It is 1919 in Siberia. Michal—a young, sheltered girl—has eyes for a man other than her betrothed. For a young girl growing up in a traditional Jewish settlement, an arranged marriage is a fact of life. However, destiny, it seems, has other plans for Michal. When a Cossack pogrom invades her small village, the protected life Michal has grown accustomed to and loves will crumble before her eyes. … eyes. Everything she knows is gone and she is forced to leave her home and embark on a journey to Berlin with the man she thought she wanted.
Michal faces love, loss, and heartache because she is harboring a secret that threatens to destroy her every attempt at happiness. But over the next fourteen tumultuous years, during the peak of the Weimar Republic, she learns she is willing to do anything to have the love she longs for and to protect her family.
However, it is now 1933. Life in Berlin is changing, especially for the Jews. Dark storm clouds are looming on the horizon. Adolf Hitler is about to become the chancellor of Germany, and that will change everything for Michal forever.
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It amazes me what people are capable of. This book was a page turner. I needed to know what was going to happen next.
Although I enjoyed the characters and the factual historical events, had I known that the end would require the reader to continue onto another book, I would not have started to read this.
If leaving the reader ‘hanging’ at the end does not bother you, than I would recommend this book.
could not put it down. then read the sequel! also heartbreaking!
This book was tragic but probably realistic to the events of the holocaust
I read the other reviews only after finishing this great book. It was so realistic and educational about the oppression of the Jewish race. The reviews that gave it a poor rating were complaining that we didn’t know what the fate of the two main characters was. Isn’t that the point? How many Jews simply vanished into camps or gas chambers, never to be heard from again. If you’re wanting “happily ever after”, that’s not a realistic book.
Interesting story. Poor writing.
I’ve always known about the plight of the Jews in Russia and Germany but not from a personal viewpoint. I had no idea. I was disappointed when the book ended to be continued.
I was disappointed that I have to get book two to get the ending. Also, I thought the writing was sometimes elementary. No feeling. Not sure how to describe it. But would still like to know what happens.
Such poor writing!
Well written and contextual. Just know that you will be waiting for the next book to continue the story.
Interesting. Especially if you have an interest in Jewish history and customs. Easy reading.
An excellent picture of Russia and Germany at the beginning of WWI and how the Jews were treated. It wasn’t pretty but neither was what they went through. I really got a great idea of the feelings and difficulties of the Jewish people.
3 1/2 Stars… good story, but could use some serious editing. Writing a bit redundant.
Liked it very much
This was a beautiful, intense story. I couldn’t put it down!
A good read. Liked the characters.
I love the way the characters develop in this book. Roberta has a subtle way of drawing you in. Before you know it, you are hooked and can not put the book down.
Love reading about the challenges during this difficult time. Anxious to complete the other books by this auhor.
Informative historical background, characters whose experiences give the reader a taste of the many things that European Jews suffered in the 1930’s. Ms. Kagan’s writing voice is not particularly compelling.
I love this story
And have been waiting for the fourth book to be written I love all the books she writes