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leonievanpatten's review
dark
emotional
hopeful
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.5
nomnombookies's review against another edition
3.0
Does the photograph from the end of the novel actually exist?
kimreadz's review against another edition
2.0
I picked this book up because I’d read ‘The Red Tent’ by Anita Diamant and enjoyed it. This is a story of four young Jewish women who had different experiences of World War II before they met at Atlit, a camp run by the British to house ‘illegal’ Jewish immigrants after the war. Tedi is Dutch, and was hidden for 2 years before being turned over to the Nazis. Zorah survived a concentration camp. Leonie is a Parisian, who did what she must to survive the war. And Shayndel is a Zionist activist who fought during the war.
I thought this was a great premise, as I’d never known such a camp existed. The people in the camp were basically prisoners, living behind barbed wire and being told when to eat, when to go to bed, and not allowed to leave the camp. It seemed wrong after their experiences of the war, many in concentration camps. At the same time, I guess I can understand regulating immigration. The story did cause me to read more about Atlit. And the was a very quick read. But this particular story just wasn’t that interesting to me. I’m not sure why, but the story never really seemed to start and I ended up reading just to finish. But it is getting decent ratings at Goodreads, so if the subject interests you, give it a try and let me know what you think!
Why did you choose this book? I loved ‘The Red Tent’ by Anita Diamant, so when I saw this on the shelf, I picked it up
When did you read this book? April 2012
Who should read this book? readers of historical fiction
Source: library
I thought this was a great premise, as I’d never known such a camp existed. The people in the camp were basically prisoners, living behind barbed wire and being told when to eat, when to go to bed, and not allowed to leave the camp. It seemed wrong after their experiences of the war, many in concentration camps. At the same time, I guess I can understand regulating immigration. The story did cause me to read more about Atlit. And the was a very quick read. But this particular story just wasn’t that interesting to me. I’m not sure why, but the story never really seemed to start and I ended up reading just to finish. But it is getting decent ratings at Goodreads, so if the subject interests you, give it a try and let me know what you think!
Why did you choose this book? I loved ‘The Red Tent’ by Anita Diamant, so when I saw this on the shelf, I picked it up
When did you read this book? April 2012
Who should read this book? readers of historical fiction
Source: library
maraa's review against another edition
4.0
Quite an interesting read, especially because I am not that familiar with the era. I enjoyed the various characters and my heart raced during their escape.
margardenlady's review
challenging
dark
emotional
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.5
Another piece of history that I did not know. The story revolves around four young women who have survived the holocaust and are seeking repatriatiation in Palestine in the days before Israel was formed. They are interred in a British camp with conditions very similar to those of the concentration camps they were held in during the war. The situation is untenable in so many ways and yet, Diamant weaves a story of intrigue and friendship that highlights the quiet power of women.
bethsandford's review
3.0
I enjoyed this story as it weaved a tale of four women all from different backgrounds in Europe who escaped to Palestine after the war. They all ended up in a camp for illegal immigrants run by the British. It is a part of History that is not usually told as most of the focus is what happened during the war not what happened to people after the war. It is based somewhat on a real photograph that was taken at the camp which really did exist in Palestine. A good story and worth the read.
ginasiragusa's review
3.0
While I enjoyed the book, I thought the author could have gotten a little deeper with each of the characters. Considering the subject matter, I felt that I wanted a more info on these women. I would recommend it; however.
sd1784's review
4.0
I've read other reviews complaining that the book lacked detail, or didn't deal with specific events or ideas. However, as someone who knew nothing about the resettlement in Israel following WWII, I found this to be a primer. It has awakened a curiosity in me, and I'm sure I'll be following up with non-fictional reading in the next few months.
The characters are all compelling, bringing me into their worlds and into their heads. This book caught me emotionally from the first chapter, something no other book has done. The stories are all told not from the point of view of a victim or a hero, but a human being who has survived and is surviving some of the worst live has to offer.
Unless you're a history buff and any inaccuracies would bother you, I absolutely recommend that everyone read this book.
The characters are all compelling, bringing me into their worlds and into their heads. This book caught me emotionally from the first chapter, something no other book has done. The stories are all told not from the point of view of a victim or a hero, but a human being who has survived and is surviving some of the worst live has to offer.
Unless you're a history buff and any inaccuracies would bother you, I absolutely recommend that everyone read this book.
stephaniesteen73's review
4.0
Prior to this book, I had never read books about the "after" of the Holocaust. Loved the character development and the way the author explains in depth 4 very different Holocaust survival stories. Loved Anita Diamant's The Red Tent and this one does not disappoint.
breschmidt's review
adventurous
hopeful
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.5