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The Discovery: An Historical Fiction Novel
In this gripping historical novel, J.M. Barton sheds light on a little-known 15th century holocaust, by artfully contrasting it with the events of World War II. Two heart-wrenching stories are beautifully woven into one compelling mystery where the characters are united by friendship, hope, and an unexpected discovery.
Vienna, 1938: A young woman turns up in Dr. Johann Bach’s hospital the night of the infamous Nazi hate-crime, Kristallnacht. Hit by a car while fleeing a Jewish neighborhood, strangely no one comes to claim her. Still suffering from a head injury, “Liesel” offers no answers but raises plenty of alarming questions. As her memory gradually returns they race to unravel a dangerous trail of clues.
Vienna, 1419: When Moritz Schreiber, the Chronicler of Vienna, is invited by his old friend, David ben Esther, to help guard a newly discovered secret treasure, Moritz can hardly believe his eyes. But when the Duke of Austria attacks the Jewish population and catches wind of the Discovery, Moritz falls into despair. He quickly learns that all is not what it seems. Now unsure whom to trust, Moritz races to find a solution before the duke’s horrifying plans come to fruition.
With a compelling cast and plenty of lesser-known historical insights, this book will stay with you long after you stop reading.
Also
Discussion QuestionsAdditional resourcesAuthor's note on the history behind many of the characters and events
Vienna, 1938: A young woman turns up in Dr. Johann Bach’s hospital the night of the infamous Nazi hate-crime, Kristallnacht. Hit by a car while fleeing a Jewish neighborhood, strangely no one comes to claim her. Still suffering from a head injury, “Liesel” offers no answers but raises plenty of alarming questions. As her memory gradually returns they race to unravel a dangerous trail of clues.
Vienna, 1419: When Moritz Schreiber, the Chronicler of Vienna, is invited by his old friend, David ben Esther, to help guard a newly discovered secret treasure, Moritz can hardly believe his eyes. But when the Duke of Austria attacks the Jewish population and catches wind of the Discovery, Moritz falls into despair. He quickly learns that all is not what it seems. Now unsure whom to trust, Moritz races to find a solution before the duke’s horrifying plans come to fruition.
With a compelling cast and plenty of lesser-known historical insights, this book will stay with you long after you stop reading.
Also
Discussion QuestionsAdditional resourcesAuthor's note on the history behind many of the characters and events
449 pages, Paperback
Published July 15, 2025
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Displaying 1 of 1 review
May 6, 2026
This was such a stunning read! The characters came to life, and when paired with the detailed description on not only where and when they were, in time and space, but how they interacted with one other, the depth only expanded. For instance, how Johann and Anna interact with one another upon the breathtaking moment on Pg. 386, upon their discovery. They are so very ginger and just kind to one another, one is compelled to love them even more.
Another beautiful interaction described for the audience, when Mortiz discovers his chess board with the blue butterfly, there all along! on Pg. 342. "Alexander smiled sadly, exhaustion visible on his young face." This instance calarifies not only the various levels of not only stealth and deception necessary in these times. At the same time it accentuates the comraderie and love that banded people together, across social norms.
The comraderie and love that was illustrated within these pages was uplifting. Of course, there are two sides to every coin, and the instances of bad were more than enough. Nonetheless, I loved how Barton brought forth the various traits present in this story, allowing depth and just simple humanity.
Another beautiful interaction described for the audience, when Mortiz discovers his chess board with the blue butterfly, there all along! on Pg. 342. "Alexander smiled sadly, exhaustion visible on his young face." This instance calarifies not only the various levels of not only stealth and deception necessary in these times. At the same time it accentuates the comraderie and love that banded people together, across social norms.
The comraderie and love that was illustrated within these pages was uplifting. Of course, there are two sides to every coin, and the instances of bad were more than enough. Nonetheless, I loved how Barton brought forth the various traits present in this story, allowing depth and just simple humanity.
Displaying 1 of 1 review