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Beneath a Glass Bridge
Western Austria, winter of 1941. Naomi, a young Jewish woman, gives birth to a baby girl in a remote rural farm. The Nazi foe is everywhere, and Naomi realizes she must do everything in her power in order to save her daughter’s life, even at the expense of her own.
United States, 1990. Helena tells her daughter, Blair, for the first time, the truth about her past, and presents her with a mysterious box that sheds light on her personal story. Blair, stunned and sore by the shattering discovery, storms out of the house and disappears to the other side of the world.
Her family situation unsettled as ever, Helena leaves next. Shadows from her past and the need to cope with them have gradually revealed painfully tangible memories, imploring to be exposed. She travels far, determined to try and build bridges—to her past, to her husband and children, and to her loved ones that are long gone.
Distant and removed from everyone in her life, at a furious pace, she writes down all her secrets, as well as the life story of her extensive family, which was torn to shreds by the Second World War.
When she’s closer than ever to exposing her account, devastating news from home force Helena to expedite her return.
Is her world about to change forever?
Beneath a Glass Bridge raises profound questions about loss, motherhood in times of crisis, hiding and exposure of the truth. Are the decisions we make in our lives reversible? Can we make up for missed opportunities?
United States, 1990. Helena tells her daughter, Blair, for the first time, the truth about her past, and presents her with a mysterious box that sheds light on her personal story. Blair, stunned and sore by the shattering discovery, storms out of the house and disappears to the other side of the world.
Her family situation unsettled as ever, Helena leaves next. Shadows from her past and the need to cope with them have gradually revealed painfully tangible memories, imploring to be exposed. She travels far, determined to try and build bridges—to her past, to her husband and children, and to her loved ones that are long gone.
Distant and removed from everyone in her life, at a furious pace, she writes down all her secrets, as well as the life story of her extensive family, which was torn to shreds by the Second World War.
When she’s closer than ever to exposing her account, devastating news from home force Helena to expedite her return.
Is her world about to change forever?
Beneath a Glass Bridge raises profound questions about loss, motherhood in times of crisis, hiding and exposure of the truth. Are the decisions we make in our lives reversible? Can we make up for missed opportunities?
486 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 1, 2013
753 people are currently reading
413 people want to read
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November 24, 2022
Naomi Steiner is working as a maid in 1941, on a rural farm in Western Austria and she gives birth to a baby girl. When the Germans invaded Austria without a bullet being fired, Naomi’s well off Jewish-Austrian family start looking at ways to leave Vienna and obtaining visas, children’s names are put on the kinder transport lists and not everyone is willing or fit enough to travel. The Steiner’s move in different directions, trying to find a safe refuge and teenager Naomi is the youngest sibling. Naomi realizes it’s up to her to keep her baby safe, she does what she has to survive and she has no idea what has happened to the rest of her family.
Beneath a Glass Bridge has a dual timeline, it’s set in Austria in the 1940’s, England and Israel is the 1940’s and 1950’s and America in the 1990’s.
Author Helena Meyers is married to bridge designer Mike, they have three children, Blair, Roy and Abbie. Helena has been putting off telling Blair about her past, when she finally gives her the box of mementos and it triggers a chain of events. Blair is extremely upset, she runs away from home and won’t speak to her mother. Helena leaves as well, she has things from her own life that she hasn’t dealt with, painful memories from her childhood, growing up in Austria during the war, and how her mother was after the war ended and living in Israel with her Aunt Ruth and Uncle Jonah. Helena starts to write down her life story, what happened to her extended family and how their world was torn apart by the Second World War and the holocaust.
I received a copy of Beneath a Glass Bridge by Tali Asnin-Barel from NetGalley and Books Go Social in exchange for an honest review. A heartbreaking historical saga, about war, the holocaust, loss, motherhood, mental illness, and survivor’s guilt, childhood trauma, moving to Israel and starting again and repairing troubled relationships. A long read, it really makes you think about what you would do in the same situation and four stars from me.
Beneath a Glass Bridge has a dual timeline, it’s set in Austria in the 1940’s, England and Israel is the 1940’s and 1950’s and America in the 1990’s.
Author Helena Meyers is married to bridge designer Mike, they have three children, Blair, Roy and Abbie. Helena has been putting off telling Blair about her past, when she finally gives her the box of mementos and it triggers a chain of events. Blair is extremely upset, she runs away from home and won’t speak to her mother. Helena leaves as well, she has things from her own life that she hasn’t dealt with, painful memories from her childhood, growing up in Austria during the war, and how her mother was after the war ended and living in Israel with her Aunt Ruth and Uncle Jonah. Helena starts to write down her life story, what happened to her extended family and how their world was torn apart by the Second World War and the holocaust.
I received a copy of Beneath a Glass Bridge by Tali Asnin-Barel from NetGalley and Books Go Social in exchange for an honest review. A heartbreaking historical saga, about war, the holocaust, loss, motherhood, mental illness, and survivor’s guilt, childhood trauma, moving to Israel and starting again and repairing troubled relationships. A long read, it really makes you think about what you would do in the same situation and four stars from me.
February 26, 2020
History viewed through the lens of motherhood
Israeli author Tali Asnin-Barel is an attorney and magazine editor, having earned her degrees in Law and Political Science, has lectured on International Relations at the University of Tel Aviv, and co-founded an organization to aid at-risk youth. She now is active in an organization that commemorates the Holocaust in Atlanta, Georgia. BENEATH A GLASS BRIDGE is her debut novel.
A touching note from the author signals the impact of this inspiring story: ‘The ability to write is a gift, a powerful tool. Although my fictional protagonist, Helena, is a valued writer who lives in the kingdom of words, in her private life she fails time and time again to connect with those closest to her. Via her writing she manages to free herself from the chains that bind her, while building bridges of words to her dear ones, trying to reflect on her life through them. Helena's bridges are as fragile as glass--she walks along them as though on a thin floor--but from the moment she makes her decision, no force in the world can stop her.’
Tali’s fine prose is evident in the sensitively scribed opening lines of her novel- ‘I was born in darkness, on a gray winter’s day, into a grim reality. Ten minutes after I came into the world, my mother bundled me up in a blue rag, dipped its corner in schnapps and slipped it into my mouth to quieten my meek sobs. The she tightened the bundle to her shriveled breasts, her sunken cheeks wet with tears, her bottom teeth biting her lower lip, and in faltering steps she hurried out of the dark basement, not before dropping a few coins into the outstretched hand of the Hungarian midwife.’ That degree of atmosphere permeates this remarkable novel.
The story is beautifully paced and is summarized as follows: ‘Western Austria, winter of 1941. Naomi, a young Jewish woman, gives birth to a baby girl in a remote rural farm. The Nazi foe is everywhere, and Naomi realizes she must do everything in her power in order to save her daughter’s life, even at the expense of her own. United States, 1990. Helena tells her daughter, Blair, for the first time, the truth about her past, and presents her with a mysterious box that sheds light on her personal story. Blair, stunned and sore by the shattering discovery, storms out of the house and disappears to the other side of the world. Her family situation unsettled as ever, Helena leaves next. Shadows from her past and the need to cope with them have gradually revealed painfully tangible memories, imploring to be exposed. She travels far, determined to try and build bridges—to her past, to her husband and children, and to her loved ones that are long gone. Distant and removed from everyone in her life, at a furious pace, she writes down all her secrets, as well as the life story of her extensive family, which was torn to shreds by the Second World War. When she’s closer than ever to exposing her account, devastating news from home force Helena to expedite her return. Is her world about to change forever?’
This novel is a towering achievement, one that makes immediate the indelible influence of the Holocaust and how it continues to alter lives. Recommended.
Israeli author Tali Asnin-Barel is an attorney and magazine editor, having earned her degrees in Law and Political Science, has lectured on International Relations at the University of Tel Aviv, and co-founded an organization to aid at-risk youth. She now is active in an organization that commemorates the Holocaust in Atlanta, Georgia. BENEATH A GLASS BRIDGE is her debut novel.
A touching note from the author signals the impact of this inspiring story: ‘The ability to write is a gift, a powerful tool. Although my fictional protagonist, Helena, is a valued writer who lives in the kingdom of words, in her private life she fails time and time again to connect with those closest to her. Via her writing she manages to free herself from the chains that bind her, while building bridges of words to her dear ones, trying to reflect on her life through them. Helena's bridges are as fragile as glass--she walks along them as though on a thin floor--but from the moment she makes her decision, no force in the world can stop her.’
Tali’s fine prose is evident in the sensitively scribed opening lines of her novel- ‘I was born in darkness, on a gray winter’s day, into a grim reality. Ten minutes after I came into the world, my mother bundled me up in a blue rag, dipped its corner in schnapps and slipped it into my mouth to quieten my meek sobs. The she tightened the bundle to her shriveled breasts, her sunken cheeks wet with tears, her bottom teeth biting her lower lip, and in faltering steps she hurried out of the dark basement, not before dropping a few coins into the outstretched hand of the Hungarian midwife.’ That degree of atmosphere permeates this remarkable novel.
The story is beautifully paced and is summarized as follows: ‘Western Austria, winter of 1941. Naomi, a young Jewish woman, gives birth to a baby girl in a remote rural farm. The Nazi foe is everywhere, and Naomi realizes she must do everything in her power in order to save her daughter’s life, even at the expense of her own. United States, 1990. Helena tells her daughter, Blair, for the first time, the truth about her past, and presents her with a mysterious box that sheds light on her personal story. Blair, stunned and sore by the shattering discovery, storms out of the house and disappears to the other side of the world. Her family situation unsettled as ever, Helena leaves next. Shadows from her past and the need to cope with them have gradually revealed painfully tangible memories, imploring to be exposed. She travels far, determined to try and build bridges—to her past, to her husband and children, and to her loved ones that are long gone. Distant and removed from everyone in her life, at a furious pace, she writes down all her secrets, as well as the life story of her extensive family, which was torn to shreds by the Second World War. When she’s closer than ever to exposing her account, devastating news from home force Helena to expedite her return. Is her world about to change forever?’
This novel is a towering achievement, one that makes immediate the indelible influence of the Holocaust and how it continues to alter lives. Recommended.
May 2, 2020
Wow! What a read! First and foremost...let it be known that this book spans the late 1930’s to 1991. It’s broken into three sections, each representing a different stage of life for the lead character, Helena. She’s a different person, emotionally. She grows exponentially throughout the book but holds on to secrets from her family and the only way to get them to understand is to write the story.
Helena is born to a young Jewish woman, hiding in Austria during WWII. Her father was the great love of her mothers life and his disappearance was something she never recovered from. She was a distant mother, something that Helena struggles with right up until her mothers death.
She’s goes through life divulging very little to those that are close to her. She carries these secrets up until things turn upside down and she chooses to write a book to tell her story in hopes that her family will understand why she is the way she and why she made the choices she did. In the process, she hopes to repair the damaged bridges in her life.
I can only imagine what a child, especially a Jewish child in hiding, went through during WWII. The struggle to receive love from a mother so distraught over her lover and her family. Surviving only to move to another country with the only family members to survive the war. Growing up with cousins who’ve had a better start to life. Dealing with a mother permanently mentally damaged from the throws of war. To moving to another new country where times are proving to be tougher than what was once promised. To navigating love and desire. It’s a lot of weight that Helena carries on her shoulders.
This story paints a much deeper picture of war from a perspective I’ve read little about. You read survivor stories but I think Helenas point of view is one often forgotten. She was born into a situation completely out of her control. She hears about family members she never knew from a depressed mother all the time.The struggles that she goes through are just as tough as those who experienced first hand. But, like so many, she gets to the point in life that her story has to be told before it’s too late.
This story is gripping. It’s emotional. The characters are well developed. The amount of history included in the story is extremely educational. I do wish there was an authors notes including in the copy of the book. It’s an unedited ARC so hopefully they will be included in the published version. The authors notes tell a story as well and provide more depth to the plot.
Definitely recommend!!
Thank you NetGalley & Tali Barel for the chance to read this a little early! I was deeply moved!
Helena is born to a young Jewish woman, hiding in Austria during WWII. Her father was the great love of her mothers life and his disappearance was something she never recovered from. She was a distant mother, something that Helena struggles with right up until her mothers death.
She’s goes through life divulging very little to those that are close to her. She carries these secrets up until things turn upside down and she chooses to write a book to tell her story in hopes that her family will understand why she is the way she and why she made the choices she did. In the process, she hopes to repair the damaged bridges in her life.
I can only imagine what a child, especially a Jewish child in hiding, went through during WWII. The struggle to receive love from a mother so distraught over her lover and her family. Surviving only to move to another country with the only family members to survive the war. Growing up with cousins who’ve had a better start to life. Dealing with a mother permanently mentally damaged from the throws of war. To moving to another new country where times are proving to be tougher than what was once promised. To navigating love and desire. It’s a lot of weight that Helena carries on her shoulders.
This story paints a much deeper picture of war from a perspective I’ve read little about. You read survivor stories but I think Helenas point of view is one often forgotten. She was born into a situation completely out of her control. She hears about family members she never knew from a depressed mother all the time.The struggles that she goes through are just as tough as those who experienced first hand. But, like so many, she gets to the point in life that her story has to be told before it’s too late.
This story is gripping. It’s emotional. The characters are well developed. The amount of history included in the story is extremely educational. I do wish there was an authors notes including in the copy of the book. It’s an unedited ARC so hopefully they will be included in the published version. The authors notes tell a story as well and provide more depth to the plot.
Definitely recommend!!
Thank you NetGalley & Tali Barel for the chance to read this a little early! I was deeply moved!
June 11, 2020
A magnificent debut novel. Beautifully written. A look at the impact of the Holacust and WWII of the ones left behind to struggle, not only with what they went through but also the lasting effect it had.
Helena is a writer that is trying to cope with her past secrets. She has never told her husband, or children about her whole life. When her oldest turns 18, she gives Blair a box, that tells the truth of Blair's real parents.
Blair leaves and this causes Helena to finally come to terms with her past. As a writer, the only way for her to do this, is to write a book, detailing her secrets and the story of her family forever changed by WWII and the Holacust.
War will always happen. It will also, always change the lives of those affected by it. Rather it is the soldiers fighting, the citizens in the country it is happening in, or those left at home wondering about their loved ones.
I recommend this book. It's like no other WWII/Holacust novel I have read. It looks at the war from a family that was affected by it. By those left behind and the obstacles they had to overcome.
Thanks to Book Social, Tali Asnin-Barel, and Netgalley for the book to read for my honest opinion.
Helena is a writer that is trying to cope with her past secrets. She has never told her husband, or children about her whole life. When her oldest turns 18, she gives Blair a box, that tells the truth of Blair's real parents.
Blair leaves and this causes Helena to finally come to terms with her past. As a writer, the only way for her to do this, is to write a book, detailing her secrets and the story of her family forever changed by WWII and the Holacust.
War will always happen. It will also, always change the lives of those affected by it. Rather it is the soldiers fighting, the citizens in the country it is happening in, or those left at home wondering about their loved ones.
I recommend this book. It's like no other WWII/Holacust novel I have read. It looks at the war from a family that was affected by it. By those left behind and the obstacles they had to overcome.
Thanks to Book Social, Tali Asnin-Barel, and Netgalley for the book to read for my honest opinion.
March 31, 2020
Beneath a Glass Bridge by Tali Asnin-Barel gives a magnificent and emotional account of the 1941 social-political environment. I especially appreciate the approach used by the author to inform the reader of the emotions of uncertainty, fear and sadness experienced by inhabitants of Austria and the rest of the world. The author attempts to incorporate world history in the narrative and align past political and war events with people's everyday realities. Besides the historical background, I particularly appreciate the real-life human-like encounters explained in the book.
It allows the reader to grasp a real understanding of how people's lives changed because of war and political agendas implemented during the time. The shock and pain carried by many generations portray the life difficulties of the 20th century. I recommend this story to any person who enjoys world history but wants to learn more about direct influences on people's everyday existence during 1941. The book also maintains an interesting writing style with the use of symbolism, memories, stories and letters to make it authentic. I give this book a five-star rating because of the exceptional, emotional and interesting story it presents.
It allows the reader to grasp a real understanding of how people's lives changed because of war and political agendas implemented during the time. The shock and pain carried by many generations portray the life difficulties of the 20th century. I recommend this story to any person who enjoys world history but wants to learn more about direct influences on people's everyday existence during 1941. The book also maintains an interesting writing style with the use of symbolism, memories, stories and letters to make it authentic. I give this book a five-star rating because of the exceptional, emotional and interesting story it presents.
April 29, 2020
In Beneath a Glass Bridge, author Tali Asnin-Barel, tells the personal story of Helena Steiner. Helena was born to Naomi Steiner in Vorarlberg, Vienna, just as Hitler annexed Austria. The book is divided into four sweeping sections:Vienna, London, Tel-Aviv, and California. In each section Helena includes: letters to her husband Mike and daughter, Blair, where she explains what she had to run away from them to the Yosemite Park.
It is impossible not to be trapped in Helena's and the Steiner's family story, each section, detailing significant events in history.
I requested this book from #netgalley, and after receiving it, I did not pick it up. I was then contacted to please provide my review.This gave me the push that I needed o open Tali"s book. I am so happy that I did .It truly is an incredible story, beautifully written and unputdownable. 5 stars for this book! Thank you #netgalley for the digital e-ARC.
NB: Tali Asnin-Barel, was born in Israel, and now lives in Atlanta, Georgia. She is an attorney, and active community leader. This is her debut novel. Congratulations Tali! #beneathaglassbridge is an incredible book!
It is impossible not to be trapped in Helena's and the Steiner's family story, each section, detailing significant events in history.
I requested this book from #netgalley, and after receiving it, I did not pick it up. I was then contacted to please provide my review.This gave me the push that I needed o open Tali"s book. I am so happy that I did .It truly is an incredible story, beautifully written and unputdownable. 5 stars for this book! Thank you #netgalley for the digital e-ARC.
NB: Tali Asnin-Barel, was born in Israel, and now lives in Atlanta, Georgia. She is an attorney, and active community leader. This is her debut novel. Congratulations Tali! #beneathaglassbridge is an incredible book!
August 5, 2020
When loss is an essential part of your life, living is difficult. Helena is a writer and when her eldest daughter leaves home, she sequesters herself in a hotel room in Yosemite, writing a memoir and many unsent letters. The writing helps her to comes to terms with her life, one that begins in Austria during WWII and moves to Israel and its many conflicts. Asin-Barel doesn't over romanticize nor makes things over tragic but presents a story that is what it is.
August 31, 2024
It was way way too long. And I'm not even sure it was a three for me.
May 20, 2020
Beneath a Glass Bridge
By, Tali-Asnin Barel
Much thanks to Net Galley, Books Go Social, and the author, Tali-Asnin Barel, for the digital copy of “Beneath a Glass Bridge” in return for an honest review.
I loved this book!!! This story travels through pre World War II Austria, London, and Israel as a new country.
The story features a beautiful Jewish family who deeply love and support each other. As war progresses, anti-Semitism becomes widespread throughout Europe. The Steiner family is made aware that no Jew is safe. They are forced to understand that it is beyond their power to always keep each other safe. Despite all the love this family shares, they become separated by distance and death.
Years later, those who survive reunite in London. Most have high hopes for their futures. Others are haunted by nightmares of the past.
The family is then drawn to Israel. Once secured in Israel, they discover that life presents it’s own joys and sorrows, even in this most holy land of their ancestors.
This story follows Ruth, Naomi and Helena throughout their lives. It’s a story about love, commitment, survival, and kindness.
I loved the characters in this book. This is a story that I did not want to put down and I hoped it would never end.
Five stars, hands down.
By, Tali-Asnin Barel
Much thanks to Net Galley, Books Go Social, and the author, Tali-Asnin Barel, for the digital copy of “Beneath a Glass Bridge” in return for an honest review.
I loved this book!!! This story travels through pre World War II Austria, London, and Israel as a new country.
The story features a beautiful Jewish family who deeply love and support each other. As war progresses, anti-Semitism becomes widespread throughout Europe. The Steiner family is made aware that no Jew is safe. They are forced to understand that it is beyond their power to always keep each other safe. Despite all the love this family shares, they become separated by distance and death.
Years later, those who survive reunite in London. Most have high hopes for their futures. Others are haunted by nightmares of the past.
The family is then drawn to Israel. Once secured in Israel, they discover that life presents it’s own joys and sorrows, even in this most holy land of their ancestors.
This story follows Ruth, Naomi and Helena throughout their lives. It’s a story about love, commitment, survival, and kindness.
I loved the characters in this book. This is a story that I did not want to put down and I hoped it would never end.
Five stars, hands down.
March 13, 2020
I am never cold when I’m next to mama’s heart
This was a great story. It was very hard to read, but I so much enjoyed reading it. War changes people, it hurts them, it causes them to lose loved ones and sometimes to lose reality.
This is a search for meaning, for love and for understanding from a young girl damaged by the war at a very young age. Although she had a very understanding and loving aunt, uncle and cousins she often felt alone. Her life with her mentally ill mom caused by the war was very hard on her. Although she had some loving moments with her mother she never really bonded with her mother because of her mother's mental state.
The story was very hard to read because it had so many characters and the author tried to follow all their stories which often caused three time lines going on at the same time. The book went from the start of WWII through Vietnam, the Gulf War and Desert Storm. It kept going back and forth between characters and time periods and different countries to the point I was quite confused about where I was in the book.
My favorite part was the last third of the book where she was writing letters she never sent and telling her life story in the book she was writing. I think I would have loved reading the whole story written in this format.
I would recommend the book to those that would love history and historical events that took place during this time period.
Thanks to Tali Asnin-Barel, Books go social and NetGalley for allowing me to read a copy of the book for an honest review.
This was a great story. It was very hard to read, but I so much enjoyed reading it. War changes people, it hurts them, it causes them to lose loved ones and sometimes to lose reality.
This is a search for meaning, for love and for understanding from a young girl damaged by the war at a very young age. Although she had a very understanding and loving aunt, uncle and cousins she often felt alone. Her life with her mentally ill mom caused by the war was very hard on her. Although she had some loving moments with her mother she never really bonded with her mother because of her mother's mental state.
The story was very hard to read because it had so many characters and the author tried to follow all their stories which often caused three time lines going on at the same time. The book went from the start of WWII through Vietnam, the Gulf War and Desert Storm. It kept going back and forth between characters and time periods and different countries to the point I was quite confused about where I was in the book.
My favorite part was the last third of the book where she was writing letters she never sent and telling her life story in the book she was writing. I think I would have loved reading the whole story written in this format.
I would recommend the book to those that would love history and historical events that took place during this time period.
Thanks to Tali Asnin-Barel, Books go social and NetGalley for allowing me to read a copy of the book for an honest review.
December 19, 2020
It’s impossible not to feel engrossed by stories of well written characters suffering during the Holocaust, in this respect this novel is as good as any other I’ve read in this genre. The cover is also appealing, and in keeping with many historical fiction book covers of late. Not quite a 4 star rating for me because I felt the way the thrown away letters in the present that kept popping up throughout distracted from the story about Helena and her mother’s past. I also felt a bit of perseverence was required I’m the first quarter of the book, it introduced a lot of character and moved slowly. I’m grateful to NetGalley and publisher for my honest review in exchange for a digital copy of Beneath a Glass Bridge.
September 13, 2020
This was an interesting read, but the constant jumping from past to present was a bit disconcerting. The jumping made the story disjointed and really did not make sense. But I did enjoy reading in all the time periods, from the terror of Austria during WWII to the contrast of living in Israel. But when the story reached the US it really fell down. It really did not make a lot of sense and I thought the ending was very poor. The book suddenly stopped without any real resolution. Very disappointed by the non-ending.
October 5, 2020
Not a favorite of mine
I feel sorry to write a review that I made myself finish. The story was a good story but I didn't care for the way it was out together. Too much skipping around.
I feel sorry to write a review that I made myself finish. The story was a good story but I didn't care for the way it was out together. Too much skipping around.
July 10, 2020
Help
Ending left me up in the air??? Where can I find the sequel? I’m hate reading a book that leaves you hanging 😢😢😢
Ending left me up in the air??? Where can I find the sequel? I’m hate reading a book that leaves you hanging 😢😢😢
October 12, 2020
A very interesting read. The author jumped around quite a bit between the WWII years and 1980 when she was writing letters and trying to finish up her book in Yosemite National Park. But she covered quite a lengthy time period. Sometimes I felt her desciptions were unneeded padding for her book, like the color and type of clothing. However, it was an interesting point of view of a young girl, Helena, growing up in Austria during the beginning of WWII in Europe. She describes her mother and Jewish extended families and the breaking up of the family as they as forced to flee from Austria. Helena finds herself jumping across from Israel to the United States because of other friends and romance. She eventually finds and marries a man, Mike, who is an engineer designing bridges. The book is then chaptered by letters to her eldest daughter Blair who is told a family secreat and becomes very upset and leaves the nest, journeying back to Israel during the Hussain terrors. Then Helena leaves Mike with their children and flees to Yosemite to get her thoughts together and write her book.
This would be a great book club review. It brings up interesting topics of motherhood, dealing with loss and exposing truths.
This would be a great book club review. It brings up interesting topics of motherhood, dealing with loss and exposing truths.
September 6, 2020
An emotional story that reads like a memoir about Helena and her family, jews living in Austria during WWII. Her experiences during her childhood made a lasting impact throughout her life. She was unable to talk about her past with her husband and family until she leaves them to go to Yosemite and write. As an author her stories never came too close to her own personal story, but now she was finally ready to share it.
I had to stop and put this book aside several times because it's a very sad story. But I'm so glad I got a chance to read it. It really shows the emotions of the jews at the time and the influence it had on their lives after. I really thought this was based on a true story!
I received a complimentary copy of this book through NetGalley. The views and opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.
I had to stop and put this book aside several times because it's a very sad story. But I'm so glad I got a chance to read it. It really shows the emotions of the jews at the time and the influence it had on their lives after. I really thought this was based on a true story!
I received a complimentary copy of this book through NetGalley. The views and opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.
July 9, 2020
This novel is fascinating, written eloquently and full of surprises until the very last page. Helena is a mother and a daughter, she is an author but also a free spirit and she is Mike’s wife but also the love of many others. In a desperate attempt to escape all the contradictions and complexities in her life, Helena flees to her safe haven, Yosemite Park, California, where she builds bridges between the people in her life who are living and the ones who have passed, solely with the power of written words. The novel shifts between different eras and settings, continuously jumping back and forth on the timeline allowing the reader not a moment to breathe. It is simply impossible to put this book down.
February 20, 2022
#readHarderchallenge2022 - task 9: a book that’s been on your TBR the longest
I added this book to my TBR 8 years ago, but I don't think I would have loved it more then. I don't mind reading books in high language as long as the story is good (like Wuthering Heights), but it wasn't, not for me. The previous book was "the storyteller" which was about the same period in the past, but it was so much different, the way the authors convey the story, the pace of the plot, everything was so much different. While the storyteller was a page-turning and a fast pace reading, the current one was slow, jumpy, cold, and patronized over the reader's opinion. Yes, the Holocaust is a hard, sad, dark topic, and everyone came back broken, but there is a way to tell a story and this wasn't it.
I added this book to my TBR 8 years ago, but I don't think I would have loved it more then. I don't mind reading books in high language as long as the story is good (like Wuthering Heights), but it wasn't, not for me. The previous book was "the storyteller" which was about the same period in the past, but it was so much different, the way the authors convey the story, the pace of the plot, everything was so much different. While the storyteller was a page-turning and a fast pace reading, the current one was slow, jumpy, cold, and patronized over the reader's opinion. Yes, the Holocaust is a hard, sad, dark topic, and everyone came back broken, but there is a way to tell a story and this wasn't it.
July 16, 2020
Emotional, heartbreaking, historical
This book is a difficult read. The heartbreak, horror, sadness throughout the book has been emotionally draining. The psychological path the writer takes us on is a constant emotional rollercoaster. One can feel themselves placed in this book and taken on a one of a kind d journey. I don't think I have ever rated a book 5 stars but I had no choice here. I would put the book down to stop the consistent turmoil I felt only to pick it back up a few minutes later. I did not read it in one sitting but took a few days so I could absorb the emotions that were warring within me.
This book is a difficult read. The heartbreak, horror, sadness throughout the book has been emotionally draining. The psychological path the writer takes us on is a constant emotional rollercoaster. One can feel themselves placed in this book and taken on a one of a kind d journey. I don't think I have ever rated a book 5 stars but I had no choice here. I would put the book down to stop the consistent turmoil I felt only to pick it back up a few minutes later. I did not read it in one sitting but took a few days so I could absorb the emotions that were warring within me.
October 4, 2020
Not true. Hard to believe
The first thing I saw upon starting this book was that it was a work of fiction. I find it so hard to believe, even now having finished it. I want to look up the protagonists other books, mentioned in the story. I have read a lot of wwII stories of the holocaust that took place during the war, but this is the first post war novel I have read. I learned a lot about Israel around that time,. Although I was alive, I was a little child and none of what was happening meant anything to me. This novel was about as good as they come. I enjoyed the characters, the descriptions and the movement between different times.
The first thing I saw upon starting this book was that it was a work of fiction. I find it so hard to believe, even now having finished it. I want to look up the protagonists other books, mentioned in the story. I have read a lot of wwII stories of the holocaust that took place during the war, but this is the first post war novel I have read. I learned a lot about Israel around that time,. Although I was alive, I was a little child and none of what was happening meant anything to me. This novel was about as good as they come. I enjoyed the characters, the descriptions and the movement between different times.
March 4, 2021
If this book was properly edited it would have been an excellent piece of WW2 historical fiction. Every time the author veered away from the more interesting story I moaned: “not again” especially for the letters she states were not mailed. Enough already!
The main character was not a likeable person. She was insufferable even though so much love and care was sent her way.
I wish I was able to speed read. I felt relieved when I got to the end!
I’d recommend ‘Gerta ” by Katerïna Tučková and “We were the Lucky Ones” by Georgia Hunter rather than “Beneath a Glass Bridge “ which dragged every time the author jumped around in country, time and characters.
The main character was not a likeable person. She was insufferable even though so much love and care was sent her way.
I wish I was able to speed read. I felt relieved when I got to the end!
I’d recommend ‘Gerta ” by Katerïna Tučková and “We were the Lucky Ones” by Georgia Hunter rather than “Beneath a Glass Bridge “ which dragged every time the author jumped around in country, time and characters.
August 16, 2021
Love, love, love this book!
When I first started reading this story, I got frustrated with the back-and-forth narrative and trying to figure out who each character was, but I was instantly caught up in the story, which really is almost like listening to someone tell it orally. Once I got over my frustration, I grew to love how it is written, and got totally immersed. This is truly one of the most heart wrenching, yet heart warming, novels I have ever read. Hang in there - it is worth every minute.
When I first started reading this story, I got frustrated with the back-and-forth narrative and trying to figure out who each character was, but I was instantly caught up in the story, which really is almost like listening to someone tell it orally. Once I got over my frustration, I grew to love how it is written, and got totally immersed. This is truly one of the most heart wrenching, yet heart warming, novels I have ever read. Hang in there - it is worth every minute.
August 14, 2020
This book is a captivating story of three generations of Jewish women starting before world war two in Austria and ending in 1990 in the United States. You will not be able to put it down. It intelligently intertwines the personal story and internal world of Helena and her family with the historical events that violently shook and controlled their fate. I want to thank Tali Asnin-Barel for this beautiful moving book, and I cannot wait to read more books by her. Definitely recommended!
September 10, 2020
The. Best book
I have read many books dealing with the Jews in the holocaust this brings a story that is different, Helena youngest of a Jewish family who was from a privileged loving practicing religious family ,She suffered at the hands of men, forced to give her body to survive, not knowing if any of her loved ones were alive, the complete mental condition that changed the course of her life as a survivor, I recommend this to all who read WW2 history
I have read many books dealing with the Jews in the holocaust this brings a story that is different, Helena youngest of a Jewish family who was from a privileged loving practicing religious family ,She suffered at the hands of men, forced to give her body to survive, not knowing if any of her loved ones were alive, the complete mental condition that changed the course of her life as a survivor, I recommend this to all who read WW2 history
February 9, 2021
Moved my soul
WWII has impacted my life more than I could ever imagine. All the books I’ve read about the persecuted Jewish people, before, during and after the war are part of my subconscious persona. As a believer in the messiah Jesus, I have identified with and learned to love the Jewish people. Their stories touch my heart in a way I don’t understand.
Helena’s story was a journey that I went on with her. Glad she finally was able to share it in full. I will miss her.
WWII has impacted my life more than I could ever imagine. All the books I’ve read about the persecuted Jewish people, before, during and after the war are part of my subconscious persona. As a believer in the messiah Jesus, I have identified with and learned to love the Jewish people. Their stories touch my heart in a way I don’t understand.
Helena’s story was a journey that I went on with her. Glad she finally was able to share it in full. I will miss her.
July 5, 2020
WOW!
I am not sure what I expected when choosing this book as my next read, and for a fleeting moment, considered putting it aside. I’m really glad I didn’t. It’s not very often a book moves me to tears, but this one did. What a gem, the emotional turmoil of the times & in the heart of a young woman. Is this really a work of fiction? It seems all too raw & real...
I am not sure what I expected when choosing this book as my next read, and for a fleeting moment, considered putting it aside. I’m really glad I didn’t. It’s not very often a book moves me to tears, but this one did. What a gem, the emotional turmoil of the times & in the heart of a young woman. Is this really a work of fiction? It seems all too raw & real...
August 27, 2020
One of my favorite recent reads. I like WWII fiction, and this touches on an area somewhat new to me, the families who escaped to Israel, but more important, it is about what happened to the families long after the war as well as during. Very nice character building, a book you will not want to put down till it is finished.
October 15, 2020
Thrilling historical novel
Exquisitely written novel, I couldn’t put the book down because it was so interesting. The various stories and plot lines were so well intertwined with the historical aspects of WW2. The author clearly well researched the backdrops of the story spanning various countries and cultures. Highly recommended for reading aficionados.
Exquisitely written novel, I couldn’t put the book down because it was so interesting. The various stories and plot lines were so well intertwined with the historical aspects of WW2. The author clearly well researched the backdrops of the story spanning various countries and cultures. Highly recommended for reading aficionados.
December 9, 2020
Unforgettable
This is one of those rare books that teaches the reader about events of the past, while simultaneously igniting the imagination of the reader. Beautifully written, heartbreaking in its intensity. Although I am not Jewish, and thought I knew a fair amount of WWII history, my eyes were opened. I look forward to reading more from the Author.
This is one of those rare books that teaches the reader about events of the past, while simultaneously igniting the imagination of the reader. Beautifully written, heartbreaking in its intensity. Although I am not Jewish, and thought I knew a fair amount of WWII history, my eyes were opened. I look forward to reading more from the Author.
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