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The Child Without a Home
Inspired by the true stories of the forgotten orphans of World War II, this heart-wrenching and moving tale about fighting for loved ones when all hope is lost will be perfect for fans of Kelly Rimmer, Shirley Dickson, and Natasha Lester.
Agnes was running as fast as her legs would carry her. She was dragging Dieter along beside her, her heart pounding, her mouth dry, her breath coming in great, sobbing gulps… She was running as if her life depended on it–and she knew it did.
1944. When the war comes to twelve-year-old Agnes’ village her life changes in an instant. Her father is dragged away by soldiers and her mother is mercilessly killed, leaving Agnes and her younger brother Dieter orphaned. Frightened, and surrounded by enemies, Agnes has no choice but to carry out her mother’s dying wish, whispered to her before the light flickered from her Promise you’ll look after your brother for me, Agnes … But when Dieter’s hand slips from her own while crossing a river, the rest of Agnes’s world shatters in an instant–has she truly lost everything?
Cambridge, present day. When her beloved grandfather dies, Freya is distraught. Not only has she lost the man who helped raise her, but she knows his stories of World War Two, and a part of her family history, is gone forever. But when Freya meets her new neighbor Agnes, whose accent is just like her grandfather’s, she notices a weather-beaten image of a little blond boy in braces and boots that looks strangely familiar… Could Agnes hold the key to unlocking Freya’s past?
But Agnes has terrible secrets of her own, and she vowed never to speak about the little boy in the photograph who risked everything to save her… But if she doesn’t, she might never discover what happened to her little brother all those years ago…
Agnes was running as fast as her legs would carry her. She was dragging Dieter along beside her, her heart pounding, her mouth dry, her breath coming in great, sobbing gulps… She was running as if her life depended on it–and she knew it did.
1944. When the war comes to twelve-year-old Agnes’ village her life changes in an instant. Her father is dragged away by soldiers and her mother is mercilessly killed, leaving Agnes and her younger brother Dieter orphaned. Frightened, and surrounded by enemies, Agnes has no choice but to carry out her mother’s dying wish, whispered to her before the light flickered from her Promise you’ll look after your brother for me, Agnes … But when Dieter’s hand slips from her own while crossing a river, the rest of Agnes’s world shatters in an instant–has she truly lost everything?
Cambridge, present day. When her beloved grandfather dies, Freya is distraught. Not only has she lost the man who helped raise her, but she knows his stories of World War Two, and a part of her family history, is gone forever. But when Freya meets her new neighbor Agnes, whose accent is just like her grandfather’s, she notices a weather-beaten image of a little blond boy in braces and boots that looks strangely familiar… Could Agnes hold the key to unlocking Freya’s past?
But Agnes has terrible secrets of her own, and she vowed never to speak about the little boy in the photograph who risked everything to save her… But if she doesn’t, she might never discover what happened to her little brother all those years ago…
336 pages, Paperback
Published August 22, 2023
1339 people are currently reading
826 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 90 reviews
October 28, 2022
I had no idea about the wolfe orphans. This story was about two children who witness the death of the their mother and aunt as they tried to escape Prussia. It bounced between current day with a story of a woman whose grandfather died and she wanted to know more about his life before leaving Poland to join the english airforce. I couldn't put it down once I started.
December 30, 2021
ALL. THE. STARS.
Ann Bennett’s absorbing, five-star historical fiction brings to light the forgotten orphans of WW2. You’ll be emotionally wrung out, yet absolutely spellbound, reading about the Peters siblings, twelve-year-old Agnes and her eight-year-old brother, Dieter, who became ‘Vokietukai’ or ‘Wolfskinder’ – wolf children.
Bennett exposes the great expulsion and flight of the East Prussians in January 1945, where tens of thousands of Germans moved west from Konigsberg fleeing from the advancing Soviet Army. This German territory bordered the Baltic Sea and is known today as parts of Russia, Poland and Lithuania.
Having faced unimaginable loss, these two children hopped freight trains, walked for miles in harsh winter conditions, stole food, slept in ditches and barns, and ended up feral, roaming the woods because they simply had nowhere else to go. When the East Prussian villages they’d lived in became targets of the ‘scorched earth’ policy, and people were nervous helping them due to repercussions, the only alternative for the ‘Little Germans’ was to go to Lithuania to find food. You’ll read of their survival, and while it was horrifying, it was a better option than the fate awaiting them if they made it to the Baltic.
I love to learn as I read and appreciate an author who can write about a forgotten event in history and bring it to life without whitewashing the horror. Be prepared for a heartwarming story that’ll have you reaching for your tissues as much as searching Google to find out if Agnes and Dieter’s experience was possible. Bennett has a gift for bringing the readers into her story and helping them understand the extent of desperation and hunger. As you turn the last page, you’ll know more about the fall of East Prussia and the impact it had on the civilian population: it altered the Peters family, stole Agnes and Dieter’s childhood, and robbed them of their innocence. Told in dual timeline, Bennett seamlessly ties together a present-day narrative set in Cambridge with Freya Carey who is trying to piece together her family’s history after her grandfather dies.
This breathtaking and absolutely engaging story about the need for courage and loss of identity as the price of wartime survival needs to be on every historical fiction lover’s TBR list come January 28, 2022.
I was gifted this advance copy by Ann Bennett, Bookouture and NetGalley and was under no obligation to provide a review.
Ann Bennett’s absorbing, five-star historical fiction brings to light the forgotten orphans of WW2. You’ll be emotionally wrung out, yet absolutely spellbound, reading about the Peters siblings, twelve-year-old Agnes and her eight-year-old brother, Dieter, who became ‘Vokietukai’ or ‘Wolfskinder’ – wolf children.
Bennett exposes the great expulsion and flight of the East Prussians in January 1945, where tens of thousands of Germans moved west from Konigsberg fleeing from the advancing Soviet Army. This German territory bordered the Baltic Sea and is known today as parts of Russia, Poland and Lithuania.
Having faced unimaginable loss, these two children hopped freight trains, walked for miles in harsh winter conditions, stole food, slept in ditches and barns, and ended up feral, roaming the woods because they simply had nowhere else to go. When the East Prussian villages they’d lived in became targets of the ‘scorched earth’ policy, and people were nervous helping them due to repercussions, the only alternative for the ‘Little Germans’ was to go to Lithuania to find food. You’ll read of their survival, and while it was horrifying, it was a better option than the fate awaiting them if they made it to the Baltic.
I love to learn as I read and appreciate an author who can write about a forgotten event in history and bring it to life without whitewashing the horror. Be prepared for a heartwarming story that’ll have you reaching for your tissues as much as searching Google to find out if Agnes and Dieter’s experience was possible. Bennett has a gift for bringing the readers into her story and helping them understand the extent of desperation and hunger. As you turn the last page, you’ll know more about the fall of East Prussia and the impact it had on the civilian population: it altered the Peters family, stole Agnes and Dieter’s childhood, and robbed them of their innocence. Told in dual timeline, Bennett seamlessly ties together a present-day narrative set in Cambridge with Freya Carey who is trying to piece together her family’s history after her grandfather dies.
This breathtaking and absolutely engaging story about the need for courage and loss of identity as the price of wartime survival needs to be on every historical fiction lover’s TBR list come January 28, 2022.
I was gifted this advance copy by Ann Bennett, Bookouture and NetGalley and was under no obligation to provide a review.
December 24, 2021
The best book of the year so far!
You will forget that you need to do any work, household chores or just have a cup of tea. Let the whole world wait while you enjoy reading this wonderful book that will not let you go for a minute!
The unforgettable Agnes's story shows the life of orphans during the war, what difficulties the children faced, how they survived.
I loved this book and am sure that many readers who are interested in the History of the World War 2 will read it with pleasure. I will recommend the book to all people who prefer reading historical fiction.
Thank to Ann Bennett, Bookouture and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review this book!
You will forget that you need to do any work, household chores or just have a cup of tea. Let the whole world wait while you enjoy reading this wonderful book that will not let you go for a minute!
The unforgettable Agnes's story shows the life of orphans during the war, what difficulties the children faced, how they survived.
I loved this book and am sure that many readers who are interested in the History of the World War 2 will read it with pleasure. I will recommend the book to all people who prefer reading historical fiction.
Thank to Ann Bennett, Bookouture and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review this book!
December 29, 2023
It seems like every time I read WW2 historical fiction, I walk away learning something new. In Ann Bennett's incredibly captivating The Child Without a Home, the great expulsion and plight of East Prussia in January 1945 is exposed. With their men forced to fight in a war that they didn't believe in, women and children were often left with no choice but to abandon their homes and livelihood, trekking in the harsh winter climate for days or even weeks, hoping to gain passage to safety. Sadly, many adults didn't survive the journey, leaving their children abandoned and orphaned, stealing their childhoods and erasing their identies in the process.
Siblings Agnes and Dieter were amongst these children, the 'Little Germans' or 'Wolfeskinder' as most ended up hiding in forests, shying away from enemy forces. Day after day, they risked entering neighbouring villages, begging or stealing food, with some 'working' for farmers. Either way, conditions were less than kind: empty bellies, clothes that had seen better days, less than adequate shelter and absolutely no-one suitable to take charge of the horrendous situation.
Still, Agnes eventually settles in Cambridge and this is where we meet Freya in the present day. A post graduate student, she moves next door to the now elderly Agnes and strikes up a friendship. To Freya, her new neighbour reminds her of her deceased grandfather, who served in the Polish Airforce at the beginning of the war. Like her grandfather, Anges refuses to talk about the harrowing past, choosing to keep everything close to her heart.
Agnes's story is anguishing, brave and inspirational that happens to have a beautiful end. She's one gutsy character: underneath that prickly exterior lays a kind and caring soul that has experienced far too much. The weight of the world certainly is on her shoulders, all beginning with the promise she made to her mother- to always look after her brother.
Whilst I couldn't get enough of Agnes's point of view, I found it hard to connect with Freya. It's just her problems seemed small in comparison to Agnes's ordeal. I'm still not even certain that the romance struck up with goofy Irishman Finn was warranted, however how sweet it was.
Whilst I wish that Agnes and Freya's connection was much more than just a painting and that the conclusion was less rushed, this was still an educational and meaningful read. I've already bought a couple more of Ann's books and I look forward to diving deep into them.
4.75 🌟
Siblings Agnes and Dieter were amongst these children, the 'Little Germans' or 'Wolfeskinder' as most ended up hiding in forests, shying away from enemy forces. Day after day, they risked entering neighbouring villages, begging or stealing food, with some 'working' for farmers. Either way, conditions were less than kind: empty bellies, clothes that had seen better days, less than adequate shelter and absolutely no-one suitable to take charge of the horrendous situation.
Still, Agnes eventually settles in Cambridge and this is where we meet Freya in the present day. A post graduate student, she moves next door to the now elderly Agnes and strikes up a friendship. To Freya, her new neighbour reminds her of her deceased grandfather, who served in the Polish Airforce at the beginning of the war. Like her grandfather, Anges refuses to talk about the harrowing past, choosing to keep everything close to her heart.
Agnes's story is anguishing, brave and inspirational that happens to have a beautiful end. She's one gutsy character: underneath that prickly exterior lays a kind and caring soul that has experienced far too much. The weight of the world certainly is on her shoulders, all beginning with the promise she made to her mother- to always look after her brother.
Whilst I couldn't get enough of Agnes's point of view, I found it hard to connect with Freya. It's just her problems seemed small in comparison to Agnes's ordeal. I'm still not even certain that the romance struck up with goofy Irishman Finn was warranted, however how sweet it was.
Whilst I wish that Agnes and Freya's connection was much more than just a painting and that the conclusion was less rushed, this was still an educational and meaningful read. I've already bought a couple more of Ann's books and I look forward to diving deep into them.
4.75 🌟
January 21, 2022
As much as I loved the part of this book that is set in the past, the horrific story about Agnes and her family during the end of WW2, I unfortunately struggled with the part set in Cambridge in the present. Not because it is less interesting or anything, it is actually nice to reconnect with Agnes and find out what happened to her, but I couldn't connect with Freya at all, I don't know exactly why. Maybe it was the contrast between the terrible conditions in which Agnes was compelled to live that made, in comparison, Freya's problems seem shallow.
What I really loved, though, is the writing style: beautiful, emotional and deeply moving.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
What I really loved, though, is the writing style: beautiful, emotional and deeply moving.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
May 24, 2023
This historical novel is written in a dual timeline. It didn't take too many pages to draw the reader into this captivating, heart-wrenching story.
The early timeline takes place during World War II. Agnes succumbs to tragedy, losing her parents and her aunt's family. Only Agnes & her brother, Deiter, survive to witness daily atrocities, the loss of many lives at gunpoint with no regard from the enemy for human beings.
In the present day, Freya moves to Cambridge to continue work on her thesis. While studying, the noise from next door disrupts her train of thought. Agnes, the elderly neighbour, turns her TV volume full blast. Reluctantly, Freye addresses the problem by going next door. Agnes, at first, is unfriendly, but eventually, they form a friendship where Freya is intrigued by Agnes's past.
The early timeline takes place during World War II. Agnes succumbs to tragedy, losing her parents and her aunt's family. Only Agnes & her brother, Deiter, survive to witness daily atrocities, the loss of many lives at gunpoint with no regard from the enemy for human beings.
In the present day, Freya moves to Cambridge to continue work on her thesis. While studying, the noise from next door disrupts her train of thought. Agnes, the elderly neighbour, turns her TV volume full blast. Reluctantly, Freye addresses the problem by going next door. Agnes, at first, is unfriendly, but eventually, they form a friendship where Freya is intrigued by Agnes's past.
September 23, 2023
This was a really good historical fiction book that took place in 1945 Eastern Prussia and present time.
I like that intertwined in historical fiction is that there is some truth to the history. Wolfskinder were children that were orphaned during the fall of Prussia and they lived in the great forests alone or in gangs with other children. Part of this story was about Agnes and her brother and how they were orphaned and struggled to survive during that time. The story went back and forth between time periods and came to a close in a really heartfelt way.
I like that intertwined in historical fiction is that there is some truth to the history. Wolfskinder were children that were orphaned during the fall of Prussia and they lived in the great forests alone or in gangs with other children. Part of this story was about Agnes and her brother and how they were orphaned and struggled to survive during that time. The story went back and forth between time periods and came to a close in a really heartfelt way.
February 13, 2022
Two stories that move between present and past, between the present moment and WW2 between Prussia and Cambridge.
Freya is devastated after her grandfather passed away, she is looking for answers but at the same time is trying to move on with her career, but things are not as easy as they seem and once Freya meets her news neighbor she will understand more of what she is looking for.
The stories of Agnes a young girl trying to survive the war, determined to follow her mother wishes to care for her younger brother when everything around them is making it impossible to survive, the germans, the red army, and the displaced people trying to find food all around.
A great friendship is formed, Agnes, Freya, and Finn a neighbor who has been very kind in helping Agnes for a while. The past stories of Agnes were very sad I really had a hard time reading everything she and her brother went through it was always someone trying to undermine their progress or sabotaging everything they had gained, there was no love no kindness, or any consideration even for kids. is like the war made everybody cold and didn't have a once of empathy.
Eventually, the two stories intertwine and make great sense of what was happening during those days of WW2 for Agnes and Freya's grandfather.
Agnes was a very strong heroine, she was smart, kind and did everything she could to help her brother and others around her. I was amazed at how strong she was but it also made me sad the burden she was carrying in her heart, as she felt responsible for whatever he brother went through a promise she felt very responsible to fulfill.
I also love how Freya grew up with the friendship of Agnes, I felt she became more mature, more grounded than when she arrived in the neighborhood.
One of the things that I really liked was when finally Freya spoke to her brother, they really were making too much of a deal of what happened in the past with their grandfather. I felt like Agnes was right there was no time to waste and to make things balanced again between them especially after learning about Dimitri
This wasn't an easy ready, I cried and felt sad and anxious most of the time but it was a good story
Overall it was a good story and entertaining.
Thanks to Netgalley and Bookoture for sharing this digital copy in exchange for my honest opinion.
Freya is devastated after her grandfather passed away, she is looking for answers but at the same time is trying to move on with her career, but things are not as easy as they seem and once Freya meets her news neighbor she will understand more of what she is looking for.
The stories of Agnes a young girl trying to survive the war, determined to follow her mother wishes to care for her younger brother when everything around them is making it impossible to survive, the germans, the red army, and the displaced people trying to find food all around.
A great friendship is formed, Agnes, Freya, and Finn a neighbor who has been very kind in helping Agnes for a while. The past stories of Agnes were very sad I really had a hard time reading everything she and her brother went through it was always someone trying to undermine their progress or sabotaging everything they had gained, there was no love no kindness, or any consideration even for kids. is like the war made everybody cold and didn't have a once of empathy.
Eventually, the two stories intertwine and make great sense of what was happening during those days of WW2 for Agnes and Freya's grandfather.
Agnes was a very strong heroine, she was smart, kind and did everything she could to help her brother and others around her. I was amazed at how strong she was but it also made me sad the burden she was carrying in her heart, as she felt responsible for whatever he brother went through a promise she felt very responsible to fulfill.
I also love how Freya grew up with the friendship of Agnes, I felt she became more mature, more grounded than when she arrived in the neighborhood.
One of the things that I really liked was when finally Freya spoke to her brother, they really were making too much of a deal of what happened in the past with their grandfather. I felt like Agnes was right there was no time to waste and to make things balanced again between them especially after learning about Dimitri
This wasn't an easy ready, I cried and felt sad and anxious most of the time but it was a good story
Overall it was a good story and entertaining.
Thanks to Netgalley and Bookoture for sharing this digital copy in exchange for my honest opinion.
November 17, 2025
The author did a very good job of putting the reader in the midst of the story, both environmentally and politically. I did not care for the ending nor the cover. But I would recommend this book if you like learning about a different aspect of WWII.
September 10, 2024
I fell in love with this little story. It managed to tell a story about WWII from a perspective I never considered. Such a pleasure to read.
December 5, 2021
I received an eARC of this book from NetGalley and the publisher.
“The Child Without a Home” by Ann Bennett is a dual-timeline book. In the first timeline, the reader follows 12-year-old Agnes in East Prussia during 1944 and 1945. As the story unfolds, the reader learns about children surviving on their own between two armies (the Nazis and the Red Army). The the second timeline, we follow Freya who moves to a new residence with Agnes as her next door neighbor. Freya has issues of her own that have made her closed off to people. The first meeting between Freya and Agnes isn’t the greatest, but as Freya learns Agnes’s story (with help from another neighbor Finn), a friendship begins - along with healing for both women.
I absolutely enjoyed reading about Agnes’s 1940s story. I’ve read many WWII stories and the ones that transport me back to those times are the ones I like best. Ms. Bennett did that with her telling of Agnes’s tale. Agnes’s story is heartbreaking - but in order to survive, sometimes one does things (such as joining a gang of kids hiding in the woods). I liked how Ms. Bennett told the “wolf children” story but did it in a way that was both heartbreaking but also captured the “gang” situation that it probably was during that time. Anytime I read a “new to me” story about WWII is a joy because there are so many “hidden” stories of that time period.
While Agnes’s story transported me to the past, I cannot say that I really enjoyed the modern storyline with Freya. I found Freya to be a bit prickly, which was intentional, but I found the storyline about her former boyfriend unnecessary; did he need to appear in the book (might she have moved to get away from him instead?). I do believe that there needed to be something to tie Freya and Agnes together - but the “family is all you have” message I found a bit forced. But, I am probably in the minority about that since a number of people, I’m sure, will like that.
If you like “untold” or “mostly unknown” WWII stories, I’d recommend reading this book. It was not only very engaging, but it was interesting (I wish there had been more explanation in the Author’s Note about how Ms. Bennett got the idea or historical sources). This was also a very fast read, which is a plus in my book.
“The Child Without a Home” by Ann Bennett is a dual-timeline book. In the first timeline, the reader follows 12-year-old Agnes in East Prussia during 1944 and 1945. As the story unfolds, the reader learns about children surviving on their own between two armies (the Nazis and the Red Army). The the second timeline, we follow Freya who moves to a new residence with Agnes as her next door neighbor. Freya has issues of her own that have made her closed off to people. The first meeting between Freya and Agnes isn’t the greatest, but as Freya learns Agnes’s story (with help from another neighbor Finn), a friendship begins - along with healing for both women.
I absolutely enjoyed reading about Agnes’s 1940s story. I’ve read many WWII stories and the ones that transport me back to those times are the ones I like best. Ms. Bennett did that with her telling of Agnes’s tale. Agnes’s story is heartbreaking - but in order to survive, sometimes one does things (such as joining a gang of kids hiding in the woods). I liked how Ms. Bennett told the “wolf children” story but did it in a way that was both heartbreaking but also captured the “gang” situation that it probably was during that time. Anytime I read a “new to me” story about WWII is a joy because there are so many “hidden” stories of that time period.
While Agnes’s story transported me to the past, I cannot say that I really enjoyed the modern storyline with Freya. I found Freya to be a bit prickly, which was intentional, but I found the storyline about her former boyfriend unnecessary; did he need to appear in the book (might she have moved to get away from him instead?). I do believe that there needed to be something to tie Freya and Agnes together - but the “family is all you have” message I found a bit forced. But, I am probably in the minority about that since a number of people, I’m sure, will like that.
If you like “untold” or “mostly unknown” WWII stories, I’d recommend reading this book. It was not only very engaging, but it was interesting (I wish there had been more explanation in the Author’s Note about how Ms. Bennett got the idea or historical sources). This was also a very fast read, which is a plus in my book.
December 6, 2021
What a terrific story! Freya, Agnes, Finn, Deiter, and all the other characters leap off the page. This novel is based on a little discussed time during WWII; what happened to East Prussians, especially the children during the waning days of the war. I was completely entranced with the story. I have read memoirs Of this genre and the novel fits right in with the historical facts. It’s a great addition to the Paucity Of information about the area and it’s people. Thanks to Bookouture and NetGalley for the early read.
January 21, 2022
Agnes's Story
Agnes's story of survival in East Prussia and her escape to England is a sad, heartbreaking story but an amazing story of survival and the love of a sister for her younger brother.
As East Prussia is being evacuated by the German's before the advance of the Red Army of Russia, many families left to go to Germany or Denmark to escape the Russian Army. Agnes, her mother, her small brother Dieter and her aunt joined the refugee's. Agnes's father had already been taken and forced to fight for the German Army. Along the way Agnes and Dieter are left alone with no one to help them. It is up to Agnes to keep Dieter safe.
This story is a story of great determination and fortitude of a young girl only twelve years old. The situations they encounter, the horrible things they see, the hunger, the cold of the winter and their will to survive is a page turning story.
The Second story of Freya in later times in Cambridge was not as interesting. I would have liked to read a whole book on Agnes's story that of her father, her aunt, her best friend and even her friends in Lithuania . It was not a bad story, I just really liked Agnes's story so much more.
The story of Agnes and Dieter and Freya and her Grandfather is a story of facing the past and finding a way to forge forward and leave it behind, not to be forgotten, but to be left in the past.
The WWII part of the story was so much worth reading the book. Every time I read something on this war I learn something new and interesting. I had no knowledge before of the evacuation of East Prussia before the Red Army and the trials that those refugees faced.
I did enjoy the book and I enjoyed the ending it was a good ending for the book. I would recommend this book.
Thanks to Ann Bennett for writing a great story, to Bookouture for publishing it and to NetGalley for making it available to me.
Agnes's story of survival in East Prussia and her escape to England is a sad, heartbreaking story but an amazing story of survival and the love of a sister for her younger brother.
As East Prussia is being evacuated by the German's before the advance of the Red Army of Russia, many families left to go to Germany or Denmark to escape the Russian Army. Agnes, her mother, her small brother Dieter and her aunt joined the refugee's. Agnes's father had already been taken and forced to fight for the German Army. Along the way Agnes and Dieter are left alone with no one to help them. It is up to Agnes to keep Dieter safe.
This story is a story of great determination and fortitude of a young girl only twelve years old. The situations they encounter, the horrible things they see, the hunger, the cold of the winter and their will to survive is a page turning story.
The Second story of Freya in later times in Cambridge was not as interesting. I would have liked to read a whole book on Agnes's story that of her father, her aunt, her best friend and even her friends in Lithuania . It was not a bad story, I just really liked Agnes's story so much more.
The story of Agnes and Dieter and Freya and her Grandfather is a story of facing the past and finding a way to forge forward and leave it behind, not to be forgotten, but to be left in the past.
The WWII part of the story was so much worth reading the book. Every time I read something on this war I learn something new and interesting. I had no knowledge before of the evacuation of East Prussia before the Red Army and the trials that those refugees faced.
I did enjoy the book and I enjoyed the ending it was a good ending for the book. I would recommend this book.
Thanks to Ann Bennett for writing a great story, to Bookouture for publishing it and to NetGalley for making it available to me.
January 28, 2022
Oh this one is beautiful. Heart breaking. Poignant. Just wonderful. Written with such heart. This author is just amazing and this book is Wow!
August 11, 2022
I can’t decide on a rating for this book. Set in two time periods with very different vibes. The story of Agnes and her brother is a 4+ star read but I felt the modern day, as it often is with this style of book, a let down and barely a 3 star. Overall a good read.
June 18, 2024
Wooooowwwwwww!!!!!!
February 17, 2022
The Child Without a Home
by Ann Bennett
Dual timeline - World War II - England - East Prussia - Orphans - Brothers & Sisters - Forgiveness - Bravery - Survival - Family Secrets - Lost Countries - Children - Lithuania - Wolf Children
Heart-wrenching World War II novel about East Prussian orphans - "wolf children" - stuck between the approaching Russian Army and the menacing German Army. A young girl tries to keep a promise to her mother to protect her younger brother, no matter the cost. Tragedy after tragedy follows. What a terrible, heart-breaking time to be alive.
I was gifted this advance copy by NetGalley and was under no obligation to provide a review.
by Ann Bennett
Dual timeline - World War II - England - East Prussia - Orphans - Brothers & Sisters - Forgiveness - Bravery - Survival - Family Secrets - Lost Countries - Children - Lithuania - Wolf Children
Heart-wrenching World War II novel about East Prussian orphans - "wolf children" - stuck between the approaching Russian Army and the menacing German Army. A young girl tries to keep a promise to her mother to protect her younger brother, no matter the cost. Tragedy after tragedy follows. What a terrible, heart-breaking time to be alive.
I was gifted this advance copy by NetGalley and was under no obligation to provide a review.
January 30, 2022
It’s been two years since I have last read a book by Ann Bennett and in that time I had forgotten just how much of a great author she is. The Child Without a Home is her new novel and, as with the previous excellent books I have read by this author, I was completely sucked in from the very beginning. I always think based on the covers of the books that they will be family sagas and then am always pleasantly surprised by the depth of the stories. This new story proved to be no exception and as it was a dual timeline story (which is my favourite kind of read) going between the past and the years of World War Two, I found myself fascinated by the events that were unfolding. Both elements to the story were as strong as each other and it moved seamlessly from one to another. Although I found myself engrossed in the present that I didn’t want to venture back to the past and vice versa when the change occurred again. So that to me is the sign of a strong and riveting book that can hold my attention and leave me always wanting more.
In the present day, Freya is returning to Cambridge to continue work on her thesis. She had left for some time away following the breakdown of her relationship with Cameron. The brief glimpses we get of Cameron make you soon realise that Freya was much better off without him. I loved that Freya’s focus of study was history even though the topic that she was studying wasn’t grabbing her attention but the seeds of a more interesting story were scattered in front of her if she was willing to nurture them and watch them grow. Freya moves into a new flat and soon meets her neighbour Finn. They have a slightly uneasy friendship at first. I think Freya wasn’t that willing to be open to men of any kind given her recent experiences despite how nice Finn seemed to be me but I sensed that could all change. But Freya and relationships were not the dominant theme of this book and I am glad in the way this was handled because this isn’t a romance story at all. Instead when Freya meets another neighbour Agnes then the real plot of the book starts to be developed.
Agnes lives on her own and is in her 80‘s. She is cold, prickly and defensive. Deep down you could tell if she had someone who was willing to be there for her, and show her some care and attention, then she had a story that was worth sharing. That she had suffered an awful lot and been through such emotional and physical turmoil which has lingered long in her mind. Freya is wracked by guilt that her brother Matthew left on bad terms with her for an assignment for his job. Their grandfather had recently died and she had expected to be left some of his belongings, primarily a chest which contained details and items from his time as a Polish RAF pilot. An argument had ensued between Matthew and Freya and she hadn’t wanted this to happen at all. Will learning of Agnes’s story, when she eventually opens up to Freya, help her reconcile with Matthew?
It’s not just the argument that has Freya’s mind in a spin. It’s the way her grandfather had never forgiven her for something and the fact he refused to talk about what happened to him during the war. There are so many emotions running through Freya’s head and it’s easy to see she needs to find some sort of resolution in order to move on with her life and continue working on her thesis. As she spends time with Agnes and grows closer to her the picture of a castle in a woods that hangs on the wall of Agnes’ house starts to have a significant meaning. A powerful, haunting and soul destroying story emerges and despite the tough subject matter re. Agnes and what she endured I found myself utterly compelled by what I was reading. In hearing Agnes’s story of the past it really starts to help Freya make sense of the present and future and perhaps she can set about the right path she needs to venture on.
It was evident there was so much research done by the author in order to make Agnes’s story as authentic as possible. I felt I was on an endurance journey with her where events lurched from one bad scenario to an even worse one. Agnes’s grew up in a little village in East Prussia. I had never read anything about this area of Germany before and it made me realise how much ordinary German citizens suffered as a result of the war also. Especially as the Russians edged ever closer as the German defeat was on the horizon. It was a harrowing, dangerous, cruel and heart-breaking story that unfolded and I thought there was so much injustice and loss that befell Agnes and her younger brother Dieter. Agnes’s story is mostly set during the winter of 1944/45 and my god the freezing temperatures and deep snow made the situation 100 times worse. I felt the cold echoing from the pages and this only intensified the hardships Agnes and her family were enduring. It was all so hard to read about and I can’t even comprehend what the people of Prussia were going through knowing they had to flee as the Russians were advancing. For if they stayed the consequences didn’t bare thinking about.
You forget as you read about Agnes’s story that really she was only a child herself who had to grow up overnight. Her father is conscripted to fight for the German’s and she is left with her mother and brother. Food is next to impossible to find and even though they go to stay on their Aunt’s farm digging through the snow to find sustenance is just such a heart-breaking image. What shines through about Agnes is her bravery, strength, grit, courage and determination. She seeks every opportunity going to try and provide for her family. It’s like she takes on the role of her father in his absence and she is hopefully that nothing bad will happen to her mother, aunt and brother if she can keep finding food.
Agnes’s story is painful to read about but is an important one to be told in order to honour the sacrifices and bravery of so many at the time. Of how so many were lost but yet there were those that came through it. But what they experienced affected their lives forever. What was witnessed could not be unseen and the suffering and loss will never make up for the regret Agnes lives with. She made a promise and broke it, through no fault of her own, and in the present day it eats away at her. You can’t help but think she is being too harsh on herself but that is the type of woman she is.
There are so many twists and turns to Agnes and Dieter’s story, I felt like I was on a rollercoaster. At some points you see a glimmer of hope and then that hope is dashed, and you think god what else can the author possibly throw at them? How are they still standing and going strong in the face of such horror, adversity and hardship? It was one thing after another, and I thought oh god they desperately need a break. I don’t think I can cope with much more of this but then as I neared the end of the book and I was reflecting on what I had read, I came to appreciate that the hardships had to be there. For this is what the people endured for six long years and for Agnes and her family the worst came towards the end with the Russians as a new enemy. War stole their childhood and robbed them of their innocence in the most horrific of ways and showed how the consequences of the Nazi regime and the Russian invasion were so absolutely devastating for so many ordinary innocent people. The Child Without a Home is a brilliant and unputdownable read. It’s deeply emotional and filled with characters that will linger on in your mind long after you have read the final word.
In the present day, Freya is returning to Cambridge to continue work on her thesis. She had left for some time away following the breakdown of her relationship with Cameron. The brief glimpses we get of Cameron make you soon realise that Freya was much better off without him. I loved that Freya’s focus of study was history even though the topic that she was studying wasn’t grabbing her attention but the seeds of a more interesting story were scattered in front of her if she was willing to nurture them and watch them grow. Freya moves into a new flat and soon meets her neighbour Finn. They have a slightly uneasy friendship at first. I think Freya wasn’t that willing to be open to men of any kind given her recent experiences despite how nice Finn seemed to be me but I sensed that could all change. But Freya and relationships were not the dominant theme of this book and I am glad in the way this was handled because this isn’t a romance story at all. Instead when Freya meets another neighbour Agnes then the real plot of the book starts to be developed.
Agnes lives on her own and is in her 80‘s. She is cold, prickly and defensive. Deep down you could tell if she had someone who was willing to be there for her, and show her some care and attention, then she had a story that was worth sharing. That she had suffered an awful lot and been through such emotional and physical turmoil which has lingered long in her mind. Freya is wracked by guilt that her brother Matthew left on bad terms with her for an assignment for his job. Their grandfather had recently died and she had expected to be left some of his belongings, primarily a chest which contained details and items from his time as a Polish RAF pilot. An argument had ensued between Matthew and Freya and she hadn’t wanted this to happen at all. Will learning of Agnes’s story, when she eventually opens up to Freya, help her reconcile with Matthew?
It’s not just the argument that has Freya’s mind in a spin. It’s the way her grandfather had never forgiven her for something and the fact he refused to talk about what happened to him during the war. There are so many emotions running through Freya’s head and it’s easy to see she needs to find some sort of resolution in order to move on with her life and continue working on her thesis. As she spends time with Agnes and grows closer to her the picture of a castle in a woods that hangs on the wall of Agnes’ house starts to have a significant meaning. A powerful, haunting and soul destroying story emerges and despite the tough subject matter re. Agnes and what she endured I found myself utterly compelled by what I was reading. In hearing Agnes’s story of the past it really starts to help Freya make sense of the present and future and perhaps she can set about the right path she needs to venture on.
It was evident there was so much research done by the author in order to make Agnes’s story as authentic as possible. I felt I was on an endurance journey with her where events lurched from one bad scenario to an even worse one. Agnes’s grew up in a little village in East Prussia. I had never read anything about this area of Germany before and it made me realise how much ordinary German citizens suffered as a result of the war also. Especially as the Russians edged ever closer as the German defeat was on the horizon. It was a harrowing, dangerous, cruel and heart-breaking story that unfolded and I thought there was so much injustice and loss that befell Agnes and her younger brother Dieter. Agnes’s story is mostly set during the winter of 1944/45 and my god the freezing temperatures and deep snow made the situation 100 times worse. I felt the cold echoing from the pages and this only intensified the hardships Agnes and her family were enduring. It was all so hard to read about and I can’t even comprehend what the people of Prussia were going through knowing they had to flee as the Russians were advancing. For if they stayed the consequences didn’t bare thinking about.
You forget as you read about Agnes’s story that really she was only a child herself who had to grow up overnight. Her father is conscripted to fight for the German’s and she is left with her mother and brother. Food is next to impossible to find and even though they go to stay on their Aunt’s farm digging through the snow to find sustenance is just such a heart-breaking image. What shines through about Agnes is her bravery, strength, grit, courage and determination. She seeks every opportunity going to try and provide for her family. It’s like she takes on the role of her father in his absence and she is hopefully that nothing bad will happen to her mother, aunt and brother if she can keep finding food.
Agnes’s story is painful to read about but is an important one to be told in order to honour the sacrifices and bravery of so many at the time. Of how so many were lost but yet there were those that came through it. But what they experienced affected their lives forever. What was witnessed could not be unseen and the suffering and loss will never make up for the regret Agnes lives with. She made a promise and broke it, through no fault of her own, and in the present day it eats away at her. You can’t help but think she is being too harsh on herself but that is the type of woman she is.
There are so many twists and turns to Agnes and Dieter’s story, I felt like I was on a rollercoaster. At some points you see a glimmer of hope and then that hope is dashed, and you think god what else can the author possibly throw at them? How are they still standing and going strong in the face of such horror, adversity and hardship? It was one thing after another, and I thought oh god they desperately need a break. I don’t think I can cope with much more of this but then as I neared the end of the book and I was reflecting on what I had read, I came to appreciate that the hardships had to be there. For this is what the people endured for six long years and for Agnes and her family the worst came towards the end with the Russians as a new enemy. War stole their childhood and robbed them of their innocence in the most horrific of ways and showed how the consequences of the Nazi regime and the Russian invasion were so absolutely devastating for so many ordinary innocent people. The Child Without a Home is a brilliant and unputdownable read. It’s deeply emotional and filled with characters that will linger on in your mind long after you have read the final word.
September 24, 2023
One of the worst periods in human history is shown in this stunning, terrible portrayal of survival.Two young children are torn away from everything and everyone they knew and left to fend for themselves using only their wits and fortitude. The little girl is required to honour her vow to her dying mother to protect her younger brother.
The overlooked World War II orphans are highlighted in Ann Bennett's captivating, five-star historical fiction. When you read about the Peters twins, Agnes, 12, and Dieter, 8, who turned into 'Vokietukai' or 'Wolfskinder' - wolf children - you will be emotionally exhausted but utterly enthralled.Tens of thousands of Germans fled from Konigsberg into the west in January 1945 as the Soviet Army advanced, as Bennett reveals in her account of the massive expulsion and flight of the East Prussians. The Baltic Sea was the boundary of this German area, which is now a portion of Lithuania, Poland, and Russia.
After experiencing unspeakable loss, these two kids boarded freight trains, travelled great distances in bitter cold, stole food, slept in ditches and barns, and eventually became wild, roaming the woods because they had nowhere else to go. The Little Germans had little choice but to travel to Lithuania in search of food after the East Prussian villages where they had previously resided became targets of the "scorched earth" strategy and locals were reluctant to assist them out of fear of the consequences. You'll hear about their survival, which was horrible but was still preferable to what would have happened to them had they reached the Baltic.
I value books that bring history to life without minimizing its brutality and the author does just that.Prepare yourself for a touching tale that will leave you inconsolable. Bennett has a talent for drawing her readers into her story and illuminating the depth of hunger and despair. You'll learn more about the collapse of East Prussia and how it affected the civilian population.For example, it affected the Peters family and took Agnes and Dieter's children's youth and innocence. Bennett effectively connects a present-day tale set in Cambridge with Frey Carey who is attempting to piece together a dual temporal story of her family history after her grandfather dies.
A wonderful, breath-taking story. This narrative will engross readers who enjoy history. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
The overlooked World War II orphans are highlighted in Ann Bennett's captivating, five-star historical fiction. When you read about the Peters twins, Agnes, 12, and Dieter, 8, who turned into 'Vokietukai' or 'Wolfskinder' - wolf children - you will be emotionally exhausted but utterly enthralled.Tens of thousands of Germans fled from Konigsberg into the west in January 1945 as the Soviet Army advanced, as Bennett reveals in her account of the massive expulsion and flight of the East Prussians. The Baltic Sea was the boundary of this German area, which is now a portion of Lithuania, Poland, and Russia.
After experiencing unspeakable loss, these two kids boarded freight trains, travelled great distances in bitter cold, stole food, slept in ditches and barns, and eventually became wild, roaming the woods because they had nowhere else to go. The Little Germans had little choice but to travel to Lithuania in search of food after the East Prussian villages where they had previously resided became targets of the "scorched earth" strategy and locals were reluctant to assist them out of fear of the consequences. You'll hear about their survival, which was horrible but was still preferable to what would have happened to them had they reached the Baltic.
I value books that bring history to life without minimizing its brutality and the author does just that.Prepare yourself for a touching tale that will leave you inconsolable. Bennett has a talent for drawing her readers into her story and illuminating the depth of hunger and despair. You'll learn more about the collapse of East Prussia and how it affected the civilian population.For example, it affected the Peters family and took Agnes and Dieter's children's youth and innocence. Bennett effectively connects a present-day tale set in Cambridge with Frey Carey who is attempting to piece together a dual temporal story of her family history after her grandfather dies.
A wonderful, breath-taking story. This narrative will engross readers who enjoy history. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
August 2, 2025
Ann Bennett's "The Child Without a Home," a Kindle edition currently boasting a perfect 5-star rating, promises, and delivers, a poignant exploration of resilience and the enduring power of the human spirit. While a single review cannot fully encapsulate the book's nuances, its perfect rating suggests a consistently powerful emotional impact on readers, highlighting a story that resonates deeply with its audience. Presumably, "The Child Without a Home" delves into the challenges and hardships faced by a child robbed of the fundamental security and love that a home provides. Bennett, judging by the title's implication, likely crafts a narrative filled with vulnerability, loss, and the struggle for survival in a world that often overlooks the plight of its most vulnerable. What elevates a story like this, and what likely contributes to its high rating, is the author's ability to weave a narrative that, despite its somber themes, ultimately offers a glimmer of hope. It is a testament to the human capacity for kindness, empathy, and the unwavering search for belonging. The reader is likely drawn into the child's journey, empathizing with their struggles and celebrating their small victories. The book's success likely stems from Bennett's skillful portrayal of the characters, making them relatable and real. The child's voice, imbued with authenticity and vulnerability, probably serves as a powerful catalyst for the reader's emotional investment. Furthermore, the setting, however bleak, is likely rendered with vivid detail, allowing the reader to fully immerse themselves in the child's world. Ultimately, "The Child Without a Home" appears to be more than just a story of hardship. It is a testament to the strength of the human spirit, the importance of compassion, and the enduring hope that can be found even in the darkest of circumstances. It's perfect rating serves as a resounding endorsement, inviting readers to embark on a journey that promises to be both emotionally challenging and ultimately, deeply rewarding. It's a story that likely stays with the reader long after the final page is turned, prompting reflection on the importance of home, family, and the responsibility we all share to protect the vulnerable.
August 9, 2024
The only reason this book gets two stars rather than one is that it had such an interesting premise and brought me new information and perspective of the Eastern front that I hadn’t considered before. If not for that, I would honestly rate this zero stars if I could. This book dragged on and on, often times stating rather than showing development and was just so slow and infuriating at times with how much it repeated itself or just didn’t make sense. Examples include the following quotes:
“The meager supply of food they'd brought was running low, so Agnes often gave some of hers to Dieter. It frightened her that Mother barely touched her own portion, often handing part of her meal to Hannah or Dieter. Agnes knew that she and Aunt Hannah were doing everything they could to get them through this and that it fell to her to look after Dieter and keep him distracted from the horrors that faced them at every turn.” - We already can tell from Agnes and Aunt Hannah giving their shares of food to Mother and Deiter that they are doing what they can to get them through this. We do not need it spelled out. It’s completely unnecessary and makes the book drag on longer than needed.
“As they reached the edge of the dock, the cart in front of them was just starting out on the ice, following the long line of wagons that had already stepped off into the unknown, onto the track that was carved into the ice by the carts and wagons that had gone before it, crossing the ten kilometers of ice that lay between them and the port of Danzig.” This is a stupidly long run-on sentence that makes no sense to me.
Every. Single. Time they talk about the hardships a character went through, a different character almost immediately says “Poor, poor [name].” Every time.
In conclusion, do not read this book. It comes off as someone desperate to reach a word count, repeating themselves endlessly with just slightly different wording. The only reason I trudged through it was to see how it ended. It also had a stupid, unrealistic ending. Usually that wouldn’t bother me but it felt ridiculous. Again, DO NOT READ THIS!!
“The meager supply of food they'd brought was running low, so Agnes often gave some of hers to Dieter. It frightened her that Mother barely touched her own portion, often handing part of her meal to Hannah or Dieter. Agnes knew that she and Aunt Hannah were doing everything they could to get them through this and that it fell to her to look after Dieter and keep him distracted from the horrors that faced them at every turn.” - We already can tell from Agnes and Aunt Hannah giving their shares of food to Mother and Deiter that they are doing what they can to get them through this. We do not need it spelled out. It’s completely unnecessary and makes the book drag on longer than needed.
“As they reached the edge of the dock, the cart in front of them was just starting out on the ice, following the long line of wagons that had already stepped off into the unknown, onto the track that was carved into the ice by the carts and wagons that had gone before it, crossing the ten kilometers of ice that lay between them and the port of Danzig.” This is a stupidly long run-on sentence that makes no sense to me.
Every. Single. Time they talk about the hardships a character went through, a different character almost immediately says “Poor, poor [name].” Every time.
In conclusion, do not read this book. It comes off as someone desperate to reach a word count, repeating themselves endlessly with just slightly different wording. The only reason I trudged through it was to see how it ended. It also had a stupid, unrealistic ending. Usually that wouldn’t bother me but it felt ridiculous. Again, DO NOT READ THIS!!
January 29, 2022
East Prussia, 1944, Agnes is just 12 years old when everyone in her village is forced to fight for the Nazis while all the women and children are forced to leave their homes. But when tragedy strikes her family, Agnes and her brother Dieter, are completely alone. Agnes takes care of her brother the best that she can. Cambridge, present day, Freya is devastated at the loss of her grandfather. Not only did he raise her but, she loved hearing his stories of when he was a pilot in World War Two. Now he is gone and so are his stories. Soon, Freya meets her new next door neighbor, Agnes and there is something very familiar about her. Agnes has stories of her own and some of them, if told would change everything Freya knows about her own family. This book was so captivating, I was on edge while flipping through the pages as fast as I could, to find out what was going to happen. I felt a connection with Agnes, and I admired her courage, determination, and will to survive. Her bravery and dedication to protecting her younger brother was truly heartwarming. This was an emotional, heartbreaking and engrossing read. I loved this story and it is a must read for every historical fiction fan.
Thank you Ann Bennett for such a wonderful story. I thoroughly enjoyed this book. I loved that it was a time slip novel. The storyline of 1944 and present day was really amazing and kept me totally interested. The connection to the characters was really heartwarming. I enjoyed this story from the beginning to the end. I highly recommend it.
Thank you Ann Bennett for such a wonderful story. I thoroughly enjoyed this book. I loved that it was a time slip novel. The storyline of 1944 and present day was really amazing and kept me totally interested. The connection to the characters was really heartwarming. I enjoyed this story from the beginning to the end. I highly recommend it.
January 2, 2022
3 + Stars
Historical fiction about the forgotten orphans of WWII
Story follows a dual timeline.
Cambridge Present Day: Freya Carey who is tracing her family’s history after her grandfather dies.
East Prussia 1944/45: As the war is coming to an end Twelve year old Agnes Peters and her eight year old brother Dieter are alone.
Story opens when Freya is moving into her new apartment in Cambridge. After unpacking, she has some homework to do. However, she cannot consecrate as the neighbor’s TV is so loud.
She tries to continue; finally decides to go ask the neighbor if they would please turn down the TV.
The neighbor is elderly and hard of hearing. She grumbles but does turn down the TV. As Freya is leaving she notices a picture on the wall similar to one her grandfather had. Additionally he hears a dialect similar to her grandfather’s. Yes this elderly woman is Agnes ~ thus the story begins.
There is no doubt this is an emotional story. I have read many WWII stories and usually find them depressing.
This is a very interesting story.
Want to thank NetGalley and Bookouture for this eGalley. This file has been made available to me before publication in an early form for an honest professional review.
Publishing Release Date scheduled for January 28, 2022
Historical fiction about the forgotten orphans of WWII
Story follows a dual timeline.
Cambridge Present Day: Freya Carey who is tracing her family’s history after her grandfather dies.
East Prussia 1944/45: As the war is coming to an end Twelve year old Agnes Peters and her eight year old brother Dieter are alone.
Story opens when Freya is moving into her new apartment in Cambridge. After unpacking, she has some homework to do. However, she cannot consecrate as the neighbor’s TV is so loud.
She tries to continue; finally decides to go ask the neighbor if they would please turn down the TV.
The neighbor is elderly and hard of hearing. She grumbles but does turn down the TV. As Freya is leaving she notices a picture on the wall similar to one her grandfather had. Additionally he hears a dialect similar to her grandfather’s. Yes this elderly woman is Agnes ~ thus the story begins.
There is no doubt this is an emotional story. I have read many WWII stories and usually find them depressing.
This is a very interesting story.
Want to thank NetGalley and Bookouture for this eGalley. This file has been made available to me before publication in an early form for an honest professional review.
Publishing Release Date scheduled for January 28, 2022
February 25, 2024
4.0Set in East Prussia 1944 and present day Cambridge, England.
12 yr old Agnes sees horrific changes when war comes to her village. Left with her young brother after her father went off to war and her mother killed Agnes is on the run and is frightened for her life. Agnes promised her mother she would always look after her younger brother but tragedy separates them.
Present day and Freya is sad as her grandfather has just died and they had had harsh words and Freya regrets what happened and that she had pushed her grandfather to tell of his past life in WWII but this history is gone forever. Freyea is a graduate student at Cambridge and has now moved into a new place to live and a young neighbor wants to be friendly but Freya is gun shy of relationships after a bad breakup with her boyfriend. In the house next door lives an old lady who at first seems grouchy but Freya and Agnes make friends and Agnes opens up about her life before she came to England. Agnes is ill and dying but not before she tells Freya of her life fleeing the country she loved and how she lost her only brother.
12 yr old Agnes sees horrific changes when war comes to her village. Left with her young brother after her father went off to war and her mother killed Agnes is on the run and is frightened for her life. Agnes promised her mother she would always look after her younger brother but tragedy separates them.
Present day and Freya is sad as her grandfather has just died and they had had harsh words and Freya regrets what happened and that she had pushed her grandfather to tell of his past life in WWII but this history is gone forever. Freyea is a graduate student at Cambridge and has now moved into a new place to live and a young neighbor wants to be friendly but Freya is gun shy of relationships after a bad breakup with her boyfriend. In the house next door lives an old lady who at first seems grouchy but Freya and Agnes make friends and Agnes opens up about her life before she came to England. Agnes is ill and dying but not before she tells Freya of her life fleeing the country she loved and how she lost her only brother.
November 24, 2024
Thanks to my mom, who supplies a lot of my reading material for free and clearly has a passion for World War II-related literature, I acquired this book. At first I thought it was going to be another account of orphaned Jewish children from the war but I was wrong. Bennet instead described the plight of the families of East Prussia.
In the author's own words, "the loss of innocent German lives seems to have been glossed over...due to the tendency to associate all German people with the Nazis. But many Germans had lived under Nazi persecution themselves for years, forced to live under Nazi rules against their will. This angle interested me, because I like to research and write about aspects of the second world war that are out of the mainstream and not generally written about."
This was a great and informative read.
In the author's own words, "the loss of innocent German lives seems to have been glossed over...due to the tendency to associate all German people with the Nazis. But many Germans had lived under Nazi persecution themselves for years, forced to live under Nazi rules against their will. This angle interested me, because I like to research and write about aspects of the second world war that are out of the mainstream and not generally written about."
This was a great and informative read.
January 22, 2022
In The Child Without A Home by AnnBennett, the reader hears the story of Agnes & Dieter as they try to survive in East Prussia near & at the end of WWII. It is. a story that could be told by hundreds of the feral orphans of this era & place. It is an almost forgotten tale of a country that was divided between Poland and Russia, and of people who tried to forget the horrors they endured and families they lost.
A secondary story is one of Freya who is studying at Cambridge, grieving over the loss of her Polish grandfather, and getting over a breakup with a longtime boyfriend. Freya and Flinn are Agnes’s neighbors and they show her kindness. As she shares her history with them, they grow closer and help one another heal.
A secondary story is one of Freya who is studying at Cambridge, grieving over the loss of her Polish grandfather, and getting over a breakup with a longtime boyfriend. Freya and Flinn are Agnes’s neighbors and they show her kindness. As she shares her history with them, they grow closer and help one another heal.
February 4, 2022
Agnes and Dieter's story is heart-wrenching. The terrible things endured and brought upon the innocents of the world because of the consequences of war re unspeakable. The time and lives wasted because of the fanatical meanderings of one man is so out of our realm of understanding as to almost be believed to have been a fictional story. So sad that is was anything but.
:The Child Without a Home" shines light on the high cost of WWII, not just to those who experienced it first hand, but to generations who came after.
A highly readable novel, bring the box of tissues and set aside some time, once you start reading you won't want to stop.
Thank you to Bookouture and Net Galley for the free ARC, I am giving my honest review in return.
:The Child Without a Home" shines light on the high cost of WWII, not just to those who experienced it first hand, but to generations who came after.
A highly readable novel, bring the box of tissues and set aside some time, once you start reading you won't want to stop.
Thank you to Bookouture and Net Galley for the free ARC, I am giving my honest review in return.
January 6, 2022
I enjoyed this emotional historical story. This is a newer author for me which I enjoyed her writing style as well as her attention to details that gave her story a realistic feel. I found this book to be well written and fast paced. I enjoyed being pulled into the story by the characters who made the story easy to read. They are connectable and made the story pop. This is an enaging story that is hard to put down. A story that takes place during WW2 and is inspirational and full of courage. I really enjoyed the growth of the plot which kept me turning pages fast. This is worth the pick up. I highly recommend this book.
January 24, 2022
The child without a home is a wonderful historial fiction book. From the very first page I was completely captivated by Agnes story. The story is told in dual timeline, 1940’s East Prussia and present day Cambridge. I have to admit to enjoying the past story slightly more . I was completely enthralled by Agnes life and all she went through. This story was so well written I could honestly picture in my mind all she went through so clearly. There were times this book brought me to tears and I had to pause my reading for a while before continuing. This really shows what a well written and emotional read this was. I absolutely loved it.
May 15, 2022
Loved this book and a really amazing and unexpected ending. I honestly had a hard time following Freya's story, I was more intrested in getting back to Agnes' story. I honestly couldn't even follow Freya's side of the until the last 2 chapters of the book. I would definitely recommend this book. I did pull out a map a couple times to kind of follow the travels of Agnes and Dieter. I couldn't of imagined going through what they did as young children.
I think It would of been more intriguing story if there was a connection between Agnes and Freya's Grandfather though.
I think It would of been more intriguing story if there was a connection between Agnes and Freya's Grandfather though.
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