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izzy_435's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
sad
tense
5.0
livres_de_bloss's review against another edition
I was so disappointed in this book. It got amazing reviews on this site but I was upset to find it to be a preachy, Christian book. I rarely stop reading once I start a book but I couldn't finish it for all the preachy bits. Plus, after about 1/4 of the way in, it took a bizarre turn.
kristi518's review against another edition
4.0
The Girl from the Train is an emotional rollercoaster ride of a read. It is the story of Gretl, the girl from the train, and Jakob, the young man who finds her. It is a tale of loss and love during and after World War II.
Even though this isn't the type of story I usually read I enjoyed it. The author has a way with words making you forget your surrounding and become totally immersed in the story. There were many sentences and phrases that I paused to go back and read again. She did a wonderful job with the war scenes and again made me feel as if I was there.
Gretl and Jakob are easy enough to like. They are complex people living in an even more complex world. There were times though I thought the author had Gretl a bit too advanced for her age. Her words and actions were those of someone years older than her six years of age.
This book was originally published years ago in another language and recently translated to English. The translation seemed to be well done even though at times the characters conversations seemed just a tad off.
If you like romance stories that are steeped in historical context then you will enjoy this book. It is a book of tragedy, loss, growth and love.
I received a free copy of this book from the publisher and the Fiction Guild in exchange for my honest opinion which I have given.
Even though this isn't the type of story I usually read I enjoyed it. The author has a way with words making you forget your surrounding and become totally immersed in the story. There were many sentences and phrases that I paused to go back and read again. She did a wonderful job with the war scenes and again made me feel as if I was there.
Gretl and Jakob are easy enough to like. They are complex people living in an even more complex world. There were times though I thought the author had Gretl a bit too advanced for her age. Her words and actions were those of someone years older than her six years of age.
This book was originally published years ago in another language and recently translated to English. The translation seemed to be well done even though at times the characters conversations seemed just a tad off.
If you like romance stories that are steeped in historical context then you will enjoy this book. It is a book of tragedy, loss, growth and love.
I received a free copy of this book from the publisher and the Fiction Guild in exchange for my honest opinion which I have given.
farmfreshlisa's review against another edition
4.0
I read this book on my road trip home from Jekyll Island, GA and I was so glad that I didn't have to do anything else because this book hooked me from the start! The language is rich with word pictures and ripe with emotion. I hoped for Gretl when she was alone. I ached for Jakob when he finds her and realizes where she came from. I cried for both when they said their goodbyes. The author took me to every emotion the characters were feeling with her vivid language. The journey that Gretl and Jakob had to take was full of impossible odds, unfathomable heartache, and incredible joy.
This is an inspirational fiction book, which means there are Christian principles woven throughout the book. One such appears as Gretl is trying to understand why so many things keep happening to her--especially things relating to flame, for she suffers from nightmares of fire most of her life unaware of what the connection is (which isn't revealed until the end of the story). She was advised of the following by her adopted father:
"Just remember, when you suffer and feel the heat of the flames, that's when God is there. He watches carefully, until He can see His own image in you. He'll never leave you in the flames too long." pg 153-154
This is a beautiful summary of what God describes throughout the Bible--especially in Malachi 3:3 (which was actually being read by a character just prior to this quote) where God is likened to a refiner of gold and silver only He brings about righteousness. I think this quote really captures the overarching theme of the story. That God will keep you under His care even through the most horrific of times.
The second level theme is one of love...for this IS the love story of Gretl and Jakob. And as Gretl is searching to discover what her true feelings for Jakob are, she is advised about love by her adopted grandfather.
"Grietjie, love is not about excitement and physical desire and attraction. Those things are important, of course. But true love is the core that remains after the infatuation has burned out." pg 323
What a beautiful statement about love, and as you can see, continues to tie in with the theme of fire and flames that are woven throughout the book.
Out of all the people in the book, I actually think that Grandpa John was my most favorite character. Grandpa John is her adopted mother's wealthy father. He seemed to understand more than anyone else the battles that Gretl (also called Grietjie) faced in her life. Grandpa John understood her emotions and troubles at a deeper level because he himself battled the pain of loss. She confides to him what she goes through and he hears her, comforts her, and gives her the advice she needs to move forward. The moments where the two of them just sit together listening to music as they reflect on their memories of the past is so poignant.
As a side note, there is a part in the book where the lead character Gretl confesses that she'd like to write a book about her life. When asked what she would call it, she says "The Girl from the Train." She is encouraged to write it, but Gretl is hesitant because at the particular moment of the discussion, her life wasn't going the direction she was hoping. Her friend suggests that since it's her story and her book, she can make it have a happy ending no matter what. I think it's an interesting thought since the book ENDS with a happy ending--kind of gives you a tickle of the brain wondering if it was written in or if it really was...which then you know is the sign of a good book because you think of the characters are REAL!
This book is an excellent read. I love the way the themes of love and God's protection is woven throughout the book. The historical setting of the time around WW2 and then transitioning to South Africa in the post war years was beautiful. I enjoyed being introduced to the idea of the German war orphans and plan on doing more research on it myself. The author has a way with words that is phenomenal and touched me continuously during the story. I was sorry when the book was over because it meant my journey was done.
I highly recommend this book to anyone desiring a beautiful love story set in the time surrounding WW2. You will be swept away by the battles and inner demons each character experiences as they search for identity and belonging, amid injustices and suffering. It is no wonder that The Girl from the Train is already an international bestseller--I predict that it will touch the hearts of the English language readers as well!
This is an inspirational fiction book, which means there are Christian principles woven throughout the book. One such appears as Gretl is trying to understand why so many things keep happening to her--especially things relating to flame, for she suffers from nightmares of fire most of her life unaware of what the connection is (which isn't revealed until the end of the story). She was advised of the following by her adopted father:
"Just remember, when you suffer and feel the heat of the flames, that's when God is there. He watches carefully, until He can see His own image in you. He'll never leave you in the flames too long." pg 153-154
This is a beautiful summary of what God describes throughout the Bible--especially in Malachi 3:3 (which was actually being read by a character just prior to this quote) where God is likened to a refiner of gold and silver only He brings about righteousness. I think this quote really captures the overarching theme of the story. That God will keep you under His care even through the most horrific of times.
The second level theme is one of love...for this IS the love story of Gretl and Jakob. And as Gretl is searching to discover what her true feelings for Jakob are, she is advised about love by her adopted grandfather.
"Grietjie, love is not about excitement and physical desire and attraction. Those things are important, of course. But true love is the core that remains after the infatuation has burned out." pg 323
What a beautiful statement about love, and as you can see, continues to tie in with the theme of fire and flames that are woven throughout the book.
Out of all the people in the book, I actually think that Grandpa John was my most favorite character. Grandpa John is her adopted mother's wealthy father. He seemed to understand more than anyone else the battles that Gretl (also called Grietjie) faced in her life. Grandpa John understood her emotions and troubles at a deeper level because he himself battled the pain of loss. She confides to him what she goes through and he hears her, comforts her, and gives her the advice she needs to move forward. The moments where the two of them just sit together listening to music as they reflect on their memories of the past is so poignant.
As a side note, there is a part in the book where the lead character Gretl confesses that she'd like to write a book about her life. When asked what she would call it, she says "The Girl from the Train." She is encouraged to write it, but Gretl is hesitant because at the particular moment of the discussion, her life wasn't going the direction she was hoping. Her friend suggests that since it's her story and her book, she can make it have a happy ending no matter what. I think it's an interesting thought since the book ENDS with a happy ending--kind of gives you a tickle of the brain wondering if it was written in or if it really was...which then you know is the sign of a good book because you think of the characters are REAL!
This book is an excellent read. I love the way the themes of love and God's protection is woven throughout the book. The historical setting of the time around WW2 and then transitioning to South Africa in the post war years was beautiful. I enjoyed being introduced to the idea of the German war orphans and plan on doing more research on it myself. The author has a way with words that is phenomenal and touched me continuously during the story. I was sorry when the book was over because it meant my journey was done.
I highly recommend this book to anyone desiring a beautiful love story set in the time surrounding WW2. You will be swept away by the battles and inner demons each character experiences as they search for identity and belonging, amid injustices and suffering. It is no wonder that The Girl from the Train is already an international bestseller--I predict that it will touch the hearts of the English language readers as well!
judithdcollins's review against another edition
4.0
A special thank you to Thomas Nelson and NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Irma Joubert delivers a moving and compelling WWII exploration, infused with history --THE GIRL FROM THE TRAIN. A stunning well-researched, coming-of-age tale; reiterating how the human spirit can triumph over the ravages of war.
A strong bond of love, hope, and enduring courage-- withstand obstacles, time and place.
Beautifully written, a tale of a young Jewish girl bound for Auschwitz, encountering Jakob, a fighter for the Polish resistance who is determined to reunite her with her family.
In 1944 when 6 year-old Gretl Schmidt drops from a transport train headed to Auschwitz. She is found by Jakob Kowlaski, a young Polish rebel, whose life will become connected to her over the course of the years. Being a German Jew - The Polish despise Germans and the Germans despise Jews. Her family is left with little options---they decide to sneak Gretl and her sister Elza off the train.
Gretl’s family connections places her in a difficult position-- Jakob has to lie about her background in order to keep her safe. Eventually Jakob must consider his family first and surrender Gretl to a German orphanage.
The historical facts are rich and plentiful, crossing geographical areas, as well as diverse faiths. The two settle in different parts of world, and destined to be reunited years later. There are so many factors working here and the author pulls it off seamlessly.
As World War II draws to a close, Jakób fights with the Polish resistance against the crushing forces of Russia and Germany. They intend to destroy a German troop transport, but Gretl’s unscheduled train reaches the bomb first.
Gretl is the only survivor. Though spared from the concentration camp, the orphaned German Jew finds herself lost in a country hostile to her people. When Jakób discovers her—his guilt and fatherly compassion prompt him to take her in. For three years, the young man and little girl form a bond over the secrets they must hide from his Catholic family.
But she can’t stay with him forever. Jakób sends Gretl to South Africa, where German war orphans are promised bright futures with adoptive Protestant families—so long as Gretl’s Jewish roots, Catholic education, and connections to communist Poland are never discovered.
What a powerful story! Your heart will go out to Gretl and Jakob. Gretl experiences all sorts of emotions from and of course Jakob --a true hero. She soon learns from an early age—tragedy, loss, betrayal, suffering and prejudice.
A mix of romance, historical fiction, courage, and hope.
THE GIRL FROM THE TRAIN, will transport you to another place and time, leaving you fully immersed in the story----making you feel as though you are there with them- every step of the way. Historical fans will devour. At heart, a moving love story.
If you loved the book, highly recommend Peter Golden’s Wherever There is Light.
JDCMustReadBooks
Irma Joubert delivers a moving and compelling WWII exploration, infused with history --THE GIRL FROM THE TRAIN. A stunning well-researched, coming-of-age tale; reiterating how the human spirit can triumph over the ravages of war.
A strong bond of love, hope, and enduring courage-- withstand obstacles, time and place.
Beautifully written, a tale of a young Jewish girl bound for Auschwitz, encountering Jakob, a fighter for the Polish resistance who is determined to reunite her with her family.
In 1944 when 6 year-old Gretl Schmidt drops from a transport train headed to Auschwitz. She is found by Jakob Kowlaski, a young Polish rebel, whose life will become connected to her over the course of the years. Being a German Jew - The Polish despise Germans and the Germans despise Jews. Her family is left with little options---they decide to sneak Gretl and her sister Elza off the train.
Gretl’s family connections places her in a difficult position-- Jakob has to lie about her background in order to keep her safe. Eventually Jakob must consider his family first and surrender Gretl to a German orphanage.
The historical facts are rich and plentiful, crossing geographical areas, as well as diverse faiths. The two settle in different parts of world, and destined to be reunited years later. There are so many factors working here and the author pulls it off seamlessly.
As World War II draws to a close, Jakób fights with the Polish resistance against the crushing forces of Russia and Germany. They intend to destroy a German troop transport, but Gretl’s unscheduled train reaches the bomb first.
Gretl is the only survivor. Though spared from the concentration camp, the orphaned German Jew finds herself lost in a country hostile to her people. When Jakób discovers her—his guilt and fatherly compassion prompt him to take her in. For three years, the young man and little girl form a bond over the secrets they must hide from his Catholic family.
But she can’t stay with him forever. Jakób sends Gretl to South Africa, where German war orphans are promised bright futures with adoptive Protestant families—so long as Gretl’s Jewish roots, Catholic education, and connections to communist Poland are never discovered.
What a powerful story! Your heart will go out to Gretl and Jakob. Gretl experiences all sorts of emotions from and of course Jakob --a true hero. She soon learns from an early age—tragedy, loss, betrayal, suffering and prejudice.
A mix of romance, historical fiction, courage, and hope.
THE GIRL FROM THE TRAIN, will transport you to another place and time, leaving you fully immersed in the story----making you feel as though you are there with them- every step of the way. Historical fans will devour. At heart, a moving love story.
If you loved the book, highly recommend Peter Golden’s Wherever There is Light.
JDCMustReadBooks
lcoverosey's review against another edition
3.0
It is a bit jagged which might be the translation. Sad story turns to happy ending,,,, turmoil would have shattered most 6 yr old children.
susanp's review against another edition
4.0
The first half of this book, which took place in wartime Poland, was excellent and riveting. I would recommend it based on the first half and tell friends to skim the second half. The second half was a tedious and predictable love story. I also had a definite problem in the second half with the “wonderful” South African adoptive family who wouldn’t have adopted Gretl if they’d known she didn’t have “pure” Aryan blood.
hoadjie's review against another edition
5.0
if I could give this book 10 stars I would
Such a beautiful story I couldn't put it down.
a very strong story line with wonderful strong characters. with exciting twists and turns.
the author did an amazing job :)
Such a beautiful story I couldn't put it down.
a very strong story line with wonderful strong characters. with exciting twists and turns.
the author did an amazing job :)
marianneheese's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
emotional
informative
inspiring
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.5
Content Warnings
Moderate: War and Fire/Fire injury
Minor: Xenophobia
daisey4's review against another edition
5.0
I am sure we don’t know half of the struggles of people who lived through the horrors of WW II. This was difficult to read because of the heartache but I also enjoyed it for the love that can overcome great sorrow. Would recommend.