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IYSH
In 1940, Leo Butlion, a young Jew studying to be a medical doctor in Koblenz, Germany, has his future plans disrupted when Nazi forces destroy his family and their business. His heroic escape and commitment to survive drive him to overcome the greatest test man could ever encounter. Ivy Jacobson, a deformed yet highly talented fashion designer, works in a textile factory in Liege, Belgium that is ransacked by Nazi invaders. She escapes their brutality and meets Leo. Leo explains the Hebrew word IYSH which means "champion" and together they agree to persevere and champion the cause no matter how difficult it becomes. Their heroism and tenacity unfold in dramatic fashion as they are captured, separated and sent to concentration camps where their future survival is unclear. The story develops from WWII until the Yom Kippur War in 1973 which takes place in Israel.
1025 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 17, 2025
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Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
March 21, 2026
IYSH is a historical fiction novel that begins in 1940 Germany with Leo Butlion, a Jewish medical student whose worst fears about Nazi violence become real with terrifying speed. From there, the story widens into a long wartime and postwar saga that follows Leo and Ivy through persecution, separation, survival, reunion, family life, and careers that eventually carry them far beyond Europe, into Israel and South Africa. It's a big novel in every sense, built around endurance, faith, identity, love, and the stubborn will to keep moving when history tries to crush ordinary people.
Author Greg Price doesn't write with a lot of polish for polish’s sake. He writes to tell the story clearly, and that plainness actually gives many scenes more force. When Leo’s family is broken apart, or when people are pushed from homes and into rail cars, the book does not feel interested in cleverness. It wants the pain to land cleanly. At times, the dialogue has a straightforward quality, and the novel leans into earnestness rather than subtlety, which gives it a sincerity that feels true to its character.
This is not just a Holocaust novel. It grows into a sweeping historical saga with romance, faith, Zionism, displacement, medicine, and even heart transplant research in the later sections. That reach is ambitious. As if several novels have been stitched into one long one. But there is something moving about that ambition, too. Price seems determined to show that survival is not the end of a story. Life keeps unfolding. People love, work, argue, build families, chase callings, and carry old grief into new countries. That idea felt authentic to me. Trauma is not wrapped up neatly here. It echoes. It travels. It changes shape.
In its sweeping historical reach and focus on ordinary lives shaped by war, IYSH may remind readers of The Nightingale by Kristin Hannah. But where Hannah’s novel is more polished and lyrical, Greg Price’s book feels more direct and openly earnest, with the pull of a family saga told from the heart.
I came away from IYSH feeling that it is more about witness, memory, and moral conviction. I would recommend it most to readers who appreciate historical fiction with a strong emotional core, especially those who do not mind a long, wide-ranging narrative that blends wartime suffering with romance, family resilience, and medical drama. Readers who want a heartfelt, old-fashioned historical novel that wears its sincerity in full view will find a lot to value here.
Author Greg Price doesn't write with a lot of polish for polish’s sake. He writes to tell the story clearly, and that plainness actually gives many scenes more force. When Leo’s family is broken apart, or when people are pushed from homes and into rail cars, the book does not feel interested in cleverness. It wants the pain to land cleanly. At times, the dialogue has a straightforward quality, and the novel leans into earnestness rather than subtlety, which gives it a sincerity that feels true to its character.
This is not just a Holocaust novel. It grows into a sweeping historical saga with romance, faith, Zionism, displacement, medicine, and even heart transplant research in the later sections. That reach is ambitious. As if several novels have been stitched into one long one. But there is something moving about that ambition, too. Price seems determined to show that survival is not the end of a story. Life keeps unfolding. People love, work, argue, build families, chase callings, and carry old grief into new countries. That idea felt authentic to me. Trauma is not wrapped up neatly here. It echoes. It travels. It changes shape.
In its sweeping historical reach and focus on ordinary lives shaped by war, IYSH may remind readers of The Nightingale by Kristin Hannah. But where Hannah’s novel is more polished and lyrical, Greg Price’s book feels more direct and openly earnest, with the pull of a family saga told from the heart.
I came away from IYSH feeling that it is more about witness, memory, and moral conviction. I would recommend it most to readers who appreciate historical fiction with a strong emotional core, especially those who do not mind a long, wide-ranging narrative that blends wartime suffering with romance, family resilience, and medical drama. Readers who want a heartfelt, old-fashioned historical novel that wears its sincerity in full view will find a lot to value here.
June 1, 2025
Greg Price’s IYSH is a heartfelt and expansive novel that tells the story of two very different people whose lives are forever changed by war, trauma, and the unexpected power of human connection.
The book follows Leo Butlion, a Jewish medical student living in Germany, and Ivy Jacobson, a talented Belgian fashion designer who is physically impaired but full of creative energy and quiet determination. As the Nazis rise to power and their extremist policies begin to tear lives apart, both Leo and Ivy are forced to escape everything they know and survive in a world that seems to be collapsing around them.
Their journeys are difficult and emotionally complex, and as the story unfolds and their paths finally cross, the moments they share become some of the most moving parts of the novel. The title IYSH, which means “champion” in Hebrew, becomes a powerful symbol of their strength, resilience, and determination to not only make it through one of the darkest chapters in history but also find a way to rebuild their lives and move forward with courage.
One of the strongest parts of the book is the emotional depth of the storytelling. Greg Price doesn’t hold back when it comes to showing the brutal realities of war and loss, but he balances that heaviness with moments of hope, love, and quiet human connection that make the story feel real and deeply meaningful. Ivy stands out as a particularly memorable character because she’s not just creative and strong-willed but also carries a kind of inner peace and strength that makes you want to root for her every step of the way. The historical setting is described in a way that feels both vivid and authentic, showing how much research and care went into bringing this world to life.
This book is a powerful and deeply human novel that looks at love, identity, survival, and what it truly means to be a champion in the face of unimaginable suffering. It’s not a quick or easy read, and the length might be a hurdle for some people, but for those who stick with it, the story offers something incredibly rewarding and unforgettable.
If you’re someone who enjoys character-driven historical fiction that dives deep into emotional truths and leaves you thinking long after you’ve turned the last page, then IYSH is definitely worth reading.
The book follows Leo Butlion, a Jewish medical student living in Germany, and Ivy Jacobson, a talented Belgian fashion designer who is physically impaired but full of creative energy and quiet determination. As the Nazis rise to power and their extremist policies begin to tear lives apart, both Leo and Ivy are forced to escape everything they know and survive in a world that seems to be collapsing around them.
Their journeys are difficult and emotionally complex, and as the story unfolds and their paths finally cross, the moments they share become some of the most moving parts of the novel. The title IYSH, which means “champion” in Hebrew, becomes a powerful symbol of their strength, resilience, and determination to not only make it through one of the darkest chapters in history but also find a way to rebuild their lives and move forward with courage.
One of the strongest parts of the book is the emotional depth of the storytelling. Greg Price doesn’t hold back when it comes to showing the brutal realities of war and loss, but he balances that heaviness with moments of hope, love, and quiet human connection that make the story feel real and deeply meaningful. Ivy stands out as a particularly memorable character because she’s not just creative and strong-willed but also carries a kind of inner peace and strength that makes you want to root for her every step of the way. The historical setting is described in a way that feels both vivid and authentic, showing how much research and care went into bringing this world to life.
This book is a powerful and deeply human novel that looks at love, identity, survival, and what it truly means to be a champion in the face of unimaginable suffering. It’s not a quick or easy read, and the length might be a hurdle for some people, but for those who stick with it, the story offers something incredibly rewarding and unforgettable.
If you’re someone who enjoys character-driven historical fiction that dives deep into emotional truths and leaves you thinking long after you’ve turned the last page, then IYSH is definitely worth reading.
May 30, 2025
Greg Price’s IYSH is a deeply emotional, unflinching portrayal of love, survival, and human resilience during one of history’s darkest chapters. Spanning the years from World War II to the Yom Kippur War of 1973, this historical novel captures both the devastating cruelty and enduring hope of those whose lives were torn apart by war.
At the heart of the story are Leo Butlion, a Jewish medical student in Germany, and Ivy Jacobson, a gifted Belgian seamstress born with a physical deformity but no shortage of talent or spirit. A chance meeting brings them together, united by their shared will to survive and the Hebrew word “IYSH,” meaning “champion.” It becomes a symbolic promise: to not only endure but to carry their story forward.
Leo’s harrowing escape from a Nazi prison transport, Ivy’s strength in navigating a world that discounts her due to her disability, and their subsequent separation and internment in concentration camps all build a narrative that is both harrowing and deeply human. Price doesn’t sugarcoat the atrocities of the Holocaust, but he also doesn’t allow the story to become defined by despair.
What makes IYSH stand out is its focus on courage, and how the smallest acts of resistance—refusing to give up, remembering a loved one, choosing compassion—can be heroic.
Fans of historical fiction, particularly stories rooted in World War II, will find IYSH both moving and immersive. What makes it especially compelling is its blend of lesser-known stories—like Ivy’s experience as a disabled woman during the war—with the familiar backdrop of Nazi brutality and the post-war fight for survival. The narrative voice is clear and empathetic, and the pacing keeps the reader emotionally engaged throughout.
While some readers may come to this story unfamiliar with Hebrew terms or the broader arc of the Yom Kippur War, Price does an admirable job of weaving context into the story without slowing its momentum. Ultimately, IYSH is not just a war story—it’s a tribute to the resilience of the human spirit, a reminder that even in the face of evil, people can rise to become champions.
At the heart of the story are Leo Butlion, a Jewish medical student in Germany, and Ivy Jacobson, a gifted Belgian seamstress born with a physical deformity but no shortage of talent or spirit. A chance meeting brings them together, united by their shared will to survive and the Hebrew word “IYSH,” meaning “champion.” It becomes a symbolic promise: to not only endure but to carry their story forward.
Leo’s harrowing escape from a Nazi prison transport, Ivy’s strength in navigating a world that discounts her due to her disability, and their subsequent separation and internment in concentration camps all build a narrative that is both harrowing and deeply human. Price doesn’t sugarcoat the atrocities of the Holocaust, but he also doesn’t allow the story to become defined by despair.
What makes IYSH stand out is its focus on courage, and how the smallest acts of resistance—refusing to give up, remembering a loved one, choosing compassion—can be heroic.
Fans of historical fiction, particularly stories rooted in World War II, will find IYSH both moving and immersive. What makes it especially compelling is its blend of lesser-known stories—like Ivy’s experience as a disabled woman during the war—with the familiar backdrop of Nazi brutality and the post-war fight for survival. The narrative voice is clear and empathetic, and the pacing keeps the reader emotionally engaged throughout.
While some readers may come to this story unfamiliar with Hebrew terms or the broader arc of the Yom Kippur War, Price does an admirable job of weaving context into the story without slowing its momentum. Ultimately, IYSH is not just a war story—it’s a tribute to the resilience of the human spirit, a reminder that even in the face of evil, people can rise to become champions.
June 3, 2025
This book really caught me off guard — in the best possible way. I went in expecting another WWII survival story, but IYSH felt different. It starts with Leo, a Jewish med student trying to hold onto his future in Nazi Germany, and Ivy, a fashion designer in Belgium with a physical deformity and a whole lot of inner strength. The two meet under horrific circumstances, and their bond, brief as it is, revolves around the Hebrew word IYSH, meaning “champion.” It’s such a small moment in the book, but honestly, it stayed with me. That one word becomes a sort of silent promise — to fight, to survive, to not let the world break them entirely.
What I appreciated most is that the book doesn’t glamorize anything. The brutality of war, the trauma, the heartbreak — it’s all laid bare. Some chapters were genuinely hard to read, especially the scenes in the concentration camps, but they felt necessary, not just there for shock value. And then, just when you think the story's over, it keeps going — all the way into the Yom Kippur War in 1973. That broader timeline really surprised me, in a good way. It showed how survival doesn’t mean the end of pain, and how some wounds take decades to even begin to heal. I don’t see that explored often enough in historical fiction.
That said, the book isn’t flawless. A few parts felt a little rushed, especially when transitioning between time periods, and there were moments where I wished we got more of Ivy’s inner world — she was such a fascinating character. But honestly, I didn’t mind the imperfections. The emotion felt real. The characters stayed with me long after I closed the book. If you’re into stories about resilience, quiet courage, and the kind of love that survives even when everything else falls apart, then this book is absolutely worth your time.
What I appreciated most is that the book doesn’t glamorize anything. The brutality of war, the trauma, the heartbreak — it’s all laid bare. Some chapters were genuinely hard to read, especially the scenes in the concentration camps, but they felt necessary, not just there for shock value. And then, just when you think the story's over, it keeps going — all the way into the Yom Kippur War in 1973. That broader timeline really surprised me, in a good way. It showed how survival doesn’t mean the end of pain, and how some wounds take decades to even begin to heal. I don’t see that explored often enough in historical fiction.
That said, the book isn’t flawless. A few parts felt a little rushed, especially when transitioning between time periods, and there were moments where I wished we got more of Ivy’s inner world — she was such a fascinating character. But honestly, I didn’t mind the imperfections. The emotion felt real. The characters stayed with me long after I closed the book. If you’re into stories about resilience, quiet courage, and the kind of love that survives even when everything else falls apart, then this book is absolutely worth your time.
July 10, 2025
In IYSH, Greg Price tells the incredible story of one family through three generations. During World War Two, Leo and Ivy try escape the clutches of the Nazi regime by hiding in a barn. They are eventually caught and separated but survive the War. After numerous attempts to reunite, they find each other under difficult circumstances and marry despite having unique faiths. However, the difference in spiritual upbringing is constant source of conflict throughout the marriage which ultimately affects future generations. Will the family survive such irreconcilable differences?
IYSH is a historical novel based on incredible true events in which empathetic characters face difficult circumstances as they live through monumental epochs of history. The storyline is captivating. However, structural problems abound. First, the point of view from which the novel is told is awkward throughout. Additionally, the point of view changes from one character to another mid-scene numerous times This disrupts the novel’s flow and makes it distracting to read. Secondly, there is a lot of “telling” the action instead of “showing” it by the characters’ behavior. Finally, there are so many “info dumps” of repetitive or unnecessary information making the story laborious. A good editor could cut at least 400 pages out and improve the story’s impact.
Unfortunately, for IYSH, the writing gets in the way of a great story.
IYSH is a historical novel based on incredible true events in which empathetic characters face difficult circumstances as they live through monumental epochs of history. The storyline is captivating. However, structural problems abound. First, the point of view from which the novel is told is awkward throughout. Additionally, the point of view changes from one character to another mid-scene numerous times This disrupts the novel’s flow and makes it distracting to read. Secondly, there is a lot of “telling” the action instead of “showing” it by the characters’ behavior. Finally, there are so many “info dumps” of repetitive or unnecessary information making the story laborious. A good editor could cut at least 400 pages out and improve the story’s impact.
Unfortunately, for IYSH, the writing gets in the way of a great story.
June 15, 2025
A story of grit, love, and endurance
The story is a sweeping, emotionally resonant historical novel that spans from the horrors of World War II to the Yom Kippur War, telling a story as much about survival as it is about the human will to persevere. With protagonists Leo and Ivy, each scarred by personal tragedy yet bound by a shared sense of purpose, Price crafts a deeply layered narrative of resilience and identity.
Thematically, the book becomes more than a title, it’s a powerful metaphor that threads through every chapter. The story doesn’t shy away from portraying the brutal realities of war, occupation, and concentration camps, yet it never becomes gratuitous. Instead, Price anchors the pain in purpose, letting Leo and Ivy’s personal growth and tenacity shine amid unimaginable cruelty.
There’s an admirable balance between plot momentum and emotional weight. Price keeps the reader grounded in historical context without letting exposition overwhelm character development. Ivy’s journey, in particular, stands out, her physical deformity and creative spirit give the narrative a quietly radical depth, showing strength in both body and mind.
Readers of historical fiction who value both scope and intimacy will find the book moving and inspiring.
The story is a sweeping, emotionally resonant historical novel that spans from the horrors of World War II to the Yom Kippur War, telling a story as much about survival as it is about the human will to persevere. With protagonists Leo and Ivy, each scarred by personal tragedy yet bound by a shared sense of purpose, Price crafts a deeply layered narrative of resilience and identity.
Thematically, the book becomes more than a title, it’s a powerful metaphor that threads through every chapter. The story doesn’t shy away from portraying the brutal realities of war, occupation, and concentration camps, yet it never becomes gratuitous. Instead, Price anchors the pain in purpose, letting Leo and Ivy’s personal growth and tenacity shine amid unimaginable cruelty.
There’s an admirable balance between plot momentum and emotional weight. Price keeps the reader grounded in historical context without letting exposition overwhelm character development. Ivy’s journey, in particular, stands out, her physical deformity and creative spirit give the narrative a quietly radical depth, showing strength in both body and mind.
Readers of historical fiction who value both scope and intimacy will find the book moving and inspiring.
January 3, 2026
IYSH by Greg Price is a deeply moving and emotionally rich historical novel that captures the strength of the human spirit in the face of unimaginable cruelty. Beginning in Nazi occupied Europe, the story follows Leo, a Jewish medical student whose life is shattered by violence, and Ivy, a gifted but physically deformed fashion designer who refuses to let the world define her limits. Their meeting feels both fragile and profound, anchored by the word “IYSH,” meaning champion, which becomes a quiet promise to endure no matter the cost.
What makes this novel truly stand out is its emotional honesty. The horrors of war and the concentration camps are portrayed without restraint, yet the story never loses sight of hope, love, and purpose. Ivy is an especially compelling character, portrayed with dignity, creativity, and inner strength that stays with you long after the book ends. Leo’s journey from survival to healing feels authentic and earned.
Spanning decades and reaching as far as the Yom Kippur War, IYSH reminds readers that survival does not end when the war does. This is a powerful, compassionate, and unforgettable story that honors resilience and the courage to keep going.
Thank you,
Happy Reading
What makes this novel truly stand out is its emotional honesty. The horrors of war and the concentration camps are portrayed without restraint, yet the story never loses sight of hope, love, and purpose. Ivy is an especially compelling character, portrayed with dignity, creativity, and inner strength that stays with you long after the book ends. Leo’s journey from survival to healing feels authentic and earned.
Spanning decades and reaching as far as the Yom Kippur War, IYSH reminds readers that survival does not end when the war does. This is a powerful, compassionate, and unforgettable story that honors resilience and the courage to keep going.
Thank you,
Happy Reading
May 14, 2025
Leo Butlion, the third and youngest son of Eli and Rachel Butlion, was studying to become a medical doctor in Koblenz, Germany, when Nazi forces raided his family’s business, killing his brothers and ripping his parents from him. En route to prison, he is able to pull off a daring escape, after which he meets a Belgian seamstress who is also fleeing from Nazi brutality.
This story is a story of hope, courage, and perseverance in the face of oppression. Set during the thick of WWII, it truly gives readers a glimpse into the era, and makes you feel the pain that non-aryans faced at the hands of Hitler’s regime.
This story is a story of hope, courage, and perseverance in the face of oppression. Set during the thick of WWII, it truly gives readers a glimpse into the era, and makes you feel the pain that non-aryans faced at the hands of Hitler’s regime.
June 22, 2025
If you’re into historical fiction that blows your mind, IYSH is a great choice. It follows unforgettable characters through the absolute worst parts of history, yet it’s their strength and humanity that stand out most.
The writing is clear and grounded, and even though the story spans decades and some really dark moments, it’s not there to shock you. It’s more about endurance, connection, and what it means to hold onto your purpose when everything’s falling apart.
It’s intense, emotional, and beautifully told without being overly dramatic. A powerful read, especially if you appreciate stories of survival, quiet heroism, and hope that refuses to quit. Highly recommended!
The writing is clear and grounded, and even though the story spans decades and some really dark moments, it’s not there to shock you. It’s more about endurance, connection, and what it means to hold onto your purpose when everything’s falling apart.
It’s intense, emotional, and beautifully told without being overly dramatic. A powerful read, especially if you appreciate stories of survival, quiet heroism, and hope that refuses to quit. Highly recommended!
May 26, 2025
I don't read many WWII books, historical fiction, or Holocaust books. IYSH was a good portrayal of historical fiction! Most of us know that the Holocaust happened during WWII because one man didn't think the Jews (and a few others) were a pure enough race. Leo was a Jew who was studying to become a doctor, and Ivy was born with a deformed arm. This is their story of how they survived the war, the atrocities done to mankind, and reunited many years later. I would recommend this story to anyone who enjoys historical fiction.
June 6, 2025
IYSH by Greg Price is a moving and unforgettable story set against the horrors of Nazi Germany. It follows Leo Butlion, a young Jewish medical student in 1940s Koblenz, whose life is shattered by the Nazi invasion. As he flees, he meets Ivy, a brave Jewish fashion designer, and together they fight to survive and preserve their identity. The Hebrew word “IYSH,” meaning “champion,” becomes their shared symbol of hope and strength. Price crafts a compelling narrative of courage, love, and resilience. A few slow moments, but overall a deeply human and inspiring read. Highly recommended.
June 7, 2025
IYSH, by Greg Price, chronicles the struggles of the Jewish community during WW2 from the perspective of a young Jewish man, Leo, who had his life ripped apart by the Nazis. The story documents how he lost his parents and siblings, before describing his narrow escape from Nazi soldiers. Most importantly, this book is about courage and perseverance. It’s inspirational and written in simple, uncomplex English while maintaining high levels of imagery. I loved this read.
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews