Rachel's Legacy

Horowitz Chronicles #2

by Julie Thomas

When Dr Kobi Voight is given a set of old letters by his mother he has no inkling that they will lead him around the world and deep into the tragic past of his family.
Within the letters - written in Hebrew and filled with delicate illustrations - lie the reflections of a young Jewish woman, forced to give up her baby daughter while fighting with the Resistance in Berlin.
Who is the author, known only as 'Ruby', and what became of her child? And how does a priceless work of art, stolen by the Nazis, form part of the unfolding mystery?
As he explores Berlin and visits its war memorials and museums, an astonished Kobi begins to realise he is part of the story, too. From the Holocaust to the present day, across continents and oceans, Kobi's journey will ultimately lead him to the truth about his family's past - and his own identity.

This is the sequel to "The Keeper of Secrets."

Genres: Historical Fiction, Fiction, World War II, War, Holocaust, Mystery, Jewish

312 pages, Paperback

First published February 22, 2016

About the author

Julie started writing at the age of eight, stories about pre-revolutionary Russian princesses who rode troikas through the snow. She has worked in the media for over 25 years, radio, TV and film. She has written three novels and seven feature film scripts. In 2011 she sold her house in Auckland and moved two hours south to Cambridge, a glorious English style village, not unlike St Mary Mede. She shares her house with a highly intelligent and manipulative, but affectionate cat, Chloe, and is passionate about music, cooking and sport. She writes from the heart about subjects that she feels passionate about and her motto is "To dream of the person you could be is to waste the person you are." And also, "It was a brave man who ate the first oyster."

Reviews

[Willow · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am not sure how to begin describing how this book made me feel and the true journey it took me through. It was magnificent and heartbreaking to say the least. WW2 history has always been fascinating to me and I have tried to learn as much as I can about it. This story follows a Dr. Kobi Voight and his journey to untangle the mystery behind the author of a series of letters his mother gives him. These letters written in Hebrew detail the utter pain, hope, and tragedy of a young woman who gives up her baby to fight in the Resistance against the uprising of the monster that was Adolf Hitler. As Kobi navigates his way through Germany, the story of the letters comes to life as he goes to some of the locations mentioned in the letters. I have been lucky enough to see some of these places myself, but reading about them in the context of this story, was even more eye-opening and impactful. The author truly makes history come to life by intertwining the story of "Ruby", the author of these letters, and with real historical events and locations. The tragedy of what happened to the Jewish people, and to so many other persecuted groups, will be felt for so generations to come. This story so beautifully and gracefully explores that and left me raw as a reader. It is such a different experience attributing the horrors of WW2 and the concentration camps when told through the personal stories of the people who lived through them. Even with this being a work of fiction, the characters felt so real and 3-dimensional, I mourned their loses and shared in their joy. While the characters may not have been real, their plights, fears, loves, and losses had actually happened to the people who suffered in this war. The stories of the characters within this book are mirrored in the real stories of those who lived and died as a result of this horrid war. Yet, through it all, there is still an overarching theme of hope that perseveres through the tragedies of this war. Overall, this was a moving and well written novel that I recommend to all.

[Marcus Hobson · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is an excellent read and has achieved something special by being even better than Julie Thomas' first novel in the series, The Keeper of Secrets.

We are still following the Horowitz family and whereas previously we focused on the priceless violin they lost to the Nazis, saw it looted by the Russians and then find its way back into the hands of a young Horowitz, this time we are following a priceless artwork, a painting by the German master Albrecht Durer.
Rachel's real legacy, however, was a daughter, Elizabeth, whom she gave up as a baby in 1942 and who now has to face up to finding a whole family she never knew she had. Thomas does an excellent job dealing with all the emotions involved as a new family comes together and accepts a huge change. Not everyone will be happy, and Jews and Gentiles will find themselves in conflict.
The book is an excellent weaving of history and emotions, reactions and forgiveness. Thomas' style is all about the narrative and the plot, and there is a great deal to cover. The pace never drops and we are constantly moving along.
It is a great read, a very worthy successor to The Keeper of Secrets, and now I just cannot wait for the final book of the trilogy due out next year.

[Jan Carpenter · Rating 3 out of 5]

Entertaining but not compelling.......

Interesting story with this book being almost a series of short stories, via the chapters, but it jumps from one era to another and from one character to another quickly; the flow is sometimes confusing. As I read more of the book I questioned the sequence of these individual stories. It's often difficult to remember which character is from which era. This " compilation" of events centers around one particular character who is central to all other characters, before, during and after WWII. While we all know the events and the horrors Jewish people endured, and there is nothing new described herein, the book takes you across many decades, ending as recently as 2014. The ending is not predictable which is refreshing. The story focus is not on the horrific but on the value of specific art which is entwined with Rachel 's legacy. Rachel's legacy is multifaceted and she lived to realize the impact of her legacy. My only confusion is the sequence of the chapters. Be warned however, it seems more fiction than historical fiction.

[Vera_leest · Rating 4 out of 5]

Deze als luisterboek gelezen. Prachtig verhaal, al vond ik de vertelstem soms wat vervelend qua intonatie. Enige minpunt aan het verhaal vond ik de focus op de schilderijen en kunst, waar ik gewoon niks mee heb. Daarnaast vond ik sommige stukken wat te veel opsomming van feiten dan echt verhalend. Wel denk ik dat het fysieke boek indrukwekkender is dan het luisterboek, omdat je dan de echt aangrijpende stukken iets rustiger doorheen kunt gaan.

Overall een absolute aanrader wel.

[Leslie · Rating 3 out of 5]

I picked this from my TBR pile as I was in need of a read that wasn’t going to stretch my mind.
The theme of WW11 woman hero seems to have exploded onto all of the new release book displays in the past couple of years, and this is another in that style of novel.
There was nothing fundamentally wrong with the story and in defence of the writer, it was published before the bookstore and my TBR pile were inundated with this type of story.
I knew where the road was headed and was not disappointed that I hung on to the end. It met my expectation.

[Mary Beth · Rating 3 out of 5]

In my experience the second book in a series never lives up to the first, and this is no exception. It is the sequel to The Keeper of Secrets. I just didn't relate to the new characters. Kobi Voight is an Australian Professor who goes to Germany to study art, in particular the artist Durer, and ends up finding out about his own family's past. Some of the same characters from the previous book are important to this story, too, and their stories are the best parts. Kobi's endless visits to museums in Berlin and a pointless meeting of "George" are boring distractions to the main tale. The book is worth reading to learn the story of Rachel, a member of the Horowitz family, whose experience in the Holocaust was told in the first book. There is a third book coming out next year that tell about another brother, Levi, that I will also read. (Hopefully Kobi won't be a main character in it).

[Elaine McLaughlin · Rating 5 out of 5]

A wonderfully researched historical gem

This engaging novel was very difficult to put down. so much rich detail about the Jewish experience and terror at the hands of German Nazis. I loved the characters and emotional bonds of familial DNA

[Toni · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the sequel to The Secret Keeper. If you loved that you will LOVE this one. Its the story of Rachel who was a Jew in Germany during the second world war. She became a resistance worker and gave up her child in order to keep her child safe. Letters Rachel had written to daughter and given to a friend for safekeeping came into the hands of Kobi who just had to solve the mystery of what had happened to all the people that Rachel had written about. Keep some tissues handy.

[Barb Olt · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was sorry to see this book end since I wanted to know about the mysterious woman who shows up near the end and David’s parents. Since I can’t find the next book so I can finish the story, it’s very frustrating! The story is very compelling and I feel as if I know the Horowitz’s! This and the previous book are two of the best I’ve ever read about what Jewish people went through.

[Karen Lane · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very satisfying read. No matter how much I read about the Jewish people in WWII, the prejudice and horror imposed on them never ceases to shock me. This was a great story (though I don’t think homosexuality needed to be part of the story) about a family that could very well have lived and died as they did.

[Rachel M · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was an easy read. While entertaining, I was frustrated by the author’s choice to have Kobi prioritize getting his share of a family painting. You’d think after all they had been through, he would just take the time to appreciate his family. It felt like a book on one culture written by someone from a different culture who didn’t fully grasp it.

[Arty Mist · Rating 5 out of 5]

The sequel to The keeper of secrets, this book continues the story of the Horowitz family saga from war torn Berlin to present day America and Australia. Another book I couldn't put down, I thoroughly recommend it but only after you have read the first book.

[Bianca · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wat een machtig indrukwekkende roman. Eén die me nog lang bij zal blijven. Prachtig beschreven rijgt het verhaal zich pagina na pagina aaneen. Ik heb zelden zo'n mooie roman over de tweede wereldoorlog gelezen.

[Marie · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.75 Stars
This was a brilliant and lovely book, that showcased what Rachel was doing during the war and how how she was so brave and kind. Meeting the Voight family was interesting and so lovely. To see the connection form between them and the Horowitz family was so heart-warming. Reading the chapters in Kobi's perspective was stunning, and really brought home the impact of the work Rachel did during the war. The releve of who was actually David's father during the DNA tests were shocking and made me wonder how it came about. It was heart warming to see Rafael caring so much for Levi and Simmon that he never spoke a word about it. It was also shocking that David already knew and that he was making sure that the bond between the brothers was never broken. Reading the letters you can tell how much "Ruby" loved her daughter and wanted so much to see her again. It was horrible to learn the actual truth of what happened to the group the Red Orchestra. Peter and Sarah were loving parents and gave Elizabeth a life of love and family, however they also took that joy away from two heart-broken men who lost so much. It was a tough decision and to read about it their was no right vs. wrong. Cindy's chapter shocked me a bit, however it was not suprising what kind of person she actually was. It makes me wonder what else we will learn in Levi's story. For Levi to pass away like that was horrible and it made you really feel for the family so much. The ending chapter was so shocking and heart breaking, to know that Levi and Simon's mother survived and was never able to reconnect with them was so heart wrenching. The writing flowed with the story and really made it easy to read, this was such a lovely tale of bravery and family. This was such a well worth the read book and such an interesting read.

[Peter W · Rating 4 out of 5]

I suppose I should expect this now - - and I'll remember this when I read the third volume in this chronicle.

The beginning of Rachel's Legacy seemed distractingly "disjointed" -- but then so was "The Keeper of Secrets" and several excellent novels (such as "All the Light We Cannot See) from other authors. At one point, I asked myself, "Why am I reading THIS?"

But as with her other books, Ms. Thomas brought all the seemingly unrelated threads together to weave a most satisfying conclusion. And along the way she "fleshed out" - beautifully - the new characters and refreshed my memory of those from "The Keeper of Secrets". Their interaction and coming together was heartwarming and nearly tear-jerking. (My tears are pretty hard to jerk!)

It was a more-than-adequate reward for my persistence in reading the beginning threads.

I unreservedly recommend this book and the entire chronicles to fans of Kristen Hannah and Anthony Doerr.

[patricia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kobi is given old letters written in Hebrew before he leaves for a sabbatical in Germany. His mother says she found them among her mother's things. In Germany Kobi has them translated. They tell of a family of a Jewish banker in nazi Germany. A family full of love and art and music. The letters are written by the daughter named Ruby. Ruby uses a different name for everyone she writes about. Ruby is forced to give up her baby daughter in order to stay safe and continue working with the German resistance. Kobi visits the war museums and learns much of those years. He comes to realize what the letters are telling him about his own family. His mother has rejected her German background and insists she is Australian. Kobi seeks to return the letters to the surviving members of the Horowitz family and a wonderful thing happens. Julie Thomas writes an entirely possible story in Rachel's Legacy.

[Ginny · Rating 4 out of 5]

It was only in April that I read the first book in the Horowitz Chronicles, The Keeper of Secrets, and I must have ordered this book at the same time and then forgot it. That's why, many books later, it felt strange as I began to read Rachel's Legacy to recognize some circumstances and situations. I welcomed the familiarity when I understood the linking of the books and the fleshing out of what had happened to the memorable characters of the first volume.
I gave it one less star because that connection with the characters eliminated most of the surprises that hooked me before, but it is a welcome sequel and a nice rounding up of the family story and a deeper dive into how some victims of Nazi terrorism were able to resume living and rebuild connections and again evoked strong feelings and many tears.

[Judy Blachek · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was happy to read the next chapter in the Horowitz family. Even with all the tragic events of World War II affecting thier family, and all Jews, this book provides joy for the remaining family members.

The Horowitz sister, Rachel, is the main character in this book. The book has two storylines: Rachel in the early 1940s as she writes to a child she had to give to others to keep the child safe, and a more current day storyline of Kobi, an art historian. The Kobi story brings it all together, but there are some details like a budding affair for Kobi that didn't seem to add to the plot in any way.

I love how this author features art and music in her story with great reverance. That really adds dimension and inspiration for us readers.

I'm looking forward to reading book 3 to hear Levi's story.

[Cathy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rachel's Legacy is the second in a series about a Jewish family literally torn apart by the Nazi's during WWII. Rachel is the youngest daughter of a prosperous Jewish family in Berlin. When her father and two brothers are forcibly removed from their home and sent to the Dauchu prison camp, Rachel and her mother flee and are protected by a member of the resistance, who places them in safer places. The rest of the book described Rachel's adventures as a member of the Red Orchestra resistance, her eventual capture and death, and the legacy she leaves.

The book picks up where the previous book, The Keeper of Secrets, ended. Readers will recognize the main characters from that book also figure prominently in this one.

A very moving and beautifully written book.

[Bev Walkling · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this book in October and at the time discovered that I had read and loved the first book in the series eight years earlier. Each book helps learn about different members of a Jewish family and how their lives were altered by the Nazi's actions. I enjoyed this one so much that as soon as I had finished I wanted to start reading the final book in the series - Levi's War. My local library was instrumental in arranging a copy for me quite quickly and I loved it too. I would heartily recommend the whole series.

[Jane Irish Nelson · Rating 4 out of 5]

When Australian artist and art scholar Kobi Voight takes a sabbatical in Berlin, his German-born mother gives him some old letters found in her late mother's belongings. Since the letters are in Hebrew, he has them translated. The book begins by alternating between the letters, set in 1942, and the present, but they lead Kobi to a very surprising discovery. Absoluting fascinating, and hard to put down. Highly recommended.

[Georgina · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a companion book to 'The Keeper of Secrets', telling their sister Rachel's story. It is a good read although there is a bit of repetition with the first book. I enjoyed learning about the resistance during the war and their bravery. I could understand why the adoptive family did what they did but wondered why they didn't reveal the truth to Rachel's daughter when she became an adult. Another enjoyable read.

[Lori Fitzgerald · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing story!

This is an amazing story of the tragedies of war and the resulting events that take place as people are shuffled around and contact is lost. Some of the amazing pieces of Jewish history that have come to light and are being returned to rightful heirs plays an important role in the events of WWII. Excellent book for any reader.

[Susan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Family reunited

This is a riveting book of life during WWII and after. We get to see the Horowitz family broken up by the Nazis and then reuniting almost by accident. A secret stash of letters are kept but hidden away for many years. Once they are translated a family is changed forever. If you like stories of war survivors you will find this interesting.

[Dee · Rating 3 out of 5]

Starts out interesting but...

About 1/2 way through I got bored with it. It’s like the author had a very good idea that got so wound up with characters from WWII and then back to current that the story got twisted. I’m afraid I just skimmed to the ending.

[Linda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Intriguing story of family ties

From the opening it grabs the reader’s attention and draws them into Germany as WWII is in its infancy. Demonstrating that the atrocities happened slowly and gained power as hate grew and divided the world.

[Bonnie N. Frunz · Rating 5 out of 5]

Couldn't put it down.

Rachel's letters to her daughter remained unread for two generations. They finally end up in the hands of an art instructor who is doing research on the works of durer. The letters lead him to a family history he was unaware existed.

[Linda Bestebreur · Rating 5 out of 5]

Prachtig boek. Net zo van genoten als van deel 1. Ik kan niet wachten om verder te gaan met het volgende boek.
Goed ontwikkelde personages, supermooi hoe de verhaallijnen bij elkaar komen en ik vind de schrijfstijl heel prettig.

[Carolyn Scarcella · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is my third book of 2021! This book is incredible written book. I’ve enjoyed the story and it has touched my heart. I’m looking forward to reading a book called ‘Levi’s War’ by the same author Julie Thomas.

Does anyone have read this? Please share your thoughts on this book? ♥️

[Iris Kappert · Rating 3 out of 5]

Het duurde erg lang voordat ik in het verhaal kon komen. Na driekwart van het boek zat ik er helemaal in en heb ik het in een ruk uitgelezen. Aan het einde nog een mega cliffhanger als epiloog dus gelijk begonnen aan deel 3: Levi’s strijd.