Powerful
The Orphans Of Berlin by Jina Bacarr is a powerful historical novel that consumed me from the start.
The action is set from 1936 to roughly 1942, with a post war epilogue. We hear the events through two alternating voices, both of which are incredibly brave.
Events take place in America, Paris and Berlin. The gaiety of America in 1936 contrasts with events in Europe as the storm clouds are gathering, and the persecution of the Jewish people is beginning to reach beyond Germany.
It is against this background that we find ordinary people committing extraordinary acts of bravery. Despite the fear, even young children stand up for family. It was a time of unspeakable horror, and also great love and bravery.
As we follow the orphans of Berlin, we see an ordinary Jewish family who are united by love and music. Music lifts us beyond our circumstances as we seek to lose ourselves within the melody.
Before the war, we see the pressures put on an American heiress to make a marriage match. She is worth so much more than her fortune. As her character emerges, we witness her strength and her tenacity to travel along the path of righteousness.
Love still blooms in times of war. We share the worry as lives face danger.
Jina Bacarr has constructed a powerful and heart-breaking story. Her fictional tale weaves in factual details such as Kristallnacht, the kinder transport, Berlin zoo etc. I was completely caught up in the action, hanging on Jina Bacarr’s every word. She has written a marvelous, captivating and powerful tale.
I received a free copy from Rachel’s Random Resources for a blog tour. A favourable review was not required. All opinions are my own.
JULIA WILSON
A heartbreaking World War 2 novel that tells the story of two women’s fight for love, family and hope, as the world crumbles around them. Based on the true story of the Kindertransport rescue from Nazi-occupied Europe.
Berlin, 1936. The Landau family are at the heart of their community, running a music shop in Berlin and just trying to survive. But their lives are unravelling as Hitler’s power increases and the treatment of Jewish families deteriorates. Eldest daughter, Rachel, fears for her sisters’ future and will do anything she can to keep them safe. Will she find hope in the darkness?
Paris, 1936. As whispers of war travel over from Europe, American debutante Kay escapes her mother’s grasp and travels as a reluctant spy from Paris to Berlin. But a chance meeting with the Landau family will change her life forever. Kay is determined to give Rachel and her sisters a fighting chance in a society where the youngest are paying the ultimate price, even if it means making dangerous enemies along the way…
As the world marches toward war, these brave women will find strength in joining forces to save the ones they love. But they will need the support of one another more than they will ever realise in order to survive…
A gripping and heart-wrenching historical novel about hope, tragedy and two women’s limitless courage. Perfect for fans of The Tattooist of Auschwitz, The Nightingale and My Name is Eva.
Purchase Link – https://amzn.to/3A64rjQ
Author Bio –
Jina Bacarr is a US-based historical romance author of over 10 previous books. She has been a screenwriter, journalist and news reporter, but now writes full-time and lives in LA. Jina’s novels have been sold in 9 territories. Her first novel with Boldwood is called Her Lost Love.
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Thank you so much, Julia, for your lovely review of The Orphans of Berlin! I’m glad you liked my musical theme with the Landau Family… even in times of war, they strive to keep their music alive.
It was a hard book to write… because like any book about the Holocaust, there’s so much to tell… because we must never forget.