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The Road to Liberation: Trials and Triumphs of WWII
Six short novels commemorating the ending of the Second World War.
2020 marks 75 years since the world celebrated the end of WWII. These books reveal the high price of freedom--and why it is still so necessary to "never forget".
2020 marks 75 years since the world celebrated the end of WWII. These books reveal the high price of freedom--and why it is still so necessary to "never forget".
992 pages, Paperback
Published April 5, 2020
207 people are currently reading
561 people want to read
About the author
Marion Kummerow
116 books419 followersMarion Kummerow was born and raised in Germany, before she set out to "discover the world" and lived in various countries. In 1999 she returned to Germany and settled down in Munich where she's now living with her family.
After dipping her toes with non-fiction books, she finally tackled the project dear to her heart. UNRELENTING is the story about her grandparents, who belonged to the German resistance and fought against the Nazi regime.
It's a book about resilience, love and the courage to stand up and do the right thing.
After dipping her toes with non-fiction books, she finally tackled the project dear to her heart. UNRELENTING is the story about her grandparents, who belonged to the German resistance and fought against the Nazi regime.
It's a book about resilience, love and the courage to stand up and do the right thing.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 62 reviews
April 24, 2020
*** "Stolen Childhood" by Marion Kummerow ***
“Stolen Childhood” is a heartbreaking story of two sisters, Mindel and Rachel, who struggle to survive in a veritable hell on earth - the Bergen-Belsen concentration camp. After being separated from each other, both live only with one goal - to get reunited against all odds, and I couldn’t help but marvel at their resilience as the circumstances of their incarceration were indeed hellish. Mindel, a mere four-year-old child, had to grow up particularly fast if she wanted to survive. As you read the story, you’ll find it both appalling and incredible, how quickly children turned into little adults in such a place and how quickly they learned to adapt to the camp life and form alliances in order to survive another day. The most disturbing part for me personally was reading about the games they played - “the Jews and the SS” and “Who Will Die Next.” Everyone knows that children’s games always reflect their immediate reality, so one can only imagine how grim their everyday reality was for them to start playing such games.
Rachel’s plight as she slaved on the armament factory was no better by any means. Ms. Kummerow did a wonderful job in bringing to life the conditions in which the incarcerated women had to work - breathing in chemicals, having their hair and nails turn orange from the gradual poisoning their bodies had to endure. And if that wasn’t enough, constant harassment of the guards, daily beatings, neglect, and lack of food saw them turning from humans into mere shadows. And yet, both girls still refused to succumb to their fate. It’s that message of hope and resilience that makes “Stolen Childhood” such a powerful, important read. I truly can’t recommend it highly enough. One of Ms. Kummerow’s best works to date!
*** "Too Many Wolves in the Local Woods" by Marina Osipova ***
As with all of Marina Osipova’s books, this one was an outstanding novel! From page one, I was drawn to a world on the brink of war where no one can be trusted, where people disappear without a trace, where the dreaded NKVD rules over the entire nation, and where the slightest hint at disloyalty may result in swift execution. I definitely felt for Natasha but it was Ulya - Ursula, the Volga German - whom I found to be the most fascinating character. The decisions she has to make, the gradual realization of where her loyalties lie - with the Germans or with the Soviet people - all of the doubts she has to face are depicted in such a way, they make Ulya a truly complex, original character.
The setting and the meticulous historical research that went into this novel also deserve special commendation. You’ll feel yourself immersed first into a Soviet way of life and later - witness firsthand the lengths the Soviet people (and namely partisans) had to go to in order to fight off the fascist invaders. All characters are wonderfully real - the occupants, the collaborators, and the humble heroes who are ready to give their lives for the Motherland. But will the Motherland acknowledge such sacrifices or will it discard them later as soon as they’re not needed anymore? If you love original and well-written historical fiction, this novel should definitely be on your to-read list. Highly recommended!
*** " Liberation Berlin" by JJ Toner ***
“Liberation Berlin” is a riveting story set in war-ravaged Berlin that features a set of relatable characters whom you won’t soon forget. As the Allies are closing in on the German capital, each of them has to make choices that will affect not only theirs but other people’s fates. As I followed Gretchen, a devoted wife of a disabled husband, along the bombed-out streets of Berlin, as I found myself in the trenches along with Anton, a Hitlerjugend member, I kept asking myself the same questions as they did: would I choose my own safety over devotion in a similar situation? Would I do the right thing at a decisive moment or would I stay true to the oath I have taken? All of the characters, including a veteran Hans and brave Dora, are heroes in their own way; ordinary people who risk their lives for the sake of others when most only worry about saving their own skin, and that’s what made “Liberation Berlin” such a compelling read for me personally. I love reading about such selfless, extremely brave acts and Mr. Toner did a marvelous job in celebrating the stories of such “ordinary” heroes in his story. Highly recommended to all fans of the historical fiction genre.
*** "Magda's Mark" by Chrystyna Lucyk-Berger ***
“Magda’s Mark” impressed me in more ways than one. From the choice of the protagonist to the meticulously researched setting and to the plotline itself, this story stands out amongst the others in the same genre. I absolutely loved Magda. She’s one of those strong, level-headed characters who never lose their cool even in the direst of circumstances, and indeed, as the story moved forward and her employers, the Taubers, found themselves in grave danger, Magda proved herself to be just the material of which heroes are made. From a simple maid to a fearless and selfless partisan - Magda is certainly a great collective image of real female partisans and a wonderful tribute to their brave actions. But besides Magda, there are plenty of other characters in the story that simply come alive with every new page turned. I can guarantee that you will love the Taubers just as much as Magda’s fellow partisans and will root for them till the end. Atmospheric, riveting, and incredibly inspiring, “Magda’s Mark” is a perfect choice for all fans of the genre.
*** "When's Mummy Coming?" by Rachel Wesson ***
“When’s Mummy Coming” is an incredibly touching story about Kindertransports and the horror many German Jewish children had to go through, first in their native Germany and later, in their new homes in Britain. My heart went out to Heinz and his little brother and sister - first, it was the trauma of the Kristallnacht, then - the terror of the Dachau (in Heinz’s case, at least), and then more abuse, but this time coming from the British people, who were supposed to help them. Sally won me over right away. Not everyone would be ready to open their doors to a stranger’s children, but she not only did that but treated them as her own children instead. Hardships, terror, prejudice, and hatred are opposed by much bigger forces - love and hope - in this wonderful story that should be on every history lover’s to-read list. Highly recommended!
“Stolen Childhood” is a heartbreaking story of two sisters, Mindel and Rachel, who struggle to survive in a veritable hell on earth - the Bergen-Belsen concentration camp. After being separated from each other, both live only with one goal - to get reunited against all odds, and I couldn’t help but marvel at their resilience as the circumstances of their incarceration were indeed hellish. Mindel, a mere four-year-old child, had to grow up particularly fast if she wanted to survive. As you read the story, you’ll find it both appalling and incredible, how quickly children turned into little adults in such a place and how quickly they learned to adapt to the camp life and form alliances in order to survive another day. The most disturbing part for me personally was reading about the games they played - “the Jews and the SS” and “Who Will Die Next.” Everyone knows that children’s games always reflect their immediate reality, so one can only imagine how grim their everyday reality was for them to start playing such games.
Rachel’s plight as she slaved on the armament factory was no better by any means. Ms. Kummerow did a wonderful job in bringing to life the conditions in which the incarcerated women had to work - breathing in chemicals, having their hair and nails turn orange from the gradual poisoning their bodies had to endure. And if that wasn’t enough, constant harassment of the guards, daily beatings, neglect, and lack of food saw them turning from humans into mere shadows. And yet, both girls still refused to succumb to their fate. It’s that message of hope and resilience that makes “Stolen Childhood” such a powerful, important read. I truly can’t recommend it highly enough. One of Ms. Kummerow’s best works to date!
*** "Too Many Wolves in the Local Woods" by Marina Osipova ***
As with all of Marina Osipova’s books, this one was an outstanding novel! From page one, I was drawn to a world on the brink of war where no one can be trusted, where people disappear without a trace, where the dreaded NKVD rules over the entire nation, and where the slightest hint at disloyalty may result in swift execution. I definitely felt for Natasha but it was Ulya - Ursula, the Volga German - whom I found to be the most fascinating character. The decisions she has to make, the gradual realization of where her loyalties lie - with the Germans or with the Soviet people - all of the doubts she has to face are depicted in such a way, they make Ulya a truly complex, original character.
The setting and the meticulous historical research that went into this novel also deserve special commendation. You’ll feel yourself immersed first into a Soviet way of life and later - witness firsthand the lengths the Soviet people (and namely partisans) had to go to in order to fight off the fascist invaders. All characters are wonderfully real - the occupants, the collaborators, and the humble heroes who are ready to give their lives for the Motherland. But will the Motherland acknowledge such sacrifices or will it discard them later as soon as they’re not needed anymore? If you love original and well-written historical fiction, this novel should definitely be on your to-read list. Highly recommended!
*** " Liberation Berlin" by JJ Toner ***
“Liberation Berlin” is a riveting story set in war-ravaged Berlin that features a set of relatable characters whom you won’t soon forget. As the Allies are closing in on the German capital, each of them has to make choices that will affect not only theirs but other people’s fates. As I followed Gretchen, a devoted wife of a disabled husband, along the bombed-out streets of Berlin, as I found myself in the trenches along with Anton, a Hitlerjugend member, I kept asking myself the same questions as they did: would I choose my own safety over devotion in a similar situation? Would I do the right thing at a decisive moment or would I stay true to the oath I have taken? All of the characters, including a veteran Hans and brave Dora, are heroes in their own way; ordinary people who risk their lives for the sake of others when most only worry about saving their own skin, and that’s what made “Liberation Berlin” such a compelling read for me personally. I love reading about such selfless, extremely brave acts and Mr. Toner did a marvelous job in celebrating the stories of such “ordinary” heroes in his story. Highly recommended to all fans of the historical fiction genre.
*** "Magda's Mark" by Chrystyna Lucyk-Berger ***
“Magda’s Mark” impressed me in more ways than one. From the choice of the protagonist to the meticulously researched setting and to the plotline itself, this story stands out amongst the others in the same genre. I absolutely loved Magda. She’s one of those strong, level-headed characters who never lose their cool even in the direst of circumstances, and indeed, as the story moved forward and her employers, the Taubers, found themselves in grave danger, Magda proved herself to be just the material of which heroes are made. From a simple maid to a fearless and selfless partisan - Magda is certainly a great collective image of real female partisans and a wonderful tribute to their brave actions. But besides Magda, there are plenty of other characters in the story that simply come alive with every new page turned. I can guarantee that you will love the Taubers just as much as Magda’s fellow partisans and will root for them till the end. Atmospheric, riveting, and incredibly inspiring, “Magda’s Mark” is a perfect choice for all fans of the genre.
*** "When's Mummy Coming?" by Rachel Wesson ***
“When’s Mummy Coming” is an incredibly touching story about Kindertransports and the horror many German Jewish children had to go through, first in their native Germany and later, in their new homes in Britain. My heart went out to Heinz and his little brother and sister - first, it was the trauma of the Kristallnacht, then - the terror of the Dachau (in Heinz’s case, at least), and then more abuse, but this time coming from the British people, who were supposed to help them. Sally won me over right away. Not everyone would be ready to open their doors to a stranger’s children, but she not only did that but treated them as her own children instead. Hardships, terror, prejudice, and hatred are opposed by much bigger forces - love and hope - in this wonderful story that should be on every history lover’s to-read list. Highly recommended!
May 15, 2020
From Midwood’s terrific The Aftermath to well-crafted Liberation Berlin by JJ Toner and all the other talented authors gracing these pages with compelling stories this is simply a great compilation. Raw and heartbreaking words from Kummerow’s story to Osipova’s well-researched deep characters, Wesson’s brilliant depiction of families torn asunder, and Lucyk-Berger's excellent portrayal of a family-of-means being impacted by hostilities there isn’t a story that doesn’t demand the reader’s attention. This is a collaboration that shows a great understanding of the devastation war brings to nations and its citizens, a timely collection in these divisive times when it appears that once again humankind is walking the destructive path of repetition. Each story holds powerfully to the next without letup or disappointment. These books are timely reminders. Without remembering there is risk in repetition. And millions of lost lives. These are important stories, well worth the read each and every one. And when the last page is shut there is benediction in knowing that there are more books from these extremely talented prolific authors. Highly recommend.
August 29, 2021
TOO MANY WOLVES IN THE LOCAL WOODS - by Marina Osipova
Marina Osipova created one of the most complex and compelling protagonists that I have read. Meticulous research is evident on every page of this artistically crafted, sometimes tender, often times gritty prose. My compliments. I look forward to reading more of Marina’s works.
I also look forward to reading the complete work, as I am a fan of each of these noted authors.
Cheers to you all.
Marina Osipova created one of the most complex and compelling protagonists that I have read. Meticulous research is evident on every page of this artistically crafted, sometimes tender, often times gritty prose. My compliments. I look forward to reading more of Marina’s works.
I also look forward to reading the complete work, as I am a fan of each of these noted authors.
Cheers to you all.
April 9, 2020
Stolen Childhood by Marion Kummerow is a story in The Road to Liberation
Little Sister
This is a heartbreaking story of two sisters. Marion Kummerow wrote another great story.
Rachel and Mindel are captured by the SS and sent to a concentration camp. They were transferred to Bergen-Belsen concentration camp where Mindel 3 years old was separated from her sister Rachel. She made friends with Leizlo a 7 year old. She tried to find her sister but had no luck.. Leizlo and Mindel ended up in an orphan house in the camp. This was a safe place for them to be as the guards usually left the children alone.
Rachel was sent to work at an ammunitions factory and then a salt mine and finally sent back to Bergen-Belsen. Rachel barely managed to survive, but she never stopped trying to find her sister Mindel.
This is the story of their time in the camp and how they survived. It is also the story of their reunion upon libration and Mindel's fight for life.
This book is sad, but the love of sisters is always there and they do not stop trying to find each other until the end when they are finally reunited. I loved their survival skill and their love for each other. What happened to Mindel's friend was very sad.
I would definitely recommend this book, it is a fine addition to the War Girl's Series and a great read.
The Road to Liberation is a collection of stories of the Holocaust from some great author's. This is a must read for all WWII and Holocaust readers.
Thanks to Marion Kummerow for allowing me to read and review an advanced copy of her story for an honest review.
Aftermath by Ellie Midwood
Trust in me
Ellie's story is after the war. A young Jewish man is recruited by the American's to befriend a young Jewish girl in order to find out where her Nazi father is in order to try him for war crimes.
This is the story of the aftermath of war. The feelings of guilt from all sides for the atrocities of the war. A young girl realizing that her father did terrible things during the war, but still loving her father. She found a friend in a Jewish man that she was taught to hate. The Jewish man found compassion for the German girl and realized it was not her fault for her father's mistakes.
It is a story of trust and of realization of searching one's heart to find out what is right, what is wrong and what cannot be changed.
Ellie has written another great book, and I recommend it.
Thanks to Ellie for allowing me to read an advance copy of her book for an honest review.
Little Sister
This is a heartbreaking story of two sisters. Marion Kummerow wrote another great story.
Rachel and Mindel are captured by the SS and sent to a concentration camp. They were transferred to Bergen-Belsen concentration camp where Mindel 3 years old was separated from her sister Rachel. She made friends with Leizlo a 7 year old. She tried to find her sister but had no luck.. Leizlo and Mindel ended up in an orphan house in the camp. This was a safe place for them to be as the guards usually left the children alone.
Rachel was sent to work at an ammunitions factory and then a salt mine and finally sent back to Bergen-Belsen. Rachel barely managed to survive, but she never stopped trying to find her sister Mindel.
This is the story of their time in the camp and how they survived. It is also the story of their reunion upon libration and Mindel's fight for life.
This book is sad, but the love of sisters is always there and they do not stop trying to find each other until the end when they are finally reunited. I loved their survival skill and their love for each other. What happened to Mindel's friend was very sad.
I would definitely recommend this book, it is a fine addition to the War Girl's Series and a great read.
The Road to Liberation is a collection of stories of the Holocaust from some great author's. This is a must read for all WWII and Holocaust readers.
Thanks to Marion Kummerow for allowing me to read and review an advanced copy of her story for an honest review.
Aftermath by Ellie Midwood
Trust in me
Ellie's story is after the war. A young Jewish man is recruited by the American's to befriend a young Jewish girl in order to find out where her Nazi father is in order to try him for war crimes.
This is the story of the aftermath of war. The feelings of guilt from all sides for the atrocities of the war. A young girl realizing that her father did terrible things during the war, but still loving her father. She found a friend in a Jewish man that she was taught to hate. The Jewish man found compassion for the German girl and realized it was not her fault for her father's mistakes.
It is a story of trust and of realization of searching one's heart to find out what is right, what is wrong and what cannot be changed.
Ellie has written another great book, and I recommend it.
Thanks to Ellie for allowing me to read an advance copy of her book for an honest review.
April 17, 2020
Six exceptional stories commemorating the ending of WW2. Marion Kummerow's Stolen Childhood is a heart-wrenching tale of two sisters torn apart in a concentration camp and their struggle to come together again. Rachel Wesson's When's Mummy Coming shows us how Jewish children from Germany were fostered in Britain, fragmenting families and reforming new bonds during the war years, and how some of these children were more fortunate in their placements than others. Magda's Mark, by Chrystyna Lucyk-Berger, is a masterful movie-like depiction of the invasion of a well-to-do family by the Nazis and how one of the servants stepped in to protect an infant, and later, to exact a special kind of revenge. My own story, Liberation Berlin, illustrates how the ending of the war liberated the people of Berlin from the oppressive Nazi regime. It's a story of courage, self-sacrifice, and integrity set against the stubborn self-delusion of the Nazis and the chaos of war. Marina Osipova's book, Too Many Wolves in the Local Woods, is a spy story. Set in the Soviet Union as the war draws to a close, we follow the paths of two women – not known to each other – both working against the Nazis, who come together in the end, with tragic consequences. Ellie Midwood's book, The Aftermath, is the cream of the crop, an intense psychological study featuring the daughter of an SS officer, an Auschwitz survivor, and a Wehrmacht soldier. The hunt is on for the SS-man. By the end of the book, all three shoulder and share the guilt and shame of the war years. These are six wonderful stories. The collaboration will be dissolved in the fall, and the collection unpublished. After this, the book will become a collectors item. Grab a copy!
March 23, 2020
Marion Kummerow - Stolen Childhood - you broke my heart with a simple but profound story told from the point of view of a child. I am still thinking of Rachel and Mindel. I have sisters and although we get on better with an ocean between us, if any of us ever need the others, we are there with no questions asked. I think you captured that beautifully.
JJ Toner - Berlin Liberation - A wonderful story written by a man about a woman who isn't a size 8 Dolly Parton lookalike! Gretchen is still on my mind and I am wondering what happened to her. I know she doesn't exist but thats the power of the story.
Chrystyna LucyK-Berger - Magda's Mark - made a big impression due to her bravery. I'd never read stories about the Sudentenland before - I love learning new things.
Ellie Midwood - The Aftermath - I love your books and one click without thinking but The Aftermath is just exceptional.
JJ Toner - Berlin Liberation - A wonderful story written by a man about a woman who isn't a size 8 Dolly Parton lookalike! Gretchen is still on my mind and I am wondering what happened to her. I know she doesn't exist but thats the power of the story.
Chrystyna LucyK-Berger - Magda's Mark - made a big impression due to her bravery. I'd never read stories about the Sudentenland before - I love learning new things.
Ellie Midwood - The Aftermath - I love your books and one click without thinking but The Aftermath is just exceptional.
May 13, 2020
****The Aftermath by Ellie Midwood**** — This book is so well written! It’s not often you see fiction novels about survivors directly after the end of World War II so that in itself was extremely fascinating! Ellie did a fantastic job, as she always does, by telling the stories of her two main characters: Gerlinde and Tadek. I found both of their stories so touching in different ways and how she connects their stories is brilliant. They are both battling their own demons caused by the war. Liberation comes in all different forms and at all different times and it was beautiful to see that happen for both characters. The emotions they both experience are so well described and written and I had no trouble feeling what they were feeling. This is a must read!
April 28, 2020
Aftermath
This book by Ellie Midwood shows what happens after the war ends.
How do you pick up your life after surviving the Death Camps and what do you do when you find out what your father has done in the war? What and who do you believe With all these questions the young main characters deals with.
It is very intense and highly emotional book.
If you are familiar with Elie Midwood’s book you might recognize some of the characters from previous books, but no worry if you haven’t.
This book by Ellie Midwood shows what happens after the war ends.
How do you pick up your life after surviving the Death Camps and what do you do when you find out what your father has done in the war? What and who do you believe With all these questions the young main characters deals with.
It is very intense and highly emotional book.
If you are familiar with Elie Midwood’s book you might recognize some of the characters from previous books, but no worry if you haven’t.
September 23, 2020
I loved these stories. All of them were excellent - well written, completely absorbing and often quite emotional. I found it interesting how each author approached the liberation. It made the whole book well-rounded to see the different view points. A great read.
April 29, 2020
The Aftermath by Ellie Midwood
Powerful. Realistic. Brilliant.
From the author whose grandfather was among the Soviet soldiers who liberated Berlin in April-May of 1945 comes a historically accurate account of how it happened. I got lost in the realism of the battle pictured at the beginning of the story.
In the center of the tale is a 16-year-old girl, Gerlinda Neumann, and the question: “What would you do?” under the pressure of circumstances. By way of telling the main character’s story, the author sends a powerful message about courage and taking fate into your own hands—as the history of Nazi Germany has shown, a choice made by the minority. In the words of a character, “…because you also want to live.”
Not only a quickly-paced, highly suspenseful read, it’s a deeply touching and captivating chronicle about the transformation of a stubborn, Nazi propaganda poisoned youth into—I won’t give away any spoilers here. To find out, you have to read this brilliantly researched, skillfully written tale.
At the conclusion of the story, I felt chills down my spine. As all other books by this author, The Aftermath made a lasting impression on me.
This vibrant piece of historical fiction will appeal to fans of WWII novels, and I consider it a must-read for young adults as well. Just a wonderful book. I can’t recommend it highly enough.
Magda's Mark by Chrystyna Lucyk-Berger
A great story of daring to resist
Grounded in scrupulous research, this extraordinary war story transports the reader into Czechoslovakia in the first years of German occupation and throughout WWII.
To avoid spoilers, I’ll refrain from recounting the events unfolding in the story. However, I can’t help but mention that in the core of it is a young Czech woman, Magda, who commits a surprising act of revenge. Who would expect such courage and later self-sacrifice in the fight against the German oppressors from a naïve girl the reader meets in the first pages of this captivating story?
I’m in awe of the author’s writing style. Each phrase and nuance adds to the depth of the plot and characters. Conflict and tension await the reader on every page.
This is an exceptional read you won’t be able to erase from your mind. Anyone who enjoys WWII historical fiction will love this book. Highly recommended.
Liberation Berlin by JJ Toner
Remarkable story
From the books about WWII and Nazi Germany, we know a lot about millions of Germans embracing the Nazi ideology and their unquestionable commitment to their Fuehrer. Fewer books are written about the active and even less about inactive resistance to the regime among the populace. One such book is JJ Toner’s Liberation Berlin. Painting an accurate picture of time and people, the author introduces to the reader characters of all walks—a fanatical Hitlerjugend youngster poisoned by the years of Nazi upbringing and a man who lost his leg at the Eastern front, the simple German women and a Jewish girl who was left by her parents with one of them to save her from the Gestapo. In the atmosphere of total suspicion and eagerness to uncover any trace of opposition everywhere, just thinking outside of the official Nazi party-imposed ideology placed a person in mortal danger, forget about hiding a Jewish girl. I won’t give away any more spoilers here. This meticulously researched, remarkable piece of history may open your eyes to the rarely touched subject: the invisible current of resistance among the German population. Read this book and give it to your teenaged children. You’ll find a lot to ponder upon and maybe even learn something new in comparing the situation in the past with our modern world. Highly recommended.
When's Mummy Coming by Rachel Wesson
A story of sacrifice and kindness. And villainy.
What an emotional read, especially the ending! Rachel Wesson is a master of keeping the reader in the heart of the story from the very beginning to the satisfying conclusion. There is so much understanding and compassion toward the lives of children displaced to England in order to survive. Wesson’s storytelling is phenomenal. As a reader, I experienced a gamut of emotions: outrage, worry, relief. I cried and felt love for the main heroine, a young woman named Sally, who gave to three Jewish refugees, children, fleeing Hitler’s persecution, not only a new home but also unconditional love and a new family. A remarkable tale about the best and worst in humans, leaving the reader believing the former will prevail. I can’t help but highly recommend this heart-warming, passionately told story from a remarkable writer.
P.S. Be prepared to cry. Tears of relief.
Stolen Childhoo by Marion Kummerow
Disturbing in its frankness and moving.
With palpable compassion, the author tells the story of a four-year old Mindel and her older sister Rachel and how these two Jewish girls made it through the nightmare of the Bergen-Belsen concentration camp. There is inhumanity and sympathy, friendship and self-sacrifice, and villainy on a massive scale, which the main characters experience in this heart-wrenching tale. The writing is so compelling, I felt the pain of Rachel and horror of little Mindel. The story moved me, and it is inspiring in its vivid portrayal of the courage the children demonstrated under unimaginable and degrading conditions. The story carries an important message: we must keep memories alive of those who lived and suffered through the Holocaust. Kummerow’s Stolen Childhood is a great way to learn more about this horrendous period in human history. I would highly recommend this remarkable book for adults and teenagers.
Powerful. Realistic. Brilliant.
From the author whose grandfather was among the Soviet soldiers who liberated Berlin in April-May of 1945 comes a historically accurate account of how it happened. I got lost in the realism of the battle pictured at the beginning of the story.
In the center of the tale is a 16-year-old girl, Gerlinda Neumann, and the question: “What would you do?” under the pressure of circumstances. By way of telling the main character’s story, the author sends a powerful message about courage and taking fate into your own hands—as the history of Nazi Germany has shown, a choice made by the minority. In the words of a character, “…because you also want to live.”
Not only a quickly-paced, highly suspenseful read, it’s a deeply touching and captivating chronicle about the transformation of a stubborn, Nazi propaganda poisoned youth into—I won’t give away any spoilers here. To find out, you have to read this brilliantly researched, skillfully written tale.
At the conclusion of the story, I felt chills down my spine. As all other books by this author, The Aftermath made a lasting impression on me.
This vibrant piece of historical fiction will appeal to fans of WWII novels, and I consider it a must-read for young adults as well. Just a wonderful book. I can’t recommend it highly enough.
Magda's Mark by Chrystyna Lucyk-Berger
A great story of daring to resist
Grounded in scrupulous research, this extraordinary war story transports the reader into Czechoslovakia in the first years of German occupation and throughout WWII.
To avoid spoilers, I’ll refrain from recounting the events unfolding in the story. However, I can’t help but mention that in the core of it is a young Czech woman, Magda, who commits a surprising act of revenge. Who would expect such courage and later self-sacrifice in the fight against the German oppressors from a naïve girl the reader meets in the first pages of this captivating story?
I’m in awe of the author’s writing style. Each phrase and nuance adds to the depth of the plot and characters. Conflict and tension await the reader on every page.
This is an exceptional read you won’t be able to erase from your mind. Anyone who enjoys WWII historical fiction will love this book. Highly recommended.
Liberation Berlin by JJ Toner
Remarkable story
From the books about WWII and Nazi Germany, we know a lot about millions of Germans embracing the Nazi ideology and their unquestionable commitment to their Fuehrer. Fewer books are written about the active and even less about inactive resistance to the regime among the populace. One such book is JJ Toner’s Liberation Berlin. Painting an accurate picture of time and people, the author introduces to the reader characters of all walks—a fanatical Hitlerjugend youngster poisoned by the years of Nazi upbringing and a man who lost his leg at the Eastern front, the simple German women and a Jewish girl who was left by her parents with one of them to save her from the Gestapo. In the atmosphere of total suspicion and eagerness to uncover any trace of opposition everywhere, just thinking outside of the official Nazi party-imposed ideology placed a person in mortal danger, forget about hiding a Jewish girl. I won’t give away any more spoilers here. This meticulously researched, remarkable piece of history may open your eyes to the rarely touched subject: the invisible current of resistance among the German population. Read this book and give it to your teenaged children. You’ll find a lot to ponder upon and maybe even learn something new in comparing the situation in the past with our modern world. Highly recommended.
When's Mummy Coming by Rachel Wesson
A story of sacrifice and kindness. And villainy.
What an emotional read, especially the ending! Rachel Wesson is a master of keeping the reader in the heart of the story from the very beginning to the satisfying conclusion. There is so much understanding and compassion toward the lives of children displaced to England in order to survive. Wesson’s storytelling is phenomenal. As a reader, I experienced a gamut of emotions: outrage, worry, relief. I cried and felt love for the main heroine, a young woman named Sally, who gave to three Jewish refugees, children, fleeing Hitler’s persecution, not only a new home but also unconditional love and a new family. A remarkable tale about the best and worst in humans, leaving the reader believing the former will prevail. I can’t help but highly recommend this heart-warming, passionately told story from a remarkable writer.
P.S. Be prepared to cry. Tears of relief.
Stolen Childhoo by Marion Kummerow
Disturbing in its frankness and moving.
With palpable compassion, the author tells the story of a four-year old Mindel and her older sister Rachel and how these two Jewish girls made it through the nightmare of the Bergen-Belsen concentration camp. There is inhumanity and sympathy, friendship and self-sacrifice, and villainy on a massive scale, which the main characters experience in this heart-wrenching tale. The writing is so compelling, I felt the pain of Rachel and horror of little Mindel. The story moved me, and it is inspiring in its vivid portrayal of the courage the children demonstrated under unimaginable and degrading conditions. The story carries an important message: we must keep memories alive of those who lived and suffered through the Holocaust. Kummerow’s Stolen Childhood is a great way to learn more about this horrendous period in human history. I would highly recommend this remarkable book for adults and teenagers.
March 17, 2020
Review for Ellie Midwood’s ‘The Aftermath’
Ellie never ceases to disappoint with her story telling! As a WWII author myself, this was something fresh and new I was looking for. An ex BDM girl raised on the hopes and dreams of a deluded Führer, while accepting she is a child of the SS.
Post war, while in seclusion at her father’s mansion on the outskirts of Berlin, Gerlinde struggles to make sense of her new world filled with Americans, until she meets Tadek who turns her whole world upside down, and helps her to see that she is more than what she thinks she is.
Oh, and you meet some characters from ‘Metropolis’ too! Read it and you will not be disappointed!
Ellie never ceases to disappoint with her story telling! As a WWII author myself, this was something fresh and new I was looking for. An ex BDM girl raised on the hopes and dreams of a deluded Führer, while accepting she is a child of the SS.
Post war, while in seclusion at her father’s mansion on the outskirts of Berlin, Gerlinde struggles to make sense of her new world filled with Americans, until she meets Tadek who turns her whole world upside down, and helps her to see that she is more than what she thinks she is.
Oh, and you meet some characters from ‘Metropolis’ too! Read it and you will not be disappointed!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 7, 2020
This review is for The Aftermath by Ellie Midwood. I will review the other stories as I read them:
What a beautiful story, and definitely not what I'm used to from Ellie Midwood! Seeing two sides of a story taking place after WWII: the daughter of a high-ranking Nazi, and a Jewish man who only survived the camp by helping clear the dead in the incinerators.
Gerlinde was brought up believing what her father told her the camps were for, and Tadek knows what actually happened, and tries to gently give her the knowledge she lacks.
Seeing how they both worked together to trust each other and become friends was beautiful. And I absolutely enjoyed the cameos from a couple characters from Ellie's other books.
One of my favorites!
What a beautiful story, and definitely not what I'm used to from Ellie Midwood! Seeing two sides of a story taking place after WWII: the daughter of a high-ranking Nazi, and a Jewish man who only survived the camp by helping clear the dead in the incinerators.
Gerlinde was brought up believing what her father told her the camps were for, and Tadek knows what actually happened, and tries to gently give her the knowledge she lacks.
Seeing how they both worked together to trust each other and become friends was beautiful. And I absolutely enjoyed the cameos from a couple characters from Ellie's other books.
One of my favorites!
May 4, 2020
The Aftermath by Ellie Midwood
I have read several novels about World War II but this one really touched me because it was about the ones that survived the tragedies that befell those who were in the center of it all. The two main characters, Tadek and Gerlinde, are trying to come to terms with all of the horrors that they were involved in. How can one learn to pick up with their life after so much evil? Will they ever find peace again? Author Ellie Midwood brings her characters to life with her literary talent. I have read several of her outstanding novels and have never been disappointed. In the Aftermath, I felt all of the emotions of each character. Author Ellie Midwood has written another five plus star read! I was given a copy of The Aftermath by the author and the publisher in exchange for my honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
I have read several novels about World War II but this one really touched me because it was about the ones that survived the tragedies that befell those who were in the center of it all. The two main characters, Tadek and Gerlinde, are trying to come to terms with all of the horrors that they were involved in. How can one learn to pick up with their life after so much evil? Will they ever find peace again? Author Ellie Midwood brings her characters to life with her literary talent. I have read several of her outstanding novels and have never been disappointed. In the Aftermath, I felt all of the emotions of each character. Author Ellie Midwood has written another five plus star read! I was given a copy of The Aftermath by the author and the publisher in exchange for my honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
May 15, 2020
An absolute GEM of historical novels put into 1 amazing read!! So much talent just dripping off each page as you turn I couldn’t put it down! Ms.Midwood’s Aftermath had me immensely submerged in her writing as always and I found a few new favorite authors as well as others I adore. I promise you this book will have you hooked and looking for other books by these amazing authors like me! Loved this book!!
June 12, 2020
Review of: Too Many Wolves in the Woods
Once again Marina Osipova has brought to her devoted readers, aspects of WWII which are, for many of us, historically vague or totally unknown. The conflict between the Soviet Union and Germany is to many of us in the West, a conflict of Napoleonesque proportions in which Germany is humiliated and the Soviets victorious. But at what cost? It was simply staggering in the scope of losses on the battlefields but also of the Soviet civilian populations who supported partisans who were also fighting the German occupiers.
The author opens a small window for us to see into a segment of this maelstrom of a conflict with an example of an NKVD office blackmailing a brilliant young Byelorussian who speaks fluent German to be trained as an agent in return for keeping her father alive in prison instead of being executed for “supposed” treason. As she infiltrates into the highest levels of the German military command her conduit of stolen intelligence is funneled through to the local partisans through what she eventually believes to be a treacherous mole.
The actions she takes to rectify this precarious situation creates a series of heart-stopping events which the reader will themselves, experience as it unfolds. Into this mix of danger and life-threatening situations, Ms. Osipova’s skillful and delicate prose very capably opens her characters' hearts with feelings and passions they did not realize they had or could be stimulated, especially with such tenderness and love. The fact that sometimes this love transcends the barriers of nationality, of borders, or of friend or foe, is the hallmark of her own understanding of love and compassion.
We cannot close this window without recognizing the immense knowledge and historical background this author brings to the view of the reader in her books, and this story is no exception. It gives us a greater perspective of WWII and between two direct geopolitical combatants whose individual participants are sometimes at odds with their own leaders.
David E. Huntley 6-12-2020
Once again Marina Osipova has brought to her devoted readers, aspects of WWII which are, for many of us, historically vague or totally unknown. The conflict between the Soviet Union and Germany is to many of us in the West, a conflict of Napoleonesque proportions in which Germany is humiliated and the Soviets victorious. But at what cost? It was simply staggering in the scope of losses on the battlefields but also of the Soviet civilian populations who supported partisans who were also fighting the German occupiers.
The author opens a small window for us to see into a segment of this maelstrom of a conflict with an example of an NKVD office blackmailing a brilliant young Byelorussian who speaks fluent German to be trained as an agent in return for keeping her father alive in prison instead of being executed for “supposed” treason. As she infiltrates into the highest levels of the German military command her conduit of stolen intelligence is funneled through to the local partisans through what she eventually believes to be a treacherous mole.
The actions she takes to rectify this precarious situation creates a series of heart-stopping events which the reader will themselves, experience as it unfolds. Into this mix of danger and life-threatening situations, Ms. Osipova’s skillful and delicate prose very capably opens her characters' hearts with feelings and passions they did not realize they had or could be stimulated, especially with such tenderness and love. The fact that sometimes this love transcends the barriers of nationality, of borders, or of friend or foe, is the hallmark of her own understanding of love and compassion.
We cannot close this window without recognizing the immense knowledge and historical background this author brings to the view of the reader in her books, and this story is no exception. It gives us a greater perspective of WWII and between two direct geopolitical combatants whose individual participants are sometimes at odds with their own leaders.
David E. Huntley 6-12-2020
May 5, 2020
It has been almost 75 years since the end of World War II. The Road to Liberation: Trials and Triumphs of WWII is the evocative collection of six full-length novels which capture the very essence of the era.
From a little girl's desperation to be reunited with her sister to a story of one woman's unexpected love, Road to Liberation: Trials and Triumphs of WWII is a book that one cannot turn away from. It is compelling, utterly engrossing, and deserving of a place on your bookshelf.
The attention to the historical detail in all six novels has to be commended. The hours of research that has gone into this book shines through the compelling narratives and the crystalline prose. This is a book that is not only a historical fiction masterpiece but one that also asks the reader to think about what they have read. It is a book that says, never again. Never must we turn away from our neighbour in their desperate hour of need. Never should we sit back and allow such atrocities to occur again.
I thought this book was fabulous from beginning to end. A real gem for lovers of quality World War II Historical Fiction.
I Highly Recommend.
From a little girl's desperation to be reunited with her sister to a story of one woman's unexpected love, Road to Liberation: Trials and Triumphs of WWII is a book that one cannot turn away from. It is compelling, utterly engrossing, and deserving of a place on your bookshelf.
The attention to the historical detail in all six novels has to be commended. The hours of research that has gone into this book shines through the compelling narratives and the crystalline prose. This is a book that is not only a historical fiction masterpiece but one that also asks the reader to think about what they have read. It is a book that says, never again. Never must we turn away from our neighbour in their desperate hour of need. Never should we sit back and allow such atrocities to occur again.
I thought this book was fabulous from beginning to end. A real gem for lovers of quality World War II Historical Fiction.
I Highly Recommend.
April 15, 2020
I read "When's Mummy Coming" by Rachel Wesson but plan to read the entire collection when it comes out on Kindle. What a powerful story! WWII was filled with terror in Germany as the Nazi Regime took over; families divided and lost to war; and, hundreds of children misplaced or killed. This is the book that reminds us what happened in history. In this story-line, young Tom describes that he had three mothers; the woman who gave birth to him in Germany; Trudi who saved him; and, Sally, the woman in England who took him in to raise and love. He was lucky as so many Jewish children died during the war. Parents sent their children to safety never to see them again. Thanks to the author for the ARC that I might enjoy the story even though the era was filled with horrors.
April 15, 2020
This collection is a must-read for anyone who loves World War II history. These stories bring to light the hope that many who survived some of the worst atrocities in modern history had to have to keep going. The worst and best of humanity are displayed in this volume, oftentimes painted with shades of grey. Ellie Midwood's story, The Aftermath, is just one of the tales. She does a believable and relatable job of creating characters in both sides. I applaud the research that went into this stories. May we remember what was left in the wake of the war how history has a tendency to repeat itself. But the heroes, the everyday people, they also endure.
April 12, 2020
I was fortunate to receive an ARC of The Aftermath from the author,Ellie Midwood. This is part of The Road to Liberation, a collection of historical fiction commemorating the 75th anniversary of the end of WWII. The Aftermath takes place in Berlin and involves soldiers, survivors , and civilians. Layers of historical and ethical decisions are revealed as this story unfolds with memorable and believable characters. I am looking forward to reading rest of the collection.
April 29, 2020
This is a review for The Aftermath by Ellie Midwood.
A gripping historical fiction novel which has you on the edge of your seat from start to finish. Set at the end of WW2 at the take down of Berlin and how the lives of an Auschwitz survivor who worked in the Sonderkommando and the daughter of a Nazi war criminal Oscar Neumann became intertwined. Will the testimony of Tadek persuade Neumann's daughter to give up her father for crimes committed in the camps? If you'd like to find out I'd highly recommend reading the book.
A gripping historical fiction novel which has you on the edge of your seat from start to finish. Set at the end of WW2 at the take down of Berlin and how the lives of an Auschwitz survivor who worked in the Sonderkommando and the daughter of a Nazi war criminal Oscar Neumann became intertwined. Will the testimony of Tadek persuade Neumann's daughter to give up her father for crimes committed in the camps? If you'd like to find out I'd highly recommend reading the book.
May 14, 2020
A great collection of stories
I loved how the different novels covered different countries and different perspectives of how the war and post war times affected them.While reading this at this time in of our world health crisis it helped me gain perspective.
I loved how the different novels covered different countries and different perspectives of how the war and post war times affected them.While reading this at this time in of our world health crisis it helped me gain perspective.
May 20, 2020
Fantastic Collection of Stories
I thoroughly enjoyed this fantastic collection of stories about the second world war. I particularly found interesting the international perspectives of these authors from many nations. What an eye-opener to conditions and personal challenges by those who lived through those times. This book is a must-read.
I thoroughly enjoyed this fantastic collection of stories about the second world war. I particularly found interesting the international perspectives of these authors from many nations. What an eye-opener to conditions and personal challenges by those who lived through those times. This book is a must-read.
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June 4, 2020Great read
Do we really realize what struggles went before us to make this nation what it is today? The sacrifices and love? Must read!
Do we really realize what struggles went before us to make this nation what it is today? The sacrifices and love? Must read!
March 26, 2020
"A Stolen Childhood" by Marion Kummerow
Rachel and especially Mindel, her four year old sister, will find a place in your heart as they struggle with all the horrors of a WWII death camp. Ms. Kummerow is a favorite author of mine; her stories are unforgettable. I cannot recommend highly enough.
Rachel and especially Mindel, her four year old sister, will find a place in your heart as they struggle with all the horrors of a WWII death camp. Ms. Kummerow is a favorite author of mine; her stories are unforgettable. I cannot recommend highly enough.
May 5, 2020
"The Aftermath" by Ellie Midwood
"Perhaps she needed to lose everything she knew to find herself."
Ellie has a way of dropping you into the story, bringing the world and characters to life. Everything they experienced and felt was easy to see through her beautiful words.
Your heart will be pulled in all directions, the war having touched each character's life, allowing you to see all the sides of history.
History is never an easy thing to read, but must be shared and remembered. We are lucky enough to have Ellie share her passion and creativity with us. I look forward to reading everything she puts out into the world, spoiling all the bookworms.
"Perhaps she needed to lose everything she knew to find herself."
Ellie has a way of dropping you into the story, bringing the world and characters to life. Everything they experienced and felt was easy to see through her beautiful words.
Your heart will be pulled in all directions, the war having touched each character's life, allowing you to see all the sides of history.
History is never an easy thing to read, but must be shared and remembered. We are lucky enough to have Ellie share her passion and creativity with us. I look forward to reading everything she puts out into the world, spoiling all the bookworms.
May 5, 2020
While I have not read all of the stories in The Road to Liberation, if they are all a enthralling as Ellie Midwood's "Aftermath," it's definitely a five star collection.
"Aftermath" follows survivors of the war - a Jewish man, trying to re-find his life after the concentration camp, and the daughter of a German war criminal, trying to reconcile the man she thought she knew with the stories of the atrocities he is linked to.
The story is a poignant tale of the young people in Germany trying to deal with the sins of the past as they move forward to the future.
Midwood weaves in excellent research as well as a bit of her own family's history.
"Aftermath" follows survivors of the war - a Jewish man, trying to re-find his life after the concentration camp, and the daughter of a German war criminal, trying to reconcile the man she thought she knew with the stories of the atrocities he is linked to.
The story is a poignant tale of the young people in Germany trying to deal with the sins of the past as they move forward to the future.
Midwood weaves in excellent research as well as a bit of her own family's history.
March 26, 2020
MAGDA'S MARK This is a collection of books If you like Historical Fiction with a heavy dose of truth, then you will love this book. It is well written and was informative as well.
April 14, 2020
I read 'when's mummy coming' by Rachel Wesson.
I thoroughly enjoyed this story. It sets the scene just before the start of ww2, giving you a bit of background to the Jewish Beck family, living in Nazi Germany. . When's mummy coming follows the 3 young Beck children Heinz, Tomas and liesl, their childhood, their journey on the Kindertransport to England, and their new lives living with Sally, a lovely lady in the south of England. Even though they are wholeheartedly accepted and loved by Sally, they find that not everyone is as kind or accepting of them as Sally is. They find that,life isn't easy in England by any means, but can they settle and be happy in England?
When's mummy coming is the first story I have read by this new to me author, but I will definitely be reading her other books. And I will definitely be getting this book when it is released. Great story Rachel, I highly recommend this!!
I thoroughly enjoyed this story. It sets the scene just before the start of ww2, giving you a bit of background to the Jewish Beck family, living in Nazi Germany. . When's mummy coming follows the 3 young Beck children Heinz, Tomas and liesl, their childhood, their journey on the Kindertransport to England, and their new lives living with Sally, a lovely lady in the south of England. Even though they are wholeheartedly accepted and loved by Sally, they find that not everyone is as kind or accepting of them as Sally is. They find that,life isn't easy in England by any means, but can they settle and be happy in England?
When's mummy coming is the first story I have read by this new to me author, but I will definitely be reading her other books. And I will definitely be getting this book when it is released. Great story Rachel, I highly recommend this!!
September 3, 2020
This is one of the best WWII anthologies I've read in a long time. Each story is so different and touches you on many levels. The road to liberation was a hard one and at the end, war had not only destroyed millions of lives, but it left people confused. I congratulate all the authors for the sensitive and poignant way they tackled their stories. Each one was well researched and a page turner. I will write an individual review for each author. Highly recommended.
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February 25, 2020Pre-order author special 299
pub date May 5, 2020
pub date May 5, 2020
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