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Silver Music Box #2
Dreams of Silver
A single treasured keepsake links one unforgettable family across continents in this enthralling saga by Mina Baites, the author of The Silver Music Box.
London, 1963. I dream about my sister almost every night.
Lilian Morrison has one memento of her beloved sister, a battered silver music box. A family heirloom that was passed down through two world wars, the box was the key to Lilian’s recent, joyous reunion with the surviving members of her birth family, whom she lost many years earlier when she and her sister fled Hitler’s Germany on the Kindertransport. Now Lilian is compelled to investigate Emma’s final days after the girls were shipped to separate foster families in Britain and the time before Emma was killed in the London Blitz.
In London, as she searches for clues to retrace the past, Lilian finds that the anguish of war still reverberates after two decades. In Cape Town, her grandmother courageously protects innocent victims of violence, and in Dublin, a gifted woodworker creates a music box that is strangely similar to the one that Lilian owns. Separate lives will intertwine on a path of healing and hope as the hazy secrets of the past finally come to light.
London, 1963. I dream about my sister almost every night.
Lilian Morrison has one memento of her beloved sister, a battered silver music box. A family heirloom that was passed down through two world wars, the box was the key to Lilian’s recent, joyous reunion with the surviving members of her birth family, whom she lost many years earlier when she and her sister fled Hitler’s Germany on the Kindertransport. Now Lilian is compelled to investigate Emma’s final days after the girls were shipped to separate foster families in Britain and the time before Emma was killed in the London Blitz.
In London, as she searches for clues to retrace the past, Lilian finds that the anguish of war still reverberates after two decades. In Cape Town, her grandmother courageously protects innocent victims of violence, and in Dublin, a gifted woodworker creates a music box that is strangely similar to the one that Lilian owns. Separate lives will intertwine on a path of healing and hope as the hazy secrets of the past finally come to light.
272 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 24, 2018
683 people are currently reading
1760 people want to read
About the author
Mina Baites
14 books88 followersMina Baites alias Iris Klockmann is a born storyteller.
As a little child she entertained her family with childish adventures and could not wait to read and write on her own. At the age of seven she read so many books that she nearly exasperated her parents.
However, it was only many years later that she had the space and the time to write down all her uncountable ideas. At that time she already had children of her own and made up bed time stories.
Her daughters were extremely excited because their mother’s talent and passion will not go to waste.
The succesful writer has been publishing comtemporary and historical novels for ten years now. Two short stories were published in the United States by Dover Publications, New York.
As a little child she entertained her family with childish adventures and could not wait to read and write on her own. At the age of seven she read so many books that she nearly exasperated her parents.
However, it was only many years later that she had the space and the time to write down all her uncountable ideas. At that time she already had children of her own and made up bed time stories.
Her daughters were extremely excited because their mother’s talent and passion will not go to waste.
The succesful writer has been publishing comtemporary and historical novels for ten years now. Two short stories were published in the United States by Dover Publications, New York.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 118 reviews
January 23, 2019
This is the sequel to Silver Music Box written by a German author who had a translator translate it to English. Just how does one go about reviewing a book like this? A book that is so full of emotion it gave me a lump in my throat and clouded my eyes through the tears that fell so I couldn't read it for a bit. A family heirloom, a silver music box crafted in 1914 links surviving members. It has been passed down through two world wars. I do recommend you read the Silver Music Box first to get a full understanding of the story. This book kept me captivated from beginning to end and reading into the wee hours of the morning.
Pub Date 13 Nov 2018
I was given a complimentary copy of this book from AmazonCrossing through NetGalley. Thank you. All opinions expressed are my own.
Pub Date 13 Nov 2018
I was given a complimentary copy of this book from AmazonCrossing through NetGalley. Thank you. All opinions expressed are my own.
December 10, 2018
I was happy to see that the author had written a sequel to "The Silver Music Box". I loved the first book for it's writing and story. However, I felt like "Dreams of Silver" a bit disappointing. It did bring the story to a conclusion. But some of the heart of the story was missing. I felt like it was more of a biography than the first book. I realize that these books are based on fact, but the writing was much more analytical than in the first book. I completely loved the story, but thought it could have benefited from more emotion occasionally.
Thank you to NetGalley and Amazon Crossing for the opportunity to read and provide an honest review of this book.
Thank you to NetGalley and Amazon Crossing for the opportunity to read and provide an honest review of this book.
June 8, 2019
In the second, and I believe last, book of this series, we continue to follow the Blumenthal family post-WWII as they continue to piece together the puzzle of what happened to their lost family members during and after the war, mainly Lillian's sister Margueritte, who was put on the Kinder Transport the same time as Lillian.
This was a much more sedate story, since there wasn't the threat of the Nazi regime and the Holocaust, but that doesn't mean the characters weren't still impacted by the lingering effects of that time period. While it was also predictable, I was interested in the things that this story brought to light that you don't hear too much about, like the various ways that fraudsters benefited from the war and used it to their own selfish ends, not caring how they further hurt those who were already vulnerable.
There's also a subplot with Lotte in Cape Town, South Africa. Apartheid was in full swing during this time, Mandela was in prison, and the legacy of the Nazi regime continued on in the way South Africa was divided and suppressed by the white dictators in power. Lotte sees what's happening and she decides to act, to help a black woman, Dede who is being targeted by the oppression. There were some harrowing parts to her story:
The story does end on a positive note, jumping forward a few decades to see the impact of the Blumenthal's legacy on the next generations.
Jane Oppenheimer again does a great job with the narration. She doesn't always do well with the male voices, but she doesn't try to force it which makes up for it. She gets emotive at times but mostly settles into the storyteller style of narrating.
This was a much more sedate story, since there wasn't the threat of the Nazi regime and the Holocaust, but that doesn't mean the characters weren't still impacted by the lingering effects of that time period. While it was also predictable, I was interested in the things that this story brought to light that you don't hear too much about, like the various ways that fraudsters benefited from the war and used it to their own selfish ends, not caring how they further hurt those who were already vulnerable.
There's also a subplot with Lotte in Cape Town, South Africa. Apartheid was in full swing during this time, Mandela was in prison, and the legacy of the Nazi regime continued on in the way South Africa was divided and suppressed by the white dictators in power. Lotte sees what's happening and she decides to act, to help a black woman, Dede who is being targeted by the oppression. There were some harrowing parts to her story:
The story does end on a positive note, jumping forward a few decades to see the impact of the Blumenthal's legacy on the next generations.
Jane Oppenheimer again does a great job with the narration. She doesn't always do well with the male voices, but she doesn't try to force it which makes up for it. She gets emotive at times but mostly settles into the storyteller style of narrating.
December 4, 2018
Dreams of Silver: A Novel is by Mina Baites and translated by Alison Layland. This book is a sequel to The Silver Music Box. it is the story of young Jewish girls who are separated at a young age when brought to England on the Kindertransport. The young sisters were separated without much thought to their being sisters. This was something that happened fairly often as people were not able to take in more than one child or didn’t want one as old as nine or as young as a year old. Whatever the reason, the two sisters were separated with the older one giving her younger sister a silver music box. The music box had been specifically made by their grandfather for their own father when he was just four. Margarethe had loved that box so at four, her Father gave it to her to keep. She had taken it everywhere with her. Now, she was giving it to her little sister to keep. Maybe it would bring them back together.
After the war, Paul Blumenthal had gone to England to try to find his little girls. His wife had been killed before he had been taken to the camps. His Mother had gone to Cape Town before the war got started. All he had left was his girls; but he was unable to find them. The authorities gave no preference to parents who had survived the Holocaust. Finally, he had to give up. He also went to Cape Town; but never gave up hope. Eventually, his younger daughter found herself back to the family. It was only then that she learned she had a sister. She was determined not to give up on finding out what happened to her sister. Though the authorities said she had died, Lily was determined to find out as much as possible about her. This meant going from Cape Town to Europe, to London, and finally to Switzerland. She followed every scrap of information.
The book is a really good one and really takes you into the life of children who only want to survive and be reunited with their families.
After the war, Paul Blumenthal had gone to England to try to find his little girls. His wife had been killed before he had been taken to the camps. His Mother had gone to Cape Town before the war got started. All he had left was his girls; but he was unable to find them. The authorities gave no preference to parents who had survived the Holocaust. Finally, he had to give up. He also went to Cape Town; but never gave up hope. Eventually, his younger daughter found herself back to the family. It was only then that she learned she had a sister. She was determined not to give up on finding out what happened to her sister. Though the authorities said she had died, Lily was determined to find out as much as possible about her. This meant going from Cape Town to Europe, to London, and finally to Switzerland. She followed every scrap of information.
The book is a really good one and really takes you into the life of children who only want to survive and be reunited with their families.
December 16, 2018
This book tells the story of a German-Jewish family separated during WWII. Two young girls were part of the Kindertransport to England. Circumstances separated the sisters, and now as adults each is trying to piece together their memories of their childhood and family. I have only read a couple of books that have been translated into English, but I found the translation to be good. I have not read the first book, but was easily able to follow the story-line. I found the story to be heartwarming.
I won this book in a Goodreads giveaway and was not required to write a review. All opinions expressed are my own.
I won this book in a Goodreads giveaway and was not required to write a review. All opinions expressed are my own.
November 18, 2018
4 stars
It would really aid the reader if they read Ms. Baites' first novel in this series first. It is called The Silver Music Box.
This story, the second in a series, begins in 1963. Lilian and her fiancé Sam are leaving London to go to live with her grandmother Lotte and her father Peter in South Africa. They are wrapping up things in London and Lilian wants to learn more about the fate of her sister Emma who was killed in an air raid in the 1940’s.
There is much back story, but Ms. Baites fills it in nicely for the reader.
What follows is a journey from South Africa to London and then to Ireland. It is the story of a young woman who searches for clues about her sister and won’t stop until she finds out the truth.
Although the book is rather predictable, there are some surprises and many very nice moments. Ms. Baites sets a scene very well and describes situations and emotions quite vividly. She vividly describes how the pain of the Holocaust carries through generations on an almost daily basis. I liked that the author interjected Dede into the story and her friendship with Lotte. In the early 1960’s in South Africa, this was a very dangerous situation – as well described in the book. It did not occur to me before reading this the close parallels between apartheid and the persecution of the Jewish people. Very well done, Ms. Baites! I am most certainly looking forward to reading your next book. Hats off to the translator of this novel. Alison Layland. You also did a great job!
I want to thank NetGalley and AmazonCrossing for forwarding to me a copy of this remarkable book for me to read, enjoy and review.
It would really aid the reader if they read Ms. Baites' first novel in this series first. It is called The Silver Music Box.
This story, the second in a series, begins in 1963. Lilian and her fiancé Sam are leaving London to go to live with her grandmother Lotte and her father Peter in South Africa. They are wrapping up things in London and Lilian wants to learn more about the fate of her sister Emma who was killed in an air raid in the 1940’s.
There is much back story, but Ms. Baites fills it in nicely for the reader.
What follows is a journey from South Africa to London and then to Ireland. It is the story of a young woman who searches for clues about her sister and won’t stop until she finds out the truth.
Although the book is rather predictable, there are some surprises and many very nice moments. Ms. Baites sets a scene very well and describes situations and emotions quite vividly. She vividly describes how the pain of the Holocaust carries through generations on an almost daily basis. I liked that the author interjected Dede into the story and her friendship with Lotte. In the early 1960’s in South Africa, this was a very dangerous situation – as well described in the book. It did not occur to me before reading this the close parallels between apartheid and the persecution of the Jewish people. Very well done, Ms. Baites! I am most certainly looking forward to reading your next book. Hats off to the translator of this novel. Alison Layland. You also did a great job!
I want to thank NetGalley and AmazonCrossing for forwarding to me a copy of this remarkable book for me to read, enjoy and review.
October 20, 2018
This book was a bit lukewarm for my tastes. I'd gone in expecting a heady World War 2 historical fiction and got a somewhat watered down version of it. The mystery was pretty evident from the beginning of the book, not leaving much to draw the reader in. I could not connect with any of the characters, although the author did a fine job in discussing the existential dilemma faced by someone forced to abandon their identity and their homeland. The parallels drawn between Holocaust survivors and those protesting against the apartheid system gave a fresh and interesting perspective. There were some jarring bits- such as a few rough transitions between scenes and word usage that did not seem to fit in with the time period. There was a lot of telling rather than showing in the narration. Overall, it was a satisfactory read, but one lacking depth.
June 9, 2019
Dreams of Silver is the sequel to The Silver Music Box and I really enjoyed following the life of this music box through two fantastic books. The story takes place during WWI and the beginnings of WWII, but it's not your normal war or concentration camp story. It's about a family's progression and life during such tumultuous times, as shown through the life of this music box that was handmade by the father who's leaving for WWI and leaves it to his son as a remembrance. I found the author did an amazing job moving the story along in step with the character who had the music box at the time. Some knew about it, others had no idea what the meaning of it was and had to figure out what it meant to them. The characters are real and inviting, you want to know them. I truly enjoyed this story and like I said it's not your typical war story, but it's a great read and for not having heard anything about it prior to reading the 2 books, I'm very glad I chose them.
March 8, 2021
Sequel to The Silver Music Box.
December 13, 2018
Good story
I received this book as a prize from Goodreads giveaways. This was a nice, quick read. I didn't realize that this was a sequel until about 3/4 of the book was read. I originally thought it was a stand alone book. I would have given this book 4 stars if it wasn't so predictable. I enjoyed the storyline but there was a point later in the book when I just wanted the story to be over with because I had a feeling on how it was going to end.
I received this book as a prize from Goodreads giveaways. This was a nice, quick read. I didn't realize that this was a sequel until about 3/4 of the book was read. I originally thought it was a stand alone book. I would have given this book 4 stars if it wasn't so predictable. I enjoyed the storyline but there was a point later in the book when I just wanted the story to be over with because I had a feeling on how it was going to end.
January 31, 2021
I was so happy there was a sequel to The Silver Music Box. I think you must read it before reading this book. I learned about Gunter Demnig and his STOLPERSTEINE project that has a waiting list today until October of 2019. Demnig lays stones for victims of the holocaust at their last residences in Europe inscribed with their name, date of birth and where they were murdered. He believes “A person is only forgotten when his or her name is forgotten.” His mission is to make sure no victim of the holocaust is ever forgotten by laying these stones where everyone walking by can see them. Please make sure to look this project up, it is fascinating.
June 6, 2018
Lilian Morrison hat endlich ihre Familie gefunden und führt mit ihrem Verlobten Sam ein schönes Leben in Kapstadt. Doch sehnt sie sich danach, herauszufinden, was mit ihrer Schwester geworden ist, die sie nach der Flucht ihrer Eltern aus Deutschland in den Wirren des zweiten Weltkrieges verloren hat. Lilian war zwar noch ein Baby, doch ihr Vater erzählt immer wieder liebevoll von ihrer großen Schwester.
Zusammen mit Sam und ihrem Vater reist sie nach England, um dort noch etliche Dinge zu regeln, bevor sie endgültig nach Kapstadt zieht. Dabei stößt sie auf eine Spur, bei der sie Details über den Tod ihrer Schwester erfährt. Derart angesteckt, will sie nun endgültig wissen, was passiert ist.
Währenddessen kämpft Lilians Großmutter Lotte gegen den Rassismus, der in Südafrika herrscht. Und Ceara Foley, die in Dublin eine Schreiner-Werkstatt führt, baut ein Kästchen aus Holz, verziert mit Motiven, welche ihr im Traum erschienen sind.
Mit dem ersten Teil "Die silberne Spieldose" hat mich die Autorin in eine Welt geführt, in der Trauer, Not und Tod eine große Rolle spielen. Die Verfolgung der Juden, die damit verbundene Not und das Auseinanderreißen der Familie standen im Mittelpunkt.
Im zweiten Teil spinnt die Autorin die Geschichte weiter und erzählt, wie es den einzelnen Charakteren ergangen ist, nachdem ihnen die Flucht in das weit entfernte Kapstadt gelungen ist.
Diesmal dreht sich die Geschichte nicht um Paul Blumenthal, der aber eine größere Nebenrolle spielt. Wir befassen uns mit Lilian, die endlich einen großen Teil ihrer Familie wiedergefunden hat. Auch die Liebe meint es gut mit ihr. Sie ist verlobt mit Sam und beide wollen gemeinsam in Kapstadt ein neues Leben beginnen.
Doch immer wieder nagt es an Lilian, denn sie vermisst ihre Schwester, die leider bei einer Bombenexplosion im Zweiten Weltkrieg ums Leben kam.
Lilian ist eine sehr sympathische Frau. Sie versucht, es jedem Recht zu machen, auch sich selbst und so nimmt sie den Kampf mit sich selbst auf und versucht herauszufinden, was passiert ist. Dies wird sehr emotional und ich konnte sehr gut mit ihr mitfühlen. Ebenso war ich froh, Taschentücher griffbereit zu haben.
Als zweiten Strang erleben wir, wie Lotte, Lilians Großmutter, mit den Tücken des Rassismus zu kämpfen hat. Lotte führt ein Haus namens Blue Heart, in dem benachteiligte Personen für kurze Zeit Unterschlupf finden können. Frauen und Kinder bekommen dort Hilfe, Essen und einen Platz zum Schlafen, wenn es mal knapp wird. Als eines Tages eine schwarze Frau dort Unterschlupf bekommt, soll Lotte dafür büßen.
Der dritte Hauptteil führt uns nach Dublin in eine Schreiner-Werkstatt, die von Ceara Foley geführt wird. Ceara hat immer wiederkehrende Albträume, Ängste und ist auch sonst eine sehr introvertierte Person. Allerdings führt sie eine glückliche Ehe mit ihrem Mann Aiden. Als die Ängste eines Tages überhand nehmen, holt sie sich professionelle Hilfe. Ein Psychiater führt sie zu den Ursprüngen der Ängste zurück. Allerdings leidet Ceara an Amnesie. Seit sie bei einer Explosion mit 9 Jahren knapp mit dem Leben davongekommen ist, weiß sie nicht mehr, was vorher alles passiert ist.
Diese drei Frauen verbindet so vieles und es ist sehr spannend und auch sehr emotional zu lesen, wie die drei Stränge sich langsam miteinander vermischen. Die Charaktere muss man einfach gern haben, da sie authentisch sind. Sie haben so viel Tiefe und man merkt auch deutlich, dass die Autorin die Charaktere sehr lieb gewonnen hat. Denn gerade die gefühlvolle Erzählweise der einzelnen Geschehnisse macht die Geschichte zu etwas sehr Besonderem.
Insbesondere Peter, Lilians Vater, hat mich sehr berührt. Er ist es, der am meisten verdient hat, zu wissen, was passiert ist. Sein Leidensweg, der im ersten Teil "Die silberne Spieldose" beginnt, endet erst im zweiten Teil und dies mit einer sehr wunderschönen, sehr rührenden Geste seines Enkelsohnes.
Fazit:
Ein gefühlvoller zweiter Teil, der mir die Familie "Blumenthal" noch etwas näher gebracht hat.
Zusammen mit Sam und ihrem Vater reist sie nach England, um dort noch etliche Dinge zu regeln, bevor sie endgültig nach Kapstadt zieht. Dabei stößt sie auf eine Spur, bei der sie Details über den Tod ihrer Schwester erfährt. Derart angesteckt, will sie nun endgültig wissen, was passiert ist.
Währenddessen kämpft Lilians Großmutter Lotte gegen den Rassismus, der in Südafrika herrscht. Und Ceara Foley, die in Dublin eine Schreiner-Werkstatt führt, baut ein Kästchen aus Holz, verziert mit Motiven, welche ihr im Traum erschienen sind.
Mit dem ersten Teil "Die silberne Spieldose" hat mich die Autorin in eine Welt geführt, in der Trauer, Not und Tod eine große Rolle spielen. Die Verfolgung der Juden, die damit verbundene Not und das Auseinanderreißen der Familie standen im Mittelpunkt.
Im zweiten Teil spinnt die Autorin die Geschichte weiter und erzählt, wie es den einzelnen Charakteren ergangen ist, nachdem ihnen die Flucht in das weit entfernte Kapstadt gelungen ist.
Diesmal dreht sich die Geschichte nicht um Paul Blumenthal, der aber eine größere Nebenrolle spielt. Wir befassen uns mit Lilian, die endlich einen großen Teil ihrer Familie wiedergefunden hat. Auch die Liebe meint es gut mit ihr. Sie ist verlobt mit Sam und beide wollen gemeinsam in Kapstadt ein neues Leben beginnen.
Doch immer wieder nagt es an Lilian, denn sie vermisst ihre Schwester, die leider bei einer Bombenexplosion im Zweiten Weltkrieg ums Leben kam.
Lilian ist eine sehr sympathische Frau. Sie versucht, es jedem Recht zu machen, auch sich selbst und so nimmt sie den Kampf mit sich selbst auf und versucht herauszufinden, was passiert ist. Dies wird sehr emotional und ich konnte sehr gut mit ihr mitfühlen. Ebenso war ich froh, Taschentücher griffbereit zu haben.
Als zweiten Strang erleben wir, wie Lotte, Lilians Großmutter, mit den Tücken des Rassismus zu kämpfen hat. Lotte führt ein Haus namens Blue Heart, in dem benachteiligte Personen für kurze Zeit Unterschlupf finden können. Frauen und Kinder bekommen dort Hilfe, Essen und einen Platz zum Schlafen, wenn es mal knapp wird. Als eines Tages eine schwarze Frau dort Unterschlupf bekommt, soll Lotte dafür büßen.
Der dritte Hauptteil führt uns nach Dublin in eine Schreiner-Werkstatt, die von Ceara Foley geführt wird. Ceara hat immer wiederkehrende Albträume, Ängste und ist auch sonst eine sehr introvertierte Person. Allerdings führt sie eine glückliche Ehe mit ihrem Mann Aiden. Als die Ängste eines Tages überhand nehmen, holt sie sich professionelle Hilfe. Ein Psychiater führt sie zu den Ursprüngen der Ängste zurück. Allerdings leidet Ceara an Amnesie. Seit sie bei einer Explosion mit 9 Jahren knapp mit dem Leben davongekommen ist, weiß sie nicht mehr, was vorher alles passiert ist.
Diese drei Frauen verbindet so vieles und es ist sehr spannend und auch sehr emotional zu lesen, wie die drei Stränge sich langsam miteinander vermischen. Die Charaktere muss man einfach gern haben, da sie authentisch sind. Sie haben so viel Tiefe und man merkt auch deutlich, dass die Autorin die Charaktere sehr lieb gewonnen hat. Denn gerade die gefühlvolle Erzählweise der einzelnen Geschehnisse macht die Geschichte zu etwas sehr Besonderem.
Insbesondere Peter, Lilians Vater, hat mich sehr berührt. Er ist es, der am meisten verdient hat, zu wissen, was passiert ist. Sein Leidensweg, der im ersten Teil "Die silberne Spieldose" beginnt, endet erst im zweiten Teil und dies mit einer sehr wunderschönen, sehr rührenden Geste seines Enkelsohnes.
Fazit:
Ein gefühlvoller zweiter Teil, der mir die Familie "Blumenthal" noch etwas näher gebracht hat.
July 2, 2018
Die Autorin Mina Baites führt uns in ihrem Roman "Träume aus Silber" zu Lilian, die ihre Familie in Kapstadt wiedergefunden hat. Lilian kann ihre ältere Schwester Emma nicht vergessen und möchte mehr darüber erfahren, wie diese ihre Zeit in England verbracht hat. Zusammen mit ihrem Vater Peter und ihrem Freund Sam reisen sie nach London. Sam, der Lehrer ist, gibt seine Arbeit in London auf, weil er auch in Kapstadt leben möchte. Durch das Rote Kreuz erfahren sie, daß Emma bei der Familie Murphy als Pflegekind gelebt hat und bei einem Bombenangriff ums Leben kam. Emmas Totenschein wurde von einem Arzt ausgestellt, der wegen Dokumentenfälschungen belangt wurde. Bei ihren Nachforschungen kommen immer mehr Ungereimtheiten zu Tage. Aber sie geben nicht auf und forschen weiter!
Die Autorin hat nach dem ersten Teil des Romans "Die silberne Spieldose" die ergreifende Geschichte mit "Träume aus Silber" weitergeführt. Man kann den zweiten Teil auch lesen, wenn man das erste Buch noch nicht kennt. Die Autorin versteht es sehr gut, die vorherigen Geschehnisse in das neue Buch einzubringen.
Der Schreibstil ist flüssig und spannend. Erzählt wird die Geschichte aus drei Perspektiven. Da ist zum einen Lilian, mit ihren Nachforschungen in England, dazu kommt die taffe Großmutter Lotte und ihr Leben in Kapstadt, und zu guter Letzt die irische Schreinerin Ceara Foley und ihr unruhiges Leben.
Je weiter die Geschichte fortschreitet, desto mehr Einzelheiten werden bekannt. Die Puzzleteile müssen zu einem Ganzen zusammengefügt werden, eine Arbeit, die für alle Beteiligten sehr emotional ist.
Man kann sich sehr gut in die Protagonisten hineinversetzen. Die Autorin hat mit viel Gefühl eine Familiengeschichte geschrieben, deren Mitglieder viel ertragen mußten in Zeiten des Krieges und danach.
Es ist wichtig, seine Spuren zu kennen, damit man sich selbst finden kann. Und was ebenso wichtig ist, ist die Familie.
Ich kann diese Geschichte sehr weiterempfehlen!
Die Autorin hat nach dem ersten Teil des Romans "Die silberne Spieldose" die ergreifende Geschichte mit "Träume aus Silber" weitergeführt. Man kann den zweiten Teil auch lesen, wenn man das erste Buch noch nicht kennt. Die Autorin versteht es sehr gut, die vorherigen Geschehnisse in das neue Buch einzubringen.
Der Schreibstil ist flüssig und spannend. Erzählt wird die Geschichte aus drei Perspektiven. Da ist zum einen Lilian, mit ihren Nachforschungen in England, dazu kommt die taffe Großmutter Lotte und ihr Leben in Kapstadt, und zu guter Letzt die irische Schreinerin Ceara Foley und ihr unruhiges Leben.
Je weiter die Geschichte fortschreitet, desto mehr Einzelheiten werden bekannt. Die Puzzleteile müssen zu einem Ganzen zusammengefügt werden, eine Arbeit, die für alle Beteiligten sehr emotional ist.
Man kann sich sehr gut in die Protagonisten hineinversetzen. Die Autorin hat mit viel Gefühl eine Familiengeschichte geschrieben, deren Mitglieder viel ertragen mußten in Zeiten des Krieges und danach.
Es ist wichtig, seine Spuren zu kennen, damit man sich selbst finden kann. Und was ebenso wichtig ist, ist die Familie.
Ich kann diese Geschichte sehr weiterempfehlen!
April 19, 2019
Memories in a Box
In “The Silver Music Box” Mina Baites carefully and lovingly chronicled the lives of the German Jewish family of Paul Blumenthal as they fled Germany during WWII and emigrated to South Africa. In “Dreams of Silver” Baites continues the saga as Paul’s daughter Lilian is determined to find out about her older sister Emma and the circumstances surrounding her death. The quest covers continents and uncovers some startling but hopeful information as she doggedly deepens her search for information. The thread tying the many lives and stories together is the silver music box, a much loved family heirloom that Emma gave to Lilian when they were separated as they were loaded onto the Kindertransport in Nazi Germany. The tension builds as the sequel unfolds and is heightened by the striking parallels with the horrors of apartheid in South Africa. The narrative is delivered in two voices, those of Lilian in London and Ceara in Ireland and the reader is enveloped by Paul’s extended family. The suspense held my attention until the denouement but what followed felt like extraneous details. Although in all fairness, even though the details were pertinent, I’m not sure they were really necessary. While not as compelling as the first book, this is still a very good read. Four stars.
In “The Silver Music Box” Mina Baites carefully and lovingly chronicled the lives of the German Jewish family of Paul Blumenthal as they fled Germany during WWII and emigrated to South Africa. In “Dreams of Silver” Baites continues the saga as Paul’s daughter Lilian is determined to find out about her older sister Emma and the circumstances surrounding her death. The quest covers continents and uncovers some startling but hopeful information as she doggedly deepens her search for information. The thread tying the many lives and stories together is the silver music box, a much loved family heirloom that Emma gave to Lilian when they were separated as they were loaded onto the Kindertransport in Nazi Germany. The tension builds as the sequel unfolds and is heightened by the striking parallels with the horrors of apartheid in South Africa. The narrative is delivered in two voices, those of Lilian in London and Ceara in Ireland and the reader is enveloped by Paul’s extended family. The suspense held my attention until the denouement but what followed felt like extraneous details. Although in all fairness, even though the details were pertinent, I’m not sure they were really necessary. While not as compelling as the first book, this is still a very good read. Four stars.
August 15, 2022
4.5/5
I enjoyed this book tremendously. The characters the author created pulled me in and I wanted and needed to know where the characters are going and how they are developing.
The story was somewhat predictable and within the first few chapters, you could tell what was going on and happening and how each character connects which the others. Was this a bad thing? Honestly, no. This is a deep book and difficult to follow along and having this air of predictability in the book allows a little reprieve for you to be able to connect which each character and fully enjoy the book.
I have not read the 1st book The Silver Music Box and this book does really good by standing on its own, no need to read the 1st book. The only link is the fact that during this book . However, will this prevent me from reading the 1st book? Oh no - on the contrary, it makes me want to read the book even more. I will definitely keep an eye out for it.
Theme: 5/5
Storyline: 4.5/5
Characters: 5/5
I enjoyed this book tremendously. The characters the author created pulled me in and I wanted and needed to know where the characters are going and how they are developing.
The story was somewhat predictable and within the first few chapters, you could tell what was going on and happening and how each character connects which the others. Was this a bad thing? Honestly, no. This is a deep book and difficult to follow along and having this air of predictability in the book allows a little reprieve for you to be able to connect which each character and fully enjoy the book.
I have not read the 1st book The Silver Music Box and this book does really good by standing on its own, no need to read the 1st book. The only link is the fact that during this book . However, will this prevent me from reading the 1st book? Oh no - on the contrary, it makes me want to read the book even more. I will definitely keep an eye out for it.
Theme: 5/5
Storyline: 4.5/5
Characters: 5/5
May 30, 2018
1963. Lilian Morrison ist überglücklich, ihre Familie in Kapstadt wiedergefunden zu haben. Doch das Schicksal ihrer Schwester Emma, die als Neunjährige im Londoner Bombenhagel starb, lässt sie nicht los und sie reist nach London. Dort stößt sie auf verwirrende Details, die ihr Leben ins Wanken bringen. Indes gerät Lilians Großmutter Lotte in Kapstadt zwischen politische Fronten, als sie sich für eine Schwarze einsetzt. Am anderen Ende der Welt in Dublin kämpft die Tischlerin Ceara Foley gegen verwirrende Alpträume und fertigt ein hölzernes Spielkästchen mit einem besonderen Kindermotiv an.
Was haben die drei Frauen miteinander zu tun? Wird es der silbernen Spieldose abermals gelingen, die Familie Blumenthal zu vereinen? (Quelle: Amazon)
Ich kannte den ersten Teil nicht und habe das Buch ohne Vorkenntnisse gelesen. Die Autorin hat alles so bildschemenhaft beschrieben, dass man sich alles gut vorstellen konnte. Das Buch war gut recherchiert und für den verständlich erklärt. Natürlich gab es auch viele geschichtliche Aspekte, die in einem historischen Buch schließlich vorkommen sollten.
Geniale Geschichte, toll umgesetzt, deswegen gibt es von mir dafür 5 von 5 Sternen.
Was haben die drei Frauen miteinander zu tun? Wird es der silbernen Spieldose abermals gelingen, die Familie Blumenthal zu vereinen? (Quelle: Amazon)
Ich kannte den ersten Teil nicht und habe das Buch ohne Vorkenntnisse gelesen. Die Autorin hat alles so bildschemenhaft beschrieben, dass man sich alles gut vorstellen konnte. Das Buch war gut recherchiert und für den verständlich erklärt. Natürlich gab es auch viele geschichtliche Aspekte, die in einem historischen Buch schließlich vorkommen sollten.
Geniale Geschichte, toll umgesetzt, deswegen gibt es von mir dafür 5 von 5 Sternen.
June 16, 2019
The value of a keepsake
It pained me to give this book only 3 stars, and I did so only because this book and its predecessor (The Silver Music Box) really need to be read together.
I had read the first volume months ago and loved it. It was obvious even then that there was more to this story. When I started reading this book, I realized that I needed to refresh my memory. So, that’s exactly what I did.
Then, I immediately read “Dreams of Silver” and was completely taken in by the story. Anyone who reads “Dreams of Silver” without “The Silver Music Box” is doing themselves and the author (Mina Baites) a disservice.
Together, these two books are an exceptional read. Any reader who is interested in family connections (their own or others) should read these two volumes together. Thank you, Mina Baites!I’ve thought about going back to change my rating, but without Book 1, other readers would definitely question my judgement!
Maybe I should give the two books 10*s. **********
It pained me to give this book only 3 stars, and I did so only because this book and its predecessor (The Silver Music Box) really need to be read together.
I had read the first volume months ago and loved it. It was obvious even then that there was more to this story. When I started reading this book, I realized that I needed to refresh my memory. So, that’s exactly what I did.
Then, I immediately read “Dreams of Silver” and was completely taken in by the story. Anyone who reads “Dreams of Silver” without “The Silver Music Box” is doing themselves and the author (Mina Baites) a disservice.
Together, these two books are an exceptional read. Any reader who is interested in family connections (their own or others) should read these two volumes together. Thank you, Mina Baites!I’ve thought about going back to change my rating, but without Book 1, other readers would definitely question my judgement!
Maybe I should give the two books 10*s. **********
November 5, 2018
I was so excited to find out that Mina Baites wrote a sequel to The Silver Music Box. I really enjoyed the first novel, which followed a Jewish, German family from the beginning of WWI through the early 1960's. I was captivated by their story and the writing and was saddened that there wasn't more resolution for the family at the end of the first novel. The second novel, Dreams of Silver, picked up right where the first book left off. The author does a nice job of filling in details from the first book, so it could be read as a standalone, but it is a far more powerful story if you read both of the books. It was a stunning glimpse into the far-reaching effects of war, long after the dust settles. What happens to the people affected after the world goes on. I really enjoyed this book and look forward to any other books that Mina Baites writes.
I received a copy of this title from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review
I received a copy of this title from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review
May 25, 2020
This was a very interesting read. It followed the Blumenthal family as they tried to fit together the pieces of their lives and discover what happened during and after World War 2. The children left Nazi Germany on Kindertransports so as you can imagine some of this story was a little upsetting. The children ended up living with host families and not a lot is know about their lives once Lillian and Margueritte were settled. I was very interested in learning about society at the time this novel was set bu the part of the novel set in Cape town was incredibly interesting also as we learn about Lillian's grandmother's live. It is set during Nelson Mandela's imprisonment and although it was set many year's after the Nazi dictatorship the apartheid regime mirrored many of the Nazi's policies and behaviour. This was a really enjoyable read and a very clever piece of fiction. I really enjoyed it and I definitely recommend!!!
March 12, 2019
This continuation of the family saga begun in The Silver Music Box is a pleasure to read and a delight for the genealogist in all of us. Yes, folks, this is a novel based on true events. This could be your family - discovering long lost relatives, enjoying the family stories, showing off that one heirloom that binds you all together.
The search for family becomes a mystery of huge proportions. Facing racial and ethical inequalities, police ineffectiveness, document forging and identity alteration, Lillian refuses to give up. The net of invisible threads reaching across cities, countries, continents to connect memories and families, and finally to close an open police case from the 1940's.
Published by Amazon Crossing, Seattle, 2018
The search for family becomes a mystery of huge proportions. Facing racial and ethical inequalities, police ineffectiveness, document forging and identity alteration, Lillian refuses to give up. The net of invisible threads reaching across cities, countries, continents to connect memories and families, and finally to close an open police case from the 1940's.
Published by Amazon Crossing, Seattle, 2018
November 11, 2021
Beautiful and haunting...
This is the second book and you must read the first one. It astounds me that everything in these stories actually happened. That it is actual history. As a story, it of course has a happy ending but for so many there was only horror. How can we as humans ever see another as less than ourselves!? These stories are going to stick with me... hope for my own happy ending though I know I my struggles will never be as hard. May all peoples seen as different or less than, know themselves to be more than what others think and may those others realize we are all the same. We are one. Thank you Mina for piercing my heart. And I'm really glad for the 2nd book, I didn't know there was another but was very happy there was more. Bless you.
This is the second book and you must read the first one. It astounds me that everything in these stories actually happened. That it is actual history. As a story, it of course has a happy ending but for so many there was only horror. How can we as humans ever see another as less than ourselves!? These stories are going to stick with me... hope for my own happy ending though I know I my struggles will never be as hard. May all peoples seen as different or less than, know themselves to be more than what others think and may those others realize we are all the same. We are one. Thank you Mina for piercing my heart. And I'm really glad for the 2nd book, I didn't know there was another but was very happy there was more. Bless you.
January 17, 2022
Moves quickly
Although the first novel, The Silver Music Box, moved slowly in the beginning, the sequel hit the ground running. A read could read this novel by itself, bit would understand the characters better if the novels were read in order.
So many themes are covered in this novel, but have taken on different clothing. Ethnic and racial segregation change color in Cape Town from olive to black, but s hatred is the engine that moved both the Jewish segregation and apartheid.
The book moved quickly and it seems that every chapter begins some drain to cry or cringe. Sisters have been separated, the truth withheld, identities were changed for profit all for "the child's best interest". But, despite all of that, memory, music, and love's power triumph.
Although the first novel, The Silver Music Box, moved slowly in the beginning, the sequel hit the ground running. A read could read this novel by itself, bit would understand the characters better if the novels were read in order.
So many themes are covered in this novel, but have taken on different clothing. Ethnic and racial segregation change color in Cape Town from olive to black, but s hatred is the engine that moved both the Jewish segregation and apartheid.
The book moved quickly and it seems that every chapter begins some drain to cry or cringe. Sisters have been separated, the truth withheld, identities were changed for profit all for "the child's best interest". But, despite all of that, memory, music, and love's power triumph.
June 11, 2019
[read in German]
Fascinating sequel to earlier volume. A mixture of detective story and biography, albeit of fictitious characters. Difficult and painful topics are addressed around the adoption of war orphans, apartheid in South Africa and family relationships. Sometimes some of the story seems almost too simple and straightforward - but perhaps this is necessary in order to keep control of the length and complexity of the novel. As with the earlier volume, this is an important book dealing with topics equally relevant in Western Europe today. I particularly appreciated the ending, which led to a few tears.
Fascinating sequel to earlier volume. A mixture of detective story and biography, albeit of fictitious characters. Difficult and painful topics are addressed around the adoption of war orphans, apartheid in South Africa and family relationships. Sometimes some of the story seems almost too simple and straightforward - but perhaps this is necessary in order to keep control of the length and complexity of the novel. As with the earlier volume, this is an important book dealing with topics equally relevant in Western Europe today. I particularly appreciated the ending, which led to a few tears.
May 10, 2019
I loved the first book in the series. This book actually tied up loose ends from the first book. I liked how the author was able to go back and forth in time.
I recommend this book to all my friends who love books based on history although this is a sad history of what happened during World War II the family persevered.
A must read, but only after you take the time to read The Silver Music Box first....Historical fiction at it’s best with endearing characters...Couldn’t put it down and finished in less than 48 hrs.
I recommend this book to all my friends who love books based on history although this is a sad history of what happened during World War II the family persevered.
A must read, but only after you take the time to read The Silver Music Box first....Historical fiction at it’s best with endearing characters...Couldn’t put it down and finished in less than 48 hrs.
July 22, 2021
Loved both books. The silver music box and Dreams of silver. The characters were believable and loveable.
The book illustrates the worst of humanity during the Nazi
and apartheid years but also shows the best of humanity while following the families of the book through their trials and triumphs. After enjoying the first book I immediately started on the recommended follow up and did not stop reading.
Thoroughly researched snd so well written it was gripping to the end and held me spell bound
The book illustrates the worst of humanity during the Nazi
and apartheid years but also shows the best of humanity while following the families of the book through their trials and triumphs. After enjoying the first book I immediately started on the recommended follow up and did not stop reading.
Thoroughly researched snd so well written it was gripping to the end and held me spell bound
October 24, 2021
The writing in both books is fairly pedestrian - not sure if it is because the original was pretty straightforward or because of a weak translation - but the first book had a good storyline with some unusual twists. The second book is considerably weaker. It does tie up all the loose ends, but the number of coincidences in both books rivals a Dickens plot, but without the beautiful writing. Way too many happy endings for a holocaust story for me to swallow. Others may well fine this moving, I was just groaning.
October 21, 2018
Dreams of Silver is a novel based on the nightmare of WWII. Two sisters, torn a part, with only a music box and hidden memories to link them. Against all odds, and with the assistance from others, are they reunited, along with their father and grandmother. The story spans from the 1940s-1960s and covers South Africa, Ireland, and England. I didn't realize until I read the afterward, this is a sequel to another book. It's a good story. Thanks to NetGalley for the advance read.
November 16, 2018
I won the book on Goodreads and am writing an honest review. I loved the story and will go back and read The Silver Music Box. The book is a standalone as it was read but the background story would add information about the various people met in the second book. I cried as the story unfolded and throughout the book. A deeply moving story about a Jewish family through WWII into the 1990s. A story to follow and an author on my must read list.
December 3, 2018
It’s okay
I loved the first book The Silver Music Box. I couldn’t wait for Dreams of Silver to come out. I was a little disappointed in book 2. It dragged at the beginning probably because there was so much repetition telling about the first book. I was still happy to find a lot more about the characters even though by the time it got there I was bored. When she finally got to the meat of the second book it flew. I would recommend it because it connected by the end.
I loved the first book The Silver Music Box. I couldn’t wait for Dreams of Silver to come out. I was a little disappointed in book 2. It dragged at the beginning probably because there was so much repetition telling about the first book. I was still happy to find a lot more about the characters even though by the time it got there I was bored. When she finally got to the meat of the second book it flew. I would recommend it because it connected by the end.
January 30, 2019
Though I had not read the first novel, this tale of a German-Jewish family separated during WWII can easily be read as a stand alone.
In Dreams of Silver, Mina Bates tells of the turmoil and the journey from London to South Africa to Ireland and fills in the back story quite well. The descriptions were well developed, and the story, though heartbreaking, has some high points that also leave you cheering.
In Dreams of Silver, Mina Bates tells of the turmoil and the journey from London to South Africa to Ireland and fills in the back story quite well. The descriptions were well developed, and the story, though heartbreaking, has some high points that also leave you cheering.
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