Reminiscent of Diane Ackerman’s The Zookeeper’s Wife, this stunning novel draws from true accounts to shine a light on a period of Holland’s darkest history and bravest heroes.1942.As war rips through the heart of Holland, childhood friends Josie van Rees and Eliese Linden partner with a few daring citizens to rescue Eliese’s son and hundreds of other Jewish children who await deportation in a … deportation in a converted theater in Amsterdam. But amid their resistance work, Josie and Eliese’s dangerous secrets could derail their friendship and their entire mission. When the enemy finds these women, only one will escape.Seventy-five years later, Ava Drake begins to suspect that her great-grandfather William Kingston was not the World War II hero he claimed to be. Her work as director of the prestigious Kingston Family Foundation leads her to Landon West’s Ugandan coffee plantation, and Ava and Landon soon discover a connection between their families. As Landon’s great-grandmother shares the broken pieces of her story, Ava must confront the greatest loss in her own life–and powerful members of the Kingston family who will do anything to keep the truth buried.Illuminating the story and strength of these women, award-winning author Melanie Dobson transports readers through time and place, from World War II Holland to contemporary Uganda, in this rich and inspiring novel.
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This was my first book by Melanie Dobson. I just picked it off the NEW bookshelf at the library. I will have to look for more of her books! It takes place in Holland during WWII, and ties together quite surprisingly with current times. There were a lot of characters to keep track of, but it was worth it. The scars from the past need to be tackled and recognized, and then left in God’s hands. No, it is not simple, but truth.
Rich in historical detail and populated with complex, colorful characters, Melanie Dobson’s new book Memories of Glass drew my attention in and wouldn’t let go. Her impeccable research and storytelling talents shine and give a powerful picture of life in Amsterdam during the German occupation of WWII. The heartbreaking events and the endless courage of the resistance during this era touched me deeply.
This is a dual-time story, set in WWII Amsterdam and contemporary Uganda and Portland. Dobson has deftly woven the two storylines together so that the tales unfold layer by layer. The characters are skillfully drawn and realistic, and the writing is gripping. I had a bit of a challenge keeping all the characters straight and within their proper timelines, especially when I wasn’t able to read it in one sitting, but it all came together well.
This story paints a picture of courage, faith, sacrifice, love, and a healing only God can give. I would recommend it to those who enjoy inspiring historical fiction.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy from Tyndale Publishing. All opinions are my own.
I adore learning more and more about different areas of Nazi-occupied Europe during World War II. I get excited when I discover a new novel will be written during this time frame. From Sarah Sundin to Melanie Dobson to Cathy Gohlke, I have discovered a range of different characters in different parts of the world and what occurred to the Jews, Dutch, and Americans. With Memories of Glass, Dobson takes me on a journey to Holland and the Dutch theater, Hollandsche Schouwburg. I really enjoyed how the present day story had a lot of forgiveness that occurs by the end of the novel, and learning about the untangling of the family’s history. As a reader, we discover the main knots and tangles in this family line right alongside Ava and Landon. The past story shows readers the true story of what occurred for Eliese and Josie, so we don’t have to listen to them explain later. The ending is heart-wrenching and had me reaching up to wipe some tears away. I invested myself in the characters’ lives and was sad to see their story end. Dobson does a fabulous job at crafting together a story to show another side to the horror caused by the Nazi’s. Again, I’m looking forward to what she creates next.
I received a complimentary copy of Memories of Glass by Melanie Dobson from Tyndale Publishing, but the opinions stated are all my own.
‘Hatred stops at nothing to destroy, but love can break through the root of evil.’
Melanie Dobson is a master at this type of story: dual time line, one period set in a very dark period of history during the Nazi invasion of Holland, and another in the present day when a young woman stumbles upon her family history and has a great deal to learn about those dark days.
This one reminds me some of The Zookeeper’s Wife, with characters determined to do their part in the middle of all the atrocities and hatred spreading through their beloved country. Dobson knows her way around this. Her research is impeccable and it’s a story that needed to be told, based on fact.
*My thanks to Tyndale House Publishers for a preview copy of this book via Net Galley. The opinions stated here are entirely my own.