By Blood Divided

by Lewis Orde

Kishinev, Russia, 1903.

When Zalman and Rachel Isakharov’s father is murdered during a tide of anti-Semitic riots, brother and sister have no option but to flee their native land. Possessing only two handcrafted watches given to them by their father, plus their fare for passage to America, they arrive exhausted in Amsterdam and prepare to set sail.

But when a fire sweeps through their lodgings on the eve of departure, Zalman and Rachel are separated, each believing that their sibling is dead. Devastated, Zalman resolves to leave for America alone – while Rachel is persuaded to sail for England.

So they begin new lives on opposite sides of the Atlantic, where hard work eventually yields great success for them both. Although their existence is happy in every other respect, the Amsterdam tragedy casts a shadow over their lives – until a meeting between their children seems destined to change everything...

Lewis Orde was born in Reading, England, in 1943, grew up in London and came to the United States in 1964. After serving three years in the U. S. Army, he returned to England to work on newspapers and magazines before settling permanently in the United States in 1977. He is the author of twelve novels including The Lion's Way , Eagles , By Blood Divided , and Dreams of Gold . After moving up and down the East Coast in search of the perfect place to call home, he now lives with his wife, Kay, in St. Augustine Beach, Florida.

Genres: Amazon, Romance

661 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 1, 1991

About the author

Lewis Orde was born in Reading, England, in 1943, grew up in London and came to the United States in 1964. After serving three years in the U. S. Army, he returned to England to work on newspapers and magazines before settling permanently in the United States in 1977. He is the author of twelve novels including The Lion's Way, Eagles, By Blood Divided, and Dreams of Gold.

Reviews

[Lyoness · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a wonderful story about siblings torn apart by war. Zalman and Rachel escape a Russian pogrom in 1903 only to be separated by fire in Rotterdam. Having only each other left in the world each believes the other is dead and that they are alone.

Rachel ends up in England and Zalman in the United States and we are taken on a journey of their lives over the next 60 years. It's amazing what these two accomplish on their own. Will they ever learn of the other's life?


This book is a great read and really moved me however, I picked up this book when I was in 5th grade (I was a really advanced reader) so while I loved this book then, who knows if I would love it as an adult. If I could find a copy I would re-read and then post back.

[Kaye Frost-smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lively characters, wonderful life histories!

Kept me entertained to the last sentence! A true family saga full of real historic events, credible characters brimming with interesting life journeys. Have checked out his other books, it's so refreshing to find a genuine storyteller.

[Karen Weisman · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this book almost 30 years ago and it stayed in my mind. I recently searched it out, with the help of a few remembered details and the research of Library of Congress personnel who found the title and author. I enjoyed re-reading it, for the story and the historical perspective. I've discovered that the author lives less than an hour away from my home in Florida!

[Liz Bonnet · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book is a wonderful story about siblings torn apart by war. Zalman and Rachel escape a Russian pogrom in 1903 only to be separated by fire in Rotterdam. Having only each other left in the world each believes the other is dead and that they are alone.

Rachel ends up in England and Zalman in the United States and we are taken on a journey of their lives over the next 60 years. It's amazing what these two accomplish on their own. Will they ever learn of the other's life?


I found this book in a used book store and purchased it. I liked the historical parts and it was a good read. I read all of his other books and like them as well.

[Carrie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book. Got it off the clearance table, but the story told of two lives apart was quite interesting.

[Linda Klages · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very interesting book that spans almost 80 years and several countries. Would read more from this author.