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The Jewish Spy
The chance to save many lives could cost her the loss of her own family.
Poland 1938. Eve of the World War II. Rivka sends her husband and three beloved children to the United States, where they will find safe shelter from the war.
She tells everyone that she is staying behind in order to care for her aging parents but her real reason is completely different.
Beyond her work as librarian, Rivka serves as a spy for the Jewish underground, a critical role in the changing reality in Europe.
Even when she receives letters describing her family’s desperate situation, the sense of mission leaves her no choice.
She understands that her brave choice may cost a painful price - losing her own family.
The Jewish Spy is a historical drama; The story of a brave woman with remarkable determination and strength that will leave you breathless and fully inspired.
184 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 28, 2022
947 people are currently reading
687 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 68 reviews
September 20, 2020
Turn the channel to another daytime program for lonely women.
If you expect another novel of daring escapades and secret meetings and thrilling adventures in war time Europe....forget it.
What you have here is a soap opera that clearly telegraphs what’s to come way before the end of the tale.
If you expect another novel of daring escapades and secret meetings and thrilling adventures in war time Europe....forget it.
What you have here is a soap opera that clearly telegraphs what’s to come way before the end of the tale.
Read
December 24, 2023Jumped ship at 30% and did not finish. Just a difficult book that I couldn’t get into.
April 8, 2022
Disappointing
I had expected a book of adventure about a Jewish spy during WW2 but the book hardly touches on that aspect of the life of the main character. It is more about her affairs. I finished it only because I wanted to see how it all ended but even the ending fell flat.
I had expected a book of adventure about a Jewish spy during WW2 but the book hardly touches on that aspect of the life of the main character. It is more about her affairs. I finished it only because I wanted to see how it all ended but even the ending fell flat.
July 17, 2020
This is not a historical novel and I doubt if it is even a true story. At best it is a Romantic Novel with too many twists and situations that, to may opinion, lack credibility. The actual writing reminds me of book-reports we used to do at high-school. Lack of diversity in language (at least the one i read in English) and many repetitions of same situations again and again. I would not delve into the actual details of the story and what the hero(s) are going through - its not worth it so I won't waste any time on it. Sorry guys - sorry author - not my favorite.
October 6, 2021
A good story but the writing is in desperate need of an editor.
Perhaps the problem with this book is that both the author and translator are not comfortable speaking English. That’s ok for the author; big trouble for the translator. I won’t bore with a list of all the grammatical horrors but there are a boatload of them. I’m willing to let most slide by if they don’t impact the reading experience too much but author, Haputa Nelson, jeopardizes her own storytelling.
Based on a true story, “The Jewish Spy” reads like a biography with multiple POV’s. The story is about Rivka, her early life as a Polish wife, mother & spy during WW2, how she and her family separate to survive the Nazi invasion and how they find their way back together.
Much of the story is dark. Rivka experiences horrific situations and because Nelson’s writing lacks emotional development, it’s hard to find empathy for her or any of the characters. The entire cast is 2 dimensional as is the setting. As the story progresses, there’s an opportunity to hear about Poland, England, Israel and N. Y. C. What info we do get is minimal rather than a sense of time and place, something unique.
Altho’ this is book 4 of a 5 book series it stands alone just fine. Because of the mechanical difficulties, I won’t seek out any of the other volumes📚
Perhaps the problem with this book is that both the author and translator are not comfortable speaking English. That’s ok for the author; big trouble for the translator. I won’t bore with a list of all the grammatical horrors but there are a boatload of them. I’m willing to let most slide by if they don’t impact the reading experience too much but author, Haputa Nelson, jeopardizes her own storytelling.
Based on a true story, “The Jewish Spy” reads like a biography with multiple POV’s. The story is about Rivka, her early life as a Polish wife, mother & spy during WW2, how she and her family separate to survive the Nazi invasion and how they find their way back together.
Much of the story is dark. Rivka experiences horrific situations and because Nelson’s writing lacks emotional development, it’s hard to find empathy for her or any of the characters. The entire cast is 2 dimensional as is the setting. As the story progresses, there’s an opportunity to hear about Poland, England, Israel and N. Y. C. What info we do get is minimal rather than a sense of time and place, something unique.
Altho’ this is book 4 of a 5 book series it stands alone just fine. Because of the mechanical difficulties, I won’t seek out any of the other volumes📚
July 14, 2020
Not what i expected
I love the story of Rivka Mum & Wife who gave up everything her family all for her people, she lost so much then gain a life and you will have to read to find out the rest. The war cost so much to so many the Jews more than anyone else but the cost to humanity is also immeasurable. Rivka was a Polish Jew she saw the worst of humanity but felt the love of a community a Race. Hers is a story that speaks of the time but it went beyond the war and was a personnel one that is fiction and has twists you just won't be expecting, i feel safe in predicting this. So do i recommend it i have it 5 stars so I'm guessing that's a yes.
I love the story of Rivka Mum & Wife who gave up everything her family all for her people, she lost so much then gain a life and you will have to read to find out the rest. The war cost so much to so many the Jews more than anyone else but the cost to humanity is also immeasurable. Rivka was a Polish Jew she saw the worst of humanity but felt the love of a community a Race. Hers is a story that speaks of the time but it went beyond the war and was a personnel one that is fiction and has twists you just won't be expecting, i feel safe in predicting this. So do i recommend it i have it 5 stars so I'm guessing that's a yes.
August 12, 2020
Started well, interesting to begin with but then became less of a historical novel and more of a disjointed romance novel. I persevered to the end but I’m glad it was my free book and I hadn’t bought it.
Want to read
November 9, 2022Free on Kindle
June 28, 2023
More fiction less spy. If you want to read about WW2 and a family story that’s it.
June 18, 2020
This is the 3rd book by Hayuta Katzenelson, but the first one I have read. I will be looking for her other 2 books. If you like Historical Ficition Novels about WWII and the Holacust, I recommend you giving this book a try. I started this yesterday late afternoon and finished it this morning. Such a good book.
It's said that History is stronger than fiction, and with this book, Katzenelson, gives us a chance to view history through the eyes of Rivka. Rivka has a role as an intelligence spy for the Jewish people of Israel. She gathers info from all over Europe. The only problem is, she can't tell anyone, not even her family.
Her fate was linked to all the Jews and the State of Israel, whose creation she was helping to bring about. Her family leaves her in Poland, to take care of her parents, while they head for America. Rivka plays a critical role in changing the reality of Europe.
Katzenelson writes the characters of this book, with credibility that helps them become part of us. This is a story of a brave woman, who has remarkable determination and strength. She saw a lot and overcame a lot during this book.
I highly recommend this book for anyone that likes historical fiction dealing with WWII and the Holacust. It takes a different view on both.
Thanks to Nave and Katzenelson for a Kindle copy of this book. My thoughts and opinions are my own.
It's said that History is stronger than fiction, and with this book, Katzenelson, gives us a chance to view history through the eyes of Rivka. Rivka has a role as an intelligence spy for the Jewish people of Israel. She gathers info from all over Europe. The only problem is, she can't tell anyone, not even her family.
Her fate was linked to all the Jews and the State of Israel, whose creation she was helping to bring about. Her family leaves her in Poland, to take care of her parents, while they head for America. Rivka plays a critical role in changing the reality of Europe.
Katzenelson writes the characters of this book, with credibility that helps them become part of us. This is a story of a brave woman, who has remarkable determination and strength. She saw a lot and overcame a lot during this book.
I highly recommend this book for anyone that likes historical fiction dealing with WWII and the Holacust. It takes a different view on both.
Thanks to Nave and Katzenelson for a Kindle copy of this book. My thoughts and opinions are my own.
June 21, 2020
Enthralling
Very good story. I felt as if the characters were real and I could feel their anguish and joy. I hope Rivka finds the peace she deserves.
Very good story. I felt as if the characters were real and I could feel their anguish and joy. I hope Rivka finds the peace she deserves.
February 11, 2020
‘How can you break up your family so easily?’
Israeli author Hayuta Katzenelson serves as a conflict mediator while also volunteering at eh Israeli police and social organizations. She has published three books to date – TO LIVE THE FUTURE, WAITING FOR HER BELOVED, and now THE JEWISH SPY.
The continuing need to explore and understand the Holocaust has resulted in many fine novels, both valid memoirs and fictional tales, and Hayuta combines those elements with this fine novel based on the true story of a Holocaust survivor. In making her characters credible as people with whom we can identify and thus feel stronger compassion, Hayuta manages to capture our attention as she weaves this enhanced biographical experience with grace.
Hayuta opens her story with an insightful moment that describes her central character: ‘Rivka’s whole body ached with nostalgia, even though her husband and children were with her in her hometown of Nadvorna to celebrate her forty-second birthday. Her blue eyes were dreaming as she helped her mother, Masha, get seated at the table. How could she leave her parents, who had always supported her, behind? Since her older brother’s death at a young age from tuberculosis, she had felt obligated to be especially attentive and acquiesce to their wishes. There was even a sort of guilt she carried as the one who survived…’ With this degree of sensitivity to Rivka’s plight the story becomes compelling.
Briefly, the arc of the story follows as the synopsis states – ‘Poland 1938. Eve of the World War II. Rivka sends her husband and three beloved children to the United States, where they will find safe shelter from the war. She tells everyone that she is staying behind in order to care for her aging parents but her real reason is completely different. Beyond her work as librarian, Rivka serves as a spy for the Jewish underground, a critical role in the changing reality in Europe. Even when she receives letters describing her family’s desperate situation, the sense of mission leaves her no choice. She understands that her brave choice may cost a painful price - losing her own family.’
It has been often said that history is stranger than fiction, and in Hayuta’s skilled hands she blends that terrifying history of WW II and the Holocaust with a sensitive depiction of a survivor in a novel that makes a lasting imprint on the reader. Recommended
Israeli author Hayuta Katzenelson serves as a conflict mediator while also volunteering at eh Israeli police and social organizations. She has published three books to date – TO LIVE THE FUTURE, WAITING FOR HER BELOVED, and now THE JEWISH SPY.
The continuing need to explore and understand the Holocaust has resulted in many fine novels, both valid memoirs and fictional tales, and Hayuta combines those elements with this fine novel based on the true story of a Holocaust survivor. In making her characters credible as people with whom we can identify and thus feel stronger compassion, Hayuta manages to capture our attention as she weaves this enhanced biographical experience with grace.
Hayuta opens her story with an insightful moment that describes her central character: ‘Rivka’s whole body ached with nostalgia, even though her husband and children were with her in her hometown of Nadvorna to celebrate her forty-second birthday. Her blue eyes were dreaming as she helped her mother, Masha, get seated at the table. How could she leave her parents, who had always supported her, behind? Since her older brother’s death at a young age from tuberculosis, she had felt obligated to be especially attentive and acquiesce to their wishes. There was even a sort of guilt she carried as the one who survived…’ With this degree of sensitivity to Rivka’s plight the story becomes compelling.
Briefly, the arc of the story follows as the synopsis states – ‘Poland 1938. Eve of the World War II. Rivka sends her husband and three beloved children to the United States, where they will find safe shelter from the war. She tells everyone that she is staying behind in order to care for her aging parents but her real reason is completely different. Beyond her work as librarian, Rivka serves as a spy for the Jewish underground, a critical role in the changing reality in Europe. Even when she receives letters describing her family’s desperate situation, the sense of mission leaves her no choice. She understands that her brave choice may cost a painful price - losing her own family.’
It has been often said that history is stranger than fiction, and in Hayuta’s skilled hands she blends that terrifying history of WW II and the Holocaust with a sensitive depiction of a survivor in a novel that makes a lasting imprint on the reader. Recommended
January 1, 2023
A very generous 3. Terrible translation, with several mistranslations and frequent grammatical errors. At first I wondered whether I should just give up and read it in the original (I'm fluent in both languages), but the story wasn't all that engrossing.
Despite the title, there were no more than a few paragraphs devoted to the spying. None of the characters had any depth, maybe because so much of the story was told rather than shown, so it was hard to feel involved.
Being the child of holocaust survivors, I know that there were so many unbelievable stories that actually occured, and yet, there were a few unnecessarily questionable or unbelievable issues in the book. Some of the issues could have been resolved with a little more detail and development. But having lived on a kibbutz, really, I can't imagine someone new arriving and living there for months without everyone else meeting that person.
A lot of this also made me wonder if the "based on a true story" means that there really was a family who went through all of this, and this is a representation of their lives with change of names to protect them, or if this is a conglomerate of dozens of true stories: yes, there were Jewish spies, even women. Yes, Jews were gunned down in market squares. Yes families were separated and lost contact, etc. And there was nothing even at the end, to fill us in.
Once I start a book, I usually devour it, but this book was more of meting out about two or three chapters a day while reading other, more engrossing tales. And yet, although I was glad to reach the end, the end felt rushed. I kept on checking back and forth to see if it had indeed really ended. It had.
So, honest recommendation: there are so many truly excellent books, memoirs and historical fiction, that do a much better job. I'd choose one of them to read instead.
Despite the title, there were no more than a few paragraphs devoted to the spying. None of the characters had any depth, maybe because so much of the story was told rather than shown, so it was hard to feel involved.
Being the child of holocaust survivors, I know that there were so many unbelievable stories that actually occured, and yet, there were a few unnecessarily questionable or unbelievable issues in the book. Some of the issues could have been resolved with a little more detail and development. But having lived on a kibbutz, really, I can't imagine someone new arriving and living there for months without everyone else meeting that person.
A lot of this also made me wonder if the "based on a true story" means that there really was a family who went through all of this, and this is a representation of their lives with change of names to protect them, or if this is a conglomerate of dozens of true stories: yes, there were Jewish spies, even women. Yes, Jews were gunned down in market squares. Yes families were separated and lost contact, etc. And there was nothing even at the end, to fill us in.
Once I start a book, I usually devour it, but this book was more of meting out about two or three chapters a day while reading other, more engrossing tales. And yet, although I was glad to reach the end, the end felt rushed. I kept on checking back and forth to see if it had indeed really ended. It had.
So, honest recommendation: there are so many truly excellent books, memoirs and historical fiction, that do a much better job. I'd choose one of them to read instead.
May 6, 2022
The Jewish Spy
WWII / Poland
Rivka decided not to leave for America with her husband and children as they embarked on a ship out of Gdańsk, her decision was twofold, she wanted to take care of her elderly parents who would not leave Poland, and she had been working for the underground Jewish resistance movement in Poland unbeknownst to her husband who left with the three children.
Jacob and the children left for New York in steerage aboard an overcrowded ship. The passengers were emancipated and sick. They were assisted by Hannah, Jacobs sister, and her husband to settle into New York and the lifestyle, until the huge accident where Hannah’s family were killed. This left Jacob distraught and the family split up due to the horrid happening. Rachel was forced to act as the mother and wife after all the family mishaps. In the meantime Europe was falling to the Nazi’s. The Jewish folks were being rounded up and sent to camps. Even though all Jews had to wear the yellow star on their clothing, Rivka kept up with her underground activities no matter what. Unbeknownst to her, the family in New York was suffering their own heartaches. In Europe from being rounded up into the Jewish Getto, the Judenrat yielded power and distrust to the getto populace. After working with the Resistance Rivka arrives in Israel, and keeps her personal life quiet. He quest to find her family is her greatest desire. This book keeps you interested throughout with all the intriguing life and frightening consequences, memories and fear, violence and persecution of Jewish folks during WWII. Very realistic.
WWII / Poland
Rivka decided not to leave for America with her husband and children as they embarked on a ship out of Gdańsk, her decision was twofold, she wanted to take care of her elderly parents who would not leave Poland, and she had been working for the underground Jewish resistance movement in Poland unbeknownst to her husband who left with the three children.
Jacob and the children left for New York in steerage aboard an overcrowded ship. The passengers were emancipated and sick. They were assisted by Hannah, Jacobs sister, and her husband to settle into New York and the lifestyle, until the huge accident where Hannah’s family were killed. This left Jacob distraught and the family split up due to the horrid happening. Rachel was forced to act as the mother and wife after all the family mishaps. In the meantime Europe was falling to the Nazi’s. The Jewish folks were being rounded up and sent to camps. Even though all Jews had to wear the yellow star on their clothing, Rivka kept up with her underground activities no matter what. Unbeknownst to her, the family in New York was suffering their own heartaches. In Europe from being rounded up into the Jewish Getto, the Judenrat yielded power and distrust to the getto populace. After working with the Resistance Rivka arrives in Israel, and keeps her personal life quiet. He quest to find her family is her greatest desire. This book keeps you interested throughout with all the intriguing life and frightening consequences, memories and fear, violence and persecution of Jewish folks during WWII. Very realistic.
May 3, 2022
When Rivka decides to remain behind in Poland when her husband and children immigrate to America, she has no idea when or if she will see them again. Yaakov, her husband, is angry that she would abandon her children but she can't tell him the real reason for remaining behind. She works as a spy for those who are trying to establish a Jewish homeland in Palestine. Remaining behind will mean that she endures the massacre of all the Jews from her village, the hardships of living with a partisan group until she can be evacuated to Palestine, and then the trials of finding one's place in a new land.
Meanwhile, her family endures the hardships of a cross Atlantic trip in the bowels of a ship that is overcrowded with refugees. When they arrive at Ellis Island, they find conditions there little better and it is not until Yaakov's sister Hannah asks a friend for help that the little family is rescued from their plight. For a while things seems to be getting better, that is until Yaakov's sister and her family are killed in an accident. Then things begin to go from bad to worse.
Throughout the years, Rivka longs to find her family. If she finds her family will she find peace and happiness also> Or, will she find more pain?
Meanwhile, her family endures the hardships of a cross Atlantic trip in the bowels of a ship that is overcrowded with refugees. When they arrive at Ellis Island, they find conditions there little better and it is not until Yaakov's sister Hannah asks a friend for help that the little family is rescued from their plight. For a while things seems to be getting better, that is until Yaakov's sister and her family are killed in an accident. Then things begin to go from bad to worse.
Throughout the years, Rivka longs to find her family. If she finds her family will she find peace and happiness also> Or, will she find more pain?
June 23, 2020
The title was intriguing espcially when it is about WWII brave women and even the cover was interesting but when I started reading I was somewhat perplexed by the story. Rivka stays behind in Poland while her husband (who vehemently disagrees with her decision since he can see what is going to happen ) leaves to go to America with their 3 children. I guess I can sort see her decision to stay with her older parents but she is also a spy who is helping the underground.
Things get increasingly worse after family leaves and she is put into situations that almost seem unsurmountable but she keeps on going. However and this is where the story loses some of its keeness for me. Rivka becomes infatuated with a spy and entangled with him while on the other side in America her family is undergoing sad and shocking developments. The rest of the story is a bit predictable and extremely depressing and the ending.....well I can only hope that brave women of WWII had better endings then Rivka did.
Things get increasingly worse after family leaves and she is put into situations that almost seem unsurmountable but she keeps on going. However and this is where the story loses some of its keeness for me. Rivka becomes infatuated with a spy and entangled with him while on the other side in America her family is undergoing sad and shocking developments. The rest of the story is a bit predictable and extremely depressing and the ending.....well I can only hope that brave women of WWII had better endings then Rivka did.
July 5, 2024
permanent information was left out so at times I was confused
I really really wanted to like this book, but I just couldn’t. It seems sometimes as if the author just jumped into the story feed first and you didn’t have any background. I didn’t know why the family was breaking up or how she got into the underground. There was no indication for me of how long the trip took although the description of the life on board the ship was very good. When they got to New York, I didn’t know how long Hannah and her husband had been there because they had built up such a good business, so I needed to learn more about them. I thought the focus would be more on her spy activities, but it was not. To me it seem to lean more heavily to being some kind of drama with improbable things happening all the time. There were parts of it that I thought were very illuminating, but in general, I was really disappointed because it seemed more like a drama. If this was based on a true story, I would have liked some reference naming the people involved.
I really really wanted to like this book, but I just couldn’t. It seems sometimes as if the author just jumped into the story feed first and you didn’t have any background. I didn’t know why the family was breaking up or how she got into the underground. There was no indication for me of how long the trip took although the description of the life on board the ship was very good. When they got to New York, I didn’t know how long Hannah and her husband had been there because they had built up such a good business, so I needed to learn more about them. I thought the focus would be more on her spy activities, but it was not. To me it seem to lean more heavily to being some kind of drama with improbable things happening all the time. There were parts of it that I thought were very illuminating, but in general, I was really disappointed because it seemed more like a drama. If this was based on a true story, I would have liked some reference naming the people involved.
February 18, 2023
This may not be based on a real-life character but it is very authentic. When you read about a WWII Jewish experience you realize it will have much sorrow and bad endings for many. If the book makes me feel too happy I know it is not realistic. As much as I hated all the death in this novel I appreciated that it was real and I felt like these people would if I were them. Rivka agreeing to separate from her family was not a happy event to start out with. Her having a Nazi-forced lover was awful but made sense. Her other 2 lovers were just like in real life. It was awful her daughter just happens to meet her lover and marry him. How awful for everyone. It did not make me happy but I wanted to live in this time and to be one of these people in my mind. This book delivered that though most times I want better outcomes.
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December 27, 2022I read this book but was at times confused as there were many grammatical errors as well as time lapses which left the reader wondering whether the writer was describing situations in the past or present tense. I was somewhat let down by the ending as it appeared rushed. The writer seemed to run out of steam. Laibel came across as extremely harsh and judgmental. At first rushing to his mentor the rabbi for guidance but then surprisingly metering out his own set of conditions. I was surprised that the strong willed Rivka accepted his harsh terms and left the kind hearted Walter who had persevered in trying to find her, drifting once more in the wind alone. She had endured so much, she was entitled to find time spending time with Walter and her grandchildren.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 4, 2024
I honestly didn’t even bother with the rest of the book. She goes through and says how she misses her children, her husband loves her, but after they leave to freedom, she stays. She then meets a man and ends up sleeping with him. Afterwards, she feels bad a little bit then decides she actually is looking forward to the man coming back. I was hoping the book would be about a woman who was courageous in helping through the war, not someone who turns their back on their family when they leave and she’s the one that chooses to stay and then makes excuses for having an affair. That’s not brave, that’s selfish.
June 20, 2020
This book had so much potential, but the interrelationships of Rivka, Menachem, and Rachel ruined it in my opinion. For Menachem to by chance fall in love and marry Rachel, Rivka's daughter, after having a relationship with Rivka in Europe is a stretch, but for Rivka and Menachem to then take a trip together to find her son and for her to have an affair with her daughter's husband is ridiculous. Sorry, but whatever the heart may feel that is just wrong. Including incest in the story was totally unnecessary and ruined it for me.
I give the book 3 stars because it is well written.
I give the book 3 stars because it is well written.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 5, 2022
When we ignore the past it repeats itself
This is a story about WW2 and how it impacted the jews and tore families apart. Now this same hatrid is building up in the world and we only have a small window of opportunity to stop it. People must make sacrifices and important decisions to keep the world safe for all. The far right are flexing their muscles as they did before.
Reading this book brings the horror of the past into present day and how history can repeat itself.
This is a story about WW2 and how it impacted the jews and tore families apart. Now this same hatrid is building up in the world and we only have a small window of opportunity to stop it. People must make sacrifices and important decisions to keep the world safe for all. The far right are flexing their muscles as they did before.
Reading this book brings the horror of the past into present day and how history can repeat itself.
September 18, 2022
The Jewish Spy
Rival is a Jew in Poland as WWII is beginning. She loves her husband, her3 children, her parents and her home. She is a great baker and cook. Then the Jews are targeted. Her life is fractured by her husband and children going to America while she stays to protect her parents and her homeland. There are many tragedies over the years until she finally reunites with two of her children.
Rival is a Jew in Poland as WWII is beginning. She loves her husband, her3 children, her parents and her home. She is a great baker and cook. Then the Jews are targeted. Her life is fractured by her husband and children going to America while she stays to protect her parents and her homeland. There are many tragedies over the years until she finally reunites with two of her children.
December 1, 2022
Rarely do I criticize so harshly, but this book is a mess. The plight of one family during the Holocaust is depicted as a soap opera; there is no subtlety in its execution. The novel portrays love, violence, separation, suicide, out-of-wedlock pregnancy, and the horrors of the Holocaust, all in 184 pages. Surprisingly the spy part referred to in the title is a minor part of the book, only serving as a plot device for the actions of other characters.
July 7, 2020
The story begins with the Nazi’s taking over Poland. Concerned for the well being of her family, Rivka, sends her husband and three children to America while she remains in Warsaw to care for her aging parents. There are many twists and turns in this historical love story and an ending I would never have predicted. This is a great read and was available to me free through Kindle Unlimited.
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July 18, 2020The story was fine. I wanted to know what was going to happen next. But, the se
sentences were choppy and appeared to be the English of a person writing English as a second language. If the author is writing English as a second language, he/she has written a beautiful story worth reading. I enjoyed the book.
sentences were choppy and appeared to be the English of a person writing English as a second language. If the author is writing English as a second language, he/she has written a beautiful story worth reading. I enjoyed the book.
April 4, 2022
Jewish history
This book was so hard to read
The jews did not deserve such torment, God's chosen people!
This story of the characters lives was written in detail
The unnecessary detailed of their sex life was too much
It didn't have to be told in detail. May God continue to bless His people and protect them from harm pray for the peace of Jerusalem.
This book was so hard to read
The jews did not deserve such torment, God's chosen people!
This story of the characters lives was written in detail
The unnecessary detailed of their sex life was too much
It didn't have to be told in detail. May God continue to bless His people and protect them from harm pray for the peace of Jerusalem.
May 23, 2022
I was expecting historical fiction, but the story veers off course. Rivka ships her family off to the states claiming to stay behind to take care of her parents. But much of the story is derailed by romantic subplots.
The characters are rather two-dimensional. There are numerous grammatical and editing errors. I found it difficult to read through to its conclusion.
The characters are rather two-dimensional. There are numerous grammatical and editing errors. I found it difficult to read through to its conclusion.
November 10, 2022
Survive
Rivka was a strong woman who did what she had to to survive. She sent her family to safety to stay with her aging parents and to work for the Resistance. Her affair with Menachem gave her strength but eventually her downfall. Meeting up with her remaining family members set her life into a new direction. Her suffering was not over.
Rivka was a strong woman who did what she had to to survive. She sent her family to safety to stay with her aging parents and to work for the Resistance. Her affair with Menachem gave her strength but eventually her downfall. Meeting up with her remaining family members set her life into a new direction. Her suffering was not over.
March 15, 2023
The story was good, though predictable. Writing was almost high-schoolish. And the ending, although inevitable, was very poorly written. It felt like the author ran out of paper, or had supper burning on the stove. So she wrapped up the story line in a rush. No flourish, no emotion, no final protagonist thoughts, no personality. Disappointing.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 68 reviews