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Auschwitz Twins #1
The Children's Dream
Sometimes Dreams Come True...
And so do nightmares.
When Naomi's daughter, Perle, starts to have nightmares about smokestacks and creepy doctors, Naomi is struck with terror - the terror of a mother who fears her daughter is in mortal danger. Naomi believes dreams are glimpses into the future. She, too, has had dreams of foreign soldiers with a strange flag invading her tiny village. She knows in her heart that evil is brewing.
Real-life has already been a living hell for Naomi. She must navigate the treacherous path of her unhappy arranged marriage with Hershel while keeping a scandalous love affair secret. And now something is coming. Her dreams - the dreams Hershel laughs at - tell her so. And the thing that is coming will make the hell she has been living seem ordinary and almost peaceful.
The noose is tightening, and not even her nightmares can prepare Naomi, or her sleepy little village, from the sweeping scythe of the Nazi death machine.
And so do nightmares.
When Naomi's daughter, Perle, starts to have nightmares about smokestacks and creepy doctors, Naomi is struck with terror - the terror of a mother who fears her daughter is in mortal danger. Naomi believes dreams are glimpses into the future. She, too, has had dreams of foreign soldiers with a strange flag invading her tiny village. She knows in her heart that evil is brewing.
Real-life has already been a living hell for Naomi. She must navigate the treacherous path of her unhappy arranged marriage with Hershel while keeping a scandalous love affair secret. And now something is coming. Her dreams - the dreams Hershel laughs at - tell her so. And the thing that is coming will make the hell she has been living seem ordinary and almost peaceful.
The noose is tightening, and not even her nightmares can prepare Naomi, or her sleepy little village, from the sweeping scythe of the Nazi death machine.
280 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 2, 2022
1322 people are currently reading
1191 people want to read
About the author
Roberta Kagan
70 books640 followersI’m an American writer of Jewish and Romany decent. I write Historical Fiction and Historical Romance, most of which is set during the holocaust. Although I never discount the horrors of the time period, the main focus of my work is on ordinary people who prove to be strong heroic characters in unfathomable circumstances.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 104 reviews
November 27, 2022
I don’t get the good reviews on this book! It is so poorly written that I can’t begin to imagine, that someone actually published it.
The story wouldn’t be so bad if you could get past the writing, with short, repetitive sentences. And when you thought the chapter is finished:surprise! It goes rambling again for another chapter without telling anything new.
The story wouldn’t be so bad if you could get past the writing, with short, repetitive sentences. And when you thought the chapter is finished:surprise! It goes rambling again for another chapter without telling anything new.
April 1, 2022
I always find books set during WWII and the holocaust interesting even though difficult to read at times. Considering the cover I was expecting this story to take place at Auschwitz or another concentration camp. This book mainly takes place in Poland about 15 years before the Nazi takeover. It does a little jumping back and forth between times in Naomi's life, which got a little confusing at some points. It also jumps perspectives to different characters, I really liked the aspect. It's mostly a love story at this point and an introduction to the family along with their way of life in their small Jewish town. I really liked the dream premonitions aspect I just wish they had taken them more seriously. I'm assuming since this is the first in the series the next book will be more centered around the twins. It is well written and kept me interested throughout. I look forward to continuing with the series.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
February 14, 2022
The Premonition
In a Jewish neighborhood in Poland the Aizenberg family lives with Herschel, his wife Naomi and their three girls Shoshana, Perle and Bluma. Perle and Bluma are twins and Shoshana is the eldest daughter.
Naomi has dreams that are premonitions of things to come, it runs in her family. Twins run in her family and only one twin has the dreams. When she has a recurring dream of soldiers with a red flag with a spider in the middle she is frightened. Herschel, her husband, does not believe in premonitions her tells her it is only a nightmare. When her daughter Perle begins having dreams about smoke stacks , creepy doctors and a red flag with a spider in the middle, Naomi is really worried that something is not right, something bad is coming.
Naomi has a terrible secret she is hiding from her husband, she has a secret love Eli. They meet in secret until her parents pass away and she is certain that God is punishing her for her disobedience. She does not love Herschel, he was an arranged marriage by her father. She love Eli, but she knows she must let him go. Herschel has secrets of his own. Can the two of them forgive each other and save their marriage?
No one in the Village suspects that in the near future Naomi's dreams will come true and that the Nazi's with the red flags with the spider in the middle will be marching down their streets.
This book had so much about the customs of the Jewish people and Hanukkah. I was interested in the food and the celebration. In fact, I was interested in all the food listed in the book and looked some of it up on Google to find out what it was.
It is also a story of communication or rather the lack of in a marriage. The strong husband is the boss and wife does what he says type of marriage. It is a story of the love between Naomi and her twin sister Miriam.
The process of an arranged marriage is discussed and whom is a suitable match and why. I found it quite interesting that the girls and the boys were not allowed to talk to each other before marriage was arranged.
This was a good first book of the series. I eagerly await the next book.
Thanks to Roberta Kagan for writing another great book, to The Book Whisperer for publishing it and to NetGalley for making it available to me.
In a Jewish neighborhood in Poland the Aizenberg family lives with Herschel, his wife Naomi and their three girls Shoshana, Perle and Bluma. Perle and Bluma are twins and Shoshana is the eldest daughter.
Naomi has dreams that are premonitions of things to come, it runs in her family. Twins run in her family and only one twin has the dreams. When she has a recurring dream of soldiers with a red flag with a spider in the middle she is frightened. Herschel, her husband, does not believe in premonitions her tells her it is only a nightmare. When her daughter Perle begins having dreams about smoke stacks , creepy doctors and a red flag with a spider in the middle, Naomi is really worried that something is not right, something bad is coming.
Naomi has a terrible secret she is hiding from her husband, she has a secret love Eli. They meet in secret until her parents pass away and she is certain that God is punishing her for her disobedience. She does not love Herschel, he was an arranged marriage by her father. She love Eli, but she knows she must let him go. Herschel has secrets of his own. Can the two of them forgive each other and save their marriage?
No one in the Village suspects that in the near future Naomi's dreams will come true and that the Nazi's with the red flags with the spider in the middle will be marching down their streets.
This book had so much about the customs of the Jewish people and Hanukkah. I was interested in the food and the celebration. In fact, I was interested in all the food listed in the book and looked some of it up on Google to find out what it was.
It is also a story of communication or rather the lack of in a marriage. The strong husband is the boss and wife does what he says type of marriage. It is a story of the love between Naomi and her twin sister Miriam.
The process of an arranged marriage is discussed and whom is a suitable match and why. I found it quite interesting that the girls and the boys were not allowed to talk to each other before marriage was arranged.
This was a good first book of the series. I eagerly await the next book.
Thanks to Roberta Kagan for writing another great book, to The Book Whisperer for publishing it and to NetGalley for making it available to me.
May 21, 2022
The Children’s Dream is by Roberta Kagan. This is the first book in a series of three. I am waiting on book two which comes out in a little over a week. Like all her books, Roberta Kagan keeps you interested in the story all the way through. You feel like you know the characters very well.
The story takes place in Warsaw and then at one of the camps. It follows the family of Herschel and Naomi before the Nazis come and after. Herschel and Naomi have three children, Shoshone and twins, Bluma and Perle. As a twin herself, Naomi understands the dreams Perle has because she has them to. Are they dreams or premonitions?
Like many of her other books, this one is hard to put down
The story takes place in Warsaw and then at one of the camps. It follows the family of Herschel and Naomi before the Nazis come and after. Herschel and Naomi have three children, Shoshone and twins, Bluma and Perle. As a twin herself, Naomi understands the dreams Perle has because she has them to. Are they dreams or premonitions?
Like many of her other books, this one is hard to put down
June 21, 2024
The Children’s Dream was a beautiful blend of history, family drama, and romance. I’m not sure why I waited so long to read one of Roberta Kagan’s novels.
This was a surprisingly ordinary tale of an Orthodox Jewish family, living in Poland on the Eve of WW2. I loved following Naomi’s story, particularly how she navigated the treacherous path of her unhappy arranged marriage with Hershel- while keeping a scandalous love affair secret. The heartwarming moments off set all the heart rendering ones.
I was instantly drawn into this poignant story from the very first page. Kagan has a talent for storytelling and it was evident in the intricate descriptions she portrayed not only in the setting, but also in the character personas. Moreover, the distinct Poland landscape & the vivid plot descriptions were so authentic that I felt as though I was experiencing what Naomi was living right there beside her.
In all, the transparent simplicity of this story and its characters was heart warming, heart wrenching and beautiful-all in one. (Audio)
This was a surprisingly ordinary tale of an Orthodox Jewish family, living in Poland on the Eve of WW2. I loved following Naomi’s story, particularly how she navigated the treacherous path of her unhappy arranged marriage with Hershel- while keeping a scandalous love affair secret. The heartwarming moments off set all the heart rendering ones.
I was instantly drawn into this poignant story from the very first page. Kagan has a talent for storytelling and it was evident in the intricate descriptions she portrayed not only in the setting, but also in the character personas. Moreover, the distinct Poland landscape & the vivid plot descriptions were so authentic that I felt as though I was experiencing what Naomi was living right there beside her.
In all, the transparent simplicity of this story and its characters was heart warming, heart wrenching and beautiful-all in one. (Audio)
February 13, 2022
An orthodox Jewish family living in Poland before WW2. A mother raising her 3 daughters while facing that she´ll never have a good relationship with the man she had to marry. A gift or curse of prophetic dreams that is in her blood. And horrible nightmares about soldiers and nazi flaggs hunting her and one of her daughters.
An amazing tale of surviving the day-to-day while trying to analyze dreams. The desperation of finding someone who would listen, or beg for it to be just nightmares. A combination of longing for happiness and facing the hard truths.
Yet if I'm being honest the thought of who is stronger in my mind right now is that I desperately need more of this story ...
An amazing tale of surviving the day-to-day while trying to analyze dreams. The desperation of finding someone who would listen, or beg for it to be just nightmares. A combination of longing for happiness and facing the hard truths.
Yet if I'm being honest the thought of who is stronger in my mind right now is that I desperately need more of this story ...
June 7, 2022
I have to admit that by the book cover and title we would be reading about the two on the cover and their dreams at Auschwitz. However, it technically is about children's dreams but in different generations of this family. It is also set in the early 1930's before the invasion.
The Aizenberg family, Herschel an Naomi, the parents, Shoshana, the eldest daughter and Perle and Pluma, the twins, are living the life they are given. You marry who you've been chosen for and have a family. Naomi has dreams/premonitions of soldiers and red flags with a black spider. Herschel doesn't believe her and all this is going to scare the children. Then Perle starts having those dreams also.
The book mainly focuses on things with Naomi, Eli, Herschel, and his secretary (I have forgotten her name) and another woman. As time goes on, dreams become closer together until they seem to start coming true.
You do learn a lot of the Jewish ways, if you are unfamiliar with them.
Thank you Whisper Room and NetGalley for allowing me to read it for and honest review.
The Aizenberg family, Herschel an Naomi, the parents, Shoshana, the eldest daughter and Perle and Pluma, the twins, are living the life they are given. You marry who you've been chosen for and have a family. Naomi has dreams/premonitions of soldiers and red flags with a black spider. Herschel doesn't believe her and all this is going to scare the children. Then Perle starts having those dreams also.
The book mainly focuses on things with Naomi, Eli, Herschel, and his secretary (I have forgotten her name) and another woman. As time goes on, dreams become closer together until they seem to start coming true.
You do learn a lot of the Jewish ways, if you are unfamiliar with them.
Thank you Whisper Room and NetGalley for allowing me to read it for and honest review.
April 30, 2023
This was a good story. Not great, but good. I did enjoy it for the most part, but since it’s the first in a trilogy, I have high hopes for the next two books!
January 10, 2025
Envolvente
Apesar de não costumar gostar deste tipo de leituras, confesso que este livro me agarrou.
Tenciono ler os seguintes porque fiquei curiosa sobre o que vem a seguir.
Apesar de não costumar gostar deste tipo de leituras, confesso que este livro me agarrou.
Tenciono ler os seguintes porque fiquei curiosa sobre o que vem a seguir.
March 6, 2022
With her way of writing Roberta Kagan makes you feel like you are part of the story, living what her characters are going thru, and you do feel the dreams and premonitions on this book, the pain, fear, apprehension, love and yearning.
It is especially poignant, especially on the first pages to see the future that awaits the family thru the dreams of Naomi, because in them we see the horrors of Auschwitz and what will happen to them over there. We know that Naomi doesn't understand exactly what these dreams mean, but we as vessels of knowledge of history do know, and makes us the more terrified for them.
Naomi has these dreams as well as one of her twin girls, and that's when she realized that the visions are more than dreams, but can predict the future.
Full of details about pre World War II Jewish Polish life we get a full view of the Orthodox Jewish life and feel part of it.
Even though this book deals mostly with Naomi, the mother's dreams, I assume that the following two books will give us more of the children's dreams.
This book is Book Number One of a new trilogy by Roberta Kagan and can't wait to read the next one.
Merged review:
With her way of writing Roberta Kagan makes you feel like you are part of the story, living what her characters are going thru, and you do feel the dreams and premonitions on this book, the pain, fear, apprehension, love and yearning.
It is especially poignant, especially on the first pages to see the future that awaits the family thru the dreams of Naomi, because in them we see the horrors of Auschwitz and what will happen to them over there. We know that Naomi doesn't understand exactly what these dreams mean, but we as vessels of knowledge of history do know, and makes us the more terrified for them.
Naomi has these dreams as well as one of her twin girls, and that's when she realized that the visions are more than dreams, but can predict the future.
Full of details about pre World War II Jewish Polish life we get a full view of the Orthodox Jewish life and feel part of it.
Even though this book deals mostly with Naomi, the mother's dreams, I assume that the following two books will give us more of the children's dreams.
This book is Book Number One of a new trilogy by Roberta Kagan and can't wait to read the next one.
It is especially poignant, especially on the first pages to see the future that awaits the family thru the dreams of Naomi, because in them we see the horrors of Auschwitz and what will happen to them over there. We know that Naomi doesn't understand exactly what these dreams mean, but we as vessels of knowledge of history do know, and makes us the more terrified for them.
Naomi has these dreams as well as one of her twin girls, and that's when she realized that the visions are more than dreams, but can predict the future.
Full of details about pre World War II Jewish Polish life we get a full view of the Orthodox Jewish life and feel part of it.
Even though this book deals mostly with Naomi, the mother's dreams, I assume that the following two books will give us more of the children's dreams.
This book is Book Number One of a new trilogy by Roberta Kagan and can't wait to read the next one.
Merged review:
With her way of writing Roberta Kagan makes you feel like you are part of the story, living what her characters are going thru, and you do feel the dreams and premonitions on this book, the pain, fear, apprehension, love and yearning.
It is especially poignant, especially on the first pages to see the future that awaits the family thru the dreams of Naomi, because in them we see the horrors of Auschwitz and what will happen to them over there. We know that Naomi doesn't understand exactly what these dreams mean, but we as vessels of knowledge of history do know, and makes us the more terrified for them.
Naomi has these dreams as well as one of her twin girls, and that's when she realized that the visions are more than dreams, but can predict the future.
Full of details about pre World War II Jewish Polish life we get a full view of the Orthodox Jewish life and feel part of it.
Even though this book deals mostly with Naomi, the mother's dreams, I assume that the following two books will give us more of the children's dreams.
This book is Book Number One of a new trilogy by Roberta Kagan and can't wait to read the next one.
February 27, 2022
The Children's Dream by Roberta Kagan is a truly well-told story and hooked me from the first page to the last. Kagan crafted rich characters and described vivid settings and scenes. It left me very sad reading how trapped Naomi felt in her marriage, and it got difficult to read toward the end, knowing that these scenarios happened when the Nazis stormed towns and gathered people. The story left me a bit unsettled thinking of that time in history. It was interesting to read about the various Jewish traditions, however.
I would definitely recommend this book and this author. I look forward to reading more from Roberta Kagan.
#TheChildrensDream #NetGalley
I would definitely recommend this book and this author. I look forward to reading more from Roberta Kagan.
#TheChildrensDream #NetGalley
March 5, 2023
I selected this series, as I wanted to read about Dr. Mengele's experiments. However, this first book was not good. The purpose of the book was to introduce the twins and the family's gift of premonitions through dreams. It may also set up for the final ending, but I will not know that until book three. The writing was not strong, it was repetitive. The story could have been more concisely told in conjunction with the second book. Although I did not enjoy this book, I still want to read about Dr. Mengele and the resistors that attempted to help his victims, so I will continue with the series.
July 21, 2023
This book had incredibly poorly written dialogue. I ended up hating most of the characters by the end and basically nothing ever happened. Hard pass on the sequel.
July 31, 2023
Audiobook- Roberta’s books are so easy to listen to. Will need to continue this series…
September 12, 2022
Title: The Children's Dream
Author: Roberta Kagan
Release Date: March 1st, 2022
Page Count: 256
Start Date: September 2nd, 2022
Finish Date: September 10th, 2022
Review:
Story: I was expecting a build-up with this story. Especially with it being a series. I was NOT expecting to be thrown into the series from the very first page. I wasn't expecting my emotions to be thrown all over the place with every chapter. This is definitely going to be a series that will stick with me. I will need to get physical copies of every book in this series. Right now, there are only three. I know that I've only read one of them, but I just KNOW that I will love the rest of the books in the series. I know that any book that comes from this series will become an auto-buy for me. I am even interested in trying to read other books by this author outside of this series. Her writing style is amazing.
Characters: This story is told from multiple points of view. Some were characters that you can't help but to just adore. Even with their flaws. Like Naomi. She's just such an amazing woman. I'd of loved to see more from her three girls. I would have liked to have seen less of the father's point of view. However, I do understand the need to see his point of view. That's all I can say without spoilers.
Critiques: None. Unless you count it being an emotional roller coaster!
Final Thoughts: I really do recommend this book. Not only is it a very powerful story, but it helps understand how things were during that time from a Jewish point of view. The writing style is also very incredible. I am so looking forward to reading the rest of the series. I just know that I'm going to be emotionally wrung out by the time it's over. It's worth it though.
Author: Roberta Kagan
Release Date: March 1st, 2022
Page Count: 256
Start Date: September 2nd, 2022
Finish Date: September 10th, 2022
Review:
Story: I was expecting a build-up with this story. Especially with it being a series. I was NOT expecting to be thrown into the series from the very first page. I wasn't expecting my emotions to be thrown all over the place with every chapter. This is definitely going to be a series that will stick with me. I will need to get physical copies of every book in this series. Right now, there are only three. I know that I've only read one of them, but I just KNOW that I will love the rest of the books in the series. I know that any book that comes from this series will become an auto-buy for me. I am even interested in trying to read other books by this author outside of this series. Her writing style is amazing.
Characters: This story is told from multiple points of view. Some were characters that you can't help but to just adore. Even with their flaws. Like Naomi. She's just such an amazing woman. I'd of loved to see more from her three girls. I would have liked to have seen less of the father's point of view. However, I do understand the need to see his point of view. That's all I can say without spoilers.
Critiques: None. Unless you count it being an emotional roller coaster!
Final Thoughts: I really do recommend this book. Not only is it a very powerful story, but it helps understand how things were during that time from a Jewish point of view. The writing style is also very incredible. I am so looking forward to reading the rest of the series. I just know that I'm going to be emotionally wrung out by the time it's over. It's worth it though.
April 21, 2022
I wasn’t going to give this book a good rating as I was rather confused at how the story began and then proceeded to narrate the story of exactly what it had to do with the dreams. It felt like the first chapter had no place in the telling of the story and the title of the book really didn’t seem to fit. Then, in the last chapters, it all came together. The proverbial light suddenly came on and it became very clear! Wow! I ended up really enjoying this book and the story that evolved and will continue to evolve in the continuation of the series! I’ve no idea when the second book will be ready for publication. But I will be eagerly awaiting book 2 so I can see what happens next. Book 1 was filled with enough intrigue to pique my interest as to where this book will lead in the history of some of the most horrendous crimes against humanity perpetrated by the monster, Dr. Joseph Mengala during WWII! Yes! Read book 1!
August 25, 2022
Read a BookFunnel ARC. This is a must read.
Historical fiction based on real events.
Many are the quotes that basically say to forget history is to allow it to repeat. It has been more than 70 years since the events depicted. Most survivers have already died, but through research the author has done an outstanding job of bring these events bach to life at a time when most are doing everything in their power to bury and change history. We can only hope that through her (and other authors) efforts, we may be spared another repeat of such evil as had sway during the Holocaust.
A bloodcurdling drama unravels in the shadow of Mengele's dark, twisted obsession.
Ernst must face his nemesis as he battles to save Shoshana, Bluma, Perle, and ultimately, his heart.
Marcel Petoit has weaponized Gisele's dark secrets. Will she escape his evil grip?
Will Herschel and Naomi ever see their girls again?
Historical fiction based on real events.
Many are the quotes that basically say to forget history is to allow it to repeat. It has been more than 70 years since the events depicted. Most survivers have already died, but through research the author has done an outstanding job of bring these events bach to life at a time when most are doing everything in their power to bury and change history. We can only hope that through her (and other authors) efforts, we may be spared another repeat of such evil as had sway during the Holocaust.
A bloodcurdling drama unravels in the shadow of Mengele's dark, twisted obsession.
Ernst must face his nemesis as he battles to save Shoshana, Bluma, Perle, and ultimately, his heart.
Marcel Petoit has weaponized Gisele's dark secrets. Will she escape his evil grip?
Will Herschel and Naomi ever see their girls again?
April 12, 2024
This was a compelling story and kept me reading to the end. At first I thought it must be from a translation as some of the grammar was strange and words were transposed.
But I loved being taken into the world of Naomi and her family, enjoying all the trials and tribulations of Jewish life.
Of course, I knew what was to come in 1939 Poland and I think that was the saddest thing about this book. However, I was surprised nothing was mentioned in the story about news from Germany and Naomi didn't recognise the Nazi flag in her dreams, when it became prominent. After all, Hitler came to power in 1933 and his rhetoric was always anti-Jewish from the beginning.
I do appreciate Naomi might have lived a secluded life, but in a story, I always look for interaction with the history of that time, since folk would have read the newspapers.
This didn't detract from my enjoyment of the story and I'm happy to give four stars for The Children's Dream.
But I loved being taken into the world of Naomi and her family, enjoying all the trials and tribulations of Jewish life.
Of course, I knew what was to come in 1939 Poland and I think that was the saddest thing about this book. However, I was surprised nothing was mentioned in the story about news from Germany and Naomi didn't recognise the Nazi flag in her dreams, when it became prominent. After all, Hitler came to power in 1933 and his rhetoric was always anti-Jewish from the beginning.
I do appreciate Naomi might have lived a secluded life, but in a story, I always look for interaction with the history of that time, since folk would have read the newspapers.
This didn't detract from my enjoyment of the story and I'm happy to give four stars for The Children's Dream.
February 15, 2025
Sometimes Dreams Come True...
And so do nightmares.
When Naomi's daughter, Perle, starts to have nightmares about smokestacks and creepy doctors, Naomi is struck with terror - the terror of a mother who fears her daughter is in mortal danger. Naomi believes dreams are glimpses into the future. She, too, has had dreams of foreign soldiers with a strange flag invading her tiny village. She knows in her heart that evil is brewing.
Real-life has already been a living hell for Naomi. She must navigate the treacherous path of her unhappy arranged marriage with Hershel while keeping a scandalous love affair secret. And now something is coming. Her dreams - the dreams Hershel laughs at - tell her so. And the thing that is coming will make the hell she has been living seem ordinary and almost peaceful.
The noose is tightening, and not even her nightmares can prepare Naomi, or her sleepy little village, from the sweeping scythe of the Nazi death machine
And so do nightmares.
When Naomi's daughter, Perle, starts to have nightmares about smokestacks and creepy doctors, Naomi is struck with terror - the terror of a mother who fears her daughter is in mortal danger. Naomi believes dreams are glimpses into the future. She, too, has had dreams of foreign soldiers with a strange flag invading her tiny village. She knows in her heart that evil is brewing.
Real-life has already been a living hell for Naomi. She must navigate the treacherous path of her unhappy arranged marriage with Hershel while keeping a scandalous love affair secret. And now something is coming. Her dreams - the dreams Hershel laughs at - tell her so. And the thing that is coming will make the hell she has been living seem ordinary and almost peaceful.
The noose is tightening, and not even her nightmares can prepare Naomi, or her sleepy little village, from the sweeping scythe of the Nazi death machine
July 11, 2022
Attention: Some spoilers mentioned.
I started reading this authors works last year & fell in love with her style. This novel is written differently from past readings. I like that it explains Jewish lifestyle & has the family become closer toward the end. It's considered a WWII novel although hints of the Nazis existence are spread out in dreams until the last chapter. Somehow I thought there had been news of Hitlers rise to power & thoughts of Jewish prior to 1939 but this novel had it be a complete mystery & surprise to Naomi & even her husband who worked in the city with non Jewish clients. This has sparked me to want to research exactly what a private Jewish sector would have known at the time.
I started reading this authors works last year & fell in love with her style. This novel is written differently from past readings. I like that it explains Jewish lifestyle & has the family become closer toward the end. It's considered a WWII novel although hints of the Nazis existence are spread out in dreams until the last chapter. Somehow I thought there had been news of Hitlers rise to power & thoughts of Jewish prior to 1939 but this novel had it be a complete mystery & surprise to Naomi & even her husband who worked in the city with non Jewish clients. This has sparked me to want to research exactly what a private Jewish sector would have known at the time.
May 31, 2024
This book was nothing like I expected. I wanted more about the twins and their story. I wanted more about the twins supposed premonitions and flashbacks that was in the summary. Instead I just read a day to day rambling about a Frum neighborhood. There were so many characters it became impossible to know who was who and how they all knew each other but at the same time there was nothing said that was key to the plot- because there wasn't one! There were only a few interesting twin premonitions but not enough to explain why the twin had them and the ending did not even wrap up why. What a potentially interesting premise with a lack of good writing and poor storytelling.
September 10, 2022
The Children's Dream
I really hate it when I read books out of sequence! If I had read this 1st, Mengele's Apprentice would have been more enjoyable. I was so disappointed in it b/c I thought it was a standalone! This book has so many intertwined branches you might need to take notes in order to keep up! However, it is quite enjoyable. It takes place in a small, traditional Jewish village outside of Warsaw, ending with the German invasion. Very interesting. I recommend you read this book, THEN read Mengele's Apprentice next! 🤪😁
I really hate it when I read books out of sequence! If I had read this 1st, Mengele's Apprentice would have been more enjoyable. I was so disappointed in it b/c I thought it was a standalone! This book has so many intertwined branches you might need to take notes in order to keep up! However, it is quite enjoyable. It takes place in a small, traditional Jewish village outside of Warsaw, ending with the German invasion. Very interesting. I recommend you read this book, THEN read Mengele's Apprentice next! 🤪😁
January 25, 2023
I received this book as an ARC from NetGalley.
This book takes place in a small Jewish shtetl (village) in Poland in the years before World War II. The vivid descriptions of life and customs in the village help the reader understand the dynamics of the time. We learn about arranged marriages, the roles of women and children, dietary and religious observances.
Through chilling dreams, we foresee the coming of the Nazi invasion that will change this town and its people forever!
I look forward to the next 2 books in the Auschwitz Twins series.
This book takes place in a small Jewish shtetl (village) in Poland in the years before World War II. The vivid descriptions of life and customs in the village help the reader understand the dynamics of the time. We learn about arranged marriages, the roles of women and children, dietary and religious observances.
Through chilling dreams, we foresee the coming of the Nazi invasion that will change this town and its people forever!
I look forward to the next 2 books in the Auschwitz Twins series.
April 12, 2023
The children's dream
I gave this a rating of 5 because it gives insight into the heart of the Jewish community and its people and their beliefs. It's educational for me to learn about how rhey lived and their personal Iives and struggles. It also tells how their peaceful and idyllic life came crashing down so quickly. It makes me all the more aware of how our lives can change greatly in just an instant, I would recommend this book to anyone that wants to earn a out the plight of the jews.
I gave this a rating of 5 because it gives insight into the heart of the Jewish community and its people and their beliefs. It's educational for me to learn about how rhey lived and their personal Iives and struggles. It also tells how their peaceful and idyllic life came crashing down so quickly. It makes me all the more aware of how our lives can change greatly in just an instant, I would recommend this book to anyone that wants to earn a out the plight of the jews.
April 20, 2022
it's ok
I picked this book to read about the war but it seemed long that it finally mentioned the soldiers coming but it was disappointing because it was over so quick..so much happened in the book but it seems like nothing fit.. I don't know. I couksnt put it down because I kept trying to get to the soldiers when they came for the family. It was over as quickly as Instarted to read about it. frieda, I'm still trying to figure out when she was killed... Sigh
I picked this book to read about the war but it seemed long that it finally mentioned the soldiers coming but it was disappointing because it was over so quick..so much happened in the book but it seems like nothing fit.. I don't know. I couksnt put it down because I kept trying to get to the soldiers when they came for the family. It was over as quickly as Instarted to read about it. frieda, I'm still trying to figure out when she was killed... Sigh
July 3, 2022
Great story, but…
I found the author’s style to be a little choppy and repetitive at times. Almost as if it was written in another language and translated to English. I enjoy the flashbacks to give background knowledge and context. The characters openly admit their flaws and they are easy to like and root for. I’ve bought the 2nd book in the series and interested to see how the story develops further.
I found the author’s style to be a little choppy and repetitive at times. Almost as if it was written in another language and translated to English. I enjoy the flashbacks to give background knowledge and context. The characters openly admit their flaws and they are easy to like and root for. I’ve bought the 2nd book in the series and interested to see how the story develops further.
January 19, 2023
Naomi is a young mother of Shoshana, and twins Perle and Bluma. Married to Herschel, they live in a Polish town in the 1930s. Naomi's family has premonitions that are passed down to one twin in each generation and when she and Perle start having the same dreams about red flags with black spiders and evil men and smokestacks she starts getting very concerned. This is the first of a series and I am eagerly awaiting the second book in the series.
April 25, 2023
This was more a romance than historical fiction novel. I don’t like romance.
How many times and in how many different ways can you say the same thing? Herschel and Naomi’s marriage is terrible, Naomi and Eli are in love.
What about the dreams / premonitions? They were only mentioned a couple of times.
The first chapter was the best, and it was all downhill from there.
Not sure why this is the first in a trilogy. It could have been written in one if it wasn’t so repetitive.
How many times and in how many different ways can you say the same thing? Herschel and Naomi’s marriage is terrible, Naomi and Eli are in love.
What about the dreams / premonitions? They were only mentioned a couple of times.
The first chapter was the best, and it was all downhill from there.
Not sure why this is the first in a trilogy. It could have been written in one if it wasn’t so repetitive.
May 15, 2023
Excellent start to another Trilogy about twins,their dreams (nightmares) during the Holocaust.
WWII is starting during this 1st.novel & all hell has broke loose in Poland.
The mother of the twins,is a twin herself & also has had dreams,her whole life,with many of them coming true.
She & her husband are in an arranged marriage, which has been less than satisfying, but were finally working together,when the Nazi's came.
WWII is starting during this 1st.novel & all hell has broke loose in Poland.
The mother of the twins,is a twin herself & also has had dreams,her whole life,with many of them coming true.
She & her husband are in an arranged marriage, which has been less than satisfying, but were finally working together,when the Nazi's came.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 25, 2023
2.5 ⭐️ rounded down
I continued to wait till something happened and in the last few pages of the book is when something actually did. The beginning of the book started off very strong with a horrific nightmare and it set the stage for what I would call a good historical fiction book that details the horrific time when Germany invaded Poland. However, the entirety of the book actually talked about a woman cheating on her husband. It seemed like it was setting the stage for the next book, but when you titled a book, The Children’s Dream (Auschwitz Twins #1), one may assume the book occurs during that time, but this one in fact did not. I would say it was an okay book, not horrible, but I was just expecting more out of it.
I continued to wait till something happened and in the last few pages of the book is when something actually did. The beginning of the book started off very strong with a horrific nightmare and it set the stage for what I would call a good historical fiction book that details the horrific time when Germany invaded Poland. However, the entirety of the book actually talked about a woman cheating on her husband. It seemed like it was setting the stage for the next book, but when you titled a book, The Children’s Dream (Auschwitz Twins #1), one may assume the book occurs during that time, but this one in fact did not. I would say it was an okay book, not horrible, but I was just expecting more out of it.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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