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Half Notes From Berlin
Berlin, 1933. Hans believes he and his family are safe from persecution.
Then, he discovers his family's dirty secret: his maternal grandparents were Jews who converted to Christianity.
Driven by the desire to understand who he is and whether his mother's blood really is tainted, Hans befriends Rebecca, the only Jewish girl he knows. Perhaps if Jewish blood isn't evil, his mother will be ok.
To be a Jew in Hitler's Germany is dangerous. But to fall in love with one is unthinkable.
Desperate to keep both his family's true heritage and his love for Rebecca a secret, Hans attempts to navigate this terrifying new world. He's disconsolate when his Jewish mother is kicked out from the Berlin Conservatory. He's disgusted by his Aryan father's aims to acquire Jewish business on the cheap.
Worst, he must watch helplessly as his classmates target Rebecca with increasing violence and malice.
But when his school announces it will expel Jewish students, Hans is determined to fight for Rebecca — and for the lives and souls of his family.
Then, he discovers his family's dirty secret: his maternal grandparents were Jews who converted to Christianity.
Driven by the desire to understand who he is and whether his mother's blood really is tainted, Hans befriends Rebecca, the only Jewish girl he knows. Perhaps if Jewish blood isn't evil, his mother will be ok.
To be a Jew in Hitler's Germany is dangerous. But to fall in love with one is unthinkable.
Desperate to keep both his family's true heritage and his love for Rebecca a secret, Hans attempts to navigate this terrifying new world. He's disconsolate when his Jewish mother is kicked out from the Berlin Conservatory. He's disgusted by his Aryan father's aims to acquire Jewish business on the cheap.
Worst, he must watch helplessly as his classmates target Rebecca with increasing violence and malice.
But when his school announces it will expel Jewish students, Hans is determined to fight for Rebecca — and for the lives and souls of his family.
256 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 4, 2022
200 people are currently reading
3415 people want to read
About the author
B.V. Glants
1 book39 followersB.V. Glants was born in Soviet Ukraine and immigrated with his family to suburban New Jersey when he was ten years old. Raised on family stories ranging from his grandparents’ fight for survival in WW2 to his parents’ confrontations with Soviet antisemitism, he now lives in Silicon Valley with his wife and daughter.
B.V. Glants is a lay leader at a Jewish day school, a Wexner Heritage Program member, and a technology entrepreneur, most recently having cofounded Tonic Health (sold to R1, NASDAQ:RCM) and Turnkey Labs. That hasn’t stopped him from earning an MFA at California College of the Arts and attending writers’ conferences at Squaw and Sewanee. He writes historical fiction from a Jewish perspective, focusing on how major historical events challenge and transform the lives of everyday families. Half Notes from Berlin is his first published novel.
B.V. Glants is a lay leader at a Jewish day school, a Wexner Heritage Program member, and a technology entrepreneur, most recently having cofounded Tonic Health (sold to R1, NASDAQ:RCM) and Turnkey Labs. That hasn’t stopped him from earning an MFA at California College of the Arts and attending writers’ conferences at Squaw and Sewanee. He writes historical fiction from a Jewish perspective, focusing on how major historical events challenge and transform the lives of everyday families. Half Notes from Berlin is his first published novel.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 98 reviews
October 3, 2022
Half Notes from Berlin by BV Glants was an in-depth look at what it meant to be a converted Christian in Nazi Germany during the beginning years of World War II. Hans was one of those youths. He was an only child of a mother whose musical talent allowed her to teach at The Berlin Conservatory and a father who had taken over his father-in-law’s business of manufacturing saccharine, a sugar substitute..Hans’s maternal grandparents had chosen to convert from Judaism to Christianity when Hans’s mother was a young woman. Hans had never been told about this nor had he ever suspected that he was anything but “pure Aryan”. Then one day, Hans had overheard his parents arguing. His mother had been terminated from her job at the Berlin Conservatory because she was half Jewish. With this new knowledge, Hans became increasingly curious about his Jewish ancestry but he had to keep this new information to himself. Life for Jews living in Berlin in 1933 was becoming increasingly more and more dangerous and extremely hard. If anyone suspected that he had Jewish blood in him, Hans was sure that he would be ostracized, bullied and his life would change drastically. In order to appease his curiosity about Judaism, Hans decided to befriend Rebecca, a Jewish girl in his class. Rebecca and Hans developed a very intricate friendship that led to both of them having feelings for one another. Hans’s friends viewed his friendship with Rebecca as troublesome and simply wrong. His friends started to ignore him but also tried to get Hans to end his infatuation with the Jewish girl. In another lifetime, perhaps the feelings that Hans and Rebecca were developing for each other could have been recognized and accepted. In the time they lived, though, it was forbidden and very dangerous. Eventually, Hans was shamed into joining the Hitler Youth even though he had tried to avoid it for so long. Things at school, were changing very fast. All in attendance had to declare their heritage. Jewish students would no longer be able to attend school. How would Hans report his heritage? What would his ultimate fate be? How long would Hans be able to hide that he had Jewish blood in him even though he never practiced Judaism in his entire life? What would happen to his mother, father and grandparents?
Half Notes from Berlin by BV Glants presented a very real dilemma for Jews that had chosen to convert to Christianity prior to the time that the Nazi regime took over in Germany. Most of these converts saw themselves as Christians and felt that they were safe from the Nazis. The Nazis, however, saw anyone with even the tiniest amount of Jewish blood in them, no matter how long ago it existed, as Jewish. No one was safe from the scrutiny of the Nazis. Half Notes from Berlin read more like a Young Adult novel. I felt that the ending was abrupt and rushed and I did not feel any real connection with the characters in this book. Overall, this was not a book that stood out for me. Publication is set for October 4, 2022.
Thank you to Atria Books for allowing me to read this ARC of Half Notes by BV Glants through Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. All opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
Half Notes from Berlin by BV Glants presented a very real dilemma for Jews that had chosen to convert to Christianity prior to the time that the Nazi regime took over in Germany. Most of these converts saw themselves as Christians and felt that they were safe from the Nazis. The Nazis, however, saw anyone with even the tiniest amount of Jewish blood in them, no matter how long ago it existed, as Jewish. No one was safe from the scrutiny of the Nazis. Half Notes from Berlin read more like a Young Adult novel. I felt that the ending was abrupt and rushed and I did not feel any real connection with the characters in this book. Overall, this was not a book that stood out for me. Publication is set for October 4, 2022.
Thank you to Atria Books for allowing me to read this ARC of Half Notes by BV Glants through Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. All opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
September 30, 2022
A young boy living in Berlin, during the rise of Nazism, tries to navigate the issues of being a teenager, experiencing his first love, as well as the fact that he has Jewish ancestry.
Hans, the young man, is Jewish because of his mother's grandparents who had converted to Christianity years before. He becomes besotted with Rachel, the only Jewish person he knows. Torn between his growing love, a brutal unfeeling father, a mother on the verge of a breakdown after being let go at her job, Hans tries the best a young man can to defend Rachel, while also keeping the secret from all.
It's a sad story as we learn of Hans's struggles. He witnesses vile acts against others, and when all Jews are expelled from school, his heart breaks.
Hans went on keeping his secret, trying to aid his mother, while fighting in the service of Hitler. She later dies being found out about being a Jew and sent away, while his father divorced her and remarried his secretary who he was carrying on an affair with.
I did feel the author portrayed Hans as a wonderful young man plagued by the times he lived in and anguished because he could not protect those he loved.
Thank you to B.V.Glants, Anchor Media, and NetGalley for an advanced copy of this story due out in October of 2022.
Hans, the young man, is Jewish because of his mother's grandparents who had converted to Christianity years before. He becomes besotted with Rachel, the only Jewish person he knows. Torn between his growing love, a brutal unfeeling father, a mother on the verge of a breakdown after being let go at her job, Hans tries the best a young man can to defend Rachel, while also keeping the secret from all.
It's a sad story as we learn of Hans's struggles. He witnesses vile acts against others, and when all Jews are expelled from school, his heart breaks.
Hans went on keeping his secret, trying to aid his mother, while fighting in the service of Hitler. She later dies being found out about being a Jew and sent away, while his father divorced her and remarried his secretary who he was carrying on an affair with.
I did feel the author portrayed Hans as a wonderful young man plagued by the times he lived in and anguished because he could not protect those he loved.
Thank you to B.V.Glants, Anchor Media, and NetGalley for an advanced copy of this story due out in October of 2022.
September 5, 2022
A very chilling story…
Setting: Berlin, Germany, in 1933
Young Hans is a typical teenage boy. He enjoys hanging out with his schoolmates, and is beginning to feel interested in some young ladies in his class. Particularly Marie, who sings with him in a choir, and also in Rebecca. She is the only Jewish girl in Hans’ class at school, and he secretly admires the way she handles being bullied and seems to ignore the Nazi ideology being taught around her.
Then, Hans discovers a secret about his own family. His maternal grandparents converted from Judaism years ago. According to the new laws handed down in Germany by Adolph Hitler, they are still Jewish, as is his mother and also himself. Germany is becoming a dangerous place for such people, so Hans has decisions to make. If he keeps his mouth shut, perhaps no one will become the wiser. But his budding relationship with Rebecca must also be considered…
*I received a digital copy from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are strictly my own.*
Setting: Berlin, Germany, in 1933
Young Hans is a typical teenage boy. He enjoys hanging out with his schoolmates, and is beginning to feel interested in some young ladies in his class. Particularly Marie, who sings with him in a choir, and also in Rebecca. She is the only Jewish girl in Hans’ class at school, and he secretly admires the way she handles being bullied and seems to ignore the Nazi ideology being taught around her.
Then, Hans discovers a secret about his own family. His maternal grandparents converted from Judaism years ago. According to the new laws handed down in Germany by Adolph Hitler, they are still Jewish, as is his mother and also himself. Germany is becoming a dangerous place for such people, so Hans has decisions to make. If he keeps his mouth shut, perhaps no one will become the wiser. But his budding relationship with Rebecca must also be considered…
*I received a digital copy from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are strictly my own.*
October 10, 2022
Identity Crisis
A young man, a family secret, and Nazi presence in 1933 Germany shape a young man named Hans. Once a happy young man laughing with the other students, after he learns the family secret, becomes a frightened young man amidst a group of wolves in the Hitler Youth.
It's a story of a young man growing up in an uncertain world not quite knowing who he is nor where he belongs. Caught in between two cultures the Jewish and the German he is both confused and conflicted. The new laws passed, his mother losing her job, and the treatment of his Jewish friends causes him concern.
When he meets Rebecca nothing else matters, not the Choir that he was so proud to be in, nor his other friends that he had known most his life. Rebecca makes him believe that two people can triumph against evil. When Rebecca has to leave the country and Fritz his Jewish friend is horribly treated for the crime that Rebecca committed he bows to the pressure of his fellow students and joins the Hitler Youth and ultimately the German Army.
Later in life he feels remorse for this and for not being able to save his mother from the Nazi's. He finally realizes what his Grandfather tried to tell him so many years ago...but now it is too late.
This was a good book, It kept my attention and I did like reading it. I was sorry to see the route that Hans took, but I am sure in his circumstances there were many young German men that took the same route and for the same reason. It would have been almost impossible to be a German boy refusing to join the Hitler Youth.
I think the author did a very good job of reflecting his feelings on his friends, his family and about the Nazi's and the Hitler Youth. His feelings for Marie and for Rebecca and how he often wondered what would have happened if he had read Marie's not before taking Rebecca to the movies...would his life have been different?
It brings to thought just how important peer pressure is on the young people and how it can totally change their thoughts, actions and even their path in life. A thought provoking novel.
Thanks to B.V. Glants for writing this story, to The Book Whisperer for publishing it and to NetGalley for providing me a copy to read and review.
A young man, a family secret, and Nazi presence in 1933 Germany shape a young man named Hans. Once a happy young man laughing with the other students, after he learns the family secret, becomes a frightened young man amidst a group of wolves in the Hitler Youth.
It's a story of a young man growing up in an uncertain world not quite knowing who he is nor where he belongs. Caught in between two cultures the Jewish and the German he is both confused and conflicted. The new laws passed, his mother losing her job, and the treatment of his Jewish friends causes him concern.
When he meets Rebecca nothing else matters, not the Choir that he was so proud to be in, nor his other friends that he had known most his life. Rebecca makes him believe that two people can triumph against evil. When Rebecca has to leave the country and Fritz his Jewish friend is horribly treated for the crime that Rebecca committed he bows to the pressure of his fellow students and joins the Hitler Youth and ultimately the German Army.
Later in life he feels remorse for this and for not being able to save his mother from the Nazi's. He finally realizes what his Grandfather tried to tell him so many years ago...but now it is too late.
This was a good book, It kept my attention and I did like reading it. I was sorry to see the route that Hans took, but I am sure in his circumstances there were many young German men that took the same route and for the same reason. It would have been almost impossible to be a German boy refusing to join the Hitler Youth.
I think the author did a very good job of reflecting his feelings on his friends, his family and about the Nazi's and the Hitler Youth. His feelings for Marie and for Rebecca and how he often wondered what would have happened if he had read Marie's not before taking Rebecca to the movies...would his life have been different?
It brings to thought just how important peer pressure is on the young people and how it can totally change their thoughts, actions and even their path in life. A thought provoking novel.
Thanks to B.V. Glants for writing this story, to The Book Whisperer for publishing it and to NetGalley for providing me a copy to read and review.
September 20, 2022
Half Notes from Berlin is an excellent historical novel set in 1933 Berlin, in the early days of the Third Reich. More literary than driven by plot or action, it tells the story of a teenager struggling to come to grips with the antisemitism and anti-intellectualism coming to light in the new Germany. Even though it is about a teenager, the story is suitable for adult readers.
Hans lives in Berlin with his prosperous parents, a businessman and a professor of music. He attends high school where his friends encourage him to join the Hitler Youth. He watches as his father happily attempts to buy a boycotted Jewish business at a deep discount. Then he learns that his mother’s parents are Jews who long ago converted to Lutheranism. And he falls hard for classmate Rachel, a Jewish girl being ostracized by their classmates. He is appalled and repelled by antisemitism, and the dismissal of his headmaster and the book-burning his brown-shirted teacher compels him to participate. And yet, there is something seductive about National Socialism and the resurgence of Germany. It offers such a sense of belonging. Who wouldn’t want to be part of that? And who would feel ashamed by it? A coming-of-age young Hans?
Author B.V. Glants does a masterful job of examining the early days of the Third Reich before the racial laws were fully enacted and there was any such thing as a yellow star or “the night of broken glass.” He shows us National Socialism at the ground level. Readers will find almost nothing about Hitler or other famous Nazi leaders. There are no Goebbels-led torchlight parades, no Goehring-marshalled military extravaganzas. Just everyday men, women, and children—Germans and Jews--going about their business in the new Germany where antisemitism is as old as anyone can remember. And one young teen who struggles with love, honor, loneliness, shame, and, ultimately, infinite amounts of loss.
I sense there may be a sequel to this work. If so, I look forward to it.
My thanks to NetGalley, the author, and the publisher for providing me with an ARC. The foregoing is my independent opinion.
Hans lives in Berlin with his prosperous parents, a businessman and a professor of music. He attends high school where his friends encourage him to join the Hitler Youth. He watches as his father happily attempts to buy a boycotted Jewish business at a deep discount. Then he learns that his mother’s parents are Jews who long ago converted to Lutheranism. And he falls hard for classmate Rachel, a Jewish girl being ostracized by their classmates. He is appalled and repelled by antisemitism, and the dismissal of his headmaster and the book-burning his brown-shirted teacher compels him to participate. And yet, there is something seductive about National Socialism and the resurgence of Germany. It offers such a sense of belonging. Who wouldn’t want to be part of that? And who would feel ashamed by it? A coming-of-age young Hans?
Author B.V. Glants does a masterful job of examining the early days of the Third Reich before the racial laws were fully enacted and there was any such thing as a yellow star or “the night of broken glass.” He shows us National Socialism at the ground level. Readers will find almost nothing about Hitler or other famous Nazi leaders. There are no Goebbels-led torchlight parades, no Goehring-marshalled military extravaganzas. Just everyday men, women, and children—Germans and Jews--going about their business in the new Germany where antisemitism is as old as anyone can remember. And one young teen who struggles with love, honor, loneliness, shame, and, ultimately, infinite amounts of loss.
I sense there may be a sequel to this work. If so, I look forward to it.
My thanks to NetGalley, the author, and the publisher for providing me with an ARC. The foregoing is my independent opinion.
October 28, 2022
Half Notes from Berlin
Half Notes from Berlin differs from most Holocaust books for two reasons. First, it takes place in 1933, just after Hitler comes to power, well before the most horrible years of the Holocaust. It’s also unusual that it covers a period or just about a month from the end of March , 1933 to the end of April of the same year. It’s about 15 year old Hans and his Christian family. Unbeknownst to Hans, his grandparents converted from Judaism years ago and Hans is shocked to find out this fact. As the definition of non-Aryans is getting stricter and stricter, his mother is fired from her job as part of an orchestra. Hans has one Jewish girl in his class and they develop a friendship, later a romantic relationship ( all within a month) that doesn’t sit well with Hans’s parents or Rebecca’s. Hans’s father is taking advantage of the situation by buying up a Jewish bakery he himself frequented for years well below market value. The definition of who is non-Aryan is not often addressed in books of the time, or if it does, not in this much detail, dedicating a whole novel to it and it’s consequences.
Overall, an interesting, easy to read book, I rounded 3.5 stars up to 4.
I found the ending very sudden, after the previous details. The author does mention what happened to each of the family in later years.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed are completely my own.
Half Notes from Berlin differs from most Holocaust books for two reasons. First, it takes place in 1933, just after Hitler comes to power, well before the most horrible years of the Holocaust. It’s also unusual that it covers a period or just about a month from the end of March , 1933 to the end of April of the same year. It’s about 15 year old Hans and his Christian family. Unbeknownst to Hans, his grandparents converted from Judaism years ago and Hans is shocked to find out this fact. As the definition of non-Aryans is getting stricter and stricter, his mother is fired from her job as part of an orchestra. Hans has one Jewish girl in his class and they develop a friendship, later a romantic relationship ( all within a month) that doesn’t sit well with Hans’s parents or Rebecca’s. Hans’s father is taking advantage of the situation by buying up a Jewish bakery he himself frequented for years well below market value. The definition of who is non-Aryan is not often addressed in books of the time, or if it does, not in this much detail, dedicating a whole novel to it and it’s consequences.
Overall, an interesting, easy to read book, I rounded 3.5 stars up to 4.
I found the ending very sudden, after the previous details. The author does mention what happened to each of the family in later years.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed are completely my own.
December 29, 2022
Thank you NetGalley and The Book Whisperer for accepting my request to read and review Half Notes from Berlin.
Author: B.V. Giants
Published: 10/04/22
Genre: General Fiction (Adult) -- Historical Fiction
The subject matter is two-fold: A 15-year-old learning he is half Jewish while watching the beginnings of Hitler's reign. During this time, he sees how known Jewish people are treated. He is internally challenged to intervene or keep his nose clean. His familial life is incredibly broken. Another portrayal of a male parent as a poor excuse for a human being.
The story moves slowly through one year of life. It shows how quickly people will turn, over simple things. There is a lesson applicable for today. The gravity of the turns are painful at any point. The epilogue fills in some heartbreaking blanks.
I would have liked a balance not a jump in time. This being a debut novel, I give 3 stars.
Author: B.V. Giants
Published: 10/04/22
Genre: General Fiction (Adult) -- Historical Fiction
The subject matter is two-fold: A 15-year-old learning he is half Jewish while watching the beginnings of Hitler's reign. During this time, he sees how known Jewish people are treated. He is internally challenged to intervene or keep his nose clean. His familial life is incredibly broken. Another portrayal of a male parent as a poor excuse for a human being.
The story moves slowly through one year of life. It shows how quickly people will turn, over simple things. There is a lesson applicable for today. The gravity of the turns are painful at any point. The epilogue fills in some heartbreaking blanks.
I would have liked a balance not a jump in time. This being a debut novel, I give 3 stars.
November 29, 2022
This book begins in 1933 in Berlin and the persecution of the Jewish people by the Nazis is beginning to increase. Young men are encouraged to join the Hitler Youth and to continue to cruelty of Jewish people in their school. Hans is 15 years old. He isn't really concerned about what is happening to the Jews because he's a Christian and none of the anger is directed toward him. He has loving parents and grandparents and lots of friends at school. Hans has a crush on Rebecca, the classroom bookworm, and becomes upset when the other boys in the class make disparaging remarks about her because she's Jewish. By trying to take care of her, he also becomes a target of his classmates' cruelty. One day, he hears his parents talking and finds out that he is part Jewish. His grandparents were Jewish but converted to Christianity when they were younger and his mother had been raised as a Christian. Unfortunately, the Nazis believed that a person with any Jewish blood would be considered Jewish and it didn't matter if they had converted years before the Nazis took power. This information throws Hans's life into turmoil but he decides to keep his heritage a secret and to serve in the German Army
This book is a coming of age story for Hans that is made all that more dangerous because of what's going on in the world. The first part of the book is interesting and well written but I felt like the ending was very rushed and didn't go into enough detail of Hans learning to navigate his new life.
This book is a coming of age story for Hans that is made all that more dangerous because of what's going on in the world. The first part of the book is interesting and well written but I felt like the ending was very rushed and didn't go into enough detail of Hans learning to navigate his new life.
December 14, 2022
My Thoughts:
I’m excited to share my thoughts about this story for two reasons:
This is a first published story for Glants. I love to discover new authors. I love to read a first published story.
This is a favorite genre.
I want to first share a few thoughts about the genre and the summary that’s been given. The book is presented as a historical fiction story, and the summary that’s given is brief or vague.
When I am browsing books there are several factors, I want to have clear information about. Half Notes from Berlin is a historical fiction story, but it is also young adult fiction and a coming-of-age story. Not all readers of historical fiction want to read those other two types of books. I happen to love all three genres.
I also enjoy having a strong summary to read. It is the summary that sets the tone as to what I can expect. It is a prompt and a teasing and a setting of the stage for the full story.
Kirkus Reviews gives a strong summary of the book, and you can read it at this link: Kirkus Reviews.
I have come to expect that when I read historical fiction there is almost always a reflecting back from the narrator of the story. Often there are dual time periods. This is a form or structure in a story that I dislike. I don’t mind reflecting back-what I don’t like is the back and forth, and back and forth between the dual time periods. I love it that Half Notes from Berlin stayed in the past (with brief thoughts from the man who is telling the story), AND it stayed in a short period of time, the spring of 1933. This pivotal and significant period of time in the life of a 15-year-old young man. It is during this time period that changed the course of his life.
One of the best points of this story is I felt engaged because of the main character, the 15-year-old young man named Hans. He is exactly how I’d imagine a young man of his age to be. In his interests, vulnerabilities, stubbornness, and rebellion. He has strengths and weaknesses. He has a vision of what his life is and what it can become. He is a lone child of parents who are at odds and unhappy. His parents do not work together as a team. As a result, his grandparents are a source of stability. Yet, all of the adults have failed to be honest with him.
Hans has a group of boys he hangs around with in school. He joins a youth choir with the help of a female classmate who is an assertive kind of girl.
Hitler’s influence and ideology has seeped or poured into the youth groups or movements of Germany. Hans is unsure of the right thing to do.
Meanwhile, he has a building interest in another girl in his class. He is drawn to her, I feel, because she is different. There is something remarkable about her. She is vulnerable; however, she is strong. She is a Jew. The growing hate and abuse escalate among the other classmates towards her.
The story has several inner and outer conflicts that pull me along because I have to know what will happen.
I am glad the story is over a period of several weeks in the spring of 1933. This gave time to examine closely the various events and impact of the people.
I wish the story had allowed Hans’ mother’s character to develop more. She is a character with much more going on in her mind and past life. There is a revealing of some things of her past, but I am left wanting to hear her voice-her thoughts.
Format: E-book.
Source: I received a complimentary e-book copy from Historical Fiction Virtual Book Tours and B. V. Glants. I am not required to write a positive review.
Audience: Historical fiction readers with an interest in Holocaust stories, and those who read young adult fiction.
Rating: Very good.
I’m excited to share my thoughts about this story for two reasons:
This is a first published story for Glants. I love to discover new authors. I love to read a first published story.
This is a favorite genre.
I want to first share a few thoughts about the genre and the summary that’s been given. The book is presented as a historical fiction story, and the summary that’s given is brief or vague.
When I am browsing books there are several factors, I want to have clear information about. Half Notes from Berlin is a historical fiction story, but it is also young adult fiction and a coming-of-age story. Not all readers of historical fiction want to read those other two types of books. I happen to love all three genres.
I also enjoy having a strong summary to read. It is the summary that sets the tone as to what I can expect. It is a prompt and a teasing and a setting of the stage for the full story.
Kirkus Reviews gives a strong summary of the book, and you can read it at this link: Kirkus Reviews.
I have come to expect that when I read historical fiction there is almost always a reflecting back from the narrator of the story. Often there are dual time periods. This is a form or structure in a story that I dislike. I don’t mind reflecting back-what I don’t like is the back and forth, and back and forth between the dual time periods. I love it that Half Notes from Berlin stayed in the past (with brief thoughts from the man who is telling the story), AND it stayed in a short period of time, the spring of 1933. This pivotal and significant period of time in the life of a 15-year-old young man. It is during this time period that changed the course of his life.
One of the best points of this story is I felt engaged because of the main character, the 15-year-old young man named Hans. He is exactly how I’d imagine a young man of his age to be. In his interests, vulnerabilities, stubbornness, and rebellion. He has strengths and weaknesses. He has a vision of what his life is and what it can become. He is a lone child of parents who are at odds and unhappy. His parents do not work together as a team. As a result, his grandparents are a source of stability. Yet, all of the adults have failed to be honest with him.
Hans has a group of boys he hangs around with in school. He joins a youth choir with the help of a female classmate who is an assertive kind of girl.
Hitler’s influence and ideology has seeped or poured into the youth groups or movements of Germany. Hans is unsure of the right thing to do.
Meanwhile, he has a building interest in another girl in his class. He is drawn to her, I feel, because she is different. There is something remarkable about her. She is vulnerable; however, she is strong. She is a Jew. The growing hate and abuse escalate among the other classmates towards her.
The story has several inner and outer conflicts that pull me along because I have to know what will happen.
I am glad the story is over a period of several weeks in the spring of 1933. This gave time to examine closely the various events and impact of the people.
I wish the story had allowed Hans’ mother’s character to develop more. She is a character with much more going on in her mind and past life. There is a revealing of some things of her past, but I am left wanting to hear her voice-her thoughts.
Format: E-book.
Source: I received a complimentary e-book copy from Historical Fiction Virtual Book Tours and B. V. Glants. I am not required to write a positive review.
Audience: Historical fiction readers with an interest in Holocaust stories, and those who read young adult fiction.
Rating: Very good.
December 1, 2022
This book swept me up and transferred me back to Germany in 1933, in the months after Adolf Hitler came into power. When times were confusing and many hoped it would pass. That nothing would come of the ethnic cleansing, they heard whispered and a few shouted about.
Fifteen-year-old Hans is a good student, a respectful son, and is falling in love for the first time. He has grown up as a Christian and never doubted who he was. When he overhears a conversation between his parent's learning that his grandparents were Jewish. They converted to Christianity early in their relationship. Leaving him to discover what this means and where he falls in the division that is being created in Germany. Coming of age under normal circumstances is hard enough, now imagine if your world is being turned upside down. Will you be strong and fight for your family and your love who happens to be Jewish. Or will you try to blend in and help them by keeping their secret buried.
I fell in love with young Hans. As he tries to think for himself and what the war will mean to him and his family. Thank you to B.V. Glants and HFVBT for this astounding read.
Fifteen-year-old Hans is a good student, a respectful son, and is falling in love for the first time. He has grown up as a Christian and never doubted who he was. When he overhears a conversation between his parent's learning that his grandparents were Jewish. They converted to Christianity early in their relationship. Leaving him to discover what this means and where he falls in the division that is being created in Germany. Coming of age under normal circumstances is hard enough, now imagine if your world is being turned upside down. Will you be strong and fight for your family and your love who happens to be Jewish. Or will you try to blend in and help them by keeping their secret buried.
I fell in love with young Hans. As he tries to think for himself and what the war will mean to him and his family. Thank you to B.V. Glants and HFVBT for this astounding read.
March 21, 2023
…hm.
This book started out pretty promising, but crashed and burned toward the final 25%. I was left wanting a lot more than I got, and felt some of the side storylines were unnecessary and used only to fill space (father’s business acquisitions, mother’s former loves, etc).
WW2 books are already kind of iffy for me because they’re so played out and often times not very well done. I just feel like this one had so much potential to be great but really lost steam - I’m afraid it’ll be pretty forgettable, overall.
Thanks to Netgalley for an ARC of this book.
This book started out pretty promising, but crashed and burned toward the final 25%. I was left wanting a lot more than I got, and felt some of the side storylines were unnecessary and used only to fill space (father’s business acquisitions, mother’s former loves, etc).
WW2 books are already kind of iffy for me because they’re so played out and often times not very well done. I just feel like this one had so much potential to be great but really lost steam - I’m afraid it’ll be pretty forgettable, overall.
Thanks to Netgalley for an ARC of this book.
August 7, 2023
Most of the book was very engaging. I love historical fiction and this book about Germany during WWII was told from a unique perspective.
The only con I have is the ending. It was so abrupt. There wasn't really a conclusion to the main character's story.
The only con I have is the ending. It was so abrupt. There wasn't really a conclusion to the main character's story.
December 27, 2022
Half Notes From Berlin grabbed me from reading the prologue. Once I learned that Hans was about to reveal secrets he has carried since he was fifteen years old during the Third Reich, I was glued to the pages and found it hard to stop reading.
I connected to Hans rather quickly and tried to imagine what it would be like to live with secrets that would change the trajectory of his life during Hitler’s reign. The times were easy to visualize due to the believable first-person narrative. I felt as if Hans told the story of his past directly to me, and I could see the scenes play out in my head. I understood his confusion and yearned to warn him of the growing hatred and tragedies to come…
I experienced many tough emotions throughout—anger, disgust, and especially sadness. The growing hatred during the early days of 1933 was tragic and heartbreaking. This coming-of-age story shows many facets of Hans – love, disgrace, and loss. carries themes of secrets, loss, and I’d like to know even more about him.
First Line (prologue): Whenever anyone asked what life was like during the Third Reich for a half-Jew, half-German like me, I demurred, explaining that I vowed not to look back on the past until I had lived for at least one hundred years.
Genre: Jewish Historical Fiction, WWII
Author: B. V. Glants
Page Count: 256
#CoverLoverBookReview received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions are 100% mine.
I connected to Hans rather quickly and tried to imagine what it would be like to live with secrets that would change the trajectory of his life during Hitler’s reign. The times were easy to visualize due to the believable first-person narrative. I felt as if Hans told the story of his past directly to me, and I could see the scenes play out in my head. I understood his confusion and yearned to warn him of the growing hatred and tragedies to come…
I experienced many tough emotions throughout—anger, disgust, and especially sadness. The growing hatred during the early days of 1933 was tragic and heartbreaking. This coming-of-age story shows many facets of Hans – love, disgrace, and loss. carries themes of secrets, loss, and I’d like to know even more about him.
First Line (prologue): Whenever anyone asked what life was like during the Third Reich for a half-Jew, half-German like me, I demurred, explaining that I vowed not to look back on the past until I had lived for at least one hundred years.
Genre: Jewish Historical Fiction, WWII
Author: B. V. Glants
Page Count: 256
#CoverLoverBookReview received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions are 100% mine.
October 9, 2022
4⭐️
Many thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for giving me a copy of this book in exchange for a review!
This book gave some very interesting insights in the period before the Second World War started, a period of time I haven’t learned about in school. That made it even more interesting to read about young people, unaware of what’s to come, struggling with their backgrounds and beliefs in a very quickly-changing and above all, dangerously evolving society. I was very intrigued.
It’s sad not to know what happened to everyone during/after the war, that’s really something I missed, because I grew fond of some of these characters. Other than that, this book was very interesting and I definitely recommend it to anyone who’s into historical fiction.
Many thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for giving me a copy of this book in exchange for a review!
This book gave some very interesting insights in the period before the Second World War started, a period of time I haven’t learned about in school. That made it even more interesting to read about young people, unaware of what’s to come, struggling with their backgrounds and beliefs in a very quickly-changing and above all, dangerously evolving society. I was very intrigued.
It’s sad not to know what happened to everyone during/after the war, that’s really something I missed, because I grew fond of some of these characters. Other than that, this book was very interesting and I definitely recommend it to anyone who’s into historical fiction.
October 12, 2022
Half Notes from Berlin tracks the growing emotional dissonance of a young German youth who discovers he has Jewish grandparents just as the Nazi party comes to power. The realization of this very dangerous discovery undermines "Johnny's" sense of identity and his place in this new reich. Written mostly for a YA audience, Half Notes by BV Glants tries hard to tap into the teenage psyche of 1933 in Nazi Germany. Using the span of a few weeks, the story reveals the massive changes a single school class undergoes when Hitler takes power. Nazi ideology permeates the classroom, changing the dynamics of childhood friendships and rising awareness of identity. The novel, a quick read of a little over two hours, tracks Johnny, a nickname he earned because of his love of Johnny Weismuller, as he navigates this very difficult time. Just as his long time friends are embracing the Hitler Jugend and Nazi propaganda, Johnny falls in love with the lone Jewish girl in his class. Not only that, a long held family secret emerges. His maternal grandparents were Jews who converted to Christianity decades earlier. Learning he is a quarter Jew causes a serious identity crisis for the young fifteen year old. The author tries diligently to build a historical narrative for Johnny and his family but the story just doesn't quite gel in places. But for a YA audience, these details may not bother teen readers. The plot suffers from convuluted family story lines that bog down parts of the story and doesn't really help develop the narrative fully. The focus on Johnny and Rachel hinders the evolution of the other students at his school. While Marie is well written especially as a teen girl scorned but Johnny's male classmates sometimes ring hollow. Some key plot points become throw away story lines especially the one regarding Johnny's mother. Glants does a great job creating this loving and nurturing relationship between mother and son. But when she is fired because she is half Jewish, her emotional collapse falls short of the trauma it caused. Lots of good ideas and concepts exist in Half Notes and it is a quick and easy read. Just wish the story wasn't so uneven in places.
October 2, 2022
Title: Half Notes From Berlin
Author: B.V. Glants
Release Date: October 4th, 2022
Page Count: 275
Start Date: September 24th, 2022
Finish Date: October 1st, 2022
Review:
Story: I enjoyed the book very much. I felt like I was really invested in it from the very beginning. I did think that there were parts that were glossed over. It also kind of left me with a very unfinished feeling. I'd be okay with a sequel. I know that it's referenced things that happened after that point, but only to an extent. I just kind of felt like I was left with more questions than answers when it was all said and done.
Characters: This is one of the books where I just didn't care for the main character at all. I didn't dislike him though. I just wanted to shake some sense into him. I mean I get it. He's young. He was just all over the place though.
Critiques: There are many things that are referenced in this book that I would have liked to see more elaboration on. I don't want to say too much because some of them are at the end of the book and I don't want to give spoilers. I do feel like this story begs for either a sequel or an epilogue. Something to tie the loose ends together and explain what happened to certain characters better as well.
Final Thoughts: I really did enjoy this book very much. I can't say I was in love with it or that it was one of my favorites. I had a wonderful time reading it though. If it weren't for the parts that I felt like should have been elaborated on more, I would actually love this book and probably make it a reread. As it were, I'd still recommend this book. I love how raw and realistic it is.
Author: B.V. Glants
Release Date: October 4th, 2022
Page Count: 275
Start Date: September 24th, 2022
Finish Date: October 1st, 2022
Review:
Story: I enjoyed the book very much. I felt like I was really invested in it from the very beginning. I did think that there were parts that were glossed over. It also kind of left me with a very unfinished feeling. I'd be okay with a sequel. I know that it's referenced things that happened after that point, but only to an extent. I just kind of felt like I was left with more questions than answers when it was all said and done.
Characters: This is one of the books where I just didn't care for the main character at all. I didn't dislike him though. I just wanted to shake some sense into him. I mean I get it. He's young. He was just all over the place though.
Critiques: There are many things that are referenced in this book that I would have liked to see more elaboration on. I don't want to say too much because some of them are at the end of the book and I don't want to give spoilers. I do feel like this story begs for either a sequel or an epilogue. Something to tie the loose ends together and explain what happened to certain characters better as well.
Final Thoughts: I really did enjoy this book very much. I can't say I was in love with it or that it was one of my favorites. I had a wonderful time reading it though. If it weren't for the parts that I felt like should have been elaborated on more, I would actually love this book and probably make it a reread. As it were, I'd still recommend this book. I love how raw and realistic it is.
September 23, 2022
I received a free e-arc of this book through Netgalley.
I read a lot of WWII Historical Fiction so I was worried this book would be too much like other books I've read, but it wasn't. The POV of a German teenager who finds out a big secret about his family's heritage and tries to figure out how to deal with it as Hitler's power increases in Germany. It gave big announcements throughout the story so you already know in some ways how the family's story will turn out in the future, but the majority of the story is a coming of age tale torn between the nanny of his childhood and the joy/confusion of a first love. A worthwhile read.
I read a lot of WWII Historical Fiction so I was worried this book would be too much like other books I've read, but it wasn't. The POV of a German teenager who finds out a big secret about his family's heritage and tries to figure out how to deal with it as Hitler's power increases in Germany. It gave big announcements throughout the story so you already know in some ways how the family's story will turn out in the future, but the majority of the story is a coming of age tale torn between the nanny of his childhood and the joy/confusion of a first love. A worthwhile read.
September 27, 2022
B. V. Glants has created a story that shows a fascinating perspective on the Holocaust in Half Notes from Berlin. In this story, Hans is a teenager in Berlin who did not know of his own Jewish ancestry. As Hitler rises to power and growing anti-Semitism sweeps through Berlin, Hans is forced to reckon with the secrets his parents have kept from him and whether he will, or even can, keep them hidden. In general, this is a coming-of-age story in which the protagonist grows up physically and emotionally in the face of desperate times. The story tells the simple progression of adolescence through first crushes, conflicts with friends, and the normal desire for independence and self-expression, but the growing Nazi influence and power lend the story its tension and suspense.
This story is an excellent addition to a classroom library on World War II and the Holocaust because of its unique slant on the Jewish experience in pre-war Germany. From Hans' perspective, no one knew or really cared about one's Jewish blood before the war. He didn't know about his own ancestry, nor did anyone care about his mother's, even though both of his grandparents were Jews who converted to Christianity. Hans had classmates who were Jewish, but he never knew or cared until the restrictions and persecutions began. Glants provides such an interesting picture of pre-war life, and one that helps readers understand why so many Jewish Germans chose to remain in Germany even when the restrictions and abuse began, believing that normalcy would soon return.
While this story has a teen narrator and protagonist and is set primarily in the world of adolescents, some YA readers may struggle with the language, tone, and style which reads as much more adult historical fiction or even biography or memoir, rather than YA historical fiction. The author gives a great deal of self-analysis to the main character, so the story reads as a backward-looking analysis of Hans' experience more than a gripping drama with stakes and rising action. While that may discourage some YA-aged readers from selecting this book, it is such a worthwhile read. Its message on the frightening power of a government that propels or condones racism, segregation, or widespread abuse of one group is terrifying and one that we must always remember. Glants' details about book-burnings, self-identification, loss of jobs and patronage, pressured membership in groups like Hitler Youth, and more are accurate, detailed, and authentically depicted. These alone will help readers see the progression of Hitler's plans and the way Germany fell under the Nazi heel. This book could be used effectively as a companion to a study of the pre-war years. Glants mentions multiple events in the Nazi's rise to power, but many are mentioned briefly or not described. They do not hamper comprehension or the story's progress, but students could dig into these, researching them and seeing how Hans' perspective was similar or different than the historical timeline of the period. In all, this is an important story and one that could be a great addition to a history teacher's library or a classroom studying literature from the Holocaust.
This story is an excellent addition to a classroom library on World War II and the Holocaust because of its unique slant on the Jewish experience in pre-war Germany. From Hans' perspective, no one knew or really cared about one's Jewish blood before the war. He didn't know about his own ancestry, nor did anyone care about his mother's, even though both of his grandparents were Jews who converted to Christianity. Hans had classmates who were Jewish, but he never knew or cared until the restrictions and persecutions began. Glants provides such an interesting picture of pre-war life, and one that helps readers understand why so many Jewish Germans chose to remain in Germany even when the restrictions and abuse began, believing that normalcy would soon return.
While this story has a teen narrator and protagonist and is set primarily in the world of adolescents, some YA readers may struggle with the language, tone, and style which reads as much more adult historical fiction or even biography or memoir, rather than YA historical fiction. The author gives a great deal of self-analysis to the main character, so the story reads as a backward-looking analysis of Hans' experience more than a gripping drama with stakes and rising action. While that may discourage some YA-aged readers from selecting this book, it is such a worthwhile read. Its message on the frightening power of a government that propels or condones racism, segregation, or widespread abuse of one group is terrifying and one that we must always remember. Glants' details about book-burnings, self-identification, loss of jobs and patronage, pressured membership in groups like Hitler Youth, and more are accurate, detailed, and authentically depicted. These alone will help readers see the progression of Hitler's plans and the way Germany fell under the Nazi heel. This book could be used effectively as a companion to a study of the pre-war years. Glants mentions multiple events in the Nazi's rise to power, but many are mentioned briefly or not described. They do not hamper comprehension or the story's progress, but students could dig into these, researching them and seeing how Hans' perspective was similar or different than the historical timeline of the period. In all, this is an important story and one that could be a great addition to a history teacher's library or a classroom studying literature from the Holocaust.
November 2, 2022
“Half Notes from Berlin” is a stirring epic WW2 tale of one man’s incredible courage and resilience during one of history’s darkest hours. This coming-of-age story spans the first few months of 1933 when the Nazis seized power.
This short period contained the biggest social changes, which included political parties and labor unions getting banned, the growth of anti-Semitism, and the creation of concentration camps for political opponents. These changes impacted ordinary people in broad ways in Nazi Germany, such as family dynamics, careers, and, most importantly, their expressions of friendships and love.
When the Jewish persecution begins in Germany, Hans, a teenager at the time, believes he and his family are safe until he discovers a terrible family secret. Stunned by the discovery that his maternal grandparents were Jews who converted to Christianity and that his mother could be half-Jewish, Hans realizes he is not as lucky as he thought he would be. Determined to protect his family and the woman he loves from the looming oppression, he is forced to make some drastic decisions that could endanger his own life as well.
With keen precision and candor, “Half Notes from Berlin” careens rapidly across the pages. Various subplots develop as the story proceeds and, by the end, they tie everything together very effectively. The author’s descriptions against the backdrop of the blitzed and atrocious Hitler regime are so vivid that at times readers will find themselves in Nazi Germany and even with the protagonist reading his thoughts, feeling his fear, trying to help him solve the impending victimization.
This narrative is filled with emotional twists and tearful tragedies that will both touch your heart and shock your conscience at the same time. Written with wit, intelligence, and an exhilarating sense of possibility, the plot spans many moods and tones, from heartbreaking to blissful. Glants creates an immensely noteworthy dialogue that zips along from the mouths of unforgettable characters with its outstanding themes of secrets, war, love, loyalty, and change.
“Half Notes from Berlin” is also a testament to the endurance of love and humanity under the darkest possible conditions, a story about the extremes of human behavior existing side by side: orchestrated brutality alongside impulsive and selfless acts of love. It is a confronting and moving tale that will tug at your heartstrings.
Overall, this graceful five-star debut creates a panorama of an era that casts a long shadow over the fragility of the human soul and a tour de force by a novelist whose work makes you look up and believe in miracles.
This short period contained the biggest social changes, which included political parties and labor unions getting banned, the growth of anti-Semitism, and the creation of concentration camps for political opponents. These changes impacted ordinary people in broad ways in Nazi Germany, such as family dynamics, careers, and, most importantly, their expressions of friendships and love.
When the Jewish persecution begins in Germany, Hans, a teenager at the time, believes he and his family are safe until he discovers a terrible family secret. Stunned by the discovery that his maternal grandparents were Jews who converted to Christianity and that his mother could be half-Jewish, Hans realizes he is not as lucky as he thought he would be. Determined to protect his family and the woman he loves from the looming oppression, he is forced to make some drastic decisions that could endanger his own life as well.
With keen precision and candor, “Half Notes from Berlin” careens rapidly across the pages. Various subplots develop as the story proceeds and, by the end, they tie everything together very effectively. The author’s descriptions against the backdrop of the blitzed and atrocious Hitler regime are so vivid that at times readers will find themselves in Nazi Germany and even with the protagonist reading his thoughts, feeling his fear, trying to help him solve the impending victimization.
This narrative is filled with emotional twists and tearful tragedies that will both touch your heart and shock your conscience at the same time. Written with wit, intelligence, and an exhilarating sense of possibility, the plot spans many moods and tones, from heartbreaking to blissful. Glants creates an immensely noteworthy dialogue that zips along from the mouths of unforgettable characters with its outstanding themes of secrets, war, love, loyalty, and change.
“Half Notes from Berlin” is also a testament to the endurance of love and humanity under the darkest possible conditions, a story about the extremes of human behavior existing side by side: orchestrated brutality alongside impulsive and selfless acts of love. It is a confronting and moving tale that will tug at your heartstrings.
Overall, this graceful five-star debut creates a panorama of an era that casts a long shadow over the fragility of the human soul and a tour de force by a novelist whose work makes you look up and believe in miracles.
October 5, 2022
"...with the solitude...I have nothing to do but face the accusing finger of my memories.'
Are we responsible for the mistakes, the wrongdoings of our youth? Or is it the responsibility of the adults in our lives; but what if they are the cause of making life choices at 15 years of age?
These are a few of the questions that are brought to the surface in the very timely smart coming of age pre WWII historical fiction novel, Half Notes From Berlin by concise author B.V.Glants.
In 1933 Hans is 15 living life in Berlin, Germany when Hitler comes to power. As he slowly notices changes like Jewish Stars on storefront windows that no one shops in anymore, less Jewish students in school, and books by Jewish writers being burned he feels confused but it's still not personal...until Rebecca, his first kiss, has to go away...until it is learned he is part Jewish on his mother's side. What are the right decisions? What are the safe choices for yourself and your family?
What was unique in this story is that there are no soldiers, no concentration camps or resistant fighters. There is just a family turn apart, an innocent teen asked to make ultimate choices and no examples of standing up for what is right.
This book is one year in the life of a young man at the start of when the world began to implode. It is timely because I feel we are at that point again. Many people say they are tired of WWII stories but the point of history is to learn what went wrong and never let it happen again.
On Yom Kippur, the Day of Atonement, the day we say the Mourners Kaddish for those we love who are gone, I hope we can open our hearts and be fearless against those who resurrect fear mongering for their own power money hungry gain.
I received a free copy of this book from the publisher via #netgalley for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.
Are we responsible for the mistakes, the wrongdoings of our youth? Or is it the responsibility of the adults in our lives; but what if they are the cause of making life choices at 15 years of age?
These are a few of the questions that are brought to the surface in the very timely smart coming of age pre WWII historical fiction novel, Half Notes From Berlin by concise author B.V.Glants.
In 1933 Hans is 15 living life in Berlin, Germany when Hitler comes to power. As he slowly notices changes like Jewish Stars on storefront windows that no one shops in anymore, less Jewish students in school, and books by Jewish writers being burned he feels confused but it's still not personal...until Rebecca, his first kiss, has to go away...until it is learned he is part Jewish on his mother's side. What are the right decisions? What are the safe choices for yourself and your family?
What was unique in this story is that there are no soldiers, no concentration camps or resistant fighters. There is just a family turn apart, an innocent teen asked to make ultimate choices and no examples of standing up for what is right.
This book is one year in the life of a young man at the start of when the world began to implode. It is timely because I feel we are at that point again. Many people say they are tired of WWII stories but the point of history is to learn what went wrong and never let it happen again.
On Yom Kippur, the Day of Atonement, the day we say the Mourners Kaddish for those we love who are gone, I hope we can open our hearts and be fearless against those who resurrect fear mongering for their own power money hungry gain.
I received a free copy of this book from the publisher via #netgalley for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.
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October 5, 2022"...with the solitude...I have nothing to do but face the accusing finger of my memories.'
Are we responsible for the mistakes, the wrongdoings of our youth? Or is it the responsibility of the adults in our lives; but what if they are the cause of making life choices at 15 years of age?
These are a few of the questions that are brought to the surface in the very timely smart coming of age pre WWII historical fiction novel, Half Notes From Berlin by concise author B.V.Glants.
In 1933 Hans is 15 living life in Berlin, Germany when Hitler comes to power. As he slowly notices changes like Jewish Stars on storefront windows that no one shops in anymore, less Jewish students in school, and books by Jewish writers being burned he feels confused but it's still not personal...until Rebecca, his first kiss, has to go away...until it is learned he is part Jewish on his mother's side. What are the right decisions? What are the safe choices for yourself and your family?
What was unique in this story is that there are no soldiers, no concentration camps or resistant fighters. There is just a family torn apart, an innocent teen asked to make ultimate choices and no examples of standing up for what is right.
This book is one year in the life of a young man at the start of when the world began to implode. It is timely because I feel we are at that point again. Many people say they are tired of WWII stories but the point of history is to learn what went wrong and never let it happen again.
On Yom Kippur, the Day of Atonement, the day we say the Mourners Kaddish for those we love who are gone, I hope we can open our hearts and be fearless against those who resurrect fear mongering for their own power money hungry gain.
I received a free copy of this book from the publisher via #netgalley for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.
Are we responsible for the mistakes, the wrongdoings of our youth? Or is it the responsibility of the adults in our lives; but what if they are the cause of making life choices at 15 years of age?
These are a few of the questions that are brought to the surface in the very timely smart coming of age pre WWII historical fiction novel, Half Notes From Berlin by concise author B.V.Glants.
In 1933 Hans is 15 living life in Berlin, Germany when Hitler comes to power. As he slowly notices changes like Jewish Stars on storefront windows that no one shops in anymore, less Jewish students in school, and books by Jewish writers being burned he feels confused but it's still not personal...until Rebecca, his first kiss, has to go away...until it is learned he is part Jewish on his mother's side. What are the right decisions? What are the safe choices for yourself and your family?
What was unique in this story is that there are no soldiers, no concentration camps or resistant fighters. There is just a family torn apart, an innocent teen asked to make ultimate choices and no examples of standing up for what is right.
This book is one year in the life of a young man at the start of when the world began to implode. It is timely because I feel we are at that point again. Many people say they are tired of WWII stories but the point of history is to learn what went wrong and never let it happen again.
On Yom Kippur, the Day of Atonement, the day we say the Mourners Kaddish for those we love who are gone, I hope we can open our hearts and be fearless against those who resurrect fear mongering for their own power money hungry gain.
I received a free copy of this book from the publisher via #netgalley for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.
October 10, 2022
Thank you to Netgalley and The Book Whisperer for providing this advanced digital copy for my review!
In this coming-of-age novel set in 1933 Berlin, Hans finds his life slowly starting to change as Hitler comes to power. Things are complicated when he falls for a Jewish classmate, and he finds out that his grandparents were formerly Jewish and had converted, which could be dangerous for his family if revealed. As his friends join the Hitler Youth and conflict breaks out amongst his family members over how to navigate this changing world, Hans finds himself grappling with both his conscience and his fear.
This book was excellent. I felt like, the way the changes happened in Berlin, they seemed so ordinary and slow at first and I could see them happening in our ordinary life. Putting up a new flag, laughing at the extremist teacher. There are things happening to “other people” and everyone else can feel somewhat removed from it. Then, suddenly, those things start hitting much closer to home.
It was so disheartening seeing Hans try to do the right thing when even the adults in his life were determined to punish him for it. There is a scene involving book burning and it is both visceral and heart wrenching.
My only complaint is that the end felt a bit rushed. The author did give us an idea of what happened to all of Hans’ family members with short lines throughout the book, and I actually preferred that to a forced Epilogue, but the actual story we were in wasn’t wrapped up in a very satisfying way. It certainly feels like an incomplete book, which is why I’m knocking off a star.
With that said, I still recommend reading this one. With so much historical fiction out there about the 30s-40s, I do feel this book is something unique.
In this coming-of-age novel set in 1933 Berlin, Hans finds his life slowly starting to change as Hitler comes to power. Things are complicated when he falls for a Jewish classmate, and he finds out that his grandparents were formerly Jewish and had converted, which could be dangerous for his family if revealed. As his friends join the Hitler Youth and conflict breaks out amongst his family members over how to navigate this changing world, Hans finds himself grappling with both his conscience and his fear.
This book was excellent. I felt like, the way the changes happened in Berlin, they seemed so ordinary and slow at first and I could see them happening in our ordinary life. Putting up a new flag, laughing at the extremist teacher. There are things happening to “other people” and everyone else can feel somewhat removed from it. Then, suddenly, those things start hitting much closer to home.
It was so disheartening seeing Hans try to do the right thing when even the adults in his life were determined to punish him for it. There is a scene involving book burning and it is both visceral and heart wrenching.
My only complaint is that the end felt a bit rushed. The author did give us an idea of what happened to all of Hans’ family members with short lines throughout the book, and I actually preferred that to a forced Epilogue, but the actual story we were in wasn’t wrapped up in a very satisfying way. It certainly feels like an incomplete book, which is why I’m knocking off a star.
With that said, I still recommend reading this one. With so much historical fiction out there about the 30s-40s, I do feel this book is something unique.
December 22, 2022
Couldn't resist checking this one out when I read the summary.
Here we follow Hans. He lives in Berlin with his parents and it is 1933. Things have changed. Germany now belongs to Hitler. Society is changing and to be a Jew is not safe. Hans thinks he is safe...until he overhears his parents and learns that his maternal grandparents were Jews who converted to Christianity years ago. Driven to understand more about his Jewish blood, he befriends Rebecca the only Jewish girl in his school. He soon realizes that he may have feelings for her but he must watch helplessly as his classmates target Rebecca with increasing violence and malice.
I found this perspective very interesting and refreshing. Things are just beginning to get really bad. You could see some people wanted to be blind to it...some people saw the writing on the wall and left. It was sort of eerie seeing the poison of hate take over even the youths. It's tragic and scary how quickly it spread.
Honestly, I couldn't put this down!! I finished it in a day. Hans and his story had me drawn in right from this first page.
One can't help but hope, but Hitler's Germany lives little room for hope and you know things will not go well for people who are Jewish or who sympathize with Jews.
The ending made me want more. There is a sense there might be a sequel. One can hope!!! I think we need one for sure because there felt like there were more stories to tell. I want to see more of Hans.
In the end, I really enjoyed this but it did make me sad...as it should. You can't help but want the best for Hans and Rebecca, but you know that bad things are heading their way. I would love to read a sequel. There seems like there are way more stories and adventures for Hans. I recommend this. 5 stars from me.
Here we follow Hans. He lives in Berlin with his parents and it is 1933. Things have changed. Germany now belongs to Hitler. Society is changing and to be a Jew is not safe. Hans thinks he is safe...until he overhears his parents and learns that his maternal grandparents were Jews who converted to Christianity years ago. Driven to understand more about his Jewish blood, he befriends Rebecca the only Jewish girl in his school. He soon realizes that he may have feelings for her but he must watch helplessly as his classmates target Rebecca with increasing violence and malice.
I found this perspective very interesting and refreshing. Things are just beginning to get really bad. You could see some people wanted to be blind to it...some people saw the writing on the wall and left. It was sort of eerie seeing the poison of hate take over even the youths. It's tragic and scary how quickly it spread.
Honestly, I couldn't put this down!! I finished it in a day. Hans and his story had me drawn in right from this first page.
One can't help but hope, but Hitler's Germany lives little room for hope and you know things will not go well for people who are Jewish or who sympathize with Jews.
The ending made me want more. There is a sense there might be a sequel. One can hope!!! I think we need one for sure because there felt like there were more stories to tell. I want to see more of Hans.
In the end, I really enjoyed this but it did make me sad...as it should. You can't help but want the best for Hans and Rebecca, but you know that bad things are heading their way. I would love to read a sequel. There seems like there are way more stories and adventures for Hans. I recommend this. 5 stars from me.
January 12, 2023
Half Notes from Berlin is by B.V. Glants. This novel helps us to realize what life was like for a boy who was half German and half Jewish growing up in Berlin during the rise of Hitler and the Nazis. In his case, he did not know he was even partly Jewish as his maternal grandparents had converted well before his birth and his parents and grandparents had agreed there was no reason to tell the boy until he was much older. When Hans was fifteen, the changes under Hitler began to become important to the students at his school. Some of the boys in his class had joined the Hitler Youth and became more vocal and active in the beliefs they were learning. His history teacher became a vocal member of the SA and used class time to indoctrinate the students in the Nazi beliefs. The one Jewish member of their class, Rebecca, began to be harassed even more than she had been because she was a bookworm and didn’t join the outside activities. Clashes with classmates who were members of the Hitler Yourh and those, like Hans, who weren’t became more violent.
Hans didn’t understand what was going on. He believed in getting along with others in spite of differences. He had never thought anything about whether someone was different or not. He had no idea he was different himself. His father was German and his mother Jewish; but as far as he knew, they were German and Lutherans. His father ran his grandfather’s saccharine business and his mother was a university music professor.
As the Nazis take more control over their lives, he learns he is half Jewish; but keeps it a secret as his parents wish. He now has to come to grips with that knowledge as things swiftly change in his life. What will those changes bring?
Hans didn’t understand what was going on. He believed in getting along with others in spite of differences. He had never thought anything about whether someone was different or not. He had no idea he was different himself. His father was German and his mother Jewish; but as far as he knew, they were German and Lutherans. His father ran his grandfather’s saccharine business and his mother was a university music professor.
As the Nazis take more control over their lives, he learns he is half Jewish; but keeps it a secret as his parents wish. He now has to come to grips with that knowledge as things swiftly change in his life. What will those changes bring?
November 25, 2022
Read through NetGalley. I like to read stories about real people and their experiences surviving during World War II. The common people, not the soldiers. This book is a work of fiction but tells the story of what it would have been like to be in Germany during that time and find out that your grandparents were Jews who converted to Christianity. So does that make you Jewish or non-Jewish in Hitler's eyes? Is it based on your blood heritage or the religion you practice? And how do you deal with it in either case? A very interesting story that provokes a lot of thought.
Amazon description: Berlin, 1933.
Hans believes he and his family are safe from persecution.
Then, he discovers his family's dirty secret: his maternal grandparents were Jews who converted to Christianity.
Driven by the desire to understand who he is and whether his mother's blood is tainted, Hans befriends Rebecca, the only Jewish girl he knows. Perhaps if Jewish blood isn't evil, his mother will be ok.
To be a Jew in Hitler's Germany is dangerous.
But to fall in love with one is unthinkable.
Desperate to keep both his family's true heritage and his love for Rebecca a secret, Hans attempts to navigate this terrifying new world. He's disconsolate when his Jewish mother is kicked out of the Berlin Conservatory. He's disgusted by his Aryan father's aims to acquire Jewish business on the cheap.
Worst, he must watch helplessly as his classmates target Rebecca with increasing violence and malice.
But when his school announces it will expel Jewish students, Hans is determined to fight for Rebecca — and the lives and souls of his family.
Amazon description: Berlin, 1933.
Hans believes he and his family are safe from persecution.
Then, he discovers his family's dirty secret: his maternal grandparents were Jews who converted to Christianity.
Driven by the desire to understand who he is and whether his mother's blood is tainted, Hans befriends Rebecca, the only Jewish girl he knows. Perhaps if Jewish blood isn't evil, his mother will be ok.
To be a Jew in Hitler's Germany is dangerous.
But to fall in love with one is unthinkable.
Desperate to keep both his family's true heritage and his love for Rebecca a secret, Hans attempts to navigate this terrifying new world. He's disconsolate when his Jewish mother is kicked out of the Berlin Conservatory. He's disgusted by his Aryan father's aims to acquire Jewish business on the cheap.
Worst, he must watch helplessly as his classmates target Rebecca with increasing violence and malice.
But when his school announces it will expel Jewish students, Hans is determined to fight for Rebecca — and the lives and souls of his family.
September 9, 2022
Read his full review on Rosepoint Publishing.
Germany in the early 1930s was not the time for a young boy to fall in love with a Jewish girl. She was born in Germany and attended the Lutheran Church but that mattered not to the Third Reich. Her grandparents were German Jews. Rebecca is the smartest girl in the school as well as the prettiest. Hans has loved her since their second year in school and they became inseparable. His grandparents were also Jewish, but his parents disavowed any connection with that heritage.
The rise of the Third Reich caused a schism in Germany prior to WWII. The Jews were bankers and moneylenders because it was against the Christian religion to either borrow or lend. Therefore, the Jews controlled the banks.
Survival of any Jew in the Third Reich though meant immigrating to Israel or another country. Rebecca and her family left Germany because of the ban on doing any business with Jewish owned businesses or banks.
Because the way to become accepted in German society for a young man was to join the Hitler Youth, Hans had no choice but to join and wear the uniform. He enters the military but the love of his life is gone.
A well-plotted and paced narrative with emotional themes and unrequited love during war time. It is an interesting but sad saga. 4.5 stars – CE Williams
Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with the opportunity to read and review this book.
Germany in the early 1930s was not the time for a young boy to fall in love with a Jewish girl. She was born in Germany and attended the Lutheran Church but that mattered not to the Third Reich. Her grandparents were German Jews. Rebecca is the smartest girl in the school as well as the prettiest. Hans has loved her since their second year in school and they became inseparable. His grandparents were also Jewish, but his parents disavowed any connection with that heritage.
The rise of the Third Reich caused a schism in Germany prior to WWII. The Jews were bankers and moneylenders because it was against the Christian religion to either borrow or lend. Therefore, the Jews controlled the banks.
Survival of any Jew in the Third Reich though meant immigrating to Israel or another country. Rebecca and her family left Germany because of the ban on doing any business with Jewish owned businesses or banks.
Because the way to become accepted in German society for a young man was to join the Hitler Youth, Hans had no choice but to join and wear the uniform. He enters the military but the love of his life is gone.
A well-plotted and paced narrative with emotional themes and unrequited love during war time. It is an interesting but sad saga. 4.5 stars – CE Williams
Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with the opportunity to read and review this book.
October 10, 2022
It is Berlin, 1933. Racial laws have not yet come into being. The focus is everyday people going about their business. Hitler has declared the Jews the source of the country’s problems. We then see how antisemitism slowly spreads its tentacles throughout German society.
I cannot even imagine the situation our male teenage protagonist finds himself in. Hans is German, safe from Hitler. Or so he thought. Suddenly, a skeleton in his family’s closet is revealed – his grandparents on his mother’s side were Jews who converted to Christianity. Stunned and feeling a bit lost and wanting to know more about his Jewish ancestry, he befriends Rebecca, the only Jewish girl he knows. Then he falls in love with her.
Hans becomes aware of the injustices now taking place against the Jews. He is appalled that his father is trying to gain from the misfortunes of the Jewish business owners. Han finds himself being tricked into joining the Hitler Youth even though he is firmly against them. When life as he knew it changes and antisemitism surrounds him, he finds himself fighting for both his family and Rebecca.
The story moved along well and held my attention. It was a bit jarring though when future events were thrown into the story revealing what would happen to some of the characters in the future. I was then surprised and disappointed by the abrupt ending of the book leaving several loose ends.
Thank you to Atria Books for the advance copy. All opinions expressed here are entirely my own.
I cannot even imagine the situation our male teenage protagonist finds himself in. Hans is German, safe from Hitler. Or so he thought. Suddenly, a skeleton in his family’s closet is revealed – his grandparents on his mother’s side were Jews who converted to Christianity. Stunned and feeling a bit lost and wanting to know more about his Jewish ancestry, he befriends Rebecca, the only Jewish girl he knows. Then he falls in love with her.
Hans becomes aware of the injustices now taking place against the Jews. He is appalled that his father is trying to gain from the misfortunes of the Jewish business owners. Han finds himself being tricked into joining the Hitler Youth even though he is firmly against them. When life as he knew it changes and antisemitism surrounds him, he finds himself fighting for both his family and Rebecca.
The story moved along well and held my attention. It was a bit jarring though when future events were thrown into the story revealing what would happen to some of the characters in the future. I was then surprised and disappointed by the abrupt ending of the book leaving several loose ends.
Thank you to Atria Books for the advance copy. All opinions expressed here are entirely my own.
September 28, 2022
Received review copy via NetGalley / BookFunnel.
Author's first book and excellent. It caught my attention as soon as I downloaded it yesterday and I have finished just moments ago. It needs some more editing work - the incorrect word or a repeated page can slow you down, but you'll probably still finish it and want more.
I'm a lover of historical fiction and a librarian, especially young adult. Several books have been published recently that were based on the lives of the young people who found their lives completely changed by Hitler.
These young people are just growing up and not terribly interested in anything beyond their immediate interests, yet suddenly all the rules are changing and they are part of the peer pressure age group where they don't even know the right questions to ask, or the right decisions to make. They just want to fit in, have friends and fun.
Europe had a long history (actually all Christian nations) of hating the Jews for killing Christ. They were the perfect target for all the anger, hatred, need to bully someone of the followers of Hitler (of course he didn't stop with Jews).
Most of the characters that Hans goes to school with are impacted by all these changes (most are not good impacts).
I recommend this book, it will help you understand the history of this era and may just help you prevent a repeat. I believe there will be at least one more book - I hope so, I want to know more about the characters.
Author's first book and excellent. It caught my attention as soon as I downloaded it yesterday and I have finished just moments ago. It needs some more editing work - the incorrect word or a repeated page can slow you down, but you'll probably still finish it and want more.
I'm a lover of historical fiction and a librarian, especially young adult. Several books have been published recently that were based on the lives of the young people who found their lives completely changed by Hitler.
These young people are just growing up and not terribly interested in anything beyond their immediate interests, yet suddenly all the rules are changing and they are part of the peer pressure age group where they don't even know the right questions to ask, or the right decisions to make. They just want to fit in, have friends and fun.
Europe had a long history (actually all Christian nations) of hating the Jews for killing Christ. They were the perfect target for all the anger, hatred, need to bully someone of the followers of Hitler (of course he didn't stop with Jews).
Most of the characters that Hans goes to school with are impacted by all these changes (most are not good impacts).
I recommend this book, it will help you understand the history of this era and may just help you prevent a repeat. I believe there will be at least one more book - I hope so, I want to know more about the characters.
October 5, 2022
This is the story of Hans, a teenage boy living in Germany as Hitler was coming to power. His ancestry is half Aryan and half Jewish, putting the family at great risk. Hans is attracted to Rebecca, a smart, beautiful girl who is Jewish and, as their relationship develops, Hans learns he must make difficult political choices for his own safety and the safety of his family and Rebecca.
There is a good deal of historical information depicting the rapid growth of the Nazi influences in pre-war Germany. My only criticism has to do with occasional leaps forward in time when the author takes a segment of the story forward to completion and then drops back to pick up where he left off. I feel the tale would have been more cohesive by maintaining a steady forward progress of the overall story in a chronological order.
In the end, the book gives a good impression of the events leading to the rise of Nazi Germany and the horrific segregation and associated abuses encouraged at all ages between the Aryans and Jews which eventually would lead to the holocaust - a truly evil time in the world.
I received a free copy of this book from NetGalley and the author for my honest voluntary review. As an avid reader of books about World War II, I found this to be both informative and entertaining.
There is a good deal of historical information depicting the rapid growth of the Nazi influences in pre-war Germany. My only criticism has to do with occasional leaps forward in time when the author takes a segment of the story forward to completion and then drops back to pick up where he left off. I feel the tale would have been more cohesive by maintaining a steady forward progress of the overall story in a chronological order.
In the end, the book gives a good impression of the events leading to the rise of Nazi Germany and the horrific segregation and associated abuses encouraged at all ages between the Aryans and Jews which eventually would lead to the holocaust - a truly evil time in the world.
I received a free copy of this book from NetGalley and the author for my honest voluntary review. As an avid reader of books about World War II, I found this to be both informative and entertaining.
October 5, 2022
This is the story of Hans, a teenage boy living in Germany as Hitler was coming to power. His ancestry is half Aryan and half Jewish, putting the family at great risk. Hans is attracted to Rebecca, a smart, beautiful girl who is Jewish and, as their relationship develops, Hans learns he must make difficult political choices for his own safety and the safety of his family and Rebecca.
There is a good deal of historical information depicting the rapid growth of the Nazi influences in pre-war Germany. My only criticism has to do with occasional leaps forward in time when the author takes a segment of the story forward to completion and then drops back to pick up where he left off. I feel the tale would have been more cohesive by maintaining a steady forward progress of the overall story in a chronological order.
In the end, the book gives a good impression of the events leading to the rise of Nazi Germany and the horrific segregation and associated abuses encouraged at all ages between the Aryans and Jews which eventually would lead to the holocaust - a truly evil time in the world.
I received a free copy of this book from NetGalley and the author for my honest voluntary review. As an avid reader of books about World War II, I found this to be both informative and entertaining.
There is a good deal of historical information depicting the rapid growth of the Nazi influences in pre-war Germany. My only criticism has to do with occasional leaps forward in time when the author takes a segment of the story forward to completion and then drops back to pick up where he left off. I feel the tale would have been more cohesive by maintaining a steady forward progress of the overall story in a chronological order.
In the end, the book gives a good impression of the events leading to the rise of Nazi Germany and the horrific segregation and associated abuses encouraged at all ages between the Aryans and Jews which eventually would lead to the holocaust - a truly evil time in the world.
I received a free copy of this book from NetGalley and the author for my honest voluntary review. As an avid reader of books about World War II, I found this to be both informative and entertaining.
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