Over There

by Jane Loeb Rubin

Over There immerses readers in the gripping journey of four family members from Threadbare and In the Hands of Women, all dedicated doctors and nurses, facing the daunting realities of The Great War. Through meticulous research and compelling storytelling, the narrative unfolds across three distinct stages, transporting readers into the terrifying nightmare of trench warfare, and showcasing the extraordinary rise of the American Hospital in Paris, while highlighting groundbreaking medical innovations fueled by the unwavering commitment of healthcare workers, and finally, those left home in a state of constant worry. This powerful book courageously addresses the often-overlooked, profound impact of war on children, evoking a deep sense of empathy and prompting critical reflection on the cost of war.

Genres: Historical Fiction, Fiction

355 pages, Kindle Edition

Published May 27, 2025

Reviews

[Marilyn Sessler · Rating 5 out of 5]

In part 3 of this historical fiction series, my favorite genre, the author continues the story of her Jewish American family as they face the medical complexities of WW1. As America enters the war, our characters feel strongly that they must contribute their knowledge and compassion to our brave soldiers fighting in France. Follow along on their journey as they develop state of the art surgical techniques and procedures all the while balancing love and family. The author immerses us into the story with detailed and extensive attention to details. Follow along with us. You will not be disappointed. Thank you Jane. I cant wait for the saga to continue.

[Janet · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rated 4.48
Continuing to the last book of the trilogy, the doctors and nurse of New York want to help in WWI. Ben sets up a Head and Facial unit with new types of care to be continued on his return. Eli is in the field and enhances his surgical skills while missing his newlywed bride. Miriam, in spite of her polio leg in a splint, makes her way to France to be with her husband only to find unimaginable problems. Hannah, at home, tries to care for her children while carrying on her Maternal Child Health practice at the hospital When Spanish Flu hits Europe and America, no one knows the exact best treatment. I enjoyed all three of these books. Learning of the medical problems of the times was so interesting.

Over There immerses readers in the gripping journey of four family members from Threadbare and In the Hands of Women, all dedicated doctors and nurses, facing the daunting realities of The Great War. Through meticulous research and compelling storytelling, the narrative unfolds across three distinct stages, transporting readers into the terrifying nightmare of trench warfare, and showcasing the extraordinary rise of the American Hospital in Paris, while highlighting groundbreaking medical innovations fueled by the unwavering commitment of healthcare workers, and finally, those left home in a state of constant worry. This powerful book courageously addresses the often-overlooked, profound impact of war on children, evoking a deep sense of empathy and prompting critical reflection on the cost of war.

[Jamie · Rating 1 out of 5]

Truly no depth to the story nor its characters. There are four POV characters and each one talks like the author drew a dialogue bubble around the Wikipedia page for WW1. A main character enters Europe for the first time on page 60. The nurse I assume the cover intends to represent does not enter the war until more than halfway through the book. The 2 most interesting points I can recount that actually have something to do with the internal motivations of a main character do not matter to the end of the story. A man cheats on his wife and then he stops cheating and she returns to him. A woman steals the identity of a corpse to join the front (admittedly my favorite part of the book) and she is not discovered, arrested, tried, and faces no repercussions aside from witnessing her husband cheat on her. There are no consequences to any actions. The prose is excessively repetitive and excruciatingly mundane. If you have never read anything— and I mean Anything— about WW1 or the state of the west in the early 1900s, this book might be of use to you. I personally would not recommend it.

[Caroline · Rating 5 out of 5]

Moving, Gritty, and Beautifully Told

Over There is a powerful finale to Jane Loeb Rubin’s Gilded City trilogy. Set during WWI, it follows four unforgettable characters—Miriam, Eli, Ben, and Hannah—each confronting war in their own way. Rubin brings incredible depth to the medical side of the war, especially through Eli and Ben’s experiences treating brutal battlefield injuries. The detail is vivid and unflinching, but never gratuitous.

Miriam’s storyline was a standout for me—her decision to disguise herself to serve as a nurse speaks volumes about grit and the quiet heroism of women during the war. And back home, Hannah’s struggle to keep her family afloat adds another layer of emotional resonance.

Told in alternating first-person voices, Rubin gives each character a rich interior world that makes their experiences feel real and immediate. Over There is both intimate and sweeping—a story of war, love, and resilience. I couldn’t put it down.

[Reader · Rating 5 out of 5]

Over There by Jane Rubin is a beautifully written piece of historical fiction that pulls you straight into the trenches of World War I—but through the eyes of a nurse. The protagonist is strong, flawed, and deeply compelling, and her journey is one of resilience and quiet courage.

Rubin’s storytelling is immersive, with rich character development and a plot that flows with purpose and heart. It’s not just a war story—it’s a deeply human one. If you enjoy historical fiction with emotional depth and unforgettable characters, this one’s a must-read.

[Marlie Wasserman · Rating 5 out of 5]

In Over There, the riveting third novel in her Gilded City series, Jane Loeb Rubin follows the saga of four engaging characters--three physicians and a nurse--as they encounter the tensions and horrors of WWI. Some sail to Europe to attend to the wounded. Others stay on the homefront to care for New Yorkers. While Rubin tells the stories of their loves, fears, and weaknesses, with fast pacing and plot twists, she seamlessly weaves in fascinating medical history. Readers won't want the novel to end, until they realize Rubin will continue this appealing series.

[Jo Moore · Rating 5 out of 5]

Once again I’m with the Issacson family that I’ve come to love and respect. Jane has taken me to the darkness and despair of body and soul of WW1 and the Spanish flu( thru such extensive research )and then lifted me up to the light of the love and support of family and friends. Similar to Janes own journey from darkness to light. It’s a wonderful easy read. The teaser at the end of this novel for The hat trick- novel 4- is about the next generation and the catskill gangsters and sounds truly intriguing. Jo

[Alice · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a read! What an education! I’ve been a fan of Jane Loeb Rubin from her first book .
“In the Hands of Women” then “Threadbare” and now “Over There”. I was thoroughly hooked with her first book, couldn’t wait for the story to continue with “Threadbare” and thrilled to start “Over There.” It is not an easy task to have your reader totally engrossed in a story all while educating them to the horrors, challenges and bravery of the soldiers and the heroic medical work. This story is one I will never forget.

[Charlene L · Rating 5 out of 5]

I won this book in a GoodReads giveaway. Historical fiction is one of my favorite genres. This is book 3 so I bought books 1 & 2 to read first. They were all great books about a Jewish family leading up to WWI. The focus was on the strength and independence of these women. The characters and their lives are so thoroughly written. I will definitely be keeping an eye out for future releases.

This book specifically was about the challenges of families as the US entered WWI and started seeing the Spanish flu.

[DeLene Gilbert · Rating 5 out of 5]

I won this book in a Goodreads giveaway! I loved this historical fiction about doctors & nurses as America enters the 3rd year of World War I. I learned so much I didn’t know about that war. Really powerful about the impact on Doctors and nurses both that got shipped abroad, shortages left in hospitals here, and the aftermath of our wounded returning home. A really good read & highly recommend!
Thanks Goodreads!

[Linda Rosen · Rating 5 out of 5]

In this emotional, engaging story, set during WWI, we follow the characters Rubin brought us in the first two books of her Gilded City Series. Read this evocative novel as a stand-alone but be prepared – you’ll be anxious to read the whole series.

[Donna Hutcheson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent read!! Third book in the series…Can’t wait for number 4

[Tina · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a very in depth look into the medical side of WWI.
Great read!

[Evelyn · Rating 3 out of 5]

The book encompasses World War I and the 1918 Spanish Flu.

[Pam Warner · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is third in a trilogy. I enjoyed the characters very much.

[Fara · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have read this entire trilogy. Although this was fantastic, my favorite was book 2. They were all so spectacular, it really is hard to choose, but important to read in order for context. Ms. Rubin is definitely a huge favorite for me!!

[Margo Stocker · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.0. This is the last book in the trilogy. This story was based on this medical family who are nurses and doctors during WWI. Many of the family members went to Europe to help with the war effort. I liked that these 3 books were a continuation of each other. The information was well researched and well documented.