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The Girls of the Glimmer Factory
Hannah longs for the days when she used to be free, but now, she is a Jewish prisoner at Theresienstadt, a model ghetto where the Nazis plan to make a propaganda film to convince the world that the Jewish people are living well in the camps. But Hannah will do anything to show the world the truth. Along with other young resistance members, they vow to disrupt the filming and derail the increasingly frequent deportations to death camps in the east.
Hilde is a true believer in the Nazi cause, working in the Reich Ministry of Enlightenment and Propaganda. Though they're losing the war, Hilde hasn't lost faith. She can't stop the Allied bombings, but she can help the party create a documentary that will renew confidence in Hitler's plans for Jewish containment. When the filming of Hitler Gives a City to the Jews faces production problems due to resistance, Hilde finds herself in a position to finally make a name for herself. And when she recognizes Hannah, an old childhood friend, she knows she can use their friendship to get the film back on track.
Hilde is a true believer in the Nazi cause, working in the Reich Ministry of Enlightenment and Propaganda. Though they're losing the war, Hilde hasn't lost faith. She can't stop the Allied bombings, but she can help the party create a documentary that will renew confidence in Hitler's plans for Jewish containment. When the filming of Hitler Gives a City to the Jews faces production problems due to resistance, Hilde finds herself in a position to finally make a name for herself. And when she recognizes Hannah, an old childhood friend, she knows she can use their friendship to get the film back on track.
480 pages, Hardcover
First published January 28, 2025
406 people are currently reading
29474 people want to read
About the author
Jennifer Coburn
15 books793 followersJennifer Coburn is the author of CRADLES OF THE REICH, a historical novel about three very different German women who meet at a Nazi Lebensborn breeding home.
She is the author of a travel memoir, six contemporary novel, and contributor to five literary anthologies. Jennifer has written for U-T San Diego, Washington Post, Miami Herald, Mothering magazine, The Huffington Post, Salon.com, and numerous other newspapers and magazines. She lives in San Diego with her husband William and their daughter Katie.
She is the author of a travel memoir, six contemporary novel, and contributor to five literary anthologies. Jennifer has written for U-T San Diego, Washington Post, Miami Herald, Mothering magazine, The Huffington Post, Salon.com, and numerous other newspapers and magazines. She lives in San Diego with her husband William and their daughter Katie.
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June 27, 2024I am the author of “Girls of the Glimmer Factory,” so this isn’t a review but a quick overview of my historical novel, which is about two childhood friends who meet as adults at the Theresienstadt “show camp” that the Nazis created for propaganda purposes.
Hannah is a Jewish prisoner who longs to reunite with her family; Hilde is a Nazi filmmaker who has clawed her way onto the crew for the sham documentary, “Hitler Gives a City to the Jews.” When the former friends face off, they change the course of one another’s lives.
I hope you'll put “Girls of the Glimmer Factory” on your Goodreads "Want to Read" list to be kept apprised of news and giveaways.
I’m also on Instagram and Facebook @JenniferCoburnBooks. For tour dates and contact info, please visit jennifercoburn.com I love hearing from readers and look forward to sharing this story with you.
Jen
About “The Girls of the Glimmer Factory”
At the center of “The Girls of the Glimmer Factory” is Hannah Kaufman, a young Jewish woman who has been sent with her grandfather to the Theresienstadt ghetto/camp in Czechoslovakia. They are told it is a new settlement for privileged Jews where they can wait out the war in safety. Hitler’s gift to the Jews, the Nazis called it. A paradise settlement.
When Hannah and her grandfather arrive, they find a filthy, crowded ghetto where prisoners are forced to provide slave labor for the German war effort. The Nazis order a “beautification” project to make the ghetto presentable for Red Cross inspections and propaganda films. Much to Hannah’s surprise, her childhood friend Hilde Kramer is part of the film crew. Cunning as ever, Hilde sees the chance to use their past friendship to advance her own cause. Hannah and her friends from the glimmer factory, however, have a plan to sabotage the film and alert the world of the reality behind the so-called model camp.
About Theresienstadt
In its three-and-a-half years, Theresienstadt served as a Jewish ghetto and way station to death camps in the east. According to the Yad Vashem World Holocaust Remembrance Center, 155,000 prisoners spent anywhere from a few days to several years at Theresienstadt. Among them, 88,000 were deported east and 35,440 died of starvation and disease. The remainder survived either Theresienstadt or Nazi death camps where they were transported.
Prisoners at Theresienstadt performed slave labor, received starvation rations, and lived in crowded barracks. At the same time, many prisoners at Theresienstadt were world-renowned artists, musicians, and intellectuals, so a vibrant cultural scene sprang to life. More than 5,000 pieces of art were created by prisoners, everything from children’s drawings to paintings by some of Europe’s most gifted artists. Over 1,000 musical works were performed at Theresienstadt, some of which were composed in the ghetto. Five hundred prisoners gave 2,400 lectures on literature, medicine, and philosophy, among other topics. Their work was a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the healing power of the arts.
Hannah is a Jewish prisoner who longs to reunite with her family; Hilde is a Nazi filmmaker who has clawed her way onto the crew for the sham documentary, “Hitler Gives a City to the Jews.” When the former friends face off, they change the course of one another’s lives.
I hope you'll put “Girls of the Glimmer Factory” on your Goodreads "Want to Read" list to be kept apprised of news and giveaways.
I’m also on Instagram and Facebook @JenniferCoburnBooks. For tour dates and contact info, please visit jennifercoburn.com I love hearing from readers and look forward to sharing this story with you.
Jen
About “The Girls of the Glimmer Factory”
At the center of “The Girls of the Glimmer Factory” is Hannah Kaufman, a young Jewish woman who has been sent with her grandfather to the Theresienstadt ghetto/camp in Czechoslovakia. They are told it is a new settlement for privileged Jews where they can wait out the war in safety. Hitler’s gift to the Jews, the Nazis called it. A paradise settlement.
When Hannah and her grandfather arrive, they find a filthy, crowded ghetto where prisoners are forced to provide slave labor for the German war effort. The Nazis order a “beautification” project to make the ghetto presentable for Red Cross inspections and propaganda films. Much to Hannah’s surprise, her childhood friend Hilde Kramer is part of the film crew. Cunning as ever, Hilde sees the chance to use their past friendship to advance her own cause. Hannah and her friends from the glimmer factory, however, have a plan to sabotage the film and alert the world of the reality behind the so-called model camp.
About Theresienstadt
In its three-and-a-half years, Theresienstadt served as a Jewish ghetto and way station to death camps in the east. According to the Yad Vashem World Holocaust Remembrance Center, 155,000 prisoners spent anywhere from a few days to several years at Theresienstadt. Among them, 88,000 were deported east and 35,440 died of starvation and disease. The remainder survived either Theresienstadt or Nazi death camps where they were transported.
Prisoners at Theresienstadt performed slave labor, received starvation rations, and lived in crowded barracks. At the same time, many prisoners at Theresienstadt were world-renowned artists, musicians, and intellectuals, so a vibrant cultural scene sprang to life. More than 5,000 pieces of art were created by prisoners, everything from children’s drawings to paintings by some of Europe’s most gifted artists. Over 1,000 musical works were performed at Theresienstadt, some of which were composed in the ghetto. Five hundred prisoners gave 2,400 lectures on literature, medicine, and philosophy, among other topics. Their work was a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the healing power of the arts.
January 17, 2025
In November 1941, the Nazis put into place the Ghettos after the invasion of Czech Village of Terezin. Theresien ghetto provided slave labor for the German war. There were over 155,000 prisoners, 88,000 transported to death camps, and 35, 440 died of starvation and disease. This was promised to the Jews as a "paradise settlement" & "Hitler's gift to the Jews", which ended up being a staging area so they could film documentaries and invite the Red Cross to see the prisoners were handled well.
Nothing goes as they were told...
Hilde, 20 year old widowed German, works proudly for the Reich. Her dream to be a film director has her making terrible decisions. She was best friends in school with a Jew, Hannah.
Hannah lives in Theresien and knows the truth about the camp. Her grandfather is in the camp with her, as well as others she went to school with. Their resilience and bonds they make in camp will touch your heart. As they deal with starvation, sickness and death, as well as friends and family being transported to death camps, my heart hurts and aches for them.
Hannah and Hilde come face to face when the filming company comes to portray the camp in a deceptive light with food, games, and good health. I had a hard time with Hilde as a character, but I can't say what I would do in such a situation.
WWII has always been one of my studies in college and day to day readings. I'm appalled by the treatment yet I love the stories of inspiration from the darkest moments in history. How humans could ever treat others in such a despicable manner never ceases to shock me. Yet, with each story I learn more about perseverance despite the challenges the Jews and others demonstrated "never give up". May we never forget or repeat the worse parts of history.
Thank you NetGalley and Sourcebooks Landmark for this ARC in exchange for my honest review.
Nothing goes as they were told...
Hilde, 20 year old widowed German, works proudly for the Reich. Her dream to be a film director has her making terrible decisions. She was best friends in school with a Jew, Hannah.
Hannah lives in Theresien and knows the truth about the camp. Her grandfather is in the camp with her, as well as others she went to school with. Their resilience and bonds they make in camp will touch your heart. As they deal with starvation, sickness and death, as well as friends and family being transported to death camps, my heart hurts and aches for them.
Hannah and Hilde come face to face when the filming company comes to portray the camp in a deceptive light with food, games, and good health. I had a hard time with Hilde as a character, but I can't say what I would do in such a situation.
WWII has always been one of my studies in college and day to day readings. I'm appalled by the treatment yet I love the stories of inspiration from the darkest moments in history. How humans could ever treat others in such a despicable manner never ceases to shock me. Yet, with each story I learn more about perseverance despite the challenges the Jews and others demonstrated "never give up". May we never forget or repeat the worse parts of history.
Thank you NetGalley and Sourcebooks Landmark for this ARC in exchange for my honest review.
December 12, 2024
'The existence of beauty and art was a result of two things: the cynical needs of the Nazis and the sheer fortitude of the prisoners'.
Hannah Kaufman and her grandfather are trying to survive the best they can in Prague, as Nazism takes control and anti-semitism tightens its noose around Jewish citizens. But hope seems to arrive in the form of a new 'settlement', Theresienstadt. Hannah's grandfather has sold their belongings to secure a lakeside cottage. Their arrival, however, makes it clear that this is no more than a rundown ghetto, serving meagre rations. With so many artists and musicians in residence though, defying their oppressors with the simple joy it brings them, gives hope to believe the war will soon end.
Hilde was a childhood friend of Hannah's, right up until the events around Kristallnacht forced the Kaufman's to flee Munich. As a proud German, she is keen to do whatever it takes to prove herself to the Reich, and filmmaking might just do it. When she's assigned to work on a propaganda film, featuring Theresienstadt, Hannah and Hilde's stories collide. But as the conditions become more dire, and people become more desperate, in the closing months of the war, just one of them will ultimately survive.
The Glimmer Factory is told in the alternating POVs of Hannah and Hilde. Hannah is reticent and fearful of joining any acts of resistance, while Hilde is a fanatical force that will stop at nothing to get what she wants.
Jennifer Coburn's story is well-researched and I really enjoyed reading her comprehensive endnotes. Theresienstadt was yet another part of WW2 history I was unaware of and I'm glad I had a chance to rectify this. A great addition to WW2 historical fiction and remembering the Holocaust.
'Truth could take alternate forms and be no less true'.
Hannah Kaufman and her grandfather are trying to survive the best they can in Prague, as Nazism takes control and anti-semitism tightens its noose around Jewish citizens. But hope seems to arrive in the form of a new 'settlement', Theresienstadt. Hannah's grandfather has sold their belongings to secure a lakeside cottage. Their arrival, however, makes it clear that this is no more than a rundown ghetto, serving meagre rations. With so many artists and musicians in residence though, defying their oppressors with the simple joy it brings them, gives hope to believe the war will soon end.
Hilde was a childhood friend of Hannah's, right up until the events around Kristallnacht forced the Kaufman's to flee Munich. As a proud German, she is keen to do whatever it takes to prove herself to the Reich, and filmmaking might just do it. When she's assigned to work on a propaganda film, featuring Theresienstadt, Hannah and Hilde's stories collide. But as the conditions become more dire, and people become more desperate, in the closing months of the war, just one of them will ultimately survive.
The Glimmer Factory is told in the alternating POVs of Hannah and Hilde. Hannah is reticent and fearful of joining any acts of resistance, while Hilde is a fanatical force that will stop at nothing to get what she wants.
Jennifer Coburn's story is well-researched and I really enjoyed reading her comprehensive endnotes. Theresienstadt was yet another part of WW2 history I was unaware of and I'm glad I had a chance to rectify this. A great addition to WW2 historical fiction and remembering the Holocaust.
'Truth could take alternate forms and be no less true'.
December 15, 2025
I was looking for an available audiobook on Libby (a free book and audiobook app if you have a public library card) and The Girls of the Glimmer Factory was available. I selected it without reading the book description.
I mistakenly thought it would be similar to The Radium Girls: The Dark Story of America’s Shining Women where young women in the US and Canada were told to "lip, dip, and paint" while painting watch and clock dials with radium so the numbers would be luminous. Their health, including mouth and facial features, were tragically impacted.
The Girls of the Glimmer Factory is a historical fiction novel based during World War II. The location is a concentration camp in Czechoslovakia called Theresienstadt where a propaganda film is being created to show the Red Cross and others how well Jews were being treated. Hitler viewed it as his gift to the Jews, a type of paradise settlement. I was unaware of Theresienstadt and the propaganda film prior to reading this book.
There is also a mica-slicing factory where prisoners create products that glitter. Two friends, Hannah and Hilde, find themselves at Theresienstadt where a resistance group is focused on derailing deportations.
I mistakenly thought it would be similar to The Radium Girls: The Dark Story of America’s Shining Women where young women in the US and Canada were told to "lip, dip, and paint" while painting watch and clock dials with radium so the numbers would be luminous. Their health, including mouth and facial features, were tragically impacted.
The Girls of the Glimmer Factory is a historical fiction novel based during World War II. The location is a concentration camp in Czechoslovakia called Theresienstadt where a propaganda film is being created to show the Red Cross and others how well Jews were being treated. Hitler viewed it as his gift to the Jews, a type of paradise settlement. I was unaware of Theresienstadt and the propaganda film prior to reading this book.
There is also a mica-slicing factory where prisoners create products that glitter. Two friends, Hannah and Hilde, find themselves at Theresienstadt where a resistance group is focused on derailing deportations.
June 21, 2024
The Girls of the Glimmer Factory is an incredibly well researched story of two former friends on different sides of Nazi oppression during WWII. A powerful piece of literature that highlights what prisoners of Theresienstadt endured and the insidious nature of Nazi propaganda. Jennifer Coburn has done it again with this gripping historical fiction that readers will love!
October 26, 2024
Just about anyone can go viral with anything these days.
We’ve all heard the term ‘fake news.’
Please tell me you don’t believe everything you see or hear!
Even though we now share information differently than we did 80+ years ago, the dangers of misinformation and propaganda are still the same. Author Jennifer Coburn’s pleas to wisely navigate the myriad of information we’re bombarded with daily, stem from her time spent visiting the site of a former ‘glimmer factory’ - Terezin, or, as the Nazis called it, Theresienstadt.
Pared down to its main objective, The Glimmer Factory, exposes the Nazi strategy of deception at Terezin.
All was not glitter and glam at the ‘spa resort’ in, what is now, the Czech Republic. and Coburn warns that the same strategy that was utilized to hoodwink Red Cross officials in the 1940s and is being utilized today. Yes, ‘spa visitors’ created more than 5,000 pieces of visual art: sketches, paintings, sculptures, and dolls. Yes, there were daily musical performances, like Verdi’s Requiem. Yes, there were also theatre, readings, and lectures. After all, the majority of the residents were prominent talented Jews.
The truth is that Terezin was designed to deceive the world about the true nature of the ‘final solution.’ It was curated after reports leaking the true conditions and functions of the death camps sparked concern and the Red Cross put pressure on the Nazis to inspect. A plan was hatched to present it as a model ghetto by masking the true purpose and conditions. The showcase of cultural activity was orchestrated to discredit accusations of maltreatment. It worked; the Red Cross was duped. So was the rest of the world. Heck, I didn’t even know about it and I’ve read many books with a Holocaust focus.
Coburn’s novel is set in this ‘glimmer factory’ and showcases two women, a Jewish prisoner working with 'glimmer' and dreaming of survival and an ambitious filmmaker, who were once childhood friends. Hannah Kaufman is willing to risk it all to show the world the truth about Terezin. Coincidentally, this is Hilde Kramer’s objective, too. She works for the Reich Ministry of Enlightenment and Propaganda and has been sent with a film crew to renew confidence in Hitler’s plans for the Jews. When they reunite they mutually hope to use their connection to further their cause. The trouble is, they aren’t on the same track, going the same direction. Will they be able to help each other survive? Will their friendship carry them through even the most harrowing times?
This gripping historical fiction, with an absolutely PERFECT title, that explores both sides of the Nazi oppression is not to be missed.
“One cannot be part of such an evil movement without great personal cost in the end.”
“Oppressors are the least creative people in the world. They constantly borrow one another’s ideas, and if we learn the early warning signs, we are better equipped to defeat them.”
I was gifted this copy by Sourcebooks Landmark and NetGalley and was under no obligation to provide a review.
We’ve all heard the term ‘fake news.’
Please tell me you don’t believe everything you see or hear!
Even though we now share information differently than we did 80+ years ago, the dangers of misinformation and propaganda are still the same. Author Jennifer Coburn’s pleas to wisely navigate the myriad of information we’re bombarded with daily, stem from her time spent visiting the site of a former ‘glimmer factory’ - Terezin, or, as the Nazis called it, Theresienstadt.
Pared down to its main objective, The Glimmer Factory, exposes the Nazi strategy of deception at Terezin.
All was not glitter and glam at the ‘spa resort’ in, what is now, the Czech Republic. and Coburn warns that the same strategy that was utilized to hoodwink Red Cross officials in the 1940s and is being utilized today. Yes, ‘spa visitors’ created more than 5,000 pieces of visual art: sketches, paintings, sculptures, and dolls. Yes, there were daily musical performances, like Verdi’s Requiem. Yes, there were also theatre, readings, and lectures. After all, the majority of the residents were prominent talented Jews.
The truth is that Terezin was designed to deceive the world about the true nature of the ‘final solution.’ It was curated after reports leaking the true conditions and functions of the death camps sparked concern and the Red Cross put pressure on the Nazis to inspect. A plan was hatched to present it as a model ghetto by masking the true purpose and conditions. The showcase of cultural activity was orchestrated to discredit accusations of maltreatment. It worked; the Red Cross was duped. So was the rest of the world. Heck, I didn’t even know about it and I’ve read many books with a Holocaust focus.
Coburn’s novel is set in this ‘glimmer factory’ and showcases two women, a Jewish prisoner working with 'glimmer' and dreaming of survival and an ambitious filmmaker, who were once childhood friends. Hannah Kaufman is willing to risk it all to show the world the truth about Terezin. Coincidentally, this is Hilde Kramer’s objective, too. She works for the Reich Ministry of Enlightenment and Propaganda and has been sent with a film crew to renew confidence in Hitler’s plans for the Jews. When they reunite they mutually hope to use their connection to further their cause. The trouble is, they aren’t on the same track, going the same direction. Will they be able to help each other survive? Will their friendship carry them through even the most harrowing times?
This gripping historical fiction, with an absolutely PERFECT title, that explores both sides of the Nazi oppression is not to be missed.
“One cannot be part of such an evil movement without great personal cost in the end.”
“Oppressors are the least creative people in the world. They constantly borrow one another’s ideas, and if we learn the early warning signs, we are better equipped to defeat them.”
I was gifted this copy by Sourcebooks Landmark and NetGalley and was under no obligation to provide a review.
November 26, 2024
Hannah Kaufman and her family fled Munich for Prague and things don’t go as planned and she and her grandfather Oskar are sent to Theresienstadt and he sure he’s bought a lakeside villa and where the former Great War veteran will be taken care of and tells Hannah not to worry. The residents of the camp make the best of a terrible situation, they open a school for the children and try be positive, musicians perform and hold concerts.
The Germans want to make a propaganda film to convince the Red Cross the Jewish people are being looked after in the camps and squash the bad rumours. Hannah and her friends hope to let people know what’s really going on, they plan on secretly adding things to the set that the Germans hopefully won’t notice and others will.
Hilde Kramer is a supporter of Hitler and the Nazi cause, she works for the Reich Ministry of Enlightenment and Propaganda. Hilde is driven and longs to succeed and to be part of the team sent to Theresienstadt and she will do anything to be included. When Hilde arrives at the camp she recognizes Hannah, her ex-childhood friend, she assumes knowing Hannah will help her and the others make a film that will be believable and gain Hilde the notoriety and praise she deserves.
I received a copy of The Girls of the Glimmer Factory from Edelweiss Plus and Sourcebooks in exchange for an honest review. Once again Jennifer Coburn writes about a difficult subjects and brings attention to Theresienstadt a camp used by the Germans for a variety of reasons and all of them horrible, sinister and inhumane.
The truth is everyone's starving and malnourished, the place is crowded, dirty and they had no running water, diseases run rampant and anyone who’s no longer useful and can't work splitting rocks to extract mica flakes, are sent to another camp and never heard from again.
I really like how the novel looks at what was happening at the time from the two main characters points of view, I felt so sorry for Hannah and her Opa and had never heard of the concentration camp at Theresienstadt and I'm sure Hilde would’ve represented a generation of brain washed German women, I didn’t like her at all and five stars from me and I highly recommend The Girls of the Glimmer Factory and it's perfect title for the book and please read it to discover why.
The Germans want to make a propaganda film to convince the Red Cross the Jewish people are being looked after in the camps and squash the bad rumours. Hannah and her friends hope to let people know what’s really going on, they plan on secretly adding things to the set that the Germans hopefully won’t notice and others will.
Hilde Kramer is a supporter of Hitler and the Nazi cause, she works for the Reich Ministry of Enlightenment and Propaganda. Hilde is driven and longs to succeed and to be part of the team sent to Theresienstadt and she will do anything to be included. When Hilde arrives at the camp she recognizes Hannah, her ex-childhood friend, she assumes knowing Hannah will help her and the others make a film that will be believable and gain Hilde the notoriety and praise she deserves.
I received a copy of The Girls of the Glimmer Factory from Edelweiss Plus and Sourcebooks in exchange for an honest review. Once again Jennifer Coburn writes about a difficult subjects and brings attention to Theresienstadt a camp used by the Germans for a variety of reasons and all of them horrible, sinister and inhumane.
The truth is everyone's starving and malnourished, the place is crowded, dirty and they had no running water, diseases run rampant and anyone who’s no longer useful and can't work splitting rocks to extract mica flakes, are sent to another camp and never heard from again.
I really like how the novel looks at what was happening at the time from the two main characters points of view, I felt so sorry for Hannah and her Opa and had never heard of the concentration camp at Theresienstadt and I'm sure Hilde would’ve represented a generation of brain washed German women, I didn’t like her at all and five stars from me and I highly recommend The Girls of the Glimmer Factory and it's perfect title for the book and please read it to discover why.
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August 8, 2024I had the honor of reading this book early for endorsement. Here's what I thought...
Powerful, brave, and an absolute must read! Coburn has penned a story that is compelling and immersive, informative and illustrative. The Girls of the Glimmer Factory opens a window into our history and humanity during one of the darkest chapters of the twentieth century, a time when evil and cruelty threatened, but failed to defeat light, goodness, and the indomitable human spirit for sacrafice and love. Her research, while astounding, never overwhelms her narrative and gives her novel a firm footing that draws us close and invites us to never forget.
— Katherine Reay, Bestselling Author of The London House and The Berlin Letters
Powerful, brave, and an absolute must read! Coburn has penned a story that is compelling and immersive, informative and illustrative. The Girls of the Glimmer Factory opens a window into our history and humanity during one of the darkest chapters of the twentieth century, a time when evil and cruelty threatened, but failed to defeat light, goodness, and the indomitable human spirit for sacrafice and love. Her research, while astounding, never overwhelms her narrative and gives her novel a firm footing that draws us close and invites us to never forget.
— Katherine Reay, Bestselling Author of The London House and The Berlin Letters
January 17, 2025
The Girls of the Glimmer Factory is a must-read historical fiction novel that shines a light on Theresienstadt, a Jewish prison camp located outside of Prague during WWII. The Nazis created propaganda films there to promote misinformation that this was a spa-like community where Jewish people were well cared for and thrived. Although the arts, literature, lectures, and music were a large part of life at Theresienstadt, life was hard labor and starvation for many. The story follows the experiences of two childhood best friends, Hannah, a Jewish young woman, and Hilde, a German who is loyal to the Reich.
Jennifer Coburn's meticulous research is evident throughout with its rich detail and superbly crafted characters. She poignantly demonstrates the bonds of love and friendship, human kindness, and decency as well as greed and the horrors of inhumanity, cruelty, and genocide. Most importantly, the resilience of the human spirit is woven throughout the storyline. I have read several novels about this time period and the concentration camps, including a recent visit to the Holocaust Museum in Washington DC. I knew the Nazis used propaganda to keep the world in the dark about Hitler's goal of genocide but I had never heard of Theresienstadt. I learned so much from this novel, and it is one I will ponder for a long time. The more informed we are, the more we can help prevent similar occurrences in the future.
Many thanks to NetGalley, Sourcebooks Landmark, and Jennifer Coburn for an advance reader's copy in exchange for my honest review.
Jennifer Coburn's meticulous research is evident throughout with its rich detail and superbly crafted characters. She poignantly demonstrates the bonds of love and friendship, human kindness, and decency as well as greed and the horrors of inhumanity, cruelty, and genocide. Most importantly, the resilience of the human spirit is woven throughout the storyline. I have read several novels about this time period and the concentration camps, including a recent visit to the Holocaust Museum in Washington DC. I knew the Nazis used propaganda to keep the world in the dark about Hitler's goal of genocide but I had never heard of Theresienstadt. I learned so much from this novel, and it is one I will ponder for a long time. The more informed we are, the more we can help prevent similar occurrences in the future.
Many thanks to NetGalley, Sourcebooks Landmark, and Jennifer Coburn for an advance reader's copy in exchange for my honest review.
January 28, 2025
This is an entertaining, well-written, informative, WWII historical fiction novel which takes place in Theresienstadt, and includes depictions of actual persons and events. It is fast paced, with a likable female protagonist, heartbreak, sorrow, hope, strength, resilience, the comfort and healing power of music, and a satisfying conclusion. The author's notes are interesting and enlightening, and are truly appreciated. I especially liked this novel's inspiring message that friendship gives us the power to discover who we really are, and to find strength when we need it the most. Many thanks to Ms. Coburn, Sourcebooks Landmark, and NetGalley, from whom I received an advanced reader copy of this outstanding novel. This is my honest opinion.
January 31, 2025
We meet Hilde and Hannah.
Hilde's husband was killed in the war and is now working for a film crew who will be making a propaganda film about Theresienstadt - a Nazi camp that spouts a wonderful, peaceful city for the Jewish people and where they are treated well.
In reality, it is a Ghetto, a work camp, and a prison that was a a stopover before being sent to death camps.
Hannah is a prisoner in Theresienstadt and tries to thwart the efforts of the Germans since she is living in squalor, working for nothing, and eating watered down soup for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
When Hilde arrives, she sees her friend Hannah.
Will friendship win out to thwart the fake news about the camp or will the Nazi’s lies and deception win?
Hannah was a very likable character whereas Hilde was not. Hilde was self centered - Hannah suffered a lot and had compassion.
THE GIRLS OF THE GLIMMER FACTORY brings to light the horrors of this misrepresented camp but focuses on courage, friendships, and the will to live. 5/5
Thank you to the publisher for a copy of this book. All opinions are my own.
Hilde's husband was killed in the war and is now working for a film crew who will be making a propaganda film about Theresienstadt - a Nazi camp that spouts a wonderful, peaceful city for the Jewish people and where they are treated well.
In reality, it is a Ghetto, a work camp, and a prison that was a a stopover before being sent to death camps.
Hannah is a prisoner in Theresienstadt and tries to thwart the efforts of the Germans since she is living in squalor, working for nothing, and eating watered down soup for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
When Hilde arrives, she sees her friend Hannah.
Will friendship win out to thwart the fake news about the camp or will the Nazi’s lies and deception win?
Hannah was a very likable character whereas Hilde was not. Hilde was self centered - Hannah suffered a lot and had compassion.
THE GIRLS OF THE GLIMMER FACTORY brings to light the horrors of this misrepresented camp but focuses on courage, friendships, and the will to live. 5/5
Thank you to the publisher for a copy of this book. All opinions are my own.
January 22, 2025
Wow! This was such an interesting, yet heartbreaking read! As many books I've read about WW2, I still learned something that I didn't know about. The Nazi “show camp” called Theresienstadt. Where they would make propaganda films to make it look like the Jewish we're not being mistreated. Just GROSS to think about.
In this book we read about two girls who used to be friends and are now on opposite sides. Hannah is a Jewish prisoner at Theresienstadt, and her ex-friend Hilde is a Nazi Sympathizer. Hilde is working in the Reich Ministry and making propaganda films. Hannah and other Jewish resistance members at the camp want to disrupt the filming any chance they get. Then Hilde recognizes Hannah and thinks she can get to her and get this film back on track. Guys..... PROPAGANDA IS EVIL!!
What a well written and researched book. I flew through this one. It makes me so sad to think about the horrors that went on during the war. Great read!
Thank you to the publisher and Suzy Approved Book Tours for the gifted copy. All opinions are my own.
In this book we read about two girls who used to be friends and are now on opposite sides. Hannah is a Jewish prisoner at Theresienstadt, and her ex-friend Hilde is a Nazi Sympathizer. Hilde is working in the Reich Ministry and making propaganda films. Hannah and other Jewish resistance members at the camp want to disrupt the filming any chance they get. Then Hilde recognizes Hannah and thinks she can get to her and get this film back on track. Guys..... PROPAGANDA IS EVIL!!
What a well written and researched book. I flew through this one. It makes me so sad to think about the horrors that went on during the war. Great read!
Thank you to the publisher and Suzy Approved Book Tours for the gifted copy. All opinions are my own.
January 29, 2025
Compelling, intense, and absorbing!
The Girls of the Glimmer Factory is a charged, intriguing tale set during WWII that takes you into the lives of Hannah Kaufman, a young Jewish woman imprisoned in the Theresienstadt ghetto, and Hilde Kramer-Bischoff, a German filmmaker who is bound and determined to produce a film that shows the world the benefits of Hitler’s Nazi ideology.
The prose is fluid and rich. The characters are resilient, courageous, and strong. And the plot is a captivating tale of life, loss, love, family, survival, sacrifice, courage, selflessness, the unimaginable horrors of war, and the dangers of propaganda.
Overall, The Girls of the Glimmer Factory is an enticing, heart-tugging, atmospheric tale by Coburn that transports you to another time and place and immerses you so thoroughly into the feelings, lives, and personalities of the characters you can’t help but be fully engrossed and completely invested throughout.
The Girls of the Glimmer Factory is a charged, intriguing tale set during WWII that takes you into the lives of Hannah Kaufman, a young Jewish woman imprisoned in the Theresienstadt ghetto, and Hilde Kramer-Bischoff, a German filmmaker who is bound and determined to produce a film that shows the world the benefits of Hitler’s Nazi ideology.
The prose is fluid and rich. The characters are resilient, courageous, and strong. And the plot is a captivating tale of life, loss, love, family, survival, sacrifice, courage, selflessness, the unimaginable horrors of war, and the dangers of propaganda.
Overall, The Girls of the Glimmer Factory is an enticing, heart-tugging, atmospheric tale by Coburn that transports you to another time and place and immerses you so thoroughly into the feelings, lives, and personalities of the characters you can’t help but be fully engrossed and completely invested throughout.
July 14, 2024
Pros :: Is it too early to say “The Girls of the Glimmer Factory” will be one of my top 5 books for 2025? The characters were believable, multi-dimensional and will have you thinking about them when you put the book down. Hannah Kaufman is a survivor and she needs all her wits, her bravery and ideas to get her out of Theresienstadt ghetto, if she can. So interesting to have Hilde Kramer-Bischoff back from “The Cradles of the Reich.” If you haven’t read that novel yet -- do read it -- yet you don’t need to in order to get the full picture of her. Hilde’s first movie she made for her superiors was spot on to emphasize the evilness of fake news. Opa Oskar was so sweet and heart crushing in his viewpoints. Loved Danuse, daughter of Olina. What a better way to add to the story than through the eyes of a child? One sentence amongst others to ponder on is “Maybe she had been right and hope was the accomplice of the Nazis. Or perhaps it was a gift from God. Who knew in this upside-down world of evil and duplicity?” page 382. What a satisfying conclusion to both Hannah and especially Hilde. Make sure to read the author’s note in the back. You’ll realize how hard Jennifer Coburn worked to get her fiction book as actuate as possible. This is an amazingly haunting book that was written with care and brings forth the dangers of propaganda, racism and hatred.
Cons :: Nothing
Cover art :: N/A Text only at this point.
Thanks to the American Library Association for an advanced reader copy
Cons :: Nothing
Cover art :: N/A Text only at this point.
Thanks to the American Library Association for an advanced reader copy
January 28, 2025
The Girls of the Glimmer Factory is the first historical fiction I've read in a while (Thank you @bookmarked for the ARC) and I couldn't put it down. It's hard leaving characters in places like Theresienstadt (based on a real place) where our main character Hannah is taken after her Grandfather buys a "lakeside cottage in a spa town for Jews". Described as a "paradise settlement" and "Hitler's gift to the Jews", it was anything but. Its purpose was to make the world believe Jews were being treated nicely. Prisoners produced works of art, put on performances, operas, lectures, readings. All of this was in addition to their assigned "jobs" like working in a factory splitting mica into thin sheets which causes tiny cuts on their hands.
The Nazis plan to make a propaganda film at Theresienstadt to show the world what they want to show them, but Hannah and her friends have a plan. They can't stop the film but maybe they can show the truth after all.
The Girls of the Glimmer Factory is all about the characters. Watching Hannah as she changes from when she enters Theresienstadt to the end of the novel is interesting. She is always the same good person but her bravery and leadership develops along the way. Her friend Misa is a wonderful character who I liked right away. There are many others who all work together in different ways.
Chapters from Hannah's perspective alternate with Hilde, a childhood friend and true Nazi supporter. She isn't a sympathetic character, but her chapters are still interesting. She wants to make a name for herself in filmmaking. Their paths cross again when Hilde is assigned to the propaganda film. I can't say anymore without spoilers about what happens when they meet again.
Things get very interesting as the filming approaches. Time is not on the prisoners' side, but their fight and determination will never end.
This book will make you cry. It will make you stay up late reading. If you like historical fiction add this to your list!
The Nazis plan to make a propaganda film at Theresienstadt to show the world what they want to show them, but Hannah and her friends have a plan. They can't stop the film but maybe they can show the truth after all.
The Girls of the Glimmer Factory is all about the characters. Watching Hannah as she changes from when she enters Theresienstadt to the end of the novel is interesting. She is always the same good person but her bravery and leadership develops along the way. Her friend Misa is a wonderful character who I liked right away. There are many others who all work together in different ways.
Chapters from Hannah's perspective alternate with Hilde, a childhood friend and true Nazi supporter. She isn't a sympathetic character, but her chapters are still interesting. She wants to make a name for herself in filmmaking. Their paths cross again when Hilde is assigned to the propaganda film. I can't say anymore without spoilers about what happens when they meet again.
Things get very interesting as the filming approaches. Time is not on the prisoners' side, but their fight and determination will never end.
This book will make you cry. It will make you stay up late reading. If you like historical fiction add this to your list!
August 10, 2025
Read to 22%.
I appreciated the alternating perspectives of two young, hopeful young women - one a relocated Jewess and the other a child of Germany and its “master race”. Both were lively and intriguing characters. Very skillful on the author’s part.
I did not appreciate the quasi-rape scene. Young woman flirts to get her job, then doesn’t want to turn down her bosses advances so as to not lose her job. Scene was just a teensy bit too graphic for my taste.
Moving on. 🪂
I appreciated the alternating perspectives of two young, hopeful young women - one a relocated Jewess and the other a child of Germany and its “master race”. Both were lively and intriguing characters. Very skillful on the author’s part.
I did not appreciate the quasi-rape scene. Young woman flirts to get her job, then doesn’t want to turn down her bosses advances so as to not lose her job. Scene was just a teensy bit too graphic for my taste.
Moving on. 🪂
January 28, 2025
3.5 ⭐️
Things I liked
- Although I had heard about the Nazi propaganda movies and Theresientstadz in passing, I loved learning more about them
- The book is very well researched and I enjoyed the authors notes at the end ( which I rarely read tbh but I try to in historical fiction )
- I enjoyed getting two completely different perspectives- Hilde who was a character I loved to hate and Hannah ( who tbh annoyed me a bit first half of the book ) but grew on me over time
What I didn’t like so much
- the first half of the book felt really slow to me; the book picked up about half way thru but the ending felt very rushed . At min I thought Hilde needed one more chapter - her story felt incomplete to me .
Thank you to the author, Netgalley and the publisher for complimentary copy in exchange for an honest review
Things I liked
- Although I had heard about the Nazi propaganda movies and Theresientstadz in passing, I loved learning more about them
- The book is very well researched and I enjoyed the authors notes at the end ( which I rarely read tbh but I try to in historical fiction )
- I enjoyed getting two completely different perspectives- Hilde who was a character I loved to hate and Hannah ( who tbh annoyed me a bit first half of the book ) but grew on me over time
What I didn’t like so much
- the first half of the book felt really slow to me; the book picked up about half way thru but the ending felt very rushed . At min I thought Hilde needed one more chapter - her story felt incomplete to me .
Thank you to the author, Netgalley and the publisher for complimentary copy in exchange for an honest review
March 8, 2025
TITLE: The Girls of the Glimmer Factory
AUTHOR: Jennifer Coburn
PUB DATE: 01.28.2025
From the author of Cradles of the Reich comes a poignant and inspiring tale for fans of The Forest of Vanishing Stars and The German Wife about resistance, friendship, and the dangers of propaganda, based on the real story of the Nazi "show camp" Theresienstadt.
THOUGHTS:
I was so mesmerized reading another well-researched WWII novel by Coburn into the world of Hannah and Hilde, touching upon the world of filmmaking. I always glean more knowledge reading historical fiction and this was a favorite of mine. The Author's Notes are a must read and grateful for the insights.
Reading from the perspectives of these two women made this book gripping, emotional, and eye opening for me.
What an incredible story!
AUTHOR: Jennifer Coburn
PUB DATE: 01.28.2025
From the author of Cradles of the Reich comes a poignant and inspiring tale for fans of The Forest of Vanishing Stars and The German Wife about resistance, friendship, and the dangers of propaganda, based on the real story of the Nazi "show camp" Theresienstadt.
THOUGHTS:
I was so mesmerized reading another well-researched WWII novel by Coburn into the world of Hannah and Hilde, touching upon the world of filmmaking. I always glean more knowledge reading historical fiction and this was a favorite of mine. The Author's Notes are a must read and grateful for the insights.
Reading from the perspectives of these two women made this book gripping, emotional, and eye opening for me.
What an incredible story!
August 7, 2024
I read an Advance Reader's Copy of The Girls of the Glimmer Factory when I was home recovering from an illness. As exhausted as I was, I couldn't put it down! The story is poignant, informative, inspiring and filled with twists and turns. But, it is also is a grim reminder of the horrors of the Holocaust. It's an important read for everyone--we can never let history repeat itself.
February 2, 2025
5 stars.
January 31, 2025
This is the second historical by this author. Cradles of the Reich was a heartbreaking story based on facts as is this book.
This book was so well researched and takes you inside a Jewish ghetto camp where humans were treated like animals. Starved and many horrors facing them daily. It's heartbreaking to know these things happened and very possibly could happen again.
Hannah and Hilde had been best friends in younger years. Hannah was Jewish and Hilde a German.
Hannah and her grandfather/Opa were sent to Theresienstadt. Her grandpa thought they bought a cottage by the lake. It was a ghetto camp for the Jews. Hannah's parents, brother, and grandmother, had fled before they could be taken from their home. Hannah was sick with smallpox and could not go so her grandpa took care of her.
Hilde was a German who thought the Jews were awful and dirty. The soul reason for all that was wrong with Germany. That was what she had been taught and she believed it. She had no empathy for the Jewish people. She was a very smug young lady. She didn't have high standards or morals either. She did whatever it took to get what she wanted.
Hannah and many Jews were in the Theresienstadt ghetto. Many worked in the glimmer factory. Everyone had a job. They had to have to survive. This place was horrible but the prisoners did the best with what they had. Many very smart and talented people were here. From musicians to teachers. They entertained and did what they could to teach the younger children.
Not many of the hundreds of thousands sent to this camp lived. Some did though and went on to tell the world what really happened here. Despite the propaganda film made the truth would be told.
This book is so well researched and at the end you can read exactly what the author did to gain the information used in this novel. The people she spoke with. The places she visited. I love a well researched novel and this one is exceptionally done.
This book is so heartbreaking and open. It made me shed many many tears. It is very hard to believe that not that long ago these things happened. Let us please remember and not let it happen again.
Thank you #NetGalley, #SourcebooksLandmark, for this ARC.
Five big stars.
This book was so well researched and takes you inside a Jewish ghetto camp where humans were treated like animals. Starved and many horrors facing them daily. It's heartbreaking to know these things happened and very possibly could happen again.
Hannah and Hilde had been best friends in younger years. Hannah was Jewish and Hilde a German.
Hannah and her grandfather/Opa were sent to Theresienstadt. Her grandpa thought they bought a cottage by the lake. It was a ghetto camp for the Jews. Hannah's parents, brother, and grandmother, had fled before they could be taken from their home. Hannah was sick with smallpox and could not go so her grandpa took care of her.
Hilde was a German who thought the Jews were awful and dirty. The soul reason for all that was wrong with Germany. That was what she had been taught and she believed it. She had no empathy for the Jewish people. She was a very smug young lady. She didn't have high standards or morals either. She did whatever it took to get what she wanted.
Hannah and many Jews were in the Theresienstadt ghetto. Many worked in the glimmer factory. Everyone had a job. They had to have to survive. This place was horrible but the prisoners did the best with what they had. Many very smart and talented people were here. From musicians to teachers. They entertained and did what they could to teach the younger children.
Not many of the hundreds of thousands sent to this camp lived. Some did though and went on to tell the world what really happened here. Despite the propaganda film made the truth would be told.
This book is so well researched and at the end you can read exactly what the author did to gain the information used in this novel. The people she spoke with. The places she visited. I love a well researched novel and this one is exceptionally done.
This book is so heartbreaking and open. It made me shed many many tears. It is very hard to believe that not that long ago these things happened. Let us please remember and not let it happen again.
Thank you #NetGalley, #SourcebooksLandmark, for this ARC.
Five big stars.
July 22, 2025
Carefully-researched, thoughtfully written, and incredibly heartbreaking. Fantastic read!
February 8, 2025
“In its three and a half years, Theresienstadt served as a Jewish ghetto and way station to death camps in the east. Prisoners performed slave labor for the Nazi war effort, received starvation rations, and lived in crowded barracks. At the same time, many prisoners at Theresienstadt were world-renowned artists, musicians, and intellectuals, so a vibrant cultural scene sprang to life.”
The Girls of the Glimmer Factory follows two young women, Hannah - a Jewish prisoner at the Theresienstadt camp, and Hilde - a Nazi trying to rise within the ranks.
I appreciated learning about Theresienstadt, the “model camp” Nazi’s created for propaganda purposes. I had not known about it until this book. The phrase over the gates there were the same as Auschwitz “work sets you free.” It was used for fake propaganda videos to show the world how “well” Jewish people were living/treated (to be clear, they weren’t treated well) and it was also used for Red Cross inspections.
It’s clear that this book was well researched! It was cool that the author continued Hilde’s perspective (a character in her first book, The Cradles of the Reich) into The Girls of the Glimmer Factory - although her perspective was very hard to read.
While I enjoy learning about pieces of history I’m unaware of, and I love the alternating perspectives of the two characters, I wasn’t *totally* captivated by the writing. I understand where the title comes from, but it played such a minor part of the story that it didn’t totally make sense to me. I also guessed the ‘twist’ early on.
Overall, it’s a powerful read that will teach you a lot! Huge thanks to Sourcebooks Landmark and NetGalley for the eARC!
The Girls of the Glimmer Factory follows two young women, Hannah - a Jewish prisoner at the Theresienstadt camp, and Hilde - a Nazi trying to rise within the ranks.
I appreciated learning about Theresienstadt, the “model camp” Nazi’s created for propaganda purposes. I had not known about it until this book. The phrase over the gates there were the same as Auschwitz “work sets you free.” It was used for fake propaganda videos to show the world how “well” Jewish people were living/treated (to be clear, they weren’t treated well) and it was also used for Red Cross inspections.
It’s clear that this book was well researched! It was cool that the author continued Hilde’s perspective (a character in her first book, The Cradles of the Reich) into The Girls of the Glimmer Factory - although her perspective was very hard to read.
While I enjoy learning about pieces of history I’m unaware of, and I love the alternating perspectives of the two characters, I wasn’t *totally* captivated by the writing. I understand where the title comes from, but it played such a minor part of the story that it didn’t totally make sense to me. I also guessed the ‘twist’ early on.
Overall, it’s a powerful read that will teach you a lot! Huge thanks to Sourcebooks Landmark and NetGalley for the eARC!
January 19, 2025
The Girls of the Glimmer Factory by Jennifer Coburn. Thanks to @sourcebookslandmark for the gifted Arc ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Hannah is a prisoner at Theresienstadt, a model ghetto where the Nazi’s plan to film a propaganda piece to show the world that their Jewish population is living well. She recognizes an old childhood friend, Hilda, who is now a strong Nazi cause believer and helping to create the film.
Another great World War Two fiction from Coburn. This one a coming of age story of a girl, unfortunately coming of age in Theresienstadt. This is an important story as it shows the use of propaganda during the war and how the Red Cross and others were enabled to turn a blind eye. I hate when ww2 fiction has all the characters survive, as it’s not realistic. This story is completely realistic and be prepared for that.
“Nature taunted her, but it was humanity that had betrayed her. Where were the cries of outrage from the world? They had to know what was happening.”
The Girls of the Glimmer Factory comes out 1/28.
Hannah is a prisoner at Theresienstadt, a model ghetto where the Nazi’s plan to film a propaganda piece to show the world that their Jewish population is living well. She recognizes an old childhood friend, Hilda, who is now a strong Nazi cause believer and helping to create the film.
Another great World War Two fiction from Coburn. This one a coming of age story of a girl, unfortunately coming of age in Theresienstadt. This is an important story as it shows the use of propaganda during the war and how the Red Cross and others were enabled to turn a blind eye. I hate when ww2 fiction has all the characters survive, as it’s not realistic. This story is completely realistic and be prepared for that.
“Nature taunted her, but it was humanity that had betrayed her. Where were the cries of outrage from the world? They had to know what was happening.”
The Girls of the Glimmer Factory comes out 1/28.
July 3, 2025
2.5 stars
I had mixed feelings about this novel. I was thankful for the chance to learn about Theresienstadt, the “model ghetto” of the Holocaust and its example of the depths of the Nazi propaganda machine. I did find the fictional character Hannah quite compelling, from her family life to her conduct in the camp. Unfortunately the novel was imbalanced in the less-than-believable characterization of Nazi, Hilde. Her initial portrayal as a determined girl to climb the ranks of the Nazi party did not mesh with the later display of ignorance and also sudden sympathy (and daring intentions) for her childhood friend.
I rated it lower to reflect my opinion about the novel’s standing compared to other historical fiction about the Holocaust. In no way does the rating lessen the respect for the victims portrayed or the horrors of the subject matter. In addition, the author should be praised for the obviously detailed research that went into crafting this novel and her desire to honor the memory of both the survivors and those who lost their lives in the Holocaust.
I had mixed feelings about this novel. I was thankful for the chance to learn about Theresienstadt, the “model ghetto” of the Holocaust and its example of the depths of the Nazi propaganda machine. I did find the fictional character Hannah quite compelling, from her family life to her conduct in the camp. Unfortunately the novel was imbalanced in the less-than-believable characterization of Nazi, Hilde. Her initial portrayal as a determined girl to climb the ranks of the Nazi party did not mesh with the later display of ignorance and also sudden sympathy (and daring intentions) for her childhood friend.
I rated it lower to reflect my opinion about the novel’s standing compared to other historical fiction about the Holocaust. In no way does the rating lessen the respect for the victims portrayed or the horrors of the subject matter. In addition, the author should be praised for the obviously detailed research that went into crafting this novel and her desire to honor the memory of both the survivors and those who lost their lives in the Holocaust.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 25, 2025
My first time reading about Ttheresienstadt. Historical fiction but very well researched and historically accurate. I pushed to 5 stars because I appreciated that the author did not sugar coat, make light of or try to spin positive the situation.
January 31, 2025
4.5/5⭐️ What a pleasant surprise! I thought Cradles of the Reich was mediocre, so I didn’t have high expectations here.. but this was a much better story in every way! I gave it a chance because Theresienstadt interests me a lot. Such talented souls there, who had a very unique experience compared to other ghettos. It’s incredible the ways that they continued to flourish creatively despite unbelievably tragic circumstances. I’ve only read one other WWII HF book that covered Theresienstadt, but this book was more in depth & I learned a ton. It’s also NOT a dual timeline, which I was happy to see, & the author’s note was extremely thorough.
June 10, 2025
So, when I borrowed this book I, for some reason, was thinking it was about the radium girls in the 20s. I was quickly reminded of Theresienstadt and the terrible terror and resilience of the people imprisoned there. This was a tale of the opposite lives of two women directly effected by the Nazi rise and the fragile balances of humanity during a disgusting time of events. I was a Holocaust nerd and studied everything I could when I was younger but the story this author told brought out a new kind of story. The balance of the two main characters experiences and the tragedy of trying to save your family only to make choices that hurt your family was shattering at times.
February 27, 2025
This historical fiction will keep one turning the pages!
During WW2 two women, once childhood friends, find their paths diverging in very different directions. One is all in for the Reich and the glory of Hitler. The other has been sent to Theresienstadt
concentration camp, the one the Nazis use as their “model camp” for propaganda purposes…
*I received a digital copy from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are strictly my own.*
During WW2 two women, once childhood friends, find their paths diverging in very different directions. One is all in for the Reich and the glory of Hitler. The other has been sent to Theresienstadt
concentration camp, the one the Nazis use as their “model camp” for propaganda purposes…
*I received a digital copy from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are strictly my own.*
February 12, 2025
If you love reading historical fiction—specifically WWII stories—then you must give Jennifer Coburn’s novels a try. Her latest, THE GIRLS OF THE GLIMMER FACTORY is so incredibly crafted and meticulously researched. It’s a very impressive read that cannot be missed.
QUICK SYNOPSIS:
“𝘍𝘳𝘰𝘮 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘢𝘶𝘵𝘩𝘰𝘳 𝘰𝘧 𝘊𝘳𝘢𝘥𝘭𝘦𝘴 𝘰𝘧 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘙𝘦𝘪𝘤𝘩 𝘤𝘰𝘮𝘦𝘴 𝘢 𝘱𝘰𝘪𝘨𝘯𝘢𝘯𝘵 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘪𝘯𝘴𝘱𝘪𝘳𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘵𝘢𝘭𝘦 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘧𝘢𝘯𝘴 𝘰𝘧 𝘛𝘩𝘦 𝘍𝘰𝘳𝘦𝘴𝘵 𝘰𝘧 𝘝𝘢𝘯𝘪𝘴𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘚𝘵𝘢𝘳𝘴 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘛𝘩𝘦 𝘎𝘦𝘳𝘮𝘢𝘯 𝘞𝘪𝘧𝘦 𝘢𝘣𝘰𝘶𝘵 𝘳𝘦𝘴𝘪𝘴𝘵𝘢𝘯𝘤𝘦, 𝘧𝘳𝘪𝘦𝘯𝘥𝘴𝘩𝘪𝘱, 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘥𝘢𝘯𝘨𝘦𝘳𝘴 𝘰𝘧 𝘱𝘳𝘰𝘱𝘢𝘨𝘢𝘯𝘥𝘢, 𝘣𝘢𝘴𝘦𝘥 𝘰𝘯 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘭 𝘴𝘵𝘰𝘳𝘺 𝘰𝘧 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘕𝘢𝘻𝘪 “𝘴𝘩𝘰𝘸 𝘤𝘢𝘮𝘱” 𝘛𝘩𝘦𝘳𝘦𝘴𝘪𝘦𝘯𝘴𝘵𝘢𝘥𝘵.”
The novel follows two young women, Hannah and Hilde who give the reader two very crucial (and opposing) points of view. Hannah is a Jewish prisoner and Hilde is a filmmaker who fully supports the Nazi cause. As you can imagine, their individual experiences are extremely different, yet the author expertly weaves their stories together to create one powerful piece of historical fiction.
The novel brings light to the propaganda and disgusting lies told by the Nazis to convince the world that the Jewish people were actually living and being treated quite well in the camps. Hilde wants her film to showcase this, and Hannah wants to expose the ugly truth.
Please don’t skip the author’s note! Coburn discusses her writing process and the extensive research put into writing this novel, which even included traveling to the Czech Republic! I’ve read a lot of WWII novels over the years, but have never heard of Theresienstadt, so I appreciated the history lesson on this specific prison camp.
Like most novels about this time period, the subject matter is disturbing and heavy, so it’s heartbreaking and absolutely maddening to read about. Be prepared for an emotional read with a nail-biting and heart-pounding conclusion.
4/5 stars for THE GIRLS OF THE GLIMMER FACTORY! It’s out now!
QUICK SYNOPSIS:
“𝘍𝘳𝘰𝘮 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘢𝘶𝘵𝘩𝘰𝘳 𝘰𝘧 𝘊𝘳𝘢𝘥𝘭𝘦𝘴 𝘰𝘧 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘙𝘦𝘪𝘤𝘩 𝘤𝘰𝘮𝘦𝘴 𝘢 𝘱𝘰𝘪𝘨𝘯𝘢𝘯𝘵 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘪𝘯𝘴𝘱𝘪𝘳𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘵𝘢𝘭𝘦 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘧𝘢𝘯𝘴 𝘰𝘧 𝘛𝘩𝘦 𝘍𝘰𝘳𝘦𝘴𝘵 𝘰𝘧 𝘝𝘢𝘯𝘪𝘴𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘚𝘵𝘢𝘳𝘴 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘛𝘩𝘦 𝘎𝘦𝘳𝘮𝘢𝘯 𝘞𝘪𝘧𝘦 𝘢𝘣𝘰𝘶𝘵 𝘳𝘦𝘴𝘪𝘴𝘵𝘢𝘯𝘤𝘦, 𝘧𝘳𝘪𝘦𝘯𝘥𝘴𝘩𝘪𝘱, 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘥𝘢𝘯𝘨𝘦𝘳𝘴 𝘰𝘧 𝘱𝘳𝘰𝘱𝘢𝘨𝘢𝘯𝘥𝘢, 𝘣𝘢𝘴𝘦𝘥 𝘰𝘯 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘭 𝘴𝘵𝘰𝘳𝘺 𝘰𝘧 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘕𝘢𝘻𝘪 “𝘴𝘩𝘰𝘸 𝘤𝘢𝘮𝘱” 𝘛𝘩𝘦𝘳𝘦𝘴𝘪𝘦𝘯𝘴𝘵𝘢𝘥𝘵.”
The novel follows two young women, Hannah and Hilde who give the reader two very crucial (and opposing) points of view. Hannah is a Jewish prisoner and Hilde is a filmmaker who fully supports the Nazi cause. As you can imagine, their individual experiences are extremely different, yet the author expertly weaves their stories together to create one powerful piece of historical fiction.
The novel brings light to the propaganda and disgusting lies told by the Nazis to convince the world that the Jewish people were actually living and being treated quite well in the camps. Hilde wants her film to showcase this, and Hannah wants to expose the ugly truth.
Please don’t skip the author’s note! Coburn discusses her writing process and the extensive research put into writing this novel, which even included traveling to the Czech Republic! I’ve read a lot of WWII novels over the years, but have never heard of Theresienstadt, so I appreciated the history lesson on this specific prison camp.
Like most novels about this time period, the subject matter is disturbing and heavy, so it’s heartbreaking and absolutely maddening to read about. Be prepared for an emotional read with a nail-biting and heart-pounding conclusion.
4/5 stars for THE GIRLS OF THE GLIMMER FACTORY! It’s out now!
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