The Keeper of the Glass House: A WWII Historical Fiction Novel Based on a True Story of a Holocaust Survivor

by Lior Reitblatt

How can one man save the lives of thousands from total destruction?

Budapest, 1944. When the Nazis invade Hungary, the leaders of the local Jewish community trust that the Hungarian government will protect them from deportation. But Miklós Kraus, a young Jewish activist living in Budapest, isn’t convinced. After reading a shocking report exposing the atrocities taking place at the Auschwitz concentration camp, Kraus is determined to do everything he can to save as many Jews as possible from certain death.

Using his cunning and connections with the Swiss consulate, Kraus concocts a plan that could save thousands of Jewish families. After the Nazis invade his homeland, he secures an old glass factory, dubbed “the Glass House,” which becomes a safe haven from the violence raging on the streets of Budapest.

As the Nazis become increasingly desperate to expedite their plans and the threat of mass annihilation looms over his daring operation, Kraus will have to risk more than he ever imagined to save his people.

The Keeper of the Glass House is the moving and captivating story of how one man saved the lives of many, based on the inspiring untold true story of Miklós (Moshe) Krausz.

Genres: Historical Fiction, Historical, World War II, Holocaust

246 pages, Kindle Edition

Published February 23, 2025

Reviews

[Gaenolee · Rating 3 out of 5]

This should, and could have been an exciting, suspenseful book. Instead, it felt like I was reading a textbook written by a boring author. Three stars just because the information presented was new to me. But oh my, it was like pulling teeth, and I almost quit several times.

[Yvette Jean · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book read to me like nonfiction rather than historical fiction. I enjoyed learning about the efforts of the main characters during the Holocaust but the story could have been written so much better. Thorough editing needed to be completed before publication as well.

[J E Suver · Rating 2 out of 5]

History

While the content brought so much to light, it was a very plodding read. This is the authors first book which was a worthy attempt but needs more work on flow and character building. So much was left unanswered and I always appreciate historical information but this felt like textbook in so many places it interrupted the story.

[Píaras Cíonnaoíth · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Hidden Hero of Budapest...

In this gripping debut novel, Lior Reitblatt masterfully brings to light the extraordinary true story of Miklós Kraus, a courageous Jewish activist who faced impossible odds during the Nazi occupation of Budapest in 1944. Through meticulous research and compelling storytelling, Reitblatt reconstructs how Kraus, armed with both foresight and determination, transformed an abandoned glass factory into a sanctuary that would shelter thousands of desperate Jews from certain death.

The story deftly blends historical accuracy and emotional depth, depicting Kraus's risky diplomatic maneuvering with Swiss officials and his race against time as the Nazi dictatorship escalated its lethal assault. This amazing monument to human tenacity and moral courage reminds us that even in the darkest times, individuals can make a significant impact. Reitblatt's work ensures that Kraus's remarkable legacy of heroism will not be forgotten. Highly recommended. I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.

[Ann McGoran · Rating 3 out of 5]

I gave this three-star rating simply because I found it very confusing. I didn't know any of the history of the Hungarian Jews or hear of any of the people named in this story. it would have had more of an impact on me if Kraus had written the story as himself going through his life and talking about what happened with all the emotions of that time. I didn't get the full emotional impact of fear through this book, though I know from many books that I have read that fear was a huge part of what happened to the Jews.

[KATE READS · Rating 3 out of 5]

Had I read this as a nonfiction book, as it is based on a true story rather than a work of fiction, my rating would have been higher. An important story indeed, and so many new facts, however, presented as a fiction novel was probably not the best way for the message to reach out. The history of the Jewish population in Hungary is a complex one, and while I learned a great deal while reading this, the way it was written confused me somewhat.

[Fran Burdsall · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sometimes the story lives in the details. We all know the basic story of the heroes and villains of WWII and Jewish history. But the devil is in the details. This book examines the heroes who may have been collaborators and the villains that may be heroes. Politics and alliances that forged the Jewish state of Israel may be swept under the rug, but the facts will win out in time.

[Beep · Rating 3 out of 5]

The premise of the book was very worthwhile. However, the execution was lacking. Too much was thrown at the reader to keep everything straight. I just had to accept that very bad things were happening not only with the Nazi Germans and their allies, but also with some of the leaders of the Jewish communities. I am glad that Kraus is getting the recognition he deserves.

[Kathryn Spurgeon · Rating 4 out of 5]

Amazing

The information contained in this book was overwhelming, mostly because I knew nothing about Hungary’s history. Although enlightening, it was difficult to read, getting bogged down a lot.

[Sally Buck · Rating 2 out of 5]

WW2 stories are so important, and I was excited to read this as it’s from a viewpoint I knew nothing about.
But this book falls flat. It doesn’t draw in the reader or bring the story to life at all. A big miss for me.

[David Cooper · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a very interesting read.

[JoHanna Gaige · Rating 5 out of 5]

History to be remembered

If you are a history buff this book will fill that space. In 2025 it is still hard to comprehend how cruel we can be! Fully enjoyed this book!

[Paul Loesch · Rating 3 out of 5]

An unremarkable telling of the Holocaust. If you live and breathe, you already know everything here. Find something better if the topic interests you.

[pamela williams · Rating 2 out of 5]

As I am not Jewish, I felt this book was very hard to read. so many words about Jewish life that I couldn't keep up with what the characters were talking about.

[Margaret Wray · Rating 3 out of 5]

Will have to come back to this novel. It was a struggle to read but I had too many things going on to get into the rhythm of the book.