Books Like...

The Invisible Bridge by Julie Orringer is a meticulously researched historical fiction novel set during World War II, focusing on the story of Andras Levi, a Hungarian Jewish architecture student. The narrative unfolds in Paris and Hungary, delving into the intricate relationships of Andras with his family, friends, and love interests as they navigate the tumultuous events of the war. The book intricately weaves together themes of love, survival, and tragedy against the backdrop of the Holocaust, providing a unique perspective on Hungary's role in the war.

'The Lost Wife' by Alyson Richman is a poignant and heart-wrenching tale set during World War II, following the lives of Lenka and Josef, a young couple torn apart by the war. The narrative weaves between pre-war Prague and post-war New York, showcasing the enduring love and separation of the protagonists. Richman's writing style captures the emotional depth of the characters, delving into themes of love, loss, survival, and the lasting impact of historical events on individuals.

'The Things We Cannot Say' by Kelly Rimmer alternates between two timelines, following the stories of Alina in WWII Poland and Alice in present-day dealing with family challenges. Alina, a young woman in Poland during WWII, faces the horrors of war and finds love amidst betrayal and fear. In the present day, Alice navigates family complexities, including raising an autistic son, while uncovering her grandmother's secrets in Poland. weaves together mystery, romance, family dynamics, and themes of courage, strength, loyalty, honor, and love across generations.

"The Orphan Collector" by Ellen Marie Wiseman is a historical fiction novel set in Philadelphia during the 1918 Spanish Flu pandemic. The story follows Pia, a 13-year-old German immigrant who is left to care for her twin brothers after her mother dies from the flu and her father is away fighting in the war. Pia's brothers are stolen by a bitter and racist woman named Bernice Groves, leading to a harrowing journey of loss, survival, and resilience. The book provides a vivid portrayal of the brutal realities of the pandemic, orphanages run by cruel nuns, and the challenges faced by children in that era.

The writing style of Ellen Marie Wiseman in "The Orphan Collector" has been described as compelling, disturbing, heart-wrenching, and emotionally stirring. The author effectively captures the historical setting of the Spanish Flu epidemic, making the reader feel the devastation caused to families and children during that time. The novel also incorporates elements of magical realism, adding depth and complexity to the emotional conflict between the characters, particularly Pia and Bernice.

"The Book of Lost Names" by Kristin Harmel is a World War II historical novel that follows the story of Eva Traube, a Jewish woman who becomes a forger of documents to help Jewish children escape from the Nazis. Set in France during the Nazi occupation, the novel alternates between Eva's experiences in the 1940s and her life as a librarian in Florida in 2005. Eva's journey involves bravery, love, sacrifice, and the preservation of identities through a secret code in "The Book of Lost Names."

The book explores themes of resistance, courage, love, and the power of preserving history amidst the atrocities of war. Through Eva's character, readers witness the strength of ordinary people facing extraordinary circumstances, the importance of forging connections, and the resilience of the human spirit in times of adversity.

"Before We Were Yours" by Lisa Wingate is a heart-wrenching tale based on the true story of the Tennessee Children's Home Society, run by Georgia Tann. The novel follows the lives of siblings who are kidnapped from their home on a riverboat and forced into the cruel world of the orphanage where they face abuse and separation. The story alternates between the past and present, weaving together the historical horrors of child trafficking with a modern-day exploration of family secrets and scandals. The writing style is described as simple yet touching, with short chapters that seamlessly transition between different time periods, keeping readers engrossed in the narrative.

'We Were the Lucky Ones' by Georgia Hunter is a gripping novel based on the true story of the Kurc family, a Polish Jewish family that miraculously survived the horrors of World War II. The story spans from 1939 through the war, following the family members as they endure separation, hardships, and struggles in various parts of the world, including Poland, Siberia, France, and Brazil. The book beautifully depicts the family's journey of survival, resilience, and reunion after the war, showcasing the power of love, hope, and determination in the face of adversity.

The narrative style of the book is both heart-wrenching and inspiring, as it weaves together the individual experiences of the Kurc family members, portraying their courage and will to survive amidst the atrocities of the Holocaust. Through meticulous research and personal family accounts, Georgia Hunter creates a poignant and emotional tribute to her ancestors, shedding light on the untold stories of ordinary people facing extraordinary circumstances during one of the darkest periods in history.

"The Tattooist of Auschwitz" by Heather Morris is a powerful and emotional tale set in the Auschwitz concentration camp during World War II. It follows the story of Lale Sokolov, a Slovakian Jew who becomes the camp's tattooist and meets and falls in love with a fellow prisoner named Gita. Despite the horrors of the Holocaust, the book portrays themes of love, hope, survival, and humanity amidst unimaginable circumstances. The writing style is described as modern and easy to read, effectively painting a vivid picture of the atrocities of the Holocaust while showcasing the resilience of the human spirit.

'The Caine Mutiny' by Herman Wouk is a compelling novel set during WWII on a minesweeper in the Pacific Ocean. The story revolves around a young ensign named Willie Keith who undergoes a coming-of-age journey amidst the challenges of wartime and the pressures of leadership. The plot delves into the dynamics among the crew members, particularly their interactions with the mentally disturbed Captain Queeg, leading to a slow-motion mutiny aboard the ship. The book expertly weaves together elements of a war story, a courtroom drama, and a character-driven narrative, providing a nuanced portrayal of human behavior under extreme circumstances.

Wouk's writing style in 'The Caine Mutiny' is praised for its depth of character development and intricate exploration of moral ambiguity. The author's firsthand experience in the Navy during World War II is evident in the vivid descriptions of naval life and the challenges faced by the crew. The novel is lauded for its ability to draw readers into the story, making them question the notions of heroism, leadership, and loyalty. Through a mix of satire, suspense, and emotional depth, Wouk crafts a multi-layered narrative that resonates with readers long after the final page.

'War and Remembrance' by Herman Wouk is a gripping historical fiction novel that serves as a sequel to 'The Winds of War'. Spanning the years of World War II, the book follows the Henry family as they navigate the tumultuous events of the war, from the Battle of Midway to the horrors of the Holocaust. Through intertwining storylines, the author successfully provides a human face to the global conflict, capturing the epic scale of war akin to 'War and Peace'. Despite its length, the book immerses readers in the experiences of characters facing harrowing challenges and decisions, ultimately aiming to render the atrocities of war unthinkable.