What do you think?
Rate this book
The Twins on the Train
Berlin, 1939. Tears pouring down her cheeks, Rosa pushes through the crowds and thrusts the basket containing her darling newborn twins at the woman closing the door to the carriage. All she can say is please take them. Then she runs, praying the train will reach England safely…
As the smell of smoke drifts through the air, Jewish people lock their doors. They no longer feel welcome in their home city, and while some mothers hide their children, others take them, clad in dark threadbare coats, to the crowded train station and the hope of a new life.
Rosa has feared for her twins since they were born two weeks ago. As she huddles in her filthy house, crammed in with her neighbours, she sees children growing weaker. It may be too late for her and her seven-year-old daughter Therese. But can she find a way out for her precious babies?
Dora scans the desperate crowd on the platform, despairing as she knows there isn’t room for all of them on the train to England. And when a woman thrusts a basket containing newborn twins into her arms, a shiver of dread slides down her spine. Babies aren’t authorised to travel – how can she keep them hidden from the cold-eyed soldiers?
She knows this mother wants the same thing she does – safety for these innocent children. But will she be able to help this brave woman before it is too late?
An unforgettable World War Two novel about two courageous women who risked everything for the innocent victims of war. Fans of The Nightingale and The Alice Network will be utterly gripped by this unputdownable page-turner from bestselling author Suzanne Goldring.
As the smell of smoke drifts through the air, Jewish people lock their doors. They no longer feel welcome in their home city, and while some mothers hide their children, others take them, clad in dark threadbare coats, to the crowded train station and the hope of a new life.
Rosa has feared for her twins since they were born two weeks ago. As she huddles in her filthy house, crammed in with her neighbours, she sees children growing weaker. It may be too late for her and her seven-year-old daughter Therese. But can she find a way out for her precious babies?
Dora scans the desperate crowd on the platform, despairing as she knows there isn’t room for all of them on the train to England. And when a woman thrusts a basket containing newborn twins into her arms, a shiver of dread slides down her spine. Babies aren’t authorised to travel – how can she keep them hidden from the cold-eyed soldiers?
She knows this mother wants the same thing she does – safety for these innocent children. But will she be able to help this brave woman before it is too late?
An unforgettable World War Two novel about two courageous women who risked everything for the innocent victims of war. Fans of The Nightingale and The Alice Network will be utterly gripped by this unputdownable page-turner from bestselling author Suzanne Goldring.
400 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 30, 2024
3564 people are currently reading
1322 people want to read
About the author
Suzanne Goldring
13 books173 followersFollowing an eventful career as a public relations consultant, specializing in business and travel, Suzanne Goldring turned to writing the kind of novels she likes to read, about the extraordinary lives of ordinary people. She writes in a thatched cottage in Hampshire and a cottage by the sea in North Cornwall.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 144 reviews
October 20, 2024
A fascinating story inspired by true events!
Author Suzanne Goldring explores how the Quakers helped with Kindertransport (Children’s Transport), the series of rescue efforts undertaken between 1938 and 1940 to bring refugee children, many of them Jewish, to Great Britain through Holland from Nazi Germany.
Her examination of the climate in pre-war Germany shows how it was possible for the Nazis to gain power and her ability to tap into her characters’ and readers’ emotions makes it possible for us to understand how afraid people were of their future. It becomes clear why mothers provided safe passage for their children through the Kindertransport and why so many gave away their babies, two-week old twins in this case, to strangers, knowing that they’d be going to a country where they’d be raised to speak a different language and live with strangers.
I was in awe reading about Joseph and Esther Goldberg’s journey and thankful for people such as Dora who risked it all to help.
This is a must-read book for those like me who had no idea of the Quakers pivotal role in WW2.
I was gifted this copy by Bookuture and NetGalley and was under no obligation to provide a review.
Author Suzanne Goldring explores how the Quakers helped with Kindertransport (Children’s Transport), the series of rescue efforts undertaken between 1938 and 1940 to bring refugee children, many of them Jewish, to Great Britain through Holland from Nazi Germany.
Her examination of the climate in pre-war Germany shows how it was possible for the Nazis to gain power and her ability to tap into her characters’ and readers’ emotions makes it possible for us to understand how afraid people were of their future. It becomes clear why mothers provided safe passage for their children through the Kindertransport and why so many gave away their babies, two-week old twins in this case, to strangers, knowing that they’d be going to a country where they’d be raised to speak a different language and live with strangers.
I was in awe reading about Joseph and Esther Goldberg’s journey and thankful for people such as Dora who risked it all to help.
This is a must-read book for those like me who had no idea of the Quakers pivotal role in WW2.
I was gifted this copy by Bookuture and NetGalley and was under no obligation to provide a review.
October 3, 2024
This novel covers the pre World War Two years in Germany. The story begins in 1933 and continues on into 1943. There are two main characters and one is a German seamstress from Berlin. Her name is Rosa Goldberg . She is a Jewish mother and wife and skillful dress maker. Her husband Josef is a taylor who owns a successful business . Her daughter’s name is Theresa and she is five years old at the story’s beginning. The other main character is Dora and she is an English lady who works for the Quakers in England. She is married to Hugh, a Doctor and they don’t have any children. Dora’s job takes her out of England to Germany where she and a coworker help in a humanitarian effort to accompany Jewish German children by train out of Germany to be fostered to English families until the persecution of Jews in Germany comes to an end. The twins of course are Josef and Esther Goldberg. Rosa their Mother gives birth to them during the horrors of the Second World War years. The future of any Jew in Germany at this time was uncertain so in an act of love the mother runs to the train station and hands a basket to Dora and immediately leaves.
The story starts out slowly but each chapter is important. I was soon swept off into the book and felt like I was there with Rosa and Dora. I felt that the book was expertly written and the research was very well done. In the Authors notes she provides information on where she got her information from. It’s different from other World War Two books which made this book unique. My heart grieved for the Jewish people and how they were treated by their oppressors . I’m glad I took the opportunity to read this novel.
Readers of Historical Fiction and World War Two novels will love this story. It’s scheduled for release on 10/30/24. It can be read as a standalone.
I voluntarily read an advanced readers copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions expressed here in this review are entirely my own.
#TheTwinsontheTrain #NetGalley
The story starts out slowly but each chapter is important. I was soon swept off into the book and felt like I was there with Rosa and Dora. I felt that the book was expertly written and the research was very well done. In the Authors notes she provides information on where she got her information from. It’s different from other World War Two books which made this book unique. My heart grieved for the Jewish people and how they were treated by their oppressors . I’m glad I took the opportunity to read this novel.
Readers of Historical Fiction and World War Two novels will love this story. It’s scheduled for release on 10/30/24. It can be read as a standalone.
I voluntarily read an advanced readers copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions expressed here in this review are entirely my own.
#TheTwinsontheTrain #NetGalley
October 31, 2024
Thank you to NetGalley and Bookouture for the ARC (Advance Reader Copy) of The Twins on the Train by Suzanne Goldring. What a fascinating story! I have not read any books about the Kindertransport so I found this intriguing. I found the entire story to be amazing and I was in awe of everything Dora and Brenda did prior to the war as well as during the war. Joseph and Esther Goldberg were so lucky to have Dora. It was an unbelievably selfless act that their mother could make the ultimate sacrifice. I would highly recommend this book to others. Wow!! A 5 star rating from me.
December 1, 2024
All of my emotions were affected as I listened to the audiobook of The Twins on the Train by Suzanne Goldring. It took place in both Berlin, Germany and Great Britain during the later part of the 1930’s through the 1940’s. This was a dire time for all the Jewish people in Germany. Antisemitism was on the rise and more and more restrictions were being placed on the Jews each and every day. The Quaker community in Great Britain knew about the hardships the Jewish people in Germany were made to endure. They devised a detailed plan to save as many Jewish children from the fate that surely awaited these children if they remained in Germany. An extremely brave and determined Quaker woman named Dora and her constituents took the children out of Germany by train through Holland and to Great Britain. So many British couples stepped up and provided these fragile little children with a safe and loving home.
On one such trip, Dora was handed a covered basket by a desperate mother with precise instructions “to take care of them”. The young mother was called Rosa Goldberg. She and her husband, Joseph, had owned their own business where she was a seamstress and her husband was a tailor. Rosa and Joseph had had a daughter they named Theresa. She was five years old when Rosa discovered that she was pregnant again. A short time before Dora and the other Quakers were scheduled to take another group of Jewish children out of Germany, Rosa had given birth to twins. Rosa had had a girl that she named Esther and a boy that she named Joseph. The birth of her twins forced Rosa to make the most heartbreaking decision of her life. Does Rosa give her twins a chance to live a life free from Nazi oppression or does she keep them with her and hope that things will get better for the Jews living in Germany? Rosa chose the best and only option for her newborn twins. With uncontrollable tears running down her face, Rosa handed the basket that contained the twins to Dora and ran from the station. Did she do the right thing? Did Rosa give her twins the best chance of survival? What about Theresa? How could Rosa send Theresa away as well? Was it selfish to want Theresa to stay with her? The decisions Rosa had to make were agonizing. No parent should ever have to make such decisions.
I can’t even imagine what it felt like being forced to make the decisions Rosa was forced to make concerning her children. As a parent, I always felt that no one could protect my children better than me, their mother. It was such a harrowing time. Thankfully, there were brave and generous Quakers who gave their time, opened their hearts and saved many but not nearly enough Jewish children from the hands of the ruthless Nazis and the atrocities they inflicted upon the Jewish people. Although The Twins on the Train is part of a series, it can definitely be read as a stand-alone book. I listened to the audiobook that was very well narrated by Antonia Whillens. I highly recommend The Twins on the Train by Suzanne Goldring if you enjoy historical fiction that takes place during World War II. The Twins on the Train was inspired by true events and was very well researched.
Thank you to Bookouture Audio for allowing me to listen to The Twins on the Train by Suzanne Goldring through Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
On one such trip, Dora was handed a covered basket by a desperate mother with precise instructions “to take care of them”. The young mother was called Rosa Goldberg. She and her husband, Joseph, had owned their own business where she was a seamstress and her husband was a tailor. Rosa and Joseph had had a daughter they named Theresa. She was five years old when Rosa discovered that she was pregnant again. A short time before Dora and the other Quakers were scheduled to take another group of Jewish children out of Germany, Rosa had given birth to twins. Rosa had had a girl that she named Esther and a boy that she named Joseph. The birth of her twins forced Rosa to make the most heartbreaking decision of her life. Does Rosa give her twins a chance to live a life free from Nazi oppression or does she keep them with her and hope that things will get better for the Jews living in Germany? Rosa chose the best and only option for her newborn twins. With uncontrollable tears running down her face, Rosa handed the basket that contained the twins to Dora and ran from the station. Did she do the right thing? Did Rosa give her twins the best chance of survival? What about Theresa? How could Rosa send Theresa away as well? Was it selfish to want Theresa to stay with her? The decisions Rosa had to make were agonizing. No parent should ever have to make such decisions.
I can’t even imagine what it felt like being forced to make the decisions Rosa was forced to make concerning her children. As a parent, I always felt that no one could protect my children better than me, their mother. It was such a harrowing time. Thankfully, there were brave and generous Quakers who gave their time, opened their hearts and saved many but not nearly enough Jewish children from the hands of the ruthless Nazis and the atrocities they inflicted upon the Jewish people. Although The Twins on the Train is part of a series, it can definitely be read as a stand-alone book. I listened to the audiobook that was very well narrated by Antonia Whillens. I highly recommend The Twins on the Train by Suzanne Goldring if you enjoy historical fiction that takes place during World War II. The Twins on the Train was inspired by true events and was very well researched.
Thank you to Bookouture Audio for allowing me to listen to The Twins on the Train by Suzanne Goldring through Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
November 6, 2024
One of the best books about the Kindertransport of WW2 I’ve read!
It’s 1938 in Berlin, Germany. After the “Night of Broken Glass”, restrictions on Jews have become increasingly harsh. Many parents have made the agonizing decision to send their children away to England for safety. Members of the Quaker Society have devoted themselves to making sure that these little ones reach their destinations unharmed, a difficult task because the Nazis are poised to apprehend anyone that they choose to, without reason.
Many of the children that managed to escape on the Kindertransport were never reunited with their families after the war, and their fates remained unknown, except in rare cases.
An unputdownable novel about bravery in the face of utter evil, and the strength of parental love.
I’ll be looking for more from this author!
*I received a digital copy from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are strictly my own.*
It’s 1938 in Berlin, Germany. After the “Night of Broken Glass”, restrictions on Jews have become increasingly harsh. Many parents have made the agonizing decision to send their children away to England for safety. Members of the Quaker Society have devoted themselves to making sure that these little ones reach their destinations unharmed, a difficult task because the Nazis are poised to apprehend anyone that they choose to, without reason.
Many of the children that managed to escape on the Kindertransport were never reunited with their families after the war, and their fates remained unknown, except in rare cases.
An unputdownable novel about bravery in the face of utter evil, and the strength of parental love.
I’ll be looking for more from this author!
*I received a digital copy from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are strictly my own.*
September 10, 2024
The Twins on the Train
By: Suzanne Goldring
Pub Date: October 30, 2024
Publisher: Bookouture
4⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
This novel was an emotional one for me. As a mother, who would do anything for her kids. One mom makes the ultimate decision to give her twins to a lady for their safety.
Berlin in 1939 when the Jewish people were trying to survive, some made the decision to stay behind but some wanted their children safe. I had no idea of the Quakers role in regard to the Kindertransport to England. This was a unique novel.
The characters were compelling and the twin’s journey in this novel was extraordinary and the ending was compelling and realistic.
Thank you Bookouture for this gifted copy.
By: Suzanne Goldring
Pub Date: October 30, 2024
Publisher: Bookouture
4⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
This novel was an emotional one for me. As a mother, who would do anything for her kids. One mom makes the ultimate decision to give her twins to a lady for their safety.
Berlin in 1939 when the Jewish people were trying to survive, some made the decision to stay behind but some wanted their children safe. I had no idea of the Quakers role in regard to the Kindertransport to England. This was a unique novel.
The characters were compelling and the twin’s journey in this novel was extraordinary and the ending was compelling and realistic.
Thank you Bookouture for this gifted copy.
October 13, 2024
4.5 stars
A spectacular historical fiction, written with just enough attention to detail and emotion to make it memorable. I really enjoyed the focus on pre-war Germany and the movement organised by Quakers to rescue children. I hadn’t realised there was such a large movement from English Quakers to save Jewish children. Dora and Rosa were fantastic main characters to cement the story, each with their own struggles and challenges. I also really loved Verity, her character development added to the overall plot and depth of the story. Poignant and beautifully written, this was a real joy to read.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publishers for kindly providing an ARC in exchange for an honest review. #TheTwinsOnTheTrain #NetGalley. All opinions are my own.
A spectacular historical fiction, written with just enough attention to detail and emotion to make it memorable. I really enjoyed the focus on pre-war Germany and the movement organised by Quakers to rescue children. I hadn’t realised there was such a large movement from English Quakers to save Jewish children. Dora and Rosa were fantastic main characters to cement the story, each with their own struggles and challenges. I also really loved Verity, her character development added to the overall plot and depth of the story. Poignant and beautifully written, this was a real joy to read.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publishers for kindly providing an ARC in exchange for an honest review. #TheTwinsOnTheTrain #NetGalley. All opinions are my own.
November 10, 2024
The Twins on The Train by Suzanne was a very moving historical fiction. The story is about what happened before and leading up to World War 2. The Quakers were so involved in the rescue of thousand of Jewish children. They worked tirelessly with the train rescue mission. They were so brave not thinking of their safety, only of getting the children to safety. The Jewish community were strong people that were reduced to a country of frightened, abused people.
I never knew the Quakers had such an important role in saving the children. There were two main characters Rosa and Dora. Dora was such a dedicated English woman, who worked with the Quakers helping organizing and getting the children safely on the train in Berlin to a safe place. Rosa a Jewish mother, who was devoted to her children, but had to made the decision to give up her twins.
I highly recommend this book. The author did a great job of telling this heartbreaking story that ended well for some of the children.
Thank you to NetGalley and bookouture for allowing me to read this book in exchange for an honest review.
I never knew the Quakers had such an important role in saving the children. There were two main characters Rosa and Dora. Dora was such a dedicated English woman, who worked with the Quakers helping organizing and getting the children safely on the train in Berlin to a safe place. Rosa a Jewish mother, who was devoted to her children, but had to made the decision to give up her twins.
I highly recommend this book. The author did a great job of telling this heartbreaking story that ended well for some of the children.
Thank you to NetGalley and bookouture for allowing me to read this book in exchange for an honest review.
November 17, 2024
This audiobook had me feeling everything hope ,despair sadness. And so much more. A lot of time was spent setting the scene for the twins on the train. The narrator dealt with the fear and danger and despair in a good way despite her soft matter of fact voice. She was very engaging.
It was a dripping story about the horrors of world war 2 and the perils for the families in both sides
. The buildup gave this real depth and the lengths that ordinary people went to protect children was real. I was sad when this ended as it felt like there could have been a bit more to tell. I loved and hated the realism it was a real tearjerker in places. A female swindlers list.
Recommended to anyone who likes a good historical drama that doesn't hold back
Thank you netgallery and publisher and author and narrator
It was a dripping story about the horrors of world war 2 and the perils for the families in both sides
. The buildup gave this real depth and the lengths that ordinary people went to protect children was real. I was sad when this ended as it felt like there could have been a bit more to tell. I loved and hated the realism it was a real tearjerker in places. A female swindlers list.
Recommended to anyone who likes a good historical drama that doesn't hold back
Thank you netgallery and publisher and author and narrator
February 18, 2025
This was a beautifully written story based on true events. This novel tells the story of how the Great Britain’s Quakers helped by transporting refugee children, not only Jewish, between 1938-40 through Holland from Nazi Germany. The story of Ester and Joseph Goldberg was an awe inspiring journey, along with Dora who helped to rescue them. The narrator did an excellent job bringing the characters to life, and I enjoyed the audio version so much! I highly recommend this book to the history and historical fiction reader… especially to learn more about the Quakers role in WWII.
November 17, 2024
I love a historical novel and this one didn’t disappoint. The story of the organisers of the children’s evacuation trains, trying to get them to safety and a better life while the war is taking place. I loved the background of the women organising the children’s journey, the parents who made this brave decision and, although I was sad reading of the horrors taking place, this book also heartwarming at the efforts made during these sad times
September 28, 2024
The story opens in the present and you hear from one of the twins on the train. You then go back in time to learn about the parents of the twins and what they went through before putting the twins on the train. You also learn about Dora who helps with the transport of children to safety and you are introduced to others who become important people in the story. I did think Dora's cousin was a little naive at times! I had to keep reading to see how or if they would survive and see how their lives are changed forever. I'm keen to read more of this authors books! Thank you to NetGalley, Bookouture and Suzanne Goldring for the ARC of this book which I received for free.
October 19, 2024
I was frequently bored and did some skimming. The story stretched the boundaries of believability. A woman in 1939, challenges a man who is holding most of the cards in dire times. She later challenges a man holding all the cards. The plot was redundant and the switchback format did not work well in story flow . Additionally, Rufus's heroic efforts during a time when there were much greater issues to address was just a bit too much to believe. The last fourth flowed better but the book was too long. I am really very surprised by some of those 5 star reviews.
October 31, 2024
An absolutely stunning read. I found this particularly emotive as it was based on the child transportation out of Germany. The lengths the English quakers went to to rescue so many children is astounding.
A beautifully written book that is utterly immersive from Rosa & Dora’s differing experiences leading up the the outbreak of World War 2! Thank you to Bookouture and NetGalley for the advanced copy
A beautifully written book that is utterly immersive from Rosa & Dora’s differing experiences leading up the the outbreak of World War 2! Thank you to Bookouture and NetGalley for the advanced copy
November 13, 2024
This is the story of the Kindertransport. There were several different organizations working together or separately to get children who were in danger out of Germany as fast as they could. The leaders of the groups had the tough job of selecting those who were to go and then to get them through the borders without the young men wanted to keep the younger girls at their beck and call. Any pretext they could possibly use was used to detain those leaving.
Dora and Brenda had been making trips to Berlin to accompany children out to England on the Kindertransport. So far, they had been lucky. On this trip, they were bringing Dora's cousin, Verity, out with the children. Verity had gone to Germany to be with her husband Raven. He was now in the resistance. However, he had been caught and was in prison. Just before the train they were on left, Verity was taken off the train for further questioning. Dora was beside herself as was the little girl Verity had befriended on the train. At the last minute, Verity was rushed back onto the train. Luckily, she was only questioned. When they got to England, the little girl who had befriended Verity was unable to stay with her relatives. Their circumstances had changed and they could no longer keep her. Dora and Verity took the little girl home with them. Verity had a room above Dora's. The little girl went with Verity. They would keep her until other placement was found.
Although Dora's husband didn't want her to go again, he didn't stop her from making another trip to Berlin. This time, everything was going smoothly until just before the train took off. At the last minute, a woman thrust a wicker basket to Dora and told her to take care of it. She then disappeared into the crowd with her young daughter. Thinking it was food for the children, Dora took it to her seat. When the train was well underway and the children settled, Dora decided to see what food was in the basket. To her surprise, it wasn't food but two babies about two weeks old. There was a note in the basket along with extra milk. Dora sent a young boy to have Brenda come see her. Together they had to figure out what to do with the babies. Taking babies out was prohibited and could result in all the children being sent back. The babies did not have papers either. How would they get across the borders? If they did get through to England, what would happen to the babies? Would they be separated? Dora felt responsible since the mother had singled her out specifically. Would the babies ever be reunited with their mother and sister?
Dora and Brenda had been making trips to Berlin to accompany children out to England on the Kindertransport. So far, they had been lucky. On this trip, they were bringing Dora's cousin, Verity, out with the children. Verity had gone to Germany to be with her husband Raven. He was now in the resistance. However, he had been caught and was in prison. Just before the train they were on left, Verity was taken off the train for further questioning. Dora was beside herself as was the little girl Verity had befriended on the train. At the last minute, Verity was rushed back onto the train. Luckily, she was only questioned. When they got to England, the little girl who had befriended Verity was unable to stay with her relatives. Their circumstances had changed and they could no longer keep her. Dora and Verity took the little girl home with them. Verity had a room above Dora's. The little girl went with Verity. They would keep her until other placement was found.
Although Dora's husband didn't want her to go again, he didn't stop her from making another trip to Berlin. This time, everything was going smoothly until just before the train took off. At the last minute, a woman thrust a wicker basket to Dora and told her to take care of it. She then disappeared into the crowd with her young daughter. Thinking it was food for the children, Dora took it to her seat. When the train was well underway and the children settled, Dora decided to see what food was in the basket. To her surprise, it wasn't food but two babies about two weeks old. There was a note in the basket along with extra milk. Dora sent a young boy to have Brenda come see her. Together they had to figure out what to do with the babies. Taking babies out was prohibited and could result in all the children being sent back. The babies did not have papers either. How would they get across the borders? If they did get through to England, what would happen to the babies? Would they be separated? Dora felt responsible since the mother had singled her out specifically. Would the babies ever be reunited with their mother and sister?
October 30, 2024
Another interesting story revolving around out the evils of Hitler as well as a small group of people who arranged the transport of Jewish children from Germany to a more neutral area (Great Britain), so that if/when the parents were able to come for them, they would be safe.
The story opens up with a young woman handing a basket to another woman as the train pulls away. In the basket are two babies…twins…only a few weeks old.
The main woman involved in the story/transport is Dora. She is a Quaker, and apparently, there was an agreement made where she was permitted to transport the children from Germany. She is married to Hugh, a physician. They have no children of their own. He is very supportive, but also worried about her safety.
Dora has made MANY trips to transport these young children and the story revolves around these trips, their hardships and the awful realities that Jewish families were facing at the time.
Wonderful to see communities working together for the greater good, especially when it involves children! And…the harsh realities that exist could possibly involve these very same people who are doing the transport..if the rules change. Even though there WAS an agreement, many times these women were threatened, questioned, propositioned, and even hurt… while trying to bring these children to safety.
One of the side stories involves Dora’s cousin, Verity (V), who is fascinated with Hitler and will do just about anything to get close to him and his close knit army…
Many stories here. So many moments of pure grief as the mothers are sending their loved ones away…in hopes of a better life for them. Some stories that we’ve all heard before about the awful stuff that Hitler did…but it hits home every time, and my heart breaks all over again. I can’t even imagine having to give everything up…your home, your career, your belongings…and all of life as you knew it.
At the same time, I’ve never heard of this Quaker movement that so helped the children of Germany…in order to escape, and at least have a chance at some kind of a life.
4 1/2 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫 for me, rounded up to 5.
#TheTwinsOnTheTrain by #SuzanneGoldring and narrated nicely by #AntoniaWhillans.
Thanks so much to #NetGalley and #BookoutureAudio for an ARC of the audiobook which will be released in a few days on *** 10/30/24 **** so look 👀 for it then!!
Feel free to like, follow and friend me on: Goodreads,
Insta @ #BookReviews_with_emsr and/or
My Facebook Book Club: Book Reviews With Elaine.
Thanks so much for reading! And if you ‘liked’ my review, please share with your friends, & click ‘LIKE’ below… And, let me know YOUR thoughts if you read it!! 📚⭐️
The story opens up with a young woman handing a basket to another woman as the train pulls away. In the basket are two babies…twins…only a few weeks old.
The main woman involved in the story/transport is Dora. She is a Quaker, and apparently, there was an agreement made where she was permitted to transport the children from Germany. She is married to Hugh, a physician. They have no children of their own. He is very supportive, but also worried about her safety.
Dora has made MANY trips to transport these young children and the story revolves around these trips, their hardships and the awful realities that Jewish families were facing at the time.
Wonderful to see communities working together for the greater good, especially when it involves children! And…the harsh realities that exist could possibly involve these very same people who are doing the transport..if the rules change. Even though there WAS an agreement, many times these women were threatened, questioned, propositioned, and even hurt… while trying to bring these children to safety.
One of the side stories involves Dora’s cousin, Verity (V), who is fascinated with Hitler and will do just about anything to get close to him and his close knit army…
Many stories here. So many moments of pure grief as the mothers are sending their loved ones away…in hopes of a better life for them. Some stories that we’ve all heard before about the awful stuff that Hitler did…but it hits home every time, and my heart breaks all over again. I can’t even imagine having to give everything up…your home, your career, your belongings…and all of life as you knew it.
At the same time, I’ve never heard of this Quaker movement that so helped the children of Germany…in order to escape, and at least have a chance at some kind of a life.
4 1/2 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫 for me, rounded up to 5.
#TheTwinsOnTheTrain by #SuzanneGoldring and narrated nicely by #AntoniaWhillans.
Thanks so much to #NetGalley and #BookoutureAudio for an ARC of the audiobook which will be released in a few days on *** 10/30/24 **** so look 👀 for it then!!
Feel free to like, follow and friend me on: Goodreads,
Insta @ #BookReviews_with_emsr and/or
My Facebook Book Club: Book Reviews With Elaine.
Thanks so much for reading! And if you ‘liked’ my review, please share with your friends, & click ‘LIKE’ below… And, let me know YOUR thoughts if you read it!! 📚⭐️
November 5, 2024
Thank you @bookouture & @netgalley for my complimentary copy. All opinions expressed are my own.
EMOTIONAL, HEART-WRENCHING, and COMPELLING! These are the three words I would use to describe this poignant story!
Imagine having to send away the twin babies you have longed for, possibly never to see them again. This is the heart-rending decision faced by Rosa during WWII in Germany, as Hitler's regime increasingly restricts the lives of the Jewish people. One fateful morning, Rosa tenderly feeds her newborn twins and then tucks them in a basket. She walks to the train station and places them in the arms of a stranger.
Dora is stunned when she opens the basket and realizes the precious cargo that is inside. Aboard a train inspected by Nazi soldiers, she fears that her secret could soon be discovered. Determined to protect the twins, she reaches out for help from the children she is legally transporting to safe homes in England.
This well-researched narrative unfolds across multiple timelines and through the eyes of both Dora and Rosa. The author’s note mentions that many of the startling and tragic events included in the story are based on actual accounts. From the very start, I was captivated. With richly developed characters and a storyline that kept me fully engaged, this story will not soon be forgotten.
EMOTIONAL, HEART-WRENCHING, and COMPELLING! These are the three words I would use to describe this poignant story!
Imagine having to send away the twin babies you have longed for, possibly never to see them again. This is the heart-rending decision faced by Rosa during WWII in Germany, as Hitler's regime increasingly restricts the lives of the Jewish people. One fateful morning, Rosa tenderly feeds her newborn twins and then tucks them in a basket. She walks to the train station and places them in the arms of a stranger.
Dora is stunned when she opens the basket and realizes the precious cargo that is inside. Aboard a train inspected by Nazi soldiers, she fears that her secret could soon be discovered. Determined to protect the twins, she reaches out for help from the children she is legally transporting to safe homes in England.
This well-researched narrative unfolds across multiple timelines and through the eyes of both Dora and Rosa. The author’s note mentions that many of the startling and tragic events included in the story are based on actual accounts. From the very start, I was captivated. With richly developed characters and a storyline that kept me fully engaged, this story will not soon be forgotten.
October 31, 2024
Another WWII book I really enjoyed. I always wait for the moment when I say, I don’t want to read another WWII book anytime soon but I haven’t made it there yet. Reading stories about what Jewish people experience during the war is usually something I try to avoid. Concentration camps and the abuse that the Jewish population suffered through is always hard for me to read. I can’t imagine what it was like back then, or even now for Jewish people and I wish that more people had learned from German behavior.
This book begins with Dora being handed a basket with twin babies in it. As the story unfolds we see both Dora’s POV through the events that lead up the basket, and then after. And we also get the POV of Rosa, the twin’s mother, and what possesses her to hand of her babies and what she suffers through as a Jewish woman in Germany.
I enjoyed listening to the audio copy of this book. Antonio did a great job differentiating between the two women and I really felt connected with both characters.
Thank you NetGalley and Bookouture for my gifted copies of this book.
This book begins with Dora being handed a basket with twin babies in it. As the story unfolds we see both Dora’s POV through the events that lead up the basket, and then after. And we also get the POV of Rosa, the twin’s mother, and what possesses her to hand of her babies and what she suffers through as a Jewish woman in Germany.
I enjoyed listening to the audio copy of this book. Antonio did a great job differentiating between the two women and I really felt connected with both characters.
Thank you NetGalley and Bookouture for my gifted copies of this book.
Read
October 12, 2024Thank you, NetGalley, for this advanced reading copy in return for an honest review.
There are a lot of books that center around World War II and the terrible events surrounding the holocaust. Yet with every story, there is a different point of view - either it takes place in France or Italy or Austria. Perhaps they are fighter pilots, hospital workers, or one involved a priest. For this book, it is distinct in that it involves the point of view of the Quakers!
I am a sucker for any book that involves and orphan and then add "train" and I must read the book. Previous orphan train books involved children being shipped west to be adopted in the US and this involved twin Jewish children in Europe.
The book had a slow start for me yet I understood the importance of learning the backgrounds of the different characters. Take out most of the parts about the food Dora was preparing, fewer lines of dialog with "darling", and by shortening the concerns about her cousin Verity, and we could have still picked up on the characters and the backdrop of the story. The book could have been trimmed from 400 to 300-350 pages. I don't mind a book well over 300 pages if the additional pages have a clear purpose in the story.
I did appreciate the perspective of the women faced with impossible circumstances and decisions I hope I would never have to make. What a horrible time in history.
Whereas not my favorite book, I see Goldring has written quite a few novels and sometimes one novel strikes you better or worse due to your mood and is not the fault of the author. I will look over her other novels and the next one might hit things just right! A lot of work went into this book and it is a major accomplishment to be an author, let alone of so many stories.
There are a lot of books that center around World War II and the terrible events surrounding the holocaust. Yet with every story, there is a different point of view - either it takes place in France or Italy or Austria. Perhaps they are fighter pilots, hospital workers, or one involved a priest. For this book, it is distinct in that it involves the point of view of the Quakers!
I am a sucker for any book that involves and orphan and then add "train" and I must read the book. Previous orphan train books involved children being shipped west to be adopted in the US and this involved twin Jewish children in Europe.
The book had a slow start for me yet I understood the importance of learning the backgrounds of the different characters. Take out most of the parts about the food Dora was preparing, fewer lines of dialog with "darling", and by shortening the concerns about her cousin Verity, and we could have still picked up on the characters and the backdrop of the story. The book could have been trimmed from 400 to 300-350 pages. I don't mind a book well over 300 pages if the additional pages have a clear purpose in the story.
I did appreciate the perspective of the women faced with impossible circumstances and decisions I hope I would never have to make. What a horrible time in history.
Whereas not my favorite book, I see Goldring has written quite a few novels and sometimes one novel strikes you better or worse due to your mood and is not the fault of the author. I will look over her other novels and the next one might hit things just right! A lot of work went into this book and it is a major accomplishment to be an author, let alone of so many stories.
October 29, 2024
Thank you so much @netgalley and @bookouture for this advanced copy!
This was another beautiful and heartbreaking historical fiction novel, taking place in the WWII time period. Whereas The Twins on the Train started off relatively slow for me, it quickly grabbed my complete attention and I couldn’t put it down.
This story follows Dora, a British Quaker who dedicates her life to getting the Jewish children out of Germany safely, before it is completely overruled by Hitler. This was called the Kindertransport, and quite honestly, it was heartbreaking and beyond heroic. Dora’s story coincides with Rosa, a Jewish mother living in Germany. After the realization that she can no longer protect her children, she was forced to make the toughest decision any parent could ever face. Giving her kids to strangers, with a chance to survive, or keeping them with her in Nazi Germany.
As a mom myself, this story encompasses the most unfathomable circumstances. I hadn’t read much about the Kindertransport before, so I enjoyed learning about that (despite my heart cracking apart). The only thing I didn’t love was that the story ends quite abruptly, and it seemed almost unfinished. I wanted to know more about the war and all the characters, but whatcha gonna do. It was still a beautiful historical fiction work, and I’ll recommend it!
This was another beautiful and heartbreaking historical fiction novel, taking place in the WWII time period. Whereas The Twins on the Train started off relatively slow for me, it quickly grabbed my complete attention and I couldn’t put it down.
This story follows Dora, a British Quaker who dedicates her life to getting the Jewish children out of Germany safely, before it is completely overruled by Hitler. This was called the Kindertransport, and quite honestly, it was heartbreaking and beyond heroic. Dora’s story coincides with Rosa, a Jewish mother living in Germany. After the realization that she can no longer protect her children, she was forced to make the toughest decision any parent could ever face. Giving her kids to strangers, with a chance to survive, or keeping them with her in Nazi Germany.
As a mom myself, this story encompasses the most unfathomable circumstances. I hadn’t read much about the Kindertransport before, so I enjoyed learning about that (despite my heart cracking apart). The only thing I didn’t love was that the story ends quite abruptly, and it seemed almost unfinished. I wanted to know more about the war and all the characters, but whatcha gonna do. It was still a beautiful historical fiction work, and I’ll recommend it!
September 29, 2024
There is so much WWII fiction out there, it can be easy to get lost in the crowd. I look for reads that bring something broaden my understanding as well as being a great read. Goldring's new novel, The Twins on the Train manages to do both.
From a bookworm's perspective, the story has great character development. We begin following the characters in the early '30s, so by the time the action happens it's easier to understand their motivations. I always appreciate a strong woman character.
From a historical perspective, it was interesting to hear more about Quaker involvement in rescue operations. The novel also does a great job of showing Britain's own brushes with Fascism through British Union of Fascists. Verity is reminiscent Unity/Diana Mitford and adds nuance to the story.
I recommend to anyone fascinated by life in Europe pre-WWII.
From a bookworm's perspective, the story has great character development. We begin following the characters in the early '30s, so by the time the action happens it's easier to understand their motivations. I always appreciate a strong woman character.
From a historical perspective, it was interesting to hear more about Quaker involvement in rescue operations. The novel also does a great job of showing Britain's own brushes with Fascism through British Union of Fascists. Verity is reminiscent Unity/Diana Mitford and adds nuance to the story.
I recommend to anyone fascinated by life in Europe pre-WWII.
October 29, 2024
I really enjoyed this unforgettable and heartwarming world war two story about two courageous women, Rosa and Dora who risk everything for the innocent victims of war. The first book I’ve read by Suzanne Goldring and I couldn’t put it down. I loved every page. It had me captivated from the first page and I was swept up in the story.
It’s beautifully written, detailed, emotional and poignant with compelling characters that you feel sympathy for through their sacrifices and struggles.
I laughed. I cried. It’s just a brilliant read.
I definitely recommend reading this book if you enjoy this genre. It’s well worth the read.
With thanks to #NetGallery @bookouture for an arc of #TheTwinsOnTheTrain in exchange for a honest review.
Book publishes 30 October 2024.
It’s beautifully written, detailed, emotional and poignant with compelling characters that you feel sympathy for through their sacrifices and struggles.
I laughed. I cried. It’s just a brilliant read.
I definitely recommend reading this book if you enjoy this genre. It’s well worth the read.
With thanks to #NetGallery @bookouture for an arc of #TheTwinsOnTheTrain in exchange for a honest review.
Book publishes 30 October 2024.
November 2, 2024
Recommend
The Twins on the Train by Suzanne Goldring.
I did enjoy this book. I did like Esther, Josef, Dora, Ruth, and Verity. I really felt for Rosa. I just wanted to jump in and hug her and help her. This was a powerful and well written story. I had goosebumps reading this book. I read this book in two sittings. I did like the ending. I would recommend this book.
The Twins on the Train by Suzanne Goldring.
I did enjoy this book. I did like Esther, Josef, Dora, Ruth, and Verity. I really felt for Rosa. I just wanted to jump in and hug her and help her. This was a powerful and well written story. I had goosebumps reading this book. I read this book in two sittings. I did like the ending. I would recommend this book.
January 19, 2025
Overall a great book, although I didn’t like the style of the beginning and end but I liked that those parts were to the point
December 10, 2024
This book reminded me a lot of the film One Life, but I preferred that film over this book.
There's a lot of good in this book - the characters are interesting and easy to route for and the history has been well researched. Sometimes I felt like I was reading a WWII textbook, which I'm not sure is a good or bad thing. The epilogue felt very much like an info dump and I actually forgot about this narrative as it was only there in the prologue and epilogue.
The pacing is a bit odd, as it's very slow and things only really pick up from the halfway point. While the writing can be emotive, the more upsetting parts seem to happen very quickly and are then followed by a lot of reflection, much of it repetitive. I found myself losing interest in what felt like the same conclusions being made repeatedly.
Also, a few things that happen in the plot seem very convenient and quite unbelievable. They felt like easy maneuvers to move the plot along and I couldn't take the following events seriously.
Overall, I think this could be a great story but I didn't love the execution. Thank you to Netgalley and Bookoutre for the ARC and ALC.
There's a lot of good in this book - the characters are interesting and easy to route for and the history has been well researched. Sometimes I felt like I was reading a WWII textbook, which I'm not sure is a good or bad thing. The epilogue felt very much like an info dump and I actually forgot about this narrative as it was only there in the prologue and epilogue.
The pacing is a bit odd, as it's very slow and things only really pick up from the halfway point. While the writing can be emotive, the more upsetting parts seem to happen very quickly and are then followed by a lot of reflection, much of it repetitive. I found myself losing interest in what felt like the same conclusions being made repeatedly.
Also, a few things that happen in the plot seem very convenient and quite unbelievable. They felt like easy maneuvers to move the plot along and I couldn't take the following events seriously.
Overall, I think this could be a great story but I didn't love the execution. Thank you to Netgalley and Bookoutre for the ARC and ALC.
December 16, 2024
Good
A sad but touching story set during a horrible time in history. Brave characters that are easy to relate to. Well researched and written.
A sad but touching story set during a horrible time in history. Brave characters that are easy to relate to. Well researched and written.
December 31, 2024
3.5 ⭐️
This book was enjoyable but it didn’t really have much to set it apart from other historical fictions from this time period. The mother who gives up the twins is the only character that I really felt emotional connection to her or her story. You also didn’t really get to know the twins at all which since that was the main point of the story I felt like their story would be more detailed. Definitely recommend especially to those who enjoy historical fiction. It did show a side of things in nazi Germany I wasn’t aware of—specifically the rolls the quakers played in getting children out of Germany.
This book was enjoyable but it didn’t really have much to set it apart from other historical fictions from this time period. The mother who gives up the twins is the only character that I really felt emotional connection to her or her story. You also didn’t really get to know the twins at all which since that was the main point of the story I felt like their story would be more detailed. Definitely recommend especially to those who enjoy historical fiction. It did show a side of things in nazi Germany I wasn’t aware of—specifically the rolls the quakers played in getting children out of Germany.
September 6, 2024
I really enjoyed this novel! Even though it is a heart warming story, life with its growing dangers in Germany before WWII for Jewish people is explicitly exposed. I found it very interesting to learn about the role of the Quakers as regards Kindertransport to England. The evacuation of Jewish children is also very well depicted with all the humiliation and fears it entails. I really enjoyed the characters and their development throughout the war: denial, fear and humility. The conclusion is realistic while thought provoking... A great read!
I received a digital copy of this novel from NetGalley and I have voluntarily written an honest review.
I received a digital copy of this novel from NetGalley and I have voluntarily written an honest review.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 144 reviews