jeep8read's review
4.0
It's been a long time since I had a good cry from a book and this one did it.
Germany in the 1930s when Hitler was gaining hold of the population and hate and division were growing, the Blumenthal family, gold and silversmiths, had a successful business, friends, a social position, and security. As circumstances changed and their lives and livelihood were compromised they chose to escape. Their challenges and how those events affected others in Europe and as far away as South Africa make for fascinating reading and provide an emotional conclusion.
Germany in the 1930s when Hitler was gaining hold of the population and hate and division were growing, the Blumenthal family, gold and silversmiths, had a successful business, friends, a social position, and security. As circumstances changed and their lives and livelihood were compromised they chose to escape. Their challenges and how those events affected others in Europe and as far away as South Africa make for fascinating reading and provide an emotional conclusion.
bogfinchgirl's review
3.0
I loved this story for the first 3/4 of the book. Then it seemed like the author got bored and decided to zoom ahead and tell the story from the future in a quick manner to get it over with. Then just for good measure, threw in a totally unnecessary love story that also felt contrived. So disappointed as the story was excellent.
andreagraves's review
4.0
This book had wonderful characters and was incredible with the historically accurate settings. It moved slow for me & was painful to read due to the awful persecution the Jews faced - for the first half of the book. I almost stopped reading. I’m glad I kept reading - definitely had some great plot twists I didn’t guess, which is rare. I loved the second half of the book.
thebooktrail88's review
5.0
Visit the locations in the novel - Lubeck and Hamburg
A story that sings and soars like the bird of the bird box. It’s made by a Jewish jeweller for his little son before the father volunteers for WWI to show he is a good German. This war story, is unlike any other in that it looks at the Jewish people and how they helped and worked hard for their country, helped others less fortunate and wanted to play their part in the war. It’s a poignant story and one where you gasp in hope one moment, cry in the other and shed tears knowing that this is not going to end well. The premise of using a music box which joins the stories across time to tell the whole picture was nicely done and this is a book which is going to stay with me.
katie_cooper's review
3.0
3.5. Loved the story line and was a quick and easy read - just lacked a little depth.
my_reading_nest's review
4.0
This gave a really personal view of what happened to people during WWII. Especially the impact of children and their families when they had to split up. The narrative showed love, sorrow and perseverance in the face of adversity.
abbyherzog's review
4.0
I’m a sucker for a good historical fiction novel- what a beautiful way to tell the story of this family. Fragmented, genuine, wonderful!
erbaer18's review
3.0
Quick read. I think this book just skimmed the surface of the characters. Great idea but the story never went deep enough.