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The Secret in the Attic
Germany, 1939: The roof is the only place no one can hear us. All the lights in the village blur into the darkness, and the flame on my candle flickers, leaving us with just the glow of the stars. “We can’t let them take everything from you,” I say. “Hiding is the only option.”
When Matilda’s childhood sweetheart Hans is in danger, she doesn’t hesitate to hide him in her attic. Protecting him from her parents and the soldiers downstairs, she smuggles him food and communicates in whispers. For months, they exist by candlelight. But how long can they survive?
America, 2018: Grace opens a mustard-yellow envelope, and her world unravels. She has inherited a bookstore in the small town of Dachau from the grandmother she had no idea existed.
Grace visits her legacy––a bookshop on a cobbled lane filled with lost memories. She combs through faded photographs and handwritten letters, unearthing the story of a young woman who devoted her life to returning the keepsakes of Dachau prisoners to their families. A woman who was torn from her one true love––who never gave up hope…
As Grace pieces together her family’s heartbreaking past, she discovers the long-buried secret of her own identity. But when she learns the truth, will she ever be the same again?
This heart-wrenching yet hopeful tale will restore your faith in humanity, and in the power of love to triumph over evil. Fans of The Tattooist of Auschwitz, Orphan Train and Kristin Hannah will be blown away by this breathtakingly gripping page-turner.
When Matilda’s childhood sweetheart Hans is in danger, she doesn’t hesitate to hide him in her attic. Protecting him from her parents and the soldiers downstairs, she smuggles him food and communicates in whispers. For months, they exist by candlelight. But how long can they survive?
America, 2018: Grace opens a mustard-yellow envelope, and her world unravels. She has inherited a bookstore in the small town of Dachau from the grandmother she had no idea existed.
Grace visits her legacy––a bookshop on a cobbled lane filled with lost memories. She combs through faded photographs and handwritten letters, unearthing the story of a young woman who devoted her life to returning the keepsakes of Dachau prisoners to their families. A woman who was torn from her one true love––who never gave up hope…
As Grace pieces together her family’s heartbreaking past, she discovers the long-buried secret of her own identity. But when she learns the truth, will she ever be the same again?
This heart-wrenching yet hopeful tale will restore your faith in humanity, and in the power of love to triumph over evil. Fans of The Tattooist of Auschwitz, Orphan Train and Kristin Hannah will be blown away by this breathtakingly gripping page-turner.
329 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 26, 2021
2533 people are currently reading
9064 people want to read
About the author
Shari J. Ryan
65 books2,001 followersShari J. Ryan is a USA Today and International Bestselling Author of over 40 novels, with more than 700,000 copies sold and translations in 13 languages. She writes emotionally evocative WWII fiction inspired by true stories that have resonated with readers around the globe. Her work has earned Top 100, Top 10, and #1 chart rankings, as well as two Rone Awards.
As the granddaughter and great-granddaughter of Holocaust survivors, Shari brings a deeply personal connection to her work. Her stories are rooted in truth and remembrance, written to ensure history is never forgotten.
For Shari, writing is more than a passion; it is her way of expressing herself and connecting with others. She strives to share every emotion she experiences with each reader who picks up one of her books.
Shari holds a bachelor's degree from Johnson & Wales University and began her career as a graphic artist and freelance writer until 2012, when she discovered her true calling in novels.
Some of Shari’s bestselling books include The Nurse Behind the Gates, The Stolen Twins, The Bookseller of Dachau, The Doctor’s Daughter, and The Last Words Series—gripping stories that keep readers on the edge of their seats.
A lifelong Boston girl, Shari now lives in a small town in the suburbs with her adored husband and two incredible sons, who make her feel like the luckiest woman in the world.
As the granddaughter and great-granddaughter of Holocaust survivors, Shari brings a deeply personal connection to her work. Her stories are rooted in truth and remembrance, written to ensure history is never forgotten.
For Shari, writing is more than a passion; it is her way of expressing herself and connecting with others. She strives to share every emotion she experiences with each reader who picks up one of her books.
Shari holds a bachelor's degree from Johnson & Wales University and began her career as a graphic artist and freelance writer until 2012, when she discovered her true calling in novels.
Some of Shari’s bestselling books include The Nurse Behind the Gates, The Stolen Twins, The Bookseller of Dachau, The Doctor’s Daughter, and The Last Words Series—gripping stories that keep readers on the edge of their seats.
A lifelong Boston girl, Shari now lives in a small town in the suburbs with her adored husband and two incredible sons, who make her feel like the luckiest woman in the world.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 513 reviews
October 29, 2021
Matilda Ellman lives in Augsburg Germany, in a small apartment complex and near her best friend Hans Brauer. Life is becoming extremely hard for Jewish people living in Germany in 1939, Matilda’s close to Han’s entire family, she’s known them her whole life and their Jewish. When the Brauer's are forced to move, and seventeen year old Matilda creates a place for Han's to live in the attic of her parent’s house, and hides him. German soldiers move in downstairs, for months Hans tries not to make any noise, he writes by candle light, Matilda smuggles him food and she loves him.
Grace Laurent, lives in Boston and she’s an architect. One day she receives an envelope in the mail, from a solicitor in Germany and she’s inherited a book shop in Dachau and from a grandmother she didn’t know existed. Grace’s mum died in 2015, as a baby she was sent to America during the 1930’s from Germany, and she tried her whole life to find her birth parents. Grace travels to Germany, hopefully to get some answers about her mother’s origins and solve the mystery. The bookshop’s called Runa’s Wunderbare, it’s a beautiful old building, and she’s given letters and photographs that belonged to her grandmother Matilda. Grace is taken on a tour of Dachau, she’s horrified by what happened to Jewish people in the nearby camp, and it’s very confronting.
Grace discovers the secret to her identity, she’s taken on an moving and life changing journey. The dual timeline book is about young love, never giving up, friendship, the power of believing in what’s right, it’s an uplifting and hopeful story. The Bookseller of Dachau by Shari J. Ryan is one of the best books I have read this year, I was so emotionally connected to the characters, I was a crying, and five stars from me. https://karrenreadsbooks.blogspot.com/
Grace Laurent, lives in Boston and she’s an architect. One day she receives an envelope in the mail, from a solicitor in Germany and she’s inherited a book shop in Dachau and from a grandmother she didn’t know existed. Grace’s mum died in 2015, as a baby she was sent to America during the 1930’s from Germany, and she tried her whole life to find her birth parents. Grace travels to Germany, hopefully to get some answers about her mother’s origins and solve the mystery. The bookshop’s called Runa’s Wunderbare, it’s a beautiful old building, and she’s given letters and photographs that belonged to her grandmother Matilda. Grace is taken on a tour of Dachau, she’s horrified by what happened to Jewish people in the nearby camp, and it’s very confronting.
Grace discovers the secret to her identity, she’s taken on an moving and life changing journey. The dual timeline book is about young love, never giving up, friendship, the power of believing in what’s right, it’s an uplifting and hopeful story. The Bookseller of Dachau by Shari J. Ryan is one of the best books I have read this year, I was so emotionally connected to the characters, I was a crying, and five stars from me. https://karrenreadsbooks.blogspot.com/
October 29, 2021
I have read a lot of historical fiction about the Holocaust but The Bookseller of Dachau is different because it takes place away from the camps rather than inside. It tells the story of Matilda who travels to Dachau and begins a new life there in order to be near her beloved Hans who is a prisoner in the Dachau camp. This book is more about survival when your loved one is imprisoned in a camp or in a Nazi uniform. Specifically it tells of a Mother’s love for her son while feeling disappointment and hate for him being a Nazi soldier. It also deals with the townspeople and how they deal with the atrocities in their own country.
The Bookseller of Dachau involves two timelines — one in the 1940s and another present day. In 2018, Grace receives a letter from a German lawyer telling her she has inherited a bookstore in Dachau. Grace travels to Germany to meet with the lawyer and to see the store. While she does both things, she also discovers a written story that reveals her heritage, which she was completely clueless about.
At its essence, The Bookseller of Dachau is about love/devotion, courage, hope, betrayal, and a search for self. The characters are well drawn and genuine. It is an engaging read and because of this fact, it’s a fast read. I really enjoyed The Bookseller of Dachau and appreciated the different perspective.
Thank you to NetGalley and Bookouture for an advance reader copy in exchange for my honest opinion.
The Bookseller of Dachau involves two timelines — one in the 1940s and another present day. In 2018, Grace receives a letter from a German lawyer telling her she has inherited a bookstore in Dachau. Grace travels to Germany to meet with the lawyer and to see the store. While she does both things, she also discovers a written story that reveals her heritage, which she was completely clueless about.
At its essence, The Bookseller of Dachau is about love/devotion, courage, hope, betrayal, and a search for self. The characters are well drawn and genuine. It is an engaging read and because of this fact, it’s a fast read. I really enjoyed The Bookseller of Dachau and appreciated the different perspective.
Thank you to NetGalley and Bookouture for an advance reader copy in exchange for my honest opinion.
November 3, 2021
It seems I’ve read a lot of World War II novels lately. Many of them have been written with various, unique foci and some have also had dual timelines, as did this one. I loved The Bookseller of Dachau. The idea of presenting the atrocities of Nazism along with the pain and joy of discovering lost relatives years later worked well.
Although perhaps a little fairy talish, it was well written, engrossing, and touching. The story tugged many heart strings; the pain and suffering experienced during World War II and the discovery of lost relatives. Lest you think it was a downer, it was not. There are many positive human emotions here as well.
Having, during my adult years discovered the family of a grandmother I thought was lost to me, despite much searching by my parents, I thought Grace’s persistence and feelings were quite realistic.
I have frequently commented on the plethora of World War II historical fiction (see above!) written now. It is important though for them to continue to be written and read, especially by younger generations. We need to never forget man’s inhumanity to man and atrocities committed in the name of hate. And we need to be sensitive to the dangers of cult like figures, hatred, and how easy it is for the unthinkable to become reality or a nation to be led astray.
Although perhaps a little fairy talish, it was well written, engrossing, and touching. The story tugged many heart strings; the pain and suffering experienced during World War II and the discovery of lost relatives. Lest you think it was a downer, it was not. There are many positive human emotions here as well.
Having, during my adult years discovered the family of a grandmother I thought was lost to me, despite much searching by my parents, I thought Grace’s persistence and feelings were quite realistic.
I have frequently commented on the plethora of World War II historical fiction (see above!) written now. It is important though for them to continue to be written and read, especially by younger generations. We need to never forget man’s inhumanity to man and atrocities committed in the name of hate. And we need to be sensitive to the dangers of cult like figures, hatred, and how easy it is for the unthinkable to become reality or a nation to be led astray.
February 9, 2022
Whenever I see a novel that grapples with the experience of average German citizens during WWII, I am keen to read it. The horrors and unspeakable atrocities committed by the Nazis juxtaposed against the tale of common people trying to survive fascinates me. It is easy to lump all of Germany at the time under the label ‘Nazis,’ so these nuanced portrayals of Germans during the war always catch my eye, particularly when the setting is in the towns surrounding concentration camps.
This story was what I expected: a tender, poignant tale of young love in which a German girl risks everything to protect her closest friend, a young Jewish man. This is a dual timeline, and while I was more engaged by Matilda and Hans’s story, I enjoyed Grace’s slow unraveling of the past and her search for family and roots. The storylines came together beautifully. The writing was a bit stilted at times, and there were occasions in which monologues were used for exposition, which always reads awkwardly and unnaturally as dialogue. Regardless, this was a moving story of love and the resilience of the human spirit, betrayal and courage, identity and friendship. Light a candle as you savour this one and pair it with the German tea preference, a fruit tea.
This story was what I expected: a tender, poignant tale of young love in which a German girl risks everything to protect her closest friend, a young Jewish man. This is a dual timeline, and while I was more engaged by Matilda and Hans’s story, I enjoyed Grace’s slow unraveling of the past and her search for family and roots. The storylines came together beautifully. The writing was a bit stilted at times, and there were occasions in which monologues were used for exposition, which always reads awkwardly and unnaturally as dialogue. Regardless, this was a moving story of love and the resilience of the human spirit, betrayal and courage, identity and friendship. Light a candle as you savour this one and pair it with the German tea preference, a fruit tea.
November 19, 2021
***Note: I received a copy curtesy of Netgalley and Bookouture in exchange for an honest review.
This book is a dual timeline + dual PoV story: one PoV is Matilda, a German teen girl during WWII, and her Jewish friend Hans; the second one is Grace, an american 30-ish woman who finds out she is Matilda’s kin.
I enjoyed more Matilda’s PoV, her kindness and devotion (even if there were some - let’s call them ‘logistic’ - issues that quite bothered me), while I found Grace’s story slightly annoying. Also, I don't know how much the author knows about current Europe (2019 I remember being mentioned), but it is quite safe for women to travel alone, especially in highly touristic areas, and there's no need for an over controlling friend to check on you non-stop.
It probably says a lot that my favourite character was a secondary one, Galina, the owner of the bookstore - I loved how the story perfectly depicts her dual feelings for her son: motherly selfless love and disappointment for him being a Nazi soldier.
Overall, the story is quite juvenile, even if somewhat emotional. Just because a book has a sensitive subject doesn't mean I will like it and will give it a high rating, as was the case with this one. Actually, I think it's quite hard to write a good book about the Holocaust without seeming frivolous/superficial.
As a conclusion, most probably romance aficionadoes will enjoy this book (L.E. as the 4 and 5 stars reviews show it), even if, unfortunately, it was not my case.
Note to the author and her editors: if the action takes place in Europe, you might as well use kilometers, surely a German girl wouldn't think/write in miles: "Maybe it’s only been a mile, but it could have been three or four for all I know."
May 10, 2025
Jautru. Stipru. Gražu. Įsimintina.
Labai patiko ..
Labai patiko ..
September 30, 2021
This is a story with a duel timeline.
Matilda lives in Germany in 1939. She is very close to her school friend Hans but he is a Jew and his circumstances are about to change dramatically.
Grace is an architect living in America in 2018 and is astonished to find out that her maternal grandmother has died and left her a property in Germany.
As Grace’s mother had been adopted, she had been looking for her family for most of her life.
Grace decides to travels to Germany to find out her family history.
A sad story about loss, courage and love that will survive generations.
Thank you to NetGalley and Bookouture for my e-copy in exchange for an honest review.
Matilda lives in Germany in 1939. She is very close to her school friend Hans but he is a Jew and his circumstances are about to change dramatically.
Grace is an architect living in America in 2018 and is astonished to find out that her maternal grandmother has died and left her a property in Germany.
As Grace’s mother had been adopted, she had been looking for her family for most of her life.
Grace decides to travels to Germany to find out her family history.
A sad story about loss, courage and love that will survive generations.
Thank you to NetGalley and Bookouture for my e-copy in exchange for an honest review.
April 23, 2025
Tikrai nemažai holokausto tema yra prirašyta istorijų ir nustebinti tampa vis sunkiau. Aš šio tipo knygų neskaitau daug, tad mane dar truputį lengviau nustebinti nei tuos, kurie perskaito daug istorijų šia tema.
Situacija Vokietijoje 1939-aisiais tampa nevaldoma ir Matilda nei minutės nedvejoja ir savo geriausią draugą Hansą paslepia savo namų palėpėje. Tai nėra lengva užduotis, nes reikia neišsiduoti tėvams, o kur dar visur šminirėjantys naciai.
2018-ieji Amerika. Greisė gauna laišką, kuriame teigiama, jog ji iš savo senelės paveldėjo knygyną Dachau miestelyje, Vokietijoje.
Mergina net nesudvejoja ir leidžiasi į kelionę. Ten ją pasitinka šeimos draugas, kuris Greisei perduoda laiškus. Jie yra tarsi raktas, kuris atskleis taip ilgai slėptas ir saugotas paslaptis.
Ši istorija buvo papasakota Matildos bei Greisės akimis. Abi istorijos pusės man buvo įdomios, tačiau labiau intriguojanti bei dramatiškesnė man vis dėlto buvo Matildos istorija. Dar visai jauna ši mergina patyrė sunkiai suvokiamus išgyvenimus, kurie suformavo ją kaip asmenybę ir padėjo siekti savo užsibrėžtų tikslų.
Tai nebuvo labai šviesi bei švelni knyga, tačiau man ji tikrai patiko. Pati knyga nebuvo prikimšta nereikalingos informacijos ir parašyta tam, jog išspausti kuo daugiau puslapių. Manau, jog kartais tikrai mažiau - daugiau.
Net neabejoju, jog ši knyga patiks mėgstantiems istorinę grožinę literatūrą.
Situacija Vokietijoje 1939-aisiais tampa nevaldoma ir Matilda nei minutės nedvejoja ir savo geriausią draugą Hansą paslepia savo namų palėpėje. Tai nėra lengva užduotis, nes reikia neišsiduoti tėvams, o kur dar visur šminirėjantys naciai.
2018-ieji Amerika. Greisė gauna laišką, kuriame teigiama, jog ji iš savo senelės paveldėjo knygyną Dachau miestelyje, Vokietijoje.
Mergina net nesudvejoja ir leidžiasi į kelionę. Ten ją pasitinka šeimos draugas, kuris Greisei perduoda laiškus. Jie yra tarsi raktas, kuris atskleis taip ilgai slėptas ir saugotas paslaptis.
Ši istorija buvo papasakota Matildos bei Greisės akimis. Abi istorijos pusės man buvo įdomios, tačiau labiau intriguojanti bei dramatiškesnė man vis dėlto buvo Matildos istorija. Dar visai jauna ši mergina patyrė sunkiai suvokiamus išgyvenimus, kurie suformavo ją kaip asmenybę ir padėjo siekti savo užsibrėžtų tikslų.
Tai nebuvo labai šviesi bei švelni knyga, tačiau man ji tikrai patiko. Pati knyga nebuvo prikimšta nereikalingos informacijos ir parašyta tam, jog išspausti kuo daugiau puslapių. Manau, jog kartais tikrai mažiau - daugiau.
Net neabejoju, jog ši knyga patiks mėgstantiems istorinę grožinę literatūrą.
November 13, 2021
The Bookseller of Dachau by Shari J. Ryan is an beautifully penned novel set in WW2 Germany and 2018.
In 2018 , Grace, an architect living in Boston, receives a letter informing her of an inheritance left to her in Dachau , Germany by her maternal grandmother Matilda whose existence she has been unaware of all her life. Grace travels to Dachau to find out more about her mother’s biological parents whom her mother had been searching for till her death a few years back.
Matilda‘s story takes us to World War II Germany where the atrocities of war and the Holocaust are wreaking havoc . 17 year old Matilda , a German schoolgirl, is in love with her friend Hans , a Jewish boy , who is she hides in her in her room to keep him from being taken away to the Nazi labor camps. They are eventually discovered by her father who deceives her and has Hans taken by the Nazis unbeknownst to anyone but Matilda that she is carrying his child. Their fate is slowly revealed to Grace through the letters and memories documented by Matilda and Hans during those years that have been carefully preserved by a family friend she meets and befriends while in Germany. While Matilda waits for news of Hans we are given a vivid picture what life was like for those living in the vicinity of the concentration camps - the confusion, the anguish and the sheer violence that these places and people were witness to.
“There is no other place in the world where one can stand before an eleventh-century abandoned palace cloaked by delicious sprigs of greenery while concurrently bearing witness to the ash-filled human remains funneling up into the crying sky.”
While unraveling her grandparents’ story Grace starts to take stock of her own life in Boston and in the process of discovering her family history is made to rethink her own priorities.
This engaging novel will break your heart and bring you to tears at times but will also make you believe in the enduring power and resilience that love instills in people even in their darkest days. As Hans tells Matilda when in hiding “Life is about lessons and what we can overcome.”
The author’s descriptions of the concentration camp and the surrounding towns and landmarks are vivid and will take you on a journey through history . I do feel, however, that Grace’s and her mother’s backstories needed to be delved into a bit deeper but ultimately the story does belong to Matilda and Hans and I could not put this book down until very end. Fans of WW2 historical fiction will definitely love this book!
Thank you to NetGalley and Bookouture for the eARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
In 2018 , Grace, an architect living in Boston, receives a letter informing her of an inheritance left to her in Dachau , Germany by her maternal grandmother Matilda whose existence she has been unaware of all her life. Grace travels to Dachau to find out more about her mother’s biological parents whom her mother had been searching for till her death a few years back.
Matilda‘s story takes us to World War II Germany where the atrocities of war and the Holocaust are wreaking havoc . 17 year old Matilda , a German schoolgirl, is in love with her friend Hans , a Jewish boy , who is she hides in her in her room to keep him from being taken away to the Nazi labor camps. They are eventually discovered by her father who deceives her and has Hans taken by the Nazis unbeknownst to anyone but Matilda that she is carrying his child. Their fate is slowly revealed to Grace through the letters and memories documented by Matilda and Hans during those years that have been carefully preserved by a family friend she meets and befriends while in Germany. While Matilda waits for news of Hans we are given a vivid picture what life was like for those living in the vicinity of the concentration camps - the confusion, the anguish and the sheer violence that these places and people were witness to.
“There is no other place in the world where one can stand before an eleventh-century abandoned palace cloaked by delicious sprigs of greenery while concurrently bearing witness to the ash-filled human remains funneling up into the crying sky.”
While unraveling her grandparents’ story Grace starts to take stock of her own life in Boston and in the process of discovering her family history is made to rethink her own priorities.
This engaging novel will break your heart and bring you to tears at times but will also make you believe in the enduring power and resilience that love instills in people even in their darkest days. As Hans tells Matilda when in hiding “Life is about lessons and what we can overcome.”
The author’s descriptions of the concentration camp and the surrounding towns and landmarks are vivid and will take you on a journey through history . I do feel, however, that Grace’s and her mother’s backstories needed to be delved into a bit deeper but ultimately the story does belong to Matilda and Hans and I could not put this book down until very end. Fans of WW2 historical fiction will definitely love this book!
Thank you to NetGalley and Bookouture for the eARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
July 6, 2024
Nuostabi istorija, nors ir liūdnoka.
Patiko labai 💗
Patiko labai 💗
July 17, 2024
5/5⭐️
Shari J. Ryan rašo stiprius romanus Antrojo Pasaulinio karo tematika. Kiekviena jos knyga išskirtinė, rašymo stilius bei pačios istorijos taip įtraukia, kad akis nuo knygos pakeliame kai baigiasi knyga.
Greisė amerikietė, neseniai netekusi mamos, su tėvu santykiai ne patys geriausi, darbas mėgstamas, bet niekaip nesulaukia paaukštinimo. Sunku būti pripažintai vyrų pasaulyje. Ir vieną dieną gautas laiškas su neaiškiais dokumetais bei kitomis sunkiai suprantamomis keverzionėmis atrodo jaunai moteriai kaip sukčių pinklės. Ji ir jos mama visą gyvenimą ieškojo giminių, tačiau vienoms ar kitoms svajonėms buvo nelemta išsipildyti.
Vedama smalsumo, duoklės mamai, Greisė išvyksta į Vokietiją, į Dachau miestelį apžiūrėti paveldėjimo, tačiau net nenutuokė ką ten ras. Juk prie miestelio buvo koncentracijos stovyklą kurioje žuvo daugybę žydų, kaip įmanoma ten buvo gyventi ir tebegyventi. Tačiau pateikta jos močiutės Matildos gyvenimo istorija įrodo, kad buvo įmanoma gyventi, bet kur, kad tik arčiau savo mylimųjų.
Greisės istorija ir tai kaip jaunos šiuolaikiškos moters akimis perteikiama visa atmosfera ir suvokimas apie vykusio karo žiaurumus tikrai buvo įdomu skaityti. Tačiau jos močiutės Matildos gyvenimo istorija, meilė ir ryžtas tiesiog pavergė širdį. Moteris dėl meilės paaukojo viską, bet gyvenimas pareikalo dar daugiau.
Labai stipri ir jaudinanti istorija. Nors karo žiaurumų labai smulkiai nepateikta, tačiau užteko tam tikrų paminėjimų, kad šiai istorijai pridėtų tikrumo bei jautrumo. Jei skaitėte ankstesnes šios autorės knygas tikrai rekomenduoju ir šią. O jei dar skaitėte, bet mėgstate romanus karo tematika, tai ši knyga kaip tik Jums.
Shari J. Ryan rašo stiprius romanus Antrojo Pasaulinio karo tematika. Kiekviena jos knyga išskirtinė, rašymo stilius bei pačios istorijos taip įtraukia, kad akis nuo knygos pakeliame kai baigiasi knyga.
Greisė amerikietė, neseniai netekusi mamos, su tėvu santykiai ne patys geriausi, darbas mėgstamas, bet niekaip nesulaukia paaukštinimo. Sunku būti pripažintai vyrų pasaulyje. Ir vieną dieną gautas laiškas su neaiškiais dokumetais bei kitomis sunkiai suprantamomis keverzionėmis atrodo jaunai moteriai kaip sukčių pinklės. Ji ir jos mama visą gyvenimą ieškojo giminių, tačiau vienoms ar kitoms svajonėms buvo nelemta išsipildyti.
Vedama smalsumo, duoklės mamai, Greisė išvyksta į Vokietiją, į Dachau miestelį apžiūrėti paveldėjimo, tačiau net nenutuokė ką ten ras. Juk prie miestelio buvo koncentracijos stovyklą kurioje žuvo daugybę žydų, kaip įmanoma ten buvo gyventi ir tebegyventi. Tačiau pateikta jos močiutės Matildos gyvenimo istorija įrodo, kad buvo įmanoma gyventi, bet kur, kad tik arčiau savo mylimųjų.
Greisės istorija ir tai kaip jaunos šiuolaikiškos moters akimis perteikiama visa atmosfera ir suvokimas apie vykusio karo žiaurumus tikrai buvo įdomu skaityti. Tačiau jos močiutės Matildos gyvenimo istorija, meilė ir ryžtas tiesiog pavergė širdį. Moteris dėl meilės paaukojo viską, bet gyvenimas pareikalo dar daugiau.
Labai stipri ir jaudinanti istorija. Nors karo žiaurumų labai smulkiai nepateikta, tačiau užteko tam tikrų paminėjimų, kad šiai istorijai pridėtų tikrumo bei jautrumo. Jei skaitėte ankstesnes šios autorės knygas tikrai rekomenduoju ir šią. O jei dar skaitėte, bet mėgstate romanus karo tematika, tai ši knyga kaip tik Jums.
September 30, 2021
Stop whatever you’re doing right now and order this book. This five-star historical fiction will claim a spot as one of the two best books I’ve ever read. EVER.
Shari J. Ryan is known for writing ‘historical fiction you can feel.’ I can attest to that claim. She managed to bring a tear to my eye while reading, and authors are rarely able to do that. This book has all the feels and the author adeptly taps into all of them! Ryan is a descendant of two Holocaust survivors and writes to highlight the strength of survivors such as her grandmother.
The 1939 timeline is set in Germany and features an 18-year-old girl, Matilda Ellman, who sacrifices everything to protect her childhood sweetheart. As she sits waiting for him to be released from Dachau she wonders if the price was too high.
The 2019 timeline is set in Boston and features an architect, Grace Laurent, who discovers she’s inherited a bookshop in Dachau from a grandmother she’s never met nor had any idea even existed. The way the two timelines merge is phenomenal. I was in awe the moment they meshed.
Ryan explores friendship, loyalty, love, devotion and overcoming a profound sense of hatred. She highlights the experience of moving forward and living life without a part of oneself, restored to never giving up. As you close the last page you’ll have your faith in humanity restored and appreciate the power of love to triumph over evil. Most of all, you’ll be glad you “live in a world where you can walk away from hatred.”
“We are all the same inside, and yet we are at war with each other for the beliefs we own, the colour of our skin, and the type of blood that runs through us. I want to hope that to learn of such hate would cause more love, but only time will tell. I know I would sacrifice myself again to teach a lesson for future generations.” - Hans Bauer
Ryan’s next historical fiction to be published in April 2022, features another untold WW2 story.
Publishes October 29, 2021.
I was gifted this advance copy by Shari J. Ryan, Bookouture and NetGalley and was under no obligation to provide a review.
Shari J. Ryan is known for writing ‘historical fiction you can feel.’ I can attest to that claim. She managed to bring a tear to my eye while reading, and authors are rarely able to do that. This book has all the feels and the author adeptly taps into all of them! Ryan is a descendant of two Holocaust survivors and writes to highlight the strength of survivors such as her grandmother.
The 1939 timeline is set in Germany and features an 18-year-old girl, Matilda Ellman, who sacrifices everything to protect her childhood sweetheart. As she sits waiting for him to be released from Dachau she wonders if the price was too high.
The 2019 timeline is set in Boston and features an architect, Grace Laurent, who discovers she’s inherited a bookshop in Dachau from a grandmother she’s never met nor had any idea even existed. The way the two timelines merge is phenomenal. I was in awe the moment they meshed.
Ryan explores friendship, loyalty, love, devotion and overcoming a profound sense of hatred. She highlights the experience of moving forward and living life without a part of oneself, restored to never giving up. As you close the last page you’ll have your faith in humanity restored and appreciate the power of love to triumph over evil. Most of all, you’ll be glad you “live in a world where you can walk away from hatred.”
“We are all the same inside, and yet we are at war with each other for the beliefs we own, the colour of our skin, and the type of blood that runs through us. I want to hope that to learn of such hate would cause more love, but only time will tell. I know I would sacrifice myself again to teach a lesson for future generations.” - Hans Bauer
Ryan’s next historical fiction to be published in April 2022, features another untold WW2 story.
Publishes October 29, 2021.
I was gifted this advance copy by Shari J. Ryan, Bookouture and NetGalley and was under no obligation to provide a review.
March 15, 2025
KNYGA IŠ BIBLIOTEKOS. SKIRTA KURŠĖNŲ KNYGŲ KLUBUI „(Ne)keista skaityti“ APTARTI.
Knyga dviejuose laiko juostose: Antrojo Pasaulinio karo metai netoli Dachau. Hansas su Matilda jaunuoliai įsimylėję vienas kitą, tačiau Hansas žydas... Ir 2018 metai, Matildos anūkė paveldi jos knygyną Dachau ir Greisė atvyksta į Vokietiją aiškintis ne tik savo šaknų, bet ir spręsti paveldėjimo dalykus...
Neslėpsiu – man patinka istorijos apie Antrąjį Pasaulinį karą. O jei juose yra meilės linija – tuo labiau. Ne išimtis ir šis romanas. Karinių dalykų čia nėra daug, pagrindas žmonių gyvenimai. Man labai patiko Matilda. Jauna ir drąsi mergina, kuri nekentė nacių ir karštai mylėjo savo žydą Hansą. Tikrai patiko ši knyga. Skaitėsi lengvai skyrių daug ir jie trumpi. Nesinorėjo, kad istorija baigtųsi. Galvojau duoti 4 žvaigždutes, bet kuo toliau tuo istorija darėsi jautresnė ir visiškai palietė mano sielą.
Kaip ir neturiu nieko blogo pasakyti. Nebent tai, kad kai kurie Matildos poelgiai buvo nuspėjami. To ir tikėjausi iš įsimylėjusios merginos. Bet skaityti vis tiek buvo įdomu. Vertinu knygą tikrai gerai ir rekomenduoju perskaityti visiems, kurie mėgsta tokio žanro romanus.
Knyga dviejuose laiko juostose: Antrojo Pasaulinio karo metai netoli Dachau. Hansas su Matilda jaunuoliai įsimylėję vienas kitą, tačiau Hansas žydas... Ir 2018 metai, Matildos anūkė paveldi jos knygyną Dachau ir Greisė atvyksta į Vokietiją aiškintis ne tik savo šaknų, bet ir spręsti paveldėjimo dalykus...
Neslėpsiu – man patinka istorijos apie Antrąjį Pasaulinį karą. O jei juose yra meilės linija – tuo labiau. Ne išimtis ir šis romanas. Karinių dalykų čia nėra daug, pagrindas žmonių gyvenimai. Man labai patiko Matilda. Jauna ir drąsi mergina, kuri nekentė nacių ir karštai mylėjo savo žydą Hansą. Tikrai patiko ši knyga. Skaitėsi lengvai skyrių daug ir jie trumpi. Nesinorėjo, kad istorija baigtųsi. Galvojau duoti 4 žvaigždutes, bet kuo toliau tuo istorija darėsi jautresnė ir visiškai palietė mano sielą.
Kaip ir neturiu nieko blogo pasakyti. Nebent tai, kad kai kurie Matildos poelgiai buvo nuspėjami. To ir tikėjausi iš įsimylėjusios merginos. Bet skaityti vis tiek buvo įdomu. Vertinu knygą tikrai gerai ir rekomenduoju perskaityti visiems, kurie mėgsta tokio žanro romanus.
October 2, 2021
The Bookseller of Dachau
Wow- It has been a long time since I finished a book in 24 hours. This WW2 story was a compelling read. It mixed history with mystery and romance. I do not like stories that are heavy on the romance. I like romance to be there without all the details. Sheri Ryan gets 5 stars from me because of the manner she handled romance in the story. I like the way she tied two time periods, two stories together. It felt like there was an element of hope running through the story, not just the horror of Dachau. This is the first I have read this author. I received a copy from NetGalley with no review required. It is my pleasure to write a 5 star review.
#NetGalley
Wow- It has been a long time since I finished a book in 24 hours. This WW2 story was a compelling read. It mixed history with mystery and romance. I do not like stories that are heavy on the romance. I like romance to be there without all the details. Sheri Ryan gets 5 stars from me because of the manner she handled romance in the story. I like the way she tied two time periods, two stories together. It felt like there was an element of hope running through the story, not just the horror of Dachau. This is the first I have read this author. I received a copy from NetGalley with no review required. It is my pleasure to write a 5 star review.
#NetGalley
July 26, 2024
Pažvelgus į viršelį, atrodo, kad tai “dar viena knyga apie Holokaustą”, kurios daugumai jau pabodę. Vis dėl to, anotacija mane sudomino, nes seni knygynai ir įvairios praeities paslaptys mane paperka.
Istorija pasakojama “dabar” ir “tada”. Greisė dirba architektų biure ir netikėtai gauna laišką, kad paveldėjo namą Dachau, Vokietijoje. Prieš kelis metus neteko mamos, kuri nieko nežinojo apie savo biologines šaknis. Taigi, moters tokia žinia nenustebino ir ji į Europą susiruošė labai greitai. Dachau ją pasitiko istorija apie jos šaknis ir II pasaulinį karą. “Tada” pasakojama Matildos ir Hanso istorija: ji vokietė, jis žydas - užaugę kartu ir įsimylėję… Porai gyvenimas pateikia krūvą išbandymų, bet meilė nugali visas kliūtis, ar ne?
Kol rašau atsiliepimą, svarstau, kuri istorijos dalis man patiko labiau. Tokios tyros ir nuoširdžios meilės istorijos retai kada pasitaiko… Labai gražu kaip Matilda atidavė viską dėl Hanso, kaip gražiai papasakojo, ką jaučia, kuo gyvena. Sužavėjo ir dar tikrai jaunos Matildos charakteris bei ryžtas. Ji ne pagal amžių brandi ir visus išbandymus sutiko su tam tikru stoiškumu.
Rašytoja papasakojo apie Dachau. Nors miestelis garsėja buvusia koncentracijos stovykla, bet vis tiek jame galima laimingai gyventi. Tiesa, knygų temos norėjosi ir daugiau, labiau ją išplėtoti. Vis tik viskas čia sukasi apie žmones, jų santykius ir, žinoma, meilę.
Romanas man labai patiko. Džiaugiausi su veikėjais, liūdėjau dėl patirtos neteisybės ir švenčiau, kai meilė nugalėjo. Labai gražiai parašyta istorija, kurią buvo gera ir malonu skaityti. Tikrai nenuobodžiai pateikta Holokausto tema.
Istorija pasakojama “dabar” ir “tada”. Greisė dirba architektų biure ir netikėtai gauna laišką, kad paveldėjo namą Dachau, Vokietijoje. Prieš kelis metus neteko mamos, kuri nieko nežinojo apie savo biologines šaknis. Taigi, moters tokia žinia nenustebino ir ji į Europą susiruošė labai greitai. Dachau ją pasitiko istorija apie jos šaknis ir II pasaulinį karą. “Tada” pasakojama Matildos ir Hanso istorija: ji vokietė, jis žydas - užaugę kartu ir įsimylėję… Porai gyvenimas pateikia krūvą išbandymų, bet meilė nugali visas kliūtis, ar ne?
Kol rašau atsiliepimą, svarstau, kuri istorijos dalis man patiko labiau. Tokios tyros ir nuoširdžios meilės istorijos retai kada pasitaiko… Labai gražu kaip Matilda atidavė viską dėl Hanso, kaip gražiai papasakojo, ką jaučia, kuo gyvena. Sužavėjo ir dar tikrai jaunos Matildos charakteris bei ryžtas. Ji ne pagal amžių brandi ir visus išbandymus sutiko su tam tikru stoiškumu.
Rašytoja papasakojo apie Dachau. Nors miestelis garsėja buvusia koncentracijos stovykla, bet vis tiek jame galima laimingai gyventi. Tiesa, knygų temos norėjosi ir daugiau, labiau ją išplėtoti. Vis tik viskas čia sukasi apie žmones, jų santykius ir, žinoma, meilę.
Romanas man labai patiko. Džiaugiausi su veikėjais, liūdėjau dėl patirtos neteisybės ir švenčiau, kai meilė nugalėjo. Labai gražiai parašyta istorija, kurią buvo gera ir malonu skaityti. Tikrai nenuobodžiai pateikta Holokausto tema.
October 1, 2022
Matilda's vriend Hans is in gevaar. Ze biedt hem haar zolder om te schuilen. Maandenlang zien ze elkaar enkel bij kaarslicht als zij hem eten komt brengen en kunnen ze niets anders dan fluisteren. Tot op een dag soldaten haar huis binnenstormen en ze Hans meenemen.
Grace komt erachter dat ze een boekwinkel in Dachau heeft geërfd van de grootmoeder van wie ze het bestaan niet wist. Grace duikt in het verleden van haar grootmoeder Matilda en stuit op dingen over zichzelf en haar familie die haar leven op z'n kop zetten.
Dit verhaal heeft, zoals je hierboven al leest, twee verhaallijnen. Eentje speelt zich af in de oorlog, de andere in het heden, maar deze twee verhaallijnen komen uiteindelijk wel samen. Het verhaal van Matilda vond ik ontzettend treurig en aangrijpend. Ze wordt verliefd op Hans, maar Hans is van Joodse afkomst. De reden waardoor Hans ontdekt wordt op de zolderkamer vond ik echt heftig om te lezen en ik werd helemaal meegezogen in het verhaal. Wat een verschrikkelijke periode was dat zeg!
Het verhaal van Grace is ook erg mooi. Ze krijgt namelijk op een dag bericht van haar grootmoeder, en dat blijkt dus Matilda te zijn. Ze vertrekt vanuit Amerika naar Dachau en leert, door middel van teksten die haar grootmoeder tijdens de oorlog geschreven heeft, meer over de verschrikkelijke periode die Matilda (en Hans) hebben moeten meemaken.
Ik vond de schrijfstijl van Shari echt super mooi, beeldend en emotioneel. Het verhaal gaat ook niet zozeer over het concentratiekamp Dachau, maar meer over wat Matilda heeft moeten doorstaan en hoe ze zich staande probeerde te houden. Dit boek heb ik zowat in één ruk uitgelezen, zo mooi was het geschreven.
Dit is dus zeker een aanrader als je van oorlogsverhalen houdt!
Beoordeling: 4,5 ⭐
Grace komt erachter dat ze een boekwinkel in Dachau heeft geërfd van de grootmoeder van wie ze het bestaan niet wist. Grace duikt in het verleden van haar grootmoeder Matilda en stuit op dingen over zichzelf en haar familie die haar leven op z'n kop zetten.
Dit verhaal heeft, zoals je hierboven al leest, twee verhaallijnen. Eentje speelt zich af in de oorlog, de andere in het heden, maar deze twee verhaallijnen komen uiteindelijk wel samen. Het verhaal van Matilda vond ik ontzettend treurig en aangrijpend. Ze wordt verliefd op Hans, maar Hans is van Joodse afkomst. De reden waardoor Hans ontdekt wordt op de zolderkamer vond ik echt heftig om te lezen en ik werd helemaal meegezogen in het verhaal. Wat een verschrikkelijke periode was dat zeg!
Het verhaal van Grace is ook erg mooi. Ze krijgt namelijk op een dag bericht van haar grootmoeder, en dat blijkt dus Matilda te zijn. Ze vertrekt vanuit Amerika naar Dachau en leert, door middel van teksten die haar grootmoeder tijdens de oorlog geschreven heeft, meer over de verschrikkelijke periode die Matilda (en Hans) hebben moeten meemaken.
Ik vond de schrijfstijl van Shari echt super mooi, beeldend en emotioneel. Het verhaal gaat ook niet zozeer over het concentratiekamp Dachau, maar meer over wat Matilda heeft moeten doorstaan en hoe ze zich staande probeerde te houden. Dit boek heb ik zowat in één ruk uitgelezen, zo mooi was het geschreven.
Dit is dus zeker een aanrader als je van oorlogsverhalen houdt!
Beoordeling: 4,5 ⭐
June 2, 2022
Now this here was an amazing story. I felt so much emotion along with the main character reading her grandmothers journals and trying to find herself, her mothers family and the horribleness that occurred at Dachau. Even with the bad, there was good, there was hope, and in the end, there was survival, joy and a finding of ones true self. True love in the most unexpected of places and unusual circumstances. I truly enjoyed reading this.
The strong will to survive, the endless love, the horrible treachery, the parents who gave their grand daughter away to save themselves from the nazis and the hunt to find her.
I liked it because it was a here and now story intermingled with the past and then it all came together. Beautiful writing depicting surroundings in Germany.
The strong will to survive, the endless love, the horrible treachery, the parents who gave their grand daughter away to save themselves from the nazis and the hunt to find her.
I liked it because it was a here and now story intermingled with the past and then it all came together. Beautiful writing depicting surroundings in Germany.
November 25, 2022
[RECENSIE: https://www.readabook.nl/2022/10/shar...]
De boekhandelaar van Dachau is een indrukwekkend boek over de Tweede Wereldoorlog. Het einde was misschien een beetje zoetsappig, maar het verhaal is zo hartverscheurend, dat je daar graag overheen leest. Ik geef het boek vier sterren!
De boekhandelaar van Dachau is een indrukwekkend boek over de Tweede Wereldoorlog. Het einde was misschien een beetje zoetsappig, maar het verhaal is zo hartverscheurend, dat je daar graag overheen leest. Ik geef het boek vier sterren!
September 24, 2022
4,5 ⭐️
Recensie volgt nog...
Recensie volgt nog...
October 26, 2023
Çocukluktan çok iyi iki arkadaş olup, büyüdükçe arkadaşlıkları büyük bir aşka dönüşen Alman kökenli Hristiyan bir ailenin kızı Matilda ve Yahudi bir ailenin oğlu olan Hans’ın İkinci dünya savaşı sırasında yaşadığı olaylar çerçevesinde gelişen, duygu dolu ve capcanlı bir insanlık hikayesi. Hikaye farklı iki zaman diliminde ilerliyor: Matilda’nın ağzından kanlı savaş sürecinin yaşandığı Almanya’daki ortamın, ailesi ve sevgilisi Hans ile ilgili olayların aktarıldığı 1940’lı yıllar ve Grace isimli bir genç kızın (Matilda’nın hiç tanışmadığı torunu) anlatımıyla Matilda’dan ona kalan mirasın hayatında yarattığı yeni açılımlara tanıklık etiğimiz 2018 yılı. Olayların paralelliği doğrultusunda ilerleyen bu iki ayrı zamandaki anlatımın oldukça keyifli bir okuma deneyimi yaşattığını söyleyebilirim. Yazar Shari J. Ryan’ı ilk defa okuyor olmama rağmen onu kurgusal ve anlatımsal etkileyiciliğinin yanı sıra, karakter yaratımı konusunda da çok başarılı buldum.
Savaş hikayeleri yazmanın zor olduğunu tahmin edebiliyorum. Hele ki ailesi soykırımdan kurtulmuş, savaşın olumsuz etkilerini yaşamına miras olarak almış bir yazar için. Shari J. Ryan bu zor hikayeleri aile hatırasına bir saygı biçimi olarak bizlere ulaştırıyor ve bence bu yönüyle o da derin bir saygıyı hak ediyor.
İkinci Dünya Savaşı, drama ve tarihsel romantizm türlerinde okuma yapmayı seven herkesi “Esaret Şehrinde Bir Kitapçı” yı okumaya davet ediyorum.
T.
# Alıntılar #
"Cehaleti mutlulukla, ölümsüzlüğü ise barbarlıkla takas ediyorduk ama bunun geçerli bir nedeni yoktu. Tüm bunlardan alınacak bir ders olduğunu varsaymak en iyisiydi ama son altı yılda öğrendiğim tek şey, insanların birbirinden ne kadar nefret edebildiğiydi. Aslında hepimiz aynı olsak da sahip olduğumuz inançlar, tenimizin rengi ve damarlarımızda akan kanın türü yüzünden birbirimizle savaş halindeydik. Bu kadar çok nefretle karşılaştıktan sonra gidilecek tek yerin sevgi olmasını umuyordum fakat bunu zaman gösterecekti." (Hans)
"Hayat, yaşamaya devam ettiğimiz bağlardan ve biz bu dünyadan göçüp gittikten sonra geride bıraktıklarımızdan ibaretti." (Galina)
"Dünya bir zamanlar bu kadar acımasız olabildiyse, bunun tekrar olmasını engelleyen pek bir şey yoktu ve bu, en korkunç kısmıydı." (Galina)
"Bu dünya çok ıssız bir yer, Matilda ve ne yazık ki şimdilik bundan kurtuluşumuz yok." (Galina)
"Hans her zaman, yalnız ve düşüncelerimizle baş başa kaldığımızda kötü hissetmemize neden olan şeyleri yazmanın en iyisi olduğunu söylerdi. İnsan olarak büyümemize, hatalarımızdan ve zorluklardan ders almamıza yardımcı olduğunu düşünürdü." (Matilda)
"Nazi askerleri, kökenleri veya ırkları ne olursa olsun hiçbir sivilin itirazına müsamaha göstermezdi. Kalpsiz makineler gibiydiler, sadece işlerini yapmaya ve önlerine çıkan her şeyi ortadan kaldırmaya programlanmışlardı." (Matilda)
"Umut, kimsenin senden söküp alamayacağı bir şeydir." (Galina)
"Hayatın, eksikliklerimizi yamamak için birçok yöntemi var. " (Galina)
Savaş hikayeleri yazmanın zor olduğunu tahmin edebiliyorum. Hele ki ailesi soykırımdan kurtulmuş, savaşın olumsuz etkilerini yaşamına miras olarak almış bir yazar için. Shari J. Ryan bu zor hikayeleri aile hatırasına bir saygı biçimi olarak bizlere ulaştırıyor ve bence bu yönüyle o da derin bir saygıyı hak ediyor.
İkinci Dünya Savaşı, drama ve tarihsel romantizm türlerinde okuma yapmayı seven herkesi “Esaret Şehrinde Bir Kitapçı” yı okumaya davet ediyorum.
T.
# Alıntılar #
"Cehaleti mutlulukla, ölümsüzlüğü ise barbarlıkla takas ediyorduk ama bunun geçerli bir nedeni yoktu. Tüm bunlardan alınacak bir ders olduğunu varsaymak en iyisiydi ama son altı yılda öğrendiğim tek şey, insanların birbirinden ne kadar nefret edebildiğiydi. Aslında hepimiz aynı olsak da sahip olduğumuz inançlar, tenimizin rengi ve damarlarımızda akan kanın türü yüzünden birbirimizle savaş halindeydik. Bu kadar çok nefretle karşılaştıktan sonra gidilecek tek yerin sevgi olmasını umuyordum fakat bunu zaman gösterecekti." (Hans)
"Hayat, yaşamaya devam ettiğimiz bağlardan ve biz bu dünyadan göçüp gittikten sonra geride bıraktıklarımızdan ibaretti." (Galina)
"Dünya bir zamanlar bu kadar acımasız olabildiyse, bunun tekrar olmasını engelleyen pek bir şey yoktu ve bu, en korkunç kısmıydı." (Galina)
"Bu dünya çok ıssız bir yer, Matilda ve ne yazık ki şimdilik bundan kurtuluşumuz yok." (Galina)
"Hans her zaman, yalnız ve düşüncelerimizle baş başa kaldığımızda kötü hissetmemize neden olan şeyleri yazmanın en iyisi olduğunu söylerdi. İnsan olarak büyümemize, hatalarımızdan ve zorluklardan ders almamıza yardımcı olduğunu düşünürdü." (Matilda)
"Nazi askerleri, kökenleri veya ırkları ne olursa olsun hiçbir sivilin itirazına müsamaha göstermezdi. Kalpsiz makineler gibiydiler, sadece işlerini yapmaya ve önlerine çıkan her şeyi ortadan kaldırmaya programlanmışlardı." (Matilda)
"Umut, kimsenin senden söküp alamayacağı bir şeydir." (Galina)
"Hayatın, eksikliklerimizi yamamak için birçok yöntemi var. " (Galina)
April 13, 2024
I loved the premise of never giving up hope and never giving up on love. This was a heartfelt story that was rich within emotion. Well written from different character perspectives from the past and present-much enjoyed.
November 3, 2021
Seventeen year old Matilda Ellman lives in Augsburg Germany, in an apartment one floor above her best friend Hans Bauer. The Ellmans and the Bauers are close, until Hitler begins his persecution against the Jewish people. When the Bauers are relocated to a ghetto, Matilda convinces him and his family to let her hide him. Matilda creates a place for Hans to live in the attic of her family's apartment to hide him. With German soldiers living downstairs, Hans tries not to make any noise. He writes by candle light, Matilda smuggles him food and they fall in love. None of this keeps him safe and he is eventually taken to Dachau prison camp.
In 2018, architect Grace Laurent is living in Boston. Her mother died three years earlier from cancer and she is estranged from her father. She receives a padded envelop from a lawyer in Germany. Her mother arrived in the US on a transport from Europe in the 1940s and was never able to find her family. Before she died, she entered her DNA into a search website and it seems that Grace's grandmother found it. She is being contacted because her grandmother has died and left her property in Dachau. Grace drops everything and flies to Germany to find out more.
I read a lot of historical fiction about WWII and the Holocaust but The Bookseller of Dachau is a bit different from others I have read. This is the story about ordinary German Citizens and how they reacted to what was happening during this time. Told in a dual timeline, Grace reads diaries and letters (translated into English) to learn about her grandparents. Both of the storylines mesh together perfectly and I enjoyed them both equally. In the 1940s, Mathilda never gives up looking and waiting for Hans. Her hope wavers at times, but keeps her moving forward, especially after her daughter is taken from her. We don't really read much about the camps, just that it is there and some generalities about what is happening there. This plotline is about survival of the ones left behind when your loved one is imprisoned in a camp or in a Nazi uniform. It shows us about a mother who is ashamed of the decisions her son makes, but she still loves and worries about him. We also see how families were torn apart based on their reactions to Hitler's plans. It is about hope, love and never giving up. The 2018 storyline shows us why so many people get involved in things like Ancestry or DNA searches. We don't all have missing parents and grandparents, but finding your roots is important. Grace has no family left since her father is remarried and has a new family. She is a bit lost and never feels like she fits anywhere. When she begins to read Mathilda's and Hans' story, she begins to find peace and a place she feels like she belongs. She also begins to find a soulmate. This part of the story is about finding your roots, your family, where you come from and where you fit. I really enjoyed this well-written story, the characters and the themes. I also learned some things about Dachau, a camp that I know little about. I recommend this one to those who enjoy Historical Fiction, especially stories set in WWII. The publisher generously provided me with a copy of this book upon request. The rating and opinions are my own.
In 2018, architect Grace Laurent is living in Boston. Her mother died three years earlier from cancer and she is estranged from her father. She receives a padded envelop from a lawyer in Germany. Her mother arrived in the US on a transport from Europe in the 1940s and was never able to find her family. Before she died, she entered her DNA into a search website and it seems that Grace's grandmother found it. She is being contacted because her grandmother has died and left her property in Dachau. Grace drops everything and flies to Germany to find out more.
I read a lot of historical fiction about WWII and the Holocaust but The Bookseller of Dachau is a bit different from others I have read. This is the story about ordinary German Citizens and how they reacted to what was happening during this time. Told in a dual timeline, Grace reads diaries and letters (translated into English) to learn about her grandparents. Both of the storylines mesh together perfectly and I enjoyed them both equally. In the 1940s, Mathilda never gives up looking and waiting for Hans. Her hope wavers at times, but keeps her moving forward, especially after her daughter is taken from her. We don't really read much about the camps, just that it is there and some generalities about what is happening there. This plotline is about survival of the ones left behind when your loved one is imprisoned in a camp or in a Nazi uniform. It shows us about a mother who is ashamed of the decisions her son makes, but she still loves and worries about him. We also see how families were torn apart based on their reactions to Hitler's plans. It is about hope, love and never giving up. The 2018 storyline shows us why so many people get involved in things like Ancestry or DNA searches. We don't all have missing parents and grandparents, but finding your roots is important. Grace has no family left since her father is remarried and has a new family. She is a bit lost and never feels like she fits anywhere. When she begins to read Mathilda's and Hans' story, she begins to find peace and a place she feels like she belongs. She also begins to find a soulmate. This part of the story is about finding your roots, your family, where you come from and where you fit. I really enjoyed this well-written story, the characters and the themes. I also learned some things about Dachau, a camp that I know little about. I recommend this one to those who enjoy Historical Fiction, especially stories set in WWII. The publisher generously provided me with a copy of this book upon request. The rating and opinions are my own.
November 1, 2021
Ryan has done it again. After reading another one of her works earlier this year (Last One Home), and it becoming an instant favourite, I immediately fell in love with this story too. Her ability to craft characters and weave together timelines is admirable. Usually when reading a Historical Fiction told through different timelines, I struggle. However, this was written so seamlessly that I found myself easily encapsulated in both worlds. There were several scenes that moved me to tears and the ending wrapped up the novel in the most satisfying way. Another brilliant read, I cannot wait to see what Ryan writes next, I know I'll love it.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publishers for kindly providing an ARC in exchange for an honest review. #TheBooksellerOfDachau#NetGalley. All opinions are my own.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publishers for kindly providing an ARC in exchange for an honest review. #TheBooksellerOfDachau#NetGalley. All opinions are my own.
September 22, 2022
Another well-written WWII story of the horrors of the Holocaust. However, it is also a story of 2 people who fall in love in the midst of war. This story involved dual timelines which I found interesting.
March 16, 2023
Prachtig verhaal verteld door 2 ‘tijdzones’.
Eerste kwart van het boek wat traag maar daarna gegrepen door dit verhaal.
Eerste kwart van het boek wat traag maar daarna gegrepen door dit verhaal.
October 29, 2021
To Matilda one man is the same as another. It is Germany 1939 and the fact that Hans is Jewish and she is German means absolutely nothing to her. Matilda loves Hans, has since they were children. When he is in grave danger, Matilda hides him in her attic, with the intent of protecting him to her last breath. It is not easy. Not only are her parents downstairs, German soldiers have billeted with her family. Somehow Matilda keeps Hans hidden and alive as long as possible.
In the year 2018, Grace discovers that she has inherited a bookstore in Dachau, Germany. The bookstore was her grandmother's. However, Grace not only had never met her grandmother, she was completely unaware of her. When she visits Dachau she is accompanied by Archie Alesky, the man that had been caring for the shop, as well as an assortment of old photos and letters. Between studying the photos and with Archie taking her around, Grace begins to piece together a very sad past that involved her grandmother. What she learns is earth shattering and heartbreaking.
As the story shifts back and forth, we learn more about Matilda and Hans and how things turned even darker for them. Matilda's determination was utterly remarkable. Thus, the story did indeed prove to be one of hope and warmth while demonstrating the true testimony of love.
Despite the bleak moments in this book, the love story was incredibly touching. I loved this story and how Grace traced her past. How she learned about her grandmother, and the search for a history that might have been lost forever. Shari J. Ryan has a genuine connection to this type of story and has written an absolutely wonderful tale, one that I will remember for years to come. This remarkable story is now one of my favorite books of 2021.
Many thanks to Bookouture and to NetGalley for this ARC for review. This is my honest opinion.
In the year 2018, Grace discovers that she has inherited a bookstore in Dachau, Germany. The bookstore was her grandmother's. However, Grace not only had never met her grandmother, she was completely unaware of her. When she visits Dachau she is accompanied by Archie Alesky, the man that had been caring for the shop, as well as an assortment of old photos and letters. Between studying the photos and with Archie taking her around, Grace begins to piece together a very sad past that involved her grandmother. What she learns is earth shattering and heartbreaking.
As the story shifts back and forth, we learn more about Matilda and Hans and how things turned even darker for them. Matilda's determination was utterly remarkable. Thus, the story did indeed prove to be one of hope and warmth while demonstrating the true testimony of love.
Despite the bleak moments in this book, the love story was incredibly touching. I loved this story and how Grace traced her past. How she learned about her grandmother, and the search for a history that might have been lost forever. Shari J. Ryan has a genuine connection to this type of story and has written an absolutely wonderful tale, one that I will remember for years to come. This remarkable story is now one of my favorite books of 2021.
Many thanks to Bookouture and to NetGalley for this ARC for review. This is my honest opinion.
September 30, 2022
Such a beautiful love story although the setting of WWII and Nazi Germany was not a beautiful time in history. Told through a dual timeline, WWII and 2018, a young woman finds out she has inherited a property in Dachau, Germany from a grandmother she didn’t know. Her grandmother’s story is told through her grandfather’s writing. He was a Jew who lived in the concentration camp in Dachau, and her grandmother was taken in by an elderly woman who owned a small shop in Dachau.
October 2, 2025
leest vooral heel fijn en soepeltjes. mooi en spannend liefdesverhaal. ik was blij om eindelijk eens een goede vertaling te lezen zonder spelling- en grammaticafouten
September 25, 2021
I received an e-ARC version of this book from NetGalley and the publisher.
“The Bookseller of Dachau” by Shari Ryan, tells the stories of Matilda and Grace. Matilda’s story starts in Germany in 1939, when she is 17. Matilda’s best friend, Hans, is Jewish and his family is being forced into a ghetto. Matilda decides to hide Hans in a small attic in her house - unknown by her parents. Eventually Hans is discovered and is sent to Dachau. Matilda leaves her family after a tragic event and moves to the town of Dachau, living with a stranger who takes her in. Grace’s story starts in Boston in 2018, where Grace is surprised to read she is to inherit property in Dachau from her unknown Grandmother (Grace’s mother had been an orphan and adopted in the US during the early 1940s). This story is about hope, strength, survival, kindness, friendship, and love.
Ryan’s writing of Matilda and Hans’ stories was moving - she presented the facts but wrapped them in a bit of a love story - and a story of survival and hope. I know a bit about the horrors of the concentration camp in Dachau, but reading about the town of Dachau was new information.
Grace’s story felt flatter, especially compared to Matilda’s. I can understand Grace not knowing a lot about Dachau and limited knowledge of the concentration camp, but some of her ignorance annoyed me, though I do think this was done on purpose to educate the reader. However, I loved her friend Carla and believe that we all need a person like Carla in our life - to mother us, to be concerned about us, and ensure that we’re safe when traveling.
Overall, this was an enjoyable book, with a captivating story.
“The Bookseller of Dachau” by Shari Ryan, tells the stories of Matilda and Grace. Matilda’s story starts in Germany in 1939, when she is 17. Matilda’s best friend, Hans, is Jewish and his family is being forced into a ghetto. Matilda decides to hide Hans in a small attic in her house - unknown by her parents. Eventually Hans is discovered and is sent to Dachau. Matilda leaves her family after a tragic event and moves to the town of Dachau, living with a stranger who takes her in. Grace’s story starts in Boston in 2018, where Grace is surprised to read she is to inherit property in Dachau from her unknown Grandmother (Grace’s mother had been an orphan and adopted in the US during the early 1940s). This story is about hope, strength, survival, kindness, friendship, and love.
Ryan’s writing of Matilda and Hans’ stories was moving - she presented the facts but wrapped them in a bit of a love story - and a story of survival and hope. I know a bit about the horrors of the concentration camp in Dachau, but reading about the town of Dachau was new information.
Grace’s story felt flatter, especially compared to Matilda’s. I can understand Grace not knowing a lot about Dachau and limited knowledge of the concentration camp, but some of her ignorance annoyed me, though I do think this was done on purpose to educate the reader. However, I loved her friend Carla and believe that we all need a person like Carla in our life - to mother us, to be concerned about us, and ensure that we’re safe when traveling.
Overall, this was an enjoyable book, with a captivating story.
September 28, 2021
Matilda's Secret
Heartbreaking and romantic this story is a wartime romance of two young people just starting life with hearts full of love and everything to lose. As they hide in their attic hideaway they see only each other and not the tragedy to follow.
It is a coming of age story during some of the most traumatic times in history. In Germany, at the height of Hitler's power and the despair of the Jewish citizens a young German girl hides her childhood sweetheart a Jewish boy named Hans in her attic in a crawlspace. Months later he is found and arrested by the German's. This book is the story of Hans and Matilda.
The story starts with Grace, a young architect in Boston, opening an envelope containing a letter telling her that she has inherited a bookstore in Germany. She travels to Germany and this is where she finds the story of her Grandmother Matilda.
I loved the story of Hans and Matilda and their love for each other and the girl child Runa they had together. The horrors that followed were very sad and so cruel.
The description of the camp at Dachau and the town with it's beautiful buildings and the scenic countryside was vivid enough I could see pictures of it in my mind. Transported through history and to a small town in Germany, the people, the dress, and the history.
It was a book you just could not put down, I read way to late into the night. A book of such great sadness, but of a wonderful romance between two people. It was a good book to read and I would recommend it.
Thanks to Shari J. Ryan, Bookouture, and NetGalley for allowing me to read a complimentary copy of the book for my honest review.
Heartbreaking and romantic this story is a wartime romance of two young people just starting life with hearts full of love and everything to lose. As they hide in their attic hideaway they see only each other and not the tragedy to follow.
It is a coming of age story during some of the most traumatic times in history. In Germany, at the height of Hitler's power and the despair of the Jewish citizens a young German girl hides her childhood sweetheart a Jewish boy named Hans in her attic in a crawlspace. Months later he is found and arrested by the German's. This book is the story of Hans and Matilda.
The story starts with Grace, a young architect in Boston, opening an envelope containing a letter telling her that she has inherited a bookstore in Germany. She travels to Germany and this is where she finds the story of her Grandmother Matilda.
I loved the story of Hans and Matilda and their love for each other and the girl child Runa they had together. The horrors that followed were very sad and so cruel.
The description of the camp at Dachau and the town with it's beautiful buildings and the scenic countryside was vivid enough I could see pictures of it in my mind. Transported through history and to a small town in Germany, the people, the dress, and the history.
It was a book you just could not put down, I read way to late into the night. A book of such great sadness, but of a wonderful romance between two people. It was a good book to read and I would recommend it.
Thanks to Shari J. Ryan, Bookouture, and NetGalley for allowing me to read a complimentary copy of the book for my honest review.
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