I hesitated picking this book up because the 1920’s isn’t my favorite decade. But wow, am I glad that my love for historical fiction won out. This book was an absolutely phenomenal look at the life of a Jewish immigrant during those years.

Expect —> 1920’s, immigration, cultural differences, poverty, the mob, prohibition, speakeasy, family expectations

Minnie immigrates to the US at 12 years old. We follow her struggle to acclimate to a new county and language while her mother held fast to old ways and her father embraced new ways.

Her adolescence and early adulthood are fraught with grief and hardship. Through the ups and downs, Minnie grows and shines. She lives. She makes mistakes and she learns.

This story hooked me immediately and I truly felt like I lived a little bit of Minnie’s life in that tumultuous time. The writing and narration were fantastic. I loved this book so much.

There were some very very jarring things to read in this book. Checking content warnings wouldn’t be a terrible idea or ask someone who has already read this it.

[Lindsey · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great book for any historical fiction lover and for Jewish representation. I could not put this book down! The 1920s era during the prohibition was so vividly described and what it was like to immigrate to the United States.

Minnie was such a strong FMC with extreme survival skills for surviving as a young, Jewish, immigrant learning how to navigate around adapting American culture. Minnie learned quickly what it took to survive in New York with ties to probation while caught in between religion and deep family roots. It was interesting to read about how she got caught in the middle of family affairs and had to turn a blind eye sometimes,.

The story was extremely fast paced and captures your attention with every turn of the page. You are constantly rooting for all the characters as you feel their pain and emotions. I highly highly recommend this book!

[Bailee Star · Rating 5 out of 5]

In this unforgettable novel, the author weaves a beautiful narrative that demonstrates the power of relationships and community. Despite the bleakness of the 1920s immigrant experience, these characters find love and support that guides them through the most challenging circumstances.

As I turned each page, I was transported back to the Yiddish words and phrases my grandparents used, and I could almost hear their voices. The level of research is impressive, and the attention to historical detail gives the story an authenticity that draws you in. I was engrossed, savoring every moment spent with these courageous, inspiring and resilient characters. I cannot recommend this novel highly enough for anyone looking for an uplifting story that demonstrates the power of connection and belonging.

[Angela Blevins · Rating 5 out of 5]

I give Whisper Sister a solid 5 stars. I loved this book and became obsessed with the main character, Minnie. While many think of the 1920s as all about parties and glamour, this novel paints a different picture, diving into the real struggles of the time—immigration, Prohibition, and the hardworking lives of immigrants. The writing is wonderfully detailed, and it even had me in tears. What a time to be alive—America in full bloom. I’m so glad my original Halloween costume didn’t work out because now I’m going as Whisper Sister!