Reviews

The World That We Knew by Alice Hoffman

suvata's review against another edition

5.0

I have a strange relationship with Alice Hoffman’s books. This is the 10th book I have read by her. When I look back at my star–ratings, I find that about half of those I thought were “just OK“ but the other half were “phenomenal“. This was one of those 5-star books. The World That We Knew is a different kind of World War II book. In fact, I would consider this book to be historical/magical realism. It is rife with jewish mysticism, especially as it relates to the being known as “the golem“. Loved this book and will be recommending it to everyone.

This book will not be released until September 2019. I would like to thank SIMON & SCHUSTER for giving me access to this eGalley.

meldav4's review against another edition

4.0

I have read quite a few novels within the last year in the WWII fiction genre and The World That We Knew is completely different than all of the other novels in this genre that I have read. Though the summary does mention a mystical Jewish creature, I think I skimmed over that part as I was surprised, and a little skeptical and disappointed, when Ava was introduced. I soon moved beyond these feelings and grew to like Ava. How can you not? She is a devoted protector of Lea who ends up providing so much more than anyone expected. Is this a story of folklore, fairy tale, magic realism? Hard to determine or classify it, but, nevertheless, it is such a unique way to experience and read about the horrific times during WWII and The Holocaust. I ended up really liking this book and I found the writing and story to be beautiful and emotional read. Don't get scared away if you normally don't read these types of books, give it a chance. I am so glad that I did.

viicttoriia's review against another edition

adventurous hopeful sad medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

rachelsb00kreviews's review against another edition

5.0

The World That We Knew by Alice Hoffman
September 8 — 11

Wow, wow, wow…I came across this book by chance in a bargain store and knew it sounded good but I wasn’t expecting it to be so great! Alice Hoffman is known for weaving stories that are pretty dang cool, after all, she wrote “Practical Magic”. A book I have not read but know I desperately want to now! This is not my first book by Hoffman but my first to review. I give this one 5

beckykeister's review against another edition

4.0

Really simple and beautiful writing. Books set during the Holocaust are hard and this one was certainly heartbreaking in all the ways you expect. I appreciate the author's use of foreshadowing ... she often quickly answers the "did they or didn't they survive" question which helped me to sit in the loss and feel for the characters, already knowing some of their fates or the fates of their loved ones. While displaying man's evil, she just as much shows man's ability for good and self-sacrifice beyond reason. There were also some amazing female characters here and a heavy dose of mysticism and the supernatural. Highly recommend.

april_golden's review against another edition

4.0

Lyrical and beautiful. Devastating and hopeful. This was a great read!

grandmabethany's review against another edition

adventurous emotional informative inspiring sad medium-paced

4.75

nattly's review against another edition

emotional hopeful mysterious reflective sad medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.0

rickytickytavi's review against another edition

5.0

Poignant and beautifully written. A lovely take on golem mythology.

jackie_beyondthebookends's review against another edition

5.0

Thank you so much to Libro.fm for my copy of this book. I absolutely adored this book. I love Alice Hoffman and this is her best book yet. I adored every minute. During World War two, in Germany, Hanni Kohn knows that she must do something to save her daughter from the Nazis. In desperation, she seeks out someone who can make a Golem to take her daughter to safety. Instead of the rabbi, it is his daughter Ettie who helps and creates Ava. The life of the three women is forever intertwined. This beautiful story about life, love and friendship is more than I could have hoped for.