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The Name on the List
What if the person who betrayed your family is the only one who can save you now?
Hungary, 1944. Martha’s life is thrown into disarray. The man she considered her best friend, a Nazi recruit, makes a split-second decision to send her beloved husband to Mauthausen Concentration Camp.
Martha, stunned and hurt, refuses to forget his betrayal.
Israel, present. Martha’s granddaughter, Daria, is forced to embark on a cross-continent journey to investigate her family’s origins and an old secret that could lead the way to saving her little sister's life.
Slowly and patiently she manages to piece together this historical puzzle, exposing her grandparents’ extraordinary and chilling survival story during the World War II Holocaust. But once the truth is out, will she be able to forgive the unforgivable for the sake of her family?
Hungary, 1944. Martha’s life is thrown into disarray. The man she considered her best friend, a Nazi recruit, makes a split-second decision to send her beloved husband to Mauthausen Concentration Camp.
Martha, stunned and hurt, refuses to forget his betrayal.
Israel, present. Martha’s granddaughter, Daria, is forced to embark on a cross-continent journey to investigate her family’s origins and an old secret that could lead the way to saving her little sister's life.
Slowly and patiently she manages to piece together this historical puzzle, exposing her grandparents’ extraordinary and chilling survival story during the World War II Holocaust. But once the truth is out, will she be able to forgive the unforgivable for the sake of her family?
403 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 5, 2021
1108 people are currently reading
398 people want to read
About the author
Orly Krauss-Winer
21 books17 followersI was born in 1959, in Israel, the eldest child of parents who immigrated from different parts of the world. My father came from Hungary after World War II, and my mother from Uzbekistan, after a long, ten-year journey with her family through the desert, by way of Afghanistan, India, and Sri-Lanka. My sixth book was about my father's family history, their brave and special story of survival through the Holocaust, and I dedicated my eleventh book to the story of the hardships endured by my mother's family in the desert.
My love of books goes back to when I was a child; my parents taught me to read at the age of four, and I've been a voracious reader ever since. I used to read under my desk at school, and I was kicked out so many times that, in high school, I went straight to the beach in Tel-Aviv with my books, not bothering to stop off at school. Nonetheless, I successfully earned a high school diploma, served in the army, and studied at Tel-Aviv University, for both an undergraduate and a graduate degree.
I worked as a flight attendant for El-Al airlines for seven years, then became a freelance writer for several newspapers. Three years later, based on my experiences and happy memories of those years in the air and the unique lifestyle of the flight crews, l wrote a romantic thriller about three flight attendants. The novel was an overnight success, and topped the bestseller list for weeks.
I've since published twelve books, all best sellers in Israel, many based on my personal stories, and those of my family and friends. I currently live in Tel-Aviv with my 21-year-old daughter, Gal, and my partner, Gili.
I write a book a year. My novels are romantic thrillers and historical romances, for the most part based on true stories. Naturally, those written about my family and my life are dear to my heart. On the other hand, I enjoy writing the romantic thrillers more, so it's hard to say which of my novels I like best. One thing is certain - I thank God every day for granting me the privilege of working at something I love so much.
My love of books goes back to when I was a child; my parents taught me to read at the age of four, and I've been a voracious reader ever since. I used to read under my desk at school, and I was kicked out so many times that, in high school, I went straight to the beach in Tel-Aviv with my books, not bothering to stop off at school. Nonetheless, I successfully earned a high school diploma, served in the army, and studied at Tel-Aviv University, for both an undergraduate and a graduate degree.
I worked as a flight attendant for El-Al airlines for seven years, then became a freelance writer for several newspapers. Three years later, based on my experiences and happy memories of those years in the air and the unique lifestyle of the flight crews, l wrote a romantic thriller about three flight attendants. The novel was an overnight success, and topped the bestseller list for weeks.
I've since published twelve books, all best sellers in Israel, many based on my personal stories, and those of my family and friends. I currently live in Tel-Aviv with my 21-year-old daughter, Gal, and my partner, Gili.
I write a book a year. My novels are romantic thrillers and historical romances, for the most part based on true stories. Naturally, those written about my family and my life are dear to my heart. On the other hand, I enjoy writing the romantic thrillers more, so it's hard to say which of my novels I like best. One thing is certain - I thank God every day for granting me the privilege of working at something I love so much.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 44 reviews
June 22, 2022
A portrayal of the horror and pain of their time.
The Germans caused the death of some 6 million Jewish people in WWII. This is the story of one Jewish family's fight to survive. Orly Krauss-Winer tells her own family's story of survival and death from just as the war is ramping up in Hungary to today. She talks about the attempts to outsmart the Nazis and still make a living. She talks about family members who refused to believe it would happen until it was upon them and too late. She tells about selling family possessions to keep family members from going to the death camps. And she talks about everyone having a number tattooed on their arm. She takes us to Israel, to Florida, USA, to Budapest, and Paris as she unravels the family story and races against the clock to try to raise enough money to pay for the surgery her sister needs to save her life and her sight. With that crisis settled, a personal relationship falls apart and leaves her vulnerable. More crises ahead. Recommended.
The Germans caused the death of some 6 million Jewish people in WWII. This is the story of one Jewish family's fight to survive. Orly Krauss-Winer tells her own family's story of survival and death from just as the war is ramping up in Hungary to today. She talks about the attempts to outsmart the Nazis and still make a living. She talks about family members who refused to believe it would happen until it was upon them and too late. She tells about selling family possessions to keep family members from going to the death camps. And she talks about everyone having a number tattooed on their arm. She takes us to Israel, to Florida, USA, to Budapest, and Paris as she unravels the family story and races against the clock to try to raise enough money to pay for the surgery her sister needs to save her life and her sight. With that crisis settled, a personal relationship falls apart and leaves her vulnerable. More crises ahead. Recommended.
July 23, 2022
This book is based on a true story. I'm curious how much has been added as it's rather quite an interesting story. Parts of it take place during the Holocaust and then after. Locations are Hungary and Israel. This is a story of extended family and the book jumps between present and the past during the 30's-40's. It was sometimes hard to keep track of all the family members; I kept thinking I should have charted it out at times. Some of the names are similar and the jumping back and forth made it a bit more challenging, but with all that I really enjoyed the story. It was different from anything else I've read. And the fact that it's based on a true story is very intriguing.
September 5, 2022
It's a good read, not the best, but I wanted to keep reading to see the outcome. One problem with me was too many names with close spellings and sounds which can be confusing, Oren, Otto, Angela, Adriana. Adrianus, Angelika. I wasn't pleased how some of the women told the men what to do, giving them no choice. I'm all for women rights, but the way it was done was too demanding.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 2, 2023
Good read
Thks is a good read. I enjoyed the character development. It was a different look at WW II from the Hungarian point of view.
Thks is a good read. I enjoyed the character development. It was a different look at WW II from the Hungarian point of view.
July 20, 2024
This book is so much like a soap opera. It doesn't have much to do with WWII. So if that's the genre you're looking for, you may want to bypass this one. So many parts of the story made me so angry that it kept me up at night. Mostly accusing women of having sex with bears. "That woman doesn't love me? She must be in love with that bear!" Not once, but twice this was given as an accusation for two different women. Is this a Hungarian thing? If it was said a third time I probably would have stopped reading. The story puts Hungarians in a bad light. If I was of Hungarian decent I would not be happy, to say the least.
But... having said all that...I could not stop reading. How good is a book to stir up such strong emotions in a person? It wasn't until the end that it sunk in that this was based on a true story. This was one family's lives! How much is true and how much is fiction? That would be interesting to find out.
I never did figure out what name was on what list, though.
But... having said all that...I could not stop reading. How good is a book to stir up such strong emotions in a person? It wasn't until the end that it sunk in that this was based on a true story. This was one family's lives! How much is true and how much is fiction? That would be interesting to find out.
I never did figure out what name was on what list, though.
April 21, 2025
brilliantly Rich
I just happened upon this book because I’m a prime book member. At first I wasn’t sure if I was going to stick with it because it’s been a long time since I knew any Hebrew or Yidish. I’m not Jewish, but I went to school with many Jewish friends and actually studied Hebrew. That was decades ago. I did struggle with all of the different characters and how they were related to one another, but that’s what makes the story so rich… eventually I gained clarity with the names and family ties. This is not just a story of individuals, of places in time and of a horrible war; It is also the story of colorful and interesting families with diverse wants needs and outlooks on life. Yes there is tragedy and pain, but much of it is self inflicted as humans are want to do themselves. There is also immense joy. It is a love story as well as a history lesson. Read it.
I just happened upon this book because I’m a prime book member. At first I wasn’t sure if I was going to stick with it because it’s been a long time since I knew any Hebrew or Yidish. I’m not Jewish, but I went to school with many Jewish friends and actually studied Hebrew. That was decades ago. I did struggle with all of the different characters and how they were related to one another, but that’s what makes the story so rich… eventually I gained clarity with the names and family ties. This is not just a story of individuals, of places in time and of a horrible war; It is also the story of colorful and interesting families with diverse wants needs and outlooks on life. Yes there is tragedy and pain, but much of it is self inflicted as humans are want to do themselves. There is also immense joy. It is a love story as well as a history lesson. Read it.
February 3, 2023
THE NAME ON THE LIST by Orly Krauss-Winer -- a two-time line fiction account based on live events. A young girl in Israel goes suddenly blind. To cure her, the family must raise hundreds of thousands of dollars for medical treatment. Her sister goes to Florida to interview her grandfather and follow up on a possible source of family wealth related to past events during WWII and the Jewish holocaust. She learns the history of the family and her grandparents, their very great trials and persecutions of the time, the betrayal of friends, and true suffering. Not a fun read. In addition, there is so much historical minutia and detail, so much family and events and relationships....very hard to keep track of. I left it unfinished.
January 24, 2024
This book really pulled me into it! As a reader who has read many books about the Jewish tragedy we call World War 2, this one brought the horrors of that war into this day. The scars of the people who went thru it, losing family members that they never knew what truly happened to them. The discovery of stories that brought family and friends comfort or at the least, closure! I have to admit there were times I had trouble keeping track of who was related, and how, to others in this book, but it also made me realize how completely families were torn apart!
February 15, 2024
One of the first books I have read in a long time that I didn’t even want to finish.
The title has nothing to do with the book. The story within a story was not exciting. The characters were selfish and not likable. It was a bit shocking to find out the Hungarian culture was so promiscuous with threesomes and foursomes, cheating, and whatever else they thought of, but it is referred to as “being a romantic”. And…based on the Author’s family history.
Sorry. I’m not prude, but was not a fan of anything in this book.
The title has nothing to do with the book. The story within a story was not exciting. The characters were selfish and not likable. It was a bit shocking to find out the Hungarian culture was so promiscuous with threesomes and foursomes, cheating, and whatever else they thought of, but it is referred to as “being a romantic”. And…based on the Author’s family history.
Sorry. I’m not prude, but was not a fan of anything in this book.
June 11, 2024
Families are messy
I had a hard time getting into this at first and contemplated not finishing but I am glad I stuck with it. This is a story of generations of one Jewish family. It is a family with many strong females who will sacrifice anything for those they love. It is a family of men known as "heartless" but knowing what they endure, I am not sure I agree with that description. It is a story of survival.
I had a hard time getting into this at first and contemplated not finishing but I am glad I stuck with it. This is a story of generations of one Jewish family. It is a family with many strong females who will sacrifice anything for those they love. It is a family of men known as "heartless" but knowing what they endure, I am not sure I agree with that description. It is a story of survival.
July 16, 2022
Peter and the Bear
I am still crying after reading this family story. I could barely put the book down. This poor Jewish family had its trials and tribulations. Living through WWII and losing so many family members was sad enough, but living after the war was not easy. Read this true story to understand.
I am still crying after reading this family story. I could barely put the book down. This poor Jewish family had its trials and tribulations. Living through WWII and losing so many family members was sad enough, but living after the war was not easy. Read this true story to understand.
January 30, 2023
an incredible story
This boo was so hard to put down. If you ever wondered about this time , WWII, the holocaust, what happened to the people involved, then you need to read this book. It tells you so much about survival and love and the women who lived through it all. It will bring tears to your eyes and open them to remember and hopefully never forget.
This boo was so hard to put down. If you ever wondered about this time , WWII, the holocaust, what happened to the people involved, then you need to read this book. It tells you so much about survival and love and the women who lived through it all. It will bring tears to your eyes and open them to remember and hopefully never forget.
March 31, 2023
excellent read
Really enjoyed this book. As a person interested in genealogy, it did very well at connecting the past and future and showing the connection in how life is intermingled. Especially with the two time periods and the feelings on sharing such a horrible time with the future generation.
Really enjoyed this book. As a person interested in genealogy, it did very well at connecting the past and future and showing the connection in how life is intermingled. Especially with the two time periods and the feelings on sharing such a horrible time with the future generation.
January 17, 2024
Amazing!
This book is an amazing, one of a kind account of a Hungarian family and their battle to survive the Holocaust and then life in general. You will laugh, you will cry, and you will relate to this crazy, emotional family who find strength when times call for it. This is not a boring book! What a family heritage!
This book is an amazing, one of a kind account of a Hungarian family and their battle to survive the Holocaust and then life in general. You will laugh, you will cry, and you will relate to this crazy, emotional family who find strength when times call for it. This is not a boring book! What a family heritage!
April 7, 2024
Unexpected
Orly Krauss-Winer has a wonderful gift of telling the story as if you are sitting sharing a cup of coffee with an old friend. I truly enjoyed the story and her writing style has been quite refreshing. I will be looking for more works from this author, if they are to be found.
Orly Krauss-Winer has a wonderful gift of telling the story as if you are sitting sharing a cup of coffee with an old friend. I truly enjoyed the story and her writing style has been quite refreshing. I will be looking for more works from this author, if they are to be found.
June 17, 2022
Very beautiful family
A very good book of the ups and downs of a very brave family. Their family started out in a very rough time for the Jewish people but they manage to rise above and keep the family alive and mulitiply. This is a true story of a remarkable family.
A very good book of the ups and downs of a very brave family. Their family started out in a very rough time for the Jewish people but they manage to rise above and keep the family alive and mulitiply. This is a true story of a remarkable family.
July 9, 2022
Ww2 novel
I didn't like the story line or the novel at all.
Too much cuss and sexual content along with too
much anger. I guess I didn't realise what kind of story
It was. I cannot recommend the book.
I didn't like the story line or the novel at all.
Too much cuss and sexual content along with too
much anger. I guess I didn't realise what kind of story
It was. I cannot recommend the book.
Read
July 14, 2022Uniquely Written
The story drew me in almost from the first page. I enjoyed the mystery and the way we're taken back and forth through history and current times. I'd suggest the book to young adult and up.
The story drew me in almost from the first page. I enjoyed the mystery and the way we're taken back and forth through history and current times. I'd suggest the book to young adult and up.
September 13, 2022
My Musings
It's true that real life can be stranger than fiction. That is the case with this story. While at times, the pace slowed, then something else would happen and the pace picked up. Happy reading!
It's true that real life can be stranger than fiction. That is the case with this story. While at times, the pace slowed, then something else would happen and the pace picked up. Happy reading!
January 23, 2023
A Good Read
I would recommend this book to anyone who likes historical fiction. It is based on a true story. A Jewish family and their story of survival. I can only say I was crying as I finished this book. It has been a long time since a book moved me like this.
I would recommend this book to anyone who likes historical fiction. It is based on a true story. A Jewish family and their story of survival. I can only say I was crying as I finished this book. It has been a long time since a book moved me like this.
January 26, 2023
A Complex Legacy
Although I moved many of the people I this family saga, I had difficulty following all of them at times. Loved Oren and his patience with the woman he loved. Her quest accomplished so much for all.
Although I moved many of the people I this family saga, I had difficulty following all of them at times. Loved Oren and his patience with the woman he loved. Her quest accomplished so much for all.
January 31, 2023
I did enjoy the story but at times was confused with the back and forth but wanted to see the outcome since this was based on a true story. There were so many characters with similar names which added to the confusion. Overall a good story.
February 13, 2023
A captivating story.
I got caught up in the story by chapter four, and finished the book in one sitting. A story that encompasses World War II, the holocaust, the birth and maturing of Israel, and an Eastern European Jewish family can’t help but be captivating.
I got caught up in the story by chapter four, and finished the book in one sitting. A story that encompasses World War II, the holocaust, the birth and maturing of Israel, and an Eastern European Jewish family can’t help but be captivating.
September 13, 2023
A truly mesmerizing novel.
Very well written, transporting the reader back in time and relay ing the emotions and depth of the experiences each person carried. Woven in such a matter to bring you back to the full circle of their lives.
Very well written, transporting the reader back in time and relay ing the emotions and depth of the experiences each person carried. Woven in such a matter to bring you back to the full circle of their lives.
January 27, 2024
I tried to finish
I tried hard to get into this book,but it did not have good characters or direction. I finally gave up. There are too many great books about this era to waste time. It is very rare for me to not read at least half.
I tried hard to get into this book,but it did not have good characters or direction. I finally gave up. There are too many great books about this era to waste time. It is very rare for me to not read at least half.
October 5, 2025
Un put down able
A book that was Un put down able. I loved the way the author inter twined the past with the present.
Based on the Second World War and how one Jewish family survived and moved forward.
A book that was Un put down able. I loved the way the author inter twined the past with the present.
Based on the Second World War and how one Jewish family survived and moved forward.
June 15, 2022
Disappointing
I can’t believe I read the whole thing. I kept hoping for some redeeming quality. It never came. Unbelievable focus on a bear and so much casual sex.
I can’t believe I read the whole thing. I kept hoping for some redeeming quality. It never came. Unbelievable focus on a bear and so much casual sex.
July 15, 2022
Great story
Loved this story. So many heartwarming moments to enjoy. WWII was so hard on so many people and many who are alive today have never known the horrors it produced.
Loved this story. So many heartwarming moments to enjoy. WWII was so hard on so many people and many who are alive today have never known the horrors it produced.
July 25, 2022
Page turner
I felt as if I was a hidden insider watching every character 's experience. And surprised that someone else has experienced the wind while mourning.
I felt as if I was a hidden insider watching every character 's experience. And surprised that someone else has experienced the wind while mourning.
November 30, 2022
Amazing
I could not put this book down and Had to finish reading it. Love the timeline and the family dynamics.
I could not put this book down and Had to finish reading it. Love the timeline and the family dynamics.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 44 reviews