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The Threads Remain: War demands choices. What would you do to survive?
"An exceptional talent for storytelling" KIRKUS REVIEWS
5* Reader
“Will touch your soul.”
“Exceptional.”
“Heartbreaking.”
“Must-Read”
"Wow! This book had me hooked from the very first chapter which was heartbreaking.”
"What a great book! One of the best I have read for ages.”
"Amazing book. Easy five stars! I did not want to put it down!”
"I loved this book. I read it in one sitting.”
"Highly, highly recommended.”
"Beautifully written it will touch your soul.”
Lives are torn apart. Lives are woven together…
As war approaches
Young Jewish couple Max and Gerda are running their treasured family toyshop, but impending danger will force them to make unimaginable choices to stay alive.
There are decisions to be made
Just fifteen and drafted into the SS, Josef is unprepared for war. Serving his country will force Josef to question all he knows about himself. Can he do everything that’s asked of him – and should he?
What will be their legacy?
A decade after the war’s end, a death in sixteen-year-old Friedrich’s family propels him to investigate the past and uncover the truth about who he really is.
As they battle to survive World War II and life in Nazi Germany, Max and Gerda, Josef and Friedrich’s lives intersect in unexpected and profound ways.
This sweeping, life-affirming novel explores identity, conscience, resilience and the profound human connections that endure.
5* Reader
“Will touch your soul.”
“Exceptional.”
“Heartbreaking.”
“Must-Read”
"Wow! This book had me hooked from the very first chapter which was heartbreaking.”
"What a great book! One of the best I have read for ages.”
"Amazing book. Easy five stars! I did not want to put it down!”
"I loved this book. I read it in one sitting.”
"Highly, highly recommended.”
"Beautifully written it will touch your soul.”
Lives are torn apart. Lives are woven together…
As war approaches
Young Jewish couple Max and Gerda are running their treasured family toyshop, but impending danger will force them to make unimaginable choices to stay alive.
There are decisions to be made
Just fifteen and drafted into the SS, Josef is unprepared for war. Serving his country will force Josef to question all he knows about himself. Can he do everything that’s asked of him – and should he?
What will be their legacy?
A decade after the war’s end, a death in sixteen-year-old Friedrich’s family propels him to investigate the past and uncover the truth about who he really is.
As they battle to survive World War II and life in Nazi Germany, Max and Gerda, Josef and Friedrich’s lives intersect in unexpected and profound ways.
This sweeping, life-affirming novel explores identity, conscience, resilience and the profound human connections that endure.
279 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 17, 2025
121 people are currently reading
2000 people want to read
About the author
Glenn Shapiro
3 books37 followersGlenn Shapiro was born and raised in New England. He is a lifelong writer of poetry and short stories, but made the leap to novels as part of his "second act" after retirement.
His first novel, the gold rush era historical fiction Cold Spring, met with acclaim from both critics and readers. He is the son of a Jewish father and German-catholic mother who was born in Germany during the war and raised there, post-war, through her adolescence.
For his second novel, The Threads Remain, he tackled that tragic time in history through characters inside Germany before, during and after the war.
His first novel, the gold rush era historical fiction Cold Spring, met with acclaim from both critics and readers. He is the son of a Jewish father and German-catholic mother who was born in Germany during the war and raised there, post-war, through her adolescence.
For his second novel, The Threads Remain, he tackled that tragic time in history through characters inside Germany before, during and after the war.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 48 reviews
September 29, 2025
The story was absolutely incredible. I was deeply emotional reading this, especially given today’s climate and how closely some of the themes echo those of WWII.
Told through three POVs—a couple, a young boy named Frederick, and another named Joseph—this book beautifully shows how lives are intertwined, even in the darkest of times.
The author wove their perspectives together in a way that highlighted not just survival, but the humanity, pain, and resilience at the heart of each choice.
I cried through so much of this story. The horrors of war, the impossible decisions people were forced to make, and the way families were torn apart were all portrayed with such raw authenticity. The author has a way of pulling you into those moments—making you imagine what you would do, and feel the crushing weight of those choices. It forces the reader to not only witness, but empathize, even with characters whose decisions might look unforgivable at first glance.
This was unputdownable for me. I was so attached to the characters, desperate to see how their lives connected and what their fates would be.
And while I can’t say the ending was happy for everyone—given the history and context—it did leave me with a sense of bittersweet hope.
A heart-wrenching, unforgettable read. If you loved Kristin Hannah's The Nightingale, I simply cannot recommend this book enough.
Told through three POVs—a couple, a young boy named Frederick, and another named Joseph—this book beautifully shows how lives are intertwined, even in the darkest of times.
The author wove their perspectives together in a way that highlighted not just survival, but the humanity, pain, and resilience at the heart of each choice.
I cried through so much of this story. The horrors of war, the impossible decisions people were forced to make, and the way families were torn apart were all portrayed with such raw authenticity. The author has a way of pulling you into those moments—making you imagine what you would do, and feel the crushing weight of those choices. It forces the reader to not only witness, but empathize, even with characters whose decisions might look unforgivable at first glance.
This was unputdownable for me. I was so attached to the characters, desperate to see how their lives connected and what their fates would be.
And while I can’t say the ending was happy for everyone—given the history and context—it did leave me with a sense of bittersweet hope.
A heart-wrenching, unforgettable read. If you loved Kristin Hannah's The Nightingale, I simply cannot recommend this book enough.
August 18, 2025
Both tragic and heartwarming, this WW2 novel tells the story of a young German soldier (which I found fascinating as it’s not as often we get this viewpoint), and a young boy who wants to discover his past.
Easy to read and hard to put down, I greatly enjoyed this story and will be highly recommending to others who want a gripping WW2 historical fiction read.
Easy to read and hard to put down, I greatly enjoyed this story and will be highly recommending to others who want a gripping WW2 historical fiction read.
June 5, 2025
A historical novel that vividly highlights the suffering and torment of the Jews in the Second World War, but is intriguingly told also from the viewpoint of one of the German SS soldiers. So many of us assume we would never personally carry out such atrocities as did those men but through the emotional wrangles of one of his central characters Shapiro makes you realise decisions and actions were not necessarily so straightforward and willingly made by the aggressors.
´The Threads Remain` switches between the events as they occurred during the war and the life of the main character as he endeavours in 1957 to find the truth about his past.
At first this moving between the years meant I took a bit of time to fully engage with the characters but, once I became familiar with them, I was hooked.
I think this will really appeal to steadfast fans of WW2 fiction but I also think it has the added twist of touching on the less common approach.
A definite must-read for me.
´The Threads Remain` switches between the events as they occurred during the war and the life of the main character as he endeavours in 1957 to find the truth about his past.
At first this moving between the years meant I took a bit of time to fully engage with the characters but, once I became familiar with them, I was hooked.
I think this will really appeal to steadfast fans of WW2 fiction but I also think it has the added twist of touching on the less common approach.
A definite must-read for me.
October 9, 2025
Wow! I loved THE THREADS REMAIN by Glenn Shapiro. It is such a heartbreaking and touching story, and I could not put it down. Told through the perspectives of Max and Gerda, a young Jewish couple forced to make unimaginable choices, Josef, a teenage boy drafted into the SS, and Friedrich, who uncovers hidden truths years after the war, this novel paints a vivid picture of life in wartime Germany. The characters felt so real, and I was completely drawn into their struggles and choices as their lives intertwined. The story is both devastating and hopeful, showing resilience, conscience, and the lasting impact of human connection. If you are looking for a powerful WWII novel set in Germany, I highly recommend this one. (4.5 Stars rounded up)
For fans of WE WERE THE LUCKY ONES and BENEATH A SCARLET SKY.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions are entirely my own.
For fans of WE WERE THE LUCKY ONES and BENEATH A SCARLET SKY.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions are entirely my own.
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August 9, 20254.5
December 6, 2025
Great story
The “threads” were nicely interwoven.
The “threads” were nicely interwoven.
June 9, 2025
A heartwrenching story told by a German soldier Josef, who realises what they had to do , and how Jews were treated was all wrong. Also through the words of a young German, Frederick, who was adopted and starts to seek out his biological parents brings both stories together. Beautifully written it will touch your soul.
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October 7, 2025I enjoyed following Max & Gerda and the toy bear that came from the toy ship carried by Josef throughout life until he gave it to the right person.
The juxtaposition of Josef as army forces guy in German Army chasing down jews and shooting them while forcing himself to do so, then the view of him caring for a little Jewish boy was interesting.
I was a bit disturbed however of the mixed chapters of years back & forth set in between each other for when I read a while and came back a different day, I got mixed up about where I was reading about whom.
The juxtaposition of Josef as army forces guy in German Army chasing down jews and shooting them while forcing himself to do so, then the view of him caring for a little Jewish boy was interesting.
I was a bit disturbed however of the mixed chapters of years back & forth set in between each other for when I read a while and came back a different day, I got mixed up about where I was reading about whom.
June 10, 2025
This multi-timeline story centered around WWII delves deep into what it means to be human. The author, Glenn Shapiro, does a masterful job of building an expose on how people are shaped by their environments and how those with the potential and desire to do good can commit horrendous acts.
After a start that I wrongly assumed laid out the entire plot, I was pleasantly proven wrong as Shapiro took me on a winding adventure across miles and decades. Along the way he shows the importance of kindness and connection in a world full of cruelty and how we can always change our path even after redemption is far behind us.
I want to recommend this book to everyone, regardless if historical fiction is your preferred genre or not. It is a thought provoking and exciting read that will stay with you provide plenty of topics for discussion with fellow readers, family, and friends.
Thank you for the advanced copy!
After a start that I wrongly assumed laid out the entire plot, I was pleasantly proven wrong as Shapiro took me on a winding adventure across miles and decades. Along the way he shows the importance of kindness and connection in a world full of cruelty and how we can always change our path even after redemption is far behind us.
I want to recommend this book to everyone, regardless if historical fiction is your preferred genre or not. It is a thought provoking and exciting read that will stay with you provide plenty of topics for discussion with fellow readers, family, and friends.
Thank you for the advanced copy!
June 15, 2025
Ooh this book was incredible! Thanks to NetGalley for letting me read it. The timeline jumps around a bit, between Friedrich in 1957 and Josef in the early 1940s, as well as young Friedrich at the same time, as we follow their different paths through the war and how they intertwine… in more ways than expected. I love how historical fiction can make all these connections between characters that probably also happened in real life, but were so rare that few ever get told.
Josef’s story was fascinating, watching him begin as a gentle giant who, due to his size, ends up recruited into the SS. He is always a sympathetic character but we do see his young mind become indoctrinated into Nazism and it’s just so interesting and realistic to have a character who isn’t just Good or Bad, who does things which horrify him but who also starts to believe he is doing them because there is “no other way”… until there is.
And I loved Friedrich’s story as all the threads of his life came to light, how there were so many times a name was casually mentioned and you’d go “wait a minute I remember that person…” I kept wanting to skip back a few chapters to double check stuff but reading on a kindle makes that a lot harder!
I loved this and was left wanting a little more at the end. The only thing I didn’t like was how when German words were used, they were immediately followed with a translation in brackets, which broke the flow a little. A lot of them were unnecessary too - we don’t need to be told for example that Platz means “square” or Bahnhofstrasse means “train station street” and, if we do, a glossary of terms at the end would suffice. Most words used were either obvious from their context, or a translation wasn’t actually important to the story.
Josef’s story was fascinating, watching him begin as a gentle giant who, due to his size, ends up recruited into the SS. He is always a sympathetic character but we do see his young mind become indoctrinated into Nazism and it’s just so interesting and realistic to have a character who isn’t just Good or Bad, who does things which horrify him but who also starts to believe he is doing them because there is “no other way”… until there is.
And I loved Friedrich’s story as all the threads of his life came to light, how there were so many times a name was casually mentioned and you’d go “wait a minute I remember that person…” I kept wanting to skip back a few chapters to double check stuff but reading on a kindle makes that a lot harder!
I loved this and was left wanting a little more at the end. The only thing I didn’t like was how when German words were used, they were immediately followed with a translation in brackets, which broke the flow a little. A lot of them were unnecessary too - we don’t need to be told for example that Platz means “square” or Bahnhofstrasse means “train station street” and, if we do, a glossary of terms at the end would suffice. Most words used were either obvious from their context, or a translation wasn’t actually important to the story.
July 15, 2025
The Threads Remain is a tender, heartbreaking novel of WWII Germany, from those trying to survive the horrors of war to a young orphan, years later, seeking to understand the past and what occurred. I initially thought the writing a bit spare but found a simpler approach kept the story tight and to the point. War novels can easily spiral beyond the brief but this kept nicely to the stories of our main characters.
In The Threads Remain the story pivots around the people linked with a handmade, stuffed bear named Barli. Mainly, the Jewish woman who made him, the boy who chose him as a birthday gift and an orphan years after the war searching for his biological parents. As one might expect, this novel is a powerful one but one that feels like essential reading in our current climate.
The story is well plotted with the timeline jogs and dovetailing of critical points rendered seamlessly. It is hard reading at times, particularly the story of Josef, a large 15 year old boy who is forced into the SS, who, as a boy, chose Barli as his birthday gift. His story is painful and, though his is not a story of redemption, as such, it is a story of humanity; moving beyond a difficult, unchangeable, past and striving to make a better future going forward. It is in the gift of all of us to do the right thing, show compassion and act with a kind heart toward our fellow man, regardless of differences. The Threads Remain is a sublime, compelling reminder of this.
In The Threads Remain the story pivots around the people linked with a handmade, stuffed bear named Barli. Mainly, the Jewish woman who made him, the boy who chose him as a birthday gift and an orphan years after the war searching for his biological parents. As one might expect, this novel is a powerful one but one that feels like essential reading in our current climate.
The story is well plotted with the timeline jogs and dovetailing of critical points rendered seamlessly. It is hard reading at times, particularly the story of Josef, a large 15 year old boy who is forced into the SS, who, as a boy, chose Barli as his birthday gift. His story is painful and, though his is not a story of redemption, as such, it is a story of humanity; moving beyond a difficult, unchangeable, past and striving to make a better future going forward. It is in the gift of all of us to do the right thing, show compassion and act with a kind heart toward our fellow man, regardless of differences. The Threads Remain is a sublime, compelling reminder of this.
July 14, 2025
This is a wonderful book! I have read a lot of WWII novels and didn't think that there could be any new angles but I was proved wrong. The author weaves the connections between Josef, Friedrich and the Biermanns with such skill. Anyone who doubts the power of fiction to lay bare the darkest periods of human history should read this book. It is too easy to lump all Germans together during the war, but we know that there was resistance and people who were prepared to risk their lives to help and hide Jewish families. The question is always asked, how could this happen? None of us know what we would do if we were in that situation. What we would do to survive. Josef should be a figure to hate but I ended up feeling sorry for him. If there is redemption from evil acts then I'd like to think that he achieves this by his actions in the end. By writing the story from two points of view the sheer horror is heartbreakingly told. And what a bonus to find out that Barli does exist!
June 8, 2025
Wow! This book had me hooked from the very first chapter which was heartbreaking.
The Threads Remain switch between time lines and events throughout WW2 and the late 1950’s. The book details the suffering of Jewish people during the war but also shows the life and feelings of a German soldier in the SS which was both thought provoking and eye opening to see the internal turmoil and conflict of a soldier ordered to stand and fight for his country Germany and take part in the atrocities of war.
Such a beautifully written book, I really enjoyed it. One of my favourite books of 2025 so far! Totally deserves 5 stars, it was a gripping read that I couldn’t put down.
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read this book for an honest review.
The Threads Remain switch between time lines and events throughout WW2 and the late 1950’s. The book details the suffering of Jewish people during the war but also shows the life and feelings of a German soldier in the SS which was both thought provoking and eye opening to see the internal turmoil and conflict of a soldier ordered to stand and fight for his country Germany and take part in the atrocities of war.
Such a beautifully written book, I really enjoyed it. One of my favourite books of 2025 so far! Totally deserves 5 stars, it was a gripping read that I couldn’t put down.
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read this book for an honest review.
June 25, 2025
In 1944 little Jewish Friedrich, playing in the square below the flat where he lives, is carefully watched by his mutti (mother). She suddenly receives a message that causes her to rush out and grab Friedrich so that she can hide him. He is told to remain silent and is shut behind a kitchen cupboard door where he stays for what seems like forever until rescued by a stranger.
Born in 1928, Max eventually takes over his parents general store, full of a mixture of items ranging from pots and pans to socks, together with a few toys. He meets Gerda who gives “makeovers” to soft toys by making glorious outfits for them, and especially loves to clothe Steiff animals. Needless to say Max and Gerda Biermann, both Jewish marry and convert their shop to Biermanns Toy Shop. One particular favourite toy, given the name of Bärli bear is purchased by the parents of Josef Zohar’s.
As the years go by Joseph ends up as a somewhat reluctant SS Officer much to the delight of his mother.
How does a very young Friedrich end up as the possessor of Bärli?
A heart-stopping, beautifully written novel of the trials of wartime. I couldn’t put this book down and shed many tears whilst reading late into the night.
Born in 1928, Max eventually takes over his parents general store, full of a mixture of items ranging from pots and pans to socks, together with a few toys. He meets Gerda who gives “makeovers” to soft toys by making glorious outfits for them, and especially loves to clothe Steiff animals. Needless to say Max and Gerda Biermann, both Jewish marry and convert their shop to Biermanns Toy Shop. One particular favourite toy, given the name of Bärli bear is purchased by the parents of Josef Zohar’s.
As the years go by Joseph ends up as a somewhat reluctant SS Officer much to the delight of his mother.
How does a very young Friedrich end up as the possessor of Bärli?
A heart-stopping, beautifully written novel of the trials of wartime. I couldn’t put this book down and shed many tears whilst reading late into the night.
July 15, 2025
Just to get it out of the way....I cried twice! A heartfelt and troubling story where there were no winners. I won't pretend to understand why such atrocities happen and the decisions that were made. The author did an excellent job of speaking to the situations for both the Germans and the Jews. This was the first book I've read since completing All the Light We Cannot See, that had the same sense of fanaticism and German upbringing for youths of that time. I also appreciated the background in explaining why Max and Gerda stayed in Germany even as conditions worsened. I take my Catholic students to the Holocaust Museum every year and Mr. Shapiro does an excellent job of building an environment in the book that is true to the time.
August 4, 2025
How far would you go to survive?
Set during WWII and its aftermath, The Threads Remain is a powerful, emotionally charged novel about identity, survival, and the choices we never imagine we’ll have to make.
🧵 Max & Gerda, a young Jewish couple, run a toyshop while danger closes in.
🧵 Josef, just 15 and drafted into the SS, is forced to question everything he believes.
🧵 Friedrich, a teen decades later, uncovers buried family secrets that change everything.
Their stories are separate but destined to intertwine with moments that will leave you breathless.
If you love The Book Thief or All the Light We Cannot See, you'll enjoy this one! It’s lyrical, raw, and unforgettable!
⚡️Thank you Tandem Collective and Glenn Shapiro for sharing this book with me!
Set during WWII and its aftermath, The Threads Remain is a powerful, emotionally charged novel about identity, survival, and the choices we never imagine we’ll have to make.
🧵 Max & Gerda, a young Jewish couple, run a toyshop while danger closes in.
🧵 Josef, just 15 and drafted into the SS, is forced to question everything he believes.
🧵 Friedrich, a teen decades later, uncovers buried family secrets that change everything.
Their stories are separate but destined to intertwine with moments that will leave you breathless.
If you love The Book Thief or All the Light We Cannot See, you'll enjoy this one! It’s lyrical, raw, and unforgettable!
⚡️Thank you Tandem Collective and Glenn Shapiro for sharing this book with me!
June 6, 2025
Four and a half stars rounded up to five. This book had three storylines that intersect. Max and Gerda are a young Jewish couple who own a toy shop. Josef was drafted into the SS when he was fifteen. And Freidrich is trying to unravel the secrets of his past.
I loved this book. I read it in one sitting. It was refreshing to read about a young German soldier who was conflicted about what he was doing, yet still followed orders. I couldn't wait to see what would happen next. Highly, highly recommended.
Thanks to NetGalley for providing me with an advanced copy of this book in exchange for an unbiased review.
I loved this book. I read it in one sitting. It was refreshing to read about a young German soldier who was conflicted about what he was doing, yet still followed orders. I couldn't wait to see what would happen next. Highly, highly recommended.
Thanks to NetGalley for providing me with an advanced copy of this book in exchange for an unbiased review.
June 23, 2025
The ‘thread’ that binds this book’s story together is powerful, exhilarating, emotional and wonderful! A masterpiece by the author. I don’t normally read ‘war stories’ simply because they make me sad about the current world we live in but this book, helps us find hope in the darkest of times. The character’s descriptions make’s them come to life and feel like real people and apart of a true story. I especially enjoyed the foreword because it thread the author’s life and the novel’s storyline. I will keep this one in mind to recommend to friend’s and family as I feel it transcends age, gender, and life experiences.
August 12, 2025
This is a very thought provoking and heart wrenching story centered around WW II and several people and families affected by its consequences. After I finished reading it, I kept thinking about Josef, an innocent young boy, forced from childhood into manhood to do despicable things at the behest of the German army. Also about Friedrich who was sent away by his parents at one day old in order to protect him from the Nazis. The characters are fictitious but probably not far from the horrible truths that occurred. The book also emphasizes that there were many good, courageous people that helped to hide and protect Jews, often at the expense of their own lives.
June 25, 2025
I was immediately drawn in from the very first chapter. The author masterfully wove the story together across multiple characters and time periods, creating a rich and compelling narrative.
Although a work of fiction, the characters felt deeply authentic and transported me to Germany before, during, and after World War II. Their experiences brought history to life in a way that was both moving and unforgettable.
My favorite book in a long time. I highly recommend.
Although a work of fiction, the characters felt deeply authentic and transported me to Germany before, during, and after World War II. Their experiences brought history to life in a way that was both moving and unforgettable.
My favorite book in a long time. I highly recommend.
August 20, 2025
Max had always dreamed of expanding his parents's shop and building his own toy store. When he meets the woman of his dreams, Gerda, the young Jewish couple decides to do just that.
On his 7th birthday in 1932, a German boy named Josef Zohren chose a bear for his present at a little toy shop in Munich. This little bear that he aptly named Bärli would travel from hand to hand in the coming years and, in the end, make a full circle.
Friedrich knew he was adopted but never seemed to mind; he had the kindest mother he could’ve ever asked for and never cared to look further. Yet when his mother passed away in 1957 and left just Friedrich and his father, he felt the emptiness swallow him whole. As he searches for answers, he looks to a toy he’s had ever since he could remember—a small bear named Bärli.
A truly remarkable tale of how one decision can affect so many lives and the strength to do the right thing, even when you place yourself in danger. The horrors that people faced during WWII can be difficult to relate to, yet the author has done a marvelous job of placing the reader right in the heart of the tale. I honestly don’t gravitate towards multiple timelines in stories but loved this one. Each story is woven perfectly together, and though you may not recognize the connection, it’s there, in the depth of each character. Thank you to the author for sending me this book and for the card; it was such a wonderful read.
On his 7th birthday in 1932, a German boy named Josef Zohren chose a bear for his present at a little toy shop in Munich. This little bear that he aptly named Bärli would travel from hand to hand in the coming years and, in the end, make a full circle.
Friedrich knew he was adopted but never seemed to mind; he had the kindest mother he could’ve ever asked for and never cared to look further. Yet when his mother passed away in 1957 and left just Friedrich and his father, he felt the emptiness swallow him whole. As he searches for answers, he looks to a toy he’s had ever since he could remember—a small bear named Bärli.
A truly remarkable tale of how one decision can affect so many lives and the strength to do the right thing, even when you place yourself in danger. The horrors that people faced during WWII can be difficult to relate to, yet the author has done a marvelous job of placing the reader right in the heart of the tale. I honestly don’t gravitate towards multiple timelines in stories but loved this one. Each story is woven perfectly together, and though you may not recognize the connection, it’s there, in the depth of each character. Thank you to the author for sending me this book and for the card; it was such a wonderful read.
October 2, 2025
GREAT STORY
I really loved this story and how well it was written. The characters were so detailed and relatable that I was totally into the period of Germany between 1938-1954. Looking forward to exploring other books by this author. Thank you. I was born in 1943 and saw many documentaries of the war as I was growing up that made the story very visual and real to me
I really loved this story and how well it was written. The characters were so detailed and relatable that I was totally into the period of Germany between 1938-1954. Looking forward to exploring other books by this author. Thank you. I was born in 1943 and saw many documentaries of the war as I was growing up that made the story very visual and real to me
July 17, 2025
This is a truly harrowing World War II story that is focused on the torment and real suffering that the Jews had to live (and die) through.
This is the first historical novel I have read where one of the POV's is from a German soldier. Each previous novel in this genre has really been told through the eyes of 'our' side, or those who were deeply affected by Hitlers reign, so reading one from the 'other side' was actually a real eye opener.
A multi timeline plot, the main character, Josef, is called to war. Now, while he may be what they classed as a strapping lad, he's not one for confrontation. He has a big heart to match his stature.
Josef very quickly comes to realise just how wrong the Germans and their army are. Nobody should be vilified because of their race or religion, so why is he having to treat, herd, and kill these people?
Also told from the POV of Frederick, a young German man who was adopted when very young. After the death of his mother, whom he adored, he decides to trace his birth parents. What he doesn't realise is just how hard it will be and where the search will eventually take him *no spoilers*
A story told through decades that takes you on a heartwrenching journey into the deeply horrific times of WWII. This sat with me for days after, which to me is the sign of a great story!
Huge thanks to Netgalley and BeRead Ltd for the ARC.
This is the first historical novel I have read where one of the POV's is from a German soldier. Each previous novel in this genre has really been told through the eyes of 'our' side, or those who were deeply affected by Hitlers reign, so reading one from the 'other side' was actually a real eye opener.
A multi timeline plot, the main character, Josef, is called to war. Now, while he may be what they classed as a strapping lad, he's not one for confrontation. He has a big heart to match his stature.
Josef very quickly comes to realise just how wrong the Germans and their army are. Nobody should be vilified because of their race or religion, so why is he having to treat, herd, and kill these people?
Also told from the POV of Frederick, a young German man who was adopted when very young. After the death of his mother, whom he adored, he decides to trace his birth parents. What he doesn't realise is just how hard it will be and where the search will eventually take him *no spoilers*
A story told through decades that takes you on a heartwrenching journey into the deeply horrific times of WWII. This sat with me for days after, which to me is the sign of a great story!
Huge thanks to Netgalley and BeRead Ltd for the ARC.
September 6, 2025
A refreshing read that takes a look at what it must have been like to have been conscripted into the German Nazis Army. This story also reflects the complicity of families that were torn apart by war and trauma. A great read.
October 8, 2025
This book was outstanding. Definitely one of the best I've read this year. I highly recommend. The writer weaves back and forth through various time frames to bring it all together seamlessly in the end. There was not a minute of the book that was not engaging and I had a hard time putting it down.
July 7, 2025
Fantastic, completely unputdownable.
July 24, 2025
All the stars for this one! I finished The Threads Remain in 24 hours, which is so rare these days. There is just something about a beautifully written historical fiction novel that grips me, and this was no exception. This story was both hopeful and heartbreaking, and shared the lives of multiple characters in Germany during WWII. They eventually connect in the most perfect ways possible, (even though I truthfully never wanted their stories to end).
If you’re a historical fiction fan, I couldn’t reccomend this one more! This story was beautiful, gripping, heartbreaking, and hopeful. It will now be added to my list of favorite historical fiction books!
If you’re a historical fiction fan, I couldn’t reccomend this one more! This story was beautiful, gripping, heartbreaking, and hopeful. It will now be added to my list of favorite historical fiction books!
September 25, 2025
Wow.. best book I have read in a very long time.
Several stories that intertwine in different times.
This one really touched my soul & will stay with me for a very long time. Highly recommend!
Several stories that intertwine in different times.
This one really touched my soul & will stay with me for a very long time. Highly recommend!
October 31, 2025
Incredibly moving story. Every story line was woven together perfectly. More in-depth review to come.
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