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Among the Branded
What if a 70-year-old letter from World War II changed the course of your life?
While attending Valor of the ’40s, art director Stephanie Britain stumbles upon a flea market selling letters from the war. She buys a handful, hoping they’ll inspire the redesign for a client’s website at her branding and design firm. She’s at first drawn by the lost art of penmanship, but discovers a hidden treasure nestled inside declarations of love from homesick soldiers. Stephanie enlists a coworker to translate one and realizes it’s not a love letter after all. When a shocking discovery about a client causes Stephanie to question her principles and dedication to her firm’s business, she’s forced to make a difficult decision—one that could give her peace of mind, yet ruin her career in the process.
Contemporary fiction with historical elements, Among the Branded explores loss and the human spirit, an unexpected friendship, and moral conflicts that make us wonder what’s more important: our livelihood or our beliefs.
“This is a beautiful and fascinating novel that will keep readers hooked." San Francisco Book Review
262 pages, Paperback
Published May 2, 2017
106 people are currently reading
709 people want to read
About the author
Linda Smolkin
5 books145 followersLinda Smolkin always wanted to be a writer—ever since she saw her first TV commercial and wondered how to pen those clever ads. She got her degree in journalism and became a copywriter. Linda landed a job at an ad agency, where she worked for several years before joining the nonprofit world. She’s the author of Among the Branded, The Secret We Lost, Love the Way They Lie, The Obituary Tales, and her newest novel, The Incompletes, which releases on September 17, 2024. When not in front of the computer, she’s behind the drums (slightly) annoying her neighbors. To learn more, visit lindasmolkin.com and follow her on Instagram: @lindasmolkin.
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March 28, 2017Goodreads is asking that I review/rate this book. But since I wrote it, that would seem slightly awkward:-). So instead, I'll just say that I read it about a hundred times!
October 13, 2017
Steph and Greg's oldest son Jeremy is off to College, and their youngest son Jack gets to pick the destination of their family getaway. He selects Valor of the 40s, a World War Two re-enactment event. There, Steph buys some old war-time love letters at a market stall. An extraordinary coincidence compels her to find out more about the person who wrote the letter. This leads to her meeting Izzy, who has a profound effect on her life and the lives of those around her.
More than just the story of a Holocaust survivor, this is a story of family, friendship, bravery, determination, and loyalty. The main characters are all likable and relatable, and we come to care for each of them. My favorite character is Jack, Steph's youngest son, who is compassionate and wise beyond his years. While there are a lot of seemingly irrelevant details, they all work together to flesh out the characters and the plot. The epilogue, set two years later, wraps it all up nicely.
A feel-good, bittersweet read.
I received this book in return for an honest review.
Full blog post (13 October): https://booksdirectonline.blogspot.co...
More than just the story of a Holocaust survivor, this is a story of family, friendship, bravery, determination, and loyalty. The main characters are all likable and relatable, and we come to care for each of them. My favorite character is Jack, Steph's youngest son, who is compassionate and wise beyond his years. While there are a lot of seemingly irrelevant details, they all work together to flesh out the characters and the plot. The epilogue, set two years later, wraps it all up nicely.
A feel-good, bittersweet read.
I received this book in return for an honest review.
Full blog post (13 October): https://booksdirectonline.blogspot.co...
September 12, 2021
As someone who has always been fascinated by World War 2, I really enjoyed The Branded. What made this book unique is that it's not historical fiction but rather takes place around 2010.
Stephanie and her family attend a WW2 reenactment, and there she discovers a seventy-year-old letter from a mom, Hannah, talking about her family who is being held in a concentration camp. Stephanie sets out on a mission to find Hannah's son who is mentioned in he letter.
Through some serious Google super sleuthing, Stephanie finds that boy, Izzy, who is now 70 years old. The 2 become fast friends and Izzy fills a void in Stephanie's life left behind by her dad who passed away a couple years ago.
I really enjoyed their special bond. As someone who recently lost my father, I was so happy that Stephanie found a father figure who could help fill that void.
This book covered some tough topics such as anti-semitism. It's so awful that those feelings still prevail today. Just disgusting.
The book also discussed the line between business and personal. Where do you draw the line between making profits for you, your company and your staff, who rely on that paycheck, and serving someone who is a racist. It really got me thinking about principles and how you balance that with holding up your end of the bargain to pay your staff. Is it better to turn away business potentially resulting in layoffs if you turn down a big client's work?
This audio book was so well done with absolutely amazing naration by Kimberly Wetherell. I do wish the story was a bit longer to develop the relationships a bit more.
Stephanie and her family attend a WW2 reenactment, and there she discovers a seventy-year-old letter from a mom, Hannah, talking about her family who is being held in a concentration camp. Stephanie sets out on a mission to find Hannah's son who is mentioned in he letter.
Through some serious Google super sleuthing, Stephanie finds that boy, Izzy, who is now 70 years old. The 2 become fast friends and Izzy fills a void in Stephanie's life left behind by her dad who passed away a couple years ago.
I really enjoyed their special bond. As someone who recently lost my father, I was so happy that Stephanie found a father figure who could help fill that void.
This book covered some tough topics such as anti-semitism. It's so awful that those feelings still prevail today. Just disgusting.
The book also discussed the line between business and personal. Where do you draw the line between making profits for you, your company and your staff, who rely on that paycheck, and serving someone who is a racist. It really got me thinking about principles and how you balance that with holding up your end of the bargain to pay your staff. Is it better to turn away business potentially resulting in layoffs if you turn down a big client's work?
This audio book was so well done with absolutely amazing naration by Kimberly Wetherell. I do wish the story was a bit longer to develop the relationships a bit more.
August 30, 2021
This is a lovely and endearing story. All of the characters felt like family. It is so sad that history is not really taught anymore along with respect. Stephanie's children learned that and for this, they had a better appreciation for what Izzy had to endure.
This story is very character driven. Therefore, you can not help but become immersed in the story and lives of everyone. Instantly, I fell in love with Izzy. As I listened to the audio book; I had a vivid image of everyone as if there was a mini movie playing in my head.
It is hard to believe that this is author, Linda Smolkin's debut book. It reads like a seasoned professional and Linda's fourth or fifth book. I will be checking out more books by this author.
This story is very character driven. Therefore, you can not help but become immersed in the story and lives of everyone. Instantly, I fell in love with Izzy. As I listened to the audio book; I had a vivid image of everyone as if there was a mini movie playing in my head.
It is hard to believe that this is author, Linda Smolkin's debut book. It reads like a seasoned professional and Linda's fourth or fifth book. I will be checking out more books by this author.
April 12, 2017
Full review at http://www.tomesandtequila.com/2017/0...
Among the Branded is a feel good novel with a conscience.
Stephanie is an art director who decides to attend a "Valor of the 40's" event with her youngest son and husband after dropping her oldest son off at college. While there she buys a bundle of old love letters, thinking they'll help inspire her with the design of a new project for a client. One of the letters isn't like the others. It isn't a love letter at all, but a pleading letter for help from a camp in the South of France. A Jewish family is headed for the concentration camps and desperate to get away. Intrigued, Stephanie has to find out if the family made it out alive.
Her search leads her to Isadore...or Izzy to his friends. And soon it becomes much more than history or an abstract idea of what happened in the past. It becomes a present at odds with her beliefs, and she must decide what she's willing to give up to be happy with her own personal story.
This book gave me warm and fuzzy feelings throughout. It wasn't shocking, and it didn't have any crazy-epic plot twists, but for me it was a warm cup of hot cocoa book. I just liked it. I thought it was very well written, and I fell in love with a few of the characters...namely Stephanie's best-friend Sveta and Izzy. Sveta, mumbling cuss words in Russian under her breath at work just cracked me up. And there wasn't much not to love about Izzy...the joke-cracking, video-game-playing professor.
I think the book has a boat load of conversation fodder. In the novel the context is the Holocaust, but a big discussion throughout is whether you have a responsibility to tell your story, whatever it may be.
I'm giving this 4 stars on Goodreads as I truly enjoyed the book from cover to cover. It was a quick contemporary read with a touch of the historical. If you enjoy reading books that deal with the Holocaust in any way, this ones worth reading. A HUGE Thank you to Linda for sending me this book :)
Among the Branded is a feel good novel with a conscience.
Stephanie is an art director who decides to attend a "Valor of the 40's" event with her youngest son and husband after dropping her oldest son off at college. While there she buys a bundle of old love letters, thinking they'll help inspire her with the design of a new project for a client. One of the letters isn't like the others. It isn't a love letter at all, but a pleading letter for help from a camp in the South of France. A Jewish family is headed for the concentration camps and desperate to get away. Intrigued, Stephanie has to find out if the family made it out alive.
Her search leads her to Isadore...or Izzy to his friends. And soon it becomes much more than history or an abstract idea of what happened in the past. It becomes a present at odds with her beliefs, and she must decide what she's willing to give up to be happy with her own personal story.
This book gave me warm and fuzzy feelings throughout. It wasn't shocking, and it didn't have any crazy-epic plot twists, but for me it was a warm cup of hot cocoa book. I just liked it. I thought it was very well written, and I fell in love with a few of the characters...namely Stephanie's best-friend Sveta and Izzy. Sveta, mumbling cuss words in Russian under her breath at work just cracked me up. And there wasn't much not to love about Izzy...the joke-cracking, video-game-playing professor.
I think the book has a boat load of conversation fodder. In the novel the context is the Holocaust, but a big discussion throughout is whether you have a responsibility to tell your story, whatever it may be.
I'm giving this 4 stars on Goodreads as I truly enjoyed the book from cover to cover. It was a quick contemporary read with a touch of the historical. If you enjoy reading books that deal with the Holocaust in any way, this ones worth reading. A HUGE Thank you to Linda for sending me this book :)
April 23, 2017
I requested this book through NetGalley as the blurb of the book appeared to be tailor-made to my reading preferences. I enjoy reading stories of all genres revolving around WWII and also love books that have some parts of the story narrated through letters. Although most WWII novels are set in Germany or details the activities in Germany, this was the first time I was exposed to the war atrocities in France, specifically Camp Gurs. This book also introduced me to Hidden Children, who were Jewish children hidden by many volunteers to protect them from persecution by the Nazi regime.
Read more here : https://bookescapadeblog.wordpress.co...
Read more here : https://bookescapadeblog.wordpress.co...
December 13, 2017
An intriguing look at WWII and hidden children told from the POV of a Holocaust survivor through conversations with a modern-day friend. I really enjoyed the storylines, especially that of the company and the conflict there, and at times couldn't put the book down because I wanted to find out what happened.
The author sent me a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review, and the feedback I gave her is that a lot of the dialogue seemed stilted, as did the transitions between scenes/times. That's what brought my review down to a 3.
I look forward to Smolkin's future work, as the story showed great promise!
The author sent me a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review, and the feedback I gave her is that a lot of the dialogue seemed stilted, as did the transitions between scenes/times. That's what brought my review down to a 3.
I look forward to Smolkin's future work, as the story showed great promise!
July 10, 2017
A captivating and beautifully written work of literature for first-time novelist Linda Smolkin. The story focuses on an unexpected bond that develops between Stephanie, a successful advertising professional, wife and mother and Izzy, a Holocaust survivor. As the plot unfolds, you are taken on a journey, laced with the horrific realities of the Holocaust, as well as being faced with a difficult moral dilemma. I found myself immediately drawn into the authenticity of the characters and the heartwarming relationships that emerge between them. Each character experiences their own loss, yet Human spirit, love and connection prevail in the end. This novel is a treasure and will stay with you long after you put it down.
March 5, 2021
I really enjoyed this book. I like reading about history and the incredible things that people have done throughout history.
I love the character Izzy he is such a beautiful and amazingingly interesting person. To have gone through what he did as a child and to have come so far. He didn't let his past stop him.
I really liked the friendship between Svetlana and Stephanie reminds me of me and my best friend, honest, funny and loyal from the day we met.
The end of the book is bittersweet and. It's not often a book makes me cry so I know it's really well written when it does.
I really like the reasoning that death is just something that happens to us all and being grateful for the life we've had. Of course this is different in certain circumstances and for me I will always find losing someone hard but I've learnt to take each day and make the most of it.
I love the character Izzy he is such a beautiful and amazingingly interesting person. To have gone through what he did as a child and to have come so far. He didn't let his past stop him.
I really liked the friendship between Svetlana and Stephanie reminds me of me and my best friend, honest, funny and loyal from the day we met.
The end of the book is bittersweet and. It's not often a book makes me cry so I know it's really well written when it does.
I really like the reasoning that death is just something that happens to us all and being grateful for the life we've had. Of course this is different in certain circumstances and for me I will always find losing someone hard but I've learnt to take each day and make the most of it.
April 29, 2017
This was a n interesting story, which delves into many different story-lines. One of the main people in the book is Stephanie, a forty something advertising executive, who is a wife and mother of two boys, one about to take off for college.
When they take their eldest son to college, they ask the younger one where he would like to go, as a special treat for him, and he decides he would like to go to the “Valor of the 40's” a fair which reenacts the feel of WWII, where everyone dressed their parts whether German, French, American, where one could sense a slice of what everyday life may have been like.
While at the reenactment, Stephanie wanders into an area which depicted France, and what happened there, and while looking around, Stephanie comes across a gentleman selling “love letter” from WWII.
One of the letters turned out to be a plea from a mother and written from an internment camp in France, before they sent the people on to Auschwitz, or other German concentration camps.
Stephanie thought that the letters might help her, with a new design she was working on for a client, but it became much more than that for her; as now she was intrigued by the son who was separated from his parents, Isadore, (Izzy) 4 years old at the time and wanted to do some research and see if he was still alive, as he also shared a birthday with Stephanie's departed father.
The story, besides her search and discovery, is also about her strength, and love of family, whether blood related or just extremely close through friendship. About her work and the clients that she is working with, her own set of moral standards.
This is a book has wonderful characters, who show us their strong morals, values and ethics.
A book which kept me very interested in the story-line, and its characters. Well written and at times very heart warming.
I would like to thank NetGalley for the ARC.
When they take their eldest son to college, they ask the younger one where he would like to go, as a special treat for him, and he decides he would like to go to the “Valor of the 40's” a fair which reenacts the feel of WWII, where everyone dressed their parts whether German, French, American, where one could sense a slice of what everyday life may have been like.
While at the reenactment, Stephanie wanders into an area which depicted France, and what happened there, and while looking around, Stephanie comes across a gentleman selling “love letter” from WWII.
One of the letters turned out to be a plea from a mother and written from an internment camp in France, before they sent the people on to Auschwitz, or other German concentration camps.
Stephanie thought that the letters might help her, with a new design she was working on for a client, but it became much more than that for her; as now she was intrigued by the son who was separated from his parents, Isadore, (Izzy) 4 years old at the time and wanted to do some research and see if he was still alive, as he also shared a birthday with Stephanie's departed father.
The story, besides her search and discovery, is also about her strength, and love of family, whether blood related or just extremely close through friendship. About her work and the clients that she is working with, her own set of moral standards.
This is a book has wonderful characters, who show us their strong morals, values and ethics.
A book which kept me very interested in the story-line, and its characters. Well written and at times very heart warming.
I would like to thank NetGalley for the ARC.
November 27, 2017
I really loved this debut novel by Linda Smolkin. It's a story about a Holocaust survivor called Izzy and the friendship that develops with Stephanie, an advertising exec. The two women couldn't be more different and yet they form a strong bond. The author builds a multi-layered story in her work about all the things that affect us deeply: family, loss, love, and friendship. I love the way the plot began with professional woman Stephanie buying old wartime love letters at a flea market to use as marketing for a clients website, only to discover on translation that they're not love letters after all. This is a story about remembering the past and trying to understand what it means. It's about choices and consequences. And Smolkin made the characters relatable with great depth. This is a book I wanted to take the time to read slowly, so I could take the story in - and it's a story I will probably pick up and read again. Congrats to the author. An awesome first novel.
August 11, 2017
It was a "story", nothing more. Would not recommend. I love WWII themed books, but this book just didn't cut it.
February 9, 2021
Ok, so I read mostly fantasy, urban fantasy, and some sci-fi, but I also have a degree in history so sometimes I read, well history.
I rarely read contemporary genre. However, if it’s got history in it, I can be persuaded. I have to admit, the first sentence in the blurb persuaded me. A 70 year old letter from World War II? Yep. Plus, Stephanie, while not a freelance writer, has the kind of career that I have on the side – working for clients whom you may not always agree with and then what do you do? So it was rather a double whammy and here we are.
This is Smolkim’s debut novel, published in 2017, but it honestly doesn’t really feel like a debut. And it’s self published! (I have self published polished book envy). Usually, self-published debuts are not necessarily fabulous, but Among the Branded is very solid.
I don’t want to spoiler anything, so I’ll go over a few highlights:
I really like the family that is portrayed and the inclusion of the amazing Isadore (called Izzy). He is amazing and reminds me so much of my some of the elders I have known in my life. I kinda wish we’d gotten to know Stephanie’s mother a bit better because she seemed fascinating. And what is there not to love about Sveta? Girl.
The themes in this book are ones that I think we’ve all grappled with in our lives. Jobs or principles? Leave things alone or push them? Respect the wishes of one person or another? Deal with our discomfort in an upfront and confrontational way or in a round-about, creative way? It’s all things we have to deal with at one time or another, simply made a little more stark by the plot (and there’s nothing wrong with that). I actually quite like how the main conflict was handled – I think handling it bluntly (either way) would have lent the book a sour note. This way, everything got tied up in a way that didn’t lead to more conflict.
Although one note on that – the thing that starts that ball rolling was really super abrupt. Like, I blinked and read the sentence again to make sure I didn’t miss something. I’m sure that was the intent but it took me so off guard that I didn’t even get that emotional which is either a failing on my part (I can admit it) or a lack of proper lead-up or both.
Another note, there were a few points that weren’t as tightly done as they could have been that didn’t add much to the plot. They were still good (Jack getting his taekwondo black belt for example), but it didn’t really add anything to the overall themes. But then, that could well be a contemporary genre thing and see above about how I don’t often read that genre.
So, round up:
Pros: Amazing characters. I love Izzy, love Sveta, and could really resonate with Stephanie. And the themes were not so uncomfortable that I felt horrid reading the story (I mean, I do know my WW II history, so I know a lot of it is nasty), but enticing enough to make me read through this in basically two sittings, even though I’ve been exhausted for a couple of days. And I rather would like to go to that re-enactment, Valor of the ‘40s. It sounds neat. And I like how Stephanie and Sveta dealt with their bad guy. It was practical (and sneaky). I can appreciate practicality (and sneakiness).
Cons: The thing that led to the climax [that I’m not allowed to talk about] was too abrupt and had no lead up so it didn’t punch quite as heavy as it could have. Perhaps doing it slightly differently would have had more impact. Especially given Stephanie’s background, etc. There were a couple patches of off-pacing as well that made the story drag slightly.
All in all though, I quite enjoyed this book and would cheerfully recommend it to people who like contemporary with a dash of history.
I rarely read contemporary genre. However, if it’s got history in it, I can be persuaded. I have to admit, the first sentence in the blurb persuaded me. A 70 year old letter from World War II? Yep. Plus, Stephanie, while not a freelance writer, has the kind of career that I have on the side – working for clients whom you may not always agree with and then what do you do? So it was rather a double whammy and here we are.
This is Smolkim’s debut novel, published in 2017, but it honestly doesn’t really feel like a debut. And it’s self published! (I have self published polished book envy). Usually, self-published debuts are not necessarily fabulous, but Among the Branded is very solid.
I don’t want to spoiler anything, so I’ll go over a few highlights:
I really like the family that is portrayed and the inclusion of the amazing Isadore (called Izzy). He is amazing and reminds me so much of my some of the elders I have known in my life. I kinda wish we’d gotten to know Stephanie’s mother a bit better because she seemed fascinating. And what is there not to love about Sveta? Girl.
The themes in this book are ones that I think we’ve all grappled with in our lives. Jobs or principles? Leave things alone or push them? Respect the wishes of one person or another? Deal with our discomfort in an upfront and confrontational way or in a round-about, creative way? It’s all things we have to deal with at one time or another, simply made a little more stark by the plot (and there’s nothing wrong with that). I actually quite like how the main conflict was handled – I think handling it bluntly (either way) would have lent the book a sour note. This way, everything got tied up in a way that didn’t lead to more conflict.
Although one note on that – the thing that starts that ball rolling was really super abrupt. Like, I blinked and read the sentence again to make sure I didn’t miss something. I’m sure that was the intent but it took me so off guard that I didn’t even get that emotional which is either a failing on my part (I can admit it) or a lack of proper lead-up or both.
Another note, there were a few points that weren’t as tightly done as they could have been that didn’t add much to the plot. They were still good (Jack getting his taekwondo black belt for example), but it didn’t really add anything to the overall themes. But then, that could well be a contemporary genre thing and see above about how I don’t often read that genre.
So, round up:
Pros: Amazing characters. I love Izzy, love Sveta, and could really resonate with Stephanie. And the themes were not so uncomfortable that I felt horrid reading the story (I mean, I do know my WW II history, so I know a lot of it is nasty), but enticing enough to make me read through this in basically two sittings, even though I’ve been exhausted for a couple of days. And I rather would like to go to that re-enactment, Valor of the ‘40s. It sounds neat. And I like how Stephanie and Sveta dealt with their bad guy. It was practical (and sneaky). I can appreciate practicality (and sneakiness).
Cons: The thing that led to the climax [that I’m not allowed to talk about] was too abrupt and had no lead up so it didn’t punch quite as heavy as it could have. Perhaps doing it slightly differently would have had more impact. Especially given Stephanie’s background, etc. There were a couple patches of off-pacing as well that made the story drag slightly.
All in all though, I quite enjoyed this book and would cheerfully recommend it to people who like contemporary with a dash of history.
March 14, 2018
Stephanie and Greg Britain, with their two children Jeremy and Jack are off to Valour of the 40's a WWII re-enactment. This trip was Jack's choice, Jeremy is soon to go off to college. While there Stephanie comes across a bundle of letters on a second-hand stall. One letter catches her eye and the story begins.
Oh my goodness what a beautiful and heartwarming story. A chaotic and frantic beginning with the hectic lifestyle of this family. It shows how this active and close-knit family go about their everyday lives. Then all of a sudden this story starts to grab your attention, in amongst the hustle and bustle of family and work, Stephanie and the truth about a letter start to make their place known and the story just blossoms.
This story is one about family, hope, love compassion and is a beautifully engrossing and an addictive read. I found myself swept up as the story behind the letter comes out. It touches on serious subjects and these have been told by an adult talking to children, it is told simply, honestly and with respectful. But also the realisation that there are still those in the world that are not accepting of others. The characters in this story are funny, vivid and have been brought to life as we learn more about them. I'm not going into too much detail about the content of this letter or what Stephanie discovers, for me the details of it are what makes this story a stunning read.
This is a very engaging book, and was an absolute joy to read. It is beautiful and has a serious and heart wrenching side to it as you learn the truth about the letter, but among this serious side is a witty and humorous side, it had me giggling at the banter between family and friends.
This is a debut novel by Linda and I want to know what is next. This book is one that I would highly recommend to readers who like a story that is a mix of historical and contemporary that has a great balance. I loved this book and hope others will find it and love it as well.
Oh my goodness what a beautiful and heartwarming story. A chaotic and frantic beginning with the hectic lifestyle of this family. It shows how this active and close-knit family go about their everyday lives. Then all of a sudden this story starts to grab your attention, in amongst the hustle and bustle of family and work, Stephanie and the truth about a letter start to make their place known and the story just blossoms.
This story is one about family, hope, love compassion and is a beautifully engrossing and an addictive read. I found myself swept up as the story behind the letter comes out. It touches on serious subjects and these have been told by an adult talking to children, it is told simply, honestly and with respectful. But also the realisation that there are still those in the world that are not accepting of others. The characters in this story are funny, vivid and have been brought to life as we learn more about them. I'm not going into too much detail about the content of this letter or what Stephanie discovers, for me the details of it are what makes this story a stunning read.
This is a very engaging book, and was an absolute joy to read. It is beautiful and has a serious and heart wrenching side to it as you learn the truth about the letter, but among this serious side is a witty and humorous side, it had me giggling at the banter between family and friends.
This is a debut novel by Linda and I want to know what is next. This book is one that I would highly recommend to readers who like a story that is a mix of historical and contemporary that has a great balance. I loved this book and hope others will find it and love it as well.
September 9, 2021
I listened to this on Audible.
I want to start off by saying the narrator of this book was phenomenal. She had all ages and sexes and Nationalities of characters in this book and she gave each of them a unique voice which made for an absolutely entertaining read.
I’m not sure how to classify this book except to say it’s just a sweet, entertaining, and thought provoking piece of fiction. A random purchase at a flea market leaves our main character, Stephanie, meeting a very special individual that makes an impact on Stephanie and her entire family.
This story flowed seamlessly and the characters develop so nicely as the read continues that it made me actually want to stay longer at the gym or spend a few extra minutes cleaning the house since that’s my official audiobook time.
I am thankful I listened to this book to enjoy the characters and the story it told.
About the Audiobook
Stephanie has 2 boys and a loving husband. After dropping her oldest son at college (yes, I remember that experience), Stephanie, her husband, Greg, and youngest son, Jack go to a World War II reenactment called Valor of the 40s. Stephanie buys a group of old love letters from a flea market.
One of the letters turns out to be more than a typical love letter. Stephanie finds a man named Izzy who is a semi-retired French professor that is connected to the letter.
Izzy becomes an integral part of Stephanie and her family’s life.
Stephanie becomes conflicted as the more she learns about Izzy’s past makes her reflect on how best to handle a client whose principals are in direct contrast to her own.
I want to start off by saying the narrator of this book was phenomenal. She had all ages and sexes and Nationalities of characters in this book and she gave each of them a unique voice which made for an absolutely entertaining read.
I’m not sure how to classify this book except to say it’s just a sweet, entertaining, and thought provoking piece of fiction. A random purchase at a flea market leaves our main character, Stephanie, meeting a very special individual that makes an impact on Stephanie and her entire family.
This story flowed seamlessly and the characters develop so nicely as the read continues that it made me actually want to stay longer at the gym or spend a few extra minutes cleaning the house since that’s my official audiobook time.
I am thankful I listened to this book to enjoy the characters and the story it told.
About the Audiobook
Stephanie has 2 boys and a loving husband. After dropping her oldest son at college (yes, I remember that experience), Stephanie, her husband, Greg, and youngest son, Jack go to a World War II reenactment called Valor of the 40s. Stephanie buys a group of old love letters from a flea market.
One of the letters turns out to be more than a typical love letter. Stephanie finds a man named Izzy who is a semi-retired French professor that is connected to the letter.
Izzy becomes an integral part of Stephanie and her family’s life.
Stephanie becomes conflicted as the more she learns about Izzy’s past makes her reflect on how best to handle a client whose principals are in direct contrast to her own.
September 1, 2021
5 well deserved stars!
I’m so glad this was put on my radar to read.
A moving, emotional, tug-at-your-heartstrings read. The characters are powerful and well-developed. At the heart of the story is a 70-year-old letter that is connected to one of my favorite book characters ever, Izzy. A child who was a victim of the horrible war actions of World War II. So moving, powerful, with a bit of historical fiction weaved into this contemporary fiction, I was so immersed in this story and did shed a few tears, without giving spoilers away. I will say that this book touched my heart in a very special way and I’m so glad I read it(via audiobook, which was the best, read through the voice of the fabulous narrator, Kimberly M. Wetherell).
Thank you, Linda Smolkin, for writing this lovely book that touched my soul and for bringing attention to this horrible time in our history through a fabulous modern way and for creating the beloved Izzy, who will forever remain with me.
I’m so glad this was put on my radar to read.
A moving, emotional, tug-at-your-heartstrings read. The characters are powerful and well-developed. At the heart of the story is a 70-year-old letter that is connected to one of my favorite book characters ever, Izzy. A child who was a victim of the horrible war actions of World War II. So moving, powerful, with a bit of historical fiction weaved into this contemporary fiction, I was so immersed in this story and did shed a few tears, without giving spoilers away. I will say that this book touched my heart in a very special way and I’m so glad I read it(via audiobook, which was the best, read through the voice of the fabulous narrator, Kimberly M. Wetherell).
Thank you, Linda Smolkin, for writing this lovely book that touched my soul and for bringing attention to this horrible time in our history through a fabulous modern way and for creating the beloved Izzy, who will forever remain with me.
July 13, 2018
Worth exploring
This first novel is gripping. Izzy is so real and vibrant an individual, it seems as if we had actually met. Any minor errors are quickly forgiven and forgotten as the reader is enveloped and embraced by the sheer life and realness of this story. Very authentic and worth the trip. Please keep writing!
This first novel is gripping. Izzy is so real and vibrant an individual, it seems as if we had actually met. Any minor errors are quickly forgiven and forgotten as the reader is enveloped and embraced by the sheer life and realness of this story. Very authentic and worth the trip. Please keep writing!
September 11, 2021
I fell in love with Izzy while listening to this story. The relationship that develops between Steph and her family and him is beautiful. The professional decision that Steph makes is courageous and so right. This is story that entertains, but also educates and reminds us of another dark time in our history that we must never forget.
I received a gifted copy in exchange for an honest review.
I received a gifted copy in exchange for an honest review.
January 11, 2023
This sounded like something I would enjoy, but I found the prose very dry, and the characters unrealistic. I read a fifth of the novel, but life's too short, so I'm moving on to something I will hopefully like a lot more.
September 3, 2021
The premise of the book is very interesting and is handled beautifully. I liked the flow of the events and the writing style of the author.
October 6, 2017
“The letter could sit on a shelf, along with Isadore’s number, collecting dust, becoming less meaningful to me as the months and years went by … But my belief in fate was strong, one that I couldn’t shrug off with apprehension.”
In Among the Branded, little does Stephanie know that by buying a few old love letters from WWII, her life would change forever. One of the letters contained not a love letter, but a letter from a woman pleading for her life and the lives of her children to be saved from a German concentration camp. The birthdate of one of the children, Isadore, catches Stephanie’s eye as it’s the same date her late father was born. She feels she should try to find Isadore and give him the letter at least, but hopefully find out more of his story.
I was given the opportunity to review this book in exchange for a free copy through Kate Tilton’s Book Bloggers. The storyline sounded interesting and I do love historical fiction. Finding a letter from WWII was something different, making the book more of historical fiction set in the present.
Stephanie does find Isadore and while at first he doesn’t want to share much of his time in Germany as a child, he eventually warms up to Stephanie and her family. Isadore’s wife had died several years beforehand and they had no children so spending time with Stephanie’s family gave him a sense of family again. After revealing his story, he decides he would like to thank the women who rescued him and took him in as a hidden child. Stephanie tries to track them down for him.
I enjoyed reading this book as it was an original story. Parts of it were a little hard to read as it was written in first person. For example, when Stephanie visits the Holocaust Museum, you are there in the first person. I have been there and something strikes my soul hard when I think about being there.
I would recommend this book to any adult who enjoys historical fiction. It reminds the reader that history needs to be recorded and shared before it gets lost.
Read more here: http://sarahannecarter.com/among-bran...
In Among the Branded, little does Stephanie know that by buying a few old love letters from WWII, her life would change forever. One of the letters contained not a love letter, but a letter from a woman pleading for her life and the lives of her children to be saved from a German concentration camp. The birthdate of one of the children, Isadore, catches Stephanie’s eye as it’s the same date her late father was born. She feels she should try to find Isadore and give him the letter at least, but hopefully find out more of his story.
I was given the opportunity to review this book in exchange for a free copy through Kate Tilton’s Book Bloggers. The storyline sounded interesting and I do love historical fiction. Finding a letter from WWII was something different, making the book more of historical fiction set in the present.
Stephanie does find Isadore and while at first he doesn’t want to share much of his time in Germany as a child, he eventually warms up to Stephanie and her family. Isadore’s wife had died several years beforehand and they had no children so spending time with Stephanie’s family gave him a sense of family again. After revealing his story, he decides he would like to thank the women who rescued him and took him in as a hidden child. Stephanie tries to track them down for him.
I enjoyed reading this book as it was an original story. Parts of it were a little hard to read as it was written in first person. For example, when Stephanie visits the Holocaust Museum, you are there in the first person. I have been there and something strikes my soul hard when I think about being there.
I would recommend this book to any adult who enjoys historical fiction. It reminds the reader that history needs to be recorded and shared before it gets lost.
Read more here: http://sarahannecarter.com/among-bran...
January 7, 2018
I am very much in love with this book! This book was well written and flowed flawlessly. I felt that each character made you "feel" something and each one had their own unique personality. This book was great to read, curled up with a good cup of hot tea. I read it in one sitting and was not bored, nor did i find myself forcing me to hurriedly read any passage. I quite liked the plot to this book as it was unique and i haven't read any other books like it. The author Linda is very unique in her writing style and you can tell that research was done for this book and random stuff wasn't thrown in. This is a great book for a rainy day read and I HIGHLY recommend it. I give this one click read-5 stars.
June 10, 2017
Very enjoyable read
Especially well written for a debut novel. The characters are easy to relate to and the story line is intriguing.
Especially well written for a debut novel. The characters are easy to relate to and the story line is intriguing.
January 14, 2019
Really enjoyed this book. An easy read that kept me interested in the characters and was not predictable.
August 20, 2021
Awesome Indies Book Awards is pleased to include AMONG THE BRANDED by LINDA SMOLKIN in the library of Awesome Indies'
Badge of Approval
recipients.
Original Awesome Indies' Assessment (5 stars):
Among the Branded by Linda Smolkin is a contemporary fiction that reminds us that we might be done with the past, but the past isn’t done with us. The main character, Stephanie, attends a World War II event (Valor of the ’40s) with her family and purchases a bundle of authentic war letters which she at first believes to be romantic in nature. Her goal is to use them as part of an ancestry website she is building for work, but quickly finds out that the letters are not what they seem. What follows is a thought-provoking journey to reconcile the past with the present, as Stephanie befriends Izzy, a man whose connection to the letters will change both of their lives forever. The book is well-researched, and the historical elements compliment the contemporary setting without getting too bogged down in the details.
The book reads easily and is well-edited, and the supporting cast of characters are interesting and believable. The novel has a steady pace, and I found myself able to get through most long passages comfortably. The story of Steph and Izzy will keep the reader engaged throughout, and without giving away too much, the story reaches a satisfactory conclusion while delivering a clear message. This work allows the reader to view the horrors of war through a modern lens, while attempting to bridge the past and present in a way that is easily approachable. In this way, Among the Branded definitely succeeds.
If there is any criticism to be made about the book it probably lays with the dialogue. There is a lot of dialogue in the book, and characters will often spend entire chapters having just one conversation. This is fine for most of the novel, but there are also a few scenes where it drags on for too long, only to have the conversation end with non-satisfactory conclusion or a cliche. I didn’t think that these few instances were enough to warrant a full-star being deducted, but it was something that was noticeable. If you can be patient through these longer conversations, though, Among the Branded offers something for everyone, and is a book I think most readers will appreciate. I give it 4.5 stars, rounded up to 5.
Original Awesome Indies' Assessment (5 stars):
Among the Branded by Linda Smolkin is a contemporary fiction that reminds us that we might be done with the past, but the past isn’t done with us. The main character, Stephanie, attends a World War II event (Valor of the ’40s) with her family and purchases a bundle of authentic war letters which she at first believes to be romantic in nature. Her goal is to use them as part of an ancestry website she is building for work, but quickly finds out that the letters are not what they seem. What follows is a thought-provoking journey to reconcile the past with the present, as Stephanie befriends Izzy, a man whose connection to the letters will change both of their lives forever. The book is well-researched, and the historical elements compliment the contemporary setting without getting too bogged down in the details.
The book reads easily and is well-edited, and the supporting cast of characters are interesting and believable. The novel has a steady pace, and I found myself able to get through most long passages comfortably. The story of Steph and Izzy will keep the reader engaged throughout, and without giving away too much, the story reaches a satisfactory conclusion while delivering a clear message. This work allows the reader to view the horrors of war through a modern lens, while attempting to bridge the past and present in a way that is easily approachable. In this way, Among the Branded definitely succeeds.
If there is any criticism to be made about the book it probably lays with the dialogue. There is a lot of dialogue in the book, and characters will often spend entire chapters having just one conversation. This is fine for most of the novel, but there are also a few scenes where it drags on for too long, only to have the conversation end with non-satisfactory conclusion or a cliche. I didn’t think that these few instances were enough to warrant a full-star being deducted, but it was something that was noticeable. If you can be patient through these longer conversations, though, Among the Branded offers something for everyone, and is a book I think most readers will appreciate. I give it 4.5 stars, rounded up to 5.
April 15, 2022
Unexpected read
Wow this was not at all what I expected but I loved it. I love the history lesson that I got. I loved that it all started from buying love letters from a market. The connections betweem the family members and Izzy were amazing. It did start a little slow for me but about halfway through I just could not put it down!!! Loved it!!!
Wow this was not at all what I expected but I loved it. I love the history lesson that I got. I loved that it all started from buying love letters from a market. The connections betweem the family members and Izzy were amazing. It did start a little slow for me but about halfway through I just could not put it down!!! Loved it!!!
March 31, 2017
4 and 1 / 2 stars
This is a remarkable book.
Stephanie a forty-something advertising executive and mother of two goes to a 1940’s reenactment fair with her son and husband. On a whim she purchases some old love letters from the World War II. Amongst them she finds a letter from a mother pleading for assistance for her family. It was written from a concentration camp in France. She has a young son called Isadore who is just four years old.
She investigates and eventually meets up with Isadore, called “Izzy” by his friends. He is a charming seventy-five year old man who lives just two hours away from Stephanie. They become fast friends.
Stephanie comes to help Izzy find some peace with his past. She takes him to meet the French woman who rescued him from the camps. But he still doesn’t know what happened to his parents. He only knows, and Stephanie can only find out that they were shipped to Auschwitz.
This book takes the reader on a delightful journey through remembrance and friendship. With them come all the pain, joy and nostalgia the making of such memories can bring.
The book is very well written and plotted. I simply loved it! The story moves along apace and the transitions are well done. I am anxiously looking forward to reading the next book that Ms. Smolkin publishes.
I want to thank Netgalley and Linda Smolkin for forwarding to me a copy of this most wonderful book to read.
This is a remarkable book.
Stephanie a forty-something advertising executive and mother of two goes to a 1940’s reenactment fair with her son and husband. On a whim she purchases some old love letters from the World War II. Amongst them she finds a letter from a mother pleading for assistance for her family. It was written from a concentration camp in France. She has a young son called Isadore who is just four years old.
She investigates and eventually meets up with Isadore, called “Izzy” by his friends. He is a charming seventy-five year old man who lives just two hours away from Stephanie. They become fast friends.
Stephanie comes to help Izzy find some peace with his past. She takes him to meet the French woman who rescued him from the camps. But he still doesn’t know what happened to his parents. He only knows, and Stephanie can only find out that they were shipped to Auschwitz.
This book takes the reader on a delightful journey through remembrance and friendship. With them come all the pain, joy and nostalgia the making of such memories can bring.
The book is very well written and plotted. I simply loved it! The story moves along apace and the transitions are well done. I am anxiously looking forward to reading the next book that Ms. Smolkin publishes.
I want to thank Netgalley and Linda Smolkin for forwarding to me a copy of this most wonderful book to read.
November 3, 2018
This is a quiet, little story the embeds a big, complex issue. In trying to appease her younger son, Stephanie finds herself at a WWII reenactment event. During the course of things, she finds a letter written from a concentration camp in France. After doing some research the letter leads her to Izzy, a child of the camps who ended up in the United States. Through Izzy, Stephanie learns more of history as well as what it takes to live a good life. And through that relationship, she also question her values as a client's anti-Semitic past comes to play.
Again there a no big plot points, this is rather a slice of life, very realistically depicted.
Again there a no big plot points, this is rather a slice of life, very realistically depicted.
February 15, 2021
Among the Branded by Linda Smolkin is a contemporary novel with a historical twist. Though this novel has a holocaust element it is not a heavy read at all. The subject has been dealt with in such a subtle way that you are not left with the heavy feeling which we normally feel after reading the novels of that period. No mistake that it has elements of heart breaking emotions but there is also joy, laughter, friendships, courage and the most important thing family. I thoroughly enjoyed this novel.
4 stars
4 stars
June 10, 2018
Predictable
There's nothing particularly wrong with this book. However, it seemed shallow and the characters were 2 dimensional - they did nothing to leap off the page. It read more like a novel geared towards middle schoolers than adults.
There's nothing particularly wrong with this book. However, it seemed shallow and the characters were 2 dimensional - they did nothing to leap off the page. It read more like a novel geared towards middle schoolers than adults.
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