Library of Forbidden Books

by Mario Escobar

Genres: Historical Fiction

368 pages, Hardcover

Expected publication September 1, 2026

About the author

Mario Escobar Golderos has a degree in History, with an advanced studies diploma in Modern History. He has written numerous books and articles about the Inquisition, the Protestant Reformation, and religious sects. He is the executive director of an NGO and directs the magazine Nueva historia para el debate, in addition to being a contributing columnist in various publications. Passionate about history and its mysteries, Escobar has delved into the depths of church history, the different sectarian groups that have struggled therein, and the discovery and colonization of the Americas. He specializes in the lives of unorthodox Spaniards and Americans. Books

Autor Betseller con miles de libros vendidos en todo el mundo. Sus obras han sido traducidas al chino, japonés, inglés, ruso, portugués, danés, francés, italiano, checo, polaco, serbio, entre otros idiomas. Novelista, ensayista y conferenciante. Licenciado en Historia y Diplomado en Estudios Avanzados en la especialidad de Historia Moderna, ha escrito numerosos artículos y libros sobre la Inquisición, la Reforma Protestante y las sectas religiosas.

Publica asiduamente en las revistas Más Allá y National Geographic Historia

Apasionado por la historia y sus enigmas ha estudiado en produndidad la Historia de la Iglesia, los distintos grupos sectarios que han luchado en su seno, el descubrimiento y colonizacíón de América; especializándose en la vida de personajes heterodoxos españoles y americanos.

Su primera obra, Conspiración Maine 2006, fue un éxito. Le siguieron El mesías Ario (2007), El secreto de los Assassini (2008) y la Profecía de Aztlán (2009). Todas ellas parte de la saga protagonizada por Hércules Guzmán Fox, George Lincoln y Alicia Mantorella.

Su libro Francisco. El primer papa latinoamericano ha sido traducido a 12 idiomas, entre ellos el chino, inglés, francés, italiano, portugues, japonés, danés, etc.

Sol rojo sobre Hiroshima (2009) y El País de las lágrimas (2010) son sus obras más intimistas. También ha publicado ensayos como Martín Luther King (2006) e Historia de la Masonería en Estados Unidos (2009). Los doce legados de Steve Jobs (2012). La biografía del papa Francisco. El primer papa latinoamericano (2013). La Saga Ione (2013) o la Serie Apocalipsis (2012).Saga Misión Verne (2013)

www.marioescobar.es
http://www.amazon.com/Mario-Escobar/e...
http://www.sagamisionverne.es/

Reviews

[Stefani Higdon · Rating 3 out of 5]

Set against the backdrop of World War II, Library of Forbidden Books follows a group of courageous librarians and book lovers who risk everything to preserve literature, protect knowledge, and stand against oppression. Through hidden books, secret collections, and acts of quiet resistance, the novel explores the power of stories during one of history’s darkest periods.

What Resonated:
• A Love Letter to Books – Unsurprisingly, I enjoyed the book-centered premise. Stories about librarians, readers, and the preservation of literature almost always catch my attention, and there were several moments that reminded me why books matter so much.
• An Important Historical Perspective – Escobar shines a light on a lesser-known aspect of World War II history, highlighting the censorship and destruction of books under authoritarian regimes. I appreciated learning about this piece of history.
• Themes of Courage and Resistance – The novel does a good job emphasizing how small acts of bravery can make a difference, even in impossible circumstances.

Where It Fell Flat (for Me):
• More Educational Than Emotional – While the historical details were interesting, I often felt like I was reading about events rather than experiencing them alongside the characters.
• Limited Character Depth – I struggled to fully connect with the cast. Their motivations were clear, but I never felt particularly invested in their individual journeys.
• Predictable Storytelling – The plot moved steadily enough, but there were very few surprises. I found myself appreciating the message more than the actual narrative.

Overall Take:
Library of Forbidden Books is a solid historical fiction novel with a meaningful message about the importance of literature, free thought, and preserving culture. While I admired what the book was trying to accomplish, I never became fully immersed in the story itself. Readers who enjoy bookish historical fiction and learning about overlooked moments in history will likely find plenty to appreciate, but I was hoping for a stronger emotional connection and more memorable characters.

Best For:
Book lovers, fans of librarian-centered stories, readers interested in World War II history, and those who enjoy historical fiction with strong educational elements.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the advanced copy. These opinions are entirely my own.

[Abby | Life-Giving Library · Rating 2 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley and Thomas Nelson Fiction for the advanced reader copy of this book in exchange for my honest review. All opinions expressed are my own.

2.5 stars

The premise of this book captured my interest- I love historical fiction set in the time of WWII and the Nazi Regime as it is both captivating and heartbreaking. I've read a few books about censorship during this time, particularly about the banning and burning of books, so this wasn't a new topic for me. I was looking forward to reading this book, but it really fell flat for me.

The reason I didn't enjoy reading this isn't because its subject matter isn't interesting. As I mentioned above, I tend to be captivated by this time period and become fully immersed in its history. Library of Forbidden Books, however, lacked the depth needed to keep my interest. Until about the halfway mark, I seriously considered setting it down. While the events happening in Germany at the time were devastating, I never felt emotionally connected to the characters.

Each chapter begins on a new date in history, but the timeline moved forward so quickly, I felt as if there was no room for character development, and as a result I struggled to form a connection with even Helene, the heroine of the story.

The second half of the book was stronger, and it did become more engaging as it went on. I do think this book is eye-opening to some of the atrocities of concentration camps before their evolution into death and extermination camps later in the Nazi regime. This section of the book was the most impactful for me, and I appreciated its historical insight.

If you are looking for a book that focuses on the history of 1930s-1940s Germany, you may enjoy this one. However, if you're like me and prefer historical fiction with rich character development, this may not be a good fit.

I did appreciate that this is a clean book with no language or sexual content, so from that perspective, I feel comfortable recommending it. However, there are many other WWII books that deliver a more emotionally compelling reading experience.

[Ed Rabinowitz · Rating 2 out of 5]

Thanks to NetGalley and Thomas Nelson Fiction for this advance reader’s copy, in exchange for an honest review. “Library of Forbidden Books” is scheduled for release on September 1, 2026.
I’m a huge fan of historical fiction, especially when it’s well written. Unfortunately, Mario Escobar’s latest, “Library of Forbidden Books,” is not one of them.
The setting is Berlin, Germany in 1933. The Nazi regime is rising to power, casting a darkening shadow over the country. Helene Nathan (based on a real person) is one of the first female librarians at a prestigious Germany library. When the Nazi government begins its purge of literature, including compiling a list of forbidden books while orchestrating public book burnings, Helene and her colleagues at the library recognize the need to collect and hide the books scheduled for destruction.
It's an interesting premise based on actual events. The problem is the narrative reads too much like excerpts from an historic diary or journal, with little emphasis on character development. It’s hard to understand what drives Helene and her colleagues to undertake such a dangerous project when we don’t fully understand who she is.
Additionally, there are frequent large time gaps between chapters, ranging anywhere from six months to more than one year. That’s where the narrative loses continuity. I would much rather the ‘fiction’ part of historical fiction be developed here to not only fill in the time gaps, but to provide a more specific sense of the characters, their relationships, and their respective motivations.
The book has some interesting and educational elements from a historic perspective, such as some of the ruthless actions taken by Nazi officials. But they only skim the surface.
“Library of Forbidden Books” is built on an interesting premise, but beyond that foundation the overall structure doesn’t stand stall. Two stars.
And you can read all of my reviews at my Raised on Reading (www.raisedonreading.com) blog site. New reviews posted every Monday.

[Steve · Rating 3 out of 5]

It is Berlin, Germany in 1933, a country humiliated by WWI providing an opportunity for Adolf Hitler to come to power. Helene Nathan is one of just a few female librarians, and when the Nazis beginning banning, and eventually burning, books, she steps up and tries to save as many books as possible. Nagged by a fanatical man, Helene and her colleagues try to collect and eventually hide the books to prevent their destruction. And then she is sent to a work camp where she continues her efforts under unbelievably difficult conditions. The author’s notes indicate that this novel is based on true events, but I felt like something was lacking - character development? story line continuity?

This is the 6th book that I have read by Escobar, an author I have really enjoyed, but my least favorite. Escobar has tackled several issues surrounding the events of the 1930’s and 1940’s, a very dark period in history, using historical fiction to tackle each topic. While the premise of this story was promising, the execution was not. The story seemed to drag at times, skip around in terms of timeline, and, beyond Helene, did not feature enough depth on several characters so I never really felt I connected or understood them. Nonetheless, I look forward to more titles by this author. My thanks to Thomas Nelson Books and NetGalley for the ARC of this book.

[Sharon Greenwood · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a beautifully written and deeply moving page turner that could easily have been 5 stars. Mario Escobar has crafted a devastating story that is both an easy read and incredibly sympathetic to the topic of intellectual resistance.

Helene is a wonderful character whose journey is made even more poignant by the fact that she is based on a real person. Witnessing her real-life courage as she navigates the terrors of 1933 Berlin is truly inspiring. The novel is a stirring tribute to real life librarians who risked everything to protect the written word.

While the story is often heartbreaking, it is anchored by faithful friendships that provide a glimmer of hope amidst the darkness. There are several heart-stopping moments that will keep you on the edge of your seat, making the eventual sacrifices feel all the more personal.

I highly recommend this to fans of World War II fiction and especially for booklovers and bibliophiles who understand that a library is a necessity of life. It is a powerful reminder of the enduring strength of literature.

Thank you Thomas Nelson Fiction for the Advanced Reader Copy.

5 Excellent read, loved it.
4 Enjoyable read, Liked It.
3 Average read, OK and passed the time
2 Below average read, MEH
1 Regrettable read, nearly a DNF

[LibraryNinja_Beritk · Rating 5 out of 5]

Set in Berlin in 1933, Mario Escobar shines a strong light onto the beginning of the book bans in Germany, before Hitler was even known worldwide. Meet Helene Nathan.She's a librarian at a super famous German library. She's really concerned about the way important works by philosophers and authors are being labelled as "unsuitable" for the German population. She was sad to see books being taken and destroyed, so she decided to join a network of like-minded people. They were on a mission to save these books from destruction and create a "library" of books that had been banned. It's such a shame that Helene is half-Jewish, as that also puts her life in great danger. She's worried that a member of the rising German army will find out about her background while she's dating him. This book is based on several true stories of German librarians standing against the regime and hiding books as a way of preserving culture and history.

Thank you to the incomparable Mario Escobar and Thomas Nelson Fiction for the generous opportunity to read this book via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
#MarioEscobar #Libraryofforbiddenbooks #libraryninja📚

[Paperbacked Otter · Rating 2 out of 5]

I was given an advanced reader copy by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

Books about books always catch my eye. Whenever the "book" or "library" is in the title, I am all set to hunker down for a good read. That was my frame of mind going into Library of Forbidden Books.

First, the story is set in Germany during Hitler's rise. Second, the story revolves around safeguarding (hiding) books that preserve certain parts of history or culture the Nazi's want censored. Third, the story involves relationships threatened by the world that was Nazi Germany.

I wanted to like this book, but from the get-go, I knew it going to be a struggle. The writing lacked that hook needed to lure me; there was little to no exposition, no setting of the stage, or development of the characters. The writer bounced back and forth between a textbook style of relaying the historical aspects to a lifeless portrayal of the characters.

When I see the research and dedication to telling a story centered on a true event, it pains me to say is was not a pleasurable read. Maybe this book is for those who like a more factual to the point writing style.

[Steven Conger · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have always found myself drawn to books set during WWII. That being said, I have also found myself oversaturated with books from that genre. I almost didn’t pick up The Library of Forbidden Books by Mario Escobar for that reason. However, as I began reading I found it to be more multi-fascinated than I anticipated.

The novel is based loosely on Helene Nathan, one of the first women to hold the Director’s role in a public library in Berlin. Being a former Librarian I was fascinated with this storyline. However, it was the look at this time period with 2026 eyes that drew me in. The nod to what is going on in our own society. A time of book banning, of controlling what people read to keep them ignorant and easier to control. A time of censoring what authors write. The Library of Forbidden Books is a read that will point us to a hard look at not only what went on in 1945 but also in 2026. It is an enlightening read that is sure to spur probing conversations.

Thanks to Thomas Nelson and NetGalley for this ARC.

[Olivia · Rating 3 out of 5]

Review of advance copy received from NetGalley

The Library of Forbidden Books by Mario Escobar had all the ingredients of a book I should have loved, but unfortunately it never fully came together for me.

Set in Berlin in 1933 as the Nazi regime rises to power, the story follows Helene Nathan, one of the first female librarians. When the government begins purging and banning books, Helene and her coworkers risk everything to hide and preserve them.

The premise immediately grabbed me. I usually love historical fiction, especially stories centered around books, libraries, and resistance during wartime. The idea of librarians secretly saving forbidden books is fascinating, and there were definitely moments I enjoyed.

However, I struggled with some of the realism in the story. Helene is half Jewish, while her husband is a high-ranking Army officer, and there were several situations in the book that felt unlikely to have played out the way they did in real life under the Nazi regime. That pulled me out of the story quite a bit because the stakes never felt as authentic as they could have been.

I also never fully connected with the characters emotionally, despite the strong historical setting. The story itself was interesting enough to keep me reading, but it lacked the emotional punch I was hoping for.

Overall, a decent historical fiction novel with a compelling premise, but one that didn’t hit as hard for me as I wanted it to.

[Romona · Rating 4 out of 5]

Library Of Forbidden Books by Mario Escobar

This book comes out on September 1, 2026

Library Of Forbidden Books takes place at the time of WWII. Set in Berlin 1933 as the nazi regime begins the campaign of censorship and book burning. Helene Nathan is a librarian who tries to preserve books that mean so much to her and her colleagues.


I like how the author explained how a book was forbidden but also the historical context surrounding it. It reminds me of how the books have the power to challenge ideas and gives a voice to the people.

I would have liked to be more connected with the characters and become a part of the book. This book didn’t draw me in. I found the beginning of this book very hard to follow with way too much info. I felt it was more educational with a lot of events and places I didn’t need to know about.

I give this book a 4 star rating.
I would recommend this book to other readers.
These opinions are my own.

Thank you NetGalley and the publisher for the Advanced Reader Copy free for my honest opinion.

[Swapna Peri ( Book Reviews Cafe ) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Library of Forbidden Books is an engaging historical novel set in 1930s Berlin during the rise of Nazi rule. Personally, any book based on Nazi and the regime is a must-read one. I have read other books by the author and could not wait to read this.

The story follows Helene Nathan, a librarian who bravely works to save books that are being banned and destroyed. I enjoyed learning about this little-known part of history and admired Helene's courage in standing up for what she believed in. The story is easy to follow, emotional, and filled with moments of tension as danger closes in around her. Yes, this is a touching story about the importance of books, knowledge, and the people who fight to protect them. Destroying the books reminded me Fahrenheit 451 by Ray Bradbury.

Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the ARC

[Lisa M. · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was very thought provoking in regards to how far you are willing to go to protect the power of reading/books when they are being destroyed. It's another book set during the terrible time in Germany of the rise of Hitler through the fall of the Germans. You can see the brutality against knowledge. Against being able to read and learn new ideas.

The center is relating to what happens when you ban books. And one librarians determination to protect knowledge at all costs. Even to detriment to her own self.

It's another hard read with brutality and violence relating to the Holocaust. But it wasn't as intense as some other books are.

There is also a message that sometimes you are stripped of everything except your own body and your faith.

4 stars

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for ARC of the book. All opinions are 100% my own.

[Linda Brennen · Rating 2 out of 5]

The book follows the life of a 1/2 Jewish female librarian in Berlin in the 1930’s who establishes a hidden library along with her colleagues and her husband who happens to be a high ranking army officer. A number of characters in the book are named for real people but their lives are so altered that it’s hard to say they are even based on them. I don’t know why authors do this, except to try to gain credibility for their fiction. The story was pretty unbelievable. It was a struggle to finish.

I appreciate NetGalley and the publishers for the opportunity to review a book before the publication date in exchange for an honest review. The opinion expressed here is my own.

Find me on Fable
https://fable.co/bookishgramma-177585...

[Charla Wilson · Rating 4 out of 5]

This story takes a deep look into the value of books in people’s lives. When the Nazi’s started burning books one woman took it upon herself to save as many books as possible even though it put her and everyone she loved at risk of being imprisoned or murdered. She was a librarian before the war and a keeper and preserver of books during the war. She endured a concentration camp, lived every day with the threat of being sent to another concentration camp, and still stood firm in her resolve to protect books. As most of stories during this time, this one too is filled with horrific loses and unimaginable pain, but it is also a story of survival and the protection of those precious things that help us survive in a really messed up world-BOOKS!

[Randi Sampson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Two things that I always enjoy: historical fiction set in/around the time of WWII and bookish books. So, a bookish book set during WWII? Sign me up! Library of Forbidden Books shares the story of the librarians in Germany who fought to protect books that would have otherwise been destroyed under the Nazi regime. While this is a fictionalized story, it is based on the real life of Helene Nathan, and while I would have enjoyed the story if it was fully fictional, I do think knowing that it is at least loosely based on real life people and events make me appreciate it all that much more. This was a thought-provoking story and one that fans of WWII fiction are sure to want to check out for themselves.

**ARC received for consideration. All opinions are my own.

[Southern Belle · Rating 3 out of 5]

Being a retired librarian, this book resonated with me on certain levels. I loved the fact that the main character was based on a true character, although her husband and children were fictional. Since they were fictional, I wish that a happier ending could of resulted for them even if it wouldn’t have been very true to life. So many lost loved ones due to this great tragedy, and my heart ached for those who suffered so, but I didn’t find myself as emotionally invested in the characters as I was hoping for. I found the idea of a living library a beautiful concept to preserve the forbidden books. Thanks to NetGalley and Thomas Nelson Fiction, I received an ARC copy and am leaving a review voluntarily.

[Mlpmom (Book Reviewer) · Rating 3 out of 5]

Top Three Reasons Why You Should Read This Book:

1. I love anything set in this time frame, especially those that are big on historical facts, settings, and the need to educate as well as entertain, and this story does all of that.

2. A Setting that is as breathtaking as it is terrifying in its realism.

3. History that will pull you in and leave you thinking about it long after you have finished the story. I love reading about this time period and even though I knew books were banned and burned, I never once really stopped to contemplate what happened to the libraries and the librarians inside, trying to protect it all. This one made me think in ways I had before.


*ARC provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.*

[Liz · Rating 3 out of 5]

The writing style was one I haven’t encountered before. Written as a mix of journal-type entries and from the perspective of different characters (primarily Helene, our librarian, and her husband Derek), it was very interesting.
The atrocities that occurred during WW2 are very well-known, so I appreciate that this book took a different perspective of popular novels. Seeing the reverence the librarian had for books of all kinds even in the face of danger and death, it was incredible.
However I do think the ending was… heart wrenching in the worst way. I realize that the entirety of the war was debilitatingly terrible, but would it have killed the author to not leave me in a depressive state after the epilogue?

Despite that ending, I would recommend it to others. It was a quick read.

[Deanna Milford · Rating 5 out of 5]

An absolutely heart wrenching account of a young librarian’s life during the rise and fall of Hitler in Berlin. It follows Helene Nathan, who is half Jewish, as she marries the love of her life who is a soldier. As the Nazi’s grew stronger, so did their hatred for the Jewish people. No one was safe, including Helene. Her main purpose was to protect the books which came at a price for her and so many others who would do anything to save these important pieces of history. The peril and devastation she and her family endured will haunt me as I continue to think about this amazingly told story.
Thank you NetGalley for my ARC.

[Kristen · Rating 3 out of 5]

Library of Forbidden Books is a fictionalized story of Helene Nathan, a real librarian who lived in Berlin during the rise of the Nazi party, book burning and antisemitic fervor. The book is stilted in its narrative. There is a lot of history and less investment in the characters. While everything that happened in the book is well documented and based on fact, it was actually hard to relate to because the characters did not come alive for me. There is a strong warning/message about banning and burning books that would be well served to many loud voices today. The book contains violence and scenes of peril and loss.

I received a free advance reader copy. All opinions are my own.

[Tracy Eyles · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thank you NetGalley for the ARC! Library of Forbidden Books by Mario Escobar is a story of courage during the early parts of the war. When three librarian hear about the book burning list, they set out to try and save the most valuable copies in order to salvage part of their history. Throughout the story, the books occupy many different locations and eventually, also find very creative and strategic ways to remain safe. Though the premise of the story was good, I felt the story jumped around quite a bit and I, at times, had to look back to understand the time frames. Overall, an interesting story but it just didn’t quite hit the mark for me.

[Marlene · Rating 4 out of 5]

Historical Fiction sets mostly in the 1930's during the lead up to WW2 and then through the war. Some of the characters are based on real people and variations of some of the events did happen. The story is about people who believe that all books and information are important, irregardless of who wrote it. It shows the lengths that real people did go through to protect stuff from destruction. It also about the lengths people will go through, (and the absolute obsession) to destroy stuff & people that they don't agree with or like. It is a well written book.
I received an ARC copy from NetGalley and the publisher. All opinions are my own.

[Rick Molitor · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a fictional story that Celebrates the short life of Helene Nathan. She was a librarian who protected books as Hitler's Germany sought to destroy them. Hitler believed that they caused people to want things that he didn't want them to have. The story is about what one woman would sacrifice to see that books did not disappear. She and her friends were willing to risk their lives to protect the books. It is a book of courage and determination, and I do recommend reading it so that you know what some people did to preserve the past for everyone.

[Tuscania · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley for giving me the opportunity to read this ARC. My favorite genre is historical fiction & I have read many books but none like this one with books practically being the main character of the book. Helene was a library director who did not let the fear of Nazi Germany make her stop loving books. She lived a very tragic life as did most people during this time. Helene took many risks involving books. The ending of this book broke me.

[Michelle Brilz · Rating 4 out of 5]

Big thanks to the author and NetGalley for the ARC!

What a wonderfully written historic novel. I found it moving and devastating at the same time. Through the story is hope entwined with sadness, and it made me want to keep reading.

This story will stick with me for a while I think. The blending of history and emotion was pretty powerful.

Great read for lovers of history!

[debra cain · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are my own. A must read for historical fiction fans. This book had me feeling a range of emotions. I enjoyed reading about the way things were leading to Hitler's reign. This is a reread for me. The love between Helene and Derek is so strong against all odds.

[Joshua Evan · Rating 2 out of 5]

Really disappointed. You want to write a biopic? Do that. You want to write a novel? Do that. Don’t write a fictional version of someone’s life only to reveal that you made up most of it. Just create the person out of whole cloth. A serious topic, with incredible modern relevancy and it’s undercut by this poor mix of history and fiction.

[Tricia G · Rating 3 out of 5]

Slow starting. Felt more like a textbook at times. Definitely put the history into this historical fiction. Really wanted more character development. I was on the verge of feeling emotions but never made it over the edge.The ending....really?

[Sheila · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received a free copy of, Library of Forbidden Books, by Mario Escobar, from the publisher and Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. Its Germany during the war, when Hitler reigned. Such a dark and depressing time in history. This was good read, but very slow moving.

[Lottie C · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.25⭐️

I love Mario Escobar, so was happy to receive an e-ARC of this book. I thought it was up to standard of Escobar’s previous work, but wasn’t my absolute favourite.