In 1936, Leo, Elsa, and Max enjoy an unforgettable day out. Unbeknownst to them, the world is changing around them and their friendship will be put to the ultimate test. For Leo and Elsa, their Jewish status puts them in danger, though none could ever imagine just how much. Luckily for Max, his future, in his eyes, is bright, thanks to his German heritage and a powerful father high up in the SS. Their three lives intertwine, though the outcomes are very different. And the reality for some will come at the ultimate price.

Despite the YA target audience, <i>When The World Was Ours</i> brilliantly depicts WW2 from three different perspectives without simplifying or diluting the horrors of war. I'd say the impact is possibly greater than adult WW2 fiction, due to the children's innocence that is quickly torn away from them. The writing flows between the POVs and gives a well-researched insight into three very different outcomes. Elsa and Leo must escape Vienna in order to survive, whereas Max worries more about not disappointing his father, and doing everything he can to conform to the Hitler ideology. Despite his commitment to the Hitler Youth, his loyalty to his friends makes him question his conscience sometimes, unsure if Jews really are the problem. It isn't until he is put in an impossible position that the reality of war really hits him. This particular chapter was so unexpected that it had me gasping for air. While there are a lot of hard-hitting themes, there are also some happier moments which I think the book needed to provide that element of hope in a time that was so notoriously horrific.

Overall, the book was brilliantly executed, offering a different angle into the war that provides powerful takeaways for both teens and adults. I'd highly recommend the audiobook - the narration is great and makes an even bigger impact.

When the World Was Ours… This copy was kindle gifted to me from the publisher in exchange for an honest review (submitted on Instagram)

Highly recommended. Sometimes difficult to read due to content but also honest & moving. Would recommend to pupils Year 7 & above.

The novel opens in Vienna in 1936. The three main characters, best friends Leo, Elsa and Max, are celebrating Leo’s ninth birthday. The children have very different families and backgrounds. Leo’s family are financially secure and are well respected within their Jewish community. Max is German. His family are not as well-off and his father has recently joined a new political party, the Nazis, in the hope it will improve the family’s financial situation. Elsa’s family have moved to Vienna from Prague, where most of their extended family still live.
Celebrating Leo’s birthday the children are unaware that war is coming, and that events will shortly separate them. Their different situations and family backgrounds take them across Europe – will they ever meet again?
‘When the World was Ours’ was inspired by true events within author Liz Kessler’s family. Her three characters allow her to examine the events of the Holocaust from multiple viewpoints. The novel does contain mature themes and some scenes of violence and cruelty. I would therefore recommend it to readers in year 9 and above.
Meticulously researched, this is a powerful novel that will stay in the minds of those who read it long after they have finished the last page. Whilst heart-breaking at times, the novel ends with hope.

<b> The gentleness in his hands as he lifted the bodies felt like a rebellion in itself </b>

I am broken.

This book is basically perfect- I love that it shows a more diverse selection of those who were targeted by the Nazis. There are several named Roma/Sinti characters, gay men, political prisoners etc. I find these are often left out in these kinds of books and the fact they're included here just improved it even more.

The characters feel so real, they're all superbly well written and the vast majority (apart from some obvious villains) are well rounded. Leo and Elsa destroyed me. Mr Gruber was my favourite out of everyone. Also, I loved how Max's story was so believable and how he was handled with nuance and care throughout despite his often despicable actions. He was just a child too and I thought the way his story progressed showed how plausible and easy it was for children to totally change their path.

Woah. I don't think I've ever read a more powerful YA WWII novel, I wish this had been around when I was a history obsessed teen. This book focuses on three friends and the three very different paths their lives take when WWII begins. It's harrowing and heartbreaking and inspired by the history of the authors own family. I expected the events of the camp to be slightly watered down as it's aimed at teens but the author has not held back on the brutality of it all. The focus on a photograph that is cherished by all three friends is so poignant throughout the entire novel, it links them even when they're apart and highlights the changes that happened to their lives and country in such a short amount of time. This is definitely a novel that would appeal to adults of any age, a brilliant book.

WHEN THE WORLD WAS OURS by Liz Kessler

I honestly don’t know where to begin with this review. As a teenager and an adult, I have read lots of books set in World War 2 but I don’t think any of them have had an affect on me quite like When the World Was Ours . Although it is a page turner, I found I had to take breaks from reading to get my head around what I had read. Liz Kessler's words have real emotional impact. I love reading in bed at night but I found I couldn't read this before going to sleep as it would keep me awake or interrupt my dreams. It is something powerful when a person's words can do this.

We first meet Max, Elsa and Leo in Vienna in 1936 when they are 9 years old, celebrating Leo's birthday. Europe is changing and soon the 3 friends will go their separate ways. Elsa and Leo are Jewish. Max's father is part of the Nazi regime. I don't think I need to say any more and this is somewhat clear from the blurb above. Throughout the story, we follow Max, Elsa and Leo on their personal journeys, told from their own points of view.

The depth of research that has gone into When the World Was Ours is awe-inspiring. The emotion that the author must have felt during these times is evident as it is on the pages of this story.

When the World Was Ours is a heartbreaking, gut wrenching, raw, and powerful novel. It is about friendship, family, hope, love, and kindness. It is beautifully and sensitively written. It is appropriate for readers aged 12 years and above but this would appeal across the generations and it is necessary that it does. It is imperative that we keep Holocaust history alive to prevent persecution and genocide today and in the future.

When the World Was Ours is a story that will stay with me forever. And that is the point. We must never forget and we must keep the truth

A fascinating story told with the innocence and sadness of the times. Definitely recommended to those readers who would be interested in this time of history and the human stories.

A crucial must-read that should be recommended in all schools, a far more informed and carefully written tale than Boy In The Striped Pajamas. So profound, utterly gripping and immensely heartbreaking.

Excruciatingly painful reading at times – as perhaps it should be. Even when we have read so many accounts of the atrocities enacted upon the Jews in WW2, Kessler manages to provide another haunting version in which we share the fears and pains of the victims. But it is the way one of the main characters is drawn into his role in the Hitler Youth that really has the reader questioning how easy or difficult it was to ignore events. We all like to think we would, of course, have acted to save others or prevent the evils being carried out, and could never have acted or thought as he did, but would that really have been true?
The reader lives and dies with the main characters, three young children, as they find their lives irrevocably changed during the war. Although a story of unbounded evil this also allows the reader moments of deep hope and love, ensuring a balanced story that is engaging and deeply involves the reader.

Thank you to NetGalley and Simon & Schuster for this free copy in exchange for an honest review.

Several years ago, a well known and much lauded author, when asked if they would ever think of writing a children’s book, stated that they would only consider this should they ever suffer from a serious brain injury. They suggested that to be forced to write in a lower register than that which they are capable as an adult, would be anathema to them. My response to this was one of utter incredulity. How could one wordsmith be so ignorant and scathing of the craft of another? I read a vast number of children’s books, not only for my professional work, but also for personal enjoyment. And some of the books that I read defy the categorisation of ‘children’s literature’.

As an educator, I understand why booksellers and publishers guide their readers, parents, and buyers as to the target age range of the books they are selling. But every now and then, we may come across a book that challenges age categorisation: a book that could be read by anyone of any age. Despite being classed as a children’s book, When the World was ours by Liz Kessler is one such book. It is a book that not only could be read by children and adults, but it is also a book that quite simply should be read. It is an astonishing work which deserves...no, it demands…an age wide audience.

When the World was ours is the intertwined stories of three young friends, Leo, Max and Elsa growing up in Vienna. We meet them in 1936 as carefree, happy ten-year-olds with the world at their feet. They play together, go to school together and love each other’s company. They are inseparable and the sun always seems to shine for them. This is especially so in the opening chapter, told by Leo. It is his birthday and the scene that unfolds is one that will forever remain in his memory, especially as he has the permanent reminder in the shape of a photograph taken by his father. We are given the image of three smiling, happy children. This photograph emerges many times through the story and becomes emblematic of deep friendship in those happier times, stirring memories: memories that are all the more poignant as the world they knew has changed and they face the grim realities of Hitler’s rise to power.

Kessler creates characters that we would want to befriend. As readers, we are drawn into their narratives, we hear their authentic children’s voices, their stories told in their words, and we experience their loyalty to each other, their joys, pains, fears, terrors, loss of innocence. From the safety of the pages of a book, readers are exposed to the painful choices that people had to make, choices that for most of us, are unthinkable. From the safety of the pages of a book. readers are exposed to the extreme traumas that were experienced; the decision to rend a family apart to send children to an unknown safety; the degradations; the deprivations of their humanity, and the determination to continue to live and to breathe.

I have read a number of children’s books that focus on the holocaust, but none as powerful and real as this. Kessler’s exceptional craft as a writer is evident not only in her ability to create and tell a story (based on her family history), but also to create believable characters with authentic voices. Voices that begin with a childlike quality and which grow and mature with the passing of time. Kessler pulls no punches, and neither does she patronise her reader.

This is an exceptional read, full of warmth, hope, horror, and true humanity. In the final pages, Kessler writes, through the voice of Leo: ‘My story is a baton and in telling it I pass it on to you…You listen well and then you do all that you can to make sure it never happens again – to anyone.’ I now feel that the baton has been passed to me, the reader, and I shall be passing it on, and on, and on. This is a book that needs to be read.
Thanks to Netgalley and publishers Simon and Schuster for allowing me to read this for review.

I take a deep breath as I write this, and try to make sense of my thoughts after finishing this book.
This was a raw, unflinching look at the Holocaust but it was told in such an original way. 3 children who grew up together, then their lives went separate ways and yet they were all connected by one photograph, a memory of a wonderful happy birthday. The author's note at the start was helpful in learning the characters and the reasons for the author in shaping their lives, which made it all the more riveting.
Some scenes were extremely painful to read, and the last few chapters had me weeping. Enjoyable is probably the incorrect word to use to describe this book, but this was so powerful.
Highly recommended.

Hard-hitting, pulls-no-punches Holocaust story

Three best friends. Three different perspectives. A well-worn narrative, but here from a youthful viewpoint and for a young audience who will connect with this well-written threesome.

In the days leading up to World War II, three children in Austria innocently see the build-up but until it connects with them directly, enjoy the fast-fading days of their childhoods together. Leo, Elsa and Max - who don't even realise how the world would see them: as two Jews and the son of a high-ranking Nazi officer. When the inevitable comes knocking on their door and they must face their very different fates alone, their friendship is tested as forces pull their lives apart.

The story manages to balance stories of refugees, concentration camps and the viewpoint of the fledgling Nazi as each negotiates the adolescent feelings of confusion and powerlessness as they also contend with some of the darkest days of the century.

Each story is upsetting. We watch helpless as the Jewish friends suffer ill treatment at home, then each is carried away towards a very different life, but for one small difference in circumstances. The brainwashing and slow alteration in the mind of Max forms the third strand as he seeks his father's approval while confusingly tries to remain loyal to his old friends.

Readers will no doubt find themselves curious about the Holocaust, concentration camps, the Nazi regime and policies, the racism Leo experiences in Britain. This doesn't talk down to a fairly young audience, though this could prove overly upsetting to some.

My heart went out to the characters as the end drew near. The whole story of their friendship and how each remembered the others through the war was almost desolate, and the way paths crossed was heart-breaking.

A challenging topic, but well constructed to give a wide-ranging look at how young people were affected by war. Some scenes will distress young readers.

For ages 12 and older.

With thanks to Netgalley for providing a sample reading copy.

Synopsis

A book based on the true story of three best friends living in Vienna: Elsa, Max, and Leo. They were leading a peaceful life full of love, laughs, and happiness. They could spend all days with each other and at their young age, they knew they will stay friends no matter what. However, they didn’t know yet what is coming their way. They felt the change when Elsa’s parents announced that they need to move to Prague in Czechoslovakia, as soon as possible because Vienna will soon become dangerous for Jewish people. Soon after, Max’s father has forbidden his meeting Leo and Elsa outside the school because of him being Jewish. They didn’t understand until the new rules were announced in the school and Jewish kids started to be treated worst than dogs. The war unexpectedly changed their lives and they had to learn how to live in this new and horrifying world of hatred and pain.

Book Review

I don’t think I can review this book in a way that will reflect how heartbreaking and good this book was. I connected to all the characters from page one. They were all so pure and innocent. I couldn’t bear reading about all the things they had to go through. All the books I read about the second world war were mostly written from the point of view of teenagers or adults. However, if you read it from the point of view of kids it hits you a hundred times more.

Elsa, Leo, and Max felt that they own their own world. They were the happiest people alive because they had each other. They shared their dreams, love, and ideas for the future. However, it all fell apart very quickly. Elsa and Leo had to face new rules that were introduced in their lives. They didn’t understand why it is happening to them. All the lies that were said about them, all punishments they received without any specific reason. They tried to think about the reason and failed because there was no actual reason they were targeted. I was reading half of the scenes with tears in my eyes. It was unforgivable how Jewish people were treated by their friends, neighbors, teachers, etc. I still cannot understand how people can treat this way human being.

From the other side, we see Max’s story, which is the complete opposite of Joe’s and Elsa’s. Max moved with his parents to Germany. With his dad’s position as an officer, it wasn’t hard for Max to fit in and find new friends. However, he never felt the same feeling of happiness when he was with Elsa and Joe. It started changing with time when his father, the party, and school literally brainwashed him to hate Jews. He finally became a son his father was dreaming about. Max’s story wasn’t as dramatic as the other two kids, however, I pitied him a lot throughout the book. He tried to stay true to his feelings and friendship, however, everyone from each side tried to change him. He knew that the stories people say about Jews are lies, but people kept pushing him to start believing them and he finally did. His only goal in life was to make his father proud and it brought him only pain and emptiness in his life.

I cried through the ending of this book like a baby. It was heartbreaking and the fact that the book was based on the true story made it even harder to read. I didn’t expect a happy ending, so I tried to prepare myself, but I don’t think it’s possible to prepare for the ending like this. Thankfully, besides the painful, and full of sadness scene, we also get something good at the end for which I am very grateful. I don’t understand why this book isn’t a best seller by now. This is the book everyone should read. The author deserves a stand-up ovation for this book.

I would like to thank Liz Kessler, NetGalley and Simon, and Schuster UK Children's for providing me with this amazing book! It was the best book I have read so far this year!

Such a beautiful story that I couldn't go to bed without finishing. Like so many stories of that time, the stories are uncomprehendable and I definitely cried while I read this. Thank you to the author for sharing her family story. It's important that we Never Forget.

Thought provoking and illuminating. Really enjoyable and will stay with me. I will be recommending this to students

Thanks to NetGalley and Simon Schuster Children’s Books for this e-arc.

A powerful, poignant story that follows three children’s journeys into adolescence during the Holocaust. Leo, Max and Elsa have everything when we first meet them in Vienna: an incredible friendship and their whole lives ahead of them full of dreams for a future always together. All this is to soon change with the rise of Hitler and the onset of the Second World War. We follow the different paths each of their lives take as they each struggle to survive. Liz Kessler portrays the brutal reality of the Holocaust. This story will tug at your emotions and is a challenge to read because of this. But it is such an important story to tell and one that shouldn’t be forgotten. There is so much to consider and discuss in this book: the horrific way that the Jews were treated; friendships; resilience; random acts of kindness; love; personal conflict and conscience, and so much more. It is a book that I will be recommending widely with the Y7s and Y8s in my school library and one that will provoke a lot of discussion in a book group.

Thanks to Netgalley and Simon Schuster Children's UK for providing me with this book.

Wow, the feels ! It hit right into my heart and broke it.
The subject was treated in so many different ways already and therefore may appear to be familiar BUT Liz Kessler's approach and writing is worth the read. She manages to capture and encapsulate perfectly the situation and what the characters may have felt like. Given the fact that it was inspired by her father's story, it is no surprise that we can feel through the words how Kessler is close to the story.
I loved that we got to see from the 3 children perspectives, they went through dissimilar paths, and it was fascinating to include every path in a balanced way.
Moreover, the story is accessible, educational, it depicts the power of friendship, of family, of ideals, of resilience, but also it is hard and affecting and revolting. In my opinion, it is masterfully written, and I want to thank Liz Kessler for giving this book to the world.

This book is destined to become a modern classic. It tells the story of three ordinary children who lived through one of the most harrowing periods of history. It is written in such a way that all readers will be able to engage with the main characters. I simply could not put this book down and read it in one sitting. It is one of the most powerful children's books I have read and I had tears running down my face as I finished it, In these times it is even more vital than ever that we do not lose sight of the importance of bearing witness to the stories of the holocaust. This book should be on the shelves of every school library.

With heartfelt thanks to the publishers and NetGalley

Thank you to NetGalley and Penguin Random House.

Oooof.

How hard it is to write a review for this book.
It was absolutely wonderful, I think that might be the most important thing to say. Raw and powerful – maybe one of the most powerful "children's" books I've ever read.

And when I say children, I really think that this should not be given to a kid under 12. This is a very sad and quite violent book, and though it is (sadly) just what happened, it's definitely not a book for more sensitive children.

In a sense, it reminded me of Sarah Cohen-Scali's Max: absolutely wonderfully well-researched, heart gripping and it left me absolutely devastated.
Even more so because it's at least inspired by a true story.

I think you can guess that I truly have no words.
This is what I hope more children's books could be like. Because, yes, it is awfully important to have books that make us laugh and smile, but it's as important to have books like this one, which know how to tell kids what really happened.

And that, hopefully, work a small way towards it never happening, ever again.