A Danish restauranteur, Ole Hendryks, is about to be honored by a local association for his civic activities and record as a Danish hero in WWII, rescA Danish restauranteur, Ole Hendryks, is about to be honored by a local association for his civic activities and record as a Danish hero in WWII, rescuing Jews, when a 90-year old woman is arrested for spray-painting epithets on the walls of his restaurant: traitor, liar, Nazi collaborator. and charitable contributions. Frequently appearing on local TV, he is well known for his actions in Nazi-occupied Denmark during World War II—most consider him a hero. A showboating lawyer files a $5 million defamation lawsuit, and Britta Stein welcomes the lawsuit and court fight. One of Catherine Lockhart's former law mentors asks her to help, as Britta is the grandmother of one of his rising attorneys. Reminiscent of Karolina's Twins, Britta tells a very long story of how the Danes kept their national identity during the Nazi occupation, with the majority opposing the occupation, working together to undermine the Germans, and to rescue their Jewish citizens. Her father was in Parliament, and her sister and brother-in-law active in the resistance. Excellent investigative support by Liam (again) and a well-executed legal strategy, especially in light of Britta's failing health as the trial commences. Another gem by Balson, and especially strong pictorial of the righteous Danes in a dark part of history. ...more
Kurt Berlin, son of Hertz, has struggled alone after being sent away from Austria for his own protection as Jews are being widely persecuted. On one oKurt Berlin, son of Hertz, has struggled alone after being sent away from Austria for his own protection as Jews are being widely persecuted. On one of the kindertransports to Belgium, he meets Elsa and they are rescued together by the Mandelbaums and fall in love. They are separated as Elsa finds solace in the Catholic Church when trouble comes. The story goes back and forth in time from early in WWII to post-war interrogations of Nazis, where Kurt is now an interpreter for the American army. He is tasked to interview a war criminal, who the OSS wants to recruit to spy on the Russians. Kurt slowly figures out that this criminal is responsible for much of his family's and his personal misery, and is aghast when he is asked to sanitize the records of the prisoner's testimony, eventually having to decide between his moral principles and his oath to serve. ...more
Ray Carney, the son of a lifelong criminal, who marries well, is trying to make it as a legitimate businessman and a family man. He buys a furniture sRay Carney, the son of a lifelong criminal, who marries well, is trying to make it as a legitimate businessman and a family man. He buys a furniture store with his somewhat unorthodox inheritance, selling both new and used furniture, the latter often with somewhat questionable provenance. His cousin Freddie cannot seem to stay out of trouble, dragging down others along with him. The novel tries to work as both a crime novel, set in the late 1950s/early 1960s in Harlem, and as a social commentary. Personally, I think it fails at the crime novel, focusing instead on a bunch of crooks, including cops, and some other "low lifes." Perhaps it is slightly better as a social commentary, but I never really felt connected to the time period nor the characters. 2.5 stars, rounded up. ...more
Three young women from very different backgrounds are recruited to work at Bletchley Park in the important effort to break enemy codes during WWII: fuThree young women from very different backgrounds are recruited to work at Bletchley Park in the important effort to break enemy codes during WWII: fun loving, high society Osla, who is in love with Prince Philip of Greece, impoverished, but haughty Mab, who falls for a suave London-based spy, and their landlady's mousy but brilliant daughter Beth, who is a brilliant cryptanalyst, who falls for a dark-skinned, British born codebreaker. Tragedy and the intense pressure for secrecy tear them apart but years later, they must reconnect to identify a traitor from Bletchley Park still operating as Phillip is marrying the future Queen of England. Unfortunately, the book was 200 pages too long, and slow moving for long sections....more
Set in 1950, this book describes the war between North and South Korea, and the oppressive society in North Korea, where rewards are granted for reporSet in 1950, this book describes the war between North and South Korea, and the oppressive society in North Korea, where rewards are granted for reporting disobedience. 12-year old Sora is desolate as she is pulled out of school to care for her younger brothers so both her parents can work; she cannot seem to be the dutiful daughter her mother desperately wants. The family decides to flee to the South Korean coastal city of Busan, when bombs start to fall nearby. Unfortunately Sora and her 8-year old brother, Youngsoo, get separated from their parents during a bombing, and the two siblings have to make their way to Busan by themselves. Their path is tough, especially as Youngsoo gets sick en route. The story is based in part on memories of the author's mother and her escape from North Korea. I struggled with Sora's character, but think Julie Lee has written on a subject needing more publicity. 3.5 stars, in part due to the ending. ...more
Tragedy strikes not once, but twice as twelve-year old Sheldon Horowitz finds himself an orphan in 1938. When his father is intentionally run off the Tragedy strikes not once, but twice as twelve-year old Sheldon Horowitz finds himself an orphan in 1938. When his father is intentionally run off the road, Sheldon is infuriated when the owners of the borrowed truck steal family heirlooms as recompense. He burns down his own home, implicating the owners who go to jail. Meanwhile, Sheldon is sent to live with his Uncle Nate, and cousins Abe and Mirabelle in Hartford. Sheldon decides he must seek out and punish the man who killed his father, and does some detective work as to whom might want to harm the owners of the truck. Life in Hartford is not easy, as Nate is tasked with finding out who is stealing guns from the Colt Factory. He joins his best friend, Lenny, in the Catskills where they talk their way into bellhop jobs at an upscale Jewish resort. Lenny is trying to break into comedy while Sheldon gets his opportunity for revenge. While well-written, too much heartbreak for me and I found Sheldon's character to be too unrealistic. ...more
Based on real events and characters (although Matthews has changed some names), there is a suspicious death in a secret Soviet city, called Arzamas-16Based on real events and characters (although Matthews has changed some names), there is a suspicious death in a secret Soviet city, called Arzamas-16, where scientists and engineers are working on a huge thermonuclear bomb, RDS-220, thousands of times more powerful than the one dropped on Hiroshima in 1945. With just 9 days to detonation in the Arctic, a former criminal detective, Major Alexander Vasin, now part of KGB Special Cases is dispatched by the powerful General Orlov to investigate the death of Fyodor Petrov, which has been rules a suicide by thallium poisoning by the local authorities. Vasin faces obstacles at his every turn, as all attention is focused on the project, especially protecting the head of the project, Dr. Abramov, who dined with Petrov the night before his gruesome death. Vasin is honest and determined to find the truth, and has a heavy burden to carry in determining how justice will best be served. Abramov's young, but troubled wife, is an excellent character. Matthews' understanding of the Soviet regime shines....more
World War II fiction based on the true story of Emil and Adeline Martel, whose families are caught between the Russians and the Germans in the native World War II fiction based on the true story of Emil and Adeline Martel, whose families are caught between the Russians and the Germans in the native Ukraine in 1944-1946. As Black Sea Germans, they seem unwelcome in either the west or east. Their unbounded love for each other and their family helps them persevere, but the journey is hard, harrowing and haunting at times. For me, there were too many convenient coincidences that make the story hard to believe: just when things are bleakest, someone or something miraculous happens.
I liked the advice from Mrs. Kantor: our job in life is to endure, to be kind, and to constantly put the past behind us and not dwell too much on the future. If you must look back, try to find the beauty and the benefit in every cruelty done to you. If you must think about the future, try to have no expectations about it ... when you do that you will deserve every happiness and abundance this life has to offer as long as you give part of your abundance to others less fortunate. ...more
In 1954, Emmett Watson is released from serving fifteen months because of an unlucky punch turning into involuntary manslaughter. Upon arriving home, In 1954, Emmett Watson is released from serving fifteen months because of an unlucky punch turning into involuntary manslaughter. Upon arriving home, his father has passed away, the bank is foreclosing on the family farm, and his mother is long gone, so he and his eight year old brother Billy make plans to drive to San Francisco to start anew, and possibly find their mother. However, two of Emmett's friends from the work farm have hidden in the warden’s car taking Emmett home to Nebraska, and they want Emmett to come to NY to split an $150,000 inheritance. When Emmett refuses, Duchess and Woolly steal his car and the money his father left. Emmett has to follow them to get his Studebaker and $3,000 back, and tries to leave Billy in the hands of a neighbor. Instead, with no money, they jump a freight train and initiate a pretty wild adventure. Emmett has amends to make, Billy is a wonderful character between his story book and coin collection as they face challenges together reminiscent of Steinbeck's class Of Mice and Men. Ulysses is also a good character, but there are too many POVs and I did not like the syncopated rehashing of events by different characters....more
Like other, it is hard to explain exactly why I liked this book so much. It is an adventure story, about an actual small town in Denmark called MarstaLike other, it is hard to explain exactly why I liked this book so much. It is an adventure story, about an actual small town in Denmark called Marstal (on the island Ärö.) It is a seafaring town, where fathers are sailors or fisherman: in both cases, with short lifespans, leaving a town mostly full of women and children. Covering almost a century of history (1848-1945), the novel starts with a battle between the invincible Danish navy and a German invasion and continues through the conclusion of WWII. It also follows the evolution from sails to steam, and the abject terror of U-boats and travelling near the Arctic Circle. Memorable characters (both young and old) and well written/translated from Danish. Much of the book follows the life at sea and in ports of Albert Madsen and his adoptive son, Knud Erik Friis. A bit like Odysseus, except some of the crew manage to survive (sorry, small spoiler.) Long, but well worth the effort. Highly recommended....more
Another WWII novel, based on the true life experiences of three Slovakian sisters: Cibi, Magda, and Livi, who promise their father they will stay togeAnother WWII novel, based on the true life experiences of three Slovakian sisters: Cibi, Magda, and Livi, who promise their father they will stay together, no matter what. However, the Hlinka guards come for the youngest (15-year old Livi) and the oldest (18-year old Cibi), who is training to move to Israel, accompanies Livi to work camps. A friendly doctor manages to "hide" Madga in a hospital during the work camp deportations; however, she, her mother and grandfather are eventually rounded up and sent too. Life in the concentration camp is grueling, but the two sisters manage to survive, based on the kindness to others and their 4-digits tattoo numbers. Like others, I found there was too much dialogue and learning nothing new, and did not find their eventual emigration to Israel of much interest. I liked Morris's first two books much better, especially Cilka's Journey. 2.5 stars, rounded up....more
Very well researched novel, ostensibly about the Cuban Missile crisis in 1962 from the Russian perspective, with a solid bibliography. There are two RVery well researched novel, ostensibly about the Cuban Missile crisis in 1962 from the Russian perspective, with a solid bibliography. There are two Russian generals (KGB and GRU), who hate each other and want nothing more than to destroy each other. The protagonist (Lt. Colonel Vasin) works for one of them, and they are trying to confirm there is an American spy working for the other, by recruiting/blackmailing a Spanish born woman raised in Russia, who is close to Morozov. The other plotline is reminiscent of Tom Clancy's Red October, with four Russian submarines armed with a nuclear missile each, dispatched to run the U.S. blockade around Cuba with orders to use this weapon to defend themselves. On board one of the subs, there is major tension between the captain, the political officer and the mission commander, especially when the U.S. Navy finds two of them and uses light force to being them to the surface. Meanwhile, Vasin has to decide whether to pursue the mole as his KGB boss insists or try to save the motherland by alerting the U.S.
P.S. I was annoyed to see this was the second book about Vasin, especially with the first one already on my TBR list....more
Not as good as Jennifer Nielson’s other two YA historical fiction books, Resistance and Words on Fire. Set in France in the 1940s, Marguerite (Daisy oNot as good as Jennifer Nielson’s other two YA historical fiction books, Resistance and Words on Fire. Set in France in the 1940s, Marguerite (Daisy or Meg) Kenyon’s family is part of the Resistence. She has not seen her father for two years, and her mother has some mysterious activities. One day Meg finds an injured British officer (Capatin Stewart), who knows her father, and is supposed to help escort the Durand family out of France into Spain via the Pyrenees. Due to is injury, he cannot help and Meg is pressed into service, who decides that a coded message from her father directs her to Switzerland, via the Forbidden Zone. With Albert, Liesl, and Jakob Durand in tow, they set off on a treacherous journey, with a German officer (Herr Becker) on their trail. The identity of the Durands is slowly revealed during the course of the novel, and Nielsen delves into some interesting facts about the Resistance; however, the narrow escapes were too theatrical to be believed, at least for me....more
The 1989 Danvers High School Falcons field hockey team had a season for the ages, and author Quan Barry weaves a story of witchcraft as the explanatioThe 1989 Danvers High School Falcons field hockey team had a season for the ages, and author Quan Barry weaves a story of witchcraft as the explanation. Interesting premise, but sadly the book did not deliver. Too much drama. Each chapter was stylized around a game, but were really about a particular player. Lots of references to 1980's culture and events and some humor and snark, but otherwise dull. The book lacked a primary character, and the choice to focus on everyone was too much for me. My favorite thing was the author's choice of her glam photo on the inside back cover. ...more
I thought this book was awful, and have no idea what readership Hall is trying to attract, especially choosing a graphic novel format. Fooled by the mI thought this book was awful, and have no idea what readership Hall is trying to attract, especially choosing a graphic novel format. Fooled by the misleading title, suggesting a book focused on unheralded female roles in slave revolts, Hall spends inordinate time describing the challenges of doing her research, getting source data and being separated from her daughter and wife. The stories themselves suffered from a paucity of facts, with the main theme being that the majority of slave revolts were led by women. It was not clear why this was true, perhaps because they were often sexually abused (with more to lose) or they had more freedom to gather/plan or gain access to weapons or were just generally not expected to oppose oppression. ...more
The Warsaw Orphan was inspired by the real-life heroine, Irena Sendler, who smuggled some 2,500 Jewish children to safety during the Nazi occupation iThe Warsaw Orphan was inspired by the real-life heroine, Irena Sendler, who smuggled some 2,500 Jewish children to safety during the Nazi occupation in World War II. Rimmer's story is of two teenagers, one outside and one inside Warsaw's Ghetto. Young Elzbieta accidentally discovers her neighbor Sara’s resistance activities, smuggling children out of the ghetto and placing them in Catholic foster families. Elzbieta wants to help, because of her own family's secret history, in direct contravention of her adoptive parents' wishes and her personal safety. Inside the ghetto, we are introduced to a young Jewish boy, Roman, whose mother is ill, trying to nurse a baby sister, a protective stepfather and brother, who are all starving. Roman starts volunteering at a youth center to be fed a daily meal, and asks for help as families start being deported to Nazi work camps. When Sara and Elzbieta come to help, Roman fears the worst and almost turns violent. A well researched and written story, with excellent characters, with whom readers will be empathetic. 4.5 stars. ...more
This is the fictional story of Cussy Mary Carter, known to her family and friends as Bluet. Cussy has a rare condition called methemoglobinemia, nativThis is the fictional story of Cussy Mary Carter, known to her family and friends as Bluet. Cussy has a rare condition called methemoglobinemia, native to the Fugates of Eastern Kentucky, which turns skin blue. Cussy signs up to be a librarian for the Pack Horse Library Project, part of FDR’s work program, to supplement the meager income provided by her miner father. Astride her faithful, but obstinate mule, she deliver books and magazines to the isolated and impoverished people living in the Hills. She has a heart of gold and brings everyone joy with her deliveries and kindness. Cussy's father leads a dangerous life: working in the dangerous mines and trying to organize worker resistance. Cussy is rejected in society because of her color, and is betrothed to an abusive husband from whom she manages to escape, only to be harassed by his brother, a minister. I felt that there were too many stories being told in the same book, which left most underdeveloped....more
Set in two timelines, with the older one being interesting and the newer one uninteresting. It's 1965, and Eleanor (Ellie) Hockley is the daughter of Set in two timelines, with the older one being interesting and the newer one uninteresting. It's 1965, and Eleanor (Ellie) Hockley is the daughter of a wealthy white family, but has a social conscience, developed by her aunt. Instead of working in the family pharmacy, Ellie decides to become part of the SCOPE summer project, whose mission was to register black voters in six southern states in response to the pending Civil Rights Act. Ellie is determined despite obstacles from her family, friends, and even some of her SCOPE colleagues. She finds the work incredibly fulfilling but falls prey to violence directed against her, her companions and her hosts. The modern story is about a young widow Kayla and her daughter moving into a custom home she designed with her deceased husband, down the street from the Hockney's home in a new housing development. She faces threats and horrors from days of old, as the town's evil history is revealed....more
This novel is set in 1962, when tensions between the U.S. and Cuba were maxed out. Author Brenda Sparks Prescott moves back and forth between a Cuban This novel is set in 1962, when tensions between the U.S. and Cuba were maxed out. Author Brenda Sparks Prescott moves back and forth between a Cuban and American families trying to protect their children by sending them to a safer area than Havana and a military base outside Washington D.C. The Cuban family has some significant interfamily rivalries and brothers and sisters are pitted against each other; however, the presence of Russian missiles forces the wives to devise an escape plan. Meanwhile, there is a clear racial divide on the military base, with the blacks in some key supporting roles, such as Master Sergeant in charge of supplies versus the white General and his wife. Finally, there is a military cover-up, which has ramifications for the on-base relationships. A good period for a mostly forgotten episode in time. 3.5 stars....more
It's 1938 and life in Poland is hard, especially for Jews. Esther's father goes to Cuba to earn enough money to bring over his wife, children, and parIt's 1938 and life in Poland is hard, especially for Jews. Esther's father goes to Cuba to earn enough money to bring over his wife, children, and parents. When he earns enough money for one, Esther's older brother Moshe is the obvious choice, but she is determined to be the one, eventually travelling through France to Mexico and Cuba. Her father lives in the country selling merchandise on commission from a friend in Havana, and Esther is a much better salesperson than he is. Esther then starts designing and sewing dresses, which she sells cheaply in the country, but also begins to make them in quantity for sale in Havana. Her life in the countryside is idyllic, where she befriends people from all walks of life, except their landlord's brother, who persecutes Esther and her father, as part of his Nazi affiliation. The story is told via a series of letters from Esther to her little sister. Esther is based on one of the author's relatives. ...more
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