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No Applause in Theresienstadt
262 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 8, 2026
About the author
Marion Kummerow
136 books457 followersMarion Kummerow was born and raised in Germany, before she set out to "discover the world" and lived in various countries. In 1999 she returned to Germany and settled down in Munich where she's now living with her family.
After dipping her toes with non-fiction books, she finally tackled the project dear to her heart. UNRELENTING is the story about her grandparents, who belonged to the German resistance and fought against the Nazi regime.
It's a book about resilience, love and the courage to stand up and do the right thing.
After dipping her toes with non-fiction books, she finally tackled the project dear to her heart. UNRELENTING is the story about her grandparents, who belonged to the German resistance and fought against the Nazi regime.
It's a book about resilience, love and the courage to stand up and do the right thing.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 47 reviews
August 21, 2026
A countess in Germany under the Nazi’s, Sophie learns that her Jewish lover has been discovered and been arrested. And it is to Theresiendstadt which isn’t Auschwitz. He might have a chance to live, but she needs to know for sure that Eugen is doing well. She’ll risk everything, including her life, by going to a spa town near the ghetto to find a way to communicate with him. This will mean getting closer to the Nazi’s in charge and faking support. Plans fail, get diverted, and get riskier. But it is so worth it.
This is a book in a series which I have read one other book from. There are several books I’ve missed, but I found that I didn’t need to in order to read this one. They only help fill out the overall story, and I will be reading them one day, but don’t feel like you have to have read the previous ones. This book can stand on its own. You’ll just want to read more of this series.
Written so well, it will draw you within the world that we hear so much about. The threat of death hangs even over the head of a Nazi at all times. There is tension in every aspect of life, but when Sophie makes plans to contact her lover, the tension grows and has the reader on the edge of their seat. Several times, I wanted to yell at her that she was being stupid, but I didn’t have a loved one in that situation. I might have been more stupid and found myself dead quickly.
Like historical fiction? Like WWII novels? You will like this series then. You can start with this one. You’ll find yourself unable to put it down. The style is personal with the reader feeling everything Sophie and Eugen feel. It will become real to you, wanting to run in and rescue them.
Highly suggest reading.
This is a book in a series which I have read one other book from. There are several books I’ve missed, but I found that I didn’t need to in order to read this one. They only help fill out the overall story, and I will be reading them one day, but don’t feel like you have to have read the previous ones. This book can stand on its own. You’ll just want to read more of this series.
Written so well, it will draw you within the world that we hear so much about. The threat of death hangs even over the head of a Nazi at all times. There is tension in every aspect of life, but when Sophie makes plans to contact her lover, the tension grows and has the reader on the edge of their seat. Several times, I wanted to yell at her that she was being stupid, but I didn’t have a loved one in that situation. I might have been more stupid and found myself dead quickly.
Like historical fiction? Like WWII novels? You will like this series then. You can start with this one. You’ll find yourself unable to put it down. The style is personal with the reader feeling everything Sophie and Eugen feel. It will become real to you, wanting to run in and rescue them.
Highly suggest reading.
July 14, 2026
A powerful fifth book in the Escaping The Reich series!!
This book gripped me from start to finish. The risks Sophie took to try reach and rescue her love had me holding my breath and hoping that she would be successful! The level of detail in this book was perfect, it wasn’t too slow or too fast which I loved.
I can’t wait for this author’s next book.
5 stars out of 5 ⭐️
This book gripped me from start to finish. The risks Sophie took to try reach and rescue her love had me holding my breath and hoping that she would be successful! The level of detail in this book was perfect, it wasn’t too slow or too fast which I loved.
I can’t wait for this author’s next book.
5 stars out of 5 ⭐️
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
This book is number five in the Escaping The Reich Series by Marion Kummerow. I have read two other books in the series, so when I started this one, I quickly had an understanding of the situation that led up to it. The two main characters are fictional but many real characters are part of the story too. I feel that one could read this as a stand alone as some information is shared to fill in the gaps. The Countess Sophie is devastated because the man she loves, well known theatre director Eugen Habicht, who happens to be Jewish, was captured in an escape attempt that she had orchestrated. Feeling guilt at his capture, she set about to free him, no matter what it took to do so.
Parts of the book are set in Berlin, but most of the story is told in Teplitz- Schonau (now known as Terplice) and in Theresienstadt (Terezin), on the face of it a luxury camp for Jews, but truly, just another slightly better camp that still led to death for many via starvation, illness or transfer to Auschwitz. Eugen ended up there because of his directorial skills and the belief by the camp commandant that it would make his wife happy if she could be involved in promoting culture through plays that might be used for anticipated Red Cross inspections. Liesl, his wife , was naive and bored. She had power though, and no director could go against her wishes even though obeying would likely lead to death anyway. I found this part of the story was a little predictable. I felt like I was holding my breath waiting for the other shoe to drop. How could an escape possibly take place under the circumstances? It was an interesting tale that kept me reading with bated breath.
In the early part of the book, reference was made to the fact that people cannot have their power of choosing how to react taken away from them. It reminded me of a quote from Viktor Frankl which has had a huge and positive influence on my life. I was able to visit Terezin some years ago. Perhaps because our tour group was pretty much alone while there, it hit me extremely hard. It was not a death camp like Auschwitz, and pretended to be better. In the book we learn some wealthy Jewish people paid extra to be sent there thinking it would be like a retirement village. It was not. If you are interested in WW2 history,escape stories and in learning more about man's inhumanity to others, this book will be of interest. The willingness to sacrifice oneself for another would make a good topic for discussion as would survivors guilt.
I received an advance readers copy from #NetGalley and ##BookWhisperer. All opinions are entirely my own.
Parts of the book are set in Berlin, but most of the story is told in Teplitz- Schonau (now known as Terplice) and in Theresienstadt (Terezin), on the face of it a luxury camp for Jews, but truly, just another slightly better camp that still led to death for many via starvation, illness or transfer to Auschwitz. Eugen ended up there because of his directorial skills and the belief by the camp commandant that it would make his wife happy if she could be involved in promoting culture through plays that might be used for anticipated Red Cross inspections. Liesl, his wife , was naive and bored. She had power though, and no director could go against her wishes even though obeying would likely lead to death anyway. I found this part of the story was a little predictable. I felt like I was holding my breath waiting for the other shoe to drop. How could an escape possibly take place under the circumstances? It was an interesting tale that kept me reading with bated breath.
In the early part of the book, reference was made to the fact that people cannot have their power of choosing how to react taken away from them. It reminded me of a quote from Viktor Frankl which has had a huge and positive influence on my life. I was able to visit Terezin some years ago. Perhaps because our tour group was pretty much alone while there, it hit me extremely hard. It was not a death camp like Auschwitz, and pretended to be better. In the book we learn some wealthy Jewish people paid extra to be sent there thinking it would be like a retirement village. It was not. If you are interested in WW2 history,escape stories and in learning more about man's inhumanity to others, this book will be of interest. The willingness to sacrifice oneself for another would make a good topic for discussion as would survivors guilt.
I received an advance readers copy from #NetGalley and ##BookWhisperer. All opinions are entirely my own.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
This book is number five in the Escaping the Reich series by Marion Kummerow. I've read two others in the series, so I quickly understood the situation leading up to this one. The two main characters are fictional, but many real people appear too. I feel it could be read as a standalone, since enough context is filled in along the way.
Countess Sophie is devastated because the man she loves, well-known theatre director Eugen Habicht, who is Jewish, was captured in an escape attempt she had orchestrated. Feeling guilty, she sets about freeing him, no matter what it takes.
Parts of the book are set in Berlin, but most unfolds in Teplitz-Schönau (now Teplice) and Theresienstadt (Terezín), on the face of it a "luxury" camp for Jews, but really just a slightly better camp that still led to death through starvation, illness, or transfer to Auschwitz. Eugen ends up there because of his directorial skills, and because the camp commandant believes it will please his wife to see him staging plays, plays that might later be shown off during Red Cross inspections. Liesl, the commandant's wife, is naive and bored, but she has power, and no director can defy her wishes, even though obeying is just as likely to end in death. I found this part a little predictable, and I found myself holding my breath, waiting for the other shoe to drop. How could an escape possibly happen under these circumstances? It was an interesting tale that kept me reading with bated breath.
Early on, there's a reference to how people can never have their power to choose how they react taken from them. It reminded me of a quote from Viktor Frankl that has had a huge, positive influence on my life. I visited Terezín some years ago, and because our tour group was nearly alone there, it hit me hard. It wasn't a death camp like Auschwitz, and it pretended to be better. In the book, we learn some wealthy Jewish families paid extra to be sent there, thinking it would be like a retirement village. It was not.
If you're interested in WW2 history, escape stories, or man's inhumanity to others, this book will interest you. The willingness to sacrifice oneself for another would make a good discussion topic, as would survivor's guilt.
Countess Sophie is devastated because the man she loves, well-known theatre director Eugen Habicht, who is Jewish, was captured in an escape attempt she had orchestrated. Feeling guilty, she sets about freeing him, no matter what it takes.
Parts of the book are set in Berlin, but most unfolds in Teplitz-Schönau (now Teplice) and Theresienstadt (Terezín), on the face of it a "luxury" camp for Jews, but really just a slightly better camp that still led to death through starvation, illness, or transfer to Auschwitz. Eugen ends up there because of his directorial skills, and because the camp commandant believes it will please his wife to see him staging plays, plays that might later be shown off during Red Cross inspections. Liesl, the commandant's wife, is naive and bored, but she has power, and no director can defy her wishes, even though obeying is just as likely to end in death. I found this part a little predictable, and I found myself holding my breath, waiting for the other shoe to drop. How could an escape possibly happen under these circumstances? It was an interesting tale that kept me reading with bated breath.
Early on, there's a reference to how people can never have their power to choose how they react taken from them. It reminded me of a quote from Viktor Frankl that has had a huge, positive influence on my life. I visited Terezín some years ago, and because our tour group was nearly alone there, it hit me hard. It wasn't a death camp like Auschwitz, and it pretended to be better. In the book, we learn some wealthy Jewish families paid extra to be sent there, thinking it would be like a retirement village. It was not.
If you're interested in WW2 history, escape stories, or man's inhumanity to others, this book will interest you. The willingness to sacrifice oneself for another would make a good discussion topic, as would survivor's guilt.
September 23, 2026
I came into this book jumping ahead in the series, but it lost none of its power for it. Ms. Kummerow works in whispers — and the whispers cut deep.
The tender love of Eugen Habicht, a Jewish theater director, and Sophie, a countess, kindles hope — a hope that gets rekindled again and again throughout the story. Each lover is more afraid for the other's safety than their own, each preemptively absolving the other of blame. This total self-effacing love creates a special nook in our hearts.
That nook holds its shape because of Ms. Kummerow's restraint and contrasts. Historical horrors don't need the crutches of graphic cruelty. A commandant who genuinely loves his wife, who aches for the sons he disowned, who pours drinks while sacrificing innocent soldiers to save his own career. A wife who feels real joy at a café while a man is marched toward execution because of the opera she chose. Nobody is reduced to a caricature, not even the Nazis.
Ms. Kummerow has the knack of subtly weaving history into her story. The Theresienstadt camp, the Teplitz spa, the International Red Cross visit, the staging and non-staging of "The Emperor of Atlantis" — all interlace seamlessly. Ullmann's real and doomed opera, art as quiet rebellion, and its enactment and consequences carry the story forward.
A faked death, a body double, a laundry crate, a cloth in the mouth in case the guard's rifle pokes too deep — every step of the escape felt genuinely uncertain, right up to the reunion.
This blend of restraint and contrast marches to the ending in style. Joseph's death reads as poetic justice. Liesl loses her comfort but not her denial — no dramatic reckoning, just a woman clinging to "I didn't know" as she flees a play she can't bear to watch. The impact of this honest ending runs deeper than a clean villain's downfall would have been.
4.5/5. Spellbinding, in a sad way — and I mean that as the highest compliment.
I received a free copy of this book via BookFunnel in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
The tender love of Eugen Habicht, a Jewish theater director, and Sophie, a countess, kindles hope — a hope that gets rekindled again and again throughout the story. Each lover is more afraid for the other's safety than their own, each preemptively absolving the other of blame. This total self-effacing love creates a special nook in our hearts.
That nook holds its shape because of Ms. Kummerow's restraint and contrasts. Historical horrors don't need the crutches of graphic cruelty. A commandant who genuinely loves his wife, who aches for the sons he disowned, who pours drinks while sacrificing innocent soldiers to save his own career. A wife who feels real joy at a café while a man is marched toward execution because of the opera she chose. Nobody is reduced to a caricature, not even the Nazis.
Ms. Kummerow has the knack of subtly weaving history into her story. The Theresienstadt camp, the Teplitz spa, the International Red Cross visit, the staging and non-staging of "The Emperor of Atlantis" — all interlace seamlessly. Ullmann's real and doomed opera, art as quiet rebellion, and its enactment and consequences carry the story forward.
A faked death, a body double, a laundry crate, a cloth in the mouth in case the guard's rifle pokes too deep — every step of the escape felt genuinely uncertain, right up to the reunion.
This blend of restraint and contrast marches to the ending in style. Joseph's death reads as poetic justice. Liesl loses her comfort but not her denial — no dramatic reckoning, just a woman clinging to "I didn't know" as she flees a play she can't bear to watch. The impact of this honest ending runs deeper than a clean villain's downfall would have been.
4.5/5. Spellbinding, in a sad way — and I mean that as the highest compliment.
I received a free copy of this book via BookFunnel in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
August 28, 2026
“No Applause in Theresienstadt” is the fourth historical novel involving World War Two written by Marion Kummerow that I’ve been privileged to have been given advanced reader’s copies of by NetGalley and have enjoyed reading. The others I read are “Hiding in Plain Sight” from Marion’s “German Wife” series, and the second and third books in her “Escaping the Reich” series titled “Dark Shadows Looming Ahead” and “Perilous Journey to Freedom,” respectively. While I found “Hiding in Plain Sight” and “Perilous Journey to Freedom” to be outstanding novels worthy of five stars each, I was less impressed by “Dark Shadows Looming Ahead,” giving it just three stars. I’m happy to say that “No Applause in Theresienstadt,” the fifth installment of the “Escaping the Reich” series, is another five star winner for me. All of these novels are easily read as standalone books, but several characters overlap.
As I wrote in my review of “Hiding in Plain Sight,” Marion’s prose is thoughtful and engaging and obviously based on extensive research. “No Applause in Theresienstadt” contains several surprising plot twists, some of which were so shocking for me as to appear genius. I loved the plot, particularly the intense love story between the two main characters, and I found Marion’s writing superbly compelling, anxiously turning pages to learn what would happen next in this nail-biting drama. The book remained utterly enthralling for me to the last page and beginning on the very first. Every single page resonated with high tension, foreboding, and dread. I truly was sorry to have finished reading this book, but I received enormous satisfaction from its particular ending. I highly recommend “No Applause in Theresienstadt” to anyone who isn’t uncomfortable reading about the horrors of the Holocaust, as I have done with most of Marion’s other World War Two novels I’ve read. I look forward to plowing through Marion’s vast catalog of work I haven’t yet read. This review is voluntary.
As I wrote in my review of “Hiding in Plain Sight,” Marion’s prose is thoughtful and engaging and obviously based on extensive research. “No Applause in Theresienstadt” contains several surprising plot twists, some of which were so shocking for me as to appear genius. I loved the plot, particularly the intense love story between the two main characters, and I found Marion’s writing superbly compelling, anxiously turning pages to learn what would happen next in this nail-biting drama. The book remained utterly enthralling for me to the last page and beginning on the very first. Every single page resonated with high tension, foreboding, and dread. I truly was sorry to have finished reading this book, but I received enormous satisfaction from its particular ending. I highly recommend “No Applause in Theresienstadt” to anyone who isn’t uncomfortable reading about the horrors of the Holocaust, as I have done with most of Marion’s other World War Two novels I’ve read. I look forward to plowing through Marion’s vast catalog of work I haven’t yet read. This review is voluntary.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Each book in Marion Kummerow's series Escaping the Reich delivers an emotional gut-punch, and No Applause in Theresienstadt definitely does. This story is driven by one of the most fascinating characters in the series, Countess Sophie Bosoi, and her Jewish lover, Eugen, a celebrated theater director in Berlin. After he is caught in a failed escape attempt, Sophie is determined to save him. The reader gets an inside look at the farce of the Theresienstadt camp, which existed to counter the devastating reports of Nazi concentration camp conditions for Jews. It existed for propaganda purposes, but behind the well-manicured facade, the conditions were horrific.
This story exposes the fallacies of Nazism that revered German culture, from literature and theater to music and philosophy, much of which German Jews were directly responsible for. Theresienstadt was filled with men and women whose lives had been spent in acclaimed Berlin theaters, including actors, set designers, musicians, playwrights, and directors. It's heartbreaking to think of how much creative genius was destroyed by the Nazi madness. I highly recommend this fast-paced, emotional book that presents insights into what happened to the German Jews who were ripped from theaters all over Germany. "You must survive. And when this nightmare is over one day, you must tell the world what happened here. The truth is the only legacy you can give your friend, so his death won't be in vain."
My thanks to Book Whisperer and NetGalley for the opportunity to read the ARC. This review and opinions are entirely my own.
This story exposes the fallacies of Nazism that revered German culture, from literature and theater to music and philosophy, much of which German Jews were directly responsible for. Theresienstadt was filled with men and women whose lives had been spent in acclaimed Berlin theaters, including actors, set designers, musicians, playwrights, and directors. It's heartbreaking to think of how much creative genius was destroyed by the Nazi madness. I highly recommend this fast-paced, emotional book that presents insights into what happened to the German Jews who were ripped from theaters all over Germany. "You must survive. And when this nightmare is over one day, you must tell the world what happened here. The truth is the only legacy you can give your friend, so his death won't be in vain."
My thanks to Book Whisperer and NetGalley for the opportunity to read the ARC. This review and opinions are entirely my own.
August 10, 2026
No Applause in Theresienstadt by Marion Kummerow was a deeply moving, gripping and heartbreaking novel that portrayed courage, resilience, and survival during one of the darkest periods in our history. It was set in the concentration camp, Theresienstadt, in 1939. Sophie, a countess by birth, risked everything she held dear, to save Eugene, the Jewish theater director who she loved passionately. He had been brought to Theresienstadt to serve the commandant’s wife, Liesl, in her role as cultural director. How would Sophie be able to save Eugen once he was held within Theresienstadt?
No Applause in Theresienstadt was the first book in the Escaping the Reich series that I had read and I was relieved to discover that it could be read as a standalone book. I became completely invested in Sophie’s and Eugen’s story and plight. There were times when I found myself holding my breath through their desperate attempts to survive. Their story reminded me of the incredible courage and bravery people found during that time even when hope seemed almost impossible. No Applause in Theresienstadt was emotional, suspenseful and haunting. This was a historical fiction story that will stay with me for a long time. I can’t wait to read the last book in this series by Marion Kummerow. Publication date was August 8, 2026.
Thank you to Book Whisperer through NetGalley for allowing me to read the advanced digital edition of No Applause in Theresienstadt by Marion Kummerow in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
No Applause in Theresienstadt was the first book in the Escaping the Reich series that I had read and I was relieved to discover that it could be read as a standalone book. I became completely invested in Sophie’s and Eugen’s story and plight. There were times when I found myself holding my breath through their desperate attempts to survive. Their story reminded me of the incredible courage and bravery people found during that time even when hope seemed almost impossible. No Applause in Theresienstadt was emotional, suspenseful and haunting. This was a historical fiction story that will stay with me for a long time. I can’t wait to read the last book in this series by Marion Kummerow. Publication date was August 8, 2026.
Thank you to Book Whisperer through NetGalley for allowing me to read the advanced digital edition of No Applause in Theresienstadt by Marion Kummerow in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
August 25, 2026
This was a book that cast a new light on life for Jews in Nazi Germany. It centres primarily around the relationship between Eugen, a Jewish theatre director and his lover Sophie, a countess. Sophie is part of the resistance, organising escape routes for Jews to Sweden. When she attempts to arrange an escape for her lover things go wrong and he ends up taken by the Nazis, presumably bound for the concentration camps. Some of Sophie's attempts at rescue appear farcical. Ultimately Eugen's ability to stay alive is dependent, however, on others and their whims. He is moved to Theresienstadt (a ghetto for Jews which I was unaware of before reading this book) for the benefit of the Nazis - to keep Theresienstadt's director's wife happy, and for propaganda reasons. This was a book that I wanted to keep reading, although at times it seemed unlikely that there might ever by anything other than a horrific, tragic ending. I felt it dealt well with providing insights into a wide range of characters - all of whom were flawed to some extent, and all of whom exhibited very human characteristics. I would recommend this to others who enjoy reading about life in Nazi Germany. This was my first introduction to Marion Kummerow's work, and on the basis of this read I will be looking out for more books by this author. I am grateful to Netgalley for giving me the opportunity to read this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
August 9, 2026
No Applause in Theresienstadt by Marion Kummerow is the fifth book in the series "Escaping the Reich" and despite it being part of a series it is a great book even as a standalone. While the novel does include an incredible escape during the time of Hitler and the Nazis' cruel reign over Germany and Occupied European countries, it is about so much more. The book features two couples and the two people in each couple are very much in love with each other. Reading about Countess Sophie and Eugen, the man she loves, and then reading about Liesl and Joseph, we learn about sacrificial love versus prideful love. The very values that the four characters live by also provide insight into the contrast of life of privileged Nazis and the life of those who are not aligned with Hitler's policies. This is a dramatic, suspense-filled book, yet without lecturing, we can learn about the lifestyles and values not only from the actions that each one takes, but also from their internal dialogues. The author does such an excellent job of creating characters and giving voice to their thoughts and emotions that they really come alive and draw the reader into their storylines to see what happens to each one. I highly recommend this book to anyone who loves historical fiction set in WWII Europe. I received an ARC from The Book Whisperer through NetGalley but all opinions are my own.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I've read a great deal of World War II fiction over the years, but No Applause in Theresienstadt still managed to leave an impression on me. Marion Kummerow sets the story inside the Theresienstadt ghetto, where music, theater, and other performances were encouraged as part of the Nazis' propaganda while the people living there struggled simply to survive. That contrast between the appearance presented to the outside world and the reality behind it gives the novel its emotional weight. Every small act of kindness, resistance, or hope feels significant because so much is at stake.
What I appreciated most was the way the story stayed focused on the people at its center. The relationships, difficult choices, and moments of betrayal all felt believable, and I found myself thinking about the characters long after I finished the final chapter. Historical fiction is at its best when it encourages you to learn more about a real place and the lives of those who endured it, and this novel certainly did that for me. My sincere thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for providing me with a free advance review copy.
What I appreciated most was the way the story stayed focused on the people at its center. The relationships, difficult choices, and moments of betrayal all felt believable, and I found myself thinking about the characters long after I finished the final chapter. Historical fiction is at its best when it encourages you to learn more about a real place and the lives of those who endured it, and this novel certainly did that for me. My sincere thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for providing me with a free advance review copy.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Wow this story was very hard hitting showing the brutality of the Nazis in WWII, it was beautifully written it really made me sit down and think, it was emotional. The story revolves around Countess Sophie and famous theatre director Eugen. Their love is forbidden because Eugen is Jewish. When he is taken away by the Nazis Sophie does everything she can to keep him out of Auschwitz as this would mean certain death. By pulling in some favours (her family has connections) she manages to get him taken to Theresienstadt where he is tasked with putting on theatre productions for the Nazi visitors and their wives. Can Eugen survive? Will his talent get him through the war? Will he and Sophie get reunited in a free Germany? This book is such a good read, I really enjoyed it. If I had one criticism it would be that I thought that it ended a bit abruptly. I was enjoying it so much I wanted it to continue! Highly recommended, perfect for readers of Historical and WWII fiction.
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for this ARC. Publication date 8 August 2026.
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for this ARC. Publication date 8 August 2026.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
The Director and the countess
The continuing story of Sophie and Eugene. It is a romance set in WWII during the occupation of Germany by the Hitler rule.
When Eugene is taken away by the Gestapo during a plan for him to escape the country Sophie is devastated and vows to find a way to free him. When she finds he is in Theresienstadt prison camp she devises a risky plan that causes Eugene to lose a special friend.
It is a story of one woman’s quest to save the man she loves. It also is the story of the actors in Theresienstadt that put on a performance even inside a prison camp.
A story of the wife of the camp director and how she is instrumental in Sophie’s plan unknown to her. It is also the story of her life as the wife of a camp director.
This is a rather interesting book about a little-known prison camp. I loved the history of the camp and also the insight into the society behind the scenes.
It was a good book and I enjoyed reading it as the next book in the series.
I was given a copy to read and review; the review is my own.
The continuing story of Sophie and Eugene. It is a romance set in WWII during the occupation of Germany by the Hitler rule.
When Eugene is taken away by the Gestapo during a plan for him to escape the country Sophie is devastated and vows to find a way to free him. When she finds he is in Theresienstadt prison camp she devises a risky plan that causes Eugene to lose a special friend.
It is a story of one woman’s quest to save the man she loves. It also is the story of the actors in Theresienstadt that put on a performance even inside a prison camp.
A story of the wife of the camp director and how she is instrumental in Sophie’s plan unknown to her. It is also the story of her life as the wife of a camp director.
This is a rather interesting book about a little-known prison camp. I loved the history of the camp and also the insight into the society behind the scenes.
It was a good book and I enjoyed reading it as the next book in the series.
I was given a copy to read and review; the review is my own.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Berlin 1943-
After a failed rescue mission because of a traitor, Eugen is arrested and sent to a transit camp at a Jewish hospital. His lover, Countess Sophie is looking for him now.
Theresienstadt 1943-
Liesl’s husband, Joseph, is the Jewish ghetto commandant. Liesl is very bored in this new city so Joseph decides to get Eugen to stage private performances for her and the other officers’ wives since Eugen is a famous theater director. Joseph thinks that this will make her happy again because she has always enjoyed the theater. But Joseph needs to transfer Eugen to Theresienstadt for him to do the cultural activities in the ghetto. Once Eugen arrives, he works with Liesl to direct a controversial play. Once Sophie finds out that Eugen is a prisoner in the ghetto, she is determined to do whatever it takes to get him out.
This is an emotional story of love, betrayal and survival. The impossible choices that some of the characters had to make just broke my heart. I really enjoyed this book and look forward to more of the author’s stories. Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC.
After a failed rescue mission because of a traitor, Eugen is arrested and sent to a transit camp at a Jewish hospital. His lover, Countess Sophie is looking for him now.
Theresienstadt 1943-
Liesl’s husband, Joseph, is the Jewish ghetto commandant. Liesl is very bored in this new city so Joseph decides to get Eugen to stage private performances for her and the other officers’ wives since Eugen is a famous theater director. Joseph thinks that this will make her happy again because she has always enjoyed the theater. But Joseph needs to transfer Eugen to Theresienstadt for him to do the cultural activities in the ghetto. Once Eugen arrives, he works with Liesl to direct a controversial play. Once Sophie finds out that Eugen is a prisoner in the ghetto, she is determined to do whatever it takes to get him out.
This is an emotional story of love, betrayal and survival. The impossible choices that some of the characters had to make just broke my heart. I really enjoyed this book and look forward to more of the author’s stories. Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC.
August 8, 2026
No Applause in Theresienstadt is a powerful historical novel that immediately evokes the extraordinary tension of creating art and holding onto human dignity in one of history's darkest settings. The title itself is striking, suggesting the contrast between performance, silence, and survival within Theresienstadt.
What stood out to me is the historical weight behind the setting. A story situated within the Holocaust carries enormous emotional responsibility, and the strongest historical fiction does more than recreate an era, it allows readers to encounter the human experiences that can otherwise become distant historical facts. This book has the potential to create that kind of connection.
With its recent publication and existing early reader response of 4.36 from 22 ratings and 23 reviews, the book has a promising foundation for reaching a much broader audience of historical fiction, World War II, and Holocaust fiction readers.
What stood out to me is the historical weight behind the setting. A story situated within the Holocaust carries enormous emotional responsibility, and the strongest historical fiction does more than recreate an era, it allows readers to encounter the human experiences that can otherwise become distant historical facts. This book has the potential to create that kind of connection.
With its recent publication and existing early reader response of 4.36 from 22 ratings and 23 reviews, the book has a promising foundation for reaching a much broader audience of historical fiction, World War II, and Holocaust fiction readers.
July 20, 2026
Loving this series and was thoroughly invested in this instalment, which had me on the edge of my seat by the end! I’ve read a lot of other books in between but Countess Sophie is such a fabulous character that it all came rushing back to me straight away.
Set mostly within Theresienstadt, where Sophie’s Eugen has been sent, and where he is tasked with putting on a play to show off the model city to the Red Cross.
I would love to have a companion piece from Liesel’s point of view as she was a very interesting character! I was surprised nothing came of it when she appeared to connect the dots between Sophie and Eugen as I kept expecting that to add another twist to the tale.
This was a fast and engrossing read, which was especially welcome after the last book I read which was a terrible slog. Not the lightest of settings, but very enjoyable nonetheless!
Set mostly within Theresienstadt, where Sophie’s Eugen has been sent, and where he is tasked with putting on a play to show off the model city to the Red Cross.
I would love to have a companion piece from Liesel’s point of view as she was a very interesting character! I was surprised nothing came of it when she appeared to connect the dots between Sophie and Eugen as I kept expecting that to add another twist to the tale.
This was a fast and engrossing read, which was especially welcome after the last book I read which was a terrible slog. Not the lightest of settings, but very enjoyable nonetheless!
August 9, 2026
🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
I don’t know how Marion Kummerow is able to write such an amazing book AND put in so many accurate details that led me down a rabbit hole of research!
After a failed escape, Eugen is sent to Theresienstadt to help put on a play and Countess Sophie is nearby trying to help him escape.
Liesl is the wife of the commandant of Theresienstadt. She puts on a play, directed by Eugen, to establish her role in society.
I appreciated the storyline and the historical references. I can wait to read the next installment!
This is Historical Fiction at its best.
Many thanks to the author, Book Whisperer and NetGalley for a complimentary copy of the book. The opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.
#CanITrustMyHusband?
#MarionKummerow #BookWhisperer #NetGalley #NewBook #ILoveBooks #BookLove #Bookstagram #SummerRead
I don’t know how Marion Kummerow is able to write such an amazing book AND put in so many accurate details that led me down a rabbit hole of research!
After a failed escape, Eugen is sent to Theresienstadt to help put on a play and Countess Sophie is nearby trying to help him escape.
Liesl is the wife of the commandant of Theresienstadt. She puts on a play, directed by Eugen, to establish her role in society.
I appreciated the storyline and the historical references. I can wait to read the next installment!
This is Historical Fiction at its best.
Many thanks to the author, Book Whisperer and NetGalley for a complimentary copy of the book. The opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.
#CanITrustMyHusband?
#MarionKummerow #BookWhisperer #NetGalley #NewBook #ILoveBooks #BookLove #Bookstagram #SummerRead
August 9, 2026
No Applause in Theresienstadt is a WWII historical novel by Marion Kummerow. In the past few years there have been many books written that I have read about this time in world history. Each is important so that we do not forget the past and the evil that seemed to prevail at this crucial time in history. None shows the fallacies of Nazism, the horror of the suffering and the cruelty of the Nazi regime while pretending to be better. These things should not be forgotten and must not ever be repeated. This emotional tale of love and planning an escape also shows the resilience of the people and the determination of those who care. Sophie and Eugen’s story may be fictional, but they represent a population that was very real. No Applause in Theresienstadt is the fifth book in this amazing heart breaking and heart hopeful series, Escaping The Reich.
September 10, 2026
This book was a very engaging read and hard to put down. I devoured it immediately. The story is a fascinating tale set in the "jewish ghetto" of Theresienstadt. While it is a historical fiction account of events and times at the notorious concentration camp, it also sheds light on a real place outside of Prague that enslaved thousands of jews and others during the nazi occupation. I have read other books centered around the camp and its inhabitants. Prisoners included actors, writers, artists and other bohemian free spirits who were guilty of nothing more than living their artistic selves and for their religious beliefs.
Important note to other readers, I have not read this book in any series order. I can therefore assume the books can stand alone story wise. I loved the journey of the book. Historical fiction readers will enjoy it as well.
Important note to other readers, I have not read this book in any series order. I can therefore assume the books can stand alone story wise. I loved the journey of the book. Historical fiction readers will enjoy it as well.
October 10, 2026
No Applause For Theresienstadt, an amazing must read book by the world famous German author Marion Kummerow. We meet Baroness Sophie Borsoi in Germany 1943. Sophie learns that her true love is alive but was sent to The Theresienstadt camp. Her true love is a famous Jewish theatre producer named Eugen. The Nazis only want him alive for propaganda purposes and to trick the Red Cross. Sophie realizes that she alone can save him. She will do anything and approach anyone who may be able to twist Eugen’s fate but time is running out. #historicalfiction #wwii #worldwartwobooks #kindle #readersofinstagram
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I think this was a really good YA book. It is apparently the fifth book in a series. I read it like a standalone, and it worked out just fine, and I understood everything going on.
In my opinion, it is a very surface-level book about a really important topic. What I really like about this book is that although it is a fiction book, it is based on real events. Theresienstadt was real. The opera was real. The propaganda was real. That's what sucked me into this book.
Thank you Netgalley for the advanced copy!
In my opinion, it is a very surface-level book about a really important topic. What I really like about this book is that although it is a fiction book, it is based on real events. Theresienstadt was real. The opera was real. The propaganda was real. That's what sucked me into this book.
Thank you Netgalley for the advanced copy!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Having visited Theresienstadt, I was interested in reading this novel. I found it mildly interesting but not totally believable in that a countess would have the contacts and the ability to do all that was depicted. I also found the wife of the German officer to be somewhat dull and self centered. I do not enjoy reading a novel that does not end because you know that there will be a sequel. Nevertheless, I thank NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read and review this novel prior to publication.
August 25, 2026
WWII-Czech Ghetto: Sophie, a highly respected countess that works with the resistance in helping Jews escape to safety. Eugen, her Jewish lover has been arrested by the Gestapo and taken to Thereienstadt, a stopover for Auschwitz-Birkenau concentration camp. Sophie was determined to plan an escape to freedom for Eugen at any cost even if it means her life.
This is the 5th book in a series and the only one that I’ve read. It is a well written standalone fictionalized account of actual events. This novel is easy to read and a page turner,
Thank you Book Whisperer and BookFunnel
This is the 5th book in a series and the only one that I’ve read. It is a well written standalone fictionalized account of actual events. This novel is easy to read and a page turner,
Thank you Book Whisperer and BookFunnel
October 5, 2026
This is a Holocaust story focusing on a couple who are separated, and he may be sent to a concentration camp. There were several other important characters too, and there's so much emotion here. We see survivor's guilt and fear and heartbreak. The one thing that struck me at the end too is that the wife of a higher up German honestly didn't seem to understand what would happen if the Nazis failed.
Of course, I read these historical novels because I want to remember the survivors and the people who helped. Thanks to NetGalley for letting me read this
Of course, I read these historical novels because I want to remember the survivors and the people who helped. Thanks to NetGalley for letting me read this
October 6, 2026
Courtesy of The Book Whisperer and Netgalley, I received the ARC of No Applause in Theresienstadt by Marion Kummerow. Fifth in this well researched WWII series, this historical novel focuses on Hitler's model concentration camp, specializing in presenting cultural performances. Preparing for the Red Cross visit, an opera is chosen by the commandant's wife, to be directed by Eugen, the lover of Countess Sophie. Using all of her connections, Sophie divises a courageous plan for Eugen to escape as the performance goes awry. Nail biting, page turner!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
This book is number 5 in the series, and i have read the previous books in the series. I really enjoyed this book, the strong female character, the Great cast. I really got angry and frustrated, by how the Jews were treated. Yep i know it happened but it still get to me. I think the ending was a little bit of a let down though. Thank you to netgalley.com for letting me read this e arc in exchange for an honest opinion
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Powerful, emotional, and moving... No Applause in Theresienstadt follows a journey of love and hope during the Holocaust, especially when faced with difficult choices in order to survive.
Although I haven't read other novels in this series, I don't feel like it distracts from reading this as a standalone. Highly recommended if you enjoy historical fiction!
Thank you to Book Whisperer and NetGalley for allowing me the opportunity to read this eARC, and I'm providing my honest review!
Although I haven't read other novels in this series, I don't feel like it distracts from reading this as a standalone. Highly recommended if you enjoy historical fiction!
Thank you to Book Whisperer and NetGalley for allowing me the opportunity to read this eARC, and I'm providing my honest review!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
My thanks to Net Galley, Book Whisperer and the personal invitation I received to review this arc.
This book was nothing short of excellent telling the stories of 2 different women. One, a Countess trying to get her lover out of the ghetto, and another the wife of the Commondant of the same ghetto who becomes their Patroness of Culture who the Countess befriends to get into the ghetto to get him out.
This book was nothing short of excellent telling the stories of 2 different women. One, a Countess trying to get her lover out of the ghetto, and another the wife of the Commondant of the same ghetto who becomes their Patroness of Culture who the Countess befriends to get into the ghetto to get him out.
August 11, 2026
This story centres on the performance of a controversial play at Theresienstadt during World War Two and one of Kummerow's characters, Countess Sophie and her resilience to save her love. Alongside is the story of Liesl whose husband is the commandant of Theresinstadt and her involvement in bring the play to the attention of the top nazi’s as a showcase of the talent within the camp. Those taking part know that it won’t end well for anyone involved but Liesl is adamant on the specific play.
September 9, 2026
Thunderous applause for No Applause in Theresienstadt
This took me through every emotion imaginable. Marion Kummerow never ceases to please. I truly believe in never letting the innocent be forgotten or the guilty go unpunished. Those who were persecuted and murdered will never be forgotten, and those who were guilty, if not punished on earth, will suffer purgatory in hell. Well done, Marion.
This took me through every emotion imaginable. Marion Kummerow never ceases to please. I truly believe in never letting the innocent be forgotten or the guilty go unpunished. Those who were persecuted and murdered will never be forgotten, and those who were guilty, if not punished on earth, will suffer purgatory in hell. Well done, Marion.
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