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Born Under Fire
Born Under Fire is a historical novel that tells the story of a girl coming of age and her drive to excel despite the devastating effects of long-term war. Born in Jerusalem under British rule in 1928, Shula grows up in a world in turmoil as Hitler rises to power and nations enter into war. Amid a landscape of ancient stone ruins next to modern Bauhaus architecture, and desert scrub ending at newly verdant farmlands, Shula grows into her independence as the State of Israel is born. Based on historical documents and events, Born Under Fire is also about the context surrounding the founding of the State of Israel, as well as the horrors and dangers of growing up in a conflict zone. Shula battles grief and depression due to the shattering events affecting her, her family, and the entire world. Despite this struggle her resilient spirit enables her to reach great heights as a concert pianist. Born in Jerusalem under British rule in 1928, Shula grows up in a world in turmoil as Hitler rises to power and nations enter into war. Amid a landscape of ancient stone ruins next to modern Bauhaus architecture, and desert scrub ending at newly verdant farmlands, Shula grows into her independence as the State of Israel is born. Based on historical documents and events, Born Under Fire is also about the context surrounding the founding of the State of Israel, as well as the horrors and dangers of growing up in a conflict zone. Shula battles grief and depression due to the shattering events affecting her, her family, and the entire world. Despite this struggle her resilient spirit enables her to reach great heights as a concert pianist.
227 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 24, 2018
8 people are currently reading
11 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews
June 10, 2019
This is the first book I have ever read of Rina Z. Neiman, but I do like to read Historical novels and I was interested to read a book that's set during WWII, because I haven't read that many, that been said, I liked it a lot.
As we follow Shula's life and see all the struggles, how life was back then... It still affects me even though I wasn't alive back then, and I don't have any family member that was alive then, but Portugal was under a dictatorship not long ago and my grandparents have told me stories about that time, so it connected in a way.
Also, all the emotions and the connectivity of this book with me as just amazing. I felt like I was listening to my grandparents tell me the story of their lives, with all the ups and downs, with all the things they miss, all the things they regret, all the fears and dreams and definitely all that they have learned and how they have grown as a human being. I saw that in Shula. It was a personal story, that's why it connected with me, because Shula as the main character gave us, the readers, that opening to the story; it made it possible for us to understand the scenes and the struggles, and the emotions that were connected with actions.
Besides the characters and all the interactions and plot, seeing the society back then and see what all those events and changes lead to, it was quite eye opening. Sometimes we don't realize that cultures can chance and societies adapt because of the major events that end up molding the world, like a war. And I like that aspect of the book as well.
And everything was well put together because Rina has sew every fiber of this story, from the historical facts to the fictional elements, in an emotional, real and powerful way that made the reading of this books just strong. It was thought provoking, it was true and I honestly mind blown by my own feelings, causing my incapability of making a coherent comment besides "Loved it!"
That bee said, I totally recommend it if you like historical novels that happen during WWII, and if so, get ready for an emotional journey through this tumultuous time in our history. Join a young woman while she fights for her dreams, using all of her strength to keep walking no matter the struggles and adversities in her path. Connect with her and with her courage as she just lives her life.
As we follow Shula's life and see all the struggles, how life was back then... It still affects me even though I wasn't alive back then, and I don't have any family member that was alive then, but Portugal was under a dictatorship not long ago and my grandparents have told me stories about that time, so it connected in a way.
Also, all the emotions and the connectivity of this book with me as just amazing. I felt like I was listening to my grandparents tell me the story of their lives, with all the ups and downs, with all the things they miss, all the things they regret, all the fears and dreams and definitely all that they have learned and how they have grown as a human being. I saw that in Shula. It was a personal story, that's why it connected with me, because Shula as the main character gave us, the readers, that opening to the story; it made it possible for us to understand the scenes and the struggles, and the emotions that were connected with actions.
Besides the characters and all the interactions and plot, seeing the society back then and see what all those events and changes lead to, it was quite eye opening. Sometimes we don't realize that cultures can chance and societies adapt because of the major events that end up molding the world, like a war. And I like that aspect of the book as well.
And everything was well put together because Rina has sew every fiber of this story, from the historical facts to the fictional elements, in an emotional, real and powerful way that made the reading of this books just strong. It was thought provoking, it was true and I honestly mind blown by my own feelings, causing my incapability of making a coherent comment besides "Loved it!"
That bee said, I totally recommend it if you like historical novels that happen during WWII, and if so, get ready for an emotional journey through this tumultuous time in our history. Join a young woman while she fights for her dreams, using all of her strength to keep walking no matter the struggles and adversities in her path. Connect with her and with her courage as she just lives her life.
June 2, 2019
The Review
This was a gripping tale that held no punches and spoke honestly about the rise of the Israeli state and the hardships endured by many during this era of history. Not only did it explore the violence plaguing the world at large during WWII, but the affects it had on the Jewish community around the world and the violence between other cultures and the Jewish people, (and even division amongst the Jewish people themselves), that arose due to this tumultuous time. Yet it’s the way the story is told that will instantly pull readers in, as protagonist Shula is shown from a young girl growing into a young woman and seeing the violence and changes happening around her and to her family.
Shula is what makes the story feel relatable and emotional. While many books and films/television programs will explore historical periods like WWII and give great insight into the period of time that saw so much death and destruction, they often lack the emotional struggle many people faced each and every day. Yet this historical fiction/drama showcases these struggles realistically and allows the reader to hang on to the author’s every word as Shula endures great loss, change and triumph throughout this tale. Not only do we see history through this young woman’s eyes, but readers also feel connected to her as she undergoes this coming of age journey that sees her find the inner strength and courage not only to face these everyday challenges during a time of war, but to reach for her dreams and fight to hold onto her passions in the face of so much loss and adversity.
The Verdict
This is a must read historical fiction novel. Many WWII novels that showcase the struggles of the Jewish people often will focus on the struggles of those immediately in danger from the Nazi regime. Yet in this novel readers get a new perspective on the Jewish community outside of Europe and instead on those establishing themselves in the growing state of Israel. Highlighting the cultural struggles as well as the violence endured during this time, readers will fall in love with Shula and the story of her life during this tumultuous era of history, making this a novel readers will not want to put down. If you haven’t yet be sure to grab your copy of “Born Under Fire” by Rina Z. Neiman today!
This was a gripping tale that held no punches and spoke honestly about the rise of the Israeli state and the hardships endured by many during this era of history. Not only did it explore the violence plaguing the world at large during WWII, but the affects it had on the Jewish community around the world and the violence between other cultures and the Jewish people, (and even division amongst the Jewish people themselves), that arose due to this tumultuous time. Yet it’s the way the story is told that will instantly pull readers in, as protagonist Shula is shown from a young girl growing into a young woman and seeing the violence and changes happening around her and to her family.
Shula is what makes the story feel relatable and emotional. While many books and films/television programs will explore historical periods like WWII and give great insight into the period of time that saw so much death and destruction, they often lack the emotional struggle many people faced each and every day. Yet this historical fiction/drama showcases these struggles realistically and allows the reader to hang on to the author’s every word as Shula endures great loss, change and triumph throughout this tale. Not only do we see history through this young woman’s eyes, but readers also feel connected to her as she undergoes this coming of age journey that sees her find the inner strength and courage not only to face these everyday challenges during a time of war, but to reach for her dreams and fight to hold onto her passions in the face of so much loss and adversity.
The Verdict
This is a must read historical fiction novel. Many WWII novels that showcase the struggles of the Jewish people often will focus on the struggles of those immediately in danger from the Nazi regime. Yet in this novel readers get a new perspective on the Jewish community outside of Europe and instead on those establishing themselves in the growing state of Israel. Highlighting the cultural struggles as well as the violence endured during this time, readers will fall in love with Shula and the story of her life during this tumultuous era of history, making this a novel readers will not want to put down. If you haven’t yet be sure to grab your copy of “Born Under Fire” by Rina Z. Neiman today!
June 3, 2019
Born Under Fire by Rina Z. Neiman, details the birth of Israel through the eyes of Shula, a young Sabra, during the years 1934 to 1949, as she grows from child to you woman. Neiman has based this historical novel on her own mother’s life.
We see Shula’s family and their home life, their struggles, life in and around Tel Aviv. We see the war years, the tensions with the British and the Arabs and the creation of the state of Israel.
So much of Israel’s struggle for nationhood is shown in history books. Yet through Shula we get a much more personal glimpse, as if we were with her.
I would highly recommend this novel. It was both moving and informative, history come alive.
(Please note: I received a free copy in exchange for my honest review.)
We see Shula’s family and their home life, their struggles, life in and around Tel Aviv. We see the war years, the tensions with the British and the Arabs and the creation of the state of Israel.
So much of Israel’s struggle for nationhood is shown in history books. Yet through Shula we get a much more personal glimpse, as if we were with her.
I would highly recommend this novel. It was both moving and informative, history come alive.
(Please note: I received a free copy in exchange for my honest review.)
June 17, 2019
I could tell that there was a huge heart behind this writing and a great deal of research as well. However, I didn't feel that there was enough character development. The emotions that were described were rather surface level when there clearly should have been deeper explanations happening. I LOVE the concept of this book. It's a side of WWII that isn't explored often. I just wish it had a little more detail to it.
December 1, 2019
The writing was a little naive in places but when I learned that this was based on the story of the author's mother I was a bit more forgiving. A nice story of the founding of the State of Israel
Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews