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A Holocaust Story #3
Millions of Pebbles
It is the darkest time in the history of mankind, and fate is playing a twisted game.Benjamin Rabinowitz’s world is crashing down on him, a painful reality following the invasion of Poland. He is loath to let his wife and sickly son go but escaping the horrors of the Lodz ghetto seems to be their best chance at survival, albeit slim.Will Benjamin ever see them again?Ilsa Guhr is determined to overcome the specter of a troubled childhood. She quickly learns that she has just the tools to give her the power she desperately her beauty and sexuality. As the Nazis take control of Germany, she sees an opportunity to gain everything she has ever desired.Fate will weave a web that will bring these two unlikely people into each other’s lives.
302 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 27, 2019
1148 people are currently reading
445 people want to read
About the author
Roberta Kagan
72 books648 followersI’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.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews
November 27, 2020
Some people are born storytellers, and having read her novel Millions of Pebbles, there is no doubt that Roberta Kagan is one of them. Her writing style reminds me of Jeffrey Archer. Neither Kagan nor Archer will ever be known as great writers, but they are both good storytellers.
Frankly, I have never been a fan of Holocaust fiction. There is a plaque at Auschwitz which reads that about a million and a half mainly Jewish men, women and children were murdered there. In her book Kagan wrote, “Every person who died here in Auschwitz had a past; they had a family; they had a story to tell.” Since she had a million and a half true stories to tell, why did Kagan bother instead to fabricate fictional characters and events?
I suppose it’s because Kagan is a novelist, not a historian. She would say that her fictional characters were meant as composites of real people, and in her novel she could create conversations and events that she imagined might have really happened. This is her way of telling the stories of the true victims.
In addition, according to her website, Kagan is the daughter of Holocaust survivors. Presumably she would have heard stories from them which were authenticated by actual experience.
I visited Auschwitz last year with a Holocaust survivor, my wife’s uncle, now age 90, who served as our tour guide. He and my wife’s late father were prisoners there as boys.
From hearing his testimony firsthand and witnessing the exhibits, the buildings where grotesque “medical” experiments were performed on helpless prisoners, and the remnants of the gas chambers and crematoriums, the scope of the evil deeds perpetrated there defies human comprehension. If anything, Kagan’s book understated them.
If you’re looking for a factual account written by an actual prisoner at Auschwitz, there is none better than Night, the late Elie Wiesel’s haunting memoir. But in Roberta Kagan’s fictional creation of Benjamin Rabinowitz and the many characters he encounters before, at, and after Auschwitz, the emotional payoff in Millions of Pebbles might also have been haunting if the amateurish final chapters had not been marred by melodrama and implausibility.
Frankly, I have never been a fan of Holocaust fiction. There is a plaque at Auschwitz which reads that about a million and a half mainly Jewish men, women and children were murdered there. In her book Kagan wrote, “Every person who died here in Auschwitz had a past; they had a family; they had a story to tell.” Since she had a million and a half true stories to tell, why did Kagan bother instead to fabricate fictional characters and events?
I suppose it’s because Kagan is a novelist, not a historian. She would say that her fictional characters were meant as composites of real people, and in her novel she could create conversations and events that she imagined might have really happened. This is her way of telling the stories of the true victims.
In addition, according to her website, Kagan is the daughter of Holocaust survivors. Presumably she would have heard stories from them which were authenticated by actual experience.
I visited Auschwitz last year with a Holocaust survivor, my wife’s uncle, now age 90, who served as our tour guide. He and my wife’s late father were prisoners there as boys.
From hearing his testimony firsthand and witnessing the exhibits, the buildings where grotesque “medical” experiments were performed on helpless prisoners, and the remnants of the gas chambers and crematoriums, the scope of the evil deeds perpetrated there defies human comprehension. If anything, Kagan’s book understated them.
If you’re looking for a factual account written by an actual prisoner at Auschwitz, there is none better than Night, the late Elie Wiesel’s haunting memoir. But in Roberta Kagan’s fictional creation of Benjamin Rabinowitz and the many characters he encounters before, at, and after Auschwitz, the emotional payoff in Millions of Pebbles might also have been haunting if the amateurish final chapters had not been marred by melodrama and implausibility.
November 17, 2020
I got to no more than 8% of this book and new it was not for me. Unlike several similar period WW2 stories I have read this came across like a dime store novel of the 1950s. If it changed to more professional storytelling then other readers reaped the rewards. I just do not believe that it did. What put me off was concentrating on Rabinowitz's wife sleeping with others because he wasn't man enough for her. Even more so the phrasing was as I mention above, in the style of a dime store novel.
June 22, 2023
Different tale
So this third book in the series tells the story of the father of Moishe. Again a wonderful telling and you just can't stop reading. At the end we are reunited with our primary characters and I look forward to the next book. A note, these can be read as stand alone but it's so much better to read each book.
So this third book in the series tells the story of the father of Moishe. Again a wonderful telling and you just can't stop reading. At the end we are reunited with our primary characters and I look forward to the next book. A note, these can be read as stand alone but it's so much better to read each book.
January 8, 2020
The Holocaust story continued
Gretchen, Rebecca and Hilde - their story continues in this harrowing tale full of the horrors that were daily life for the Jews during the Holocaust. The ending is surprising and ends giving one a sense of hope.
Gretchen, Rebecca and Hilde - their story continues in this harrowing tale full of the horrors that were daily life for the Jews during the Holocaust. The ending is surprising and ends giving one a sense of hope.
January 12, 2020
Millions of Pebbles is a fiction written by Roberta Kagan.
Benjamin Rabinowitz watched as his wife took their four-year-old son away. She was looking for a way to get him out of the ghetto. She felt it would be safer for him anywhere else. Benjamin did not know how to deal with Lila. She ran the house and he just agreed with what she said. Now, he paid the price. However, since he never knew where she was, it was easy to tell the police he had no idea where they were. Now he had to live alone. He fell in love with Zelda in the camp and when she was taken with the children, he tried to kill Rumkowski. He was taken into custody by the Ghetto police and sent on the next train to Auschwitz.
Ilsa was a poor girl who made it big as a guard at Ravensbruck. She tumbled into the job when she got Eichmann to take her to bed. She was good at getting men to do what she wanted by just flaunting herself. In Ravensbruck, she had total reign with no restrictions. By using sexual ploys here, she managed to get her way. When her friend Hilde and her husband took a child from the children’s block to be their own child, she kept her hold over them until the end of the war. Through her machinations, she also eliminated the child’s mother.
This is an excellent book about the Holocaust. I hope to get the sequel as soon as possible.
Benjamin Rabinowitz watched as his wife took their four-year-old son away. She was looking for a way to get him out of the ghetto. She felt it would be safer for him anywhere else. Benjamin did not know how to deal with Lila. She ran the house and he just agreed with what she said. Now, he paid the price. However, since he never knew where she was, it was easy to tell the police he had no idea where they were. Now he had to live alone. He fell in love with Zelda in the camp and when she was taken with the children, he tried to kill Rumkowski. He was taken into custody by the Ghetto police and sent on the next train to Auschwitz.
Ilsa was a poor girl who made it big as a guard at Ravensbruck. She tumbled into the job when she got Eichmann to take her to bed. She was good at getting men to do what she wanted by just flaunting herself. In Ravensbruck, she had total reign with no restrictions. By using sexual ploys here, she managed to get her way. When her friend Hilde and her husband took a child from the children’s block to be their own child, she kept her hold over them until the end of the war. Through her machinations, she also eliminated the child’s mother.
This is an excellent book about the Holocaust. I hope to get the sequel as soon as possible.
January 7, 2020
Millions of Pebbles
This is an excellent by storyteller Roberta Kagan. It is an Holocaust story of love, suffering and redemption. I have read several of her books and enjoyed every one.
This is an excellent by storyteller Roberta Kagan. It is an Holocaust story of love, suffering and redemption. I have read several of her books and enjoyed every one.
February 7, 2020
Good continuation
This is a great story but I am always concerned by spelling and/or grammatical errors. Can’t wait to read the next book in the season. Roberta Kagan writes book that really hook the reader.
This is a great story but I am always concerned by spelling and/or grammatical errors. Can’t wait to read the next book in the season. Roberta Kagan writes book that really hook the reader.
April 9, 2020
Moises Saga
I liked this book, most of the time, but even with that I couldn’t put it down. With this in mind I would recommend this to anyone who is willing to discover the meaning of the Pebbles.
I liked this book, most of the time, but even with that I couldn’t put it down. With this in mind I would recommend this to anyone who is willing to discover the meaning of the Pebbles.
December 29, 2019
Incredible
Reading this book was so captivating that I when I started to read, I was unable to stop until I got to the last page. I am looking forward to the next installment.
Reading this book was so captivating that I when I started to read, I was unable to stop until I got to the last page. I am looking forward to the next installment.
January 3, 2020
Wonderful book
This whole series has been suberb! Can't wait for the next book. If everyone could love and care as some of these characters there would never be another war.
This whole series has been suberb! Can't wait for the next book. If everyone could love and care as some of these characters there would never be another war.
January 3, 2020
Wonderful
As with all her books Roberta Kagan makes you proud to be jewish. This novel i could not out down. I can't wait for the next installment!
As with all her books Roberta Kagan makes you proud to be jewish. This novel i could not out down. I can't wait for the next installment!
January 17, 2020
I was surprised by the ending. I hope there’s another one that comes out I love all the books.
March 16, 2020
Another wonderful Roberta Kagan novel
Roberta has to be my favorite author. Her books hold my attention from the very first page until the last page!
Roberta has to be my favorite author. Her books hold my attention from the very first page until the last page!
May 24, 2020
This was #3 in a series of 3. A continuation of the Holocaust. Must read in order to appreciate the story. Very good!
June 16, 2020
Millions of Pebbles
The third book kept you on the focus of the Holocaust It had the reader in the time and space of the characters. Good read.
The third book kept you on the focus of the Holocaust It had the reader in the time and space of the characters. Good read.
November 26, 2020
The Hidden Truth of 39
For the population today who have no knowledge of the atrocities of Biker and his fatal sadistic philosophies and plans that would propel Germany and recognition as the world leadership book provides a brief insight of the planned atrocities enacted against civilisation predominantly human beings to nurture and expand internationally the sadistic cruel and ideologies of the quest for the perfect Raceofhumanbeings of one country Germany which unfortunately supported by fear of the Population of that countryWide it is focused on one segment of thre Abwher atrocities is written with the personal suffering of man toan and or woman to woman that is inconceivable in a civilised intelligent race .however it is a respiratory only a glimpse of the repugnant cruel behaviour of the human race in an era of the past The author has portrayed the suffering and the cruel philosophies of man's inhumanity to managing should never have the opportunity to repeat the vile sadistic beliefs of one human being and the support to realize the objective
For the population today who have no knowledge of the atrocities of Biker and his fatal sadistic philosophies and plans that would propel Germany and recognition as the world leadership book provides a brief insight of the planned atrocities enacted against civilisation predominantly human beings to nurture and expand internationally the sadistic cruel and ideologies of the quest for the perfect Raceofhumanbeings of one country Germany which unfortunately supported by fear of the Population of that countryWide it is focused on one segment of thre Abwher atrocities is written with the personal suffering of man toan and or woman to woman that is inconceivable in a civilised intelligent race .however it is a respiratory only a glimpse of the repugnant cruel behaviour of the human race in an era of the past The author has portrayed the suffering and the cruel philosophies of man's inhumanity to managing should never have the opportunity to repeat the vile sadistic beliefs of one human being and the support to realize the objective
January 17, 2021
Disappointing
I read a lot of historical fiction. Millions of Pebbles follows several characters, both Jews and Gentiles, through a horrific time in Germany’s history. The facts of the holocaust presented in this story seem to be consistent with what we have learned about what happened in Auschwitz and Ravensbruck.
I do not read romance, although I did read a few of this genre in my younger years. The word hokey comes to mind. Conversations between adults in this book remind me of those ridiculous conversations I read so long ago. Additionally, words from the children are completely out of character for the ages given to those young ones in this story.
So all in all, I think this book had the potential of being an excellent piece of historical fiction. It missed the mark.
I read a lot of historical fiction. Millions of Pebbles follows several characters, both Jews and Gentiles, through a horrific time in Germany’s history. The facts of the holocaust presented in this story seem to be consistent with what we have learned about what happened in Auschwitz and Ravensbruck.
I do not read romance, although I did read a few of this genre in my younger years. The word hokey comes to mind. Conversations between adults in this book remind me of those ridiculous conversations I read so long ago. Additionally, words from the children are completely out of character for the ages given to those young ones in this story.
So all in all, I think this book had the potential of being an excellent piece of historical fiction. It missed the mark.
November 24, 2020
Unfathomable Pain of the Holocaust
The Holocaust has always been a subject of interest to me because I wanted to understand how so many of the German people could be on the side of a leader who cared nothing for them and who would try to eliminate a whole race. During our presidential campaign in 2015 and through the following years, I saw a similar public response here. Therefore, I doubled my reading about the 1930s and 1940s in Germany. I'm guessing that I've read at least 100 books, mostly but not all, fictional. This novel is among the better ones with its intriguing characters and plot. My main objection is surely minor to most but irritating to me-- Kagan needs to learn what type of pronoun follows a preposition.
The Holocaust has always been a subject of interest to me because I wanted to understand how so many of the German people could be on the side of a leader who cared nothing for them and who would try to eliminate a whole race. During our presidential campaign in 2015 and through the following years, I saw a similar public response here. Therefore, I doubled my reading about the 1930s and 1940s in Germany. I'm guessing that I've read at least 100 books, mostly but not all, fictional. This novel is among the better ones with its intriguing characters and plot. My main objection is surely minor to most but irritating to me-- Kagan needs to learn what type of pronoun follows a preposition.
June 27, 2024
Book 3
I realize that book 3 was a way of concluding the various endings for the major characters. However, it was pg 222 before the real story oicked up. Everything prior to 222 was long, involved story of the background of the various characters from birth onward. All these reflections belonged somewhere in the prior book. It would have made book 2 very long, but it would have been more effective than jumping from one character to another in book 3. There was no continuity to the plot. So many different points of view from multiple character completely watered down the plot. Some of the details in the camp seemed to be very similar of details in other books.
The story, overall, was interesting.
I realize that book 3 was a way of concluding the various endings for the major characters. However, it was pg 222 before the real story oicked up. Everything prior to 222 was long, involved story of the background of the various characters from birth onward. All these reflections belonged somewhere in the prior book. It would have made book 2 very long, but it would have been more effective than jumping from one character to another in book 3. There was no continuity to the plot. So many different points of view from multiple character completely watered down the plot. Some of the details in the camp seemed to be very similar of details in other books.
The story, overall, was interesting.
November 21, 2020
I hate books that are basically chick lit that use the holocaust as the setting. Unfortunately this is what this book is. I thought that I would read about people living life in the Lodz Ghetto amongst the crowding, starvation and terror. However, what I read focused on sexual encounters which didn't add anything to the story.
Having had immediate family who survived the Lodz Ghetto and Auschwitz I was hoping for more insight into Ghetto life. None of the characters were compelling. Even Rumkowski was portrayed as a flat caricature of evil. Yes, he was evil but he was a much more complex character.
The writing is flat and amateurish. Ms. Kagan tells the story instead of showing it. The ending is completely unbelievable. There are many excellent books on this subject, both fiction and non fiction. Regretfully this was not one of them.
Having had immediate family who survived the Lodz Ghetto and Auschwitz I was hoping for more insight into Ghetto life. None of the characters were compelling. Even Rumkowski was portrayed as a flat caricature of evil. Yes, he was evil but he was a much more complex character.
The writing is flat and amateurish. Ms. Kagan tells the story instead of showing it. The ending is completely unbelievable. There are many excellent books on this subject, both fiction and non fiction. Regretfully this was not one of them.
January 31, 2023
Emotional
I am totally addicted to every book by Roberta Kagan, and just can’t put them down. They are filled with so much heartbreak and emotion that I need a box of tissues beside me at all times. The characters are wonderfully written and you laugh with them and also cry with them. Their suffering is unbearable and you feel helpless at not being able to help.
This is a period in our history that should be remembered, but hopefully NEVER be repeated, and it is often very difficult to read such vile and horrible things that were said by the Nazi’s, but it happened.
I am totally addicted to every book by Roberta Kagan, and just can’t put them down. They are filled with so much heartbreak and emotion that I need a box of tissues beside me at all times. The characters are wonderfully written and you laugh with them and also cry with them. Their suffering is unbearable and you feel helpless at not being able to help.
This is a period in our history that should be remembered, but hopefully NEVER be repeated, and it is often very difficult to read such vile and horrible things that were said by the Nazi’s, but it happened.
February 13, 2021
Disappointed in this series
I have read and enjoyed several of the series of novels by Roberta Kagan but this particular book, Millions of Pebbles, was very disappointing. I realize during the Holocaust there was terrible sexual assault, rape, torture and other forms of deviant behavior inflicted on prisoners. But for my personal preference, Ms. Kagan’s graphic description was often unnecessary.
I have read and enjoyed several of the series of novels by Roberta Kagan but this particular book, Millions of Pebbles, was very disappointing. I realize during the Holocaust there was terrible sexual assault, rape, torture and other forms of deviant behavior inflicted on prisoners. But for my personal preference, Ms. Kagan’s graphic description was often unnecessary.
May 29, 2022
This book was kind of a mixed bag for me. I had read the first two books in this series and expected this book to carry on with the stories of the characters in the first two. Instead it introduced new characters right away, some with connections to the original story, and continued with them till at least halfway through the book. Then the original characters showed up. There was more sex than I cared for. There are a lot of surprises, some good, some not so good.
January 24, 2020
Excellent reading . I found we jumped to different characters a little confusing and unreal. But still a good read
I have read and enjoyed so far of this author's books.I liked this book too. We did leave a few hours u bombs not quite
Porbible, like idle falling in love with jew, who just happened to be married to women she murdered.
I have read and enjoyed so far of this author's books.I liked this book too. We did leave a few hours u bombs not quite
Porbible, like idle falling in love with jew, who just happened to be married to women she murdered.
January 28, 2020
I hesitated reading g another book about the holocaUst. I get very upset when it gets very gets descriptive about the mistreatment of the Jews. Especialy the torture.
It was interesting but somewhat unbelievable . Such as Lisa. She turned out horrible . She was not a nice person at all.
It was interesting but somewhat unbelievable . Such as Lisa. She turned out horrible . She was not a nice person at all.
November 13, 2020
An amazing historical war story.
I really enjoyed this story and It gave me an insight into the lives of people during hard times of the second world war.The hatred for the Jewish people and their life in the concentration camps.Verytrue to life as I lived in Holland during the war and we sheltered many Jewish families. Beautifully written.
I really enjoyed this story and It gave me an insight into the lives of people during hard times of the second world war.The hatred for the Jewish people and their life in the concentration camps.Verytrue to life as I lived in Holland during the war and we sheltered many Jewish families. Beautifully written.
December 21, 2020
This book was phenomenal! I didn't realize is was book three in a series, but it actually can stand alone. It was well written with no dragging on of any subjects. I love a fast paced book that gets to the point. I'm a big WWII history buff and although this story is fictional it does drive a point home and open your eyes. I have since bought books 1, 2 and 4. In book 1 I'm loving learning all about the Jewish way of life! Great books...a definite read!
December 25, 2020
For some odd reason I read the 4th book in the series before this one. I probably would read the next one again, but Amazon is not doing their lending library anymore so not sure I’ll be able to read any of Roberta’s books. If I paid for every book I read, I’d be broke, so I get them from the library and none of Roberta’s are in the library. (Ebook). Anyway, her books are quick easy reads.
March 13, 2022
Conclusions revealed.
Easy five stars for a gripping, harrowing and heartening saga. We find out what happened to Benjamin, father of Anatol. The struggles of Eli to survive are told. Ilsa the sadistic guard plots to escape to safety. Gretchen becomes closer to Anatol. I won't reveal any storylines. Looking forward to the final book.
Easy five stars for a gripping, harrowing and heartening saga. We find out what happened to Benjamin, father of Anatol. The struggles of Eli to survive are told. Ilsa the sadistic guard plots to escape to safety. Gretchen becomes closer to Anatol. I won't reveal any storylines. Looking forward to the final book.
May 18, 2022
heartbreaking
Ithink it is important to learn about all perspectives aboutthe Holocaust. Not all Germans were evil, some risk every thing to help Jews. Forbidden love,death, betrayal are all part of this series.
Ithink it is important to learn about all perspectives aboutthe Holocaust. Not all Germans were evil, some risk every thing to help Jews. Forbidden love,death, betrayal are all part of this series.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews