The Smallest Crack

A Holocaust Story #1

by Roberta Kagan

1933 Berlin, GermanyWhen the price for life is dishonor dipped in blood, how much is too much?Eli Kaetzel and his beautiful but timid wife Rebecca suddenly find themselves in the gaping maws of Adolf Hitler's murderous rampage. Eli knows that their only chance, however slim, for survival may lie in the hands of Gretchen, a spirited Aryan girl.The friendship between Eli and Gretchen is as forbidden as it is dangerous and has been a tightly kept secret until now. For Eli, son of a respected Rebbe, the discovery would shame him and his family. For Gretchen, it could cost her her life.A story of a father's expectations of his son, friendship, arranged marriages, and forbidden passions. All on the eve of Adolf Hitler's rise to power.Readers are racing about The Smallest Crack! ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ "...those I have read are riveting, and this one is no exception!!!! The book is masterful portrayal of that process, with varying perspectives provided on both sides of Nazi Germany. Don't read at bedtime---you may never get to sleep!" – Goodreads Reviewer⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ "Excellent, excellent books." – Goodreads Reviewer⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ "I really enjoyed this wonderful book! It kept you on the edge of your seat." – Goodreads Reviewer⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ "I could not put this book down... Absolutely amazing." – Goodreads Reviewer⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ "This book kept me guessing about the outcome!" – Goodreads Reviewer⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ "I read this book in one sitting..." – Goodreads Reviewer⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ "Good book kept me on the edge of my seat! ...Worth the read but not long enough! I wanted more." – Goodreads Reviewer

Genres: Historical Fiction, World War II, Holocaust, Historical, War, Fiction

292 pages, Kindle Edition

First published July 1, 2019

About the author

I’m an American writer of Jewish and Romany decent. I write Historical Fiction and Historical Romance, most of which is set during the holocaust. Although I never discount the horrors of the time period, the main focus of my work is on ordinary people who prove to be strong heroic characters in unfathomable circumstances.

Facebook Author page:
http://www.facebook.com/Rkagan4

Facebook Book Club:
https://www.facebook.com/groups/14942...

Instagram:
RobertaKaganAuthor

Reviews

[Christine Cazeneuve · Rating 4 out of 5]

Obsessed

I am just hooked on Roberta Kagan's books. Although the themes are similar and there always seems to be that one character who is the villain, I can't get enough. I love her storytelling and how quickly I devour her books because they are so intriguing.

[Derek Sanderson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very compelling read!

There's no doubt that Roberta Kagan tells great stories. I have not read all her holocaust-themed books, as I can only bear so much of that unspeakable time in history. But those I have read are riveting, and this one is no exception!!!! The most intriguing character, for me, is the close friend of Gretchen. Her harsh upbringing, coupled with Nazi propaganda that empowered her, reveal her support for and participation in the abuse of Jews, as well as people she didn't like or wanted to control. Truly, the psyche of the human is a complex one. How easily we may find ourselves enabling evil, justifying it and inevitably joining in with increasing acceptance, often in small, seemingly insignificant steps, just as the destruction of a garment can begin with just one loose thread. The book is masterful portrayal of that process, with varying perspectives provided on both sides of Nazi Germany. Don't read at bedtime---you may never get to sleep!

[Shirley McAllister · Rating 5 out of 5]

So it begins

Eli marries a good Jewish girl picked by his parents as he is raised to do. He is kind to Rebecca, but he loves a Christian girl named Gretchen. When bullies visit his neighborhood and terrorize and kill some Jewish people, he realizes it is unsafe. As he is walking home from teaching a young boy Gretchen stops him and tells him he and his wife must hide in her basement. It is a great first book to a new series. I can't wait for the next book to find out what happens next.

[Judy appell · Rating 2 out of 5]

the reason i gave this book such a low rating despite that fact that i liked it while i was reading... is, because, this author "knew" from page 1 that she was going to make this a 2 part book. i wish i knew this bc then i would not have read it. there are books that are part of a set but even those have stories that have a concise ending. not one that literally leaves you hanging so you HAVE to read the next book to see what happens. i was so annoyed that i decided i would never read something from this author again. i felt like a bait and switch. thinking i was reading a full story that might be made into another book, to a story that tricks you into buying her next book... i will not and i will not share this book. nor do i recommend it bc of the trickery

[Cindy Kasper · Rating 5 out of 5]

I didn't realize this was a series and I read book 3 first. It was so good I bought book 1, 2 and 4. The story line is so touching and the characters are fabulous. The book is so well written that you feel every hurt and atrocities that are happening to them. There are no boring parts at all. There is some repetition that could have been eliminated, but I think it's because I'm reading one after another. If I would have waited long periods in between, I would have needed the reminders. Excellent, excellent books. I will be sad when I've finished them.

[Dory · Rating 4 out of 5]

Over too soon.

That is the negative, over too soon. I have read all of Roberta's books at least once. I love that she is so dedicated to educate us without us even being aware of that. I love reading about the years of the Holocaust, may they never be forgotten. She has the ability to place us there in the time of horror and disgrace. Back to work Roberta, I'm getting older and don't want to miss the second book.

[Amanda · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have often seen Roberta’s books in kindle books but I’m not the biggest fan of fictional holocaust material, god know the reality is bad enough, but…. And here’s where I have to be honest.. I really was taken away with this whole set of 4 books, sad, awful seeing man’s inhumanity to man , the depths of depravity that humans can enforce on one another, but I also saw how people can put others before themselves ,even to the point of dying for someone. I am now about to start a new series ofRoberta’s books and I’m sure I will impressed with it as I have been with this set.

[Linda · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have read pretty much all of Roberta Kagan’s WW2 (Holocaust) stories. This once delves deeply into the faith of Hasidic Judaism. I found it very interesting and learned much about a different type of Judaism. Lot of back story for the characters and their families. I gave this 5 stars but really could have been a 4 star because it’s kind of a cliffhanger and a ploy to get and read the next book in the series. Which I will, because I have to know what happens to Eli, Rebecca, and Gretchen.

[Janet T. Neiss · Rating 5 out of 5]

The smallest crack leads to the deepest canyon by intermarrying or having children outside of the Jewish faith. This is called breaking the golden chain. This has led to horrendous results during the days of the Third Reich. Intermarriage was against the law with death as the ultimate punishment. Read this book to develop an understanding of how antisemitism has led to disastrous results.

Janet T. Neiss

[Cindy · Rating 3 out of 5]

I hesitated to give a review of this book only because I was disappointed that it is an ongoing book and you have to grab the next book to see what will happen. It seemed a little slow at first but is an excellent read in that it exposes the monster that Hitler was and how people became monsters in their own right towards people Hitler deemed unworthy, Jews, mentally retarded, etc. It is the story of Gretchen, a German, Eli and Rebecca, both Jews, and Gretchen’s evil friend, Hilde.

[Sue · Rating 3 out of 5]

Actually 3.5. Would have rated it a 4 but I wasn't really sure how I felt about it. I enjoyed reading it, but thought it would be more historical in nature; actually much of it was just a love story that could have been set in the civil war or any other consternated period of time. Like others, I was annoyed at the blunt ending. A good series writer will find creative ways to transition. Give me some resolution for this book and hook me on the next!

[Marie Z Johansen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent

I found this book to be very moving. The Holocaust was the worst of humanity - beyond evil. This story is about friendships; those of young girls and boys and of women and me . It is a story of the Jewish people during the early years of Hitler’s depravity. I thoroughly enjoyed it and will now look forward to the rest of this series. Well crafted Roberta Kagan…well done!

[Amy · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Smallest Crack is my first introduction to Roberta Kagan’s A Holocaust Story Series. I thought this was a great read. I look forward to reading to the next book in the series. Four stars.
I received this book from the author, but was not required to write a review. This review is 100% my own honest opinion.

[Susan Robertson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful book!

I really enjoyed this wonderful book! It kept you on the edge of your seat . There were so, so many things that I was not expecting throughout this book! I am very proud that I got to read it. I would recommend this book highly.! It definitely deserves MORE than five stars.

[peter david mitchell · Rating 5 out of 5]

A forbidden liaison.

A great insight into the Hasidic Jewish community. Roberta has a gift for writing a free flowing but emotionally gripping narrative. You care straight away about the main characters who are expertly portrayed. The deviousness of Hilde is convincingly and gradually evolved. My wife and I look forward eagerly to book two.

[Pat · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Smallest Crack

Roberta Karan’s books are exceptional and this one is fabulous. I’ve already ordered the next in the series.

Eli and Gretchen are very different but have become friends. Eli marries Rebecca but doesn’t love her, he love Gretchen, the German girl. Read about their adventures.

[Fran Burdsall · Rating 4 out of 5]

Typical Roberta Kagan - and I say that with affection! A difficult love story with strong characters set in Berlin during the Nazi era. I was taken by how Roberta sets up the interrelationships of these Christians and Jews as the Nazi party begins to take hold of their world and turn it upside down. As usual, this book begins a series and many parts of this saga have yet to unforld.

[Digna Cassens · Rating 3 out of 5]

sudden ending

It’s a well written and historically based on one of the most horrific tragedies in our history. I’d give it 5 stars except for that sudden ending. Maybe it’s just me, dut I like to have stories end slowly and gently and give the reader some indication of the subject’s future. The end was like falling off a cliff. Nothing. No end.

[denise · Rating 5 out of 5]

Smallest Crack

Oh Roberta, you have done it again! I have a love hate relationship with Roberta Kagan books. I love everything she has written, but hate to see the book end. This book is no different, the days must pass quickly so I can buy book two.

[Susan · Rating 5 out of 5]

What’s next Gretchen?

Each character is specifically created for a purpose in the plot. There is intrigue and mystery without going completely into all the things that happened during the holocaust. Can’t wait for the next book.

[Karen Powell · Rating 2 out of 5]

Horrible!!!!

What the hell????? The book leads you on and then just stops with no explanation!!!!! This is the lamest stunt an author can do to get you to read the next book. Sorry, not sorry!

[Rosalie Sambuco · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Smallest Crack

An excellent beginning for this series. I thoroughly enjoyed this book & I am trying to find book 2. This is my first book by this author but I plan to add her to my favorite list.

[Sherry · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great read from Roberta Kagan.

I am not Jewish. But I have never been prejudiced against anyone. These books of Roberta Kagan's will open your eyes. The horrific conditions that the Jews went through in the 1930s, through no fault of their own, will tear at your heart.

[Karen Kepner · Rating 5 out of 5]

The start of Hitler’s Germany

Roberta Kagan has a way of bringing her characters and history to life. This fascinating historical tale of two young Jews and a non-Jew whose lives are entwined is well written, believable and lovely.

[Lerryn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book. I didn't know it was part of a series but was so glad to find out I now have 3 more books to read continuing the story. So now I am starting The Darkest Canyon (#2).
I always wish the story wouldn't end if it is a good book and I got my wish this time!!!

[Marilyn · Rating 3 out of 5]

I don’t like they leave you up in the air so you’ll read the next book. I had a hard time finding the next book on my kindle. I wish the bk 1 would end then you could begin with same characters but it wasn’t just an abrupt end!!!

[jeannette Dooley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jean38no

Good reading about the beginning of the persecution of the Jewish people in Europe. The story is unique in that a German girl in love with a Jewish man that’s married hides both husband and the wife as things become worst and worst for the Jews.

[Rachel Arnold · Rating 2 out of 5]

Poorly written, but fast paced

This booked bounced around so much that it was hard to follow. The book goes from narration to first person then to third person with no discernable reason for the shift. The author repeats unnecessary details and glosses over important events.

[Yvonne Chumchal · Rating 5 out of 5]

Couldn’t put it down!

Another masterful work by Roberta Karan. Great character development and a believable story. A must read. The author writes in such a way that you can feel the emotions of the characters.

[Cynthia Patten Tann · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic read!

The author absolutely delivers breathtaking fiction woven into historical fact. All sides are very well portrayed. Each person has their own war. Human nature means each will react differently.