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Auschwitz Twins #3
The Auschwitz Twins
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?
The Auschwitz Twins is a thrilling finish to Roberta Kagan's gut-wrenching WW2 historical series set within the grim walls of the dreaded Nazi killing floor.
Readers love the The Auschwitz Twins :
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ "I just finished your book, and I am still crying . I loved your book and couldn’ t put it down till the end, and what an end …" – Netgalley Review
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ "A triumphant finale to a great series!" – Netgalley Review
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ "I couldn't put this book down . I am fascinated by world War 2 stories and this book didn't disappoint.
A fictional story featuring some factual characters. The book follows several characters throughout. Some Jews some German's whose stories all intertwine. This is a story of triumph and redemption along with love and heartbreak. There was a lot of focus on the characters without going deeply into the horrors of concentration camps and life for Jews and sympathizers at the time. I recommend this book to history especially Jewish and world War 2 readers." – Goodreads review
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ " Have plenty of Kleenex ready. This one is a particularly sad story. The complete three book series is so worth the read. Highly, highly recommend ." – Netgalley Review
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ " I could not put this book down ! A story of WW2 and concentration camps. Based on events, and the sadistic behaviour of doctors and their fascination of experimenting “just because they can.” The story explores love, and how it can appear even in the darkest of times. How even an enemy can be your true friend." – Netgalley Review
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?
The Auschwitz Twins is a thrilling finish to Roberta Kagan's gut-wrenching WW2 historical series set within the grim walls of the dreaded Nazi killing floor.
Readers love the The Auschwitz Twins :
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ "I just finished your book, and I am still crying . I loved your book and couldn’ t put it down till the end, and what an end …" – Netgalley Review
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ "A triumphant finale to a great series!" – Netgalley Review
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ "I couldn't put this book down . I am fascinated by world War 2 stories and this book didn't disappoint.
A fictional story featuring some factual characters. The book follows several characters throughout. Some Jews some German's whose stories all intertwine. This is a story of triumph and redemption along with love and heartbreak. There was a lot of focus on the characters without going deeply into the horrors of concentration camps and life for Jews and sympathizers at the time. I recommend this book to history especially Jewish and world War 2 readers." – Goodreads review
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ " Have plenty of Kleenex ready. This one is a particularly sad story. The complete three book series is so worth the read. Highly, highly recommend ." – Netgalley Review
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ " I could not put this book down ! A story of WW2 and concentration camps. Based on events, and the sadistic behaviour of doctors and their fascination of experimenting “just because they can.” The story explores love, and how it can appear even in the darkest of times. How even an enemy can be your true friend." – Netgalley Review
317 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 4, 2022
351 people are currently reading
933 people want to read
About the author
Roberta Kagan
70 books636 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 118 reviews
August 17, 2022
The Auschwitz Twins by Roberta Kagen was the final installment in The Auschwitz Twins series. I had not had the opportunity to read the first two books in this series before reading The Auschwitz Twins but I had no problem following the plot or the characters in this final book. I felt that it could be read as a stand-alone novel. The Auschwitz Twins was a fast paced book that I had difficulty pulling myself away from once I started reading it. I liked that Roberta Kagan focused more on the characters in this book than the day to day atrocities that occurred in the camps. Some parts were hard to read though. My emotions were working on overdrive as I read The Auschwitz Twins. I cried, got angry, cringed, held my breathe, hoped, and even smiled.
The Auschwitz Twins took place in Poland in 1942. Naomi and Herschel and their twin eight year old daughters Bluma and Perle were waiting to board a train. As they approached the train where masses of Jewish men, women and children were waiting, Bluma and Perle spotted their estranged older sister Shoshana. When the twins ran to hug Shoshana they got separated from their parents Herschel and Naomi. Shoshana had defied her father by refusing to meet the man her father had chosen to be her husband. In those times it was common for marriages to be arranged. With this act of defiance, Shoshana was ousted from her home and her father had sat shiva for her. As Naomi and Herschel got closer to being forced to board the train, Naomi looked frantically for her daughters. They were nowhere to be seen. Bluma and Perle were so happy to have found their older sister that they ran to her and got separated from their mother and father. They had missed her so much. As Naomi and Herschel were pushed onto the overcrowded cattle cars, Bluma, Perle, Shoshana and a friend of Shoshana’s were told to get in the back of a truck. No one knew where the train was taking them or where the truck would take the girls. Naomi was beside herself that she was on the train without her daughters. Would she live to be able to find her children? What would her fate be?
Shoshana, Bluma and Perle ended up in Auschwitz. The notorious and sadistic monster, Dr. Mengele, snatched the twins up and deposited them in the twin’s ward. Mengele had a twisted obsession with twin children and enjoyed performing experiments on them just because he could. Shoshana was permitted to stay with her sisters so she could look after them. Dr. Ernst Neider was Mengele’s assistant. Although he worked for Mengele, Ernst found the horrific things Mengele did to the children, Gypsies and those with deformities sadistic and cruel. It turned Ernst’s stomach to watch Mengele torture and hurt the children. Ernst Neider became a doctor to help people and cure them of disease not purposely kill and hurt them. Ernst had recently gotten married to a beautiful young woman named Gisele. He was head over heels in love with her. Ernst considered himself to be the luckiest man to have such a beautiful wife. Some things were too good to be true, though. Ernst would learn that the hard way. Would Ernst’s kind and caring ways be enough to save Bluma, Perle and Shoshana from Mengele’s evil acts? What would happen to them under the clutches of Mengele?
The Auschwitz Twins by Roberta Kagen was a very engaging yet horrifying novel. It explored the concepts of conflict, redemption, family, love, heartbreak, loyalty, friendship, survival and courage. Roberta Kagen chose to insert some characters into The Auschwitz Twins that actually stood up against Hitler and the Nazi party and refused to be part of what they were doing. I appreciated that she showed that good did exist in some. Reading about Mengele and his experiments on those poor helpless children broke my heart. Those were the sections in The Auschwitz Twins I had the hardest time reading. Some of it was pretty graphic and very disturbing. We must never forget that these things actually happened so they can never be repeated again. I highly recommend this book.
Thank you to The Book Whisperer and Roberta Kagan for allowing me to read the ARC of The Auschwitz Twins through Netgalley in exchange for honest review. Publication is set for September 4, 2022.
The Auschwitz Twins took place in Poland in 1942. Naomi and Herschel and their twin eight year old daughters Bluma and Perle were waiting to board a train. As they approached the train where masses of Jewish men, women and children were waiting, Bluma and Perle spotted their estranged older sister Shoshana. When the twins ran to hug Shoshana they got separated from their parents Herschel and Naomi. Shoshana had defied her father by refusing to meet the man her father had chosen to be her husband. In those times it was common for marriages to be arranged. With this act of defiance, Shoshana was ousted from her home and her father had sat shiva for her. As Naomi and Herschel got closer to being forced to board the train, Naomi looked frantically for her daughters. They were nowhere to be seen. Bluma and Perle were so happy to have found their older sister that they ran to her and got separated from their mother and father. They had missed her so much. As Naomi and Herschel were pushed onto the overcrowded cattle cars, Bluma, Perle, Shoshana and a friend of Shoshana’s were told to get in the back of a truck. No one knew where the train was taking them or where the truck would take the girls. Naomi was beside herself that she was on the train without her daughters. Would she live to be able to find her children? What would her fate be?
Shoshana, Bluma and Perle ended up in Auschwitz. The notorious and sadistic monster, Dr. Mengele, snatched the twins up and deposited them in the twin’s ward. Mengele had a twisted obsession with twin children and enjoyed performing experiments on them just because he could. Shoshana was permitted to stay with her sisters so she could look after them. Dr. Ernst Neider was Mengele’s assistant. Although he worked for Mengele, Ernst found the horrific things Mengele did to the children, Gypsies and those with deformities sadistic and cruel. It turned Ernst’s stomach to watch Mengele torture and hurt the children. Ernst Neider became a doctor to help people and cure them of disease not purposely kill and hurt them. Ernst had recently gotten married to a beautiful young woman named Gisele. He was head over heels in love with her. Ernst considered himself to be the luckiest man to have such a beautiful wife. Some things were too good to be true, though. Ernst would learn that the hard way. Would Ernst’s kind and caring ways be enough to save Bluma, Perle and Shoshana from Mengele’s evil acts? What would happen to them under the clutches of Mengele?
The Auschwitz Twins by Roberta Kagen was a very engaging yet horrifying novel. It explored the concepts of conflict, redemption, family, love, heartbreak, loyalty, friendship, survival and courage. Roberta Kagen chose to insert some characters into The Auschwitz Twins that actually stood up against Hitler and the Nazi party and refused to be part of what they were doing. I appreciated that she showed that good did exist in some. Reading about Mengele and his experiments on those poor helpless children broke my heart. Those were the sections in The Auschwitz Twins I had the hardest time reading. Some of it was pretty graphic and very disturbing. We must never forget that these things actually happened so they can never be repeated again. I highly recommend this book.
Thank you to The Book Whisperer and Roberta Kagan for allowing me to read the ARC of The Auschwitz Twins through Netgalley in exchange for honest review. Publication is set for September 4, 2022.
August 24, 2022
Naomi's Search
A frightening and suspenseful ending to a historical WWII series about Dr. Mengele and his horrific experiments on twins in the concentration camp of Auschwitz.
While Naomi searches for her daughters , Ernst, Dr. Mengele's apprentice, is fighting to save them from the evil Dr. Mengele while his marriage is failing and his wife is in danger from an enemy from the past. Can Ernst save anyone, including himself?
This is a stirring story of horror and love and redemption of the heart.
I enjoyed this ending to another great WWII series. You will enjoy this series.
Thanks to Robert Kagan for writing another great book, ending another great series, to The Book Whisperer for publishing it and to NetGalley for providing a copy for me to read and review.
A frightening and suspenseful ending to a historical WWII series about Dr. Mengele and his horrific experiments on twins in the concentration camp of Auschwitz.
While Naomi searches for her daughters , Ernst, Dr. Mengele's apprentice, is fighting to save them from the evil Dr. Mengele while his marriage is failing and his wife is in danger from an enemy from the past. Can Ernst save anyone, including himself?
This is a stirring story of horror and love and redemption of the heart.
I enjoyed this ending to another great WWII series. You will enjoy this series.
Thanks to Robert Kagan for writing another great book, ending another great series, to The Book Whisperer for publishing it and to NetGalley for providing a copy for me to read and review.
July 13, 2022
Roberta Kagan has created a novel with enduring vibrations in The Auschwitz Twins.
Best selling author, Roberta Kagan, dangles her readers above the riveting lives of the men, women, and children, whose reality was smeared by the rule of Adolf Hitler during WW2. The author’s intent to keep historical events alive, was successful. The echoes of diverse voices throughout this novel are delivered within an ambiance of suspense, mystery, and love.
Through charismatic characters, readers meet with the faces of victims, villains, and heroes. Fast paced plots have the reader hooked from the very start. At times, events are so vivid and painful one feels the need to shut the book, walk away…yet, it’s so engaging, that you must read on, faster and faster!
This Jewish, historical fiction induces empathy and hope. The Auschwitz Twins is the third book of a series. It is clear that Roberta Kagan’s message will live on!
Thanks is extended to BookFunnel for an advance copy in exchange for an honest review.
Best selling author, Roberta Kagan, dangles her readers above the riveting lives of the men, women, and children, whose reality was smeared by the rule of Adolf Hitler during WW2. The author’s intent to keep historical events alive, was successful. The echoes of diverse voices throughout this novel are delivered within an ambiance of suspense, mystery, and love.
Through charismatic characters, readers meet with the faces of victims, villains, and heroes. Fast paced plots have the reader hooked from the very start. At times, events are so vivid and painful one feels the need to shut the book, walk away…yet, it’s so engaging, that you must read on, faster and faster!
This Jewish, historical fiction induces empathy and hope. The Auschwitz Twins is the third book of a series. It is clear that Roberta Kagan’s message will live on!
Thanks is extended to BookFunnel for an advance copy in exchange for an honest review.
May 9, 2023
Omgosh, this book!!! This was the perfect ending to this trilogy!!! My heart broke several times, but so many good things also happened. Something happened at the end that I was really hoping for, and something else happened that I didn’t even dare to hope for! I cried through the end, tears of sadness and tears of happiness.
August 3, 2022
The Auschwitz Twins series, book #3
A Dark and Gut-wrenching WW11 Tale
Closely following its predecessor where we were left flat wondering the outcome, of course, we all know by now it was definitely not good. Robert Kagan excelled in penning one top notch historical fiction to wrap up her trilogy. Although the novel can be read on its own merits I highly suggest reading the 2 previous books to enjoy the story at its maximum and to understand where the characters came from.
What to expect:
Set within the grim walls of the dreaded Nazi killing floor “The Auschwitz Twins” gives us a bloodcurdling drama that unravels in the shadow of Mengele’s twisted obsession. The doctor is Ernst’s boss and nemesis (we came to know him in book #2) is tormented by what he sees and very much conflicted. He must stand his ground in order to save Shoshaha, Bluma and Perle.( book #1&2 introduced them to us).Being prisoners they only faced torture and death. Then shows up Dr. Marcel Petoit (book#2) a sadist and murderers who fooled a young woman, Gisele, to help him round up Jewish family in the pretext to help them escape but killed them instead, Gisele was scared and had to disappear. She found her way into Ernst’s heart and married him. Book #3 tells us what happened next till Petoit found her....Then we continue with the story of Herschel and Naomie (reading book #1&2 gives us previous details).
My thoughts:
The story of all the players unravel in alternate chapter and at time cross paths. We follow several characters throughout; the focus is on them rather than on the horrors of concentration camps. Although the story highlight the fascination of experimenting medical procedures on prisoners by sadistic doctors just because they could it does not do so with too many gruesome details...Of course WW11 stories are sad this one is no exception.
This novel read well, it is smooth sailing from the opening pages till you reach the conclusion. Even in the darkness of times, love can be explored and enemy can be a friend...The novel is engaging, the plot is fast-paced and the characters are charismatic.
Well-done, well-said
I had the opportunity to read this book and share my thoughts, thanks to The Book Whisperer and Netgalley.
A Dark and Gut-wrenching WW11 Tale
Closely following its predecessor where we were left flat wondering the outcome, of course, we all know by now it was definitely not good. Robert Kagan excelled in penning one top notch historical fiction to wrap up her trilogy. Although the novel can be read on its own merits I highly suggest reading the 2 previous books to enjoy the story at its maximum and to understand where the characters came from.
What to expect:
Set within the grim walls of the dreaded Nazi killing floor “The Auschwitz Twins” gives us a bloodcurdling drama that unravels in the shadow of Mengele’s twisted obsession. The doctor is Ernst’s boss and nemesis (we came to know him in book #2) is tormented by what he sees and very much conflicted. He must stand his ground in order to save Shoshaha, Bluma and Perle.( book #1&2 introduced them to us).Being prisoners they only faced torture and death. Then shows up Dr. Marcel Petoit (book#2) a sadist and murderers who fooled a young woman, Gisele, to help him round up Jewish family in the pretext to help them escape but killed them instead, Gisele was scared and had to disappear. She found her way into Ernst’s heart and married him. Book #3 tells us what happened next till Petoit found her....Then we continue with the story of Herschel and Naomie (reading book #1&2 gives us previous details).
My thoughts:
The story of all the players unravel in alternate chapter and at time cross paths. We follow several characters throughout; the focus is on them rather than on the horrors of concentration camps. Although the story highlight the fascination of experimenting medical procedures on prisoners by sadistic doctors just because they could it does not do so with too many gruesome details...Of course WW11 stories are sad this one is no exception.
This novel read well, it is smooth sailing from the opening pages till you reach the conclusion. Even in the darkness of times, love can be explored and enemy can be a friend...The novel is engaging, the plot is fast-paced and the characters are charismatic.
Well-done, well-said
I had the opportunity to read this book and share my thoughts, thanks to The Book Whisperer and Netgalley.
September 5, 2022
This book was originally reviewed on Sara's Books and Things .
This is the conclusion to Reberta Keagan's trilogy the Auschwitz Twins where all of the threads collide and we learn the fate of the Aizenberg family.
I received this book from NetGalley in in exchange for a review all thoughts and opinions are my own.
I honestly had a very hard time getting through this book. It wasn't just that this book covers a very dark time, I had a hard time staying interested.
This book follows multiple perspectives that were set up in the previous two books. One that gets a lot of page time is Gisele, and I can't stand her. She's flippant, self obsessed and honestly fairly stupid. I just don't understand why she constantly makes poor decisions.
I wanted more of Sashona, and her sisters Bulma and Perle but despite the fact that they are the titular Auschwitz Twins there's barely anything from their perspective until most of the way through the book.
Truly I wanted to like this book and I did enjoy the first two in the series. However the final book was a major let down. It just focused too much on characters that I didn't care about. The people I cared about were crammed into the last quarter of the book to the point it felt incredibly shoehorned and forced.
This is the conclusion to Reberta Keagan's trilogy the Auschwitz Twins where all of the threads collide and we learn the fate of the Aizenberg family.
I received this book from NetGalley in in exchange for a review all thoughts and opinions are my own.
I honestly had a very hard time getting through this book. It wasn't just that this book covers a very dark time, I had a hard time staying interested.
This book follows multiple perspectives that were set up in the previous two books. One that gets a lot of page time is Gisele, and I can't stand her. She's flippant, self obsessed and honestly fairly stupid. I just don't understand why she constantly makes poor decisions.
I wanted more of Sashona, and her sisters Bulma and Perle but despite the fact that they are the titular Auschwitz Twins there's barely anything from their perspective until most of the way through the book.
Truly I wanted to like this book and I did enjoy the first two in the series. However the final book was a major let down. It just focused too much on characters that I didn't care about. The people I cared about were crammed into the last quarter of the book to the point it felt incredibly shoehorned and forced.
September 11, 2022
This book was a hard read to read about what people went through, and what a husband would do for his wife. It was a good book but they was so much going on, I felt like it was a hard to keep up with.
October 16, 2022
This was a complete let down. There were many things I felt were rushed. I got tired of the constant "I'm better than you are" attitudes of a number of the characters. I also wasn't too happy with all of the "happily ever after" parts in this book.
February 12, 2025
Incredible. Heartbreaking. Immersive. Tear jerker. This is a WW2 series about Jewish families, a soldier who defies his party, and a French girl who is resilient. Check trigger warnings.
May 18, 2023
Excellent ending to another trilogy by a very gifted author.
The twins were separated by death at Auschwitz by the evil doctor,but one twin,her older sister & mother did escape with the help of a German Dr.who never believed in Hitler's insane ideas.
The characters in this trilogy are ones,you will remember & the story simply unforgettable.
The twins were separated by death at Auschwitz by the evil doctor,but one twin,her older sister & mother did escape with the help of a German Dr.who never believed in Hitler's insane ideas.
The characters in this trilogy are ones,you will remember & the story simply unforgettable.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 23, 2023
Audiobook- 4.5 stars …another great series by the author 🙌🏻
December 21, 2023
Great way to end a wonderful trilogy.
August 23, 2022
The last in the Auschwitz Twins trilogy, this heartbreaking yet beautiful book is a stunner as are the other two instalments. My heart broke and rejoiced as I gained deeper insight into the lives of Naomi, Herschel, Shosham, Perle, Bluma, Ernst, Gisele and the Angel of Death during WWII in Poland, mostly at Auschwitz. The book is utterly engaging and engrossing, so much so that it was easy to immerse myself and lose track of time.
Naomi and Herschel are forced from the Warsaw Ghetto onto a crammed train cattle car where they experienced unspeakable horrors. Herschel makes a life-changing decision. Their three daughters are at Auschwitz where Dr. Mengele and his team perform ghastly experiments on children, especially twins. Unfortunately, eight-year-old Perle and Bluma are twins. Their older sister Shosham does all she can to protect them but they are now haunted by constant fear, humiliation and pervasive death. Ernst works with Dr. Mengele and as a doctor is horrified at what he sees but continues anyway as he feels he has no choice. His beautiful wife Gisele (with whom many men are besotted) believes she is Dr. Mengele's daughter which adds another intriguing layer to the story. Dr. Mengele's character and personality are revealed through his rationalizations and barbarity. Difficult to read but important information to learn about. My favourite storyline is that of the sisters and their remarkable journey.
Historical Fiction readers, this trilogy is more than reading...it is an experience and would be a shame to miss. Do read the notes by author Roberta Kagan to discover her inspiration. Not only is it obvious she has done her research but she writes with a special giftedness. I absolutely loved this book and am sad to see the series end.
My sincere thank you to The Book Whisperer and NetGalley for the privilege of reading this harrowing and lovely book.
Merged review:
The last in the Auschwitz Twins trilogy, this heartbreaking yet beautiful book is a stunner as are the other two instalments. My heart broke and rejoiced as I gained deeper insight into the lives of Naomi, Herschel, Shosham, Perle, Bluma, Ernst, Gisele and the Angel of Death during WWII in Poland, mostly at Auschwitz. The book is utterly engaging and engrossing, so much so that it was easy to immerse myself and lose track of time.
Naomi and Herschel are forced from the Warsaw Ghetto onto a crammed train cattle car where they experienced unspeakable horrors. Herschel makes a life-changing decision. Their three daughters are at Auschwitz where Dr. Mengele and his team perform ghastly experiments on children, especially twins. Unfortunately, eight-year-old Perle and Bluma are twins. Their older sister Shosham does all she can to protect them but they are now haunted by constant fear, humiliation and pervasive death. Ernst works with Dr. Mengele and as a doctor is horrified at what he sees but continues anyway as he feels he has no choice. His beautiful wife Gisele (with whom many men are besotted) believes she is Dr. Mengele's daughter which adds another intriguing layer to the story. Dr. Mengele's character and personality are revealed through his rationalizations and barbarity. Difficult to read but important information to learn about. My favourite storyline is that of the sisters and their remarkable journey.
Historical Fiction readers, this trilogy is more than reading...it is an experience and would be a shame to miss. Do read the notes by author Roberta Kagan to discover her inspiration. Not only is it obvious she has done her research but she writes with a special giftedness. I absolutely loved this book and am sad to see the series end.
My sincere thank you to The Book Whisperer and NetGalley for the privilege of reading this harrowing and lovely book.
Naomi and Herschel are forced from the Warsaw Ghetto onto a crammed train cattle car where they experienced unspeakable horrors. Herschel makes a life-changing decision. Their three daughters are at Auschwitz where Dr. Mengele and his team perform ghastly experiments on children, especially twins. Unfortunately, eight-year-old Perle and Bluma are twins. Their older sister Shosham does all she can to protect them but they are now haunted by constant fear, humiliation and pervasive death. Ernst works with Dr. Mengele and as a doctor is horrified at what he sees but continues anyway as he feels he has no choice. His beautiful wife Gisele (with whom many men are besotted) believes she is Dr. Mengele's daughter which adds another intriguing layer to the story. Dr. Mengele's character and personality are revealed through his rationalizations and barbarity. Difficult to read but important information to learn about. My favourite storyline is that of the sisters and their remarkable journey.
Historical Fiction readers, this trilogy is more than reading...it is an experience and would be a shame to miss. Do read the notes by author Roberta Kagan to discover her inspiration. Not only is it obvious she has done her research but she writes with a special giftedness. I absolutely loved this book and am sad to see the series end.
My sincere thank you to The Book Whisperer and NetGalley for the privilege of reading this harrowing and lovely book.
Merged review:
The last in the Auschwitz Twins trilogy, this heartbreaking yet beautiful book is a stunner as are the other two instalments. My heart broke and rejoiced as I gained deeper insight into the lives of Naomi, Herschel, Shosham, Perle, Bluma, Ernst, Gisele and the Angel of Death during WWII in Poland, mostly at Auschwitz. The book is utterly engaging and engrossing, so much so that it was easy to immerse myself and lose track of time.
Naomi and Herschel are forced from the Warsaw Ghetto onto a crammed train cattle car where they experienced unspeakable horrors. Herschel makes a life-changing decision. Their three daughters are at Auschwitz where Dr. Mengele and his team perform ghastly experiments on children, especially twins. Unfortunately, eight-year-old Perle and Bluma are twins. Their older sister Shosham does all she can to protect them but they are now haunted by constant fear, humiliation and pervasive death. Ernst works with Dr. Mengele and as a doctor is horrified at what he sees but continues anyway as he feels he has no choice. His beautiful wife Gisele (with whom many men are besotted) believes she is Dr. Mengele's daughter which adds another intriguing layer to the story. Dr. Mengele's character and personality are revealed through his rationalizations and barbarity. Difficult to read but important information to learn about. My favourite storyline is that of the sisters and their remarkable journey.
Historical Fiction readers, this trilogy is more than reading...it is an experience and would be a shame to miss. Do read the notes by author Roberta Kagan to discover her inspiration. Not only is it obvious she has done her research but she writes with a special giftedness. I absolutely loved this book and am sad to see the series end.
My sincere thank you to The Book Whisperer and NetGalley for the privilege of reading this harrowing and lovely book.
August 4, 2022
This was a huge disappointment. I feel like I ordered a chocolate dessert, and I was given a sour patch kids covered in hot sauce.
When I requested this on NetGalley I was super excited by the synopsis, and I didn’t even mind that it was the third book in a series. I hadn’t read the first two, but the reviews were very positive, so I went for it.
WHAT I LIKED:
~The author did a good job making sure all the important events from the previous books were mentioned, so I didn’t feel like I was missing out on too much info.
~I was impressed with the research that went into the historical accounts of Dr. Mengele and his twisted obsession with experimenting on twin Jews. It was horrifying and was so sad. It was just another part of the holocaust that breaks my heart.
WHAT I DID NOT LIKE:
Literally everything else.
I’m not normally this salty with a book but this one pushed me beyond my limits and it’s a dang miracle I finished it.
~I started this book for the twins. Obviously, Its in the dang title. Where are they in this book? Out of 80 freaking chapters… maybe 15. EVERYTHING ELSE revolved around these ridiculous characters…
~Ernst is OBSESSED with his snobby, shallow wife and will NOT stop talking about how he is ugly, and she is “so beautiful.”
~Otto is proud of his looks and mentions it often. “I am smarter than he is and far more handsome.” He’s also a man slut…. “I must conquer and bed her.”
~Gisele is…. Here’s some quotes to sum her up…. “If….. wasn’t my father, I could fall for him.” (disgusting)
“Its going to be even more difficult to make love to Ernst after spending time with such attractive men.”
“I can’t help being attracted to… He’s so handsome, and his body is so strong.”
“Even if I’m planning on staying faithful to my husband, I still want….”
“Once she finished, she studied her reflection in the mirror and said, “I am gorgeous.”
You get the idea. There are other characters that were just okay and so much more but I’m sick of this book so let’s move on…
~The writing felt simple and dumbed down. It's like everything had to be spelled out for the reader. You are told what they are thinking, feeling and all the possible consequences to the actions and motivations of all the characters etc. It felt like the author didn't believe that the reader could come to these conclusions on their own.? There were NO surprises because it was all just laid out. The subject matter is for adults, but it feels like it's written for Elementary/Junior high school.
~I feel like there was a HISTORICAL MISTAKE here… There’s a German character the say’s “crap.” That’s an American thing. German’s say "shit."
~Everyone bad is called a “sadist” or “sadistic.” I can give you at least 10 other words that have the SAME meaning, but no. Sadist is apparently the ONLY word appropriate for 70 chapters worth of misery.
~Sentiments and nearly exact sentences were repeated constantly.
~A character I ACTUALLY LIKED died without ceremony. “She died.” WTF!?!
~The “romance” was bland, at times toxic, flat, and just awful. “I want to marry you… I was wondering how you feel about that?” (This was one of the better parts)
OVERALL THOUGHTS:
Normally this would be a 1 star read. I’m ONLY giving this book 2 stars because of the historical accounts in it and the few POV moments with the twin girls in Auschwitz.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Characters - 3
Atmosphere/Setting - 5
Writing Style - 1
Plot - 4
Intrigue - 2
Logic/Relationships - 3
Enjoyment - 2
Total: 20
Divided by 7 = 2.8 (2 stars)
1.1-2.2 *
2.3-4.5 **
4.6-6.9 ***
7.0-8.9 ****
9.0-10 *****
When I requested this on NetGalley I was super excited by the synopsis, and I didn’t even mind that it was the third book in a series. I hadn’t read the first two, but the reviews were very positive, so I went for it.
WHAT I LIKED:
~The author did a good job making sure all the important events from the previous books were mentioned, so I didn’t feel like I was missing out on too much info.
~I was impressed with the research that went into the historical accounts of Dr. Mengele and his twisted obsession with experimenting on twin Jews. It was horrifying and was so sad. It was just another part of the holocaust that breaks my heart.
WHAT I DID NOT LIKE:
Literally everything else.
I’m not normally this salty with a book but this one pushed me beyond my limits and it’s a dang miracle I finished it.
~I started this book for the twins. Obviously, Its in the dang title. Where are they in this book? Out of 80 freaking chapters… maybe 15. EVERYTHING ELSE revolved around these ridiculous characters…
~Ernst is OBSESSED with his snobby, shallow wife and will NOT stop talking about how he is ugly, and she is “so beautiful.”
~Otto is proud of his looks and mentions it often. “I am smarter than he is and far more handsome.” He’s also a man slut…. “I must conquer and bed her.”
~Gisele is…. Here’s some quotes to sum her up…. “If….. wasn’t my father, I could fall for him.” (disgusting)
“Its going to be even more difficult to make love to Ernst after spending time with such attractive men.”
“I can’t help being attracted to… He’s so handsome, and his body is so strong.”
“Even if I’m planning on staying faithful to my husband, I still want….”
“Once she finished, she studied her reflection in the mirror and said, “I am gorgeous.”
You get the idea. There are other characters that were just okay and so much more but I’m sick of this book so let’s move on…
~The writing felt simple and dumbed down. It's like everything had to be spelled out for the reader. You are told what they are thinking, feeling and all the possible consequences to the actions and motivations of all the characters etc. It felt like the author didn't believe that the reader could come to these conclusions on their own.? There were NO surprises because it was all just laid out. The subject matter is for adults, but it feels like it's written for Elementary/Junior high school.
~I feel like there was a HISTORICAL MISTAKE here… There’s a German character the say’s “crap.” That’s an American thing. German’s say "shit."
~Everyone bad is called a “sadist” or “sadistic.” I can give you at least 10 other words that have the SAME meaning, but no. Sadist is apparently the ONLY word appropriate for 70 chapters worth of misery.
~Sentiments and nearly exact sentences were repeated constantly.
~A character I ACTUALLY LIKED died without ceremony. “She died.” WTF!?!
~The “romance” was bland, at times toxic, flat, and just awful. “I want to marry you… I was wondering how you feel about that?” (This was one of the better parts)
OVERALL THOUGHTS:
Normally this would be a 1 star read. I’m ONLY giving this book 2 stars because of the historical accounts in it and the few POV moments with the twin girls in Auschwitz.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Characters - 3
Atmosphere/Setting - 5
Writing Style - 1
Plot - 4
Intrigue - 2
Logic/Relationships - 3
Enjoyment - 2
Total: 20
Divided by 7 = 2.8 (2 stars)
1.1-2.2 *
2.3-4.5 **
4.6-6.9 ***
7.0-8.9 ****
9.0-10 *****
August 17, 2022
The Auschwitz Twins by Roberta Kagen was the final installment in The Auschwitz Twins series. I had not had the opportunity to read the first two books in this series before reading The Auschwitz Twins but I had no problem following the plot or the characters in this final book. The Auschwitz Twins is a very interesting WWII book. One of my favorite genres is historical fiction and I’ve read a “few” books by various authors. This book leads the reader into the dark world of Dr. Mengele and his horrifying “experiments” on twins.
The book begins with a family being taken by the Nazi’s . Mom and Dad are on a train heading towards their death. They have no idea where their three daughters are twins, Perle and Blume, and their older sister Shoshana. Dad bribes a guard to get Mama off the train and she runs into the woods. (The story of the mother and her escape is a big part of the story). The girls are taken to Auschwitz and put under the care of Dr. Mengele and his kind assistant Ernst.
The characters all become intertwined into a very interesting story of love, hate, faith, and betrayal
Quick and interesting read!!!
Thank you NetGalley and Book Whisperer for the opportunity to read this book.
The book begins with a family being taken by the Nazi’s . Mom and Dad are on a train heading towards their death. They have no idea where their three daughters are twins, Perle and Blume, and their older sister Shoshana. Dad bribes a guard to get Mama off the train and she runs into the woods. (The story of the mother and her escape is a big part of the story). The girls are taken to Auschwitz and put under the care of Dr. Mengele and his kind assistant Ernst.
The characters all become intertwined into a very interesting story of love, hate, faith, and betrayal
Quick and interesting read!!!
Thank you NetGalley and Book Whisperer for the opportunity to read this book.
July 11, 2022
Thank you NetGalley for providing an ARC in return for my honest review.
I haven't read the first two books from this series, but I felt that this book can quite easily be a stand-alone. This story didn't disappoint with making you feel a connection towards these fictional characters that are set in a backdrop that is based on real events. We get to follow a mix of characters, some Jewish and others German, as we get to see how these characters stories twine together. My one critique would be some character interactions and inner-thoughts were a little stiff at times.
What I took from this story is that there is good to be found, even during terrible events like when experimentation was being conducted during WW2 in concentration camps. This book was both riveting yet at times hard to read because it made you feel strong emotions.
I haven't read the first two books from this series, but I felt that this book can quite easily be a stand-alone. This story didn't disappoint with making you feel a connection towards these fictional characters that are set in a backdrop that is based on real events. We get to follow a mix of characters, some Jewish and others German, as we get to see how these characters stories twine together. My one critique would be some character interactions and inner-thoughts were a little stiff at times.
What I took from this story is that there is good to be found, even during terrible events like when experimentation was being conducted during WW2 in concentration camps. This book was both riveting yet at times hard to read because it made you feel strong emotions.
August 20, 2022
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing this book in exchange for an honest review.
While I have not read the previous 2 books in the series, I feel like there was enough information in this book for most of it to make sense. Like any books about the Holocaust, this one is depressing for the most part. There were a couple different story lines going on but to me it seemed mostly unrealistic to the point that it took a lot away from the overall story. Something about the writing style bother me but I couldn't pinpoint what. The ending seemed rushed and abrupt.
Overall, this book was pretty good. Just not as realistic as I expected.
While I have not read the previous 2 books in the series, I feel like there was enough information in this book for most of it to make sense. Like any books about the Holocaust, this one is depressing for the most part. There were a couple different story lines going on but to me it seemed mostly unrealistic to the point that it took a lot away from the overall story. Something about the writing style bother me but I couldn't pinpoint what. The ending seemed rushed and abrupt.
Overall, this book was pretty good. Just not as realistic as I expected.
September 2, 2022
I loved this whole series and the ending was perfect! Kagan does extremely well interweaving many different characters and story lines. I loved that she gives us the POV of each main character when necessary. Like any story set during the holocaust there were times it was difficult to read knowing that things that horrendous actually happened. Thankfully Kagan gives each character the ending they deserve. This is not the first book I've read by this wonderful author and it won't be the last!
August 6, 2022
This is the third book of the Auschwitz series and the final book of the series
PS, it would be better if you read the second book of the series so you could be familiar with the background before reading this third book.
The story continues with Ernst bringing his new wife Gisele to the house where Ernst is working as a doctor at Auschwitz under Dr. Mengele known as the "Angel of Death". Gisele meanwhile is trying to find a way to talk to Dr. Mengele who she believed is her biological father. Eli helped Naomi to escape and while running, she meets a deserted soldier Friedrich with whom she developed a friendship. Shoshana and her sisters are at the Auschwitz camp and Shoshana and Ernst become friends.
The story is beautifully written and is emotional. To me the most interesting part was reading about Ernst's slow developing friendship with Shoshana and about Gisele how she used Ernst and at the same time have mixed feelings towards him. Overall, the medical experiments that were carried out on the twins, Dr. Mengele's cold hearted nature and indifference to death was too shocking and disturbing to read, and the fact that it happened in real life...too emotional to read.
Overall, this book will make you cry and emotional, and will keep you on the edge--worth five stars.
Many thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the ARC. The review is based on my honest opinion only.
PS, it would be better if you read the second book of the series so you could be familiar with the background before reading this third book.
The story continues with Ernst bringing his new wife Gisele to the house where Ernst is working as a doctor at Auschwitz under Dr. Mengele known as the "Angel of Death". Gisele meanwhile is trying to find a way to talk to Dr. Mengele who she believed is her biological father. Eli helped Naomi to escape and while running, she meets a deserted soldier Friedrich with whom she developed a friendship. Shoshana and her sisters are at the Auschwitz camp and Shoshana and Ernst become friends.
The story is beautifully written and is emotional. To me the most interesting part was reading about Ernst's slow developing friendship with Shoshana and about Gisele how she used Ernst and at the same time have mixed feelings towards him. Overall, the medical experiments that were carried out on the twins, Dr. Mengele's cold hearted nature and indifference to death was too shocking and disturbing to read, and the fact that it happened in real life...too emotional to read.
Overall, this book will make you cry and emotional, and will keep you on the edge--worth five stars.
Many thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the ARC. The review is based on my honest opinion only.
October 9, 2022
The Auschwitz Twins: Book Three in the Auschwitz Twins series by Roberta Kagan. This book continues the story of Naomi and her three daughters and their horrifying journey during World War II. Naomi was a twin in a family that passed on gifts to the women of the family. These gifts were having dreams that were premonitions of what would happen in the future. When Naomi herself had twin daughters, Bluma and Perle, she passed on the gift to Perle. Perle had dreams that she and the others could not understand; but believed that one day they would understand.
In this book, Naomi and her husband were separated at the train station from their twins. Her husband had turned out their eldest daughter, Shoshana for disobeying him; but she also was at the train station. When the twins saw her, they raced over to give her a hug. At that moment, the soldiers began loading the train and they were separated from their parents. The train was headed for Treblinka; but the girls were put in a truck with a friend and her boyfriend. Here the boyfriend took them to Auschwitz where they were placed in the twins barracks for experimentation. In an uncharacteristic moment, Mengele allowed Shoshana to stay with the little girls. Could she protect them? One of the doctors working with Mengele took an interest in the girls and tried to keep them from being experimented on or killed. Can he help them?
In this book, Naomi and her husband were separated at the train station from their twins. Her husband had turned out their eldest daughter, Shoshana for disobeying him; but she also was at the train station. When the twins saw her, they raced over to give her a hug. At that moment, the soldiers began loading the train and they were separated from their parents. The train was headed for Treblinka; but the girls were put in a truck with a friend and her boyfriend. Here the boyfriend took them to Auschwitz where they were placed in the twins barracks for experimentation. In an uncharacteristic moment, Mengele allowed Shoshana to stay with the little girls. Could she protect them? One of the doctors working with Mengele took an interest in the girls and tried to keep them from being experimented on or killed. Can he help them?
November 15, 2023
NOT A BOOK TO READ FOR PLEASURE
I often wonder why authors choose to write fictional versions of the worst part of history, the Holocaust, mirroring man's inhumanity. From this author's personal history I can understand the 'need' to write it down and possibly share it as a warning, but reading it to me was like trying to tear my eyes away from a lethal, fatal accident. I was curious to see how it would be approached in this book, which I began twice, a year apart, and simply could not finish. I know far too many people who actually lived through these horrors, and refuse to discuss them with anyone but another survivor. It remains a part of their past which they refuse to tell, even to their closest family and children. For me as a reader the author drops far too many 'breadcrumbs' as this doomed family gets on the train to torture and death. I found the plot very predictable and the characters unreal, almost cartoons of themselves. Rather than create tension by alternating the chapters between the mother and her children, I found it created a choppy result that destroyed my chain of attention. Just as I wondered why someone would choose to write this, other than seeking catharsis, I wondered why I had chosen to read it.I usually complete every book I begin, whether or not I like it, just so that I can make an informed decision. Thus us not a book I can recommend for those who read for pleasure.
I often wonder why authors choose to write fictional versions of the worst part of history, the Holocaust, mirroring man's inhumanity. From this author's personal history I can understand the 'need' to write it down and possibly share it as a warning, but reading it to me was like trying to tear my eyes away from a lethal, fatal accident. I was curious to see how it would be approached in this book, which I began twice, a year apart, and simply could not finish. I know far too many people who actually lived through these horrors, and refuse to discuss them with anyone but another survivor. It remains a part of their past which they refuse to tell, even to their closest family and children. For me as a reader the author drops far too many 'breadcrumbs' as this doomed family gets on the train to torture and death. I found the plot very predictable and the characters unreal, almost cartoons of themselves. Rather than create tension by alternating the chapters between the mother and her children, I found it created a choppy result that destroyed my chain of attention. Just as I wondered why someone would choose to write this, other than seeking catharsis, I wondered why I had chosen to read it.I usually complete every book I begin, whether or not I like it, just so that I can make an informed decision. Thus us not a book I can recommend for those who read for pleasure.
July 19, 2022
This is book 3 in a series, which I have not yet read. However, I was still able to follow the book with no problems.
I've already started reading another book for review. However, this one keeps hanging on to me. So many emotions. I wanted to reach through my Kindle and slap some, hug others and cry for so many.
Naomi and Herschel are separated from their children as they are loaded onto the train from the Warsaw Ghetto. They are told they are being sent to a work camp. While Naomi is sleeping, Herschel overhears the true plans for them. He thinks quickly of a plan to save Naomi.
After escaping the horror of the train, still not knowing it's fate, she runs until she finds shelter. There she makes an unlikely friend to wait out the cold weather. Her desire to find her children keeping her going through the more tragic events to come.
The children are all at Auschwitz where the horrible Dr Mengele uses them for his experiments, showing no heart or compassion.
Dr Neider took holiday from working for Dr Mengele, returning with a beautiful bride that all feel is out of his reach. Why did such a beautiful woman marry a man she wasn't attracted to or love?
Will Naomi ever find her children? Will the children escape Dr Mengele horrible experiments?
I've already started reading another book for review. However, this one keeps hanging on to me. So many emotions. I wanted to reach through my Kindle and slap some, hug others and cry for so many.
Naomi and Herschel are separated from their children as they are loaded onto the train from the Warsaw Ghetto. They are told they are being sent to a work camp. While Naomi is sleeping, Herschel overhears the true plans for them. He thinks quickly of a plan to save Naomi.
After escaping the horror of the train, still not knowing it's fate, she runs until she finds shelter. There she makes an unlikely friend to wait out the cold weather. Her desire to find her children keeping her going through the more tragic events to come.
The children are all at Auschwitz where the horrible Dr Mengele uses them for his experiments, showing no heart or compassion.
Dr Neider took holiday from working for Dr Mengele, returning with a beautiful bride that all feel is out of his reach. Why did such a beautiful woman marry a man she wasn't attracted to or love?
Will Naomi ever find her children? Will the children escape Dr Mengele horrible experiments?
July 19, 2022
I had such high hopes for this particular book, and while they were not fully met, it was still a fascinating story that fully held my attention until the very end. The main storyline centered on the villainous Dr. Mengele and the horrible medical experiments he inflicted upon Jewish twins at Auschwitz.
A wide variety of characters, some who clearly suffer from emophilia, made the read more interesting, and the character development of Ernst really made the story for me, a classic underdog turned hero. I thought the various minor storylines were unnecessary, until suddenly, towards the end of the book, it all came together so perfectly.
The writing style threw me off a bit; it seemed a good portion of the book read as being aimed at middle schoolers, with very simple verbiage. It wasn't until I read passages that were clearly adult themed was I reminded what genre the book was. All in all, I would recommend this for historical fiction fans who like a hint of romance sprinkled in.
A huge thanks to Netgalley and The Book Whisperer for early access to this book for an honest review!
A wide variety of characters, some who clearly suffer from emophilia, made the read more interesting, and the character development of Ernst really made the story for me, a classic underdog turned hero. I thought the various minor storylines were unnecessary, until suddenly, towards the end of the book, it all came together so perfectly.
The writing style threw me off a bit; it seemed a good portion of the book read as being aimed at middle schoolers, with very simple verbiage. It wasn't until I read passages that were clearly adult themed was I reminded what genre the book was. All in all, I would recommend this for historical fiction fans who like a hint of romance sprinkled in.
A huge thanks to Netgalley and The Book Whisperer for early access to this book for an honest review!
August 26, 2022
As with so many other
books describing the horror of the Holocaust, this book is equally sad. It centers on the despicable Dr Mengele, the sadistic Nazi doctor, who, in truth, performed horrendous experiment on twins and people with deformities. The details are difficult for to read, but important to know in historical context.
The story also brings the light the fictional kind hearted doctor, who despite wearing a Nazi uniform, had a love for his Hippocrates oath, do no harm. Disgusted by the treatment of children in Auschwitz, he helps a family escape the concentration camp.
The writing is interesting, with many pages of the character’s thoughts in italic. The book covers a span of many years, with an epilogue ending in 1976.
All in all, despite unpleasant, but factual subject matter, this was a very good book, filled with glimpses of family devotion, bravery, survival and love.
Thank you, NetGalley, and The Book Whisperer publishing,
for the advance copy of this book.
4 1/2 stars
books describing the horror of the Holocaust, this book is equally sad. It centers on the despicable Dr Mengele, the sadistic Nazi doctor, who, in truth, performed horrendous experiment on twins and people with deformities. The details are difficult for to read, but important to know in historical context.
The story also brings the light the fictional kind hearted doctor, who despite wearing a Nazi uniform, had a love for his Hippocrates oath, do no harm. Disgusted by the treatment of children in Auschwitz, he helps a family escape the concentration camp.
The writing is interesting, with many pages of the character’s thoughts in italic. The book covers a span of many years, with an epilogue ending in 1976.
All in all, despite unpleasant, but factual subject matter, this was a very good book, filled with glimpses of family devotion, bravery, survival and love.
Thank you, NetGalley, and The Book Whisperer publishing,
for the advance copy of this book.
4 1/2 stars
September 9, 2022
This is about WW2 and, of course, Auschwitz and concentration camps, and the horrible experiments performed by Dr. Mengele. Ernst is trying to save Shoshana, Blume and Perle. Marcel is using Gisele's secrets against her, and Herschel and Naomi just want to see their kids again.
This is book 3 of The Auschwitz Twins series, and although it could be read as a stand alone, I wish I would've read the first two before this one (and I will go back and read them). Of course, we all know the story, but I'm morbidly fascinated by Holocaust stories. How can something so horrible interest me so much? After reading and seeing so many things on the subject, maybe I'm still just trying to figure out how human beings can be so cruel, but also how people can make beautiful things out of such darkness. This book is a heartbreaking historical fiction with a hint of romance.
I received an advance review copy for free and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
This is book 3 of The Auschwitz Twins series, and although it could be read as a stand alone, I wish I would've read the first two before this one (and I will go back and read them). Of course, we all know the story, but I'm morbidly fascinated by Holocaust stories. How can something so horrible interest me so much? After reading and seeing so many things on the subject, maybe I'm still just trying to figure out how human beings can be so cruel, but also how people can make beautiful things out of such darkness. This book is a heartbreaking historical fiction with a hint of romance.
I received an advance review copy for free and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
August 25, 2022
Thank you to NetGalley and The Book Whisperer for this copy of the “The Auschwitz Twins” by Roberta Kagan.This is the final installment of a trilogy but can be read as a stand alone novel.I plan to read the other 2 installments.This is a brutal but eye opening tale of man’s inhumanity to man.The evil Dr. Mengele serves as judge and juror as he searches the Auschwirz train ramps for twins he can perform horrible experiments on.The 2 twin girls Perla and Blume are picked by Mengele .Their sister Shosham tries to protect them but their is little she can do.Ernst and his wife Gisele are also 2 of the characters who are witnesses to Mengele’s evil.A very harrowing and thought provoking read.Highly recommend
October 22, 2022
So, I don’t normally rate books with such sensitive topics, but this was an ARC so here we go.
I had requested this off NetGalley totally unaware that this was the third book in a series. The summary was interesting and I’ve always been intrigued/morbidly curious about Dr. Mengele’s work on twins. So, naturally, I was a little peeved but read the first two books for context.
I finally get to the third and I’m excited to see how all of the threads and lives are connected. I’m excited to read about the story of the Auschwitz Twins.
Where are the twins??? They’re mentioned a few times and have a couple of scenes on the side.
I hate Gisele and unfortunately, this book was mostly about her.
2 stars. Disappointing.
Shoutout to NetGalley for the ARC.
I had requested this off NetGalley totally unaware that this was the third book in a series. The summary was interesting and I’ve always been intrigued/morbidly curious about Dr. Mengele’s work on twins. So, naturally, I was a little peeved but read the first two books for context.
I finally get to the third and I’m excited to see how all of the threads and lives are connected. I’m excited to read about the story of the Auschwitz Twins.
Where are the twins??? They’re mentioned a few times and have a couple of scenes on the side.
I hate Gisele and unfortunately, this book was mostly about her.
2 stars. Disappointing.
Shoutout to NetGalley for the ARC.
September 1, 2022
Read it in a day; that’s how good this book is!
Thanks first of all to NetGalley for an advanced copy even though I wasn’t able to get it read until after publication
The story centers around a family with twin daughters. The parents were separated from the twins and their oldest daughter as they were waiting to board a train. When it was discovered that they were on the way to a death camp, the dad negotiated with a guard to release his wife and he continued on while she tried to find a way back to her daughters. Unknown to her, the girls had all been taken to auschwitz with the twins being subjected to Dr mengele and his deathly experiments.
Thanks first of all to NetGalley for an advanced copy even though I wasn’t able to get it read until after publication
The story centers around a family with twin daughters. The parents were separated from the twins and their oldest daughter as they were waiting to board a train. When it was discovered that they were on the way to a death camp, the dad negotiated with a guard to release his wife and he continued on while she tried to find a way back to her daughters. Unknown to her, the girls had all been taken to auschwitz with the twins being subjected to Dr mengele and his deathly experiments.
September 2, 2022
I received a copy of this from NetGalley.
I have read many books relating to the Holocaust, both non-fiction, and historical fiction. I am Jewish, and this genre is a great interest of mine so when I saw this as a NetGalley offering I was glad that I was chosen to read and review it.
This was a heart-wrenching, though predictable (for me, because as I have prefaced, I have read many books about the Holocaust,) novel. I haven't read any other books by this author, but I would be interested in checking them out in the future. This was a quick read, and I finished it in two days.
If you're looking for a quick engaging read about the Holocaust, you may want to read this book.
I have read many books relating to the Holocaust, both non-fiction, and historical fiction. I am Jewish, and this genre is a great interest of mine so when I saw this as a NetGalley offering I was glad that I was chosen to read and review it.
This was a heart-wrenching, though predictable (for me, because as I have prefaced, I have read many books about the Holocaust,) novel. I haven't read any other books by this author, but I would be interested in checking them out in the future. This was a quick read, and I finished it in two days.
If you're looking for a quick engaging read about the Holocaust, you may want to read this book.
June 30, 2022
I couldn't put this book down. I am fascinated by world War 2 stories and this book didn't disappoint.
A fictional story featuring some factual characters. The book follows several characters throughout. Some Jews some German's whose stories all intertwine. This is a story of triumph and redemption along with love and heartbreak. There was a lot of focus on the characters without going deeply into the horrors of concentration camps and life for Jews and sympathizers at the time.
I recommend this book to history especially Jewish and world War 2 readers.
A fictional story featuring some factual characters. The book follows several characters throughout. Some Jews some German's whose stories all intertwine. This is a story of triumph and redemption along with love and heartbreak. There was a lot of focus on the characters without going deeply into the horrors of concentration camps and life for Jews and sympathizers at the time.
I recommend this book to history especially Jewish and world War 2 readers.
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