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3.97 AVERAGE
3.97 AVERAGE
The writing kept me totally engrossed. I also had no idea that people fled from communist countries to South Africa after the Second World War, an interesting piece of history I think I'll look into more.
Oh what an interesting story. I had no idea there were orphans from Europe sent to South Africa during World War II. I always love learning new things in historical fiction. This was a good story.
I agree with other reviewers, I was not prepared for how powerful this book was. The ending is a little contrived but I liked how it tied together.
When a Polish man saves a young German girl from a train explosion that he caused, neither could ever anticipate the life experiences that await them. But, Jakób brings Gretl home and offers her protection and safety for as long as he can. When the day comes where he realizes he can no longer safely look after her, Jakób sends Gretl to South Africa and a family anxious to adopt a little girl.
Historically, World War 2 is one of my favorite literary subjects. The experiences both in Europe and the Pacific during that time fascinate me. The perspective here was different and amazing. I had never heard of German war orphans being sent to South Africa for adoption. So Gretl's perspective as a Jewish girl in a Protestant country offered a contrast. Jakób's view from the Polish aspect offered a new perspective as well.
While I didn't completely love the writing style, I did love the story. It was at once compelling and heartbreaking and yet touched me in a way that stayed with me for days afterwards.
Historically, World War 2 is one of my favorite literary subjects. The experiences both in Europe and the Pacific during that time fascinate me. The perspective here was different and amazing. I had never heard of German war orphans being sent to South Africa for adoption. So Gretl's perspective as a Jewish girl in a Protestant country offered a contrast. Jakób's view from the Polish aspect offered a new perspective as well.
While I didn't completely love the writing style, I did love the story. It was at once compelling and heartbreaking and yet touched me in a way that stayed with me for days afterwards.
I really enjoyed this novel. It was a fast read and was not a cheesy love story. It covered war and post-war well, and the South Africa piece was interesting. I would love if there was a sequel to this book, simply because your left wanting to know how Jakob and Gretl continued on. Despite covering a 16 year span, it was easy to follow. Definitely worth a read
This is a highly unusual book and story. Our heroine is very young when the story begins and while this book is fiction, a tale is told that rivals non-fiction stories of survivors that I have read from this time period. It is not graphic, but detailed without as much of the horror. You see the story though the eyes of a child in the beginning. In the middle, a young woman and in the end, a woman. While there is a romantic story line that completes this book, that is not the focus of the story. This is a wonderful book, about the means of survival that many refugees, Holocaust survivors, orphans and others experienced during WW2 and even today.
I enjoyed the unique voice the author gave to Gretl as well as to Jakob. It was highly unusual and deep writing. If you enjoy a book that will make you think and dig into history, pick this one up!
I enjoyed the unique voice the author gave to Gretl as well as to Jakob. It was highly unusual and deep writing. If you enjoy a book that will make you think and dig into history, pick this one up!
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
sad
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Loveable characters:
Yes
3.8/5 This book is about the life events of Gretl, a girl orphaned during WWII and the events that carried her across continents to an idyllic childhood through her early adulthood. It was a great story that kept my attention, but if the reader is looking for artfully crafted prose, imaginative metaphors or simply a captivating plot, this book is not a good choice. Nevertheless, I enjoyed it as one would enjoy a Hershey's bar even when Lindt chocolates await in the cupboard.
I LOVED the first 3/4 of this book! The characters are so lovable despite their harrowing circumstances (WWII) and the story is captivating. My heart just broke for Gretl and Jakob.
And, although I was happy with their ending, the last 1/4 of the story seemed rushed.
Still enjoyed the read!
And, although I was happy with their ending, the last 1/4 of the story seemed rushed.
Still enjoyed the read!