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The Umbrella Maker's Son
For fans of Heather Morris and Lisa Barr, a powerful and unforgettable novel of survival against all odds and the remarkable power of love, in which a Jewish teenager in World War II Poland fights to save his life and find the young woman who holds his heart.
Born to a secure, middle-class Polish Jewish family, seventeen-year-old Reuven works alongside his father, an artisan businessman whose shop creates the finest handmade umbrellas in Poland. But the family’s peaceful life shatters when the Nazis invade their homeland, igniting World War II. With terrifying brutality, the Nazis confiscate their business, evict them from their home, and strip away their rights, threatening the lives of the city’s Jewish population, including Reuven and Zelda, the girl he loves.
Shortly after the Nazi occupation, Zelda and her family disappear, and Reuven and his father are forced into backbreaking physical labor that nearly kills them. For the young man and his family, the only chance to survive is escape—and some of them will die trying.
Fleeing a Nazi ambush through the surrounding forest, shot and wounded, Reuven is found by a local farmer who has never met a Jew—and agrees to help because he needs the boy to work the farm with him. The farmer’s wife, however, is not as kind. Her betrayal forces a desperate Reuven to escape. He embarks on a perilous journey through the Polish countryside, determined to reach the Kraków ghetto where he hopes to reunite with Zelda, whose life has also been forever changed by the horrors of occupation and war.
A love story and a story of family, The Umbrella Maker’s Son is a riveting, heartfelt, and beautiful tale of survival and unexpected hope in the face of terror and violence. A chronicle of triumph, it joins the ranks of The Tattooist of Auschwitz and other memorable works of modern Holocaust literature.
Born to a secure, middle-class Polish Jewish family, seventeen-year-old Reuven works alongside his father, an artisan businessman whose shop creates the finest handmade umbrellas in Poland. But the family’s peaceful life shatters when the Nazis invade their homeland, igniting World War II. With terrifying brutality, the Nazis confiscate their business, evict them from their home, and strip away their rights, threatening the lives of the city’s Jewish population, including Reuven and Zelda, the girl he loves.
Shortly after the Nazi occupation, Zelda and her family disappear, and Reuven and his father are forced into backbreaking physical labor that nearly kills them. For the young man and his family, the only chance to survive is escape—and some of them will die trying.
Fleeing a Nazi ambush through the surrounding forest, shot and wounded, Reuven is found by a local farmer who has never met a Jew—and agrees to help because he needs the boy to work the farm with him. The farmer’s wife, however, is not as kind. Her betrayal forces a desperate Reuven to escape. He embarks on a perilous journey through the Polish countryside, determined to reach the Kraków ghetto where he hopes to reunite with Zelda, whose life has also been forever changed by the horrors of occupation and war.
A love story and a story of family, The Umbrella Maker’s Son is a riveting, heartfelt, and beautiful tale of survival and unexpected hope in the face of terror and violence. A chronicle of triumph, it joins the ranks of The Tattooist of Auschwitz and other memorable works of modern Holocaust literature.
400 pages, Paperback
First published February 11, 2025
80 people are currently reading
8591 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 111 reviews
February 14, 2025
A wonderful life shattered by the Nazi invasion of Poland has Reuven's family losing their dignity, their umbrella business, and then their home.
Then they had to leave the area after their father killed a Nazi officer - will they be caught? Will they make it into unoccupied territory?
We follow the family as they live through the terrors of escaping and as Reuven worries about the love of his life, Zelda.
You will be affected by the family’s plights and heartbreaking situations throughout the book.
The book is focused ton Reuven’s life and how he kept looking for Zelda as the war raged on.
Reuven was the narrator in this beautifully written book with marvelous descriptions along with the horrors of WWII.
You won’t be able to stop turning the pages and hoping some happiness comes to Reuven’s life instead of all the sadness.
A marvelous debut. 5/5
Thank you to the publisher for a copy of this book. All opinions are my own.
Then they had to leave the area after their father killed a Nazi officer - will they be caught? Will they make it into unoccupied territory?
We follow the family as they live through the terrors of escaping and as Reuven worries about the love of his life, Zelda.
You will be affected by the family’s plights and heartbreaking situations throughout the book.
The book is focused ton Reuven’s life and how he kept looking for Zelda as the war raged on.
Reuven was the narrator in this beautifully written book with marvelous descriptions along with the horrors of WWII.
You won’t be able to stop turning the pages and hoping some happiness comes to Reuven’s life instead of all the sadness.
A marvelous debut. 5/5
Thank you to the publisher for a copy of this book. All opinions are my own.
March 9, 2025
It's 1939 in Kraków, Poland. Seventeen-year-old Reuven Berkovitz assists his father Lev in his shop, where they craft personalized, high-end umbrellas adorned with carvings and jewels. Reuven is in love with Zelda Abramovitch. His life takes a dramatic turn when the Germans invade Poland, leading to Jewish families losing their businesses and possessions. Reuven and Zelda are separated as each family decides what to do and where to go to survive. Determined to find Zelda, Reuven travels to Russian-occupied eastern Poland, where he believes the Abramovitch family has gone, and he hides out working on a farm. He eventually returns to Kraków to discover that all Jewish families are confined behind the walls of a newly created ghetto, which is destined to be emptied.
Award-winning documentary filmmaker Tod Lending makes his debut as a novelist with The Umbrella Maker's Son. Lending takes readers on a harrowing journey through the eyes of a young man facing the unimaginable. Drawing inspiration from family history and firsthand accounts from the Holocaust, this poignant book is about love and resilience. It offers a raw and realistic depiction of the darkest times. While not an easy read, it is a worthwhile one.
4.25 stars.
Review posted on MicheleReader.com.
Award-winning documentary filmmaker Tod Lending makes his debut as a novelist with The Umbrella Maker's Son. Lending takes readers on a harrowing journey through the eyes of a young man facing the unimaginable. Drawing inspiration from family history and firsthand accounts from the Holocaust, this poignant book is about love and resilience. It offers a raw and realistic depiction of the darkest times. While not an easy read, it is a worthwhile one.
4.25 stars.
Review posted on MicheleReader.com.
December 24, 2024
⭐️Born to a Polish Jewish family, 17-year-old Reuven works with his father in an umbrella shop. When the Nazis starts to occupy Poland piece by piece and strips away the rights of all Jews bit by bit, his family has to decide where they are going next. Meanwhile, Zelda, the girl Reuven falls in love with, is missing…
⭐️This is a very beatifully-written novel and I absolutely adore the author’s writing style. This is a first-person narrative historical fiction, which makes the reading experience very immersive. The author didn’t forget about touching upon some of the atrocious events that happened during the time and from the perspective of a 17-year-old, they appear to be even more unbearable.
⭐️This is a very heartbroken story and it remains this way throughout the book. I love how the plot is carefully designed and some minor characters are given unique meanings. Earlier this year, I read Kristin Hannah’s The Nightingale. While I love the design of the plot in The Nightingale, I slightly prefer The Umbrealla Maker’s Son because of its beautiful lanaguge and the emotion evoked while reading this book.
⭐️This is a very beatifully-written novel and I absolutely adore the author’s writing style. This is a first-person narrative historical fiction, which makes the reading experience very immersive. The author didn’t forget about touching upon some of the atrocious events that happened during the time and from the perspective of a 17-year-old, they appear to be even more unbearable.
⭐️This is a very heartbroken story and it remains this way throughout the book. I love how the plot is carefully designed and some minor characters are given unique meanings. Earlier this year, I read Kristin Hannah’s The Nightingale. While I love the design of the plot in The Nightingale, I slightly prefer The Umbrealla Maker’s Son because of its beautiful lanaguge and the emotion evoked while reading this book.
March 3, 2025
Mi.am dorit să citesc această carte, dar nu știu dacă voi regăsi puterea de a citi o carte despre Holocaust curând. Nu voi divulga nimic din acțiunea cărții (voi spune doar că am fost uimită că pot exista modele de umbrele cu pietre prețioase pe mâner... )Cei care nu ar fi la prima carte de acest gen știu foarte bine că nu poți reda în cuvinte ceea ce s.a întâmplat atunci....
December 3, 2024
This is a heartbreaking tale of a family living in Poland during the Nazi invasion. Reuven is a 17-year-old working with his father in their family owned umbrella making business. When the Nazis strip away their business, their home, and all of their belongings, they must do everything they can to survive.
Every story about World War II is sad and horrifying and this book is no exception. I don’t want to give away any spoilers so I’ll just say that this historical fiction is compelling and emotional. The ending took me by surprise too.
Every story about World War II is sad and horrifying and this book is no exception. I don’t want to give away any spoilers so I’ll just say that this historical fiction is compelling and emotional. The ending took me by surprise too.
December 6, 2025
He describes a living hell vividly.
January 1, 2025
I've read my fair share of Holocaust literature, and The Umbrella Maker's Son is a good, if not new, take on the genre. We follow Reuven as he contends with Nazi occupation, escape attempts, and a quest to reunite with his love Zelda. Good pacing and structure, with a small but strong cast of supporting characters.
However, even with these strengths, this novel just didn't hit as hard as others from the genre. It lacked some of the rawness of similar works, and mostly felt like plot-focused account than a more character-driven personal account. Good, but not stellar. 3.5 stars.
However, even with these strengths, this novel just didn't hit as hard as others from the genre. It lacked some of the rawness of similar works, and mostly felt like plot-focused account than a more character-driven personal account. Good, but not stellar. 3.5 stars.
February 12, 2025
17 year old Reuven works with his father in their umbrella shop and spends his time with his love Zelda. The Nazis start taking over Poland little by little until Reuven and his family are forced to flee. His family’s journey to safety was heartbreaking. I found myself crying so many times throughout. The story is told through Reuven’s perspective, and it was beautifully written.
His love for Zelda kept him alive and kept him going. His strength was beyond words. I was so upset with the ending because I felt like enough is enough. Leave my Reuven alone 😭 If you love historical books, then this is the story of you.
Thank you Harper Collins for this ARC. Happy Release Day! I can’t believe this is your debut novel.
His love for Zelda kept him alive and kept him going. His strength was beyond words. I was so upset with the ending because I felt like enough is enough. Leave my Reuven alone 😭 If you love historical books, then this is the story of you.
Thank you Harper Collins for this ARC. Happy Release Day! I can’t believe this is your debut novel.
March 11, 2025
5.0
Button, 9-1-39, shattered…
Germany invades Poland and quickly advances on Warsaw. 17yo Reuven lives in Krakow with his family, working alongside his father in the family business crafting handmade umbrellas. His love interest is Zelda, who he hopes to someday marry.
A tale of trust, relationships, distress, endurance, separation, love, and hope. All will try to “continue firm and resolute throughout trials and difficulties.”Unfortunately, their time of tribulations is just beginning.
THOUGHTS:
*A beautifully written debut! Sensitive topics handled well.
* A very detailed, descriptive debut. You can see and hear the sights and sounds described. Great attention to detail and meticulously researched.
*Not always an easy read, but an important one. You will root for the characters and wish for something positive to happen. They certainly deserve it.
*A touching, gratifying story even though it’s set during challenging, troubled times.
*I’ve now read 3 debuts back-to-back. Things look hopeful to me for future reading!
*Have you read any good debuts recently?
Button, 9-1-39, shattered…
Germany invades Poland and quickly advances on Warsaw. 17yo Reuven lives in Krakow with his family, working alongside his father in the family business crafting handmade umbrellas. His love interest is Zelda, who he hopes to someday marry.
A tale of trust, relationships, distress, endurance, separation, love, and hope. All will try to “continue firm and resolute throughout trials and difficulties.”Unfortunately, their time of tribulations is just beginning.
THOUGHTS:
*A beautifully written debut! Sensitive topics handled well.
* A very detailed, descriptive debut. You can see and hear the sights and sounds described. Great attention to detail and meticulously researched.
*Not always an easy read, but an important one. You will root for the characters and wish for something positive to happen. They certainly deserve it.
*A touching, gratifying story even though it’s set during challenging, troubled times.
*I’ve now read 3 debuts back-to-back. Things look hopeful to me for future reading!
*Have you read any good debuts recently?
March 14, 2025
This one is a sad story but one of resilience. I honestly don't know how Reuven continues on with his life. The incredible loss of lives that he witnessed and great suffrage and yet he still continues to help others. There were some things that I had no knowledge of and it just surprises me of how evil people can be. Heartbreaking story.
Thank you, Partner @bibliolifestyle + @harperperennial for the gifted book.
Thank you, Partner @bibliolifestyle + @harperperennial for the gifted book.
February 17, 2025
Seriously this should be a movie. 1000/10. This book literally put me through so many emotions i had to finish it. Easily a “done in one day” book.
February 23, 2025
This was a very emotional book, and worth reading.
May 17, 2025
On this chilly morning, I have turned the last page of this extraordinary book. This book is a work of historical fiction about Reuven, a 17-year-old who is part of a Jewish family living in Poland. They own a business making beautiful, artistic umbrellas. This book is a pretty painful read, but also a very important one.
Reuven is in love with a girl named Zelda who is also Jewish. They have their lives mapped out together until the Nazis change everything. The story unfolds as they go on separate paths for survival.
There is much to learn from this book. I don’t really have the right words to describe it. It is a book of deep strength, heartbreaking brutality, and profound sadness. The author does a good job and explaining his resources and how he came to write this book.
As I said, I think this is a very important book. The reader will be taken to Poland as the Nazis invade and the destruction as it unfolds. But also the reader will be invited into the homes and lives of the people that were affected. This does indeed cause heartbreak, but their stories matter.
Reuven is in love with a girl named Zelda who is also Jewish. They have their lives mapped out together until the Nazis change everything. The story unfolds as they go on separate paths for survival.
There is much to learn from this book. I don’t really have the right words to describe it. It is a book of deep strength, heartbreaking brutality, and profound sadness. The author does a good job and explaining his resources and how he came to write this book.
As I said, I think this is a very important book. The reader will be taken to Poland as the Nazis invade and the destruction as it unfolds. But also the reader will be invited into the homes and lives of the people that were affected. This does indeed cause heartbreak, but their stories matter.
May 28, 2025
Oh this heart wrenching story! 😭 Finally hearing about WW2 from the perspective of a male. Very different story telling than what I’ve read from the perspective of women. This book was so good? It’s hard so say that about these stories when you know they come from the truth of horror innocent people endured during that time. I listened via audio book and was instantly sucked into the story line and following this sweet man and his family. The outcome is not what I expected 😔
August 4, 2025
Easy read about a sad subject.
One thing that bothered me was that the author did not researched birds of Europe well enough because he mentions Red-winged blackbirds several times, but it is a North-American bird that does not live in Europe nor lived there in WW2.
Same goes for Red-tailed hawks which would go by the name Buzzards in Europe.
For some not important, but apparently it annoyed me. 😉
One thing that bothered me was that the author did not researched birds of Europe well enough because he mentions Red-winged blackbirds several times, but it is a North-American bird that does not live in Europe nor lived there in WW2.
Same goes for Red-tailed hawks which would go by the name Buzzards in Europe.
For some not important, but apparently it annoyed me. 😉
May 8, 2025
I started listening to this book and could not get into it. The writing style was not one I like. It writes quickly and not as much emotion and detail as I prefer. I didn’t finish it.
April 2, 2025
Fairly typical Holocaust fiction tainted by a bit of Hallmark movie style and modernized lexicon/behavior. Not bad but not special.
September 17, 2024
I received a copy of the book, "The Umbrella Maker's Son" by Tod Lending from the goodreads giveaway. this book takes place from 1939 to about 1942 or 3. it is seen through the eyes of Reuven he lived in Poland with his parents, two younger sisters and his grandmother. All was good until the Nazis and Hitler took over Poland and Europe. Reuven's family is Jewish and they are seeing the horrible invasion coming to Poland. Reuven's father had a successful shop where he made homemade unbrella's. Sadly his shop is taken over by the German's and soon they are taken from their homes like millions of Jewish families in Europe. He has a girlfriend named Zelda whose family is also Jewish. they promise to find each other after they know they will be separated. Reuven endures the horrors of the Holocaust trying to survive. he witnesses many tragedies. Over the few years he does whatever he can do to survive and find his girl Zelda. Don't want to give spoilers. this is a good read that is also hard to read.
October 6, 2024
Thank you HarperCollins for the ARC. This book will be available for purchase February 2025. This is Tod Lending’s debut novel.
I didn’t know if I was going to enjoy this book when I started. I was put off by the run on sentences, sentences ending in prepositions, and terminology that didn’t seem consistent with 1939 i.e. garbage picking. However, as I got entranced in the story, those items no longer annoyed me. I would recommend it to those who enjoy historical fiction and WW2 reads. A score of 3.5 would be more accurate.
I didn’t know if I was going to enjoy this book when I started. I was put off by the run on sentences, sentences ending in prepositions, and terminology that didn’t seem consistent with 1939 i.e. garbage picking. However, as I got entranced in the story, those items no longer annoyed me. I would recommend it to those who enjoy historical fiction and WW2 reads. A score of 3.5 would be more accurate.
February 10, 2025
The Umbrella Maker's son is an emotional look at World War II through the eyes of a 17 year old man. Reuven leads a comfortable life and lives with his parents, grandmother and sisters in a very nice home. He works with his father at a shop that makes custom umbrellas and is in love with Zelda and they have plans to marry in the future. Life is comfortable and happy until 1939 when the German troops begin their invasion of Poland and eventually arrive in Krakow.
The bombing of Krakow began on the first of September, 1939. Reuven had been dreaming of his girlfriend when he woke up to the sounds of bombs and the German planes flying overhead. Zelda and her family left, as did many other families, to stay with relatives in the country but Reuven's family decided to stay because of his father's business. Only 5 days later, German troops began their occupation of Krakow. By December, life had gotten unbearable for the Jewish residents - there wasn't enough food and coal consumption was restricted. With no business and minimal income, the family was forced to move to a smaller apartment and had to leave many of their personal treasures behind. Soon after, there was a horrible crime committed and Reuven's father decides that the family must leave as soon as possible to go to an area controlled by the Russians. The trip is full of danger to the family and ends tragically. I'm not going to discuss the plot further because I don't want to ruin it for other readers. The family's flight from Krakow takes place about 30% into the book and Reuven's quest to find Zelda and his search for safety follow a difficult path full of danger and degradation. It's a journey full of bravery and surprises that show the resilience of this young man. Despite the life altering changes and tragedy, it's a story of survival and unexpected hope in the face of terror and violence.
This novel is beautifully written and very well researched. It's different from many other World War II books because it looks at this tumultuous time through the eyes of a 17 year old who has to grow up fast to help his family and himself. This is a story of love and loss, bravery and resilience and family. Be sure to read the author's Acknowledgements at the end of the book where he explains how parts of this story are from his family's history in Poland. This is a debut novel for Tod Lending and I look forward to his future books.
The bombing of Krakow began on the first of September, 1939. Reuven had been dreaming of his girlfriend when he woke up to the sounds of bombs and the German planes flying overhead. Zelda and her family left, as did many other families, to stay with relatives in the country but Reuven's family decided to stay because of his father's business. Only 5 days later, German troops began their occupation of Krakow. By December, life had gotten unbearable for the Jewish residents - there wasn't enough food and coal consumption was restricted. With no business and minimal income, the family was forced to move to a smaller apartment and had to leave many of their personal treasures behind. Soon after, there was a horrible crime committed and Reuven's father decides that the family must leave as soon as possible to go to an area controlled by the Russians. The trip is full of danger to the family and ends tragically. I'm not going to discuss the plot further because I don't want to ruin it for other readers. The family's flight from Krakow takes place about 30% into the book and Reuven's quest to find Zelda and his search for safety follow a difficult path full of danger and degradation. It's a journey full of bravery and surprises that show the resilience of this young man. Despite the life altering changes and tragedy, it's a story of survival and unexpected hope in the face of terror and violence.
This novel is beautifully written and very well researched. It's different from many other World War II books because it looks at this tumultuous time through the eyes of a 17 year old who has to grow up fast to help his family and himself. This is a story of love and loss, bravery and resilience and family. Be sure to read the author's Acknowledgements at the end of the book where he explains how parts of this story are from his family's history in Poland. This is a debut novel for Tod Lending and I look forward to his future books.
March 25, 2025
The Good:
Before this book, I knew nothing about Krakow, Yiddish, and the majority of events regarding the Soviet involvement in Poland.
Regarding Krakow: the author brings to life how local Jews lived before the German invasion. The realities of how they felt during the invasion. And then life within the Ghetto after the German invasion. I learned about individuals who helped Jews during the Holocaust, including Joseph Schindler. I learned about Kraków-Płaszów concentration camp. Though I was aware of multiple concentration camps, Auschwitz gets the main focus in history books.
I learned multiple Jewish religious tenants and mutliple Yiddish words..
In the US, we are taught the 3 Axis powers (Germany, Italy, and Japan) and we are taught the Allies (US, UK, Russia). However, growing up in the Cold War, I was also taught Russia was a bad guy. As an adult, I was taught about the atrocities caused by Lenin, that I forgot they were an "Allied Power". It was interesting to learn how the Polish Jews lived in Soviet controlled Poland v. German controlled Poland.
The Bad (or at least, the confusing):
Things I didn't think I would feel about the Holocaust:
1) That I could become aroused from someone writing about events happening during the Holocaust. The vivid details of the sexual activities in Reuven's life just led to my own internal confusion. Why am I feeling this reading a book regarding the Holocaust? I also wondered how someone living in that scenario could also identify with those feelings. However, multiple people still had children born during this time period.
2) That I would want more description about the struggles of the people. How did Reuven survive during the time period he lived in the Ghetto? After his meals with Mr. Manikowski, there seemed to only be another single reference to his food during that time. How was he surviving? Did he start to become gaunt? Was he developing marks? Was he subject to lice? Was he smelling similar to the other people? This seemed to be omitted. He somehow had strength to get through the day, and then some more strength to try to attend to Zelda.
Overall assessment: I would not have had the same strength as Reuven. Emotionally I would be dead. Physically, I would want to be dead. However, it was interesting to read about Reuven's adventures and the strength he had to overcome the atrocities of WWII.
Overall, I would give this book a 4 out of 5.
Before this book, I knew nothing about Krakow, Yiddish, and the majority of events regarding the Soviet involvement in Poland.
Regarding Krakow: the author brings to life how local Jews lived before the German invasion. The realities of how they felt during the invasion. And then life within the Ghetto after the German invasion. I learned about individuals who helped Jews during the Holocaust, including Joseph Schindler. I learned about Kraków-Płaszów concentration camp. Though I was aware of multiple concentration camps, Auschwitz gets the main focus in history books.
I learned multiple Jewish religious tenants and mutliple Yiddish words..
In the US, we are taught the 3 Axis powers (Germany, Italy, and Japan) and we are taught the Allies (US, UK, Russia). However, growing up in the Cold War, I was also taught Russia was a bad guy. As an adult, I was taught about the atrocities caused by Lenin, that I forgot they were an "Allied Power". It was interesting to learn how the Polish Jews lived in Soviet controlled Poland v. German controlled Poland.
The Bad (or at least, the confusing):
Things I didn't think I would feel about the Holocaust:
1) That I could become aroused from someone writing about events happening during the Holocaust. The vivid details of the sexual activities in Reuven's life just led to my own internal confusion. Why am I feeling this reading a book regarding the Holocaust? I also wondered how someone living in that scenario could also identify with those feelings. However, multiple people still had children born during this time period.
2) That I would want more description about the struggles of the people. How did Reuven survive during the time period he lived in the Ghetto? After his meals with Mr. Manikowski, there seemed to only be another single reference to his food during that time. How was he surviving? Did he start to become gaunt? Was he developing marks? Was he subject to lice? Was he smelling similar to the other people? This seemed to be omitted. He somehow had strength to get through the day, and then some more strength to try to attend to Zelda.
Overall assessment: I would not have had the same strength as Reuven. Emotionally I would be dead. Physically, I would want to be dead. However, it was interesting to read about Reuven's adventures and the strength he had to overcome the atrocities of WWII.
Overall, I would give this book a 4 out of 5.
February 16, 2025
The Umbrella Maker’s Son is a painful story about Reuven, a Polish Jew, and his family. Reuven worked in his father’s umbrella shop. He was very much in love with Zelda. Life seemed good until one day it all changed. Poland was invaded by the Nazis, and it did not take long for them to take over Krakow where Reuven and his family lived. Zelda and her family left Krakow to stay with relatives. Each day, everything got worse. The Nazis took over the umbrella shop and demanded that Reuven and his father do manual labor by helping to rebuild the railroad tracks. Reuven, at times, looked at his father’s reactions to the Nazis as weakness. As time passed, he changed his mind and knew it was strength.
Reuven’s father committed a crime, and he knew his family must leave before the Nazis find out what he did. Their dangerous journey begins as they try to flee.
Reuven ends up working for a farmer. The farmer is happy to have him helping with the farm; however, for the farmer’s wife, it is a different story. Reuven must make another decision.
What is really amazing is Reuven’s determination to find Zelda.
Will Reuven find Zelda? Will they all survive?
I loved this author’s writing style. His descriptive writing is magical and filled with so much clarity and detail when describing someone or something. It is obvious the author did a great deal of research to write this book.
This story will fill you with many emotions. We have all read many true stories about the attack of the Nazis and how the Polish Jews suffered. Even though this story is fiction, the terrible atrocities about what happened to the Jews during WWII are portrayed in a superb manner. If I had to sum up this story about Reuven’s family in one word, it would come down to “resilience”. The Umbrella Maker’s Son is not only a story about the terrible things that happened to the Polish Jews, but it is also a love story.
This book is filled with memorable characters who each play an important role. One other thing…be sure to have some tissues by your side as you read this book because many parts of the book will bring tears to your eyes.
The Umbrella Maker’s Son is a fascinating and memorable read!
The original review can be found here:
https://bestsellersworld.com/2025/02/...
Reuven’s father committed a crime, and he knew his family must leave before the Nazis find out what he did. Their dangerous journey begins as they try to flee.
Reuven ends up working for a farmer. The farmer is happy to have him helping with the farm; however, for the farmer’s wife, it is a different story. Reuven must make another decision.
What is really amazing is Reuven’s determination to find Zelda.
Will Reuven find Zelda? Will they all survive?
I loved this author’s writing style. His descriptive writing is magical and filled with so much clarity and detail when describing someone or something. It is obvious the author did a great deal of research to write this book.
This story will fill you with many emotions. We have all read many true stories about the attack of the Nazis and how the Polish Jews suffered. Even though this story is fiction, the terrible atrocities about what happened to the Jews during WWII are portrayed in a superb manner. If I had to sum up this story about Reuven’s family in one word, it would come down to “resilience”. The Umbrella Maker’s Son is not only a story about the terrible things that happened to the Polish Jews, but it is also a love story.
This book is filled with memorable characters who each play an important role. One other thing…be sure to have some tissues by your side as you read this book because many parts of the book will bring tears to your eyes.
The Umbrella Maker’s Son is a fascinating and memorable read!
The original review can be found here:
https://bestsellersworld.com/2025/02/...
November 14, 2025
Yes, "another" World War II historical fiction, but this one by Todd Lending is a "Can't-Put-It-Down" superior debut novel with a slightly different take. Written in the first- person, Jewish voice of 17-year-old Reuven, living in Krakow, Poland in 1939, it begins the day the Nazis came and WWII began. Losing businesssses, homes, and family members is not a new story of that time, but Reuven's experience reads like a diary (although not written as one), with emotional intelligence that wreaks of all the disruption and loss on a personal level. It covers 4 years as Reuven sees and experiences physical and emotional suffering at the hands of people who have come to control the world--and the way he learns to adapt and survive in the midst of it all.
This is also a love story of very close families and especially between Reuven and Zelda, the teenage love of his life. It is a tale of surrender, incredible strength (both physical and emotional), and how giving up was not an option even when confronting separations and death. We see the tragic details through Reuben's eyes, fully experiencing it, but also coming away with his determination to not succumb to it. We come to love and deeply care about all of these believable, extraordinary people author Lending has created, and Reuven is the owner of amazing courage and resilience, even in the face of horrendous events, and he is the serendipitous benefactor of good luck when it mattered most--which helps to alter the story-line in brief segments and veer from the familiar Death Camp experiences.
Reuven and his family escape the Nazis in Krakow only to experience violent brutality and loss during the escape. He then ends up spending an entire year working in the countryside for a poor Catholic farmer and his wife (who know he is a Jew), and details the generosity of this opportunity as well as the sickening detractions of it. And then he must escape the farm, too....
Reuven is a survivor in that he doesn't die (is that a spoiler??), but there is much suffering he must overcome. Lender has given us a brilliant glimpse of a (non-)autobiographical life of one 17-yr-old boy in the earliest phases of manhood who independently succeeded physically in surviving the worst of life's nightmares.
This book is a MUST READ -- and a 5 Star endorsement!
This is also a love story of very close families and especially between Reuven and Zelda, the teenage love of his life. It is a tale of surrender, incredible strength (both physical and emotional), and how giving up was not an option even when confronting separations and death. We see the tragic details through Reuben's eyes, fully experiencing it, but also coming away with his determination to not succumb to it. We come to love and deeply care about all of these believable, extraordinary people author Lending has created, and Reuven is the owner of amazing courage and resilience, even in the face of horrendous events, and he is the serendipitous benefactor of good luck when it mattered most--which helps to alter the story-line in brief segments and veer from the familiar Death Camp experiences.
Reuven and his family escape the Nazis in Krakow only to experience violent brutality and loss during the escape. He then ends up spending an entire year working in the countryside for a poor Catholic farmer and his wife (who know he is a Jew), and details the generosity of this opportunity as well as the sickening detractions of it. And then he must escape the farm, too....
Reuven is a survivor in that he doesn't die (is that a spoiler??), but there is much suffering he must overcome. Lender has given us a brilliant glimpse of a (non-)autobiographical life of one 17-yr-old boy in the earliest phases of manhood who independently succeeded physically in surviving the worst of life's nightmares.
This book is a MUST READ -- and a 5 Star endorsement!
February 11, 2025
The Umbrella Maker’s Son offers a deeply emotional portrayal of World War II through the perspective of 17-year-old Reuven. He lives a comfortable life with his parents, grandmother, and sisters in a charming home, where he works alongside his father at a custom umbrella shop. Reuven is in love with Zelda, and the two dream of a future together. However, their peaceful life is shattered in 1939 when German troops invade Poland and eventually reach Krakow.
On September 1st, 1939, the bombing of Krakow begins. Reuven is abruptly woken from a dream of Zelda by the thunderous sounds of explosions and the ominous roar of German planes overhead. While Zelda and her family flee to the countryside to stay with relatives, Reuven’s family decides to remain in the city due to his father’s business. Just five days later, German forces occupy Krakow. By December, conditions for the Jewish residents worsen drastically—food becomes scarce, and fuel supplies are severely limited. Struggling with no income and the collapse of their business, Reuven’s family is forced to move to a smaller apartment, leaving behind many treasured belongings.
As the situation becomes increasingly dire, a horrific crime occurs, prompting Reuven’s father to make the difficult decision to leave Krakow and seek refuge in a Soviet-controlled area. The family's journey is fraught with danger, and it ultimately ends in tragedy. Without spoiling the plot, it’s safe to say that the second half of the novel focuses on Reuven’s perilous search for Zelda and his quest for survival, filled with hardship, courage, and moments of unexpected hope.
The novel is a beautifully written and meticulously researched account of this tumultuous time. What sets it apart from other World War II novels is its perspective—told through the eyes of a young man forced to mature quickly in order to survive and protect his family. The Umbrella Maker’s Son explores themes of love and loss, resilience and bravery, and the unbreakable bond of family. At the end of the book, the author’s Acknowledgements reveal how elements of the story are drawn from his own family's history in Poland. This debut novel by Tod Lending is an impressive work, and I look forward to his future writings
On September 1st, 1939, the bombing of Krakow begins. Reuven is abruptly woken from a dream of Zelda by the thunderous sounds of explosions and the ominous roar of German planes overhead. While Zelda and her family flee to the countryside to stay with relatives, Reuven’s family decides to remain in the city due to his father’s business. Just five days later, German forces occupy Krakow. By December, conditions for the Jewish residents worsen drastically—food becomes scarce, and fuel supplies are severely limited. Struggling with no income and the collapse of their business, Reuven’s family is forced to move to a smaller apartment, leaving behind many treasured belongings.
As the situation becomes increasingly dire, a horrific crime occurs, prompting Reuven’s father to make the difficult decision to leave Krakow and seek refuge in a Soviet-controlled area. The family's journey is fraught with danger, and it ultimately ends in tragedy. Without spoiling the plot, it’s safe to say that the second half of the novel focuses on Reuven’s perilous search for Zelda and his quest for survival, filled with hardship, courage, and moments of unexpected hope.
The novel is a beautifully written and meticulously researched account of this tumultuous time. What sets it apart from other World War II novels is its perspective—told through the eyes of a young man forced to mature quickly in order to survive and protect his family. The Umbrella Maker’s Son explores themes of love and loss, resilience and bravery, and the unbreakable bond of family. At the end of the book, the author’s Acknowledgements reveal how elements of the story are drawn from his own family's history in Poland. This debut novel by Tod Lending is an impressive work, and I look forward to his future writings
January 28, 2025
Reading The Umbrella Maker's Son was a journey of tears. The story centers around Reuven and his family as they try to survive in Nazi Poland. With today being International Holocaust Day, reading the book was away of understanding just a miniscule portion of what the Polish people went through. Reading the book was a way to honor those that suffered the horrors of World War 2.
The Umbrella Maker's Son is a story about family. Reuven helps his father in his custom Umbrella shop. He watched as his father had to help an SS officer, a man that thought he was so much beter. The reader learns first had how the German military treated the Jewish people in Krakow. I had never thought about how a family would decide to escape or face an unknown future.
Reuven's fiancé is facing the same. She won't leave her parents, and they won't leave without knowing about their sons. At first Reuven thought they were safe after leaving Krakow, only to find out they were in the Jewish ghetto. I read in fascination as Reuven showed his devotion and love for Zelda. He had escaped. He suffered the unimaginable while making his escape. That didn't stop him from returning to save Zelda. He gave up his freedom to be with the only family he had left.
Reuven returns to Krakow. While others are trying to escape, he is trying to get into the ghetto. His determination to find Zelda was awe inspiring. What he suffered and experienced behind those walls left in shock. I couldn't stop crying. The details were so real. His experience felt so real. I don't know what to say. The horrors the Jewish people suffered should not be experienced by anyone. It must not happen again.
The Umbrella Maker's Son is a story about family. Reuven helps his father in his custom Umbrella shop. He watched as his father had to help an SS officer, a man that thought he was so much beter. The reader learns first had how the German military treated the Jewish people in Krakow. I had never thought about how a family would decide to escape or face an unknown future.
Reuven's fiancé is facing the same. She won't leave her parents, and they won't leave without knowing about their sons. At first Reuven thought they were safe after leaving Krakow, only to find out they were in the Jewish ghetto. I read in fascination as Reuven showed his devotion and love for Zelda. He had escaped. He suffered the unimaginable while making his escape. That didn't stop him from returning to save Zelda. He gave up his freedom to be with the only family he had left.
Reuven returns to Krakow. While others are trying to escape, he is trying to get into the ghetto. His determination to find Zelda was awe inspiring. What he suffered and experienced behind those walls left in shock. I couldn't stop crying. The details were so real. His experience felt so real. I don't know what to say. The horrors the Jewish people suffered should not be experienced by anyone. It must not happen again.
August 22, 2025
Certainly one of the most beautiful books I have ever read. So rich in historical detail but driven by believable characters. I think everyone on earth should read this book, especially in a day and age where anti-Semitism is on the rise and Holocaust denialism is alive and well. The author gave the world a precious gift when he wrote this novel. It is gut-wrenching and heart-breaking and so important.
Edit: I had to come back to this review after I moved about my day and the book really had time to settle into me after reading it. I can now say that this book is now the most beautiful and at the same time the saddest book I have ever read. Spoiler ahead, please stop reading now if you do not want the most pivotal spoiler of the book revealed.
As I go about my day, I keep thinking back to the moment after Zelda dies, when Rueven is making his way down the river and talking to her. He asks her never to leave his heart and she agrees. I just can't get over this moment. It lodges deep in my heart like a physical pain. I know this book is a work of fiction, but I also know that moments like this would have truly happened, time and time again during the war. It is this moment that will stay with me forever. I don't know if I will ever reread this book, but I will never give it away. It is a treasure and I believe even more now that everyone should read it at least once in their lives.
Edit: I had to come back to this review after I moved about my day and the book really had time to settle into me after reading it. I can now say that this book is now the most beautiful and at the same time the saddest book I have ever read. Spoiler ahead, please stop reading now if you do not want the most pivotal spoiler of the book revealed.
As I go about my day, I keep thinking back to the moment after Zelda dies, when Rueven is making his way down the river and talking to her. He asks her never to leave his heart and she agrees. I just can't get over this moment. It lodges deep in my heart like a physical pain. I know this book is a work of fiction, but I also know that moments like this would have truly happened, time and time again during the war. It is this moment that will stay with me forever. I don't know if I will ever reread this book, but I will never give it away. It is a treasure and I believe even more now that everyone should read it at least once in their lives.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 11, 2025
Tissues, a big box- have them on hand!!
This book begins in Krakow, Poland, in 1939 and centers on a young Jewish man named Reuven and his family. He lives with his parents, grandmother, and two sisters while working alongside his father, who is an umbrella maker. They are living a seemingly idyllic life. However, when Germany invades Poland, their lives are irrevocably altered.
Reuven is separated from his love Zelda when her family attempts to flee to the countryside to stay with relatives. It’s chaos everywhere. The Nazis seize everything, destroying Reuven’s home, his family’s business, and their dignity, stripping them of anything that makes them feel human.
Reuven faces tragedy upon tragedy. In his darkest moments, the only thing that keeps him going is his love for Zelda. He is determined to find her. Despair, brutality, and degradation become daily occurrences. This is a heartbreaking tale of survival, often measured not by the day but by the hour. I found myself in tears numerous times throughout this book due to the overwhelming sense of loss.
The story concludes on a somber yet hopeful note. It is beautifully written, and if you are a fan of historical fiction, this is a must-read. It stands as one of the most captivating and raw portrayals of war, its atrocities, and the struggle for survival amidst loss that I have read in a long time. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
This book begins in Krakow, Poland, in 1939 and centers on a young Jewish man named Reuven and his family. He lives with his parents, grandmother, and two sisters while working alongside his father, who is an umbrella maker. They are living a seemingly idyllic life. However, when Germany invades Poland, their lives are irrevocably altered.
Reuven is separated from his love Zelda when her family attempts to flee to the countryside to stay with relatives. It’s chaos everywhere. The Nazis seize everything, destroying Reuven’s home, his family’s business, and their dignity, stripping them of anything that makes them feel human.
Reuven faces tragedy upon tragedy. In his darkest moments, the only thing that keeps him going is his love for Zelda. He is determined to find her. Despair, brutality, and degradation become daily occurrences. This is a heartbreaking tale of survival, often measured not by the day but by the hour. I found myself in tears numerous times throughout this book due to the overwhelming sense of loss.
The story concludes on a somber yet hopeful note. It is beautifully written, and if you are a fan of historical fiction, this is a must-read. It stands as one of the most captivating and raw portrayals of war, its atrocities, and the struggle for survival amidst loss that I have read in a long time. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
June 16, 2025
I am probably in the minority here. I didn't find this book all that good.
I have read numerous books on WWII, non-fiction and fiction. The most interesting aspect of this book was the time on the farm. The rest of the book seemed to drag, and the constant reference to streets, areas, locations only bogged down the book more. Was this street two blocks, two miles, or around the corner? There was no reference point. Yes, the author was knowledgeable, but it left the reader lost. The work researching this book was good, but the author dropped the ball on a few prochronisms. There would NOT have been bottles of water or pantyhose. These casual references immediately knock down my rating. And if I had to read one more time about anyone scratching their index finger onto their thumb until it bled, I think I would have quit reading. How annoying. Once was enough. We get the similarity already.
As I said, the most interesting part of this book was on the farm. The umbrella making was a side note. I also didn't quite understand our main character and his actions so many times. He made so many unwise decisions. Given what was going on, I think he could have made better choices. But if he had made different choices, the book would have been different.
I have read better books with better stories. It should have been one to skip, in my opinion.
I have read numerous books on WWII, non-fiction and fiction. The most interesting aspect of this book was the time on the farm. The rest of the book seemed to drag, and the constant reference to streets, areas, locations only bogged down the book more. Was this street two blocks, two miles, or around the corner? There was no reference point. Yes, the author was knowledgeable, but it left the reader lost. The work researching this book was good, but the author dropped the ball on a few prochronisms. There would NOT have been bottles of water or pantyhose. These casual references immediately knock down my rating. And if I had to read one more time about anyone scratching their index finger onto their thumb until it bled, I think I would have quit reading. How annoying. Once was enough. We get the similarity already.
As I said, the most interesting part of this book was on the farm. The umbrella making was a side note. I also didn't quite understand our main character and his actions so many times. He made so many unwise decisions. Given what was going on, I think he could have made better choices. But if he had made different choices, the book would have been different.
I have read better books with better stories. It should have been one to skip, in my opinion.
July 7, 2025
Zawsze z ogromnym przejęciem sięgam po książki osadzone w czasach II wojny światowej. Wiem, że każda taka lektura to spotkanie z bólem, strachem i bezsilnością – ale też z nadzieją, która potrafi rozbłysnąć nawet w najgłębszym mroku. Czy tak było i tym razem?
Historia żydowskiego chłopaka próbującego przetrwać pod niemiecką okupacją to opowieść jedyna w swoim rodzaju, a jednocześnie – jakich wiele. Miejscami bardzo przypominała mi książkę Uriego Orleva „Biegnij, chłopcze, biegnij” (oraz film o tym samym tytule, w którym moi synowie zagrali główną rolę Srulika/Jurka) – bohater przyjął nawet to samo polskie imię...
Ruben to siedemnastoletni chłopak z zamożnej żydowskiej rodziny. Jego ojciec prowadzi znany warsztat parasoli na krakowskim Kazimierzu. Wraz z wybuchem wojny wszystko się zmienia: konfiskata majątku, utrata domu, zniknięcie ukochanej, żółte gwiazdy, ucieczka, groźba śmierci czająca się na każdym kroku. Czy pobyt rannego Rubena pod dachem polskiego gospodarza pozwoli mu przetrwać wojnę? Czy jednak zdecyduje się na dramatyczną podróż z powrotem do Krakowa, by odnaleźć Zeldę – swoją miłość – za murami getta?
Tod Lending stworzył przejmującą opowieść nie tylko o wojnie i Zagładzie. „Nadzieja pośród ciemności” to przede wszystkim historia miłości, odwagi i woli życia, które potrafią przetrwać nawet największe piekło. Czerpiąc inspiracje z rodzinnych wspomnień, dokumentów historycznych oraz rozmów z ocalałymi z Holokaustu, autor pokazał wojnę widzianą oczami siedemnastoletniego Rubena Berkowicza. Z niezwykłą precyzją i wrażliwością odtworzył klimat tamtych dramatycznych lat, skupiając się na emocjach i przeżyciach młodego człowieka – prześladowanego, żyjącego w ciągłym strachu, ale niepozbawionego nadziei. Ruben jest przepełniony gniewem, smutkiem, utrafił cały dobytek, tożsamość i poczucie bezpieczeństwa. Utracił stabilizację i normalność, żył poza czasem, a jedyne, co mógł, to po prostu przetrwać od jednej ulotnej chwili do kolejnej.
To powieść, która bazuje głównie na przeżyciach wewnętrznych bohatera i jego determinacji, by przetrwać – ale również na nierozerwalnych więziach rodzinnych i głębokiej miłości. Dzięki niej łatwiej zrozumieć, dlaczego tak niewielu młodych Żydów uratowało się z Zagłady – większość z nich po prostu nie chciała opuszczać starszych rodziców…
Mimo to książka nie do końca mnie zachwyciła. Być może dlatego, że wszystkie te historie zaczynają się zlewać – być może przeczytałam już zbyt wiele podobnych opowieści. Podczas lektury miałam nieodparte wrażenie, że „ja już to gdzieś widziałam”.
Myślę jednak, że wielu czytelników ta książka poruszy i pozostawi z ważnymi refleksjami.
Historia żydowskiego chłopaka próbującego przetrwać pod niemiecką okupacją to opowieść jedyna w swoim rodzaju, a jednocześnie – jakich wiele. Miejscami bardzo przypominała mi książkę Uriego Orleva „Biegnij, chłopcze, biegnij” (oraz film o tym samym tytule, w którym moi synowie zagrali główną rolę Srulika/Jurka) – bohater przyjął nawet to samo polskie imię...
Ruben to siedemnastoletni chłopak z zamożnej żydowskiej rodziny. Jego ojciec prowadzi znany warsztat parasoli na krakowskim Kazimierzu. Wraz z wybuchem wojny wszystko się zmienia: konfiskata majątku, utrata domu, zniknięcie ukochanej, żółte gwiazdy, ucieczka, groźba śmierci czająca się na każdym kroku. Czy pobyt rannego Rubena pod dachem polskiego gospodarza pozwoli mu przetrwać wojnę? Czy jednak zdecyduje się na dramatyczną podróż z powrotem do Krakowa, by odnaleźć Zeldę – swoją miłość – za murami getta?
Tod Lending stworzył przejmującą opowieść nie tylko o wojnie i Zagładzie. „Nadzieja pośród ciemności” to przede wszystkim historia miłości, odwagi i woli życia, które potrafią przetrwać nawet największe piekło. Czerpiąc inspiracje z rodzinnych wspomnień, dokumentów historycznych oraz rozmów z ocalałymi z Holokaustu, autor pokazał wojnę widzianą oczami siedemnastoletniego Rubena Berkowicza. Z niezwykłą precyzją i wrażliwością odtworzył klimat tamtych dramatycznych lat, skupiając się na emocjach i przeżyciach młodego człowieka – prześladowanego, żyjącego w ciągłym strachu, ale niepozbawionego nadziei. Ruben jest przepełniony gniewem, smutkiem, utrafił cały dobytek, tożsamość i poczucie bezpieczeństwa. Utracił stabilizację i normalność, żył poza czasem, a jedyne, co mógł, to po prostu przetrwać od jednej ulotnej chwili do kolejnej.
To powieść, która bazuje głównie na przeżyciach wewnętrznych bohatera i jego determinacji, by przetrwać – ale również na nierozerwalnych więziach rodzinnych i głębokiej miłości. Dzięki niej łatwiej zrozumieć, dlaczego tak niewielu młodych Żydów uratowało się z Zagłady – większość z nich po prostu nie chciała opuszczać starszych rodziców…
Mimo to książka nie do końca mnie zachwyciła. Być może dlatego, że wszystkie te historie zaczynają się zlewać – być może przeczytałam już zbyt wiele podobnych opowieści. Podczas lektury miałam nieodparte wrażenie, że „ja już to gdzieś widziałam”.
Myślę jednak, że wielu czytelników ta książka poruszy i pozostawi z ważnymi refleksjami.
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