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thepagelady's review against another edition
4.0
Book Review…The Winter Orphans by Kristin Beck
Ella Rosenthal has finally reached safety. It has been three years since she and her sister, Hanni, left their parents to flee Nazi Germany. Now they shelter in a derelict castle overseen by the Swiss Red Cross.
Swiss volunteers Rösli Näf and Anne-Marie Piguet uphold a common mission: to protect children in peril. Anne-Marie becomes both caretaker and friend to the children, and vows to keep them safe.
However, when Germany invades southern France, Rösli and Anne-Marie realize that the only way to protect the eldest children is to smuggle them out of France. Ella and Hanni embark on a journey that, if successful, could change the course of their lives and grant them a future.
Even though this was a heartbreaking story I couldn't help but want to know what happened to these wonderful characters and I had to know what would happen next. Rosli and Anne Marie were wonderful characters both fierce and strong! The story is based on real people and true events and with the descriptions and the way the story is laid out it's easy to feel like you are right there with the characters! It's a wonderful story about courage, sacrifice and heroism! Thank you Let's Talk Books Promo, Berkley Books and Kristin Beck for sharing this book with me!
Ella Rosenthal has finally reached safety. It has been three years since she and her sister, Hanni, left their parents to flee Nazi Germany. Now they shelter in a derelict castle overseen by the Swiss Red Cross.
Swiss volunteers Rösli Näf and Anne-Marie Piguet uphold a common mission: to protect children in peril. Anne-Marie becomes both caretaker and friend to the children, and vows to keep them safe.
However, when Germany invades southern France, Rösli and Anne-Marie realize that the only way to protect the eldest children is to smuggle them out of France. Ella and Hanni embark on a journey that, if successful, could change the course of their lives and grant them a future.
Even though this was a heartbreaking story I couldn't help but want to know what happened to these wonderful characters and I had to know what would happen next. Rosli and Anne Marie were wonderful characters both fierce and strong! The story is based on real people and true events and with the descriptions and the way the story is laid out it's easy to feel like you are right there with the characters! It's a wonderful story about courage, sacrifice and heroism! Thank you Let's Talk Books Promo, Berkley Books and Kristin Beck for sharing this book with me!
lynguy1's review
5.0
The Winter Orphans by Kristin Beck is moving, suspenseful, and heart-wrenching. It’s also full of hope, danger, and courage. This historical fiction novel is largely set in southern France between August 1942 and November 1943. Parents often sent children fleeing Germans away to Belgium. Three years ago, that happened to Ella Rosenthal and her young sister, Hanni. Now they are sheltering with one hundred other young refugees in a derelict castle overseen by the Swiss Red Cross. There are other such “colonies” across southern France. Rosli Naf and Anne-Marie Piguet are two of the Swiss volunteers who want to protect the children. Rosli directs the colony where Ella and Hanni are sheltering. As the oldest children get closer to eighteen and Germany invades southern France, Rosli and Anne-Marie realize they have to smuggle the older teens out of France. Will they be successful? Who will survive?
Ella is often afraid, but she is protective of her sister and will do anything to help her survive, and that takes courage she didn’t know she had. She’s also quiet, gentle, and thinks while others talk. Rosli doesn’t consider herself good with feelings, but is great with rules. However, she is protective of the children in her care, strong, and courageous. Anne-Marie is younger, a caretaker in a different colony, and just as protective and courageous.
Told from the points of view of Ella, Rosli, and Anne-Marie, this novel is based on true events and real people. The courage of these three and many others is extraordinary in the face of so much adversity, hatred, and bullying. The story is heart-breaking at times and the tension and terror felt by the children is palpable. However, there is also bravery, standing up for what is right, kindness, moments of happiness, and a willingness to help others by some that lightens the story at times.
This story is well-written and well-researched. The prose immediately draws readers into the story and the world-building and atmosphere are so tangible one can feel the terror and the cold. This moving book has unforgettable characters and is a story that will stay with me. It took me on an emotional rollercoaster. While there was sadness, fear, and cruelty, there was also hope, love, kindness, and courage. The author’s note is well worth the read and explains which characters were real people that did astonishing things during this terrible time in world history and which were fictional, but inspired by others.
Overall, this was an engaging and emotional story of hope, fear, and bravery in the face in adversity. Those that enjoy historical fiction are encouraged to consider this book as their next read.
Berkley Publishing Group and Kristin Beck provided a complimentary digital ARC of this novel via NetGalley. This is my honest review. Opinions are mine alone and are not biased in any way. Publication date is currently set for September 13, 2022. This review was originally posted at Mystery and Suspense Magazine.
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My 4.51 rounded to 5 stars review will be coming soon.
Ella is often afraid, but she is protective of her sister and will do anything to help her survive, and that takes courage she didn’t know she had. She’s also quiet, gentle, and thinks while others talk. Rosli doesn’t consider herself good with feelings, but is great with rules. However, she is protective of the children in her care, strong, and courageous. Anne-Marie is younger, a caretaker in a different colony, and just as protective and courageous.
Told from the points of view of Ella, Rosli, and Anne-Marie, this novel is based on true events and real people. The courage of these three and many others is extraordinary in the face of so much adversity, hatred, and bullying. The story is heart-breaking at times and the tension and terror felt by the children is palpable. However, there is also bravery, standing up for what is right, kindness, moments of happiness, and a willingness to help others by some that lightens the story at times.
This story is well-written and well-researched. The prose immediately draws readers into the story and the world-building and atmosphere are so tangible one can feel the terror and the cold. This moving book has unforgettable characters and is a story that will stay with me. It took me on an emotional rollercoaster. While there was sadness, fear, and cruelty, there was also hope, love, kindness, and courage. The author’s note is well worth the read and explains which characters were real people that did astonishing things during this terrible time in world history and which were fictional, but inspired by others.
Overall, this was an engaging and emotional story of hope, fear, and bravery in the face in adversity. Those that enjoy historical fiction are encouraged to consider this book as their next read.
Berkley Publishing Group and Kristin Beck provided a complimentary digital ARC of this novel via NetGalley. This is my honest review. Opinions are mine alone and are not biased in any way. Publication date is currently set for September 13, 2022. This review was originally posted at Mystery and Suspense Magazine.
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My 4.51 rounded to 5 stars review will be coming soon.
sarahenwright's review
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
informative
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
smalltownbookmom's review against another edition
4.0
A really moving WWII story about a Red Cross worker who tried to help save Jewish orphans in France from the Nazis. Told from multiple POVs over a number of years, this was full of suspense, romance and based on true events. Great on audio and perfect for fans of Pam Jenoff or Kristin Harmel's Forest of vanishing stars.
bookswritingandmore's review
5.0
This book brings hope to the weary. A story of the children of World War 2 that brings to question how far adults will go, to save children that aren't their own. These children stay at De La Hille in France and are taken care of by members of the Swiss Red Cross.
Ella a girl of 17 finally feels safe after her and her little sister Hanni were left by their parents three years earlier. Then the police show up at the Chateaux in the middle of the night. Rolsi ,their director tries her hardest to make them leave but of course, the French police have their orders to gather all the Jewish older children, which includes Ella. She must leave behind her little sister not knowing what will happen to her. Rolsi is furious and goes to town to talk to whoever will listen. She will not leave her children behind.
Inspiring and heartfelt, The Winter Orphans really shows how ugly the Germans were and how little most cared. Such a sad story but at the same time, it brings light to the ones who did help. Although few, many helped the Jews and other fugitives to hide or cross borders. That is what should be remembered. Not just the destruction but also the hope, the good, the few.
Ella a girl of 17 finally feels safe after her and her little sister Hanni were left by their parents three years earlier. Then the police show up at the Chateaux in the middle of the night. Rolsi ,their director tries her hardest to make them leave but of course, the French police have their orders to gather all the Jewish older children, which includes Ella. She must leave behind her little sister not knowing what will happen to her. Rolsi is furious and goes to town to talk to whoever will listen. She will not leave her children behind.
Inspiring and heartfelt, The Winter Orphans really shows how ugly the Germans were and how little most cared. Such a sad story but at the same time, it brings light to the ones who did help. Although few, many helped the Jews and other fugitives to hide or cross borders. That is what should be remembered. Not just the destruction but also the hope, the good, the few.
marilynw's review
5.0
The Winter Orphans by Kristin Beck
Southern France, 1942 The Château de la Hille is home to one hundred refugee children, given up by their parents in the hopes that their children can survive the horrors of the persecution that is enslaving and killing so many people. Swiss Red Cross volunteer Rösli Näf is in charge of these children and the adults that care for them. Rosli is a real life hero and her actions to try to save ALL the children are unbelievable but true. Because the Swiss Red Cross took care of so many French orphans and displaced children during WWII, they were allowed to have this refuge for these one hundred Jewish children. But the enemy is at the door and wanting to spirit the children who age out, at first at the age of 18 and then at younger ages, away to certain death. When Rosli can't get more protection for the children, when she can't get help to move the children out of harms way, when she is told to stand own while young people are hauled off to their deaths, she takes matters into her own hands. These are her children and she will not stand by and let them be destroyed if she can help it.
Anne-Marie Piguet is another real life hero who worked as a volunteer for the Swiss Red Cross. She grew up in the rugged mountains that can provide a way out for the children and at the risk of being caught and killed, she spends weeks canvassing the area, scouting paths and hiding places, and actually leading children to safety. As a member of the Resistance she knows people that will help, all willing to give their lives for the freedom of others.
We also follow fictional Jewish refugee Ella Rosenthal, one of Rosli's children, who was sent away by her parents, four years earlier. She was fourteen and her little sister Hanni was four. After several false starts, they thought they had found their safe haven but now it's threatened and if Ella doesn't get away soon, she will be hauled off to the camps. But escaping would be almost impossible with her little sister on a journey that is extremely difficult for adults. Almost all the choices each of these people have are heartbreaking but each woman will not give up.
The story is told in chronological order which I appreciate. Going back and forth in time can be so hard when trying to keep track of so many people. I felt for each of these woman and enjoyed each of their POVs equally. As often happens when I enjoy learning about real people in our past, I want to learn more about Rosli and Anne-Marie, two women who were willing to give all for those who needed their help.
Pub September 13, 2022
Thank you to Berkley and NetGalley for this ARC.
Southern France, 1942 The Château de la Hille is home to one hundred refugee children, given up by their parents in the hopes that their children can survive the horrors of the persecution that is enslaving and killing so many people. Swiss Red Cross volunteer Rösli Näf is in charge of these children and the adults that care for them. Rosli is a real life hero and her actions to try to save ALL the children are unbelievable but true. Because the Swiss Red Cross took care of so many French orphans and displaced children during WWII, they were allowed to have this refuge for these one hundred Jewish children. But the enemy is at the door and wanting to spirit the children who age out, at first at the age of 18 and then at younger ages, away to certain death. When Rosli can't get more protection for the children, when she can't get help to move the children out of harms way, when she is told to stand own while young people are hauled off to their deaths, she takes matters into her own hands. These are her children and she will not stand by and let them be destroyed if she can help it.
Anne-Marie Piguet is another real life hero who worked as a volunteer for the Swiss Red Cross. She grew up in the rugged mountains that can provide a way out for the children and at the risk of being caught and killed, she spends weeks canvassing the area, scouting paths and hiding places, and actually leading children to safety. As a member of the Resistance she knows people that will help, all willing to give their lives for the freedom of others.
We also follow fictional Jewish refugee Ella Rosenthal, one of Rosli's children, who was sent away by her parents, four years earlier. She was fourteen and her little sister Hanni was four. After several false starts, they thought they had found their safe haven but now it's threatened and if Ella doesn't get away soon, she will be hauled off to the camps. But escaping would be almost impossible with her little sister on a journey that is extremely difficult for adults. Almost all the choices each of these people have are heartbreaking but each woman will not give up.
The story is told in chronological order which I appreciate. Going back and forth in time can be so hard when trying to keep track of so many people. I felt for each of these woman and enjoyed each of their POVs equally. As often happens when I enjoy learning about real people in our past, I want to learn more about Rosli and Anne-Marie, two women who were willing to give all for those who needed their help.
Pub September 13, 2022
Thank you to Berkley and NetGalley for this ARC.
shesbecomingbookish's review
4.0
Quick & Dirty
-multiple POV historical fiction
-brave female MCs
-hope in times of darkness
-sister bond
Synopsis
Ella and Hanni are finally safe in the care of the Swiss Red Cross after having fled Germany and leaving their parents behind in search of safety. Swiss Nurse Rösli Näf, cares for the girls, and all her likely orphaned children, at the Château de la Hille in her own quiet, albeit stern, way. But when danger begins creeping closer to their sanctuary in German-occupied France, it's clear that even the Swiss Red Cross cannot keep the children safe. Rösli must take action, doing whatever she can to keep her children out of the hands of the Vichy and German troops. Ella, the older of the two sisters, must choose between keeping herself safe and separating from her sister, something she promised her parents she would never do.
Musings
I'll read just about any WWII book based on a true story, especially one featuring so many strong, powerful women. So, it's no surprise that I jumped at the chance to apply for this book tour. I had high hopes about the book, but secretly worried it might read more like a YA novel than I typically like. I can happily report that The Winter Orphans is a powerful book full of love, loss, and hope. And though it may have some YA themes (first love, sisterly bonds), it didn't read like a YA novel AT ALL! While Ella and Hanni are central characters in the book, the more powerful storyline is that of Rösli. Her struggle to keep her wards safe was pure heroism. I couldn't put this book down toward the end, eager to know what happens in the end. Fans of The Tattooist of Auschwitz need to read this book!
-multiple POV historical fiction
-brave female MCs
-hope in times of darkness
-sister bond
Synopsis
Ella and Hanni are finally safe in the care of the Swiss Red Cross after having fled Germany and leaving their parents behind in search of safety. Swiss Nurse Rösli Näf, cares for the girls, and all her likely orphaned children, at the Château de la Hille in her own quiet, albeit stern, way. But when danger begins creeping closer to their sanctuary in German-occupied France, it's clear that even the Swiss Red Cross cannot keep the children safe. Rösli must take action, doing whatever she can to keep her children out of the hands of the Vichy and German troops. Ella, the older of the two sisters, must choose between keeping herself safe and separating from her sister, something she promised her parents she would never do.
Musings
I'll read just about any WWII book based on a true story, especially one featuring so many strong, powerful women. So, it's no surprise that I jumped at the chance to apply for this book tour. I had high hopes about the book, but secretly worried it might read more like a YA novel than I typically like. I can happily report that The Winter Orphans is a powerful book full of love, loss, and hope. And though it may have some YA themes (first love, sisterly bonds), it didn't read like a YA novel AT ALL! While Ella and Hanni are central characters in the book, the more powerful storyline is that of Rösli. Her struggle to keep her wards safe was pure heroism. I couldn't put this book down toward the end, eager to know what happens in the end. Fans of The Tattooist of Auschwitz need to read this book!
tlae929's review
adventurous
hopeful
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? Yes
5.0