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Beyond the Tracks
Berlin, 1938.
Germany is a terrifying place.
When people start disappearing in nightly raids, a young Jacob Kagan flees the country and ends up in the Dutch refugee camp of Westerbork. But he can only avoid the Nazis for so long. After the Netherlands fall to the German war machine, Westerbork is transformed into a transit camp with weekly trains bound for the Eastern concentration camps.
Faced with the terrors of the SS camp regime, Jacob now only has one goal — avoid a spot on the dreaded transport list at all costs. But how far is he willing to go to save himself, his parents and best friend?
Germany is a terrifying place.
When people start disappearing in nightly raids, a young Jacob Kagan flees the country and ends up in the Dutch refugee camp of Westerbork. But he can only avoid the Nazis for so long. After the Netherlands fall to the German war machine, Westerbork is transformed into a transit camp with weekly trains bound for the Eastern concentration camps.
Faced with the terrors of the SS camp regime, Jacob now only has one goal — avoid a spot on the dreaded transport list at all costs. But how far is he willing to go to save himself, his parents and best friend?
330 pages, Paperback
First published September 17, 2020
3459 people are currently reading
5246 people want to read
About the author
Michael Reit
13 books414 followersMichael Reit writes page-turning historical fiction. His books focus on lesser-known events and people in World War II Europe.
Born in the Netherlands, he now lives in beautiful Vienna, Austria, with his partner Esther and daughter Bibi. You can connect through michaelreit.com or Facebook (Michael Reit Author).
Born in the Netherlands, he now lives in beautiful Vienna, Austria, with his partner Esther and daughter Bibi. You can connect through michaelreit.com or Facebook (Michael Reit Author).
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 535 reviews
March 17, 2023
Beyond the Tracks by Michael Reit (Author), Mike Paul (Narrator)
It's 1938 Berlin and Jacob Kagan, his mother, and father fear they don't have much time. Despite their pharmacy still being open, German Jews are being rounded up daily and sent away on trains. Stores of German Jews are being looted and burned, Jews are being burned out of their homes, Jews are being shot on the street for the slightest or no offence. Then the Kagan pharmacy is taken away from them and the family knows they need to flee to a refugee camp in the Netherlands.
This story is broken into distinct parts of Jacob's life in the years after his family flees Germany. The family settles in at the Dutch refugee camp of Westerbork but eventually the camp is turned into a transit camp for the weekly transports of "cargo" to Eastern concentration camps. For several years Jacob and his family are relatively safe because their jobs at Westerbork but word from elsewhere makes it obvious that they are living on borrowed time. Eventually, Jacob and his dad are loaded on the very same train cars that Jacob had loaded others on while he was still employed in the camp. We are in the car with Jacob, his dad, and so many others as they live (and many die) on the long journey to their next destination.
But Jacob's story takes a turn here and he doesn't make it to Auschwitz at this time. What happens here, with Jacob, may be fiction but from the author notes at the end of the book we learn that many of the things that happen to Jacob happened in real life. Later, Jacob does make it to Auschwitz in a daring manner, which is one again based on real life events.
There are large gaps between the various stages of Jacob's years as a prisoner/escapee. What we get are concentrated views of specific times during Jacob's horrific journey through the Nazi's massive extermination plan. I was able to see events differently than I've seen them in other stories, leading me to want to know more about Westerbork, the Dutch Resistance, and the real life people who make appearances in this story.
The narration of this book is almost theatrical and it took me a bit to get used to it but once I did, it fit the story well. I plan to learn more about the real people mentioned in this story and the escapes that are based on real life events. We are presented with the Holocaust from a different angle and as always, it's a horrific picture.
Pub June 1, 2021
Thank you to Michael Reit/Independent Book Publishers Association (IBPA), Members' Audiobooks and NetGalley for this ARC.
It's 1938 Berlin and Jacob Kagan, his mother, and father fear they don't have much time. Despite their pharmacy still being open, German Jews are being rounded up daily and sent away on trains. Stores of German Jews are being looted and burned, Jews are being burned out of their homes, Jews are being shot on the street for the slightest or no offence. Then the Kagan pharmacy is taken away from them and the family knows they need to flee to a refugee camp in the Netherlands.
This story is broken into distinct parts of Jacob's life in the years after his family flees Germany. The family settles in at the Dutch refugee camp of Westerbork but eventually the camp is turned into a transit camp for the weekly transports of "cargo" to Eastern concentration camps. For several years Jacob and his family are relatively safe because their jobs at Westerbork but word from elsewhere makes it obvious that they are living on borrowed time. Eventually, Jacob and his dad are loaded on the very same train cars that Jacob had loaded others on while he was still employed in the camp. We are in the car with Jacob, his dad, and so many others as they live (and many die) on the long journey to their next destination.
But Jacob's story takes a turn here and he doesn't make it to Auschwitz at this time. What happens here, with Jacob, may be fiction but from the author notes at the end of the book we learn that many of the things that happen to Jacob happened in real life. Later, Jacob does make it to Auschwitz in a daring manner, which is one again based on real life events.
There are large gaps between the various stages of Jacob's years as a prisoner/escapee. What we get are concentrated views of specific times during Jacob's horrific journey through the Nazi's massive extermination plan. I was able to see events differently than I've seen them in other stories, leading me to want to know more about Westerbork, the Dutch Resistance, and the real life people who make appearances in this story.
The narration of this book is almost theatrical and it took me a bit to get used to it but once I did, it fit the story well. I plan to learn more about the real people mentioned in this story and the escapes that are based on real life events. We are presented with the Holocaust from a different angle and as always, it's a horrific picture.
Pub June 1, 2021
Thank you to Michael Reit/Independent Book Publishers Association (IBPA), Members' Audiobooks and NetGalley for this ARC.
July 14, 2021
Beyond the Tracks by Michael Reit was one of the best books about World War II and the Holocaust that I have read in a long time. I was even more impressed when I discovered that this was Michael Reit’s debut novel. It was based on many true and harrowing events and some of the characters were real people that actually existed. Beyond the Tracks was well researched and included many details that had not been written about in the past. The characters in Beyond the Tracks were very credible. Some of the characters were more endearing than others but they stayed with me long after I finished listening to this audiobook. I became immersed in this book from the onset. It was brilliantly narrated by Mike Paul. His performance led me to feel as if I was actually there with the characters in the book. I was quite impressed by how Michael Reit was able to weave truth with fiction throughout the book.
Jacob Kagan lived in Berlin with his mother and father when the Nazis came to power. The handwriting was on the wall as for the fate of German Jews that lived in Berlin at this time. Many people started to disappear and large roundups started. The people that disappeared were never seen again. Rumors circulated that they were taken to work camps but no one knew for sure. Jacob’s father was a pharmacist and was well respected but when their pharmacy shop was looted and destroyed in “the night of the broken glass” both Jacob and his father knew that they had to leave Berlin if they were to survive. The Kagan family decided to make their way to The Netherlands but getting there was challenging. Jacob’s father had helped an official at the railway station when his wife was dying from cancer by obtaining medicine for her to ease her pain and the man had never forgotten Jacob’s father kindness. He got them a ticket for the train headed for The Netherlands. Jacob’s best friend was also able to secure passage on the same train. Jacob and his family and Jacob’s best friend and his father found refuge in the Dutch refugee camp, Westerbork.
Life at Westerbork was predictable, safe and fair until the Nazis took over and turned Westerbork into a transit camp from the refugee camp it had been. The Nazis immediately assigned a great number of male “prisoners “ to build new barracks for all the new arrivals. Jacob and his friend were picked for this work detail. Their hours of work were expanded greatly and food became less abundant and much less nourishing.. The workers were threatened with deportation or worse if the barracks were not completed on time. Over time, Westerbork became more and more crowded. The Nazis began to make daily selections of prisoners that would be transported to work camps in the East. Jacob’s and his best friend’s job was to tell these people their fates. As they looked at their lists they hoped they would not recognize any of the names. The vivid descriptions and reactions of the people that were chosen were depicted in ways I had not previously encountered in other books. During the initial selections, there were protests and some of those chosen for the trains flatly refused to board. Ultimately, the departures became the saddest and hardest thing Jacob had to witness, it became evident that the Nazis were determined to liquidate Westerbork entirely. Jacob, his father and Jacob’s best friend were eventually put on one of those lists and found themselves headed for Auschwitz, Jacob’s father sadly did not survive. As the cattle car made its way into Poland, Jacob grieved for his father but was determined to find a way to escape from the train. Would Jacob be able to achieve this feat? If he did escape, where would he go and could he somehow help his fellow Jews?
Michael Reit was able to write Beyond the Tracks from a different perspective than most books written about this horrific time in the history of mankind. I felt like I was there with Jacob, right beside him, rather than reading about what he was doing. The courage and strength of the Polish resistance was told and described in ways that I had never read about. From Michael Reit’s impeccable research, I learned about two actual escapes from Auschwitz, one in September of 1944 and one in October of 1944. Some of the characters in Beyond the Tracks actually existed and played roles within the pages of this incredible book. The themes in this book included loyalty, friendship, family, bravery, survival, strength and determination. As I previously mentioned, this was one of the best books I have read about World War II and the Holocaust. I look forward to reading more books by Michael Reit in the future. I highly recommend this book.
Thank you to Independent Book Publishers Association for allowing me to listen to this audiobook through Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. All opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
Jacob Kagan lived in Berlin with his mother and father when the Nazis came to power. The handwriting was on the wall as for the fate of German Jews that lived in Berlin at this time. Many people started to disappear and large roundups started. The people that disappeared were never seen again. Rumors circulated that they were taken to work camps but no one knew for sure. Jacob’s father was a pharmacist and was well respected but when their pharmacy shop was looted and destroyed in “the night of the broken glass” both Jacob and his father knew that they had to leave Berlin if they were to survive. The Kagan family decided to make their way to The Netherlands but getting there was challenging. Jacob’s father had helped an official at the railway station when his wife was dying from cancer by obtaining medicine for her to ease her pain and the man had never forgotten Jacob’s father kindness. He got them a ticket for the train headed for The Netherlands. Jacob’s best friend was also able to secure passage on the same train. Jacob and his family and Jacob’s best friend and his father found refuge in the Dutch refugee camp, Westerbork.
Life at Westerbork was predictable, safe and fair until the Nazis took over and turned Westerbork into a transit camp from the refugee camp it had been. The Nazis immediately assigned a great number of male “prisoners “ to build new barracks for all the new arrivals. Jacob and his friend were picked for this work detail. Their hours of work were expanded greatly and food became less abundant and much less nourishing.. The workers were threatened with deportation or worse if the barracks were not completed on time. Over time, Westerbork became more and more crowded. The Nazis began to make daily selections of prisoners that would be transported to work camps in the East. Jacob’s and his best friend’s job was to tell these people their fates. As they looked at their lists they hoped they would not recognize any of the names. The vivid descriptions and reactions of the people that were chosen were depicted in ways I had not previously encountered in other books. During the initial selections, there were protests and some of those chosen for the trains flatly refused to board. Ultimately, the departures became the saddest and hardest thing Jacob had to witness, it became evident that the Nazis were determined to liquidate Westerbork entirely. Jacob, his father and Jacob’s best friend were eventually put on one of those lists and found themselves headed for Auschwitz, Jacob’s father sadly did not survive. As the cattle car made its way into Poland, Jacob grieved for his father but was determined to find a way to escape from the train. Would Jacob be able to achieve this feat? If he did escape, where would he go and could he somehow help his fellow Jews?
Michael Reit was able to write Beyond the Tracks from a different perspective than most books written about this horrific time in the history of mankind. I felt like I was there with Jacob, right beside him, rather than reading about what he was doing. The courage and strength of the Polish resistance was told and described in ways that I had never read about. From Michael Reit’s impeccable research, I learned about two actual escapes from Auschwitz, one in September of 1944 and one in October of 1944. Some of the characters in Beyond the Tracks actually existed and played roles within the pages of this incredible book. The themes in this book included loyalty, friendship, family, bravery, survival, strength and determination. As I previously mentioned, this was one of the best books I have read about World War II and the Holocaust. I look forward to reading more books by Michael Reit in the future. I highly recommend this book.
Thank you to Independent Book Publishers Association for allowing me to listen to this audiobook through Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. All opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
September 6, 2020
EMOTIONAL HOLOCAUST FICTION ABOUT FRIENDSHIP AND FAMILY
I read a lot of historical fiction about the Holocaust and WWII so I feel like I have pretty much seen it all. But here Reit gave me something new - he showed me new places, new fates and new themes. For a debut novel this was very strong and I am looking forward to reading more from Reit in the future.
👍 WHAT I LIKED 👍
Atypical: Like I said, I read a lot of historical fiction about the Holocaust and by far most of them have some sort of romantic angle or romance at the centre of the story. Sure, there was a bit of romance here, but it was only a drop in the bucket. The central themes here are friendship and family which really spoke to me. Another atypical thing about this story was the places it took place. Most of the book takes place in the transit camp Westerbork, a place I had actually never heard of before. It was really great to get to explore a new, unknown part of the tragedy of the Holocaust.
Real life: I was really excited to read the Author's note and find out, that several of the people in this book were actually real, historical people. That is always a really great touch and it made me want to learn more about them.
Emotions: I cried while reading this book. I cry a lot at many different things, but a book that can make me cry is always a hit. It means that the characters, the plot and the circumstances are getting to me and have affected me in some way. That is the beauty of reading if you ask me.
ARC provided by the publisher through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review
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I read a lot of historical fiction about the Holocaust and WWII so I feel like I have pretty much seen it all. But here Reit gave me something new - he showed me new places, new fates and new themes. For a debut novel this was very strong and I am looking forward to reading more from Reit in the future.
👍 WHAT I LIKED 👍
Atypical: Like I said, I read a lot of historical fiction about the Holocaust and by far most of them have some sort of romantic angle or romance at the centre of the story. Sure, there was a bit of romance here, but it was only a drop in the bucket. The central themes here are friendship and family which really spoke to me. Another atypical thing about this story was the places it took place. Most of the book takes place in the transit camp Westerbork, a place I had actually never heard of before. It was really great to get to explore a new, unknown part of the tragedy of the Holocaust.
Real life: I was really excited to read the Author's note and find out, that several of the people in this book were actually real, historical people. That is always a really great touch and it made me want to learn more about them.
Emotions: I cried while reading this book. I cry a lot at many different things, but a book that can make me cry is always a hit. It means that the characters, the plot and the circumstances are getting to me and have affected me in some way. That is the beauty of reading if you ask me.
ARC provided by the publisher through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review
Follow me for more book loving content!
Blog ✨ Facebook ✨ Instagram ✨ Twitter
Blog Post: 10 Tips to Help You Wrestle that Pesky TBR Pile
August 20, 2021
I’ve read countless WWII Historical Fiction books based on true stories and although difficult to read at times, I feel it’s an honor to read the personal stories, hear their voices through the pages (or over audio), and share my reviews with all of you. Beyond The Tracks takes place during the Holocaust. A very sad time in our history, one that I’m sure we would all like to forget, but I think these stories should be told and never forgotten.
Beyond The Tracks was an amazing audiobook and I am astounded that this is Michael Reit’s debut novel. The book is well researched and written in a way where fact and fiction are brought together to tell a very moving story. The character building has a lot of depth and you feel like you really know young Jacob and Ethen, the two main characters and their families.
Although, there may be times where you are brought to tears while reading or listening to the book because the story is heartbreaking, there are other times where the story is both beautiful and inspiring. One thing is for sure, it is impossible to stop reading/listening to.
The narrator Mike Paul did a fabulous job bringing the story to life and his voice was distinct enough to differentiate between characters. I felt like he increased the pleasure of my experience.
I highly recommend this book to historical fiction lovers and those that want to expand their reading genre.
Beyond The Tracks was an amazing audiobook and I am astounded that this is Michael Reit’s debut novel. The book is well researched and written in a way where fact and fiction are brought together to tell a very moving story. The character building has a lot of depth and you feel like you really know young Jacob and Ethen, the two main characters and their families.
Although, there may be times where you are brought to tears while reading or listening to the book because the story is heartbreaking, there are other times where the story is both beautiful and inspiring. One thing is for sure, it is impossible to stop reading/listening to.
The narrator Mike Paul did a fabulous job bringing the story to life and his voice was distinct enough to differentiate between characters. I felt like he increased the pleasure of my experience.
I highly recommend this book to historical fiction lovers and those that want to expand their reading genre.
August 4, 2021
Hard to believe this was a debut novel! I read a ton of WW2 historical fiction yet this story was able to bring new perspectives and historical details concerning the Holocaust that I have yet to read about in other books. The story was crafted in a unique way in which it focused intently on a certain time/experience of the MC Jacob’s life during the Holocaust then skipped a chunk of time to the next experience in Jacob’s life. The author noted at the end that although Jacob was a fictional character, these historical events were true accounts of what happened to other people during the Holocaust.
The plot was executed well and the writing drew me in. Sadly I can’t say the same for the audio performance. I found the narrator too theatrical and upbeat for the tone of the story, which is why i rated it 4 instead of 5 stars. Towards the end of the audiobook, I was pretty tired of the narrator’s voice and wished I’d requested the ebook instead.
Thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for an advanced audio copy in exchange for an honest review.
The plot was executed well and the writing drew me in. Sadly I can’t say the same for the audio performance. I found the narrator too theatrical and upbeat for the tone of the story, which is why i rated it 4 instead of 5 stars. Towards the end of the audiobook, I was pretty tired of the narrator’s voice and wished I’d requested the ebook instead.
Thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for an advanced audio copy in exchange for an honest review.
September 13, 2021
Thank you Netgalley and Michael Reit for this advance listener copy in exchange for my honest review.
What a fantastic debut novel. This was my first experience with WWII historical fiction and I don't know why I waited so long to give this genre a try. WWII and the unspeakable acts of the Holocaust have always fascinated me. I've read the Diary of Anne Franke and watched Shindler's List and I was worried about reading fictionalized accounts of what happened because I was afraid of inaccuracies and glorification, but this novel surprised me. It was also a story with a happy ending, which, under those circumstances, didn't happen often, (see Anne Franke).
The story begins In the Netherlands as Germany begins it's occupation of the Dutch nation. Businesses are being shut down and people are disappearing in nightly raids. Our main character, Jacob and his family, along with his best friend, Ethan and his family, end up in a Dutch transit camp, Westerbork, which is a stop for prisoners headed to the eastern internment (death) camps. Jacob and his family are given jobs in Westerbork and life isn't too terrible in the beginning. They know nothing of the horrors of the eastern camps and believe all of the camps are like Westerbork. But as the German occupation spreads, things become worse at Westerbork and Jacob begins to realize things are worse than they appear. Eventually, more and more people begin to get sent east and Jacob, Ethan and Jacob's father end up on a train bound for Auschwitz. Realizing the danger he is in, Jacob makes his escape from the train prior to arriving at the death camp.
This is a story about resilience, friendship, and family, set against the horrific backdrop of Nazi Germany. While there are horrors beyond belief throughout the book, this was, essentially a heartwarming story. Jacob refused to give up throughout, despite the odds being stacked against him.
This is a fantastic, self-published debut novel and I look forward to future works by Michael Reit. 4.5 stars!
⭐⭐⭐⭐
Now, for the audio. I had mixed feelings about this narrator. I really liked him as the one who told the story and voiced the male parts, however, his female voices were terrible. Not bad enough to DNF, but the next book he narrates should really have multiple narrators.
What a fantastic debut novel. This was my first experience with WWII historical fiction and I don't know why I waited so long to give this genre a try. WWII and the unspeakable acts of the Holocaust have always fascinated me. I've read the Diary of Anne Franke and watched Shindler's List and I was worried about reading fictionalized accounts of what happened because I was afraid of inaccuracies and glorification, but this novel surprised me. It was also a story with a happy ending, which, under those circumstances, didn't happen often, (see Anne Franke).
The story begins In the Netherlands as Germany begins it's occupation of the Dutch nation. Businesses are being shut down and people are disappearing in nightly raids. Our main character, Jacob and his family, along with his best friend, Ethan and his family, end up in a Dutch transit camp, Westerbork, which is a stop for prisoners headed to the eastern internment (death) camps. Jacob and his family are given jobs in Westerbork and life isn't too terrible in the beginning. They know nothing of the horrors of the eastern camps and believe all of the camps are like Westerbork. But as the German occupation spreads, things become worse at Westerbork and Jacob begins to realize things are worse than they appear. Eventually, more and more people begin to get sent east and Jacob, Ethan and Jacob's father end up on a train bound for Auschwitz. Realizing the danger he is in, Jacob makes his escape from the train prior to arriving at the death camp.
This is a story about resilience, friendship, and family, set against the horrific backdrop of Nazi Germany. While there are horrors beyond belief throughout the book, this was, essentially a heartwarming story. Jacob refused to give up throughout, despite the odds being stacked against him.
This is a fantastic, self-published debut novel and I look forward to future works by Michael Reit. 4.5 stars!
⭐⭐⭐⭐
Now, for the audio. I had mixed feelings about this narrator. I really liked him as the one who told the story and voiced the male parts, however, his female voices were terrible. Not bad enough to DNF, but the next book he narrates should really have multiple narrators.
November 15, 2020
Although this was a biographical-fiction based on true events it felt very authentic and intimate. This was an account of a German-Jewish man and his friend trying to survive the Holocaust during WWII from Berlin to the Netherlands, then onto other camps in Central Europe like Auschwitz in Poland. The descriptions of the events that took place and of the people’s character are fascinating, yet often disturbing and heartbreaking, and despite the suffering described, some of the tales in the book were uplifting and inspiring too. It is the small acts of compassion and of doing what one can to resist and survive in the overwhelming face of evil.
November 18, 2020
Great
This was a great book. A work of fiction based on true events. A very great read for anyone who likes these types of books
This was a great book. A work of fiction based on true events. A very great read for anyone who likes these types of books
June 29, 2021
A WWll novel that follows a young man that must leave Berlin to start over since everything his family owns has been taken from them. As I listened to this I had to keep reminding myself that they didn’t know their fate. That trying to take anything with them was futile. This story was a slow fade because it all happened gradually. They were only refugees in the Netherlands. What could possibly go wrong.
This wasn’t one of the more emotional stories, if you’re wondering. Sometimes I finish a WWII book and feel emotionally exhausted afterwards. This is based on true accounts so of course it’s heartbreaking. Everything about this war is heartbreaking. The narrator was good. The only problem I had was with the second half of the book. I felt like it didn’t transition as smoothly as it could have.
Thanks IBPA via Netgalley.
This wasn’t one of the more emotional stories, if you’re wondering. Sometimes I finish a WWII book and feel emotionally exhausted afterwards. This is based on true accounts so of course it’s heartbreaking. Everything about this war is heartbreaking. The narrator was good. The only problem I had was with the second half of the book. I felt like it didn’t transition as smoothly as it could have.
Thanks IBPA via Netgalley.
July 23, 2021
Beyond the Tracks is a well-written and researched WWII story. It is based on true events and people, although the author explains that many characters and events were fictionalized for the story. Make sure your read or listen to his notes at the end of the story where he discusses his research, findings and how this book came about.
It's 1938 Berlin and Jacob Kagan, his mother, and father fear they don't have much time. When the Kagan Pharmacy is taken from them they know it is time to leave. They decide to try and get to the Netherlands where they know people. Being lucky to get a train ticket they head West, only to end up in a refugee camp called Westerbork. Living there for several years, they are surviving, working and doing well, until Germany invades and takes control of the camp. It now becomes a transit camp where Europeans, mostly Jewish, are brought to register before heading east to Auschwitz.
I became immersed in this book from the first page. It is realistic, sad, horrific and hopeful. The story is divided into three sections. The first is the escape and settling at Westerbork, then the trip to Auschwitz and finally his work with the Polish Home Army. This is a linear story, but there are gaps in Jacob's story (years covered in a few sentences). This did not cause any problem with the story or my ability to understand the things Jacob had done and how he had survived. The characters in Beyond the Tracks were very credible. Some of the characters were more endearing than others and some were outright cruel, but all made me think about them and their circumstances. Reading about these unsung heroes always gives me faith in humanity, while also reading about how cruel others can be. Michael Reit is presently researching more about the Polish Home Army and I look forward to seeing his next book. I did not know that this resistance group existed, nor that they actually facilitated escapes from Auschwitz. Michael Reit does a wonderful job of weaving real events and characters into this fictionalized story. The audiobook was narrated by Mike Paul. It was quite a theatrical performance and his tone and emotion were wonderful. I could feel the fear and felt that I was with the characters. My one complaint was in order to give the characters individual voices, some of his accents were a bit British sounding. I definitely recommend this book to those who enjoy Historical Fiction, especially WWII. I received a copy of this audiobook from Netgalley upon request. The rating and opinions shared are my own.
It's 1938 Berlin and Jacob Kagan, his mother, and father fear they don't have much time. When the Kagan Pharmacy is taken from them they know it is time to leave. They decide to try and get to the Netherlands where they know people. Being lucky to get a train ticket they head West, only to end up in a refugee camp called Westerbork. Living there for several years, they are surviving, working and doing well, until Germany invades and takes control of the camp. It now becomes a transit camp where Europeans, mostly Jewish, are brought to register before heading east to Auschwitz.
I became immersed in this book from the first page. It is realistic, sad, horrific and hopeful. The story is divided into three sections. The first is the escape and settling at Westerbork, then the trip to Auschwitz and finally his work with the Polish Home Army. This is a linear story, but there are gaps in Jacob's story (years covered in a few sentences). This did not cause any problem with the story or my ability to understand the things Jacob had done and how he had survived. The characters in Beyond the Tracks were very credible. Some of the characters were more endearing than others and some were outright cruel, but all made me think about them and their circumstances. Reading about these unsung heroes always gives me faith in humanity, while also reading about how cruel others can be. Michael Reit is presently researching more about the Polish Home Army and I look forward to seeing his next book. I did not know that this resistance group existed, nor that they actually facilitated escapes from Auschwitz. Michael Reit does a wonderful job of weaving real events and characters into this fictionalized story. The audiobook was narrated by Mike Paul. It was quite a theatrical performance and his tone and emotion were wonderful. I could feel the fear and felt that I was with the characters. My one complaint was in order to give the characters individual voices, some of his accents were a bit British sounding. I definitely recommend this book to those who enjoy Historical Fiction, especially WWII. I received a copy of this audiobook from Netgalley upon request. The rating and opinions shared are my own.
January 18, 2021
Beyond the Tracks: Based on harrowing true events is by Michael Reit. Generally, I refrain from recommending fiction books concerning the Holocaust because there are so many memoirs and biographies out there that are definitely true. However, this novel brings all the elements of truth to the story in such a way that the true events overshadow the fiction. The escapes from Auschwitz-Birkenau did occur as described and they were successful. Jacob is fictional; but he is very realistic and catches the reader’s eye to follow him and you want him to succeed.
Jacob and his parents left Berlin after Kristalnicht along with Ethan and his parents. They ended up in Westerbork transit camp in Holland. Eventually, some members of family were sent to Auschwitz. It was on the train to Auschwitz that Jacob escapes. This book adds some other incidents to the story which are also true.
This is a good book to recommed as additional reading.
Jacob and his parents left Berlin after Kristalnicht along with Ethan and his parents. They ended up in Westerbork transit camp in Holland. Eventually, some members of family were sent to Auschwitz. It was on the train to Auschwitz that Jacob escapes. This book adds some other incidents to the story which are also true.
This is a good book to recommed as additional reading.
August 20, 2020
The story "Beyond the Tracks" tells is compelling, but unfortunately the storytelling isn't. The characters are flat and interchangeable, and they never seem really affected by all that experience. The sorrow, loss, fear, desperation, hunger, pain—none of that is palpable. Half the time I wasn't even aware of what season it was, and given how shabby and sparse I assume the prisoners' clothing was, I'd imagine they would have really felt the cold and wind of winter, for instance, and appreciated the warmth of spring. All of which is a shame, as the book does seem to be well researched, and I'd love to read a good novel about the Polish resistance group featured in the third section of this book.
Thank you, NetGalley and Michael Reit, for providing me with an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.
Thank you, NetGalley and Michael Reit, for providing me with an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.
July 13, 2020
The ARC of this book was provided by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. #BeyondtheTracks #NetGalley.
Historical Fiction is my favourite genre and I'm happy to say this book did not disappoint. I found this perspective rather interesting, it's not often I come across books that accounts for the time spent at a transient camp. Certain scenes had me desperate to know what was going to happen next, I felt myself constantly wanting to read more of this novel. Although some of the dialogue felt a tad stiff to me, overall this book was enjoyable and the writing was thought-provoking and emotional. I'd be happy to read more from this author in the future!
Historical Fiction is my favourite genre and I'm happy to say this book did not disappoint. I found this perspective rather interesting, it's not often I come across books that accounts for the time spent at a transient camp. Certain scenes had me desperate to know what was going to happen next, I felt myself constantly wanting to read more of this novel. Although some of the dialogue felt a tad stiff to me, overall this book was enjoyable and the writing was thought-provoking and emotional. I'd be happy to read more from this author in the future!
January 2, 2024
Audiobook- I wasn’t thrilled with the reader’s voice changes for the different characters and probably would have preferred to read this one. The courage and determination of the characters was evident as the story progressed- the author’s notes explained which characters were fictional and which were
based on real people and their heroic actions during the occupation of their countries.
based on real people and their heroic actions during the occupation of their countries.
May 3, 2025
Historical fiction, Jewish refugee turned prisoner to escapee to resistance fighter.
Excellent!
Excellent!
March 23, 2025
Michael Reit’s Beyond the Tracks, though own a hardback print copy for my library, listened on a loan from the Libby app at a fast cadence. 2.25x speed. The closing scene of part one had me gasping for air and exhausted following a harrowing escape. Movie quality action.
Though it’s a horrid setting of unexpected death and survival. Feeling down I’m excited to binge the novel. Because of the difficult familiar experiences based on decades of studying this devastating topic, holocaust. Though full of hope upon peaking at the summary. Cheating a bit to get through what’s approaching. Exceptional writing.
This debut novelist is a winner, imo. Genius author. Am already excited to tackle book two and three of the series. 🏆
Fantastic read though prefer listening because my visual ability is disabled. With stories like these hearing faster then normal speed creates an intensity to the flow that causes gripping to the seat of my pants emotion. Making for an excellent gut wrenching enjoyment despite feeling over rot with disgust and distain for what Nazi’s were supported to do to people.
When they invaded other countries and those places joined in the treacherous actions I cannot bleach from my memory.
If you’ve read this topic before will appreciate this new edition to your shelf of great lit. If you had not heard of the holocaust or its travesties be prepared to take breaks through reading.
The story can be intense at times and a pause can help regroup if feeling physically sick or distraught. My experience showed me it’s impossible to unsee the travesty of WWll for many people in concentration camps. But embrace supporting keeping the stories alive, even if fiction based on fact, to encourage people to be aware of what happens if we allow genocide of people we dislike again.
Sad to note, this still occurs today in many nations. Under different circumstances. Such as, Dafur. During that sequence of events ethic cleansing occurred and most of the world was stagnant of their support.
People today could name other countries they believe this is happening in. My goal is not to cause a political uprising in the comments. My desire is to read books on the well known topic and it evoke independent creative thought.
Without our own ability to make ourselves aware of what is hurting peace we cannot create this. Thich Nhat Hanh, Peace in oneself peace in the world. This begins with us.
Whether fiction or fact based writing the holocaust, ethic cleansing, the entire deliberate systemic removal of people from the planet is sorrow at the core.
In the case of Dafur, it wasn’t just killing but r*ping women to impregnate them. This in turn produced children who were related to the oppressors. A form of cleansing the bloodlines of a people.
Bringing this up as a moment of pause. What can we do to help? Awareness is where knowledge to understand for wisdom of insight for choices begins.
Books by Mr Reit evokes deep seated emotion. Though I’m at an intense pace so my perspective might be exaggerated due to the speed. The m*rder of SO many people and t*rture along the way is a stark reminder to never forget and pay attention.
When this happens speak out. Get involved. Write letters. Make phone calls. Speak with leaders. Volunteer. Etc.
I’ve read about the ethic Russian’s in Ukraine who were suffering. Begging for help. Or people in Palestine though each has a base experience that is different the results are people being deleted from existence based on their heritage.
Dafur and what happened during WWll in many countries is not the last we will hear about and learn of ethic cleanses happening. It is stories like those by Mr Reit that help raise awareness. The rest is up to civilization to continue seeking a cure.
Listening at a fast speed is likened to sitting in a Ferrari riding down the autobahn traveling at 150 mph compared to driving around town at 30 mph.
While most people read at their visual pace or listen at normal speed. My foot is pressing the gas pedal to the floor of my ears ability to absorb this narrator at the fastest level of comprehension I’m able to withstand. Engaging every scene without losing a single word.
I find this method makes certain topics more dramatic and immersive. Because I’m a visual can see the action and people.
Like, there’s a train scene. People running. Trying to jump on. If I were attempting to visually read these people would move like snails. If I listen at normal speed they appear to be walking. If I’m maxed in my ability to hear the story faster these people are running for dear life as though I’m watching this in real life of a movie.
I taught myself how to listen faster through practice. And it depends on the narrator and topic how fast the speed is set.
Hope this helps fellow readers who want to tackle more books and have a busy life with work. If you commute or mow the lawn, etc a decent head set and audio book can be the best companion.
Another side effect, patience. It’s easy to be patient waiting in line or doctor office immersed in other worlds. Sure it’s fun to speak with others waiting, too. The in between times are options for great lit on the go.
One of my favorite facts about the book besides the ending is the Michael Reit is an independent published writer. Impressive work.
Tracks to Freedom, the follow up is on my library list so stay tuned for more on this saga train 🛤️
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💯
If you read beyond this point will learn my view on why events like the holocaust and wars happen. Where they begin and how to end them beginning with ourselves.
Grab a muffin or cookie and beverage. Sit back and enjoy. I toss in other notable reads you might enjoy, as much as me, to bullet point if interested can read them.
This topic evokes a passion from within so deep it brings up a lot of emotion. Rather than keep this to myself felt like ranting. Entertain and engage with bits of history and perspective as a veteran. Avid reader of perspectives of war and peace.
Some of my review readers enjoy my road trip reviews. The short highlight of a thing or two. Others a distance marathon of added info. Start with the topic of the book. Head to a destination that weaves and loops to a conclusion worth exploring.
Based on true events triggers memories of the holocaust and WWll. My grand fathers, one of which was a UDT, Underwater Demolition Team later renamed SEAL’s by President Kennedy; and family like my son’s great uncle who helped raise the flags as there were more than one) on Iwo Jima.
Learning three years ago Ukraine is run by the Nazi party was a surprise through research.
Plus learning we won WWll with Russian’s against the Nazi movement while reading Cika’s Journey. A follow up story to The Tattooist of Auschwitz.
If I’d known this fact about the U.S. and Russia had forgotten it.
This subject and our current state of world affairs involving war makes me sad, while being glad to understand facts. So many people don’t know or aren’t taught. Making it easier to be manipulated by warmongers when we forget, imo.
While in the military toured Dachau for a day. My first best friend I’m still buddies with is Jewish by heritage and faith. Remembering a housekeeper at a group home over four decades ago who had the arm tattoo from a concentration camp to studies. Cinema depicting these tragedies. More.
Am in disbelief we have Nazi’s today targeting people who asked for help from their nation of heritage. And we, the United States, gave funds to support a war run by this party.
Learning through true stories like The Boy Who Drew Auschwitz: a Powerful True Story of Hope and Survival. Or the countless others accounts shared through fact and fiction like The Book Thief or the Boy in Stripped Pajamas.
The irony of today is the U.S., we claim to support Israel and at the same time Nazi’s via Ukraine.
This week the line was drawn in the sand to stay out of the conflict and only support peace. Yet fighting ensues. What’s the solution? Certainly not killing off an entire culture of people. Sigh 😣
My concern while listening to this book is how Nazi’s took over other places in Europe and those countries helped with the endeavor to ethnic cleanse people of certain heritage off the earth. Even people like Henry Ford being friends with and supporting Hitler among other American’s and U.S. companies.
Side note, anything listed here is researchable via multiple search engines and in modern times ask the AI chat probing questions. Find out for yourself. It is history not taught in school but unfortunate fact nonetheless.
My family history is a mixed bag through great grandparents. Some of my people landed in the U.S. in the early 1600’s to help found the country in New England. To others who came to flee religious persecution and with the help of William Penn’s son’s purchases land in the beginning of 1700’s forming a town and church still active today. Cousin who sculpted Lincoln, Sequoia, and others we see in DC. Etc.
Though it is my Great Grandfather, late 1800’s, born here to immigrant parents. Said to be the lowest of ethnicities as an Italian. Targeted by many American’s as ‘lower than the negro’ notated in news articles. Mass lynchings nationwide including the largest organized by the Louisiana governor who later became a senator. No one from our government did anything to stop this.
It’s books like Beyond the Tracks and others, Ghosts of Honolulu to Unbroken about a soldier’s life before during and after the war, and my personal family stories that make me grateful to be American. Though concerned when people jump on the war bandwagon and that train like we did with Afghanistan. Vietnam that was never declared a war to ethnic Russian’s in Ukraine which as I recently heard because they’re not in NATO is not our responsibility.
When I think of people in places like Dafur who were surviving horrible travesties and we were like meh, not our problem but when oil is involved we jump into messes like Iraq … where we were stationed along the pipeline.
What I know for sure as a veteran, there’s zero benefit to participating with Nazi’s in Ukraine against a country that helped us win WWll and I believe would do this again.
This said, how do we support places like Israel and know it creates what we witness in Gaza. How do we support Nazi’s via Ukraine when we know via history what results.
What I learned through a veteran business named Combat Flip Flops … who supporting girls and women in Afghanistan to become educated helps ending wars … buying products made by them to create funds toward this goal is key to ending wars beginning in childhood. Which is also the time radicalization to create wars begins, as well … we also help clean unexploded ordinance in Vietnam left by America through cleaning these mines; locals make jewelry to sell and the funds help clean three meters with each purchase.
Printed on jewelry and other merch, Be a better human. How?
As a veteran know war is never the answer. Peace is always the way to winning in life. How do we make peace?
“Peace in oneself peace in the world” ~ Thich Nhat Hanh
This is the screen saver on my phone.
“Peace, be still” ~ Jesus
This is the most important phrase spoken, to us. The world, imo.
How do we fight wars that will never be won. WWll we ally with Russia. Eventually we work Germany. At the moment, we are reworking what partnership means. The core is peace, and supporting those who ground in this priority, imo.
What I know for certain is peace begins with us. Ourselves.
We cannot control the world of sin and countries that put upon others events like genocide in every instance based on historical evidence or many opportunities within my lifetime.
We as a nation make decisions that will create division. Whether intentional or not.
Peace is an internal thing. Not external. If we find our own peace this spreads. Like happiness is scientifically proven to spread. Within a few blocks of a happy neighbor. Or socially, happy people spread happy vibes and people catch this.
Books like Beyond the Tracks bring up a lot within me as a veteran, human, and follower of Christ and Thich Nhat Hanh who was friends with Martin Luther King Jr.
In a world full of distractions and mob mentality to jump into a war without doing research because someone said we should is not how peace emerges.
We find it within through quieting our minds, body, and spirit.
How the enemy wins is keeping humans constantly engaged in distractions. The brain chemistry changes to require the dopamine rush when things like the phone pings “you’ve got a text”.
People are sicker and depression so on the rise because their peace evaporated.
The good news, peace is like water. The earth has only so much. It has three forms: solid, liquid, gas. How we process it determines its form.
This reminds me of Be Water, My Friends: The Teachings of Bruce Lee.
As a Jesus freak, my affectionate name for how crazy I am for the Lord, bounce everything off his words. So, peace, be still works very well when studying Thich Nhat Hanh’s mindful practices and the fact he wrote Living Buddha Living Christ shows his love and appreciation for this phrase. That quiets the storms or distractions of life.
Remember Peter walking to Jesus. Sinking. He didn’t get picked up by Jesus and carried back to the boat, but returned his focus to peace and walked back with Jesus to the boat.
Our minds are like water. We control the form. Though distractions and happenings will create storms and waves crash or winters. Reminding me of the book, Wintering: The Power of Rest and Retreat in Difficult Times. The title says it all.
What we think as hard is an opportunity for practicing peace. Not the absence of it.
What I learned about practice through Buddhists like THN and studying becoming expert at anything. Think of books like Outliers. And the 10,000 hr theory.
Practice does make perfect and it means more practice.
We will never go to the gym. Work out to be an Olympic champion. And maintain this level IF we do not maintain the same level of practice.
Peace of all things we can attain, other than the practice of kindness, is the most important to world peace and stopping holocausts to world wars.
People are not our enemies unless we decide they are. Humanity is broken and unless we see and practice peace the world will continue to war.
As a nation of strength we do not need to participate in wars. Though we began in WWll following Pearl Harbor we ended in concentrations camps along with Russia against nazis’s and all those European nations who participated.
What I learned from Ukraine events is we might help win a war but we will not win peace with instigation; the mess we encouraged is more difficult to create peace within.
The evil that profits are corporations affiliated with Black Rock who are only on the side of profit. How much will they profit during rebuilding a country they encouraged we lead to destroy. We are a pawn in their gain.
If you read this far and believe this review is meant to tell you your political fortitudes are wrong because you believe otherwise is not my intention to sharing beyond the specific book.
Books are inspiration to ideas. It’s not about the book but the travesty of the happenstances based on reality. People died amidst treacherous happenstances.
We are in the midsts of similar circumstances. Whether we believe Nazi’s exist or Ukraine is run by them … even this is contradictory via research.
I’ve read multiple accounts saying ethnic cleansing isn’t happening at the hands of Ukraine and others that say Russia was asked to help stop the carnage.
There were investigators who said there was no genocide. While I remember during WWll people were in such disbelief here we wouldn’t get involved.
On an episode of the Walton’s a man who is Jewish shares what he knew to be true and it was difficult to believe him. How could a nation harm unarmed human beings this way. This episode is reflective of how people were in disbelief until evidence ensued trial for crimes against humanity.
Through research read the Nazi party blamed the Jewish people for their fiscal problems and this is how the entire community became a target.
My step daughter who is Jewish said she was told people were jealous of Jews for their wealth which started the hate.
Many different view points converge on distractions to peace. The opposite is hatred. Though defending those afflicted is in pursuit of peace. Beyond the Tracks is a reminder of why.
Beyond the Tracks is a story based on facts. History many decades old. Though genocide has continued. We might not forget the holocaust but as history reveals we continue to have ethic cleansing today globally.
If we have purpose can find peace through its pursuit and happiness. How we use this experience to widen its reach is different for everyone.
Hope my perspectives and experiences evokes pursuit of ideas and encourages finding ways to share peace within self and the community. Pursue ways to support peace. Whether it’s becoming a soldier to writing a story. Buying jewelry that removes unexploded ordnance to becoming an informed citizen who gets involved. Etc.
Whatever the choice please never stop pursuing knowledge to understand for wisdom of insight in choices.
I toiled over posting this or being silent. In the world today people are taking sides and not always informed.
Rather than skirt potential commenters attacking a point of view they’re entitled to disagree with once I post this figure the people who are connected know how I roll.
Maybe you all can be understanding of my why this is hard.
It’s the random reader of the review at a future date who doesn’t know me over time here. Who might launch a missile of hatred and disagreement.
If that’s you, my hope is you see my entire commentary. Understand my goal isn’t to have an argument. It’s venting the hurt this topic invites within.
Going to Dachau imprinted a pain beyond measure in that atmosphere I carry with me. Friends and family involved in the culture expressing their feelings impacts me, still. Sometimes it feels like I’m asking for it. The sorrow to rise up inside by taking on the topic again and again.
What I’ve learned is over time the lessons help create solutions. Prevent or stop more of the same.
I wish from the bottom of my heart this never happens again. Humanity is complex. Includes diverse cultures.
If my review extension helps one person reconsider their point of view to support peace and the steps to reach this pinnacle it’s worth the hate my essay might trigger. If my venting plants a seed that leads to one less person dying in any way I’m glad.
Thanks for coming along this far. Even if we disagree. I’m certain somewhere we have common ground. Like, peace is healthy. Genocide sucks. And pursuing the results toward being a better human are never wasted.
Kind regards,
Patience ❤️✌🏼
Though it’s a horrid setting of unexpected death and survival. Feeling down I’m excited to binge the novel. Because of the difficult familiar experiences based on decades of studying this devastating topic, holocaust. Though full of hope upon peaking at the summary. Cheating a bit to get through what’s approaching. Exceptional writing.
This debut novelist is a winner, imo. Genius author. Am already excited to tackle book two and three of the series. 🏆
Fantastic read though prefer listening because my visual ability is disabled. With stories like these hearing faster then normal speed creates an intensity to the flow that causes gripping to the seat of my pants emotion. Making for an excellent gut wrenching enjoyment despite feeling over rot with disgust and distain for what Nazi’s were supported to do to people.
When they invaded other countries and those places joined in the treacherous actions I cannot bleach from my memory.
If you’ve read this topic before will appreciate this new edition to your shelf of great lit. If you had not heard of the holocaust or its travesties be prepared to take breaks through reading.
The story can be intense at times and a pause can help regroup if feeling physically sick or distraught. My experience showed me it’s impossible to unsee the travesty of WWll for many people in concentration camps. But embrace supporting keeping the stories alive, even if fiction based on fact, to encourage people to be aware of what happens if we allow genocide of people we dislike again.
Sad to note, this still occurs today in many nations. Under different circumstances. Such as, Dafur. During that sequence of events ethic cleansing occurred and most of the world was stagnant of their support.
People today could name other countries they believe this is happening in. My goal is not to cause a political uprising in the comments. My desire is to read books on the well known topic and it evoke independent creative thought.
Without our own ability to make ourselves aware of what is hurting peace we cannot create this. Thich Nhat Hanh, Peace in oneself peace in the world. This begins with us.
Whether fiction or fact based writing the holocaust, ethic cleansing, the entire deliberate systemic removal of people from the planet is sorrow at the core.
In the case of Dafur, it wasn’t just killing but r*ping women to impregnate them. This in turn produced children who were related to the oppressors. A form of cleansing the bloodlines of a people.
Bringing this up as a moment of pause. What can we do to help? Awareness is where knowledge to understand for wisdom of insight for choices begins.
Books by Mr Reit evokes deep seated emotion. Though I’m at an intense pace so my perspective might be exaggerated due to the speed. The m*rder of SO many people and t*rture along the way is a stark reminder to never forget and pay attention.
When this happens speak out. Get involved. Write letters. Make phone calls. Speak with leaders. Volunteer. Etc.
I’ve read about the ethic Russian’s in Ukraine who were suffering. Begging for help. Or people in Palestine though each has a base experience that is different the results are people being deleted from existence based on their heritage.
Dafur and what happened during WWll in many countries is not the last we will hear about and learn of ethic cleanses happening. It is stories like those by Mr Reit that help raise awareness. The rest is up to civilization to continue seeking a cure.
Listening at a fast speed is likened to sitting in a Ferrari riding down the autobahn traveling at 150 mph compared to driving around town at 30 mph.
While most people read at their visual pace or listen at normal speed. My foot is pressing the gas pedal to the floor of my ears ability to absorb this narrator at the fastest level of comprehension I’m able to withstand. Engaging every scene without losing a single word.
I find this method makes certain topics more dramatic and immersive. Because I’m a visual can see the action and people.
Like, there’s a train scene. People running. Trying to jump on. If I were attempting to visually read these people would move like snails. If I listen at normal speed they appear to be walking. If I’m maxed in my ability to hear the story faster these people are running for dear life as though I’m watching this in real life of a movie.
I taught myself how to listen faster through practice. And it depends on the narrator and topic how fast the speed is set.
Hope this helps fellow readers who want to tackle more books and have a busy life with work. If you commute or mow the lawn, etc a decent head set and audio book can be the best companion.
Another side effect, patience. It’s easy to be patient waiting in line or doctor office immersed in other worlds. Sure it’s fun to speak with others waiting, too. The in between times are options for great lit on the go.
One of my favorite facts about the book besides the ending is the Michael Reit is an independent published writer. Impressive work.
Tracks to Freedom, the follow up is on my library list so stay tuned for more on this saga train 🛤️
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💯
If you read beyond this point will learn my view on why events like the holocaust and wars happen. Where they begin and how to end them beginning with ourselves.
Grab a muffin or cookie and beverage. Sit back and enjoy. I toss in other notable reads you might enjoy, as much as me, to bullet point if interested can read them.
This topic evokes a passion from within so deep it brings up a lot of emotion. Rather than keep this to myself felt like ranting. Entertain and engage with bits of history and perspective as a veteran. Avid reader of perspectives of war and peace.
Some of my review readers enjoy my road trip reviews. The short highlight of a thing or two. Others a distance marathon of added info. Start with the topic of the book. Head to a destination that weaves and loops to a conclusion worth exploring.
Based on true events triggers memories of the holocaust and WWll. My grand fathers, one of which was a UDT, Underwater Demolition Team later renamed SEAL’s by President Kennedy; and family like my son’s great uncle who helped raise the flags as there were more than one) on Iwo Jima.
Learning three years ago Ukraine is run by the Nazi party was a surprise through research.
Plus learning we won WWll with Russian’s against the Nazi movement while reading Cika’s Journey. A follow up story to The Tattooist of Auschwitz.
If I’d known this fact about the U.S. and Russia had forgotten it.
This subject and our current state of world affairs involving war makes me sad, while being glad to understand facts. So many people don’t know or aren’t taught. Making it easier to be manipulated by warmongers when we forget, imo.
While in the military toured Dachau for a day. My first best friend I’m still buddies with is Jewish by heritage and faith. Remembering a housekeeper at a group home over four decades ago who had the arm tattoo from a concentration camp to studies. Cinema depicting these tragedies. More.
Am in disbelief we have Nazi’s today targeting people who asked for help from their nation of heritage. And we, the United States, gave funds to support a war run by this party.
Learning through true stories like The Boy Who Drew Auschwitz: a Powerful True Story of Hope and Survival. Or the countless others accounts shared through fact and fiction like The Book Thief or the Boy in Stripped Pajamas.
The irony of today is the U.S., we claim to support Israel and at the same time Nazi’s via Ukraine.
This week the line was drawn in the sand to stay out of the conflict and only support peace. Yet fighting ensues. What’s the solution? Certainly not killing off an entire culture of people. Sigh 😣
My concern while listening to this book is how Nazi’s took over other places in Europe and those countries helped with the endeavor to ethnic cleanse people of certain heritage off the earth. Even people like Henry Ford being friends with and supporting Hitler among other American’s and U.S. companies.
Side note, anything listed here is researchable via multiple search engines and in modern times ask the AI chat probing questions. Find out for yourself. It is history not taught in school but unfortunate fact nonetheless.
My family history is a mixed bag through great grandparents. Some of my people landed in the U.S. in the early 1600’s to help found the country in New England. To others who came to flee religious persecution and with the help of William Penn’s son’s purchases land in the beginning of 1700’s forming a town and church still active today. Cousin who sculpted Lincoln, Sequoia, and others we see in DC. Etc.
Though it is my Great Grandfather, late 1800’s, born here to immigrant parents. Said to be the lowest of ethnicities as an Italian. Targeted by many American’s as ‘lower than the negro’ notated in news articles. Mass lynchings nationwide including the largest organized by the Louisiana governor who later became a senator. No one from our government did anything to stop this.
It’s books like Beyond the Tracks and others, Ghosts of Honolulu to Unbroken about a soldier’s life before during and after the war, and my personal family stories that make me grateful to be American. Though concerned when people jump on the war bandwagon and that train like we did with Afghanistan. Vietnam that was never declared a war to ethnic Russian’s in Ukraine which as I recently heard because they’re not in NATO is not our responsibility.
When I think of people in places like Dafur who were surviving horrible travesties and we were like meh, not our problem but when oil is involved we jump into messes like Iraq … where we were stationed along the pipeline.
What I know for sure as a veteran, there’s zero benefit to participating with Nazi’s in Ukraine against a country that helped us win WWll and I believe would do this again.
This said, how do we support places like Israel and know it creates what we witness in Gaza. How do we support Nazi’s via Ukraine when we know via history what results.
What I learned through a veteran business named Combat Flip Flops … who supporting girls and women in Afghanistan to become educated helps ending wars … buying products made by them to create funds toward this goal is key to ending wars beginning in childhood. Which is also the time radicalization to create wars begins, as well … we also help clean unexploded ordinance in Vietnam left by America through cleaning these mines; locals make jewelry to sell and the funds help clean three meters with each purchase.
Printed on jewelry and other merch, Be a better human. How?
As a veteran know war is never the answer. Peace is always the way to winning in life. How do we make peace?
“Peace in oneself peace in the world” ~ Thich Nhat Hanh
This is the screen saver on my phone.
“Peace, be still” ~ Jesus
This is the most important phrase spoken, to us. The world, imo.
How do we fight wars that will never be won. WWll we ally with Russia. Eventually we work Germany. At the moment, we are reworking what partnership means. The core is peace, and supporting those who ground in this priority, imo.
What I know for certain is peace begins with us. Ourselves.
We cannot control the world of sin and countries that put upon others events like genocide in every instance based on historical evidence or many opportunities within my lifetime.
We as a nation make decisions that will create division. Whether intentional or not.
Peace is an internal thing. Not external. If we find our own peace this spreads. Like happiness is scientifically proven to spread. Within a few blocks of a happy neighbor. Or socially, happy people spread happy vibes and people catch this.
Books like Beyond the Tracks bring up a lot within me as a veteran, human, and follower of Christ and Thich Nhat Hanh who was friends with Martin Luther King Jr.
In a world full of distractions and mob mentality to jump into a war without doing research because someone said we should is not how peace emerges.
We find it within through quieting our minds, body, and spirit.
How the enemy wins is keeping humans constantly engaged in distractions. The brain chemistry changes to require the dopamine rush when things like the phone pings “you’ve got a text”.
People are sicker and depression so on the rise because their peace evaporated.
The good news, peace is like water. The earth has only so much. It has three forms: solid, liquid, gas. How we process it determines its form.
This reminds me of Be Water, My Friends: The Teachings of Bruce Lee.
As a Jesus freak, my affectionate name for how crazy I am for the Lord, bounce everything off his words. So, peace, be still works very well when studying Thich Nhat Hanh’s mindful practices and the fact he wrote Living Buddha Living Christ shows his love and appreciation for this phrase. That quiets the storms or distractions of life.
Remember Peter walking to Jesus. Sinking. He didn’t get picked up by Jesus and carried back to the boat, but returned his focus to peace and walked back with Jesus to the boat.
Our minds are like water. We control the form. Though distractions and happenings will create storms and waves crash or winters. Reminding me of the book, Wintering: The Power of Rest and Retreat in Difficult Times. The title says it all.
What we think as hard is an opportunity for practicing peace. Not the absence of it.
What I learned about practice through Buddhists like THN and studying becoming expert at anything. Think of books like Outliers. And the 10,000 hr theory.
Practice does make perfect and it means more practice.
We will never go to the gym. Work out to be an Olympic champion. And maintain this level IF we do not maintain the same level of practice.
Peace of all things we can attain, other than the practice of kindness, is the most important to world peace and stopping holocausts to world wars.
People are not our enemies unless we decide they are. Humanity is broken and unless we see and practice peace the world will continue to war.
As a nation of strength we do not need to participate in wars. Though we began in WWll following Pearl Harbor we ended in concentrations camps along with Russia against nazis’s and all those European nations who participated.
What I learned from Ukraine events is we might help win a war but we will not win peace with instigation; the mess we encouraged is more difficult to create peace within.
The evil that profits are corporations affiliated with Black Rock who are only on the side of profit. How much will they profit during rebuilding a country they encouraged we lead to destroy. We are a pawn in their gain.
If you read this far and believe this review is meant to tell you your political fortitudes are wrong because you believe otherwise is not my intention to sharing beyond the specific book.
Books are inspiration to ideas. It’s not about the book but the travesty of the happenstances based on reality. People died amidst treacherous happenstances.
We are in the midsts of similar circumstances. Whether we believe Nazi’s exist or Ukraine is run by them … even this is contradictory via research.
I’ve read multiple accounts saying ethnic cleansing isn’t happening at the hands of Ukraine and others that say Russia was asked to help stop the carnage.
There were investigators who said there was no genocide. While I remember during WWll people were in such disbelief here we wouldn’t get involved.
On an episode of the Walton’s a man who is Jewish shares what he knew to be true and it was difficult to believe him. How could a nation harm unarmed human beings this way. This episode is reflective of how people were in disbelief until evidence ensued trial for crimes against humanity.
Through research read the Nazi party blamed the Jewish people for their fiscal problems and this is how the entire community became a target.
My step daughter who is Jewish said she was told people were jealous of Jews for their wealth which started the hate.
Many different view points converge on distractions to peace. The opposite is hatred. Though defending those afflicted is in pursuit of peace. Beyond the Tracks is a reminder of why.
Beyond the Tracks is a story based on facts. History many decades old. Though genocide has continued. We might not forget the holocaust but as history reveals we continue to have ethic cleansing today globally.
If we have purpose can find peace through its pursuit and happiness. How we use this experience to widen its reach is different for everyone.
Hope my perspectives and experiences evokes pursuit of ideas and encourages finding ways to share peace within self and the community. Pursue ways to support peace. Whether it’s becoming a soldier to writing a story. Buying jewelry that removes unexploded ordnance to becoming an informed citizen who gets involved. Etc.
Whatever the choice please never stop pursuing knowledge to understand for wisdom of insight in choices.
I toiled over posting this or being silent. In the world today people are taking sides and not always informed.
Rather than skirt potential commenters attacking a point of view they’re entitled to disagree with once I post this figure the people who are connected know how I roll.
Maybe you all can be understanding of my why this is hard.
It’s the random reader of the review at a future date who doesn’t know me over time here. Who might launch a missile of hatred and disagreement.
If that’s you, my hope is you see my entire commentary. Understand my goal isn’t to have an argument. It’s venting the hurt this topic invites within.
Going to Dachau imprinted a pain beyond measure in that atmosphere I carry with me. Friends and family involved in the culture expressing their feelings impacts me, still. Sometimes it feels like I’m asking for it. The sorrow to rise up inside by taking on the topic again and again.
What I’ve learned is over time the lessons help create solutions. Prevent or stop more of the same.
I wish from the bottom of my heart this never happens again. Humanity is complex. Includes diverse cultures.
If my review extension helps one person reconsider their point of view to support peace and the steps to reach this pinnacle it’s worth the hate my essay might trigger. If my venting plants a seed that leads to one less person dying in any way I’m glad.
Thanks for coming along this far. Even if we disagree. I’m certain somewhere we have common ground. Like, peace is healthy. Genocide sucks. And pursuing the results toward being a better human are never wasted.
Kind regards,
Patience ❤️✌🏼
September 17, 2023
I truly enjoyed this novel. Although any novel about Nazi persecution of Jews is hard to read, the writing of this work flowed easily. The characters are fully developed. The plot, although familiar, takes a different approach & was engaging.
I always appreciate a well researched piece of Historical Fiction and this one works!!
Thank you, Michael!
I always appreciate a well researched piece of Historical Fiction and this one works!!
Thank you, Michael!
September 29, 2023
*Audiobook
“Look at them. They’re literally being worked to death.”
I don’t typically read historical fiction, and I certainly don’t read much World War II books because it just breaks my heart. However, every now and then I’ll give another try to historical fiction and every so often I’ll give a World War II book another shot.
So, apparently this was a debut novel, but it certainly didn’t read like one. It was very well written and researched with just enough facts and fiction to meld the story together.
It was so disheartening to read, but such a good book. I liked the perspectives. It was so very atmospheric. As a reader I could so clearly picture what was being described…the black rain/ashes, the poor conditions and abuse and mass murders. The scene with the little boy…where you didn’t even have to read what happened, because it was implied and was so heartbreaking.
The author delicately crafted this story taking you through each step the characters took and the series of events when their world changed.
WWII was such a disgusting and devastating time in history, it takes true talent to make the story come off the page in the way that Reit does in this book. It’s so heavy though I need a mushy light hearted romance to get me outta my sad head.
I definitely recommend this one.
“Look at them. They’re literally being worked to death.”
I don’t typically read historical fiction, and I certainly don’t read much World War II books because it just breaks my heart. However, every now and then I’ll give another try to historical fiction and every so often I’ll give a World War II book another shot.
So, apparently this was a debut novel, but it certainly didn’t read like one. It was very well written and researched with just enough facts and fiction to meld the story together.
It was so disheartening to read, but such a good book. I liked the perspectives. It was so very atmospheric. As a reader I could so clearly picture what was being described…the black rain/ashes, the poor conditions and abuse and mass murders. The scene with the little boy…where you didn’t even have to read what happened, because it was implied and was so heartbreaking.
The author delicately crafted this story taking you through each step the characters took and the series of events when their world changed.
WWII was such a disgusting and devastating time in history, it takes true talent to make the story come off the page in the way that Reit does in this book. It’s so heavy though I need a mushy light hearted romance to get me outta my sad head.
I definitely recommend this one.
April 15, 2022
Was a great story but I wish it didn’t cut off the good parts by going to part 2 or 3 etc of the book. I wish there was more detail when having to jump of a train, and travel… or at the end it just drops off as they walk… I wish there was more but I enjoyed it
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 20, 2022
Ik kreeg dit boek van Bookfunnel en Michael Reit in ruil voor een eerlijke review.
Het verhaal speelt zich gedeeltelijk af in Berlijn, Westerbork en later in het plaatsje Oświęcim (Auschwitz), en beschrijft de belevenissen van Jacob en Ethan, twee Joodse vrienden gedurende en voor de Tweede Wereldoorlog.
Het verhaal achter 'Beyond the Tracks' is overtuigend, helaas dit boek is het niet. De personages zijn vlak, en inwisselbaar voor een ander. Ook lijken zij nauwelijks beïnvloed te zijn door de gebeurtenissen. Het verdriet, de angst, de pijn, honger etcetera lijkt ze niet te raken.
Op sommige plaatsen leek het boek gehaast te zijn en kwam soms gekunsteld over.
En dat is jammer, want het lijkt er wel op dat er gedegen onderzoek is gedaan voor dit boek.
-- English --
I received this book through Bookfunnel and Michael Reit for a honest review on Goodreads.
The tory takes place in Berlin, Westerbrok (a Dutch town with a infamous camp, and later turns to Oświęcim (Auschwitz). It features the story of Jacob and Ethan, two Jewish friends before, during and after the second World War.
The story behind 'Beyond the Tracks' is convincing, unfortunately this book is not. The characters are flat, and can be exchanged for another. They also seem to be hardly influenced by the events. The sadness, the fear, the pain, the hunger, etc. does not seem to affect them.
In places, the book seemed rushed and sometimes came across as artificial.
And that's a shame, because it seems that solid research has been done for this book.
Het verhaal speelt zich gedeeltelijk af in Berlijn, Westerbork en later in het plaatsje Oświęcim (Auschwitz), en beschrijft de belevenissen van Jacob en Ethan, twee Joodse vrienden gedurende en voor de Tweede Wereldoorlog.
Het verhaal achter 'Beyond the Tracks' is overtuigend, helaas dit boek is het niet. De personages zijn vlak, en inwisselbaar voor een ander. Ook lijken zij nauwelijks beïnvloed te zijn door de gebeurtenissen. Het verdriet, de angst, de pijn, honger etcetera lijkt ze niet te raken.
Op sommige plaatsen leek het boek gehaast te zijn en kwam soms gekunsteld over.
En dat is jammer, want het lijkt er wel op dat er gedegen onderzoek is gedaan voor dit boek.
-- English --
I received this book through Bookfunnel and Michael Reit for a honest review on Goodreads.
The tory takes place in Berlin, Westerbrok (a Dutch town with a infamous camp, and later turns to Oświęcim (Auschwitz). It features the story of Jacob and Ethan, two Jewish friends before, during and after the second World War.
The story behind 'Beyond the Tracks' is convincing, unfortunately this book is not. The characters are flat, and can be exchanged for another. They also seem to be hardly influenced by the events. The sadness, the fear, the pain, the hunger, etc. does not seem to affect them.
In places, the book seemed rushed and sometimes came across as artificial.
And that's a shame, because it seems that solid research has been done for this book.
July 3, 2021
3.5 stars I was fluctuating between 3 and 4 the whole story at the beginning I was having a hard time with the narrator as his voice was very theatrical like and I wasn't really feeling the story but I gave the story a chance and I started to get more in tune with the narrator so it was a good thing as I started to like more and more the story.
Beyond the tracks was a very heartbreaking story, it was difficult for me at times to listen to what the Nazis did especially to children, this was too much but I kept going. this is the story of two good friends that spend the war together and got separated for a while, Jacob did everything he could to find his friend again. even doe if that meant doing things he really wants capable of and had to sacrifice a lot.
the main character is Jacob and we get to travel and live every single thing he went through in order to survive the war and the atrocities of the SS. like i said during Jacobs's journey we get to meet many scenarios he went through in order to survive but the hardest one was at the end when he had to do the impossible to save his best friend.
this wasn't an easy read for me, even though I like it a lot WWll books this was at times very hard to digest.
the narrations by Mike Paul were good but it took me a while to like his voice, like I said before his voice was very theatrical at times and it kind of made me feel off.
overall it was a good book.
Beyond the tracks was a very heartbreaking story, it was difficult for me at times to listen to what the Nazis did especially to children, this was too much but I kept going. this is the story of two good friends that spend the war together and got separated for a while, Jacob did everything he could to find his friend again. even doe if that meant doing things he really wants capable of and had to sacrifice a lot.
the main character is Jacob and we get to travel and live every single thing he went through in order to survive the war and the atrocities of the SS. like i said during Jacobs's journey we get to meet many scenarios he went through in order to survive but the hardest one was at the end when he had to do the impossible to save his best friend.
this wasn't an easy read for me, even though I like it a lot WWll books this was at times very hard to digest.
the narrations by Mike Paul were good but it took me a while to like his voice, like I said before his voice was very theatrical at times and it kind of made me feel off.
overall it was a good book.
August 5, 2025
I read a fair amount of WWII fic and this book has a few qualities that really make it stand out.
First, much of it is set in the Westerbork Camp in the Netherlands, which is not a place one often gets to read about. The author's observation, that this camp was designed to lure prisoners into a false sense of safety so that they could easily be shipped to the death camps in the east, gives the setting a sinister tautness that adds to the tension of the story. But even putting that aside, I really enjoyed getting a different perspective and hearing a lesser-told tale.
I also really liked that the main character, Jaco, was a kapo. The author did a good job of explaining Jaco's reasoning for accepting that position, and it reminded me how complicated -- and morally ambiguous -- the roles we take on can be, particularly in fraught times.
Finally, I enjoyed the way real-life members of the Polish resistance were written into the book. Their courage and the strength of their convictions are well-represented, and I was thoroughly impressed and humbled.
The story itself was entertaining -- I'm not going to get into it, b/c I think others have done a great job of that already. But I do want to say that this was an enjoyable book with something worthwhile to say.
First, much of it is set in the Westerbork Camp in the Netherlands, which is not a place one often gets to read about. The author's observation, that this camp was designed to lure prisoners into a false sense of safety so that they could easily be shipped to the death camps in the east, gives the setting a sinister tautness that adds to the tension of the story. But even putting that aside, I really enjoyed getting a different perspective and hearing a lesser-told tale.
I also really liked that the main character, Jaco, was a kapo. The author did a good job of explaining Jaco's reasoning for accepting that position, and it reminded me how complicated -- and morally ambiguous -- the roles we take on can be, particularly in fraught times.
Finally, I enjoyed the way real-life members of the Polish resistance were written into the book. Their courage and the strength of their convictions are well-represented, and I was thoroughly impressed and humbled.
The story itself was entertaining -- I'm not going to get into it, b/c I think others have done a great job of that already. But I do want to say that this was an enjoyable book with something worthwhile to say.
August 17, 2024
I may have liked this book much better if I hadn't listened to the audiobook. The news all has British accents and all the nazis sounded German but the author repeatedly talked about the hero's crisp Berlin accent and he and his best friend and dad sounded very Cockney. I nearly stopped listening multiple times as the story was very marred by the reading but I am not a quitter.
October 20, 2020
Outstanding,Many Instances True During Holocaust
Ethan and Jacob met in Elementary school and became life long friends.They grew up in Berlin and until the appearance of the brown shirts and the War,they could never imagine living anyplace else.
They were among the persons who were able to escape,by train after Jacob's father,had his business destroyed.
The train took them to Holland and the people were basically dumped on open ground with not to much going on.
They called the place Westerbork.
The place was quickly made into a home of sorts,with little food and a narrow bunk bed to sleep in.
Ethan and Jacob continued their unique friendship and helped where they could and continued to survive.
After a few yrs.The Germans came and they were told to hurriedly build extra bunk houses to house,several hundred or more.
But,things changed quickly and it basically was a stop gap,as the Germans had a goal and it was to send as many
of the Dutch,as
they could to Auschwitz.
Jacob and Ethan were lucky for a few yrs.,as they were the ones helping the other people to board the trains or cattle cars.
Finally their turn,came around and both were soon sent,alas in separate cars.
Jacob lost his father,during this trip,but figured out a way to escape that car,and did it in a very precarious way.
A yr.or so went by,as he lived by his smarts and was taken in by a group working out of Warsaw.Jacob never forgot his friend, Ethan and vowed to get him out of Auschwitz concentration camp if he was still alive.
Never thinking about the fact,that no one had ever escaped.
This book,had me from the first few pages.The author certainly did his research,as this book had many true instances,but some were due to his amazing,talent for writing.
I don't usually go on and on about a book.because I've read hundreds of WWII books and usually they seem to blend together,after a time,but this one did not.It stood out !
With the fact that we are in the middle of the most horrific virus, ever in our life times.You can read a book like this and still count your many Blessings.
Ethan and Jacob met in Elementary school and became life long friends.They grew up in Berlin and until the appearance of the brown shirts and the War,they could never imagine living anyplace else.
They were among the persons who were able to escape,by train after Jacob's father,had his business destroyed.
The train took them to Holland and the people were basically dumped on open ground with not to much going on.
They called the place Westerbork.
The place was quickly made into a home of sorts,with little food and a narrow bunk bed to sleep in.
Ethan and Jacob continued their unique friendship and helped where they could and continued to survive.
After a few yrs.The Germans came and they were told to hurriedly build extra bunk houses to house,several hundred or more.
But,things changed quickly and it basically was a stop gap,as the Germans had a goal and it was to send as many
of the Dutch,as
they could to Auschwitz.
Jacob and Ethan were lucky for a few yrs.,as they were the ones helping the other people to board the trains or cattle cars.
Finally their turn,came around and both were soon sent,alas in separate cars.
Jacob lost his father,during this trip,but figured out a way to escape that car,and did it in a very precarious way.
A yr.or so went by,as he lived by his smarts and was taken in by a group working out of Warsaw.Jacob never forgot his friend, Ethan and vowed to get him out of Auschwitz concentration camp if he was still alive.
Never thinking about the fact,that no one had ever escaped.
This book,had me from the first few pages.The author certainly did his research,as this book had many true instances,but some were due to his amazing,talent for writing.
I don't usually go on and on about a book.because I've read hundreds of WWII books and usually they seem to blend together,after a time,but this one did not.It stood out !
With the fact that we are in the middle of the most horrific virus, ever in our life times.You can read a book like this and still count your many Blessings.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 6, 2021
Jacob & Ethan are two young Jewish friends living in Berlin at the break of of WWII. Anxious to avoid being caught and sent to a prison camp, they along with family travel to The Netherlands. While in The Netherlands, they do their best to stay under the radar and end up in Westerbork, a Dutch refugee camp. Before long, the Nazis take over the camp and it becomes a transit camp where thousands of Jewish families will arrive and think they are safe before being sent off to the death camps.
Jacob and several other campers become part of the workforce at the camp and what he learns from his time at the camp will be invaluable later. Ultimately, Jacob and Ethan are put on one of the trains to Auschwitz. The conditions in the train car are abhorrent so after Jacob suffers yet another loss he decides to make a break for it. What happens next on Polish soil and in his quest to find his friend, Ethan are truly inspiring.
This book is a work of fiction but some of the characters and events are based on true accounts. I found this book and narrative extremely informative as it tells another side of the Holocaust literally from Beyond the Tracks and how the transit operate.
Thank you to #netgalley for the opportunity to listen to this #audiobook in exchange for my honest review.
July 11, 2020
I just reviewed Beyond the Tracks by Michael Reit. #BeyondtheTracks #NetGalley. Many thanks to author for this advanced copy.
I must have read over 100 books about Holocaust, but this book actually had me going to net and checking on transit camp has hadnt heard of it! Based on a true story. Starts in Berlin on the evening of Kristallnacht. Jacob the main character and his family know they have to get out of Germany and head to train station to hopefully catch a train to Netherlands.
My heart was racing as they raced for the train, esp with Jacob!
The story follows Jacob over the next 6 years. I marked it down one only for the reason i felt story was rushed at times, but it didnt stop me from enjoying the book. In fact so much so read in one night lol
I must have read over 100 books about Holocaust, but this book actually had me going to net and checking on transit camp has hadnt heard of it! Based on a true story. Starts in Berlin on the evening of Kristallnacht. Jacob the main character and his family know they have to get out of Germany and head to train station to hopefully catch a train to Netherlands.
My heart was racing as they raced for the train, esp with Jacob!
The story follows Jacob over the next 6 years. I marked it down one only for the reason i felt story was rushed at times, but it didnt stop me from enjoying the book. In fact so much so read in one night lol
July 31, 2021
I received this as an Audio ARC through Netgalley. Beyond The Tracks was an emotional story of Jacob, Ethan and their families escaping Berlin after Kristallnatch. They are are fortunate to make it to the Netherlands, only than for a few years later for the Germans to invade and turn their refugee camp into transit camp. I was in tears once I realized that people had escaped the Nazis to only be taken over buy them years later. While this is a work of fiction, Michael Reit has woven in some remarkable true stories. I don't want to spoil anything for anyone reading this review, but you will be shocked.
December 1, 2024
Something about this book fell flat for me. I loved the note at the end that explained what happened to certain characters at the end of the war because the ending of the book was very abrupt. But I appreciate that the author tried to keep this book as historically accurate as possible, even if that meant the ending didn’t give as much as I wanted as a reader.
March 25, 2022
The theme of friendship and family really spoke to me.
While there are horrors beyond belief throughout the book, it was essentially a heartwarming story.
Even the odds were against the main character, Jacob, he refused to give up.
A great read for people who like to read about WW2/holocaust
While there are horrors beyond belief throughout the book, it was essentially a heartwarming story.
Even the odds were against the main character, Jacob, he refused to give up.
A great read for people who like to read about WW2/holocaust
July 16, 2023
Absolutely excellent read. Could not put down. It was just the ending that stopped me giving 5 stars. I would have liked to know a bit more of what happened in Poland at the end of that section ( desperately trying not to give a spoiler)
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