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Risking Exposure #2
The Path Divided
Her best friend is an accused traitor, hiding from the Third Reich. Her only brother is an avid Nazi.
Can she be loyal to one without betraying the other?
Can she live with the consequences of the choice she makes?
In this powerful conclusion to Risking Exposure, the siblings' interwoven tales divide and reconnect amid the tangled debris of war and lives spent in guilt, sacrifice, and hope.
Can she be loyal to one without betraying the other?
Can she live with the consequences of the choice she makes?
In this powerful conclusion to Risking Exposure, the siblings' interwoven tales divide and reconnect amid the tangled debris of war and lives spent in guilt, sacrifice, and hope.
- GenresWorld War II
295 pages, Paperback
First published November 1, 2018
About the author
Jeanne Moran
5 books36 followersChallenge and change energize me.
In my career as a pediatric physical therapist, I’ve helped hundreds of children gain strength and motor skills. That left me spare time (ha!) to teach Sunday School, direct an after-school program, organize an international student-athlete exchange, and help plan and implement construction of a new community playground. Along the way, I've learned a bit about tang soo do and sudoku, tap dancing and German, whole foods cooking, and the joy of selling on ebay. Anything to avoid cleaning!
I write fiction and non-fiction for young and young-minded readers surrounded inspirational quotes, vinyl records, countless books, and innumerable dust bunnies.
In my career as a pediatric physical therapist, I’ve helped hundreds of children gain strength and motor skills. That left me spare time (ha!) to teach Sunday School, direct an after-school program, organize an international student-athlete exchange, and help plan and implement construction of a new community playground. Along the way, I've learned a bit about tang soo do and sudoku, tap dancing and German, whole foods cooking, and the joy of selling on ebay. Anything to avoid cleaning!
I write fiction and non-fiction for young and young-minded readers surrounded inspirational quotes, vinyl records, countless books, and innumerable dust bunnies.
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Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
April 9, 2019
4.5 stars
What was life like for German children, their friends and families in the years leading up to WWII? How did the changes that occurred and the politics and propaganda of their leadership affect daily living circumstances and views? What did the children see?
The Path Divided centers between the years of 1933 – 1939 and tells the story of Renate (Rennie), her older brother Werner and a cast of characters around the setting of real events that happened leading up to the war like the Nuremberg (Nürnberg) Rally, the Reichskristallnacht, the Lebensborn program, the T4 program, the Rat Line, the Kindertransport, the exportation and the aggressions against Romany or Romani peoples considered Gypsies (Ziegeuner) and the Jewish.
This book adheres to two timelines. The one above and another that is told by Werner after the war in more recent years as an old man. Hanging in suspense from one to the other, both timelines are also told with flashbacks of memories that become equally important in the buildup and understanding of everything and it begins in the year 1938 and jumps to earlier times.
Rennie has been sent to a farm to work and help with household chores after her parents have passed away. The little time she has for herself, she likes to read and practice for theater roles. On the side, she is part of the BDM (Bund Deutscher Mädchen). She is a studious, patient and good-natured girl who misses her friend Sophie, who has polio and gone missing, terribly. She keeps a picture of her and her best friend in a frame that she has been given to her by a Romani woman and it shows her the meaning of her actions by coloring their paths in the picture in different colors. She knows she has to find Sophie to get her path into the green, but her chances are low as her friend has been branded a traitor for something that happened in the first book.
Werner is loyal to the party with vigor and determination. He has been put down and bullied by his father, who was a SA officer, in his childhood years that lead him to believe he was a weakling and unworthy. He witnesses his father’s death in a cold shooting in what they called the purge (I believe in 1934) and their uncle, a high ranking party official is guiding Werner’s way.
Rennie’s efforts do not go unnoticed. Eyes and ears are everywhere. Werner brings her back home, to keep her safe or rather control her, to work at a local friend’s bakery. Rennie takes care of everything now. As the men, boys and political events become more revved up, she seems to become more and more emotionally separated from her brother and his views. As events heighten after the Reichskristallnacht, people of non-Aryan heritage and the disabled are afraid and try to flee the country. Rennie knows some of her friends are Jewish and she always has a helping hand for anyone in need. So, she becomes involved in a dangerous operation of messaging, signaling and hiding to help her friends to get out of Germany.
As things crescendo into a life and death situation, she makes a choice so brave, it will change the fate of all involved. And so it is to be told by Werner after the war what has happened as he lies on his deathbed, ready to be taken for his sins.
***
This novel was the perfect mix of real events and a suspenseful plot. With as much subject matter there is in those years leading to WWII, Moran did an amazing job creating a storyline around it while conveying an authentic German atmosphere. In that regards it was very well researched.
I do enjoy reading WWII historical fiction novels and most of them are for adults or are centered on the actual war. This one was refreshingly different. Both characters were from the opposite end of the spectrum but the reader becomes whiteness to the growth of evil. Werner is the perfect example of the vulnerability of a nation. His experience with his dad and his developing OCD has left him rigid and receiving the propaganda of his leaders. A need for cause and direction in life led to the ideology he was holding on to. The novel even borderlines the story of many SS men not believing in Hitler’s death and working towards the creation/population of the Aryan race in South America. Brainwashed, these men have built up walls in themselves to separate their emotions to justify their actions and not see the reality.
Moran captured the traits and customs of the German people in this story perfectly and used some lingo that is explained in a glossary with listed research material at the end of the book.
I definitely will recommend this book to those interested in the subject and feel that it is suitable for middle-grade students and up, although it is listed as a YA novel.
I received a digital copy of this novel from the author in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own. Thank you!
More of my reviews here:
https://scarlettreadzandrunz.com/
What was life like for German children, their friends and families in the years leading up to WWII? How did the changes that occurred and the politics and propaganda of their leadership affect daily living circumstances and views? What did the children see?
The Path Divided centers between the years of 1933 – 1939 and tells the story of Renate (Rennie), her older brother Werner and a cast of characters around the setting of real events that happened leading up to the war like the Nuremberg (Nürnberg) Rally, the Reichskristallnacht, the Lebensborn program, the T4 program, the Rat Line, the Kindertransport, the exportation and the aggressions against Romany or Romani peoples considered Gypsies (Ziegeuner) and the Jewish.
This book adheres to two timelines. The one above and another that is told by Werner after the war in more recent years as an old man. Hanging in suspense from one to the other, both timelines are also told with flashbacks of memories that become equally important in the buildup and understanding of everything and it begins in the year 1938 and jumps to earlier times.
Rennie has been sent to a farm to work and help with household chores after her parents have passed away. The little time she has for herself, she likes to read and practice for theater roles. On the side, she is part of the BDM (Bund Deutscher Mädchen). She is a studious, patient and good-natured girl who misses her friend Sophie, who has polio and gone missing, terribly. She keeps a picture of her and her best friend in a frame that she has been given to her by a Romani woman and it shows her the meaning of her actions by coloring their paths in the picture in different colors. She knows she has to find Sophie to get her path into the green, but her chances are low as her friend has been branded a traitor for something that happened in the first book.
Werner is loyal to the party with vigor and determination. He has been put down and bullied by his father, who was a SA officer, in his childhood years that lead him to believe he was a weakling and unworthy. He witnesses his father’s death in a cold shooting in what they called the purge (I believe in 1934) and their uncle, a high ranking party official is guiding Werner’s way.
Rennie’s efforts do not go unnoticed. Eyes and ears are everywhere. Werner brings her back home, to keep her safe or rather control her, to work at a local friend’s bakery. Rennie takes care of everything now. As the men, boys and political events become more revved up, she seems to become more and more emotionally separated from her brother and his views. As events heighten after the Reichskristallnacht, people of non-Aryan heritage and the disabled are afraid and try to flee the country. Rennie knows some of her friends are Jewish and she always has a helping hand for anyone in need. So, she becomes involved in a dangerous operation of messaging, signaling and hiding to help her friends to get out of Germany.
As things crescendo into a life and death situation, she makes a choice so brave, it will change the fate of all involved. And so it is to be told by Werner after the war what has happened as he lies on his deathbed, ready to be taken for his sins.
***
This novel was the perfect mix of real events and a suspenseful plot. With as much subject matter there is in those years leading to WWII, Moran did an amazing job creating a storyline around it while conveying an authentic German atmosphere. In that regards it was very well researched.
I do enjoy reading WWII historical fiction novels and most of them are for adults or are centered on the actual war. This one was refreshingly different. Both characters were from the opposite end of the spectrum but the reader becomes whiteness to the growth of evil. Werner is the perfect example of the vulnerability of a nation. His experience with his dad and his developing OCD has left him rigid and receiving the propaganda of his leaders. A need for cause and direction in life led to the ideology he was holding on to. The novel even borderlines the story of many SS men not believing in Hitler’s death and working towards the creation/population of the Aryan race in South America. Brainwashed, these men have built up walls in themselves to separate their emotions to justify their actions and not see the reality.
Moran captured the traits and customs of the German people in this story perfectly and used some lingo that is explained in a glossary with listed research material at the end of the book.
I definitely will recommend this book to those interested in the subject and feel that it is suitable for middle-grade students and up, although it is listed as a YA novel.
I received a digital copy of this novel from the author in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own. Thank you!
More of my reviews here:
https://scarlettreadzandrunz.com/
October 12, 2019
Great Historical Fiction
Great Historical Fiction account of Germany's youth just prior to World War II. A time I never thought about. Very interesting.
Great Historical Fiction account of Germany's youth just prior to World War II. A time I never thought about. Very interesting.
February 25, 2019
I was a beta reader for The Path Divided, which concludes the stories of Sophie, Rennie, and Werner from Risking Exposure. I read it again upon publication and can say that this is a book that draws the reader in and keeps them hooked until the gripping end. I grew to care deeply about the characters and learned things I had never known about Nazi Germany, both from the captivating storylines as well as the author’s helpful glossary and other back matter. Jeanne Moran’s writing pulled me in—I feared for Sophie, rooted for Rennie, and cried with Werner. The thread of the magical picture frame was woven beautifully into the storylines and makes me wonder what choices I would have made in those same situations.
January 11, 2019
The Nazi era is perhaps the most documented era in human history. It is an era of cruelty and sorrow, of heroism in a time of insecurity and terror. Jeanne Moran makes this time accessible for younger readers with youthful characters see history unfold before them and who live with the consequences of decisions they made during these terrible years.
In this sequel to Risking Exposures, Moran allows her characters to grow up, unable to forget what happened during WWII and the Holocaust. She helps her readers see how the slow changing of young people into Nazis was a deliberate goal, an education in cruelty.
Moran’s writing is clear, compassionate and strong. She draws us into the unimaginable choices made by heroes and villains, how morality was fashioned and refashioned, its effects lasting until to this very day.
The touch of a magic picture frame is a wonderful addition making more manageable this complex era. Those of us who have not experienced this time can never understand the intense emotions and dangers felt. Moran sensitively brings young people into the picture frame, helping them mentally understand decisions we pray they never will have to make.
In this sequel to Risking Exposures, Moran allows her characters to grow up, unable to forget what happened during WWII and the Holocaust. She helps her readers see how the slow changing of young people into Nazis was a deliberate goal, an education in cruelty.
Moran’s writing is clear, compassionate and strong. She draws us into the unimaginable choices made by heroes and villains, how morality was fashioned and refashioned, its effects lasting until to this very day.
The touch of a magic picture frame is a wonderful addition making more manageable this complex era. Those of us who have not experienced this time can never understand the intense emotions and dangers felt. Moran sensitively brings young people into the picture frame, helping them mentally understand decisions we pray they never will have to make.
December 23, 2018
Fans of "Risking Exposure" will devour "The Path Divided."
Jeanne Moran, talented author of "Risking Exposure," will not disappoint fans who have been waiting for her sequel. In "The Path Divided" Moran weaves an intriguing tale spun with historical accuracy, Nazi propaganda and a touch of magical realism. The characters are empathetic, engaging and charming; even a dastardly old Nazi. This book made me want to know more about this tragic period in history. Read, learn and enjoy.
Jeanne Moran, talented author of "Risking Exposure," will not disappoint fans who have been waiting for her sequel. In "The Path Divided" Moran weaves an intriguing tale spun with historical accuracy, Nazi propaganda and a touch of magical realism. The characters are empathetic, engaging and charming; even a dastardly old Nazi. This book made me want to know more about this tragic period in history. Read, learn and enjoy.
March 1, 2019
The Path Divided offers the reader a view into the lives of average Germans in the years prior to the start of world war 2, and with this offers a very apt warning to the dangers of blind nationalism. (A very TIMELY lesson if you ask me).
We all know where this story will end. About the atrocities that will be committed. By giving us a glimpse into the lives of ordinary Germans, Jeanne Moran shows us how average ordinary people can actively or inadvertently participate in great evil.
Rennie was a charming and endearing lead character. Her struggle to do the right thing will certainly resonate with readers of any age.
I would say this novel is important for middle schoolers to read and talk about with their parents and teachers, to discuss (1) how we can better think more critically about the media and propaganda we consume so that something like the Holocaust will never happen again, and (2) how we all have various paths we must choose and with those choices comes salvation for ourselves and others, or great consequences.
We all know where this story will end. About the atrocities that will be committed. By giving us a glimpse into the lives of ordinary Germans, Jeanne Moran shows us how average ordinary people can actively or inadvertently participate in great evil.
Rennie was a charming and endearing lead character. Her struggle to do the right thing will certainly resonate with readers of any age.
I would say this novel is important for middle schoolers to read and talk about with their parents and teachers, to discuss (1) how we can better think more critically about the media and propaganda we consume so that something like the Holocaust will never happen again, and (2) how we all have various paths we must choose and with those choices comes salvation for ourselves and others, or great consequences.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 24, 2020
This book was entered in The Wishing Shelf Book Awards. This is what our readers thought:
Title: The Path Divided (Risking Exposure Book 2)
Author: Jeanne Moran
Star Rating: 5 Stars
Number of Readers: 16
Stats
Editing: 9/10
Writing Style: 9/10
Content: 9/10
Cover: 7/10
Of the 16 readers:
15 would read another book by this author.
12 thought the cover was good or excellent.
16 felt it was easy to follow.
15 would recommend this story to another reader to try.
Of all the readers, 10 felt the author’s strongest skill was ‘plotting a story’.
Of all the readers, 6 felt the author’s strongest skill was ‘developing the characters’.
14 felt the pacing was good or excellent.
15 thought the author understood the readership and what they wanted.
Readers’ Comments
‘This is a good story. I so enjoyed it, particularly trying to understand the Hitler Youth and why they followed him.’ Girl, aged 15
‘This author is so amazing at creating interesting characters and placing the plot in such an interesting – and horrible – time and place. I think the author knows her history very well and brings Nazi life alive on the page. I thought this was a thoughtful, often sad book, but also an eye-opener. I went back and read the first book which helped a lot.’ Girl, aged 16
‘This is an exciting read with lots happening. I think any teenager who is interested in WW2 will like this book!’ Boy, aged 16
‘Reading this book is an amazing way of learning history.’ Boy, aged 15
To Sum It Up:
‘The fascinating story of the Hitler youth through the eyes of two young siblings. A FINALIST and highly recommended.’ The Wishing Shelf Book Awards
Title: The Path Divided (Risking Exposure Book 2)
Author: Jeanne Moran
Star Rating: 5 Stars
Number of Readers: 16
Stats
Editing: 9/10
Writing Style: 9/10
Content: 9/10
Cover: 7/10
Of the 16 readers:
15 would read another book by this author.
12 thought the cover was good or excellent.
16 felt it was easy to follow.
15 would recommend this story to another reader to try.
Of all the readers, 10 felt the author’s strongest skill was ‘plotting a story’.
Of all the readers, 6 felt the author’s strongest skill was ‘developing the characters’.
14 felt the pacing was good or excellent.
15 thought the author understood the readership and what they wanted.
Readers’ Comments
‘This is a good story. I so enjoyed it, particularly trying to understand the Hitler Youth and why they followed him.’ Girl, aged 15
‘This author is so amazing at creating interesting characters and placing the plot in such an interesting – and horrible – time and place. I think the author knows her history very well and brings Nazi life alive on the page. I thought this was a thoughtful, often sad book, but also an eye-opener. I went back and read the first book which helped a lot.’ Girl, aged 16
‘This is an exciting read with lots happening. I think any teenager who is interested in WW2 will like this book!’ Boy, aged 16
‘Reading this book is an amazing way of learning history.’ Boy, aged 15
To Sum It Up:
‘The fascinating story of the Hitler youth through the eyes of two young siblings. A FINALIST and highly recommended.’ The Wishing Shelf Book Awards
April 27, 2020
The Path Divided intrigued me with its historical backdrop in Nazi Germany. I enjoy historical fiction and it’s very interesting to consider what life might have been like for teens growing up in the time leading up to World War II. Though I didn’t read the first novel in the series, I was able to easily follow the plot line and quickly connect with the main characters Rennie and Werner. With themes of loyalty and courage and sprinkling of magic, this well-written story reminded me of the power of choices and the value of standing up for what’s right. It also demonstrates the impact of family expectations and the influence of those you surround yourself with, and how positive influences can help you see yourself in a kinder, gentler light.
May 16, 2021
I loved this book.
This is a gripping story, the kind of story where sometimes you're afraid to find out what happens next, but you just are compelled to find out what happens next. You care about the characters.
Jeanne Moran's previous book, Risking Exposure, introduced these characters. However, you can read this book as a standalone, and then if you want to go back and read the first book. The first book also grabs you.
This book is inspirational.
This book is written for kids - the main character is about 14 years old.
It is also good for grown-ups. A good story, and along the way you learn a lot about what it was like to live at a certain time in history, especially for a young person at that time in history.
The setting is Germany in 1938.
This is a gripping story, the kind of story where sometimes you're afraid to find out what happens next, but you just are compelled to find out what happens next. You care about the characters.
Jeanne Moran's previous book, Risking Exposure, introduced these characters. However, you can read this book as a standalone, and then if you want to go back and read the first book. The first book also grabs you.
This book is inspirational.
This book is written for kids - the main character is about 14 years old.
It is also good for grown-ups. A good story, and along the way you learn a lot about what it was like to live at a certain time in history, especially for a young person at that time in history.
The setting is Germany in 1938.
April 4, 2019
I won this book on Goodreads (Kindle version) for an honest review.
A story that has real life connotations with well written characters. The author takes you on a journey of authentic feelings of Nazi Germany and the happening of that era. The characters and scenery are well written and transcendent. If you enjoy historical type of stories this one is for you. I do recommend it as the author does spin a very good story that keeps you turning the pages and transfixed to the story itself.
A story that has real life connotations with well written characters. The author takes you on a journey of authentic feelings of Nazi Germany and the happening of that era. The characters and scenery are well written and transcendent. If you enjoy historical type of stories this one is for you. I do recommend it as the author does spin a very good story that keeps you turning the pages and transfixed to the story itself.
May 7, 2019
With lots of tension, emotion and a tiny dab of magic, this is an intriguing tale which brings a bit of World War II to life in a way appropriate for ages 10 to 16.
After her parents' death, Rennie works on a farm and leads a quiet life as a girl in Nazi Germany should. She wonders how her best friend, a girl suffering from polio, is and hopes that after her disappearance that she's fine. Scarred by their father and the brutal murder, Werner, Rennie's older brother, fully supports the Nazi cause and is disturbed by his sister's attitude to the undesirables. Rennie doesn't want to do anything to hurt her brother, but she also can't turn a blind-eye, especially when it comes to her best friend. Thanks to a magical picture given to her, Rennie can see the paths change color with each decision she makes. But each decision, while helping one side, puts the other in danger. Rennie hopes to find a way to save both her brother and friend, or maybe must choose only one.
This is the second book in the series, and while it isn't extremely hard to sink into book two without reading the first one, I would still recommend reading them in order so as to fully understand the circumstances and characters.
This book is written from different points of views and time lines. While Rennie lives during WWII, Werner's part is placed more in the future, long after the war has ended. Both also include flashbacks, which help the needed emotions and situations slide together. By doing this, the author has done a wonderful job at bringing across the depth of the attitudes surrounding the characters and makes it easier to understand their decisions and the impact it made on their lives.
Unlike many books which take a look at this time period, the author brings the problems and difficulties across in a way young readers can connect with. Rennie is a normal girl with a golden heart. Her concern for others and recognition of the situation around her make her easy to root for. It also becomes clear how difficult it is to make certain decisions when placed at a type of crossroads. I found the magical painting to be a wonderful way to bring this problematic across. Every decision and action has consequences, and not all are always the way we'd hope them to be.
The plot hits upon issues which are appropriate for the age group, and while it is sold as a young adult book, I'd recommend it even for upper middle graders. It takes a more personal, every-day life view of WWII and brings Germany and some normal citizens' problems across in a very realistic way. But the steady pacing and tension situations make sure this isn't only a read for those interested in history. It's a gripping read which will draw even more history-shy readers in.
I received a complimentary copy and found the tale so well woven historically that I wanted to leave my honest thoughts.
After her parents' death, Rennie works on a farm and leads a quiet life as a girl in Nazi Germany should. She wonders how her best friend, a girl suffering from polio, is and hopes that after her disappearance that she's fine. Scarred by their father and the brutal murder, Werner, Rennie's older brother, fully supports the Nazi cause and is disturbed by his sister's attitude to the undesirables. Rennie doesn't want to do anything to hurt her brother, but she also can't turn a blind-eye, especially when it comes to her best friend. Thanks to a magical picture given to her, Rennie can see the paths change color with each decision she makes. But each decision, while helping one side, puts the other in danger. Rennie hopes to find a way to save both her brother and friend, or maybe must choose only one.
This is the second book in the series, and while it isn't extremely hard to sink into book two without reading the first one, I would still recommend reading them in order so as to fully understand the circumstances and characters.
This book is written from different points of views and time lines. While Rennie lives during WWII, Werner's part is placed more in the future, long after the war has ended. Both also include flashbacks, which help the needed emotions and situations slide together. By doing this, the author has done a wonderful job at bringing across the depth of the attitudes surrounding the characters and makes it easier to understand their decisions and the impact it made on their lives.
Unlike many books which take a look at this time period, the author brings the problems and difficulties across in a way young readers can connect with. Rennie is a normal girl with a golden heart. Her concern for others and recognition of the situation around her make her easy to root for. It also becomes clear how difficult it is to make certain decisions when placed at a type of crossroads. I found the magical painting to be a wonderful way to bring this problematic across. Every decision and action has consequences, and not all are always the way we'd hope them to be.
The plot hits upon issues which are appropriate for the age group, and while it is sold as a young adult book, I'd recommend it even for upper middle graders. It takes a more personal, every-day life view of WWII and brings Germany and some normal citizens' problems across in a very realistic way. But the steady pacing and tension situations make sure this isn't only a read for those interested in history. It's a gripping read which will draw even more history-shy readers in.
I received a complimentary copy and found the tale so well woven historically that I wanted to leave my honest thoughts.
February 28, 2020
We are proud to announce that THE PATH DIVIDED (Risking Exposure #2) by Jeanne Moran is a B.R.A.G.Medallion Honoree. This tells readers that this book is well worth their time and money!
March 9, 2019
Great read
August 10, 2019
Excellent book. Easy read. Recommend for young adults and adults. Author did her homework to ensure facts are accurate. All people should know this happened.
September 20, 2019
This book tells a great story for young adults. The story is entertaining and educational. The characters are all interesting and the storyline has a few twists and turns.
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews