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Wave After Wave: A Novel
A last chance to escape. A journey fraught with danger. Based on true events.
Vienna, 1938. Newlywed Lilly is looking forward to the future with her husband until the Nazi annexation of Austria throws everything into uncertainty. Suddenly, their Jewish heritage turns them into outcasts, facing persecution and daily humiliation.
Despite their tireless efforts to emigrate, no country will grant them the visas they desperately need. Then Kristallnacht, the Night of Broken Glass, shatters Lilly’s world.
With the outbreak of World War II, Lilly remains trapped in Vienna, fearful of what lies ahead. Her cousin discovers a possible joining a group of Jewish refugees on a daring journey down the Danube River and across the Black Sea to British-controlled Mandatory Palestine.
Leaving comes at a price, and though it may offer Lilly a second chance and new friendships, it will also test her resilience to the limit. With danger and difficulties at every turn, can Lilly and all the other refugees survive the journey and reach the Promised Land?
‘Absorbing, engaging, with plenty of twists and turns, Sarah Ansbacher's novel incorporates groundbreaking new historical research she has unearthed into shocking forgotten episodes experienced during the war by the Jews.’
Tom Gross, former Jerusalem correspondent for the Telegraph, and contributor to the Wall St Journal and Guardian
Vienna, 1938. Newlywed Lilly is looking forward to the future with her husband until the Nazi annexation of Austria throws everything into uncertainty. Suddenly, their Jewish heritage turns them into outcasts, facing persecution and daily humiliation.
Despite their tireless efforts to emigrate, no country will grant them the visas they desperately need. Then Kristallnacht, the Night of Broken Glass, shatters Lilly’s world.
With the outbreak of World War II, Lilly remains trapped in Vienna, fearful of what lies ahead. Her cousin discovers a possible joining a group of Jewish refugees on a daring journey down the Danube River and across the Black Sea to British-controlled Mandatory Palestine.
Leaving comes at a price, and though it may offer Lilly a second chance and new friendships, it will also test her resilience to the limit. With danger and difficulties at every turn, can Lilly and all the other refugees survive the journey and reach the Promised Land?
‘Absorbing, engaging, with plenty of twists and turns, Sarah Ansbacher's novel incorporates groundbreaking new historical research she has unearthed into shocking forgotten episodes experienced during the war by the Jews.’
Tom Gross, former Jerusalem correspondent for the Telegraph, and contributor to the Wall St Journal and Guardian
428 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 15, 2024
568 people are currently reading
770 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews
January 9, 2024
Sarah has written the past and brought it alive.
Sarah Ansbacher has mastered the art of storytelling. Wave After Wave proves beyond a shadow of a doubt that she has both risen to the challenges of exceptional research and phenomenal attention to detail. Her historical novel has an extraordinarily captivating plot, brimming with characters whom we will never forget. Every one of them is superbly introduced to us, so that we feel as though we’ve actually made their acquaintance in real life. Sarah portrays the vulnerabilities and fortes of each, interweaving the strands of their relationships over the course of many months spent bonding in close quarters.
The writer narrates the suspenseful journey of an intergenerational melange of Jews, risking what little they had, embarking on a fateful route, and hoping to lead a better life in Israel. The reader is given a glimpse into what the lives of Jewish refugees, who attempted to escape the horrors of Europe during World War II, was like. This page-turner also describes the uniqueness of Jewish unity. Again and again – it surprises us with displays of resilience, determination, and willpower that seem to personify many, if not all, of the roles played. As we are now living through events that yet again challenge our very existence as a nation, I constantly felt the burning and yearning for the security and safety of Jews worldwide.
Once I had reached the very last page of Wave After Wave, I had what could only be described as a bittersweet sense of knowing that I would no longer be spending my leisure time with this crowd. They had kept me company for the past couple of weeks, and I was going to miss them.
I can’t recommend this strongly enough. It does not disappoint, whatsoever. There’s even an unexpected perk, hidden in the author’s note, so make sure to read it, too.
Personal note:
Having grown up with Holocaust victors as grandparents, I have always been especially interested in books pertaining to the fight for the survival of our people. Throughout the chapters of this work, I often found myself reminiscing about family anecdotes I heard as a child. It brought me back to a time where I was taught to appreciate all the goodness surrounding me. “Never take anything for granted.”
Sarah Ansbacher has mastered the art of storytelling. Wave After Wave proves beyond a shadow of a doubt that she has both risen to the challenges of exceptional research and phenomenal attention to detail. Her historical novel has an extraordinarily captivating plot, brimming with characters whom we will never forget. Every one of them is superbly introduced to us, so that we feel as though we’ve actually made their acquaintance in real life. Sarah portrays the vulnerabilities and fortes of each, interweaving the strands of their relationships over the course of many months spent bonding in close quarters.
The writer narrates the suspenseful journey of an intergenerational melange of Jews, risking what little they had, embarking on a fateful route, and hoping to lead a better life in Israel. The reader is given a glimpse into what the lives of Jewish refugees, who attempted to escape the horrors of Europe during World War II, was like. This page-turner also describes the uniqueness of Jewish unity. Again and again – it surprises us with displays of resilience, determination, and willpower that seem to personify many, if not all, of the roles played. As we are now living through events that yet again challenge our very existence as a nation, I constantly felt the burning and yearning for the security and safety of Jews worldwide.
Once I had reached the very last page of Wave After Wave, I had what could only be described as a bittersweet sense of knowing that I would no longer be spending my leisure time with this crowd. They had kept me company for the past couple of weeks, and I was going to miss them.
I can’t recommend this strongly enough. It does not disappoint, whatsoever. There’s even an unexpected perk, hidden in the author’s note, so make sure to read it, too.
Personal note:
Having grown up with Holocaust victors as grandparents, I have always been especially interested in books pertaining to the fight for the survival of our people. Throughout the chapters of this work, I often found myself reminiscing about family anecdotes I heard as a child. It brought me back to a time where I was taught to appreciate all the goodness surrounding me. “Never take anything for granted.”
January 7, 2024
I found the story to be a good read on two levels. For one, the book introduced me to a part of history I had absolutely no idea about. In fact, while I was reading, I looked up the names of the boats and their courses and understood that the author had done her research. On a second level, I very much enjoyed the story about the individual characters. Their life stories were an excellent vehicle to bring the places and the era alive.
In my mind, I can visualize this as a movie or series. With today's interest in refugees, in bias, in cold hearted regimes, in finding a place to call home -- I think the special twists of this story would resonate with viewers. At the same time, it would help drive home to the public at large the dangers of antisemitism.
For those seeking historical fiction -- or just a story which really engages the reader emotionally -- I would recommend Wave After Wave: A Novel.
In my mind, I can visualize this as a movie or series. With today's interest in refugees, in bias, in cold hearted regimes, in finding a place to call home -- I think the special twists of this story would resonate with viewers. At the same time, it would help drive home to the public at large the dangers of antisemitism.
For those seeking historical fiction -- or just a story which really engages the reader emotionally -- I would recommend Wave After Wave: A Novel.
February 17, 2025
Worth reading
This well-written book kept my interest all the way through. I learned about this journey by boat to Israel. Something I’d never read about before.
This well-written book kept my interest all the way through. I learned about this journey by boat to Israel. Something I’d never read about before.
September 25, 2025
I'm somewhat surprised by all the high ratings this book got; I plodded thru to the end but it was overly long, very repetitious after they got on the boat; yes I learned a lot about this event during WWII but it was a hard read for me.
February 3, 2025
I really loved this book! A true story of European Jews trying to get to Palestine by boat during WWII. I have read many true stories of Holocaust survivors but nothing about this setting.
Read
January 7, 2024“Wave after Wave” is an amazing story beautifully told. Sarah Ansbacher’s plot would be riveting of itself but it is based on a true story, and at the end of the book we are given a window into the meticulous research, which is fascinating in its own right.
The story oscillates between man’s inhumanity to man and incredible human courage and resilience. The characters are compelling and will stay with me. The book carried me along all the twists and turns until the final page. Such a good read! I was delighted to see it is the first of a hoped-for trilogy. Highly recommended!
The story oscillates between man’s inhumanity to man and incredible human courage and resilience. The characters are compelling and will stay with me. The book carried me along all the twists and turns until the final page. Such a good read! I was delighted to see it is the first of a hoped-for trilogy. Highly recommended!
October 14, 2025
To be fair, romantic historical fiction is not a genre I'd normally read, but my relatives were on these boats too, so I was curious. Ansbacher researched her book meticulously, and as I was only here for the journey, I was less focussed on the "story". Tbh, all the characters blended into one for me - the jeopardy came from external sources - evil Nazis, rogue captains, Slovak guards. All the main lifeboat chevra are unilaterally virtuous - a bit of falling out or relationship trouble wouldn't have done any harm. It did feel a bit like everyone was on a gap year rather than fleeing Nazi atrocities - they even managed to pack swimwear in their single small backpacks! However, the lack of accuracy did grate a little. For the record, Pentcho didn't refloat and continue its journey, the Atlantic wasn't gutted of wood to provide fuel for the engines and the British didn't suddenly change their minds about allowing refugees into Palestine. Also, Ansbacher only mentions the Patria tragedy in passing, with people swimming ashore to Haifa - this was a tragic episode for Jews fleeing to Palestine. Of the two transports bringing adults to what is now Israel (a third brought youth), one ended in Klodovo with death to its passengers, the other saw its surviving refugees swimming to safety before being interned in Atlitt. Wave After Wave is more a recreation of atmosphere than actual history - a story informed by research.Still, it seems that many people do really like Ansbacher's book so it's probably just me being picky.
May 13, 2025
The book opens in 1938 in Vienna with newly weds Lilly and Salo and explores the aftermath for them of Kristallnacht, the mindless hate unleashed on Jewish families and being trapped as the evil regime gathers pace and they seek desperately a way out with countries slamming the doors shut to escape by dithering delaying and refusing visas despite the desperation of Jewish people to escape the horrorrs about to be unleashed on them. A lot of this feeling of danger and despair is well conveyed.
The main thrust of the book is then the journey by sea to Ererz Israel, the people Lilly interacts with on that fraught and dangerous journey and an exploration of events that are fiction based on fact of another aspect of the holocaust engulfing European Jews that I had not before read about. "There is no other way to get out," Hannah said. "They have us trapped."
It's a long, terrible journey by sea with many twists and turns, disease, delays, betrayal but also love and friendship.
The dialogue and conversations I found were a little clunky and unnatural and, perhaps, too many stories to keep track of, but, overall, a very well researched interesting book that adds another dimension and more understanding to what is already known. These stories need to keep coming lest we forget and don't learn lessons from the past. Now, more than ever. I'm very glad to have read it.
The main thrust of the book is then the journey by sea to Ererz Israel, the people Lilly interacts with on that fraught and dangerous journey and an exploration of events that are fiction based on fact of another aspect of the holocaust engulfing European Jews that I had not before read about. "There is no other way to get out," Hannah said. "They have us trapped."
It's a long, terrible journey by sea with many twists and turns, disease, delays, betrayal but also love and friendship.
The dialogue and conversations I found were a little clunky and unnatural and, perhaps, too many stories to keep track of, but, overall, a very well researched interesting book that adds another dimension and more understanding to what is already known. These stories need to keep coming lest we forget and don't learn lessons from the past. Now, more than ever. I'm very glad to have read it.
January 8, 2024
I was absorbed with this book , a work of fiction but based on historical facts and events which actually happened. The story is about the journey of a rusty old ship , the Atlantic, and its Jewish refugee passengers attempting to escape war torn Nazi Europe and get to the Holy Land, then British Mandate, Palestine. The author, Sarah has a wonderful gift in bringing the characters in the book alive by her vivid descriptions. Be ready for a lot of adventure, there is something new after "every wave". You experience every emotion,i.e. tension, cruelty, horror, bravery, humor, love, tradition, resilience, to name a few. The book in a sense is special for me as the Atlantic sailed with a sister ship , the Pacific, mentioned many times in the book. In the true story of the Pacific, my maternal Grandmother was on that ship, so the background happenings, which I knew, of the whole journey from Bratislava and Vienna to Palestine came alive to me. Looking forward immensely to the sequel(s) of Wave after Wave.
July 6, 2024
This book is historical fiction based on the little-known but fascinating true story of thousands of Jewish refugees from central Europe who fled the Nazis in 1940 and attempted to reach Palestine during the British mandate. Along the way, they were confined in camps with minimal food, and then they were crammed into crowded ships without sufficient supplies. They were lied to and cheated by the organizers and crew. They were helped only by the tiny Jewish communities they met along the way where they were detained in Romania, Crete, and Limassol (Cyprus). The characters were well developed, and their stories made the history come alive. This is a sobering and important read. I look forward to reading the next book in the trilogy.
May 15, 2024
Based on true events, author Sarah Ansbacher recounts the daring escape story of Jewish refugees, on the USS Atlantic (to keep the summary brief), from the Danube (in 1940), to hopefully arrive in British Mandated Palestine.
The story, (as she put it together), is captivating, and the characters are fully developed. You will definitely be sitting on pins and needles to finally their fate!
Loved it! Thank you author Sarah Ansbacher.
The story, (as she put it together), is captivating, and the characters are fully developed. You will definitely be sitting on pins and needles to finally their fate!
Loved it! Thank you author Sarah Ansbacher.
May 20, 2024
Really enjoyed reading about this little-known escape from Nazi Europe, the largest group that sailed through the Danube. The author has done a terrific job of researching the history of the Atlantic (one of the ships in the flotilla), and the characters came to life beautifully. Even throughout their harrowing journey I could feel and appreciate their faith that they would make it to Eretz Yisrael. I highly recommend this book!
July 18, 2024
This was a story of true events, fictionalized & totally intriguing. Who knew the plight of the Jewish people beginning in 1938, taken from their own personal stories? This amazing account of their journey from the initial Nazis - their escape to Israel is like nothing I’ve even known or read of before. Who could imagine their travels from Vienna, the Danube, to Greek Islands…. I simply never knew!
This is a MUST READ!
This is a MUST READ!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 23, 2024
This was a fascinating story based on true events of Jews trapped in Nazi Germany in 1938 and their journey to escape to Eretz Israel. They all have harrowing stories but join in ships that must travel via the Danube to the Black Sea and finally the Mediterranean. Their journey is fraught with hardship and heartache but their stories are uplifting
October 24, 2025
A passionate journey involving a fine line between life or death.
Very strong characters who are trying to flee to safety in the wake of war. Fear and despondency are all encompassing but intertwined with love and new friendships.
Loved the historical facts which gave a strong dimension to the story.
Recommended.
Very strong characters who are trying to flee to safety in the wake of war. Fear and despondency are all encompassing but intertwined with love and new friendships.
Loved the historical facts which gave a strong dimension to the story.
Recommended.
January 8, 2024
What an amazing book! 5 stars! I couldn’t put it down! I found myself thinking about Lilly, Hannah etc while I wasn’t reading the book. I felt all the emotions while reading. The excitement, the sadness, the fear. I love the way Sarah writes and can’t wait for her next book! A must read!!
April 15, 2024
Wave After Wave was a compelling read that shed light onto a little-known chapter of the Holocaust. I read this very quickly - the dramatic plotline and the smooth prose made it hard to put down! Looking forward to reading the next book in the series!
August 1, 2024
Excellent
Until reading this book, I had little knowledge of the Dangerous journeys of Jewish refugees to Israel in the late 1930's. This account is based on true stories collected by the author. I highly recommend this book to all those interested in WW2 history.
Until reading this book, I had little knowledge of the Dangerous journeys of Jewish refugees to Israel in the late 1930's. This account is based on true stories collected by the author. I highly recommend this book to all those interested in WW2 history.
January 31, 2024
Good
It was an interesting story about escaping natzis. I liked the stories of the people.
Good read. Not a regular escape story.
It was an interesting story about escaping natzis. I liked the stories of the people.
Good read. Not a regular escape story.
August 18, 2024
excellent book
Really enjoyed this book a bit heavy going in some parts but couldn’t put it down the historical part was so realistic you felt you were with them
Really enjoyed this book a bit heavy going in some parts but couldn’t put it down the historical part was so realistic you felt you were with them
November 3, 2024
if you think you have read every book about the Holocaust ....you still must read this one....it will hold your attention!!
January 7, 2025
heart warming
This book will keep you on your toes till the end and the heart break will make you cry at some point sin the book it is definitely an excellent read
This book will keep you on your toes till the end and the heart break will make you cry at some point sin the book it is definitely an excellent read
February 16, 2025
So good - gets a little drawn out by end but still such an easy and great read
April 11, 2025
This book tells the story of a group of Jews who sail to Israel by ship.
I read 51% of this book and just couldn't get into it.
I read 51% of this book and just couldn't get into it.
August 29, 2025
slow at times, skimmed through those parts, abruptly ended.
November 3, 2025
Absolutely fantastic novel! Loved all the twist and turns! Enjoy
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 12, 2025
A compelling read based on a true story of an event I'd never heard of before.
November 28, 2025
Gripping
This book kept me turning the pages from the first to the last. A must read for the WWII enthusiasts.
This book kept me turning the pages from the first to the last. A must read for the WWII enthusiasts.
March 4, 2024
Wave After Wave is one of those can't-put-it-down novels! It follows the story of a group of young Jewish refugees escaping the Nazis in a series of run-down hostels and boats with nothing but hope and determination. It's based on a true story, one I didn't know, despite my extensive knowledge of Holocaust stories and history. What I loved most about this book was the optimism. The characters are in dire situations but, with no choice but to keep moving forward, they radiate positivity. The writing was excellent and I can't wait for the next one in the series! Sarah Ansbacher is a gifted storyteller.
July 7, 2024
Wave After Wave follows Lilly as she attempts to escape Vienna after Kristallnacht. She secures a place on a ship down the Danube River full of refugees heading for the land of Israel. The story of the ships and their harrowing journey features a group of friends from varied Jewish backgrounds who all have the goal of freedom from persecution. I was surprised by the point where the book ended due to my own knowledge of these refugee experiences, but the author says this is the start of a trilogy – I’m already looking forward to following the next part of the journey of these characters.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews