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The Fortress
A system of hidden caves beneath Bucharest’s glamorous concert hall was a shelter for homeless children and their hiding place from the NazisRomania, World War II. Nelu escapes from his home and finds shelter with other homeless children in the caves beneath Bucharest’s spectacular concert hall. They call it “The Fortress”.
Daniel is the son of a well-to-do Jewish family living in the heart of Bucharest. On the eve of WWII, Daniel and his family are forced to flee and take refuge in those caves with the help of the children.
Daniel, Nelu and the other homeless children, find themselves united when facing the Nazi threat. For Daniel and his family, some of the children were nothing but a concept prior to the war, but now – no race or socioeconomic differences are relevant. In this reality they are all equal, bound by the need to survive. They must deal with hunger, poverty, and the imminent threat of death.
The Nazi threat gets closer every day. Daniel and his family realize they need to flee if they want to stay alive. They all decide to escape, breaking up the group; embarking on a journey that will change so many lives. The fight for survival becomes the fight for their freedom. Some find themselves fighting alongside the ally forces against the Nazis, and some find themselves joining the Romanian forces that collaborated with the Nazi regime.
Years later, long after the end of WWII, Lonel - a young child, finds himself alone in Bucharest. He is completely unaware that the fate of the entire group lies in his hands.
Destiny is about to make one of its biggest moves. It’s up to Lonel to prevail or the struggle to survive will be forgotten.
Daniel is the son of a well-to-do Jewish family living in the heart of Bucharest. On the eve of WWII, Daniel and his family are forced to flee and take refuge in those caves with the help of the children.
Daniel, Nelu and the other homeless children, find themselves united when facing the Nazi threat. For Daniel and his family, some of the children were nothing but a concept prior to the war, but now – no race or socioeconomic differences are relevant. In this reality they are all equal, bound by the need to survive. They must deal with hunger, poverty, and the imminent threat of death.
The Nazi threat gets closer every day. Daniel and his family realize they need to flee if they want to stay alive. They all decide to escape, breaking up the group; embarking on a journey that will change so many lives. The fight for survival becomes the fight for their freedom. Some find themselves fighting alongside the ally forces against the Nazis, and some find themselves joining the Romanian forces that collaborated with the Nazi regime.
Years later, long after the end of WWII, Lonel - a young child, finds himself alone in Bucharest. He is completely unaware that the fate of the entire group lies in his hands.
Destiny is about to make one of its biggest moves. It’s up to Lonel to prevail or the struggle to survive will be forgotten.
225 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 7, 2019
264 people are currently reading
347 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews
August 20, 2019
This book is described as a story of children living in the tunnels under Bucharest's Concert Hall during WWII while hiding from the nazis and then hiding in the forests. I was expecting a story of close encounters and eventual safety. That was not what I got. This was a okay story, but it was more a story of friendship and survival than a WWII story. The story is basically narrated by Nelu and Daniel. They are two boys, one Jewish and one escaped from an abusive home, that are hiding from the Nazis. They end up living in the tunnels and caves under the Bucharest concert hall with many other children and Daniel's family. When the Nazis get too close, Daniel's father leads the children to the forest and abandoned homes. It is still a dangerous situation, so Daniel's family and a Jewish friend decide to escape to Jerusalem. The story continues from there jumping back and forth between Daniel and Nelu who is still in Romania. There is a bit of political information dealing with what is happening in Romania, but not a lot.This story deals only with this small group of children. The story is more about how Nelu survives before, during and after the war. The people he meets, the ones who help him and how he tries to help others and pay it forward. I was confused here and there with the timeline of the story. There were some chapters that were not chronological, which led to my confusion.
I listened to the audiobook of this story and the narration was okay. I liked that the story was narrated by a male, Simon Vance, as the story was told from male POVs. He basically read the book without giving specific voices to the characters. This might have added to some of my confusion as to who was speaking and when. I think this would be a good book for a book study in junior high or high school, dealing with the effect WWII had on people at the time and in the future.
I listened to the audiobook of this story and the narration was okay. I liked that the story was narrated by a male, Simon Vance, as the story was told from male POVs. He basically read the book without giving specific voices to the characters. This might have added to some of my confusion as to who was speaking and when. I think this would be a good book for a book study in junior high or high school, dealing with the effect WWII had on people at the time and in the future.
April 20, 2019
The premise and blurb for the story has one thinking the story will occur in and around Bucharest during World War Two. Since I’ve read a few good stories concerning the topic, I was looking forward to an enjoyable read. Not the case. The book covers not only Bucharest before the war, but during and all the way to present day. Granted, that should not be a problem but when I finished, the author attempted to cover way too much material in too short of a work. We are only given a snap shot look at the city from 1941 to 1942. The rest of the war is forgotten.
At the 15% mark, we go from I think 1941 to 1952. Extremely jarring. This goes on all through the book. There is no definitive time line which even for a work of fiction is most bothersome.
As much as I wanted to relate to all the characters, I found it difficult because the author kept jumping around with them. To a degree, it reminded me of “Game of Throne,” which I did not enjoy.
I did not care for the many places where the POV changed and then the first page or two of the next chapter were a duplicate of the preceding chapter when a different character, who witnessed the original introduced topic, began their own recollections of the event. Much of this could have been condensed or eliminated without interrupting the flow.
First and foremost, find an editor. I came across over thirty unique issues. This book is a mess, structurally and grammatically. I lost count on missing words and poorly phrased sentences. The blurb needs to be revised so readers, such as myself, aren’t disappointed and understand exactly what the story is encompassing.
With effort, a good editor and more forethought, this could be a five-star work in time.
Three star push.
At the 15% mark, we go from I think 1941 to 1952. Extremely jarring. This goes on all through the book. There is no definitive time line which even for a work of fiction is most bothersome.
As much as I wanted to relate to all the characters, I found it difficult because the author kept jumping around with them. To a degree, it reminded me of “Game of Throne,” which I did not enjoy.
I did not care for the many places where the POV changed and then the first page or two of the next chapter were a duplicate of the preceding chapter when a different character, who witnessed the original introduced topic, began their own recollections of the event. Much of this could have been condensed or eliminated without interrupting the flow.
First and foremost, find an editor. I came across over thirty unique issues. This book is a mess, structurally and grammatically. I lost count on missing words and poorly phrased sentences. The blurb needs to be revised so readers, such as myself, aren’t disappointed and understand exactly what the story is encompassing.
With effort, a good editor and more forethought, this could be a five-star work in time.
Three star push.
May 17, 2019
A story of friendship
A heartbreaking story about a group of people, Jewish and others, that hide in a concert building in Bucharest during the second world war. Not all of them survive.
Only criticism is that there's little said about hardships of the ordinary people during the war and under communist rule. As how the cafetaria owner managed to keep his business
A heartbreaking story about a group of people, Jewish and others, that hide in a concert building in Bucharest during the second world war. Not all of them survive.
Only criticism is that there's little said about hardships of the ordinary people during the war and under communist rule. As how the cafetaria owner managed to keep his business
April 29, 2019
Love, trust and hope create a family
A beautifully written book with perspicacity, insightfulness,
sensitivity and beautiful imagery.
Each character shines through with its inner and external challenges. It takes you from the beautiful Bucharest before WII all the way through the Ceucescu regime and how it brings togetherness and love among total strangers,whose common trait is survival.
A beautifully written book with perspicacity, insightfulness,
sensitivity and beautiful imagery.
Each character shines through with its inner and external challenges. It takes you from the beautiful Bucharest before WII all the way through the Ceucescu regime and how it brings togetherness and love among total strangers,whose common trait is survival.
December 28, 2021
This time the story is about Romania Jews. The title is called “The Fortress” by Jonathan Hillingers. He wrote this book based on his mother’s childhood memories story. His father’s side family all were murdered in Auschwitz expect his grandfather and great grandfather have survived Auschwitz, then later when they were released great grandfather died. Nelu escapes from his home and become homeless and find shelter with other homeless children. Daniel comes from a wealthy Jewish family. On the New Year’s Eve, Daniel’s family had to flee and Daniel told his father, where he saw other homeless children hidden that called “the fortress”. Once the Nazis came closer they had to escape and breaking up into groups of three; they escape to Palestine; some find fighting alongside the ally forces against Nazis; some stay in Palestine. This book, in the first few chapters was bit slow, however it is a great story of how the street kids survived the war two and grow into beautiful adults people. I’ve enjoyed the book because it’s easy, short and brilliant story and I couldn’t put it down.
April 10, 2019
Romania/Isreal
This is a wonderful story about growing up in Romania prior to and during WW11 and a subsequent escape to Israel. Daniel goes from being a rich Jew to living in the “Fortress “ (underground caves) to escaping to the countryside with the street kids who lived in the caves. He befriends the street kids and is subsequently able to hide his family from the Nazis. When the “Fortress” is discovered by the Nazis the whole group moves to the countryside. Later fearing discovery by the Nazis again the family decides to emigrate to Israel. There are several side stories of some of the street kids. The characters are well defined and interesting. Read this novel in one sitting as I couldn’t put it down. Great historical fiction!
This is a wonderful story about growing up in Romania prior to and during WW11 and a subsequent escape to Israel. Daniel goes from being a rich Jew to living in the “Fortress “ (underground caves) to escaping to the countryside with the street kids who lived in the caves. He befriends the street kids and is subsequently able to hide his family from the Nazis. When the “Fortress” is discovered by the Nazis the whole group moves to the countryside. Later fearing discovery by the Nazis again the family decides to emigrate to Israel. There are several side stories of some of the street kids. The characters are well defined and interesting. Read this novel in one sitting as I couldn’t put it down. Great historical fiction!
September 18, 2019
This story begins in Romania pre WWII. The divide between the rich and the poor is vast. Daniel comes from a rich Jewish family and they are enjoying life in Bucharest. Through a series of events, Daniel meets a group of children living on the streets under the concert hall. When the Nazis enter Bucharest Daniel and his family must hide so he turns to the street kids for help. They hide his family in what becomes known as the fortress, but only for a while. Soon they all must run again. They stay hidden in the countryside of Romanian and soon decide to try to make it to Israel.
I love that this was based on true events. I like the story of the characters lives after WWII. The was so much to this story. Friendship, trust and heroism.
I love that this was based on true events. I like the story of the characters lives after WWII. The was so much to this story. Friendship, trust and heroism.
September 3, 2019
A must read! What the street kids had to endure and strength to survive during the Natz occupation in Bucharest, Romania which is based on a true story.
In the beginning the story was slow moving but when Daniel and his Jewish family became part of the Fortress family it process quickly and it was difficult to take a break! I encourage all to read it...it make you laugh,smile,cry ,happy and sad!
In the beginning the story was slow moving but when Daniel and his Jewish family became part of the Fortress family it process quickly and it was difficult to take a break! I encourage all to read it...it make you laugh,smile,cry ,happy and sad!
March 31, 2020
Reads as a real history
Many boys (teenaged and younger) meet on the streets of Bucharest Romania in 1941/2 and stay in hiding for over 2 years. Convincing plot and characters. We get to inside their heads and know their fears, family histories, traumas, as well as hopes. Such a great story! A little hard to follow the characters, who each have chapters. Enough lightness and human kindness to keep this from being depressing.
Many boys (teenaged and younger) meet on the streets of Bucharest Romania in 1941/2 and stay in hiding for over 2 years. Convincing plot and characters. We get to inside their heads and know their fears, family histories, traumas, as well as hopes. Such a great story! A little hard to follow the characters, who each have chapters. Enough lightness and human kindness to keep this from being depressing.
December 9, 2020
This is a very interesting story. I could hardly put it down! It is told in 1st person, past tense, alternating between several different characters. That was slightly confusing at times, because although the chapter titles tell who is speaking, I didn't always notice it. There are also two timeframes, which come together towards the end of the book. I recommend this to anyone who likes stories about hurting children who find help, or who likes World War II stories.
December 2, 2019
Great read!
Such an interesting read. You get multiple points of view from children. all with one thing in common, being homeless. It was amazing to see them all come together and become their own family. Definitely recommend this book, and i normally don't read historical fiction or non-fiction.
Such an interesting read. You get multiple points of view from children. all with one thing in common, being homeless. It was amazing to see them all come together and become their own family. Definitely recommend this book, and i normally don't read historical fiction or non-fiction.
March 17, 2021
I loved this story as it follows the lives of strangers who become family because of war. Some felt the same story thru different points of view was jarring; however, I felt it added layers to the story as we all see things differently. The last years were told w large time gaps but it didn’t bother me. IMO, the author closed all the loose ends and ended well.
April 16, 2019
Street kids in Bucharest, Romania at the outbreak of WWII. Some are Catholic; some are Jewish. The horror of war makes them all one family. Not every street child is noble but enough exist to make it to productive adulthood. Fascinating read.
April 23, 2019
Fabulous! Well written book that tells about a group of homeless kids, and the hidden Jewish family in Romania who became a family together.
Great story,
plot and characters. I enjoyed reading about how the people bonded together in WWII Romania. A different view.
Great story,
plot and characters. I enjoyed reading about how the people bonded together in WWII Romania. A different view.
June 18, 2019
Sad but stirring story of a human experience!
Dislike for the Human misery expressed in the author’s experiences made an emotional impact on me while reading.
This was a truly moving story and brought us back to a return with those involved. Very heart stirring!
Dislike for the Human misery expressed in the author’s experiences made an emotional impact on me while reading.
This was a truly moving story and brought us back to a return with those involved. Very heart stirring!
July 6, 2019
Outstanding
This story of Romania and its people during WWII is very well written. It has the emotional flavor of the time. I smiled at their antics and cried at the tragedies. Well worth your time. 14+
This story of Romania and its people during WWII is very well written. It has the emotional flavor of the time. I smiled at their antics and cried at the tragedies. Well worth your time. 14+
May 17, 2020
The Fortress
It is so hard to believe that this feat actually took place. It is a very well written account. You can’t turn the pages fast enough. Read it, savor it, and share it!!!!
It is so hard to believe that this feat actually took place. It is a very well written account. You can’t turn the pages fast enough. Read it, savor it, and share it!!!!
July 31, 2020
Good story line
While I enjoyed the story line, I am not a fan of the writing style. I had a hard time following the plot or knowing who was speaking. I found the characters under-developed, so I had difficulty identifying with them.
While I enjoyed the story line, I am not a fan of the writing style. I had a hard time following the plot or knowing who was speaking. I found the characters under-developed, so I had difficulty identifying with them.
May 5, 2024
Highly repetitive, highly confusing and would’ve been better, with less characters , more material for each character and the story spread over two or three book, as it is soo much information is missing.
The synopsis is not understandable
The synopsis is not understandable
April 22, 2019
This would be a great YA book about WWll and how far Hitler's reign reached. It's good mostly from children's perspective and experience with survival during that horrendous time.
April 30, 2019
Intriguing
A very endearing and well told tale of survival under the horrendous circumstances of the Nazi regime of World War II.
A very endearing and well told tale of survival under the horrendous circumstances of the Nazi regime of World War II.
May 8, 2019
Lovely story
A well written novel. I couldn't put it down. Many of the memories made me realise the horrors my own family lived through in Romania during WWII.
A well written novel. I couldn't put it down. Many of the memories made me realise the horrors my own family lived through in Romania during WWII.
September 2, 2019
Interesting story
Captivating story, but it needs to be edited hopefully by someone who knows the past tense of verbs in English.
Captivating story, but it needs to be edited hopefully by someone who knows the past tense of verbs in English.
May 1, 2020
Excellent read
It was like being there and the way the characters were described gives the reader the an in depth view of the orphans.
It was like being there and the way the characters were described gives the reader the an in depth view of the orphans.
November 5, 2020
The Fortress
Wow, I couldn’t put it down. I just had to know what happened to each character. Great ending. Well done!
Wow, I couldn’t put it down. I just had to know what happened to each character. Great ending. Well done!
March 19, 2021
Hard to follow but entertaining
February 9, 2022
Slow moving story of two Romanian street boys during world war 2.
Read
October 22, 2020What a tale! WWII from the perspective of Romania
This book really captured me at the beginning and I found the stories of its various characters quite intriguing. For this I give it 4 stars. The only reason I did not give it 5 is because at times it was difficult to follow the chronology, especially towards the end, and also the last couple of chapters could have used a bit more copy editing. As a copy editor, I notice such things. :)
This book really captured me at the beginning and I found the stories of its various characters quite intriguing. For this I give it 4 stars. The only reason I did not give it 5 is because at times it was difficult to follow the chronology, especially towards the end, and also the last couple of chapters could have used a bit more copy editing. As a copy editor, I notice such things. :)
August 8, 2019
I listened to the audiobook version of this. Although the narration was well done, the story was a bit slow, and honestly just kind of pointless. Not a fan of this one.
Want to read
April 9, 2019TheFussyLibrarian
Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews