What do you think?
Rate this book
The Barracks #2
Barrack Four: A Holocaust Story
The past has a funny way of coming back to haunt you...
Vilém Rehor works at a former concentration camp. Although he’s alone overnight, he’s not the only one there…
After freeing Raya Pomnenka, he hoped his night shift would return to monotonous normality, but when the Camp’s director demands that Vilém keep close watch on a particular exhibit, he encounters another spirit, the spirit of a young girl named Iveta. She, too, wants to tell her story, but this time someone wants to shut her up…
As Vilém tries to make it through Iveta’s heartbreaking tale, he realizes his ties to the people who lived and died in the Camp are deeper than he could have imagined.
Can he set this spirit free?
Or will dark forces drive him away before he can discover the truth?
Barrack Four is a historical fiction novelette, the sequel to Barrack Five, and a heartrending tale of the Holocaust.
Vilém Rehor works at a former concentration camp. Although he’s alone overnight, he’s not the only one there…
After freeing Raya Pomnenka, he hoped his night shift would return to monotonous normality, but when the Camp’s director demands that Vilém keep close watch on a particular exhibit, he encounters another spirit, the spirit of a young girl named Iveta. She, too, wants to tell her story, but this time someone wants to shut her up…
As Vilém tries to make it through Iveta’s heartbreaking tale, he realizes his ties to the people who lived and died in the Camp are deeper than he could have imagined.
Can he set this spirit free?
Or will dark forces drive him away before he can discover the truth?
Barrack Four is a historical fiction novelette, the sequel to Barrack Five, and a heartrending tale of the Holocaust.
ebook
Published October 27, 2020
31 people are currently reading
83 people want to read
About the author
Elyse Hoffman
16 books383 followersElyse Hoffman is an award-winning author who strives to tell historical tales with new twists. Having studied WWII since the age of thirteen and with interests in fantasy and Jewish folklore, she loves to combine them in her writing. Elyse started writing novels at fourteen and finished her first historical fiction work at fifteen. She has published eight books: five in a series called The Barracks of the Holocaust, and three novels, including The Book of Uriel, Where David Threw Stones, and Fracture. In her spare time, she loves to read, work on pretty keyboards, and hang out with her co-authors - her Goldendoodle Ari and her ex-feral cat, Echo.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
January 18, 2021
Tears for 500 Alex !!
This was beautifully written just like the first book. It was an honor experiencing this with Vilem. The nighttime security guard is speaking to Ghost again. This time it is a twin girl named Iveta whose ghost has been trapped in Barrack four since the end of the War. Vilem learns her story and hopes to save her like he saved the last soul that was trapped in these Barracks.
This made me cry unlike the last book and I cannot wait to read book three.
I have purchased a copy of this book and I have also highlighted some scenes that had a great impact on me.
I received an advanced copy From BookSirens and this review is being left voluntarily.
This was beautifully written just like the first book. It was an honor experiencing this with Vilem. The nighttime security guard is speaking to Ghost again. This time it is a twin girl named Iveta whose ghost has been trapped in Barrack four since the end of the War. Vilem learns her story and hopes to save her like he saved the last soul that was trapped in these Barracks.
This made me cry unlike the last book and I cannot wait to read book three.
I have purchased a copy of this book and I have also highlighted some scenes that had a great impact on me.
I received an advanced copy From BookSirens and this review is being left voluntarily.
January 3, 2021
A terrifying fragment of the Holocaust.
Barrack Four, the second book of the Barracks series, features the story of a young, unfortunate victim of the nefarious genocide. Vilem, who is a night guard at a former concentration camp, gets to interact with the grieving soul of the child and travel back in time through her memories. The girl leaves him with an innocuous request at the end, and he is determined to fulfill her wish, even if it costs him his job.
The novella allows us to catch a glimpse of the struggles and the unspeakable state of the victims, along with a shimmering display of love and gallantry. It comes with painful yet essential lessons, complicated relationships, and at last not but least, a selfless picture of affection.
The story in the second book is much more extended compared to the first one in the series. The author has once again managed to paint a vivid image of the terrible time. Unlike the first book, it comes with a twist and a lot more characters and interactions. The job with characterization and bonding of the two sisters was done well.
I personally loved how the fatherly side of a monster was portrayed in the story. The complicated nature of the relationship in this case added uniqueness.
I felt the hook-up part with Jana (although the detail was spared), Vilem’s history in this field, and how almost the whole focus was on physical beauty sort of ruined the mood of the story for me. It is however, a completely personal thought.
Recommended for readers looking for a quick and catchy read.
(I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily)
Barrack Four, the second book of the Barracks series, features the story of a young, unfortunate victim of the nefarious genocide. Vilem, who is a night guard at a former concentration camp, gets to interact with the grieving soul of the child and travel back in time through her memories. The girl leaves him with an innocuous request at the end, and he is determined to fulfill her wish, even if it costs him his job.
The novella allows us to catch a glimpse of the struggles and the unspeakable state of the victims, along with a shimmering display of love and gallantry. It comes with painful yet essential lessons, complicated relationships, and at last not but least, a selfless picture of affection.
The story in the second book is much more extended compared to the first one in the series. The author has once again managed to paint a vivid image of the terrible time. Unlike the first book, it comes with a twist and a lot more characters and interactions. The job with characterization and bonding of the two sisters was done well.
I personally loved how the fatherly side of a monster was portrayed in the story. The complicated nature of the relationship in this case added uniqueness.
I felt the hook-up part with Jana (although the detail was spared), Vilem’s history in this field, and how almost the whole focus was on physical beauty sort of ruined the mood of the story for me. It is however, a completely personal thought.
Recommended for readers looking for a quick and catchy read.
(I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily)
January 13, 2021
Emotional and well written. Takes you back to really understand what went on during the Holocaust. I’ve never read anything from this point of view. Planning on reading the next in the series.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
September 8, 2024
The shortest and second saga series is called “Barrack Four” by Elyse Hoffman. I am enjoying her second book, Vilem has freed the first girl’s past. He hopes there’s not another encounter spirit, however there was a young girl named Iveta. She told his story to him, but this time someone wants to shut up her. Can he set this spirit free? Or will dark forces drive him away before he can discover the truth? You can decide.
December 9, 2020
I was apprehensive about where this story would go after reading the Barrack Five, but I truly enjoyed this. With the introduction of Iveta, another spirit of a Holocaust victim, Vilem shows some development through his emotions and how interacting with these spirits affects his personal life, which made me like his character more. With each memory, I found myself wanting to keep on reading. The portion of the story involving Klaus and Heydrich was very "The Boy in the Striped Pajamas"-esque in a way, which I'm definitely not complaining about since I loved that book. Overall, I'd say it's a 4.5/5 stars, and I'm excited to read the third book.
Thanks BookSirens for the free copy in return for an honest review!
Thanks BookSirens for the free copy in return for an honest review!
January 31, 2021
I'm a huge fan of this series but I'd go as far as to say, this one is probably my favourite. I was immediately drawn into the story and the detail surrounding Iveta and Ilona's history and their life before Iveta entered the camp.
Vilem encounters her ghost and discovers that Iveta was forced to grow up quickly, despite initially always seeing herself more cowardly than her twin sister.
Her friendship with Klaus is endearing and takes a surprising turn when they are captured and Iveta makes an astonishing discovery that results in her safety.
As in all of these books, Vilem has a mission in the present day to allow the ghost to rest and this is portrayed really poignantly. There is an element of fate and destiny involved too as a surprising connection becomes apparent.
I couldn't put this one down and read it in one sitting! Highly recommended!
With thanks to the author and BookSirens for my ARC in return for a voluntary review.
Vilem encounters her ghost and discovers that Iveta was forced to grow up quickly, despite initially always seeing herself more cowardly than her twin sister.
Her friendship with Klaus is endearing and takes a surprising turn when they are captured and Iveta makes an astonishing discovery that results in her safety.
As in all of these books, Vilem has a mission in the present day to allow the ghost to rest and this is portrayed really poignantly. There is an element of fate and destiny involved too as a surprising connection becomes apparent.
I couldn't put this one down and read it in one sitting! Highly recommended!
With thanks to the author and BookSirens for my ARC in return for a voluntary review.
September 9, 2021
I started with Barrack Five and enjoyed it enough to buy all the Barrack Series. Barrack Four didn't disappoint and I'm happy to give five stars as I'm becoming quite fond of Vilem and his work as a night security guard at a concentration camp near Prague.
This was a sweet and poignant story of twins Iveta and Ilona although more Iveta's tragic life. The author cleverly weaves Vilem's life in the twenty-first century with those eventually incarcerated in the camp. But the story is told simply and often the impact comes later after I'd put the book down and my mind had mulled over the events I'd just read about.
I was very pleased that Vilem stopped two young girls from taking selfies at the camp. Although fictional, I saw it for real when I visited Auschwitz some years ago. Like Vilem, I found it disrespectful.
A good story and I can recommend it highly.
This was a sweet and poignant story of twins Iveta and Ilona although more Iveta's tragic life. The author cleverly weaves Vilem's life in the twenty-first century with those eventually incarcerated in the camp. But the story is told simply and often the impact comes later after I'd put the book down and my mind had mulled over the events I'd just read about.
I was very pleased that Vilem stopped two young girls from taking selfies at the camp. Although fictional, I saw it for real when I visited Auschwitz some years ago. Like Vilem, I found it disrespectful.
A good story and I can recommend it highly.
January 18, 2021
I thought the first book was great and as a sequel, this didn't disappoint. The main character is back maintaining the same integrity as was shown in the first story and his journey continues. The insight this time is just as heartbreaking and tells the tale of some different types of people during the holocaust time. It was refreshing to see the types of characters whose stories were told. The making of a great series, I'm off to read the next one!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
March 13, 2021
Barack Four
I just realized that I've read these books in the wrong order, but it doesn't change my outlook. This was the best depiction of a Jewish family's trials of the Nazi camps. It made me chuckle, it made tears in my eyes. I've read Diary of Anne Frank, and without disparity, this was better. My only complaint, stretching it over five books wasn't necessary, would love to see it in one volume, ( in proper order!), I'd buy it in a heartbeat! It's A must read. Thank you! Well done!
I just realized that I've read these books in the wrong order, but it doesn't change my outlook. This was the best depiction of a Jewish family's trials of the Nazi camps. It made me chuckle, it made tears in my eyes. I've read Diary of Anne Frank, and without disparity, this was better. My only complaint, stretching it over five books wasn't necessary, would love to see it in one volume, ( in proper order!), I'd buy it in a heartbeat! It's A must read. Thank you! Well done!
January 2, 2021
The Twins
Barrack Four is the second book in the series about Vilem a night guard at the deserted concentration camp. He hears spirits of the Jewish that once were imprisoned in this camp.
This time he hears the spirit of Iveta a young girl that once lived in the camp. Iveta tells him her story about the death of her mother and her twin sister Ilona. She tells Vilém her story and he finds her sister Ilona and tells her the story. The story of Iveta, her friendship with Heydrich’s son Krause and what happened after his death. She tells him what she needs her sister to do so her spirit can be released from the camp.
Who knows the stories of these unfortunate people. Do their spirits still linger?
Are the spirits more tortured by the past, or those that lived with the guilt that they lived and others did not.
These stories are sad, but inspiring. The Jewish were so courageous even in the very worse of conditions.
I enjoyed reading this book and I would recommend it.
Thanks to Elyse Hoffman and Book Sirens for allowing me to read a copy of this book in return for an honest review.
Barrack Four is the second book in the series about Vilem a night guard at the deserted concentration camp. He hears spirits of the Jewish that once were imprisoned in this camp.
This time he hears the spirit of Iveta a young girl that once lived in the camp. Iveta tells him her story about the death of her mother and her twin sister Ilona. She tells Vilém her story and he finds her sister Ilona and tells her the story. The story of Iveta, her friendship with Heydrich’s son Krause and what happened after his death. She tells him what she needs her sister to do so her spirit can be released from the camp.
Who knows the stories of these unfortunate people. Do their spirits still linger?
Are the spirits more tortured by the past, or those that lived with the guilt that they lived and others did not.
These stories are sad, but inspiring. The Jewish were so courageous even in the very worse of conditions.
I enjoyed reading this book and I would recommend it.
Thanks to Elyse Hoffman and Book Sirens for allowing me to read a copy of this book in return for an honest review.
December 2, 2020
I received an advance review copy (from Booksirens.com) for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
A haunting (pun intended) short story of a young woman (age 10-11) and the brief snapshots of her life in Czechoslovakia and in a concentration camp. The author makes reference to the lead character from Barrack Five.
The only real issue that I had with this book was the seemingly random character that was introduced ("Michael"), that seemed to fill a character hole (we had already been introduced to her male child friend, Klaus (who was the son of Heydrich)) of someone who did not seem to fit in with the remaining characters (unless he was the son of The Kommandant).
I have never read a story so gripping and therefore do not have an author to compare this work to.
I enjoyed this short novella and give it four stars (tho it is probably deserving of five stars, if I hadn't tried to read it while distracted).
As with everything, this is merely my five cents worth.
A haunting (pun intended) short story of a young woman (age 10-11) and the brief snapshots of her life in Czechoslovakia and in a concentration camp. The author makes reference to the lead character from Barrack Five.
The only real issue that I had with this book was the seemingly random character that was introduced ("Michael"), that seemed to fill a character hole (we had already been introduced to her male child friend, Klaus (who was the son of Heydrich)) of someone who did not seem to fit in with the remaining characters (unless he was the son of The Kommandant).
I have never read a story so gripping and therefore do not have an author to compare this work to.
I enjoyed this short novella and give it four stars (tho it is probably deserving of five stars, if I hadn't tried to read it while distracted).
As with everything, this is merely my five cents worth.
December 3, 2020
Ebook Review: BARRACK FOUR by Elyse Hoffman
(B) efore
(A) nother
(R) aid...
(R) escued
(C) hild...
(K) ind...
(F) orced
(O) ut...
(U) nderstandably
(R) uined...
BARRACK FOUR, holds many memories.
Harsh reality, comes to forefront.
Lives taken, for Hitler's sake.
Children included, because a Jew.
What's left, memorial to past.
Holding on, so not forgotten.
Maybe some, healing will bring.
Maybe so, not happen again.
Let them, reach your heart.
Listen to, words as speak.
Some spirits, are still here.
Helping them, to move on.
Same for, those left behind.
Feeling guilty, that they survived.
Pass on, book to others.
This story, let us share.
Let's make, world better place.
Let's pray, not too late.
Dear Elyse, we thank you.
For writing, on difficult subject.
There's time, a difference make.
Act today, show we care!
(B) efore
(A) nother
(R) aid...
(R) escued
(C) hild...
(K) ind...
(F) orced
(O) ut...
(U) nderstandably
(R) uined...
BARRACK FOUR, holds many memories.
Harsh reality, comes to forefront.
Lives taken, for Hitler's sake.
Children included, because a Jew.
What's left, memorial to past.
Holding on, so not forgotten.
Maybe some, healing will bring.
Maybe so, not happen again.
Let them, reach your heart.
Listen to, words as speak.
Some spirits, are still here.
Helping them, to move on.
Same for, those left behind.
Feeling guilty, that they survived.
Pass on, book to others.
This story, let us share.
Let's make, world better place.
Let's pray, not too late.
Dear Elyse, we thank you.
For writing, on difficult subject.
There's time, a difference make.
Act today, show we care!
December 2, 2020
This is a great short read, a perfect sequel to her original work, Barrack 5.
Well written, right, and suspenseful. Everything works out a bit too perfectly, but the stories are a realistic and human view of Nazi war crime victims. Blending well with history, these contemporary stories meld history and fiction together. Looks like a good series setting up!
I received an advanced reader’s copy in exchange for a fair review.
Well written, right, and suspenseful. Everything works out a bit too perfectly, but the stories are a realistic and human view of Nazi war crime victims. Blending well with history, these contemporary stories meld history and fiction together. Looks like a good series setting up!
I received an advanced reader’s copy in exchange for a fair review.
November 29, 2020
A beautifully-written tragic story of the Holocaust told in an original way as a night guard for a concentration camp has conversations and shared experiences in an unusual way with a victim from the Camp.
A short story, this is a perfect quick read to experience with kids to explain how each person murdered in the Holocaust was an actual PERSON with unique experiences and life stories both before and during the war. Well written.
Thank you to Book Sirens for a copy of the book in exchange for an impartial review.
A short story, this is a perfect quick read to experience with kids to explain how each person murdered in the Holocaust was an actual PERSON with unique experiences and life stories both before and during the war. Well written.
Thank you to Book Sirens for a copy of the book in exchange for an impartial review.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 10, 2022
What can I possibly say about this story? Again it's such a good story and so sad but I also think it shows a lot about humanity especially when the fear of the unknown or the fear of what they don't understand comes into play.
July 21, 2022
Well Worth The Time
Thoroughly enjoyed the storytelling! Ms. Hoffman has a beautiful gift. She can wind and weave the threads of ancient and modern history into an interesting tapestry including both natural and supernatural elements.
Thoroughly enjoyed the storytelling! Ms. Hoffman has a beautiful gift. She can wind and weave the threads of ancient and modern history into an interesting tapestry including both natural and supernatural elements.
June 17, 2025
A sad, thought-provoking depiction of the atrocities of war and how victims never really mend from the hurt beyond our power.
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews