The Orphans of Berlin
by
Jina Bacarr
About the book...
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.
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Another highly emotional, evocative, and memorable work from author Jina Bacarr. I had the pleasure of being introduced to her writing while on another Rachel's Random Resources tour late last year, and the book (The Lost Girl in Paris) really stuck with me. It wasn't just the story, or the genre, but the way it made you feel, the way it made you believe, the way it made you think long about things long after the final turn of the page. Whether those things were situations that happened to the characters, or the real life counterparts that inspired their stories, it stayed with you like a newfound friend. This story was no different...
Right from the start, we form a bond with both Rachel and Kay. They come from entirely different worlds, but their goals are the same...freedom. Freedom to be who they are without ridicule. Freedom to be with whomever they wish to be with, and create their own circle of love with family, blood or chosen, and friends near and dear. But at the smallest level with the biggest impact, they want the freedom to simply LIVE. Both are on the radar of the evil sweeping through their countries for separate reasons, but both will be caught up in the nightmare that was our world's history, thanks to an individual who believed their own ideals were the only ones that mattered and imparted, nay impressed that upon everyone in their surrounding, no matter the cost. The thing is...even if it takes time we don't believe we have, good will triumph over evil. Where there's a will, there's a way, and these ladies are severely underestimated. I don't mean in a burst of superhero power type of way, but in the simple fact that they know what's right, and what's wrong. They know they and everyone else suffering under their iron fist, deserve so much better...and they won't stand still and let that suffering be for naught.
It's a moving story, you won't be able to look away from, with characters you'll remember long after the final page. If you're a Historical Fiction fan, or have one in your life, you should definitely take note!
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About the author...
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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Special thanks to Rachel at Rachel's Random Resources for the chance to bring this tour to you as well as the ecopy for review. (THANKS!) For more information on this title, the author, this promotion, or those on the horizon, feel free to click through the links provided above. This title is available now, so click on over to your favorite online retailer to snag your copy today and be sure to check out the rest of the tour for more bookish fun!
Until next time, remember...if it looks good, READ IT!
Lovely and thoughtful review. Thank you, Gina!
ReplyDeleteYou nailed it... freedom is what drives these two heroines.
I appreciate your kind words. Thanks for taking the time to review THE ORPHANS OF BERLIN.