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When We Were Brave
April 2020 Pinnacle Book Award Winner
2020 Independent Press Award -Distinguished Favorite
2020 TYLER R. TICHELAAR AWARD for BEST HISTORICAL FICTION — MARQUETTE FICTION
2020 First Place Award, Historical Fiction for Reader's View Contest
2020 Book Excellence Award for Historical Fiction
2019 Distinguished Favorite for the New York City Big Book Award.
2019 Silver Medal Winner, Historical Fiction, Readers Favorite Contest. Combining excellent historical research with a compelling storyline, the hard work of author Karla M. Jay really pays off the more deeply involved you become with the characters in her plot...As the plot threads and connections slowly come together, the conclusion marks the realities of war and sticks in your mind for a long time after. When We Were Brave is a highly recommended historical read.
2019 FINALIST in The Wishing Shelf Book Awards- Adult Fiction
Aug. 2019 Silver medal winner in Reader's Favorite Contest for historical fiction.
Nov. 2019 New York City Big Book Award® Distinguished Favorites
A sweeping, unforgettable novel of courage, sacrifice, and the quiet heroism that burns in the darkest of times.
When We Were Brave thrusts readers into the heart of World War II, where three lives collide in a world unraveling.
Wilhelm Falk, a disillusioned SS officer, has seen too much. Haunted by the horrors of the camps, he makes the ultimate choice—to defect and expose the truth, even if it costs him everything.
In another corner of war-torn Europe, young Izaak, a Jewish boy with a radiant spirit, must cling to hope as the walls close in. Each day is a fight for survival—and for his soul.
Meanwhile, in America, the Müller family—citizens by birth but German by blood—are ripped from their lives and sent back to a homeland ruled by fear, where their loyalties are questioned and their futures are uncertain.
Told through three intertwined journeys, When We Were Brave is a richly drawn, emotionally resonant tale of resilience, humanity, and the impossible choices ordinary people must make in extraordinary times.
2020 Independent Press Award -Distinguished Favorite
2020 TYLER R. TICHELAAR AWARD for BEST HISTORICAL FICTION — MARQUETTE FICTION
2020 First Place Award, Historical Fiction for Reader's View Contest
2020 Book Excellence Award for Historical Fiction
2019 Distinguished Favorite for the New York City Big Book Award.
2019 Silver Medal Winner, Historical Fiction, Readers Favorite Contest. Combining excellent historical research with a compelling storyline, the hard work of author Karla M. Jay really pays off the more deeply involved you become with the characters in her plot...As the plot threads and connections slowly come together, the conclusion marks the realities of war and sticks in your mind for a long time after. When We Were Brave is a highly recommended historical read.
2019 FINALIST in The Wishing Shelf Book Awards- Adult Fiction
Aug. 2019 Silver medal winner in Reader's Favorite Contest for historical fiction.
Nov. 2019 New York City Big Book Award® Distinguished Favorites
A sweeping, unforgettable novel of courage, sacrifice, and the quiet heroism that burns in the darkest of times.
When We Were Brave thrusts readers into the heart of World War II, where three lives collide in a world unraveling.
Wilhelm Falk, a disillusioned SS officer, has seen too much. Haunted by the horrors of the camps, he makes the ultimate choice—to defect and expose the truth, even if it costs him everything.
In another corner of war-torn Europe, young Izaak, a Jewish boy with a radiant spirit, must cling to hope as the walls close in. Each day is a fight for survival—and for his soul.
Meanwhile, in America, the Müller family—citizens by birth but German by blood—are ripped from their lives and sent back to a homeland ruled by fear, where their loyalties are questioned and their futures are uncertain.
Told through three intertwined journeys, When We Were Brave is a richly drawn, emotionally resonant tale of resilience, humanity, and the impossible choices ordinary people must make in extraordinary times.
413 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 19, 2019
2143 people are currently reading
10218 people want to read
About the author
Karla M. Jay
8 books584 followersKarla M. Jay is an award-winning historical fiction author. She loves to travel, garden, and to discover a story that has never been told. Follow her on BookBub! https://www.bookbub.com/authors/karla...
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April 24, 2019I've read this book five times. Yes. Because I wrote it.
January 31, 2020
This book was a heartbreaking story of world war two,it took a while to get into the characters as three different stories that connect in the end.first There was Wilhelm falk an ss officer who hid his identity to go to America and he didn't believe what Hitler was doing and wanted to keep his family safe,and give information on what was happening in the camps.second story was Herbert Muller and his family a working family lived in America was accused of passing information to the germans as his dad was from Germany they were moved to a camp and a trial they had no choice to go back to germany with family but wasn't an easy journey to get there.the third was a young boy Izaak was the heart wrenching part of this story his father was taken away from them,his mother had to go in hiding but they were in different camps this is trying to survive a boy innocence this book was abit long.one of these stories must be told if you like this kind of book I recommend it.
October 3, 2021
When We Were Brave follows three main characters during WW II, what happens to them is truly heartbreaking, they all suffer terribly and endure severe hardship and unbearable loss.
Wilhelm Falk is an SS officer, he’s married to Ilse, and has two sons Hans and Dietrich. He’s horrified by what the Nazi’s are doing to Jewish people in the concentration camps, he wants to expose their crimes, and let the world know what’s really happening. While in Italy, he fakes his own death, changes into a regular German soldier’s uniform and becomes Klaus Stern. Wilhelm becomes a prisoner of war and is sent to America, and he’s determined to escape. He needs to contact Pastor Theodore Graf and retrieve the important information he sent to him about what the Nazi's are doing in the extermination camps.
Izaak Tauber’s eight, he lives in Amsterdam, his mother Rachel’s a midwife and his father Saul is Jewish, he's been arrested, and sent to a camp. Rachel and Izaak try to escape Amsterdam, they end up being captured, Izaak still continues to draw when he can, and believes they will find his father in one of the concentration camps.
Herbert Muller lives in Pennsylvania, he’s of German heritage, and he’s married to Jutta, and has two children Alfred and Frieda. His parents Otto and Anni immigrated to America after WW I, and wanted a better life for their son Herbert. They work hard over the years, own a corn grinding mill and an orchard. When Otto’s arrested as an enemy alien, Herbert goes with him, thinking it will be a simple matter to sort out, and the whole situation will turn into an absolute nightmare.
When We Were Brave by Karla M. Jay is well written, her research has been thorough, you feel a real connection to the characters, at times it’s very hard to read and very different to other historical fiction books I have read about WW II and the holocaust. Thanks to NetGalley for my copy, I felt so many emotions reading this story, and you discover the link between the main characters and four stars from me.
Wilhelm Falk is an SS officer, he’s married to Ilse, and has two sons Hans and Dietrich. He’s horrified by what the Nazi’s are doing to Jewish people in the concentration camps, he wants to expose their crimes, and let the world know what’s really happening. While in Italy, he fakes his own death, changes into a regular German soldier’s uniform and becomes Klaus Stern. Wilhelm becomes a prisoner of war and is sent to America, and he’s determined to escape. He needs to contact Pastor Theodore Graf and retrieve the important information he sent to him about what the Nazi's are doing in the extermination camps.
Izaak Tauber’s eight, he lives in Amsterdam, his mother Rachel’s a midwife and his father Saul is Jewish, he's been arrested, and sent to a camp. Rachel and Izaak try to escape Amsterdam, they end up being captured, Izaak still continues to draw when he can, and believes they will find his father in one of the concentration camps.
Herbert Muller lives in Pennsylvania, he’s of German heritage, and he’s married to Jutta, and has two children Alfred and Frieda. His parents Otto and Anni immigrated to America after WW I, and wanted a better life for their son Herbert. They work hard over the years, own a corn grinding mill and an orchard. When Otto’s arrested as an enemy alien, Herbert goes with him, thinking it will be a simple matter to sort out, and the whole situation will turn into an absolute nightmare.
When We Were Brave by Karla M. Jay is well written, her research has been thorough, you feel a real connection to the characters, at times it’s very hard to read and very different to other historical fiction books I have read about WW II and the holocaust. Thanks to NetGalley for my copy, I felt so many emotions reading this story, and you discover the link between the main characters and four stars from me.
October 20, 2020
“One does evil enough when one does nothing good.”
I have to say that you should definitely be prepared for a somewhat heavy historical fiction before going in. Just like you would expect from a WW2 novel set in Nazi Germany, it showed the hardships that people experienced as well as the precious few moments that were a result of appreciating the precious seconds that were rare and kind of far between during those times.
This was in general just a heartfelt, and long, journey. I have seen people comparing it to The Nightingale andIi have to say that I see where they are coming from.
— overall thoughts: 4.0 —
Listening to stories from the point of different jewish people that had different takes on what was happening was interesting to read as When We Were Brave is comprised of mainly 3 stories. The characters in the first 2 two stories were engaging and were easy to get attached to but, to be honest, it started to lose my interest at some parts towards the end.
However, the familial relationships made me fall in love so fast and were so well written (especially with the second story of the mother and the son trying to escape the Nazis). It was relatable for me personally and that was the story that really hooked me the most that I just had to drop everything and listen. If you aren’t a character driven person the plot of this is more than enough to keep you engrossed as it is quite intense and emotional.
The themes were absolutely amazing! Which is an aspect that I always expect to be strong with historical fiction novels and I am very happy to say that I was not let down.
It's heart breaking. It's inspiring. What more could you ask for? I absolutely loved the Karla M. Jay's writing style for the most part and the narrator did a great job of translating that into the audiobook. There weren't any fancy sound effects or music but that did not hinder my enjoyment at all. I actually thought the narration itself was entrancing which suited the story perfectly
All in all, I agree with everyone that this was an amazing historical WW2 fiction and there is no doubt that you are going to love this if the genre comes within your reading taste.
— I received this audiobook at no-cost from Audiobook Empire. The gifting of this audiobook did not affect my opinion of it. —
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June 4, 2019
I won a copy of this book in a Goodreads giveaway.
This book contains three different storylines, each about a less familiar aspect of World War II, told on a rotational basis. The first is about an SS officer who is horrified by what he sees in the "work camps," so much so that he creates an opportunity to be captured by American forces and shipped to the US as a POW, hoping he can pass on his knowledge to someone who can stop Hitler. The second is about an 8-year-old boy, half-Jewish, who is bounced from one concentration camp to another, including Terezin (Theresienstadt) which had its own particular horrors. The third is about a German-American father from Pennsylvania who is turned in (without any evidence) as an enemy alien by fearful neighbors; his entire family is repatriated to a war-torn Germany despite being American citizens. The chapters are relatively short, so it is easy to follow and remember each story even though they are told in rotation. As the book progresses, the fine threads that connect the three storylines gradually become apparent, although they do not appear contrived or forced. I learned a great deal from this book, not only about lesser-known events of the war, but also about the horrible things humans can do to one another, whether motivated by a desire for power, racism, a lack of respect for the value of human life, fear, or some combination of these. This is a fantastic book; if I could give it more than 5 stars, I definitely would. Highly, highly recommended!!
This book contains three different storylines, each about a less familiar aspect of World War II, told on a rotational basis. The first is about an SS officer who is horrified by what he sees in the "work camps," so much so that he creates an opportunity to be captured by American forces and shipped to the US as a POW, hoping he can pass on his knowledge to someone who can stop Hitler. The second is about an 8-year-old boy, half-Jewish, who is bounced from one concentration camp to another, including Terezin (Theresienstadt) which had its own particular horrors. The third is about a German-American father from Pennsylvania who is turned in (without any evidence) as an enemy alien by fearful neighbors; his entire family is repatriated to a war-torn Germany despite being American citizens. The chapters are relatively short, so it is easy to follow and remember each story even though they are told in rotation. As the book progresses, the fine threads that connect the three storylines gradually become apparent, although they do not appear contrived or forced. I learned a great deal from this book, not only about lesser-known events of the war, but also about the horrible things humans can do to one another, whether motivated by a desire for power, racism, a lack of respect for the value of human life, fear, or some combination of these. This is a fantastic book; if I could give it more than 5 stars, I definitely would. Highly, highly recommended!!
April 25, 2020
Not as impressed by this as most readers. There are three stories that kind of intertwine. First, the main story is about an SS officer horrified by the Nazi atrocities, who sends information to a pastor friend in the U.S. before assuming the identity of a German soldier to reach the U.S. to get help. He faces many obstacles along the way, initially from fellow countrymen and then by U.S. law enforcement. Second, a Jewish mother and son in the Netherlands trying to escape the Nazi's and reunite with the husband/father are captured and passed through various work camps. A very common story. Third, the story of a German family in Pennsylvania, who are harassed by the locals, and when the patriarch is falsely arrested for being a spy, the son goes along, eventually ending up with the family being deported back to Germany, after a harrowing experience interred on Ellis Island, where they meet the pastor. I did not connect with the characters, except for the pastor. 2.5 stars, rounded up.
August 3, 2020
When We Were Brave by Karla M. Jay was an exceptional book that was told from three different perspectives. I think that that was what made it stand out above some others for me. Many of the books that I have read about World War II and the Holocaust have focused on one setting and the lives of the people in that setting. Karla M. Jay brilliantly portrayed the lives of a young Jewish boy, Izaak Tauber, living in Amsterdam with his mother and father at the beginning of World War II, a defected Nazi SS officer, Wilhelm Falk, that was impersonating a low rank soldier and a German-American family, Herbert Muller and his family, who owned a farm in Tulpehocken, Pennsylvania. The author was able to blend the stories and experiences of these three people and their families in alternating chapters. Each chapter left just enough untold to be looking for more. The characters were believable and so credible. Karla M. Jay's descriptions were so detailed that it was easy to feel as if you were there with each character in each scene she described. From the very first page to the absolute last I was totally absorbed and did not want to put this book down.
SS Officer Sturmbannfuhrer Wilhelm Falk never wanted to become an SS officer but he was not given a choice. He witnessed horrors that turned his stomach. Early on he was asked to visit Hadamar Psychiatric Institute which "was one of six facilities where Nazis ran the T-4 Euthanasia Programme, which resulted in mass sterilizations and mass murder of "undesirable" German citizens, specifically those with physical and mental disabilities". "The hospital became a practice facility for bigger operations planned in Poland". Later on he visited several concentration camps and could not erase the horrific acts that he saw from his memory. "He tried to bury the visions of skeletal, fellow human beings no more than a whisper away from death, of the beatings, and of the chimneys pumping out foul smoke, but the memories always clawed their way to the forefront of his mind." They appeared in both his dreams and his waking hours. He knew that he had to let other nations know about all the horrific crimes that were happening in Germany. Falk began to gather evidence through photos and written accounts. He sent all the evidence he had gathered to an old friend from his youth that was now living in the United States. Pastor Theodore Graf headed a Christian youth organization when Falk was younger. He was the only person Falk knew that lived in the United States so he sent the package with all his proof of what was really happening in Nazi Germany. Falk had set up a box at a post office in Brussels and was caught reading a return letter from Graf postmarked from the United States. Shortly after, Falk was ordered to appear in Berlin. Rather than go to Berlin, though, Falk went to Italy. He had a plan. Falk traded his SS uniform with a low raking dead German soldier and faked his own death. He became Klaus Stern. That was the first part of his plan. Next he planned on joining Stern's 10th Army Division and hoped that he would be captured by the British and taken as a POW. The third part of his plan was to end up in a POW camp somewhere in the United States. Falk would plan his escape from the POW camp and find Pastor Graf. If all went well, he and Pastor Graf would get to Washington, D.C. and present the evidence he had collected. All Falk wanted to do was stop the mass murders of all the thousand of innocent people the Nazis were killing each day. He knew he had to watch his back. If the Nazis ever suspected what he was doing he would be shot and killed as a traitor. He knew he was putting his family at risk too.
Izaak Tauber, an eight year old child, son of a Jewish father and a Catholic mother, a Mischling, lived in Amsterdam, Netherlands. As World War II began, Izaak noticed people disappearing. His best friend Guus van Groot had been taken by the Germans. Then one August night, Izaak's father, whose favorite expression was "a man's true wealth is the good he does in this world", was ordered to get into the open back of a military vehicle along with dozens of other men. Izaak's father was whisked away and it was just him and his mother then. A week later, a SS officer came to their house and told them he would be staying there with them. As suddenly as the SS officer showed up, he was gone. He left a note thanking Izaak's mother that he had written in Dutch along with a bag of candy for Izaak. The night after Izaak's friend Guus was taken by the Nazis, members of the resistance came to Izaak's and his mother's house and told them that it was not safe for them to stay in their house anymore. They had to leave immediately. The Germans had discovered that Izaak's father had given generous donations to their local synagogue. It was only a matter of time before the Germans would come for Izaak and his mother. Izaak and his mother were hidden in safe houses. A plan was devised for them to leave the Netherlands. They would be helped by members of the resistance. Unfortunately, someone sold them out before they could escape. Izaak and his mother end up in one camp and then another. Their lives were hard but they managed to stay together. Izaak's mother's training as a nurse and Izaak's artisic ability helped to keep them together and alive. Izaak never lost faith of finding his father. His hope was for them to be a family again.
Herbert Muller was an American citizen with a German heritage. His father, Otto, immigrated to the United States in 1920 after he served in the Great War. Herbert and his brother Karl came to central Pennsylvania when they were young boys. His father, Otto, had built the one-story, wood-frame farmhouse that Herbert and his family now lived in with his own two hands and started the gristmill. Herbert's mother, Anni, had recently died and her passing still brought sadness to the family. She was missed by all. Herbert's brother Karl was serving in the Pacific in the Navy now that the United States had entered the war. Unfortunately, Herbert was born with one leg that was shorter than the other so he was not allowed to enlist. Otto and Anni never applied for citizenship for the United States. They always claimed they were too busy with the gristmill and running the business. It had never been a problem before but when the United States entered World War II many people became suspicious of German-American and Japanese-American people living in the United States. Herbert's neighbors, friends and community turned their backs on Herbert's family. They threatened them and tried to cause them harm. They called Herbert's family German spies and Nazis. One night someone even threw a rock in their window. Herbert tried to enlist the services of the FBI to help him and his family with the threats. The way the United States government treated German-American and Japanese-American citizens during this time was tragic and so unjust. This was a very sad time in the history of the United States. Ultimately, Herbert and his family were left with no choice but to return to war-torn Germany.
There were aspects in When We Were Brave that I was not so familiar with. I did not know that between 1942 and 1945 more than 400,000 German and Italian POWs were detained in camps located across rural areas of the United States. There were at least 500 POW camps during that time. Wilhelm Falk's character was based on the real life of German SS officer, Kurt Gerstein. Kurt Gerstein's life and what he did paralleled Wilhelm Falk's intentions. The information he gathered was important in convicting many SS at the Nuremburg Trials. Some of the characters in this book were real people. During World War II, the United States arrested 12,000 German-Americans and claimed them as enemy aliens. They were sent to internment camps, one of which was on Ellis Island. Several thousand of those detained were sent back to war-torn Germany and exchanged for more important Americans. The premise for this book came from a conversation the author, Karla M. Jay, had with her mother-in-law. Her mother-in-law had been on a passenger train with German POWs traveling from Utah to Kansas in 1944. That conversation was the catalyst for this book.
When We Were Brave by Karla M. Jay was researched extremely well. Ultimately all three main characters in the book intertwined and touched each other in some way. This book was so rich in detail with vivid descriptions of both the settings and characters. It was written in a way that will touch your heart, make you want to scream at the injustices and horrific acts, and just make you cry. This was the first book that I have read by Karla M. Jay but I look forward to reading others. I highly recommend When We Were Brave.
I received a complimentary digital copy of When We Were Brave in a Goodreads' give away from Book Circle Press through goodreads. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
SS Officer Sturmbannfuhrer Wilhelm Falk never wanted to become an SS officer but he was not given a choice. He witnessed horrors that turned his stomach. Early on he was asked to visit Hadamar Psychiatric Institute which "was one of six facilities where Nazis ran the T-4 Euthanasia Programme, which resulted in mass sterilizations and mass murder of "undesirable" German citizens, specifically those with physical and mental disabilities". "The hospital became a practice facility for bigger operations planned in Poland". Later on he visited several concentration camps and could not erase the horrific acts that he saw from his memory. "He tried to bury the visions of skeletal, fellow human beings no more than a whisper away from death, of the beatings, and of the chimneys pumping out foul smoke, but the memories always clawed their way to the forefront of his mind." They appeared in both his dreams and his waking hours. He knew that he had to let other nations know about all the horrific crimes that were happening in Germany. Falk began to gather evidence through photos and written accounts. He sent all the evidence he had gathered to an old friend from his youth that was now living in the United States. Pastor Theodore Graf headed a Christian youth organization when Falk was younger. He was the only person Falk knew that lived in the United States so he sent the package with all his proof of what was really happening in Nazi Germany. Falk had set up a box at a post office in Brussels and was caught reading a return letter from Graf postmarked from the United States. Shortly after, Falk was ordered to appear in Berlin. Rather than go to Berlin, though, Falk went to Italy. He had a plan. Falk traded his SS uniform with a low raking dead German soldier and faked his own death. He became Klaus Stern. That was the first part of his plan. Next he planned on joining Stern's 10th Army Division and hoped that he would be captured by the British and taken as a POW. The third part of his plan was to end up in a POW camp somewhere in the United States. Falk would plan his escape from the POW camp and find Pastor Graf. If all went well, he and Pastor Graf would get to Washington, D.C. and present the evidence he had collected. All Falk wanted to do was stop the mass murders of all the thousand of innocent people the Nazis were killing each day. He knew he had to watch his back. If the Nazis ever suspected what he was doing he would be shot and killed as a traitor. He knew he was putting his family at risk too.
Izaak Tauber, an eight year old child, son of a Jewish father and a Catholic mother, a Mischling, lived in Amsterdam, Netherlands. As World War II began, Izaak noticed people disappearing. His best friend Guus van Groot had been taken by the Germans. Then one August night, Izaak's father, whose favorite expression was "a man's true wealth is the good he does in this world", was ordered to get into the open back of a military vehicle along with dozens of other men. Izaak's father was whisked away and it was just him and his mother then. A week later, a SS officer came to their house and told them he would be staying there with them. As suddenly as the SS officer showed up, he was gone. He left a note thanking Izaak's mother that he had written in Dutch along with a bag of candy for Izaak. The night after Izaak's friend Guus was taken by the Nazis, members of the resistance came to Izaak's and his mother's house and told them that it was not safe for them to stay in their house anymore. They had to leave immediately. The Germans had discovered that Izaak's father had given generous donations to their local synagogue. It was only a matter of time before the Germans would come for Izaak and his mother. Izaak and his mother were hidden in safe houses. A plan was devised for them to leave the Netherlands. They would be helped by members of the resistance. Unfortunately, someone sold them out before they could escape. Izaak and his mother end up in one camp and then another. Their lives were hard but they managed to stay together. Izaak's mother's training as a nurse and Izaak's artisic ability helped to keep them together and alive. Izaak never lost faith of finding his father. His hope was for them to be a family again.
Herbert Muller was an American citizen with a German heritage. His father, Otto, immigrated to the United States in 1920 after he served in the Great War. Herbert and his brother Karl came to central Pennsylvania when they were young boys. His father, Otto, had built the one-story, wood-frame farmhouse that Herbert and his family now lived in with his own two hands and started the gristmill. Herbert's mother, Anni, had recently died and her passing still brought sadness to the family. She was missed by all. Herbert's brother Karl was serving in the Pacific in the Navy now that the United States had entered the war. Unfortunately, Herbert was born with one leg that was shorter than the other so he was not allowed to enlist. Otto and Anni never applied for citizenship for the United States. They always claimed they were too busy with the gristmill and running the business. It had never been a problem before but when the United States entered World War II many people became suspicious of German-American and Japanese-American people living in the United States. Herbert's neighbors, friends and community turned their backs on Herbert's family. They threatened them and tried to cause them harm. They called Herbert's family German spies and Nazis. One night someone even threw a rock in their window. Herbert tried to enlist the services of the FBI to help him and his family with the threats. The way the United States government treated German-American and Japanese-American citizens during this time was tragic and so unjust. This was a very sad time in the history of the United States. Ultimately, Herbert and his family were left with no choice but to return to war-torn Germany.
There were aspects in When We Were Brave that I was not so familiar with. I did not know that between 1942 and 1945 more than 400,000 German and Italian POWs were detained in camps located across rural areas of the United States. There were at least 500 POW camps during that time. Wilhelm Falk's character was based on the real life of German SS officer, Kurt Gerstein. Kurt Gerstein's life and what he did paralleled Wilhelm Falk's intentions. The information he gathered was important in convicting many SS at the Nuremburg Trials. Some of the characters in this book were real people. During World War II, the United States arrested 12,000 German-Americans and claimed them as enemy aliens. They were sent to internment camps, one of which was on Ellis Island. Several thousand of those detained were sent back to war-torn Germany and exchanged for more important Americans. The premise for this book came from a conversation the author, Karla M. Jay, had with her mother-in-law. Her mother-in-law had been on a passenger train with German POWs traveling from Utah to Kansas in 1944. That conversation was the catalyst for this book.
When We Were Brave by Karla M. Jay was researched extremely well. Ultimately all three main characters in the book intertwined and touched each other in some way. This book was so rich in detail with vivid descriptions of both the settings and characters. It was written in a way that will touch your heart, make you want to scream at the injustices and horrific acts, and just make you cry. This was the first book that I have read by Karla M. Jay but I look forward to reading others. I highly recommend When We Were Brave.
I received a complimentary digital copy of When We Were Brave in a Goodreads' give away from Book Circle Press through goodreads. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
June 19, 2019
When We Were Brave by Karla M. Jay is a fabulous historical fiction piece of epic proportions.
It interweaves the haunting stories of three main characters: Wilhem Falk (an SS officer who wants to right some of the wrongs of his fellow men), Isaak Tauber (a young Jewish boy with his mother and father just trying to survive the atrocities), and Herbert Muller ( a German-born man who with his wife became American citizens that live in Pennsylvania) all during the latter years of WWII.
The author’s ability to weave these heartbreaking stories together is breathtaking.
What was done to the Jewish people internationally, as well as what the American government did to the Germans that resided in our country, is appalling.
I knew about the Japanese camps, however I did not know anything about the fates of many Germans here during that time (some were citizens, some were not, however their citizen status is irrelevant).
For some of the behaviors of our government officials at that time, I am embarrassed and ashamed.
I hope we now can see this behavior and these events, and learn from this...and never let any of this happen ever again.
I am grateful for the author for this learning experience.
Thank you NetGalley and Book Circle Press for this ARC and in return I am submitting my unbiased and voluntary review and opinion.
It interweaves the haunting stories of three main characters: Wilhem Falk (an SS officer who wants to right some of the wrongs of his fellow men), Isaak Tauber (a young Jewish boy with his mother and father just trying to survive the atrocities), and Herbert Muller ( a German-born man who with his wife became American citizens that live in Pennsylvania) all during the latter years of WWII.
The author’s ability to weave these heartbreaking stories together is breathtaking.
What was done to the Jewish people internationally, as well as what the American government did to the Germans that resided in our country, is appalling.
I knew about the Japanese camps, however I did not know anything about the fates of many Germans here during that time (some were citizens, some were not, however their citizen status is irrelevant).
For some of the behaviors of our government officials at that time, I am embarrassed and ashamed.
I hope we now can see this behavior and these events, and learn from this...and never let any of this happen ever again.
I am grateful for the author for this learning experience.
Thank you NetGalley and Book Circle Press for this ARC and in return I am submitting my unbiased and voluntary review and opinion.
May 13, 2020
Hidden Gem Alert!⠀⠀
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For my standards, this is up there with The Nightengale by Kristin Hannah. Yes, that's right! This book deserves all the stars! ⠀⠀⠀
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Jesus where do I start...it was like reading all my top historical fiction books and combining it into one magnificent and unique story. Impeccably researched. Character development was superb. The way the story and the characters intertwined was just perfect. It was emotional, informative and leaves me speachless.⠀⠀⠀
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Author, Karla M. Jay references events, places and people that are fictional such as Himmler (a known leader of extermination camps), the Channel Islands of Jersey and Guernsey, Propaganda camps, what happened to German- Americans living in the US, Aushwiz, Psychiatric Institutes, resistance work and so much more. ⠀⠀⠀
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Thank you Netgalley for helping me discover this hidden gem, I will be purchasing a physical copy and another for my book bestie twin.⠀⠀
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For my standards, this is up there with The Nightengale by Kristin Hannah. Yes, that's right! This book deserves all the stars! ⠀⠀⠀
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Jesus where do I start...it was like reading all my top historical fiction books and combining it into one magnificent and unique story. Impeccably researched. Character development was superb. The way the story and the characters intertwined was just perfect. It was emotional, informative and leaves me speachless.⠀⠀⠀
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Author, Karla M. Jay references events, places and people that are fictional such as Himmler (a known leader of extermination camps), the Channel Islands of Jersey and Guernsey, Propaganda camps, what happened to German- Americans living in the US, Aushwiz, Psychiatric Institutes, resistance work and so much more. ⠀⠀⠀
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Thank you Netgalley for helping me discover this hidden gem, I will be purchasing a physical copy and another for my book bestie twin.⠀⠀
September 29, 2019
This was such a beautifully written story that so tenderly walks through the lives of various individuals throughout the latter years of WWII. These individuals have ties to America and Germany and those ties will either make or break their future.
I spent much of the hours engrossed in this book with a tightening in my chest and tears in my eyes. The main characters in this story were of little importance -- just ordinary people trying to live out their lives in comfort and peace. But for some people with German origins living in America in the early 1940's, life took a different turn. And let's not forget (let us NEVER forget) the millions of people of Jewish origins living in Germany and Poland during WWII who had no voice or vote in their future.
We've all read, heard and watched the stories of the atrocities carried out during WWII, but this author had a way of making you feel like you were taking each agonizing step with those suffering. You could almost hear their stomachs growling as they felt hunger for not only nourishment but human compassion. You felt their desperation as they lost life savings, family members, self confidence and human dignity. The thing I admired most was that no matter what was taken from them, for the most part, they held tight to their faith.
This is a story of an American family that finds themselves transported back to Germany. It is a story of a German SS officer who finds himself transported to America. It is a story of a Polish/Jewish family that finds themselves separated by fate. It is a story of human souls who find reasons for living when few reasons exist. It is a story of human strength and a willingness to survive no matter the cost. This is a story that needs to be read slowly and reverently lest we forget the past in our efforts to built a future.
I spent much of the hours engrossed in this book with a tightening in my chest and tears in my eyes. The main characters in this story were of little importance -- just ordinary people trying to live out their lives in comfort and peace. But for some people with German origins living in America in the early 1940's, life took a different turn. And let's not forget (let us NEVER forget) the millions of people of Jewish origins living in Germany and Poland during WWII who had no voice or vote in their future.
We've all read, heard and watched the stories of the atrocities carried out during WWII, but this author had a way of making you feel like you were taking each agonizing step with those suffering. You could almost hear their stomachs growling as they felt hunger for not only nourishment but human compassion. You felt their desperation as they lost life savings, family members, self confidence and human dignity. The thing I admired most was that no matter what was taken from them, for the most part, they held tight to their faith.
This is a story of an American family that finds themselves transported back to Germany. It is a story of a German SS officer who finds himself transported to America. It is a story of a Polish/Jewish family that finds themselves separated by fate. It is a story of human souls who find reasons for living when few reasons exist. It is a story of human strength and a willingness to survive no matter the cost. This is a story that needs to be read slowly and reverently lest we forget the past in our efforts to built a future.
April 29, 2019
”When we were brave” tells the story of three very different families that live during the WWII: a Jewish family, a German family that lives in Germany and a German family that lives in U.S.A. .
Most of the time, when we hear the words World War II, we think about Holocaust and how many people were murdered by the Nazis, rarely we think how the soldiers lived, how could the SS do such terrible things and we never think how German civilians from other countries lived or how were they treated by their neighbors.
One story is of Izaak, a Jewish boy that develops his creativity and talent while trying to survive the war.
Another story is of Wilhelm Falk how tries to redeem the mistakes he made as an SS officer by helping the enemy to destroy the concentration camps.
And the third story is of the Muller family. Living in U.S.A., far from war, they never thought they will be treated by Americans like Jewish people were treated by Nazis, only because they were Germans.
Reading three different perspectives of how a war can impact human beings lives helped understand that ”war caused strange behavior patterns, that echoed in ways no one could guess”.
This book is very well documented and a pleasant read for someone who wants to understand better the consequences of the WWII.
Most of the time, when we hear the words World War II, we think about Holocaust and how many people were murdered by the Nazis, rarely we think how the soldiers lived, how could the SS do such terrible things and we never think how German civilians from other countries lived or how were they treated by their neighbors.
One story is of Izaak, a Jewish boy that develops his creativity and talent while trying to survive the war.
Another story is of Wilhelm Falk how tries to redeem the mistakes he made as an SS officer by helping the enemy to destroy the concentration camps.
And the third story is of the Muller family. Living in U.S.A., far from war, they never thought they will be treated by Americans like Jewish people were treated by Nazis, only because they were Germans.
Reading three different perspectives of how a war can impact human beings lives helped understand that ”war caused strange behavior patterns, that echoed in ways no one could guess”.
This book is very well documented and a pleasant read for someone who wants to understand better the consequences of the WWII.
September 29, 2020
I am speechless. Not to minimize "Shindler's List", but this book goes above and beyond in capturing the horrors of the Holocaust. Meticulously researched details are interwoven into the stories of three lives. Three different persepectives that bring to life the realities, horrors and small, personal victories. If I were to recommend one book or movie that should be taught in schools; this would be it. It does not glorify. It does not proselytize. It presents facts and allows you to judge the actions of the players. Like many of Generation X with parents who lived the war, I also lived with the first-hand stories of life on THIS side of the Atlantic for German-Americans. Fluent in German, I have heard first-hand accounts of life in Dachau and Auschwitz from Jewish survivors while doing research in Austria, Germany and Hungary. I have sat in a train from Muenich to Bonn with a gentleman who was a 16-year old Hitlerjungend at the time he was conscripted and fought that last, deciding battle at Remagen. The chills I got from reading this book... I had to set it aside several times, because it is a horrifically "real" read. I cried. Had nightmares and remembered. At the end, I realized Jay has done justice to the reprimand to "Never Forget".
June 6, 2019
I enjoyed reading three different view points of World War II. Izaak was my favorite character due to his age and innocence. I thought she was clever to link the three main characters as she did. Most stories on WWII are full of gruesome details but this story line had just enough detail to remind us of the horror that was suffered but did not distract from the characters. The author was able to capture your heart to each person for different reasons. There was a part of the story that I really did not like but welcome to the spoils of war! I also found myself asking "how would I react in this situation? That is an easy answer when you already know the outcome of the war. I personally have a difficult time just sitting and reading so the short chapters were very pleasant as to work for a while in between. I can certainly see others reading this book in one or two sittings.
July 10, 2019
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for providing this book in exchange for an honest review.
This is probably one of the best WWII books I have read. The 3 stories are so well written and could've each been a separate novel. Well researched and different than other books of this period I have read.
This is probably one of the best WWII books I have read. The 3 stories are so well written and could've each been a separate novel. Well researched and different than other books of this period I have read.
July 7, 2019
Loved this. Highly recommend!
January 4, 2020
I enjoyed this book.
Well worth the read!!!!
Well worth the read!!!!
June 6, 2019
When We Were Brave is a historical novel by Karla M. Jay. It is based on true stories of the Holocaust and features real people who were instrumental in either the perpetration of the horrors or those who tried to alleviate some of the horrors, even for a short period of time. It is told through three characters whose lives were destroyed or changed by the events that occurred. It is a very good book and one that makes you think of some of the different ways people suffered rather than just in the camps.
The first person is based on Kurt Gerstein, an SS officer who tried to get information on what was happening out of the country. The character in the story is SS officer Wilhelm Falk. As an officer he traveled throughout the area and visited many camps. He had joined the SS under protest and only to protect his family. When he realized what was going on, he began to collect documents and photographs and stories to prove to the West that the Nazis were murdering millions of people. Thinking he could get to the President Roosevelt, he sent this information to a preacher he knew who had moved to America. Then he manufactures his own death and takes another soldier’s identification to become a prisoner of war and be taken to the US. How he plans to get to his friend is unknown even to him. How he can let his wife know what he is doing is the right thing, he also doesn’t know.
The second person is Herbert Mueller, a German American who had taken American citizenship. When his family was threatened, he contacted the FBI for help. Instead, they began investigating his father, Otto, who had come to the US following WWI but who had not taken American citizenship. Because of his Father’s language problems and his health, Herbert went with him. The only way they would let him go was to arrest him as well. As they try to get their way back home, the two are imprisoned in detention camps for German Americans. Herbert had to stand by helplessly while his father gets more ill, his wife and children have to deal with their both being gone and continual harassment at home, and while his son gets into trouble with his temper. When the farm is sold out from under them, the family is reunited in the detention camp. Eventually they are sent to Germany or “back home”.
The third person is a young six-year-old boy from the Netherlands, Izaak Tauber. His Father was taken away by the Nazis first leaving Izaak and his Mother to go into hiding. His Father was Jewish and his Mother was Catholic. While they were being taken to safety, their route was compromised and their guide was killed. The two were captured and placed in Westerbork. From there, they were taken to various camps and ended up in Terezin. As long as he is with his Mother, Izaak prides himself on being brave; but will he be able to be brave on his own? He is also very good at art and a man at Westerbork told him to keep hold of his picture and show it to a guard and the guard would take him to a special place. Thus, they end up in Terezin. But where is his Father? Will they ever be reunited? Would his family ever be back together?
The three characters cross paths several times during the story. Each time it is entirely by chance but each event changes the lives of the characters. The reader is completely taken by surprise when their paths cross and how they cross. It is another book that must be read and it is very difficult to put down.
The first person is based on Kurt Gerstein, an SS officer who tried to get information on what was happening out of the country. The character in the story is SS officer Wilhelm Falk. As an officer he traveled throughout the area and visited many camps. He had joined the SS under protest and only to protect his family. When he realized what was going on, he began to collect documents and photographs and stories to prove to the West that the Nazis were murdering millions of people. Thinking he could get to the President Roosevelt, he sent this information to a preacher he knew who had moved to America. Then he manufactures his own death and takes another soldier’s identification to become a prisoner of war and be taken to the US. How he plans to get to his friend is unknown even to him. How he can let his wife know what he is doing is the right thing, he also doesn’t know.
The second person is Herbert Mueller, a German American who had taken American citizenship. When his family was threatened, he contacted the FBI for help. Instead, they began investigating his father, Otto, who had come to the US following WWI but who had not taken American citizenship. Because of his Father’s language problems and his health, Herbert went with him. The only way they would let him go was to arrest him as well. As they try to get their way back home, the two are imprisoned in detention camps for German Americans. Herbert had to stand by helplessly while his father gets more ill, his wife and children have to deal with their both being gone and continual harassment at home, and while his son gets into trouble with his temper. When the farm is sold out from under them, the family is reunited in the detention camp. Eventually they are sent to Germany or “back home”.
The third person is a young six-year-old boy from the Netherlands, Izaak Tauber. His Father was taken away by the Nazis first leaving Izaak and his Mother to go into hiding. His Father was Jewish and his Mother was Catholic. While they were being taken to safety, their route was compromised and their guide was killed. The two were captured and placed in Westerbork. From there, they were taken to various camps and ended up in Terezin. As long as he is with his Mother, Izaak prides himself on being brave; but will he be able to be brave on his own? He is also very good at art and a man at Westerbork told him to keep hold of his picture and show it to a guard and the guard would take him to a special place. Thus, they end up in Terezin. But where is his Father? Will they ever be reunited? Would his family ever be back together?
The three characters cross paths several times during the story. Each time it is entirely by chance but each event changes the lives of the characters. The reader is completely taken by surprise when their paths cross and how they cross. It is another book that must be read and it is very difficult to put down.
September 10, 2019
History has a way of reminding us that humans can very heartless. Think about slavery, colonization, and the holocaust. This book took me back to a time when men were truly monsters.
In this story, Wilhem Falk is a former SS Officer who is trying to get the word out about the death camps. He has witnessed the despicable inhumanity of the German soldiers and wants the world to know. He hopes that creating awareness will put a stop to the madness. However, being an SS ‘traitor’ is a death sentence. In addition, nobody trusts him. Izaak is only 8 years old. He is Jewish. OMG his innocence was heartbreaking. Herbert’s story is new to me. He is an American with German Origin. His family is all settled in America, they are hardworking citizens with no links to Germany but that still doesn’t spare him from being profiled by FBI. In the process, he is deported to Germany. He doesn’t even know people there. Crazy!
This was a heartbreaking read. It is also the kind of read that makes you angry. I am so mad at Hitler and all his cronies with their dumb ‘Aryan Nation’. It breaks my heart that so many people had to suffer and lose their lives because of a lunatic. The story was intense as I kept wondering if the characters would survive. I wanted the war to end so badly. Little Izaak had my heart in my mouth a couple of times. He was just a young boy, so innocent even in the face of cruelty. He didn’t fully grasp what was going on and managed to get his family in trouble a couple of times.
This story was quite well written. Most of the characters were based on real people and this made the story even more heart-wrenching. I also thought the story was quite informative. I learned so many new things like the story of German immigrants living in other countries. I also learned the bizarre story of German women who were considered as being ‘racially pure’ and their contribution to the war was to have sex with SS Officers in an effort to procreate Aryan Children. This was the Lebensborn programme. I was surprised by this but a little research on Google brought me stories of these women. They volunteered and were honored to play this part for the Fuhrer.
When We Were Brave by Karla M. Jay is a well-written, captivating, informative story about love, loss, courage and pain. It is also a story about the best and worst of humanity. The research that went into the story made it more than just a great read. It ended up being the kind of story that offered me a lot of lessons. Definitely recommended.
In this story, Wilhem Falk is a former SS Officer who is trying to get the word out about the death camps. He has witnessed the despicable inhumanity of the German soldiers and wants the world to know. He hopes that creating awareness will put a stop to the madness. However, being an SS ‘traitor’ is a death sentence. In addition, nobody trusts him. Izaak is only 8 years old. He is Jewish. OMG his innocence was heartbreaking. Herbert’s story is new to me. He is an American with German Origin. His family is all settled in America, they are hardworking citizens with no links to Germany but that still doesn’t spare him from being profiled by FBI. In the process, he is deported to Germany. He doesn’t even know people there. Crazy!
This was a heartbreaking read. It is also the kind of read that makes you angry. I am so mad at Hitler and all his cronies with their dumb ‘Aryan Nation’. It breaks my heart that so many people had to suffer and lose their lives because of a lunatic. The story was intense as I kept wondering if the characters would survive. I wanted the war to end so badly. Little Izaak had my heart in my mouth a couple of times. He was just a young boy, so innocent even in the face of cruelty. He didn’t fully grasp what was going on and managed to get his family in trouble a couple of times.
This story was quite well written. Most of the characters were based on real people and this made the story even more heart-wrenching. I also thought the story was quite informative. I learned so many new things like the story of German immigrants living in other countries. I also learned the bizarre story of German women who were considered as being ‘racially pure’ and their contribution to the war was to have sex with SS Officers in an effort to procreate Aryan Children. This was the Lebensborn programme. I was surprised by this but a little research on Google brought me stories of these women. They volunteered and were honored to play this part for the Fuhrer.
When We Were Brave by Karla M. Jay is a well-written, captivating, informative story about love, loss, courage and pain. It is also a story about the best and worst of humanity. The research that went into the story made it more than just a great read. It ended up being the kind of story that offered me a lot of lessons. Definitely recommended.
June 17, 2019
When We Were Brave by Karla M. Jay is a fabulous historical fiction piece of epic proportions.
It interweaves the haunting stories of three main characters: Wilhem Falk (an SS officer who wants to right some of the wrongs of his fellow men), Isaak Tauber (a young Jewish boy with his mother and father just trying to survive the atrocities), and Herbert Muller ( a German-born man who with his wife became American citizens that live in Pennsylvania) all during the latter years of WWII.
The author’s ability to weave these heartbreaking stories together is breathtaking.
What was done to the Jewish people internationally, as well as what the American government did to the Germans that resided in our country, is appalling.
I knew about the Japanese camps, however I did not know anything about the fates of many Germans here during that time (some were citizens, some were not, however their citizen status is irrelevant).
For some of the behaviors of our government officials at that time, I am embarrassed and ashamed.
I hope we now can see this behavior and these events, and learn from this...and never let any of this happen ever again.
I am grateful for the author for this learning experience.
Thank you NetGalley and Book Circle Press for this ARC and in return I am submitting my unbiased and voluntary review and opinion.
It interweaves the haunting stories of three main characters: Wilhem Falk (an SS officer who wants to right some of the wrongs of his fellow men), Isaak Tauber (a young Jewish boy with his mother and father just trying to survive the atrocities), and Herbert Muller ( a German-born man who with his wife became American citizens that live in Pennsylvania) all during the latter years of WWII.
The author’s ability to weave these heartbreaking stories together is breathtaking.
What was done to the Jewish people internationally, as well as what the American government did to the Germans that resided in our country, is appalling.
I knew about the Japanese camps, however I did not know anything about the fates of many Germans here during that time (some were citizens, some were not, however their citizen status is irrelevant).
For some of the behaviors of our government officials at that time, I am embarrassed and ashamed.
I hope we now can see this behavior and these events, and learn from this...and never let any of this happen ever again.
I am grateful for the author for this learning experience.
Thank you NetGalley and Book Circle Press for this ARC and in return I am submitting my unbiased and voluntary review and opinion.
April 27, 2019
When We Were Brave by Karla M. Jay is a must read for anyone interested in the history of Germany, America and World War II. Fascinating historical fiction based on the facts of World War II, Germany‘s Final Solution, American responses, and how people were affected by the action or non action of others. This book focuses on three main families and how their lives impact others. It delves into the war, the lives, the suffering and faith of both Individuals and nations. While not a Jewish or Christian book it is written with a Judeo Christian perspective. I thought this book was an excellent example of how God orders our steps.
In the reader‘s guide part of a question was: what would you be willing to do? Today so many still suffer under various socialist rulers and the questions remain the same.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Netgalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own. I appreciate the opportunity and thank the author and publisher for allowing me to read, enjoy and review this book.
In the reader‘s guide part of a question was: what would you be willing to do? Today so many still suffer under various socialist rulers and the questions remain the same.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Netgalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own. I appreciate the opportunity and thank the author and publisher for allowing me to read, enjoy and review this book.
August 6, 2020
This was a heart breaking novel. With that being said, I still give it five stars because it’s so painfully realistic. The author did a phenomenal job of making the reader feel the pain, fear and heartache the books characters undoubtedly felt.
This book is told from an unique perspective of three characters. Each chapter indicates a change of character. Subtly, their stories intertwine towards the end of the novel.
Even though this isn’t a “happy ending” kind of story, I strongly recommend you read this book if you are considering it. It’s extremely realistic from multiple perspectives of WWII and will open the readers eyes to the harsh realities of the war.
The stories of Izaak, Herbert and Falk are beautifully written and will keep you turning the page into the wee hours of the night.
Also worth nothing, the author was so precise with the historical events and they were very accurate, which makes the book even better.
This book is told from an unique perspective of three characters. Each chapter indicates a change of character. Subtly, their stories intertwine towards the end of the novel.
Even though this isn’t a “happy ending” kind of story, I strongly recommend you read this book if you are considering it. It’s extremely realistic from multiple perspectives of WWII and will open the readers eyes to the harsh realities of the war.
The stories of Izaak, Herbert and Falk are beautifully written and will keep you turning the page into the wee hours of the night.
Also worth nothing, the author was so precise with the historical events and they were very accurate, which makes the book even better.
June 15, 2019
Although I prefer other genres, I found this historical fiction worth reading. To me, and obviously others, this skillfully entwined trilogy proved to be a brilliant masterpiece of storytelling in how Karla created such believable characters. Allowing us to experience each one during a time in human history where they were forced to witness and endure unspeakable, heartbreaking tragedies. Atrocities. All still reverberating in the lives of far too many as we approach 2020. Also, the research was impeccable. With each chapter, I felt I was there... with the characters, yes, but also on the streets, in the towns, everywhere as if hooked up to a virtual reality system. And learning, as well as reading, no matter how painful. (I love learning.)
I fell in love with Falk. Wanted to hold Izaak. Imagined a sit-down conversation with Otto. Could see "Mama" as if she were in front of me. Tasted the foods. So much more.
So much life blended with so much pain. Did I cry? Of course I did even though I hate crying.
To allow me the privilege of truly experiencing this knitted trilogy? Now THAT takes skill. I could've said I really liked/enjoyed it, giving this work 4 stars, but I was compelled to give it 5 and declare it fantastic for not only the talent but also the incredible work. All worth 5 stars. I admire and appreciate such devotion to any project.
So I applaud you, Karla! And I thank you for taking me with you on this "When We Were Brave" journey.
I fell in love with Falk. Wanted to hold Izaak. Imagined a sit-down conversation with Otto. Could see "Mama" as if she were in front of me. Tasted the foods. So much more.
So much life blended with so much pain. Did I cry? Of course I did even though I hate crying.
To allow me the privilege of truly experiencing this knitted trilogy? Now THAT takes skill. I could've said I really liked/enjoyed it, giving this work 4 stars, but I was compelled to give it 5 and declare it fantastic for not only the talent but also the incredible work. All worth 5 stars. I admire and appreciate such devotion to any project.
So I applaud you, Karla! And I thank you for taking me with you on this "When We Were Brave" journey.
May 23, 2019
You'll be on the edge of your seat, start to finish!!
This is my first book by Ms. Karla M. Jay, and I enjoyed it immensely. She offers less-known perspectives of the holocaust: innocent German-Americans who were persecuted by their neighbours and the government; an SS officer who loathed what was happening, carried a deep sense of guilt, and tried to stop the terror in his own way--even at risk to his life; a half-Jewish child whose Catholic mother bravely shared in the suffering of her Jewish family. These three stories, separate yet interwoven in their unveiling, are told with clarity, startling imagery, and great emotion, enabling the reader to understand, see, and feel just as though they were there! The horror, the fear, the despair, the hope--all unfold in a wave of expressive, suspenseful writing that will render you sleepless and keep you dangling at the edge of your seat!!!
This is my first book by Ms. Karla M. Jay, and I enjoyed it immensely. She offers less-known perspectives of the holocaust: innocent German-Americans who were persecuted by their neighbours and the government; an SS officer who loathed what was happening, carried a deep sense of guilt, and tried to stop the terror in his own way--even at risk to his life; a half-Jewish child whose Catholic mother bravely shared in the suffering of her Jewish family. These three stories, separate yet interwoven in their unveiling, are told with clarity, startling imagery, and great emotion, enabling the reader to understand, see, and feel just as though they were there! The horror, the fear, the despair, the hope--all unfold in a wave of expressive, suspenseful writing that will render you sleepless and keep you dangling at the edge of your seat!!!
November 22, 2019
When we were brave by Karla M Jay
A world war 2, story told by three different people. Herbert Muller, a US citizen from Germany was accused of helping Germany and was send back to that country with all his possessions being taken from him. Izaak, a young Jewish boy sent to prison camps, separated from his mother and father, was chosen by Josef Mengele to be one of his experiments. Wilhelm Falk, an SS officer was sympathetic to the Jewish people. He took notes and wanted to destroy all of Hitler’s men. There were a lot of true fact in the novel. German and Italians were shipped to the United States and detained in camps. Many characters were real people. There were homes for displaced people.
The author wrote the novel in a way that causes the reader to get emotionally involved with the characters.
Thank you NetGalley and Book Circle Press for this ARC and in return I am submitting my unbiased opinion.
A world war 2, story told by three different people. Herbert Muller, a US citizen from Germany was accused of helping Germany and was send back to that country with all his possessions being taken from him. Izaak, a young Jewish boy sent to prison camps, separated from his mother and father, was chosen by Josef Mengele to be one of his experiments. Wilhelm Falk, an SS officer was sympathetic to the Jewish people. He took notes and wanted to destroy all of Hitler’s men. There were a lot of true fact in the novel. German and Italians were shipped to the United States and detained in camps. Many characters were real people. There were homes for displaced people.
The author wrote the novel in a way that causes the reader to get emotionally involved with the characters.
Thank you NetGalley and Book Circle Press for this ARC and in return I am submitting my unbiased opinion.
July 13, 2019
I have not read a book that has left me so broken in a long time. I do this to myself because WW2 stories and the evil that men and women did to others (and continue to do) is so hard to fathom, but yet I gravitate to these books all the time. I honestly can't put into words what a remarkable book this is. Told from 3 perspectives and as difficult as it is to read, especially the sections told by innocent 8 year old Izaak it is a book that needs to be read. I had to put the book down several times, I just couldn't read it for too long at a time, it was heartbreaking.
Ms. Jay makes you FEEL the hurt, the love, the terror of war. I have so much to say but nothing I say could do this book justice...just read it.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an opportunity to provide my unbiased opinion.
#WhenWeWereBrave
#NetGalley
Ms. Jay makes you FEEL the hurt, the love, the terror of war. I have so much to say but nothing I say could do this book justice...just read it.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an opportunity to provide my unbiased opinion.
#WhenWeWereBrave
#NetGalley
April 24, 2019
Rarely do I dip my toe into the genre of historical fiction, but with this book, I could not resist. Not only do you fall in love with the endearing and complex characters that populate the novel's pages, but the plot itself immediately draws you in. Both historical and contemporary, When We Were Brave speaks to the challenges and emotions that haunt humankind and shows the struggles of those brave enough to fight against powers larger than they originally imagined.
Spell-binding and powerful, When We Were Brave is a must-read for all historical fiction readers (or any lover of good books).
Spell-binding and powerful, When We Were Brave is a must-read for all historical fiction readers (or any lover of good books).
June 18, 2019
The Power of Hope & Excruciating Pain of Loss
I could not put it down. I read a lot about WWII. I especially like historical fiction based on real people or real events, which this story loosely is. Very well written, told from the viewpoint of three different people & settings that spiral & twist into each other in the end. The resilience of the characters who face horrible things & to know stuff like this actually happened....it just absolutely blows my mind. I highly recommend.
I could not put it down. I read a lot about WWII. I especially like historical fiction based on real people or real events, which this story loosely is. Very well written, told from the viewpoint of three different people & settings that spiral & twist into each other in the end. The resilience of the characters who face horrible things & to know stuff like this actually happened....it just absolutely blows my mind. I highly recommend.
June 29, 2019
Kept me turning the pages
This book was a great story. I thought at first, the three different points of view were going to be confusing. But not so. I moved from one to the other seamlessly. It had more than enough excitement to keep me interested. I didn't want the story to end. If you find the holocaust interesting, read this book. You will be transported from the camps, to the POW camps in the US, and to the war itself. It left me humbled and wanting more.
This book was a great story. I thought at first, the three different points of view were going to be confusing. But not so. I moved from one to the other seamlessly. It had more than enough excitement to keep me interested. I didn't want the story to end. If you find the holocaust interesting, read this book. You will be transported from the camps, to the POW camps in the US, and to the war itself. It left me humbled and wanting more.
June 15, 2019
Historically accurate account of WWII, full of terror, sadness, hope, & vindication!
When We Were Brave is a page-turning account of the greatest human tragedy of modern times. This work of historical fiction is highly accurate in telling a tale of brave men, women & children walking, running & oftimes hiding in order to survive their worst nightmare!
When We Were Brave is a page-turning account of the greatest human tragedy of modern times. This work of historical fiction is highly accurate in telling a tale of brave men, women & children walking, running & oftimes hiding in order to survive their worst nightmare!
October 29, 2019
Truly outstanding
I had trouble putting this book down as it was so interesting going from one story to another and always left in suspense at the end of each chapter. Well written and edited so well that I never found one typo mistake. Also the author wrote in the language that the common man could understand and not have to use a dictionary .
I had trouble putting this book down as it was so interesting going from one story to another and always left in suspense at the end of each chapter. Well written and edited so well that I never found one typo mistake. Also the author wrote in the language that the common man could understand and not have to use a dictionary .
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