What do you think?
Rate this book
The Botanist's Tracks
Felicia Hodaks's vital botanical skills are the only thing keeping her away from the gas chambers.
Against the backdrop of Auschwitz-Birkenau's ever-present brutality, Felicia tends to the plants needed for one of the Reich's most ambitious experiments—one that could tip the war in favor of the Nazis.
When Sabina Kupka discovers the horrifying nature of her father's job at a coal mine run by Nazis, she agrees to work with an increasingly defiant resistance. What starts small but significant soon propels her into a frontline role—dangerous enough to cost her her life if caught.
Soon, both women are engaged in a daring plan to arm the prisoners of Auschwitz-Birkenau.
The Botanist's Tracks is the third installment in the Beyond the Tracks series and takes readers to the Nazi agricultural camp of Rajsko, a ten-minute ride from Auschwitz-Birkenau.
Based on actual events, The Botanist's Tracks is the first-ever book set primarily in Rajsko and shows the incredible ingenuity of prisoners in finding ways to rise against impossible odds.
Against the backdrop of Auschwitz-Birkenau's ever-present brutality, Felicia tends to the plants needed for one of the Reich's most ambitious experiments—one that could tip the war in favor of the Nazis.
When Sabina Kupka discovers the horrifying nature of her father's job at a coal mine run by Nazis, she agrees to work with an increasingly defiant resistance. What starts small but significant soon propels her into a frontline role—dangerous enough to cost her her life if caught.
Soon, both women are engaged in a daring plan to arm the prisoners of Auschwitz-Birkenau.
The Botanist's Tracks is the third installment in the Beyond the Tracks series and takes readers to the Nazi agricultural camp of Rajsko, a ten-minute ride from Auschwitz-Birkenau.
Based on actual events, The Botanist's Tracks is the first-ever book set primarily in Rajsko and shows the incredible ingenuity of prisoners in finding ways to rise against impossible odds.
- GenresHistorical Fiction
370 pages, Paperback
Published March 6, 2024
206 people are currently reading
1151 people want to read
About the author
Michael Reit
13 books390 followersMichael Reit writes page-turning historical fiction. His books focus on lesser-known events and people in World War II Europe.
Born in the Netherlands, he now lives in beautiful Vienna, Austria, with his partner Esther and daughter Bibi. You can connect through michaelreit.com or Facebook (Michael Reit Author).
Born in the Netherlands, he now lives in beautiful Vienna, Austria, with his partner Esther and daughter Bibi. You can connect through michaelreit.com or Facebook (Michael Reit Author).
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 91 reviews
December 6, 2025
Two things stuck out for me while listening to John Maddaloni narrate on this loan from the library is the narrative is tamer most of the time from book one and two of the series. And, the ending.
No spoilers. Though wanna admit the welcome twist conclusion is a bit of a happy ending after reading the first two books. They were a bit of imaginative fact filled traumatizing reads.
My first and longest known best friend is Jewish. Growing up spent some time at a group home where the house keeper had a tattooed number on her arm. The class, Man’s Inhumanity to Man in eleventh grade was exposed to deep wounds from the events of the Holocaust. The TV series in 1978 called Holocaust revealed visuals and the plight of the Weiss family. Back then the lack of social media meant television, movies, books and magazines were the primary communication of visuals.
Visiting Dachau while living overseas. Being near the ovens is impactful in a way that’s indescribable. First hand connection to the mass murders sobering of what genocide can lead to. Who would create this horrific justification. Terror.
It is difficult to consider the word happy in regard to this group of concentration camps mentioned like Auschwitz. But the end is worth reading the entire series to discover. My heart hurts with the weight of the entirety of the stories of these commingled characters.
If a series is assembled of these stories for television will be glued to the screen like I was in 1978. An impressionable just turned a teen. Horrified and woken up to the sadness.
This said, genocide has not stopped globally. Reflecting on places like Dafur most people either forget about or never heard of. Humanity creates little fires everywhere in the name of conquest and it is not unique.
Does not matter if religions claim superiority or a godless land of rulers. Whether six plus million or a few people torchered and murdered for a cause. Maimed by
A machete cutting off a limb and forcing men to watch the disturbing acts on their mothers, wife’s and daughters. This is happening every single day.
Being glued to a mainstream news cycle will not hear about this. Why? People have no stomach. The advertisers dictate as does political will the flow of what is going on in the world.
It is books like this that reopen conversations. People can share the facts and participate in doing what they can to help. Even if it is this review that illuminates awareness. The seed is planted.
There are a couple of questions that go unanswered for me in regard to the Nazi leader of the experiments at the agricultural camp of Rajsko, a ten-minute ride from Auschwitz-Birkenau.
What happened to the lead officer we discover a secret from? Did this lead to the turn at the end?
As the book concludes the audio flips to an interview from the author. This is often one of my favorite parts of many audio editions.
Michael Reit shares about his research. How he develops the story and the carry over portrayals of characters from the other two books, this is #3, could exist in this installment.
Having this additional information helps see the plot and narrative in new ways that make sense of the story.
As an aspiring author seeing into the world of a novel from the heart of an author is similar to hearing an architect give a tour of his plans to build a world. Sometimes many inside multiple universes.
Authors are like God in a way. We design the set. Install a plot. The characters create the world. We do not often know how the story will go until the people develop the narrative through their lives as we unfold them.
I remember crying and am still upset years after an unplanned death of a beloved character in a novella I wrote. It is not published yet. I was so traumatized the imagined person said, it is okay. My death moves the story in the direction toward a conclusion needed for effect. Many people will be helped by the death.
Sigh, not being a novelist and not knowing how authors produce their worlds am obsessed with knowing is it just me. Am I the only weirdo whose characters tell them things when listening for this. Or, are there others like me. Thankfully yes, not alone in things not going as planned while writing about the human condition.
The observer or reader brings their perspective to move the story within this story. Ultimately it is the characters sharing their lives that move us to joy, tears or somewhere in between.
The Botanist's Tracks: Beyond the Tracks, Book 3 gave me joy on the ship of sorrow. Though, I am overwrought from penetrating sadness of the totality of the events.
Since I did not do a review of the second book hoping this one makes up for this. As a donation garden facilitator who enjoys audio while working on the garden projects found this series a mindful reminder of my why. People in the story starving is obvious. People going hungry in a country of abundance is sometimes hidden.
The donation garden reminds me love and nutrition help make people feel hope. Not just those who need the produce but those who participate. Grow better community together. From all walks of life. Team work makes the dream work. And in a small way we defeat the evil that causes division leading to horrific happenstances.
Here we bring people together. In a beautiful space. These individuals share their joy in the world. Be the change we need to stop violence of any type.
It is my hope that you be inspired to check out the series and pick one way to bring kindness and joy to your immediate community. Together we can make the world a better place beginning with our personal space and self.
Peace in oneself. Peace in the world ~ Thich Nhat Hanh
Peace, be still ~ Jesus
No spoilers. Though wanna admit the welcome twist conclusion is a bit of a happy ending after reading the first two books. They were a bit of imaginative fact filled traumatizing reads.
My first and longest known best friend is Jewish. Growing up spent some time at a group home where the house keeper had a tattooed number on her arm. The class, Man’s Inhumanity to Man in eleventh grade was exposed to deep wounds from the events of the Holocaust. The TV series in 1978 called Holocaust revealed visuals and the plight of the Weiss family. Back then the lack of social media meant television, movies, books and magazines were the primary communication of visuals.
Visiting Dachau while living overseas. Being near the ovens is impactful in a way that’s indescribable. First hand connection to the mass murders sobering of what genocide can lead to. Who would create this horrific justification. Terror.
It is difficult to consider the word happy in regard to this group of concentration camps mentioned like Auschwitz. But the end is worth reading the entire series to discover. My heart hurts with the weight of the entirety of the stories of these commingled characters.
If a series is assembled of these stories for television will be glued to the screen like I was in 1978. An impressionable just turned a teen. Horrified and woken up to the sadness.
This said, genocide has not stopped globally. Reflecting on places like Dafur most people either forget about or never heard of. Humanity creates little fires everywhere in the name of conquest and it is not unique.
Does not matter if religions claim superiority or a godless land of rulers. Whether six plus million or a few people torchered and murdered for a cause. Maimed by
A machete cutting off a limb and forcing men to watch the disturbing acts on their mothers, wife’s and daughters. This is happening every single day.
Being glued to a mainstream news cycle will not hear about this. Why? People have no stomach. The advertisers dictate as does political will the flow of what is going on in the world.
It is books like this that reopen conversations. People can share the facts and participate in doing what they can to help. Even if it is this review that illuminates awareness. The seed is planted.
There are a couple of questions that go unanswered for me in regard to the Nazi leader of the experiments at the agricultural camp of Rajsko, a ten-minute ride from Auschwitz-Birkenau.
What happened to the lead officer we discover a secret from? Did this lead to the turn at the end?
As the book concludes the audio flips to an interview from the author. This is often one of my favorite parts of many audio editions.
Michael Reit shares about his research. How he develops the story and the carry over portrayals of characters from the other two books, this is #3, could exist in this installment.
Having this additional information helps see the plot and narrative in new ways that make sense of the story.
As an aspiring author seeing into the world of a novel from the heart of an author is similar to hearing an architect give a tour of his plans to build a world. Sometimes many inside multiple universes.
Authors are like God in a way. We design the set. Install a plot. The characters create the world. We do not often know how the story will go until the people develop the narrative through their lives as we unfold them.
I remember crying and am still upset years after an unplanned death of a beloved character in a novella I wrote. It is not published yet. I was so traumatized the imagined person said, it is okay. My death moves the story in the direction toward a conclusion needed for effect. Many people will be helped by the death.
Sigh, not being a novelist and not knowing how authors produce their worlds am obsessed with knowing is it just me. Am I the only weirdo whose characters tell them things when listening for this. Or, are there others like me. Thankfully yes, not alone in things not going as planned while writing about the human condition.
The observer or reader brings their perspective to move the story within this story. Ultimately it is the characters sharing their lives that move us to joy, tears or somewhere in between.
The Botanist's Tracks: Beyond the Tracks, Book 3 gave me joy on the ship of sorrow. Though, I am overwrought from penetrating sadness of the totality of the events.
Since I did not do a review of the second book hoping this one makes up for this. As a donation garden facilitator who enjoys audio while working on the garden projects found this series a mindful reminder of my why. People in the story starving is obvious. People going hungry in a country of abundance is sometimes hidden.
The donation garden reminds me love and nutrition help make people feel hope. Not just those who need the produce but those who participate. Grow better community together. From all walks of life. Team work makes the dream work. And in a small way we defeat the evil that causes division leading to horrific happenstances.
Here we bring people together. In a beautiful space. These individuals share their joy in the world. Be the change we need to stop violence of any type.
It is my hope that you be inspired to check out the series and pick one way to bring kindness and joy to your immediate community. Together we can make the world a better place beginning with our personal space and self.
Peace in oneself. Peace in the world ~ Thich Nhat Hanh
Peace, be still ~ Jesus
April 4, 2024
This is truly an exceptional book.
Of the many books I’ve read about concentration camps, this one is right up there as one of the best. The way it handles their inner relationships between prisoners, acquaintances, and even the “Nazis” is a great example of characterization.
The plot moves along very nicely at a good pace and it’s easy to understand.
However, the end of the book was spectacular with a really great twist at the end. I highly recommend this book and I hope others take the time to read it.
Of the many books I’ve read about concentration camps, this one is right up there as one of the best. The way it handles their inner relationships between prisoners, acquaintances, and even the “Nazis” is a great example of characterization.
The plot moves along very nicely at a good pace and it’s easy to understand.
However, the end of the book was spectacular with a really great twist at the end. I highly recommend this book and I hope others take the time to read it.
March 4, 2024
Beyond the Tracks Book #3
In this installment we are taken to the Nazi agricultural camp of Rajsko, a sort ride from Auschwitz- Birkenau. You needed to be a valuable asset to survive the horrors that lies ahead. Felicia Hodak, a botanist with vital skills is assigned to tend to the plants needed for the Reich most ambitious experiment. While Sabina Kupka agreed to work for the resistance, what starts with significant roles soon propels her into a frontline one. By chance the women met and soon were engaged in a daring plan to arm the prisoners of Auschwitz.
Although part of a series this novel can be read as a stand-alone
Mr. Reit historical fictions mainly focus on lesser-known events and people in WW11. His books have usually provided us with information between facts and fiction, but this time not much is mentioned, so I presume at first the events and people were the fruits of his imagination till Mr. Google came into play. Yes the camp existed; Dr. Joachim Caesar was the head of scientists working in green houses although in the story the goal was to raise a substitute rubber plant.
In this story everything goes too neatly to sound real, the events are farfetched and I hardly believe clandestine meetings can always go so smoothly. With the help of an active narration, the plot has enough tension and drama to move along at a steady pace to keep us captivated and turning the pages. Unfortunately, the story leaves us questioning the whereabouts of the traitor, who was he (she) what a hole in the story to ponder on. I love the characters, Felicia and Sabina where innocent although smart. They played the male guards well to get to what they wanted....although the female guards were ruthless....the story tells us how much....
This latest may not be my favourite in the series but it was nevertheless a captivating read I enjoy passing time with.
This is an ARC which I received from NetGalley and the publisher for my thoughts
In this installment we are taken to the Nazi agricultural camp of Rajsko, a sort ride from Auschwitz- Birkenau. You needed to be a valuable asset to survive the horrors that lies ahead. Felicia Hodak, a botanist with vital skills is assigned to tend to the plants needed for the Reich most ambitious experiment. While Sabina Kupka agreed to work for the resistance, what starts with significant roles soon propels her into a frontline one. By chance the women met and soon were engaged in a daring plan to arm the prisoners of Auschwitz.
Although part of a series this novel can be read as a stand-alone
Mr. Reit historical fictions mainly focus on lesser-known events and people in WW11. His books have usually provided us with information between facts and fiction, but this time not much is mentioned, so I presume at first the events and people were the fruits of his imagination till Mr. Google came into play. Yes the camp existed; Dr. Joachim Caesar was the head of scientists working in green houses although in the story the goal was to raise a substitute rubber plant.
In this story everything goes too neatly to sound real, the events are farfetched and I hardly believe clandestine meetings can always go so smoothly. With the help of an active narration, the plot has enough tension and drama to move along at a steady pace to keep us captivated and turning the pages. Unfortunately, the story leaves us questioning the whereabouts of the traitor, who was he (she) what a hole in the story to ponder on. I love the characters, Felicia and Sabina where innocent although smart. They played the male guards well to get to what they wanted....although the female guards were ruthless....the story tells us how much....
This latest may not be my favourite in the series but it was nevertheless a captivating read I enjoy passing time with.
This is an ARC which I received from NetGalley and the publisher for my thoughts
March 3, 2024
This book unites the efforts of the Polish Underground resistance with resistance inside the camps and in Rajsko to fight the Nazis. I was unaware that an agricultural farm designed to produce rubber existed in Rajsko, Poland during World War II until I read this book.
I wish the author provided more information about how much of the story was based on true events.
Within the story, the action was enough to keep the pages turning. That said, some of the plot was a bit too tidy to be believable, and there was a traitor that was never revealed. I did enjoy the way the book ended, and wonder if there could be a sequel.
I received a free copy of this book from the publisher and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
I wish the author provided more information about how much of the story was based on true events.
Within the story, the action was enough to keep the pages turning. That said, some of the plot was a bit too tidy to be believable, and there was a traitor that was never revealed. I did enjoy the way the book ended, and wonder if there could be a sequel.
I received a free copy of this book from the publisher and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
October 10, 2024
I had no idea that this camp existed nor did I know that the Germans had experiments done on my favorite flower. Though this seems almost light hearted at times, make no mistake that terror existed in what seems to have been the most gentle of camps. It was interesting how friendships were made among the prisoners and between the prisoners and the Germans. But, who could be trusted and who couldn't be trusted? I enjoyed this book. I have read this author before and I will do so again.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 1, 2024
Wow! LOVED IT!!!
October 29, 2025
Very well written.
February 28, 2024
A good novel in the sense that you can't put it down once you have started it. However, strictly speaking I found the plot rather far-fetched and not really credible. I also felt that some points were missing such as who is the traitor outside or inside Birkenau. Nevertheless as I said I wanted to know what would happen. A quick and tension full novel!
I received a digital copy of this novel from NetGalley and I am leaving voluntarily an honest review.
I received a digital copy of this novel from NetGalley and I am leaving voluntarily an honest review.
March 1, 2024
The amazing story of one botanist trying to survive in Auschwitz after she was caught trying to keep her country people educated and the young teacher who joins the resistance. More please.
September 30, 2024
Well, thought out book telling the story of a lesser known camp. Keeping links with some of the original characters. It merges historical accuracy and great story telling. I would totally recommend his books.
March 10, 2024
The Botanist's Tracks is the third in the breathtaking Beyond the Tracks series by one of my auto-read authors, Michael Reit. Based on real events, places and people in Poland during World War II, it details the bone-chilling horrors Jews and others such as political prisoners faced in killing camps. Emotions they felt every single moment of every day are vivid, raw and heartbreaking. Thankfully, people worked tirelessly and courageously behind the scenes to do what they could in the Resistance to ease suffering for some. Not all Nazi soldiers were killers and some felt compassion.
Felcia was taken to Aushwitz-Birkenau, where daily life was actually death. Her torturers included the most feared and powerful of all female SS-Helferin, Maria Mandl. She actively sought petty reasons to lash out in hatred and took great pleasure in killing her prey. Felcia barely survived both camps. But most didn't.
One camp which generally afforded better conditions was Rajsko. Sabina's job as a botanist in an important lab meant more food and comparative comfort. But her life was filled with anguish of a different kind.
Sabina and Felcia eventually met and along with others began smuggling goods within camps. Though very different people, they both relied on others and selflessly risked everything.
Words cannot convey my gratitude and regard for this poignant series, especially Book 3. As always, Reit's emotive and engrossing writing whisked me away to another world, a dark and disturbing place where human beings found repulsive joy in incomprehensible barbaric treatment of fellow human beings through humiliation, starvation, torture, taunting and planned and unplanned executions without one iota of remorse. Details are nauseating and tough to process but critical for us to know about. My heart ached and broke for the innocents whose only crime was their Jewishness and trying to help others survive. Powerful SS killers such as Maria Mandl always render me speechless. No wonder she was known as The Beast. Reit captured her evil as well as the good in others whose kindnesses shone.
My sincere thank you to Book Whisperer and NetGalley for providing me with a digital copy of this outstanding novel.
Felcia was taken to Aushwitz-Birkenau, where daily life was actually death. Her torturers included the most feared and powerful of all female SS-Helferin, Maria Mandl. She actively sought petty reasons to lash out in hatred and took great pleasure in killing her prey. Felcia barely survived both camps. But most didn't.
One camp which generally afforded better conditions was Rajsko. Sabina's job as a botanist in an important lab meant more food and comparative comfort. But her life was filled with anguish of a different kind.
Sabina and Felcia eventually met and along with others began smuggling goods within camps. Though very different people, they both relied on others and selflessly risked everything.
Words cannot convey my gratitude and regard for this poignant series, especially Book 3. As always, Reit's emotive and engrossing writing whisked me away to another world, a dark and disturbing place where human beings found repulsive joy in incomprehensible barbaric treatment of fellow human beings through humiliation, starvation, torture, taunting and planned and unplanned executions without one iota of remorse. Details are nauseating and tough to process but critical for us to know about. My heart ached and broke for the innocents whose only crime was their Jewishness and trying to help others survive. Powerful SS killers such as Maria Mandl always render me speechless. No wonder she was known as The Beast. Reit captured her evil as well as the good in others whose kindnesses shone.
My sincere thank you to Book Whisperer and NetGalley for providing me with a digital copy of this outstanding novel.
March 10, 2024
This book had me in tears. The detailed descriptions brought the story to life. Books like this one give us a better understanding of the horrors of World War Two. We should all be reading these types of books so we don't forget, and more importantly, do not repeat.
The story centers on Rajsko, an Auschwitz sub camp. The Nazis took over the village, flattening building and creating a small camp. They used to school for administration and labs. They constructed numerous greenhouses. The purpose of the camp was to create and grow plants that they could harvest for rubber. Who knew that was a thing? Those prisoners involved in the research may have better conditions, but the fear of abuse and death was always there. You did not want to cross the guards.
The story really got me thinking. The story takes the reader into the homes of those displaced. I experienced the dangers that they were in on a daily basis. I had never thought about something as simple as not being able to fixing a leaky faucet. There was nothing to fix it with. The continuing struggles to put food on the table was hard to comprehend when my panty is full.
The members of the resistance were doing what they could, but the dangers were extreme. When I was younger, I thought they just blew up things and fought along side the allies. The Botanist Tracks shows that the importance was so much more. With every action taken, they put their family at risk. How could they choose? I suffered along side the people whose loved ones were taken away. I cringed over their treatment.
Most of the characters were really likable. I became invested in their stories. Total respect to the prisoners for their strength against all odds. People like Sabina and Flecia are an inspiration. This story shows that people can unite in a common cause, in this case survival. The ending was a total surprise. I was left speechless, yet with a smile on my face.
The story centers on Rajsko, an Auschwitz sub camp. The Nazis took over the village, flattening building and creating a small camp. They used to school for administration and labs. They constructed numerous greenhouses. The purpose of the camp was to create and grow plants that they could harvest for rubber. Who knew that was a thing? Those prisoners involved in the research may have better conditions, but the fear of abuse and death was always there. You did not want to cross the guards.
The story really got me thinking. The story takes the reader into the homes of those displaced. I experienced the dangers that they were in on a daily basis. I had never thought about something as simple as not being able to fixing a leaky faucet. There was nothing to fix it with. The continuing struggles to put food on the table was hard to comprehend when my panty is full.
The members of the resistance were doing what they could, but the dangers were extreme. When I was younger, I thought they just blew up things and fought along side the allies. The Botanist Tracks shows that the importance was so much more. With every action taken, they put their family at risk. How could they choose? I suffered along side the people whose loved ones were taken away. I cringed over their treatment.
Most of the characters were really likable. I became invested in their stories. Total respect to the prisoners for their strength against all odds. People like Sabina and Flecia are an inspiration. This story shows that people can unite in a common cause, in this case survival. The ending was a total surprise. I was left speechless, yet with a smile on my face.
March 13, 2024
Michael Reit has done it again in his third book in this trilogy, a powerful 5 ⭐ read. I read his debut "Beyond the Tracks", and then "Tracks to Freedom", they can be read as stand alone, but I did read them in order. Each book is based on different main characters, but a few characters do make a small appearance in each book.
The two main characters in this book are Sabina Kupka and Felicia Hodaks. Michael Reit alternates the chapters between them. They both meet in the middle, and the ending is unbelievable. I'm still in shock 😲.
You'll meet the women prisoners, you'll see what they endured, you'll feel the hate for the treatment of them, you'll experience the sadness with every life that's taken. Felicia will witness the lose of a friend, and you will be as devastated as she, (have tissues ready, and a pillow to cry on or hit).
In the story we meet the Overseer of the Women's Camp at Auschwitz-Birkenau Maria Mandl, and the prison guard Margot Dreschel. They terrorized and physical beat prisoners to death. They were both monsters, and I did my research after reading this, and their ending was perfect.
The reason I read and love historical fiction, is to learn something new in history that I wasn't taught in school, like learning the nickname for the crematoia reserved for the newcomers was "The Bakery".
Within a historical fiction story a little bit of fiction is thrown into it, this makes it interesting for the reader to find what is truth and what is not. Michael Reit does have an author's note in his other two books, but in this ebook advance reader copy there isn't one. I hope that the final print copy does have an author's note explaining the fact from fiction. Enjoy ❤️.
Thank you Michael Reit, The Book Whisperer, and BookFunnel for the ebook advance reader copy.
#MichaelReit
#TheBookWhisperer
#BookFunnel
The two main characters in this book are Sabina Kupka and Felicia Hodaks. Michael Reit alternates the chapters between them. They both meet in the middle, and the ending is unbelievable. I'm still in shock 😲.
You'll meet the women prisoners, you'll see what they endured, you'll feel the hate for the treatment of them, you'll experience the sadness with every life that's taken. Felicia will witness the lose of a friend, and you will be as devastated as she, (have tissues ready, and a pillow to cry on or hit).
In the story we meet the Overseer of the Women's Camp at Auschwitz-Birkenau Maria Mandl, and the prison guard Margot Dreschel. They terrorized and physical beat prisoners to death. They were both monsters, and I did my research after reading this, and their ending was perfect.
The reason I read and love historical fiction, is to learn something new in history that I wasn't taught in school, like learning the nickname for the crematoia reserved for the newcomers was "The Bakery".
Within a historical fiction story a little bit of fiction is thrown into it, this makes it interesting for the reader to find what is truth and what is not. Michael Reit does have an author's note in his other two books, but in this ebook advance reader copy there isn't one. I hope that the final print copy does have an author's note explaining the fact from fiction. Enjoy ❤️.
Thank you Michael Reit, The Book Whisperer, and BookFunnel for the ebook advance reader copy.
#MichaelReit
#TheBookWhisperer
#BookFunnel
April 18, 2024
Though I have always been interested in WWII history, I often find myself doubting before picking a book about that awful period of time, especially if it has to do with the extermination camps. So I was quite careful when starting this book.
Spending a day at Auschwitz a few years ago gave some special insights on what I was reading, helping me picture where things were happening, though it was by no mean necessary. The book is well-written, clearly described and gripping. There are scenes with terrible descriptions that made me feel pretty sick but it remains done with taste, not bathing into horror without purpose.
Felcia is a scientist, arrested because she was giving underground classes (I never knew that secondary education got forbidden in Poland!) and sent to Auschwitz-Birkenau as a political prisoner. Sabina is not even yet an adult, forced to grow rapidly due to the circumstances and living close by Auschwitz. Both these women are facing choices regarding their own survival and interests and the greater good.
Michael Reit did a great job in picturing his characters (real and fictional), to depict all kind of people involved. Out of the prisoners, you have the brave ones, the defeated, the collaborating ones. But almost none is black or white and the internal dispute on what to do and why were much appreciated. It all comes down to two things though, courage and hope.
I really liked the ending. It tied all the characters stories neatly. I would have enjoyed an afterword about the reality of the greenhouses and that secondary camp, but I will do my own research!
Thank you to NetGalley for providing me with a copy of this book that I genuinely enjoyed.
Spending a day at Auschwitz a few years ago gave some special insights on what I was reading, helping me picture where things were happening, though it was by no mean necessary. The book is well-written, clearly described and gripping. There are scenes with terrible descriptions that made me feel pretty sick but it remains done with taste, not bathing into horror without purpose.
Felcia is a scientist, arrested because she was giving underground classes (I never knew that secondary education got forbidden in Poland!) and sent to Auschwitz-Birkenau as a political prisoner. Sabina is not even yet an adult, forced to grow rapidly due to the circumstances and living close by Auschwitz. Both these women are facing choices regarding their own survival and interests and the greater good.
Michael Reit did a great job in picturing his characters (real and fictional), to depict all kind of people involved. Out of the prisoners, you have the brave ones, the defeated, the collaborating ones. But almost none is black or white and the internal dispute on what to do and why were much appreciated. It all comes down to two things though, courage and hope.
I really liked the ending. It tied all the characters stories neatly. I would have enjoyed an afterword about the reality of the greenhouses and that secondary camp, but I will do my own research!
Thank you to NetGalley for providing me with a copy of this book that I genuinely enjoyed.
March 16, 2024
This is a very interesting book set primarily in one of Auschwitz-Birkenau’s subcamps. Immediately I was reading history I had no prior knowledge of. ‘The Botanist’s Tracks’ is a rare opportunity to read something that goes beyond the typical concentration camp narrative, not only in the scope of Nazi activity but also the effect on the local non-Jewish population. Rajsko, Poland was a farming village which was completely appropriated by the Germans to become a farm labor camp supplying food. It was also an experimental facility for growing rubber plants, with the intention of reducing German dependence on others for tires.
Another atypical feature is that the protagonists are female. Felcia is a scientist political prisoner at Rajsko and Sabina is a teenager working as a a clerk in the town of Auschwitz’s government offices assigned to courier documents to the camp director. Two completely different characters, both with quiet, obedient appearance, are thrown together by unlikely circumstances and find themselves in position to assist resistance actions.
Like any book dealing with such sensitive subject matter, there are many disturbing and difficult to read scenes. They were well balanced against positive material without losing their emotional impact.
This is the second book of Mr. Reit’s that I have been fortunate enough to read having found out about him through the Book Whisperer. There is much available in the way of historical fiction on the subject of the Holocaust and one can’t read it all, but this book was definitely worth my time.
Thank you to the author and the Book Whisperer for the opportunity to read and review an ARC.
Another atypical feature is that the protagonists are female. Felcia is a scientist political prisoner at Rajsko and Sabina is a teenager working as a a clerk in the town of Auschwitz’s government offices assigned to courier documents to the camp director. Two completely different characters, both with quiet, obedient appearance, are thrown together by unlikely circumstances and find themselves in position to assist resistance actions.
Like any book dealing with such sensitive subject matter, there are many disturbing and difficult to read scenes. They were well balanced against positive material without losing their emotional impact.
This is the second book of Mr. Reit’s that I have been fortunate enough to read having found out about him through the Book Whisperer. There is much available in the way of historical fiction on the subject of the Holocaust and one can’t read it all, but this book was definitely worth my time.
Thank you to the author and the Book Whisperer for the opportunity to read and review an ARC.
March 5, 2024
The Botanist’s Tracks by Michael Reit tells of the horrors experienced in Auschwitz-Birkeau during WWII. Felicia is a botanist assigned to take care of the plants being cultivated by the Reigh in Rajsko. They are hoping to grow all the rubber they need. She has been imprisoned for teaching in the underground education system. Sabina use to live in Rajsko before her family was relocated to town so Rajsko could be used by the Nazi’s for this purpose. Sabina’s father works with the prisoners in the mines. She discovers her father has been aiding the prisoners through an underground network. Sabina wishes to help as well.
Sabina works in the military filing office in town. Her boss has her delivering paperwork that needs signing to the commander at Rajsko. There she meets Felicia and secretly they begin working with the resistance to deliver much needed supplies to the prisoners. It is extremely dangerous. If they are caught it would mean certain death. Because the commander has taken a liking to Felicia, she is hated by one of the guards who has it out to get her. She endures much as a result.
The story is fast paced but at times has you on edge and in parts, definitely hard to read. The brutality described is awful. It is hard to believe anyone could survive what they went threw. There are several parts of the story however that seem unrealistic, particularly the ending. but it is fiction and I was happy with the ending.
Thank you Net Galley for giving me to opportunity to read this advanced copy.
Sabina works in the military filing office in town. Her boss has her delivering paperwork that needs signing to the commander at Rajsko. There she meets Felicia and secretly they begin working with the resistance to deliver much needed supplies to the prisoners. It is extremely dangerous. If they are caught it would mean certain death. Because the commander has taken a liking to Felicia, she is hated by one of the guards who has it out to get her. She endures much as a result.
The story is fast paced but at times has you on edge and in parts, definitely hard to read. The brutality described is awful. It is hard to believe anyone could survive what they went threw. There are several parts of the story however that seem unrealistic, particularly the ending. but it is fiction and I was happy with the ending.
Thank you Net Galley for giving me to opportunity to read this advanced copy.
May 19, 2024
The closer I got to the end of “The Botanist’s Tracks”, the faster I read…….in a good way! I was so invested in Sabina and Felcia’s fate, I was dying to know the conclusion of this book.
While I believe part of Beyond the Tracks series, I read as a one off and didn’t suffer for it.
Based on actual events, “The Botanist's Tracks” is set primarily in Rajsko, a Nazi agricultural camp of glasshouses and laboratories, a short distance from the horrors of Auschwitz-Birkenau. Prisoners at Rajsko “enjoy” a more privileged internment, because their scientific knowledge is valuable to the Nazi regime, who are trying to grow rubber. But they are not excluded from harsh treatment by the legendary Madam Dreschel and the daily threat of joining the general population prisoners at Birkenau.
On the outside of the camp, Sabina lives in the village that was displaced by the Nazi takeover. Employed in the registry building (processing the files of the new in mates) she wants to contribute to the fight for freedom from the Nazi regime….even more especially when she finds her father has been captured. She makes contacts at Rajsko, on the Nazi side and amongst the prisoners as she joins the underground movement.
This book highlights the incredible ingenuity of prisoners and civilians – even though the risks they take are lethal. There is an abundance of books and movies about the Holocaust, but Michael Reit takes us on a new journey – no less shocking but so inspiring.
Thanks to NetGalley, Book Whisperer and Michael Reit for my copy.
While I believe part of Beyond the Tracks series, I read as a one off and didn’t suffer for it.
Based on actual events, “The Botanist's Tracks” is set primarily in Rajsko, a Nazi agricultural camp of glasshouses and laboratories, a short distance from the horrors of Auschwitz-Birkenau. Prisoners at Rajsko “enjoy” a more privileged internment, because their scientific knowledge is valuable to the Nazi regime, who are trying to grow rubber. But they are not excluded from harsh treatment by the legendary Madam Dreschel and the daily threat of joining the general population prisoners at Birkenau.
On the outside of the camp, Sabina lives in the village that was displaced by the Nazi takeover. Employed in the registry building (processing the files of the new in mates) she wants to contribute to the fight for freedom from the Nazi regime….even more especially when she finds her father has been captured. She makes contacts at Rajsko, on the Nazi side and amongst the prisoners as she joins the underground movement.
This book highlights the incredible ingenuity of prisoners and civilians – even though the risks they take are lethal. There is an abundance of books and movies about the Holocaust, but Michael Reit takes us on a new journey – no less shocking but so inspiring.
Thanks to NetGalley, Book Whisperer and Michael Reit for my copy.
February 26, 2024
I received an eARC of this book from NetGalley and the publisher, for which I thank them.
“The Botanist’s Tracks” by Michael Reit is the third book in the “Beyond the Tracks” series. While I’ve read the two previous books in this series, this book can be read as a stand-alone. I must admit that this, so far, is my least favorite book of the series. Not a lot happens in this book until the last 5 or so percent. Yes, there is historical information - there really was a Dr. Joachim Caesar, who was put in charge of the Rajsko camp, with a goal to raise a substitute rubber plant for Germany’s use in WWII. The Rajsko camp did have green houses and raised a number of flowers (which were later made into wreaths) and vegetables. And, yes, Dr. Caesar did recruit a number of female scientists to work at Rajsko. However, once again, I greatly wish that Mr. Reit had included an Author’s Note on what was based on fact and what wasn’t. At times I felt like a number of things happened too neatly - such as all the clandestine meetings between characters (how did no one notice these meetings more often?) and also how many times a person would be told “don’t tell anyone” and then later spill the beans to a friend. I think if you’ve liked Mr. Reit’s previous books in this series - or really like interesting little known WWIi facts, this book may be one to pick up. For me, I wish there’d been a bit more action, though this book was engaging and a pretty fast read.
“The Botanist’s Tracks” by Michael Reit is the third book in the “Beyond the Tracks” series. While I’ve read the two previous books in this series, this book can be read as a stand-alone. I must admit that this, so far, is my least favorite book of the series. Not a lot happens in this book until the last 5 or so percent. Yes, there is historical information - there really was a Dr. Joachim Caesar, who was put in charge of the Rajsko camp, with a goal to raise a substitute rubber plant for Germany’s use in WWII. The Rajsko camp did have green houses and raised a number of flowers (which were later made into wreaths) and vegetables. And, yes, Dr. Caesar did recruit a number of female scientists to work at Rajsko. However, once again, I greatly wish that Mr. Reit had included an Author’s Note on what was based on fact and what wasn’t. At times I felt like a number of things happened too neatly - such as all the clandestine meetings between characters (how did no one notice these meetings more often?) and also how many times a person would be told “don’t tell anyone” and then later spill the beans to a friend. I think if you’ve liked Mr. Reit’s previous books in this series - or really like interesting little known WWIi facts, this book may be one to pick up. For me, I wish there’d been a bit more action, though this book was engaging and a pretty fast read.
March 13, 2024
This has been a most satisfactory, page-turning read! But what else could one expect from author Michael Reit!
This is a third book in the Beyond the Tracks series. However, it is easily a stand alone read. The setting is set in a most interesting experimental horticultural camp in Rajsko, Poland. This camp involved prisoner botanists such as the character Felcia and other fellow scientific prisoners, with a true-to-life Dr. Caesar overseeing the work for developing a particular species of danelions for a most unusual use that was a surprizing reveal to me. Other themes involved in this saga were the treatment of inmates in concentration camps and of the resistance efforts and connections in and outside the camps.
Even though this is a work of historical fiction, it is based on reality and therefore I have come to highly respect those most amazing and courageous participants in such efforts to potentially alleviate prisoners' plights and foil the Nazi's foul plans. In my opinion, many readers will find this a riveting read.
A 5-Star rating from me.
~Eunice C., Reviewer/Blogger~
March 2024
Disclaimer: This is my honest opinion based on the complimentary review copy sent by NetGalley and the publisher.
This is a third book in the Beyond the Tracks series. However, it is easily a stand alone read. The setting is set in a most interesting experimental horticultural camp in Rajsko, Poland. This camp involved prisoner botanists such as the character Felcia and other fellow scientific prisoners, with a true-to-life Dr. Caesar overseeing the work for developing a particular species of danelions for a most unusual use that was a surprizing reveal to me. Other themes involved in this saga were the treatment of inmates in concentration camps and of the resistance efforts and connections in and outside the camps.
Even though this is a work of historical fiction, it is based on reality and therefore I have come to highly respect those most amazing and courageous participants in such efforts to potentially alleviate prisoners' plights and foil the Nazi's foul plans. In my opinion, many readers will find this a riveting read.
A 5-Star rating from me.
~Eunice C., Reviewer/Blogger~
March 2024
Disclaimer: This is my honest opinion based on the complimentary review copy sent by NetGalley and the publisher.
May 21, 2024
This WWII novel took a different path than most of it's kind. It follows two women, one a prisoner who avoids the worst of the camps using her botany skills to help the Nazis with an agricultural experiment and the other a school girl who uses her side job bringing papers back and forth between the municipal building and the camp to help inform the resistance. It's high-tension historical fiction with bouts of graphic violence that sticks with you long after you stop reading. In a way, I suppose it made me relate to the prisoners in that I found myself always on edge, hoping I didn't have to read another awful bit about someone getting beat to death.
The characters are rich and layered, and I enjoyed the story. The ending was unexpected, as most WWII novels end with the liberation of the camps and the end of the war. The fact that this one didn't was a bit unsatisfying, as we don't get to find out what happened to all of the characters. But it's reflective of history in that way. I'm sure there were lots of people who walked away without knowing what happened to others who had been captured.
Definitely a well-written book worth reading, but you're going to need a strong stomach.
The characters are rich and layered, and I enjoyed the story. The ending was unexpected, as most WWII novels end with the liberation of the camps and the end of the war. The fact that this one didn't was a bit unsatisfying, as we don't get to find out what happened to all of the characters. But it's reflective of history in that way. I'm sure there were lots of people who walked away without knowing what happened to others who had been captured.
Definitely a well-written book worth reading, but you're going to need a strong stomach.
April 4, 2024
The Nazi Secret
Two young women, a secret Nazi project and a link to the resistance.
Sabina's father works in the coal mines as a supervisor. He works the Jewish prisoners from Auschwitz in the mines. Sabina is appalled at the conditions he describes and his job. She gets a job as a courier for the government.
While delivering a message to the Nazi Commander from her boss she meets and befriends a young Jewish girl named Felicia at the hidden Nazi camp. Felicia is working on a secret project with plants for the Nazi's to stay out of the Auschwitz-Birkenau camp.
Through Felicia, Sabina and the worker's from Auschwitz-Birkenau in the field working with the plants the resistance forms a plan. Sabina and Felicia are in great danger but they volunteer to help knowing that if they are caught the penalty is death.
A sad but interesting story of WWII resistance.
Thanks to MIchael Reit for writing a good story, to The Book Whisperer for publishing it and to NetGalley for allowing me to read and review a complimentary copy.
Two young women, a secret Nazi project and a link to the resistance.
Sabina's father works in the coal mines as a supervisor. He works the Jewish prisoners from Auschwitz in the mines. Sabina is appalled at the conditions he describes and his job. She gets a job as a courier for the government.
While delivering a message to the Nazi Commander from her boss she meets and befriends a young Jewish girl named Felicia at the hidden Nazi camp. Felicia is working on a secret project with plants for the Nazi's to stay out of the Auschwitz-Birkenau camp.
Through Felicia, Sabina and the worker's from Auschwitz-Birkenau in the field working with the plants the resistance forms a plan. Sabina and Felicia are in great danger but they volunteer to help knowing that if they are caught the penalty is death.
A sad but interesting story of WWII resistance.
Thanks to MIchael Reit for writing a good story, to The Book Whisperer for publishing it and to NetGalley for allowing me to read and review a complimentary copy.
March 5, 2024
The book provided what I believe was an accurately terrifying glimpse into the lives of too many unfortunate people during the time that Hitler was in power. Poland was the first of many countries to fall under attack and the treatment of the Polish people, particularly the Jews, was relentless.
“The Botanist’s Tracks” addressed the terror and brutality of the prison camps and the few who held power over the thousands of innocents. There were also some moments of respite from the brutality and even a few characters who provided heroic human kindness in a world gone mad. I found great relief, even knowing they were fictional representatives of the few.
I received a copy of this book from the BookWhisperer for my honest voluntary review. I am drawn to WWII stories and this is the second book by Mr Reit that I have read. He writes well researched and engrossing books about the period. I have several more of his books to read in my files and I recommend highly those I have read.
“The Botanist’s Tracks” addressed the terror and brutality of the prison camps and the few who held power over the thousands of innocents. There were also some moments of respite from the brutality and even a few characters who provided heroic human kindness in a world gone mad. I found great relief, even knowing they were fictional representatives of the few.
I received a copy of this book from the BookWhisperer for my honest voluntary review. I am drawn to WWII stories and this is the second book by Mr Reit that I have read. He writes well researched and engrossing books about the period. I have several more of his books to read in my files and I recommend highly those I have read.
April 9, 2024
The Botanist's Tracks is #3 the Beyond the Tracks series by Michael Reit. This was my first book by Michael Reit; I didn't not feel lost by "jumping" into the series with book #3.
Felicia is a botanist/researcher/teacher and tasked with helping the Reich with potentially finding another source for a material they need. Sabina is messenger who delivers papers between the government offices and the Nazis.
I enjoyed The Botanist's Tracks, but with prior reading about WWII, I'm on the fence in regards to how to rate and review. I'm going to give this book 4 stars. I selected this book because I enjoy gardening; I did think that the botanist tie to the Reich was interesting.
Many thanks to NetGalley for (yet once again) introducing me to a new to me author. Thank you to NetGalley and publisher Book Whisperer for approving my request to read The Botanist's Tracks in exchange for an honest review. publication date is Mar 14 2024. Approx 362 pages.
Felicia is a botanist/researcher/teacher and tasked with helping the Reich with potentially finding another source for a material they need. Sabina is messenger who delivers papers between the government offices and the Nazis.
I enjoyed The Botanist's Tracks, but with prior reading about WWII, I'm on the fence in regards to how to rate and review. I'm going to give this book 4 stars. I selected this book because I enjoy gardening; I did think that the botanist tie to the Reich was interesting.
Many thanks to NetGalley for (yet once again) introducing me to a new to me author. Thank you to NetGalley and publisher Book Whisperer for approving my request to read The Botanist's Tracks in exchange for an honest review. publication date is Mar 14 2024. Approx 362 pages.
April 8, 2025
I loved this book! I found it fascinating from the start, and it held me in suspense until the very end. It amazes me that despite the plethora of novels written about World War Two and the horrors of the holocaust, these topics are still rife with new and different stories, most, including this one, based on actual events. I found this story utterly fascinating. Instead of being a dual timeline novel, it’s more of a parallel-track story, alternating between life inside the concentration camps and life outside the camps, eventually intersecting as the main characters act together in furtherance of the resistance movement against the Nazis. For me, the ending was a complete but wonder surprise. I look forward to reading many more books by this wonderful author, Michael Reit, now that I have discovered him.
Thank you to NetGalley for giving me a free advanced reader’s copy of this book. My opinions given here are voluntary.
Thank you to NetGalley for giving me a free advanced reader’s copy of this book. My opinions given here are voluntary.
August 18, 2025
The Botanist had an intriguing premise with its mix of mystery, crime, and a serial killer leaving poetic notes alongside deadly plants. The concept definitely caught my attention, and there were moments where the tension built up nicely. The setting and botanical details added a unique layer that made the story stand out from a typical crime thriller.
That being said, I found parts of the pacing uneven. Some sections moved too slowly, while others wrapped up too quickly, which made it harder to stay fully invested. A few of the character interactions felt forced at times, and the dialogue didn’t always flow naturally.
Overall, it was a decent read with an original idea and some gripping moments, but it didn’t fully live up to its potential. I’d still recommend it to crime fans who enjoy unusual twists, but it wasn’t a standout for me.
That being said, I found parts of the pacing uneven. Some sections moved too slowly, while others wrapped up too quickly, which made it harder to stay fully invested. A few of the character interactions felt forced at times, and the dialogue didn’t always flow naturally.
Overall, it was a decent read with an original idea and some gripping moments, but it didn’t fully live up to its potential. I’d still recommend it to crime fans who enjoy unusual twists, but it wasn’t a standout for me.
March 12, 2024
For a time there was a preponderance of new WW2 fiction coming available. That was a good thing, but at times just a bit too close to current events. This one is from a slightly different perspective as the main character is not from a Jewish home, but more in the character of the family of Anne Frank, who was both terrified and horrified by what was happening to her world. The writing is strong and well put together while emphasizing the basic humanity of the important characters. I have not read the first two books of the trilogy but did not feel the loss.
I requested and received a free temporary EARC from Book Whisperer via NetGalley. Thank you!
Available 14 Mar 2024 #BeyondTheTracksBk3
I requested and received a free temporary EARC from Book Whisperer via NetGalley. Thank you!
Available 14 Mar 2024 #BeyondTheTracksBk3
September 15, 2024
Another overwhelming story from Michael Reit. A botanist, Felicia, tends to the plants in the agriculural center of Rabejsko, right outside Auschwitz-Birkenau's camps. Her duty is to nurture plants to provide rubber for the Nazis in the war. Sabina is outside the camps working in the archives. Her father works in the coal mines run by the Nazis. What happens starts a friendship between Sabina and Felicia as they do what they can to to assist the prisoners of Auschwitz-Birkenau. This is the 3rd book in the series and is based on actual events and shows the ingenuity of prisoners in finding a way yo rise against the impossible odds of the Nazis. However, the ending was quite the surprise.
March 13, 2024
This was a really interesting book about a slightly different sort of concentration camp during WWII, which used prisoners with a scientific background to try to produce war materials for Germany, and the interactions between town folk and people both working in the camps and imprisoned there. It showed that not all Germans were horrible people, but that some enjoyed being cruel to those who were in the camps. People could be killed basically on a whim of a guard, and often were and those who tried to help prisoners often became prisoners themselves. I read a lot of WWII literature, both factual history and fiction, and this book was well written and captured my interest immediately.
March 13, 2024
This book is an intense read, a page turner for sure, that gives a unique look into a concentration camp not often written about. There were definitely times I had to set the story down because the atrocities were brought to life in such a way I had to really process them. I read this without reading the first two books and it worked well as a stand alone book. Overall I really enjoyed this read...but there were questions left unanswered that I really wish had been addressed like who was the insider. Maybe there will be another book?
I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review of this book.
I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review of this book.
March 23, 2024
The work is a work of fiction with a basis on real events. It is hard to read in some places due to the brutality that man can inflict on another human being. The two main characters Felecia and Sabina are two Polish young women working together to help prisoners. Felecia herself is a prisoner working on the Nazi agricultural camp of Rajsko, a ten-minute ride from Auschwitz-Birkenau. Sabina is a working in the records department in town, but needs to make periodic trips to the camp. She becomes part of the resistance movement. It is a very engaging read with vivid descriptions. I received an ARC for an honest review.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 91 reviews