Reading a novel written by Roberta Kagan is akin to experiencing yourself in the situations. The gritty reality is astounding in this novel - particularly the depiction of the brutality of the female guards in the all female concentration camp at Ravensbruck. This novel is the continuation of the story that began with Michal’s Destiny and is overwhelming in its depiction of families being separated without any reason other than their religion.. The book is a part of our history and should be read by all and I thank NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review this novel.

Kristallnacht

Taavi and Michal finally found their way back together, and they now have a good life. Taavi and Lev own a furniture shop and have a good business. Michal and Taavi now have two daughters, Alina and Gilda. Everything is going good for them until the fatal night of Kristallnacht when all their lives were changed forever.

During Kristallnacht Taavi was arrested for trying to help Alina’s boyfriend when he was attacked by Hitler youth. Michal went to the police station to find out where Taavi was and try to get him home. Neither of them returned home.

Alina and Gilda went to live with Lev and Lotti until their parents returned. No one knew what had happened to Michal and Taavi.

This is book two in the series. It tells the story of Taavi, Michal, Alina and Gilda after Kristallnacht. It is a sad story. It also tells the story of Lev and Lotti and her brother Johan.

The story brings to life how horribly the Nazi’s treated the Jewish people. It tells of the horrors of the concentration camps and of the treatment of those gentiles that were married to Jewish people.

It is a story of courage and of survival. A story of mistakes, and of redemption for the mistakes. A story of life during one of the most difficult times in history and how two families worked to survive, although some did not.

You will need a few tissues to read this one, tears will fall as you read of the horrors inflicted on a group of people for no reason other than their religion, or their perceived differences to the Nazi’s.

It is a good story and you will be glad you read it. I recommend this story and I can’t wait for book 3 in the series.

I received a copy for free. The review and the words are my own.

An intense and riveting sequel to Michal’s Destiny that no one will want to put down. I don’t see that Alina did anything shameful in doing what she could to give her son a good life with women who consented and were well treated and well paid.