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The Watchmaker's War
When Yakov Holtzman arrives in Melbourne - about as far away as he can possibly get from the graveyard that is Europe - he puts behind him the years he spent in the forests of Lithuania as a leader of the resistance, fighting the Nazis. He has come to join his brother - his only surviving family member - and start a new life as the watchmaker he once was.
Yakov looks for solace - and love - in the fragile, traumatised community of Jewish refugees taking root in a new land. But when swastikas, threats and, most frightening of all, the faces of old enemies appear on the streets of suburban St Kilda, his new-found peace is shattered.
Fierce instincts are reawakened in Yakov, and he knows he must act. But how can justice - or revenge - best be served? And will Yakov's drive to destroy his enemies overtake him too, and leave his new life in ruins?
Based on a true story, The Watchmaker's War is a gripping, high-stakes tale of Nazi hunters in Australia and the war criminals they pursued - killers with links to the highest levels of Australia's spy agency. It offers profound insights into the lingering trauma of genocide, posing difficult questions about competing desires for peace and vengeance, and how far a victim should go in the pursuit of justice when the authorities fail to act.
Yakov looks for solace - and love - in the fragile, traumatised community of Jewish refugees taking root in a new land. But when swastikas, threats and, most frightening of all, the faces of old enemies appear on the streets of suburban St Kilda, his new-found peace is shattered.
Fierce instincts are reawakened in Yakov, and he knows he must act. But how can justice - or revenge - best be served? And will Yakov's drive to destroy his enemies overtake him too, and leave his new life in ruins?
Based on a true story, The Watchmaker's War is a gripping, high-stakes tale of Nazi hunters in Australia and the war criminals they pursued - killers with links to the highest levels of Australia's spy agency. It offers profound insights into the lingering trauma of genocide, posing difficult questions about competing desires for peace and vengeance, and how far a victim should go in the pursuit of justice when the authorities fail to act.
412 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
March 2, 2026
⭐️4 Stars⭐️
The Watchmaker's War by Danny Ben-Moshe is a unique, shocking and haunting post holocaust story about Yakov Holzman a Jew and a heroic resistance fighter in the forests of Lithuania who immigrates to Australia after World War II to join his brother, his only surviving family member. Yakov arrives in Melbourne to start a new life but he finds that Australia is not the sanctuary he believed it to be for survivors but a destination where Nazi war criminals can hide in plain sight.
I found the story so different to the usual tales about the holocaust being that it is set in Australia and is after the war, it opened my eyes to the continuing
trauma these people were exposed to as victims even from across the other side of the world.
The story explores justice and revenge when authorities fail to act and is based on a true story. I found the Watchmakers war fascinating, it’s an informative and gripping tale and well executed. An eye opening and powerful read and so relevant in these modern times too.
Publication Date 28 January 2026
Publisher Harper Collins Australia
Thank you so much Harper Collins Australia for a copy of the book. I read this book as part of Harper Collins Bookstagram Club.
The Watchmaker's War by Danny Ben-Moshe is a unique, shocking and haunting post holocaust story about Yakov Holzman a Jew and a heroic resistance fighter in the forests of Lithuania who immigrates to Australia after World War II to join his brother, his only surviving family member. Yakov arrives in Melbourne to start a new life but he finds that Australia is not the sanctuary he believed it to be for survivors but a destination where Nazi war criminals can hide in plain sight.
I found the story so different to the usual tales about the holocaust being that it is set in Australia and is after the war, it opened my eyes to the continuing
trauma these people were exposed to as victims even from across the other side of the world.
The story explores justice and revenge when authorities fail to act and is based on a true story. I found the Watchmakers war fascinating, it’s an informative and gripping tale and well executed. An eye opening and powerful read and so relevant in these modern times too.
Publication Date 28 January 2026
Publisher Harper Collins Australia
Thank you so much Harper Collins Australia for a copy of the book. I read this book as part of Harper Collins Bookstagram Club.
March 2, 2026
Wow what an interesting, informative read. Based on a true story The Watchmaker's War is the story of Yakov and his Brother Benny as they immigrate to Australia after the holocaust. It follows them as they settle into a new country and new way of life. What should be a brand new start is tainted when they discover that some of the Nazi's responsible for killing their family have snuck into Australia under new identities.
I really enjoyed the insights into the Jewish community and culture in St Kilda. I learnt a lot from this book and was fascinated by the story of Nazi hunters who took matters into their own hands when the Australian authorities wouldn't. There's photos at the end of the book about the real life people involved in the story was really cool to see too!
I really enjoyed the insights into the Jewish community and culture in St Kilda. I learnt a lot from this book and was fascinated by the story of Nazi hunters who took matters into their own hands when the Australian authorities wouldn't. There's photos at the end of the book about the real life people involved in the story was really cool to see too!
March 8, 2026
When this arrived for the bookstagram bookclub pick of last month I have to admit that I wasn’t that excited. Not because I don’t love WW2 historical fiction but because I’ve read SO MANY. Well colour me surprised when this turned out to be a story I’ve never read before and what a great yarn it was. Based on a true story, because reality can be far crueler than any fiction and based around my beloved hometown Melbourne. This is a story with a real life Jewish John Wick who regulated some nazi’s after the war if you know what I mean 😉
Part exploration of life after sever, collective trauma, part government critique, this story had almost everything. I say almost because it lacked an emotional depth I’m used to in this genre. Everything is presented in the most straightforward, clinical way possible even emotional reactions. I could have used some character insight into emotional state (increased heart rate, sweating, nervous something?) before they blurt out sentences like ‘he killed my entire family in front of me’ seemingly out of nowhere. Even when a character has an intense emotional reaction from say seeing the Nazi that killed their entire family on a Melbourne tram, it’s still presented very clinically. They dinged the bell a number of times, they stormed off, they fell, someone asked if they were ok ect. I feel some internal emotional reactions would have created an even stronger connection to the narrative for the reader. The author’s note was extremely interesting about the true story and i discovered the author is an academic which makes sense 🤣
Anyway I highly recommend this one and I’m so glad I joined @harpercollinsaustralia bookstagram bookclub because I wouldn’t have picked this up otherwise and would have really missed out. They sent me a copy of this book to read as part of the club
Part exploration of life after sever, collective trauma, part government critique, this story had almost everything. I say almost because it lacked an emotional depth I’m used to in this genre. Everything is presented in the most straightforward, clinical way possible even emotional reactions. I could have used some character insight into emotional state (increased heart rate, sweating, nervous something?) before they blurt out sentences like ‘he killed my entire family in front of me’ seemingly out of nowhere. Even when a character has an intense emotional reaction from say seeing the Nazi that killed their entire family on a Melbourne tram, it’s still presented very clinically. They dinged the bell a number of times, they stormed off, they fell, someone asked if they were ok ect. I feel some internal emotional reactions would have created an even stronger connection to the narrative for the reader. The author’s note was extremely interesting about the true story and i discovered the author is an academic which makes sense 🤣
Anyway I highly recommend this one and I’m so glad I joined @harpercollinsaustralia bookstagram bookclub because I wouldn’t have picked this up otherwise and would have really missed out. They sent me a copy of this book to read as part of the club
April 8, 2026
Based on a true story, The Watchmaker’s war is a compelling and interesting look at a lesser known part of Australian history. Thoroughly researched, I was unable to put this one down as Yakov’s story unfolded. From resistance leader during the war, Nazi hunting in Paris and then seeking a fresh start on the other side of the world. I was interested to learn more about Lithuania’s history within the war, the Jewish community in Melbourne after the war and the government’s attempts to cover up letting known Nazis into Australia and their fear of communism.
Even if someone who has read a lot of holocaust fiction it was quite confronting at times as we learned the stories of the characters times in the concentration camps and what they witnessed. I was frustrated by the lack of support they received from Australian officials and could see why they took justice into their own hands. A fascinating look at the ongoing impact of war, trauma and justice. I’m keen to watch Danny’s documentary of the real life characters that inspired the novel.
Even if someone who has read a lot of holocaust fiction it was quite confronting at times as we learned the stories of the characters times in the concentration camps and what they witnessed. I was frustrated by the lack of support they received from Australian officials and could see why they took justice into their own hands. A fascinating look at the ongoing impact of war, trauma and justice. I’m keen to watch Danny’s documentary of the real life characters that inspired the novel.
February 15, 2026
This was a heartfelt read, the journey of the two brothers escaping the dire conditions of their homeland, to then be the only surviving family for each other and then settling in a new country far from home, was something you won’t be able to forget long after you’ve finished the book. The worst part is, this is still happening today for many people across the world. War only benefits the rich and people seem to forget that. I loved that fact that this book speaks about assimilating after the war is over, because it’s hard to come out of all the trauma, loss and grief let alone settling in a new country. The anger and need for revenge and justice doesn’t settle so easily and it can easily ruin their life. I love that the book explored these complicated feelings. And explored how these feelings can stay for entire lifetimes.
Yakov arrives in Melbourne to start a new life after the war, far away from the horrors erupting in Europe. He didn’t realise he would face those exact people who he was running away from, who terrorised and killed not only his family but countless of others. While his brother Benny wants to stay far away from those people, it’s not easy for Yakov, especially as crimes start happening against his community. That’s when he picks up the job again, and restarts his Nazi hunting. Will the need for revenge and justice make him blind and destroy his current life in the process?
A terribly haunting story based on real life.
So grateful to HarperCollins Australia for a copy of this book, it will stay with me for a long time.
Yakov arrives in Melbourne to start a new life after the war, far away from the horrors erupting in Europe. He didn’t realise he would face those exact people who he was running away from, who terrorised and killed not only his family but countless of others. While his brother Benny wants to stay far away from those people, it’s not easy for Yakov, especially as crimes start happening against his community. That’s when he picks up the job again, and restarts his Nazi hunting. Will the need for revenge and justice make him blind and destroy his current life in the process?
A terribly haunting story based on real life.
So grateful to HarperCollins Australia for a copy of this book, it will stay with me for a long time.
April 13, 2026
Like most people my age, I suppose, I grew up thinking that the Nazis and their loathsome ideology were vanquished. I thought they had been eliminated and that post-war de-Nazification during the Allied Occupation had removed the threat of any resurgence, except for a few ageing die-hards who had escaped to South America. It certainly did not occur to me that the waves of post-war migration to Australia brought Nazis with it.
So you can imagine my reaction to seeing a man wearing Nazi insignia outside my local library a short time ago. I felt physically sick. I had only ever seen Nazi symbols in films, documentaries and books, never in real life, never in my quiet Melbourne suburb. I walked away and sat down until I gathered my wits, and then I rang the local police. The officer I spoke to explained that it wasn’t illegal (at that time, it is now) but he would have a talk with the offender. I had a restorative coffee and then went back to the library. The man was gone. But the memory lingers. What seemed unthinkable until recently is now not so improbable. I am well-read in Holocaust literature, and I know how this story starts and ends.
But it was a different matter altogether in 1951, for a Jewish migrant who had escaped the Holocaust by Shooting that took place in Lithuania in 1941. For him, the sight of a Nazi symbol at the Bonegilla Migrant Hostel in north-eastern Victoria — a place he had thought safe — was an existential threat. That insignia evoked the recent, painful past in which he had lost his entire family and witnessed the near extermination of the entire population of Lithuanian Jews. In a fictionalised version of these real-life events, Danny Ben-Moshe's novel evokes his character's terror well.
In the novel Berel does what I did, he went to the authorities at the camp. But though he gets a sympathetic hearing from one of the staff, he isn't believed.
Berel raced ahead and turned and stopped against the rear wall of the library.
'There's no charge for walking on the main path,' Rogers teased.
'I must hide,' Berel said. 'I can't be seen.'
'What are you talking about?'
'Shh.' Berel put his finger to his lips. 'They are Nazis. There are Nazis here.'
'Who are?'
'The Lithuanians, from my hut.'
'Rogers looked at him, perplexed. 'Are you all right?'
'They are Nazis,' Berel insisted. 'If they find me, they will kill me.'
'Listen, I'm no doctor, but what you've been through can affect your mind, Rogers said. 'I've seen it happen to my mates from Changi. Some of them have all sorts of problems, trouble sleeping, nightmares, hallucinations. It's not the same, but I do have some idea what it's like. Let's go and have a cup of tea in the mess hall, and when you've calmed down we can have a chat about it.'
'No!' Berel burst out, surprising himself with his assertiveness. 'It's too risky, they could kill me.'
'All right, Rogers said, speaking quietly, 'Tell me who is going to kill you.'
In an urgent whisper, Berel relayed what he'd heard last night in the hut. 'They spoke about all the Jews they killed, all the death pits they filled, burning people alive in a synagogue.'
Rogers tried in vain to assure him that was not possible. 'Anyone who had served with the Germans or their allies is barred from entry into Australia.'
'I know what I heard,' insisted Berel. (p.154)
To read the rest of my review please visit https://anzlitlovers.com/2026/04/13/t...
So you can imagine my reaction to seeing a man wearing Nazi insignia outside my local library a short time ago. I felt physically sick. I had only ever seen Nazi symbols in films, documentaries and books, never in real life, never in my quiet Melbourne suburb. I walked away and sat down until I gathered my wits, and then I rang the local police. The officer I spoke to explained that it wasn’t illegal (at that time, it is now) but he would have a talk with the offender. I had a restorative coffee and then went back to the library. The man was gone. But the memory lingers. What seemed unthinkable until recently is now not so improbable. I am well-read in Holocaust literature, and I know how this story starts and ends.
But it was a different matter altogether in 1951, for a Jewish migrant who had escaped the Holocaust by Shooting that took place in Lithuania in 1941. For him, the sight of a Nazi symbol at the Bonegilla Migrant Hostel in north-eastern Victoria — a place he had thought safe — was an existential threat. That insignia evoked the recent, painful past in which he had lost his entire family and witnessed the near extermination of the entire population of Lithuanian Jews. In a fictionalised version of these real-life events, Danny Ben-Moshe's novel evokes his character's terror well.
In the novel Berel does what I did, he went to the authorities at the camp. But though he gets a sympathetic hearing from one of the staff, he isn't believed.
Berel raced ahead and turned and stopped against the rear wall of the library.
'There's no charge for walking on the main path,' Rogers teased.
'I must hide,' Berel said. 'I can't be seen.'
'What are you talking about?'
'Shh.' Berel put his finger to his lips. 'They are Nazis. There are Nazis here.'
'Who are?'
'The Lithuanians, from my hut.'
'Rogers looked at him, perplexed. 'Are you all right?'
'They are Nazis,' Berel insisted. 'If they find me, they will kill me.'
'Listen, I'm no doctor, but what you've been through can affect your mind, Rogers said. 'I've seen it happen to my mates from Changi. Some of them have all sorts of problems, trouble sleeping, nightmares, hallucinations. It's not the same, but I do have some idea what it's like. Let's go and have a cup of tea in the mess hall, and when you've calmed down we can have a chat about it.'
'No!' Berel burst out, surprising himself with his assertiveness. 'It's too risky, they could kill me.'
'All right, Rogers said, speaking quietly, 'Tell me who is going to kill you.'
In an urgent whisper, Berel relayed what he'd heard last night in the hut. 'They spoke about all the Jews they killed, all the death pits they filled, burning people alive in a synagogue.'
Rogers tried in vain to assure him that was not possible. 'Anyone who had served with the Germans or their allies is barred from entry into Australia.'
'I know what I heard,' insisted Berel. (p.154)
To read the rest of my review please visit https://anzlitlovers.com/2026/04/13/t...
February 23, 2026
~These round ups always happen in the middle of the night, to catch the ghettoes residents by surprise. He can hear gunshots and women's screams sounding through the streets. For nearly two years now, be has watched as the ghetto has been gutted of it's residents.~
⌚️..THE WATCHMAKER'S WAR..⌚️
°•°•°•°•°•°•°•°•°•°•°•°•°•°•°•°•°•°•°•°•°
by: @danny_benmoshe
pub: @harpercollinsaustralia
Reading historical fiction is a favourite of mine, and a lot of them centre around WW2.
I am always fascinated by the history & research of the book and look forward to the author's notes at the end.
This book whilst fictional is steeped in truth and real events.
The author has written these events into a thrilling and sometimes poignant story.
A story of unimaginable loss, love, redemption, revenge, new beginnings and new friends.
Yakov and his brother Benny are all that is left of their family after the Holocaust.
Resettling in Australia gives hope and promise.
As watchmakers, they can start a business, work, contribute to this country that has given them a safe harbour.
But what happens when the people they are trying to escape also resettle here?
And what, if anything will the authorities do when they realise their mistake?
Imagine being resettled far away from your home, with no family, no friends, nothing but a small suitcase and then realise you are in the same area as the Nazis that killed your family and millions more?
This is the reality of what so many faced.
The author has written a book that gives us facts mixed with fiction in a very suspenseful and compelling story.
And his notes at the back are very interesting and left me quite shocked.
Many thanks to the publisher and author for my copy, and for my inclusion in the @harpercollinsaustralia
BOOKSTAGRAM BOOK CLUB
⌚️..THE WATCHMAKER'S WAR..⌚️
°•°•°•°•°•°•°•°•°•°•°•°•°•°•°•°•°•°•°•°•°
by: @danny_benmoshe
pub: @harpercollinsaustralia
Reading historical fiction is a favourite of mine, and a lot of them centre around WW2.
I am always fascinated by the history & research of the book and look forward to the author's notes at the end.
This book whilst fictional is steeped in truth and real events.
The author has written these events into a thrilling and sometimes poignant story.
A story of unimaginable loss, love, redemption, revenge, new beginnings and new friends.
Yakov and his brother Benny are all that is left of their family after the Holocaust.
Resettling in Australia gives hope and promise.
As watchmakers, they can start a business, work, contribute to this country that has given them a safe harbour.
But what happens when the people they are trying to escape also resettle here?
And what, if anything will the authorities do when they realise their mistake?
Imagine being resettled far away from your home, with no family, no friends, nothing but a small suitcase and then realise you are in the same area as the Nazis that killed your family and millions more?
This is the reality of what so many faced.
The author has written a book that gives us facts mixed with fiction in a very suspenseful and compelling story.
And his notes at the back are very interesting and left me quite shocked.
Many thanks to the publisher and author for my copy, and for my inclusion in the @harpercollinsaustralia
BOOKSTAGRAM BOOK CLUB
March 3, 2026
As an aficionado of historical fiction, I’ve read many books set during WWII and the years that followed — countless stories of the Holocaust and the horrific persecution of the Jewish people.
And yet, I’m always amazed at how much I still don’t know. I deeply appreciate a novel that shines a light on a lesser-known corner of history and teaches me something new along the way.
The Watchmaker’s War tells the story of two brothers — the sole survivors of an entire family murdered by the Nazis and their collaborators. They resettle in Australia, hoping to build a life far removed from the atrocities they witnessed. But unbeknownst to them, evil has followed them across oceans. Under the White Australia policies of the late 1940s and 1950s, covert Nazis were permitted to resettle in Australia, provided they were staunchly anti-communist. Background checks were lax, and some of these war criminals slipped through the cracks.
What unfolds is a haunting story of grief, resilience and the quiet, simmering pull of revenge. Though fictionalised, the novel is grounded in real events and real people — which makes it all the more chilling.
This is historical fiction that unsettles and educates in equal measure — a reminder that history doesn’t always stay buried.
A powerful, sobering read that lingers long after the final page.
And yet, I’m always amazed at how much I still don’t know. I deeply appreciate a novel that shines a light on a lesser-known corner of history and teaches me something new along the way.
The Watchmaker’s War tells the story of two brothers — the sole survivors of an entire family murdered by the Nazis and their collaborators. They resettle in Australia, hoping to build a life far removed from the atrocities they witnessed. But unbeknownst to them, evil has followed them across oceans. Under the White Australia policies of the late 1940s and 1950s, covert Nazis were permitted to resettle in Australia, provided they were staunchly anti-communist. Background checks were lax, and some of these war criminals slipped through the cracks.
What unfolds is a haunting story of grief, resilience and the quiet, simmering pull of revenge. Though fictionalised, the novel is grounded in real events and real people — which makes it all the more chilling.
This is historical fiction that unsettles and educates in equal measure — a reminder that history doesn’t always stay buried.
A powerful, sobering read that lingers long after the final page.
May 2, 2026
My timing with reading this book was poor, as was the publishing coming out now. With current events as they are, the book's attempt to elict sympathy for the atrocities of WWII (and moreso the events post then) had the opposite effect on me. I found myself on several occassions during the book siding against the protaganists.
There were also what felt like unnecessary and forced lessons in religion inserted into the narrative. It didn't add to the story and their insertion decreased my patience.
Having said that, the underlying story is interesting. It did well at highlighting a few key points for me:
- The reactions and triggers to PTSD vary and can be irrational in the moment, but very real for the person. The author did an excellent job capturing the complexity of coming back to a safe environment but not yet healing from the trauma.
- The short-term focus of our modern day alliances. How quickly western society turned a blind eye towards Nazis to fight the new enemy. This type of behaviour and policy is still relevant today in Western diplomacy.
- The creation of cultural neighbourhoods and how they can readily form during periods of mass migration. People felt safe staying with who they knew and trusted.
I enjoyed the story and learning more about the Eastern European aspect of WWII along with the post WWII struggles.
There were also what felt like unnecessary and forced lessons in religion inserted into the narrative. It didn't add to the story and their insertion decreased my patience.
Having said that, the underlying story is interesting. It did well at highlighting a few key points for me:
- The reactions and triggers to PTSD vary and can be irrational in the moment, but very real for the person. The author did an excellent job capturing the complexity of coming back to a safe environment but not yet healing from the trauma.
- The short-term focus of our modern day alliances. How quickly western society turned a blind eye towards Nazis to fight the new enemy. This type of behaviour and policy is still relevant today in Western diplomacy.
- The creation of cultural neighbourhoods and how they can readily form during periods of mass migration. People felt safe staying with who they knew and trusted.
I enjoyed the story and learning more about the Eastern European aspect of WWII along with the post WWII struggles.
February 22, 2026
This was an extremely interesting read based on true stories that’s left me wanting to do a deep dive and investigate further.
While I was hooked on wanting to know how this story ended and wanted to see revenge served, as well as being interested in reading about what life was like for the Jewish community that immigrated to Australia after World War II - I just didn’t vibe the writing style, especially the dialogue. Was very stiff, factual and unnatural, constantly pulling me out of the story.
You can bet I’m watching the documentary tonight though!
While I was hooked on wanting to know how this story ended and wanted to see revenge served, as well as being interested in reading about what life was like for the Jewish community that immigrated to Australia after World War II - I just didn’t vibe the writing style, especially the dialogue. Was very stiff, factual and unnatural, constantly pulling me out of the story.
You can bet I’m watching the documentary tonight though!
March 8, 2026
The Watchmaker’s War by @danny_benmoshe is one of those books I probably wouldn’t have gravitated towards normally, but gosh I’m glad I read it. The author beautifully blends the facts surrounding Nazi hunters in Australia with fiction. Weaving a haunting and compelling novel of the competing desires for peace and vengeance.
✨ When Yakov Holtzman arrives in Melbourne to join his brother, and only surviving family member, he hopes to put behind him the years he spent in the forests of Lithuania as a leader of the resistance, fighting the Nazis.
It’s time to start a new life and Yakov finds solace in the fragile and traumatised community of Jewish refugees. But suddenly swastikas, threats and, most frightening of all, the faces of old enemies start appearing on the streets of St Kilda, shattering his new-found peace.
Fierce instincts are reawakened in Yakov, and he knows he must act. But how can justice - or revenge - best be served? How far will Yakov’s drive to destroy his enemies impact on his new life?
✨ If you love historical fiction that centers around real life events then I definitely recommend The Watchmaker’s War.
Thank you to @harpercollinsaustralia for sending me a copy to read and honestly review.
✨ When Yakov Holtzman arrives in Melbourne to join his brother, and only surviving family member, he hopes to put behind him the years he spent in the forests of Lithuania as a leader of the resistance, fighting the Nazis.
It’s time to start a new life and Yakov finds solace in the fragile and traumatised community of Jewish refugees. But suddenly swastikas, threats and, most frightening of all, the faces of old enemies start appearing on the streets of St Kilda, shattering his new-found peace.
Fierce instincts are reawakened in Yakov, and he knows he must act. But how can justice - or revenge - best be served? How far will Yakov’s drive to destroy his enemies impact on his new life?
✨ If you love historical fiction that centers around real life events then I definitely recommend The Watchmaker’s War.
Thank you to @harpercollinsaustralia for sending me a copy to read and honestly review.
May 15, 2026
The writing may not be sophisticated but the story is unputdownable and I devoured this book in one sitting. The story moves between Lithuania during WW 2 and Melbourne in the 1950’s and is a fascinating glimpse into the politics in Australia of the time where the fight against communism trumped ensuring Australia didn’t become a safe haven for Nazi’s. While fact and fiction are blended in this fascinating story, it did provide insight into how Australian attitudes to the Jewish population have been shaped over time. Well worth reading.
March 16, 2026
An emotionally charged read about post holcaust.
Based on a true story made it even better...
Can I assume Scheherazade the former Jewish cafe on acland st ws the 'inspiration' for the cafe?
Was good to read Yiddish.
The sad thing is the book is set in the 1950s and here we are in in 2026 and anti semitism is on the rise : Bondi Massacre? Millawuake synagogue.... netanyahu and his extreme right wing cronies have caused hell for Jews around the world and achieved what????
Based on a true story made it even better...
Can I assume Scheherazade the former Jewish cafe on acland st ws the 'inspiration' for the cafe?
Was good to read Yiddish.
The sad thing is the book is set in the 1950s and here we are in in 2026 and anti semitism is on the rise : Bondi Massacre? Millawuake synagogue.... netanyahu and his extreme right wing cronies have caused hell for Jews around the world and achieved what????
April 20, 2026
I loved this book.
It was very well researched and the story is compelling.
Incredible facts about how the Australian government used Lithuanian Nazis to track Jews in Australia. Based on a true story.
Apparently only 15,000 Jewish Holocaust survivors came to Australia after the war yet 1.5 million immigrants from Europe taken in.
Shows how then and still today political convenience determines government actions and not moral conviction.
It was very well researched and the story is compelling.
Incredible facts about how the Australian government used Lithuanian Nazis to track Jews in Australia. Based on a true story.
Apparently only 15,000 Jewish Holocaust survivors came to Australia after the war yet 1.5 million immigrants from Europe taken in.
Shows how then and still today political convenience determines government actions and not moral conviction.
March 22, 2026
This is one of those stories that quietly stays with you after, even after you’ve finished! I adored the writing and the whole concept behind the story!! Definaltey will be looking for more books by this author
~ 📖 IF YOU LOVE ~
🕰️ Dual timelines
📚 WWII historical fiction
💔 Stories of resilience and survival
👪 Mystery
❤️ Powerful father–daughter relationships
🌍 European settings
~ 📖 IF YOU LOVE ~
🕰️ Dual timelines
📚 WWII historical fiction
💔 Stories of resilience and survival
👪 Mystery
❤️ Powerful father–daughter relationships
🌍 European settings
April 11, 2026
How heartbreaking to read this book, and discover that nothing has changed in 80 years. Australia is still, mostly, an anti-Semitic nation. To discover that our government at the time (Arthur Calwell, Harold Holt, Robert Menzies) preferred to import Nazis rather than Jews. Still shaking my head in sadness at this discovery.
March 25, 2026
Very good, particularly if you want perspective on Australia’s post war activities related to immigration of Jews and former Nazis. Some characters and conversation were a little too stereotypical but otherwise really good. 4.5 stars.
May 5, 2026
A compelling insight into the experiences of European Jews who resettled in Australia after the war. I gained a deeper understanding of Australia’s immigration policies during that period, particularly the government’s stance toward war criminals. A real eye-opener!
May 16, 2026
Two Jewish brothers survive the war and eventually relocate to Australia. Imagine their disbelief when the Lithuanian who ordered the killing of their entire family turns up in Melbourne, heading a unit setting out to reignite the hatred. What choices do they have?
February 19, 2026
I hadn't realised at first that this was a novel, based on a true story but nonetheless fictional. Therefore, I had to readjust my expectations.
March 17, 2026
Brilliant book - thank you
March 23, 2026
Interesting topic but I prefer it in non fiction form.
April 6, 2026
A totally absorbing read with the content based on factual events concerning the aftermath of some Melbourne based escapees of the Nazi death camps.
April 9, 2026
I could have read hundreds more pages on the nekome missions. Savoured every detail and every millimetre reclaimed of our people’s losses.
April 16, 2026
Absolutely could not put it down. The writer conveys emotions that are so difficult to put on paper yet he does it with a compassion and dedication to telling a story that must be told.
May 11, 2026
A very powerful but sobering story, and captivating to know it’s loosely based on a true story. The writing style was not my favourite but the story was compelling enough to keep me engaged!
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