Pictures of the Past

by Deby Eisenberg

Pictures of the Past is a compelling saga sweeping through Chicago, Paris and Berlin, reliving events from pre-World War II Europe, but beginning in contemporary times.

An Impressionist painting, hanging for decades in the Art Institute of Chicago and donated by the charismatic philanthropist Taylor Woodmere, is challenged by an elderly woman as a Nazi theft. Taylor’s gripping and passionate story takes us back to 1937. Sent to Paris on family business, he reluctantly leaves his girlfriend Emily, a spoiled debutante from Newport, Rhode Island. But once in Europe, he immediately falls in love—first with an Henri Lebasque painting, and then with the enchanting Sarah Berger of Berlin. After Taylor returns home, the Berger family becomes trapped in the Nazi web, and any attempts for the new lovers to be reunited are thwarted.

Interwoven with this narrative is the story of Rachel Gold, a beautiful and bright Chicago girl caught up in the times of the late 1960s. Pregnant and abandoned by her boyfriend Court Woodmere, Taylor’s son, she moves to New York to live with her aunt, a Holocaust survivor. Years later, as the controversy surrounding the provenance of the painting becomes public, Rachel’s grown son is disturbed by his inexplicable familiarity with the work of art. And it is only Taylor Woodmere who can unravel the complicated puzzle of their lives.

With a heart-grabbing ending, Pictures of the Past is historical fiction at its best, giving a personalized window to the powerful events and intriguing venues of the eras. From a world torn by the horrors of war, a love story emerges that endures through years of separation.

Genres: Historical Fiction, Fiction, World War II, Holocaust, Romance, Book Club, Adult

372 pages, Paperback

First published August 1, 2011

About the author

As a Book Club leader for over 20 years, Deby Eisenberg challenged herself to write a novel that her avid readers could not put down and would love to discuss. With a Masters Degree from the University of Chicago, she is a former literature and creative writing high school teacher and journalist. Deby Eisenberg became a part of the Jewish Book Council Author Network with her first novel, engaging audiences on her national speaking tour. Pictures of the Past has been named to library Best Fiction lists and featured on the cover of the Chicago Jewish News. With her new novel, Protecting Paige, the author, inspired by her love of literary research, art, architecture, Jewish history, and travel in the United States and Europe, once again envisioned a multi-generational love story that would inform as well as entertain, that would broaden the mind and open the heart.
Readers of Sarah's Key and Those Who Save Us are drawn to Pictures of the Past. Although the novel does not just center on that one time period, it approaches the most serious subject of the Holocaust with vibrancy and heart. “As readers, we can better understand horrific events of global proportion through identification and empathy with individual experiences,” Eisenberg states.
She and her husband, Dr. Michael Eisenberg, an obstetrician-gynecologist live in Riverwoods, Illinois, and have three adult children and seven grandchildren

Reviews

[Dem · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this novel and I think it is a novel that will mean so many things to so many people.

This is a love story sweeping through Chicago, Paris and Berlin reliving events from pre-World War Two but beginning in 2004 when an elderly lady by the name of Gerta challenges the ownership of an impressionist painting hanging in the Art Institute of Chicago and donated by the Woodmere Family. She insists that this painting belonged to her Jewish neighbours, the Berger family in Berlin before the war. Gerta protests that this painting was stolen by the Nazis, and she will go to the Museum Director and make sure they look up the provenance of this painting. The story takes us back to 1937 and the start of a tale of love and passion and heartache.

I love historical Novels and would consider Pictures of the Past primary a love story but with enough historical content to keep me interested. I especially was interested in the historical voyage of the St. Louis and think the author did a wonderful job of including it in this stoy, I love when a book sends me to the computer and makes me google something I have read.
The characters are beautifully drawn and the descriptions of places and events created wonderful images in my head. I loved the plot and think this book will make a great film.

This is a real page turner and a very easy pleasant read. I would compare this book to Sarah's Key. This book is one that many of my friends will love.

[Bobby · Rating 5 out of 5]

From Generation to Generation…..

Pictures of the Past is a wonderful story that is a mix of history, holocaust terrors and a love story that brings tears to your eyes over and over again. The book revived many memories from the past regarding the history and background of my own family. So many people have connections to the holocaust and to the loss of family or friends at that time. One can also relate to many of the wonderful traditions mentioned in the book. I especially enjoyed the references to the places and locations I myself love in the city of Chicago, such as the Art Institute, the Drake Hotel and Lake Shore Drive. The author’s descriptions of Paris and Berlin allow the reader to envision those cities even of the reader has never been to those locations. One really does not want to book this book down.
The saga of this family is so well written. I look forward to reading many more books from this author. bg


My mother actually wrote a little blurb about this book and I thought to add it to my review.
From Belle....
The story encirlces this wonderful painting and enfolds with so many characters. I felt the emotion of of all of them; happiness, love and certainly fear. When Inga,Sarah's mother put her on the ship (for freedom) and did not get on herself and said goodbye, I had to put the book down as I could not contain by tears. Thinking of my own losses of my family(aunts, uncles, cousins) due to the holocust certainly came to mind. The ending of Sarah and Taylor meeting at the airport after so many years brought tears to my eyes. Thank you for for your insight into people and putting it on paper. I hope you will write another book very soon.

[Casee Marie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was very intrigued when presented with the opportunity to read Pictures of the Past, Deby Eisenberg’s recently published debut novel. On the surface it encompasses all of my particular interests in a book: history, romance, Impressionist art and, of course, Paris, but no more does the reader study the first pages than they realize that Pictures of the Past offers something even bigger: a striking understanding of the plight of Jewish families throughout the horrors of the Holocaust and a renewed appreciation for life in its greatest simplicity.

...read my full review, plus a Q&A with author Deby Eisenberg!

[Cold War Conversations Podcast · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Powerful family saga spanning WW2 to the present day.

Wow, I didn’t think I’d find this my cup of tea, but you are instantly drawn to the characters, particularly the Berger family .

The author has completed some serious research both from the historical and artistic points of view and the book covers a lot of ground, sixty years and multiple countries. However, the writing does keep your interest throughout right up to the final very moving words.

I received this book for free from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.

[Nancy Brady · Rating 5 out of 5]

Full disclosure: I received this novel directly from the author as a giveaway through Shelf Awareness. Thanks to the author.

Spanning six decades and two continents, this is the saga of three generations of an interrelated family. It is a love story; it is history; it is art, and more. Taylor Woodmere, the son of Addison Woodmere, is sent to Paris in 1937 to meet with a business associate of his father. There he meets Sarah Berger,the daughter of Emanuel Berger. But the war parts the pair, but the painting he purchased gets returned to him.

When the painting is noticed by a Holocaust survivor, the provenance is questioned, and more than one generation's story is revealed. Highly recommended read on the order of Sarah's Key.

[Erin (Historical Fiction Reader) · Rating 2 out of 5]

Find this and other reviews at: http://flashlightcommentary.blogspot....

I liked the idea of Deby Eisenberg’s Pictures of the Past, but nothing about the author’s style or tone worked for me. The flow of the narrative grated my nerves and I ultimately skimmed the bulk of the novel to see how things played out. Fair warning folks, I am in the minority on this one, so take a look at the more favorable commentary before making up your mind on this one.

The bullet style transitions and Eisenberg’s tendency to show more than she told didn’t appeal to me. I appreciate subtlety, depth, and development, but such gentle handling is not to be found within these pages. Eisenberg rushes from point to point without pause and while I appreciated the movement this created, I couldn’t help wishing the plot twists had been allowed to settle in before the author rushed the next one forward.

I also struggled with the stereotypic characterizations Eisenberg employed throughout the novel and I found the inconsistent rotation between the large cast confusing. Their voices came together in an odd and unbalance chorus and my inability to differentiate one from the next undermined the emotions they felt and the relationships they engaged in.

My last and final complaint is that the novel didn’t have a lot of atmospheric detail. I couldn't envision the world these characters inhabited. The world building was shallow and I couldn’t envision it in my mind’s eye. Even the painting at the center of the narrative seemed a blank canvas in my imagination and I couldn’t help feeling cheated by the lack of detail.

I’m glad I tried it out, but at the end of the day Pictures of the Past wasn’t my kind of story and I don’t see myself recommending it forward.

[JacQuelyne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Incredible

I was drawn into this story from page one. It is one of the best books I have read, with a story rich in characters that you would love to meet and have conversations and a story about the holocaust that is well researched and beautifully written. Do not miss this one.

[Deborah · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Pictures of the Past" by Deby Eisenberg ~ Pre-WWII Historical Fiction

Cover Rating :
Beautiful composition for this cover. The elegant frames fore-shadow an underlying story of art, the damask background gives a sense of opulence, as does the framed staircase. The Nazi banner, Eiffel Tower and the couple reminiscent of the 1940's tells the rest of the story. I love the font used and the entire layout. Sepia tones also date the pictures beautifully. Easily a book I would grab off the shelves to turn over and read more about, this is a title that grabs me.
Rating: A


Summary:
Pictures of the Past is a compelling saga sweeping through Chicago, Paris and Berlin, reliving events from pre-World War II Europe, but beginning in contemporary times. An Impressionist painting, hanging for decades in the Art Institute of Chicago and donated by the charismatic philanthropist Taylor Woodmere, is challenged by an elderly woman as a Nazi theft. Taylor’s gripping and passionate story takes us back to 1937. Sent to Paris on family business, he reluctantly leaves his girlfriend Emily, a spoiled debutante from Newport, Rhode Island. But once in Europe, he immediately falls in love – first with an Henri Lebasque painting, and then with the enchanting Sarah Berger of Berlin. After Taylor returns home, the Berger family becomes trapped in the Nazi web, and any attempts for the new lovers to be reunited are thwarted.


Interwoven with this narrative is the story of Rachel Gold, a beautiful and bright Chicago girl caught up in the times of the late 1960’s. Pregnant and abandoned by her boyfriend Court Woodmere, Taylor’s son, she moves to New York to live with her aunt, a Holocaust survivor. Years later, as the controversy surrounding the provenance of the painting becomes public, Rachel’s grown son is disturbed by his inexplicable familiarity with the work of art. And it is only Taylor Woodmere who can unravel the complicated puzzle of their lives.
With a heart-grabbing ending, Pictures of the Past is historical fiction at its best, giving a personalized window to the powerful events and intriguing venues of the eras. From a world torn by the horrors of war, a love story emerges that endures through years of separation.

The Dame's Review :
When I first decided I'd like to review "Pictures of the Past" I had some hesitation. I've read an assortment of books covering the holocaust over the last 40 some years, and felt I may have met my capacity with them. The stories often left me with a heaviness of heart. I'd lived most of my growing up years in Germany, even went to college in Munich, Germany, at the University of Maryland's extension campus, so it's a country that's very dear to my heart, and a people I'd come to love, as well. It has been difficult to separate the Nazi's from the kind people of Germany I'd come to know. I'm glad I did take a chance on this particular book, however, because it beautifully balances the good and the ugly. It tells a story that gives the safe and lovely side of a life in Berlin, and then the rising of an extremist group that overtakes the country like locust. I loved this book.

From the earliest words, Deby Eisenberg captured my heart. I could hear the inflection of the grandmother's voice. I could feel her indignation and her ire rising, and I could nearly sense the touches of her grand and great grandchildren as they gathered around to comfort her. Eisenberg is a masterful writer. She makes her story not only ring with truth, but resound with the vision of a cast of characters that you can well image actually existed.

The love story interwoven within the historical mysteries of the book are engrossing. I was so happy to read the details of transatlantic voyages, the beautiful cities both European and American of the pre-WW !! era, and the very interesting comments about Nazi art thefts. The mystery that's presented of old lovers, the painting's travels, and a family whose lives were changed by the Nazi terror is mesmerizing.

It goes without saying that I highly recommend this book.

[Amy Lignor · Rating 5 out of 5]

This novel is one of the most intriguing and beautiful books that I have ever read. It contains so much inspiration and love - also a healthy mixture of heartbreak and hate - that a review is almost impossible to write in order to do the author justice. It is so full of personal stories - characters who are both rich and poor living through the heart-wrenching horror of war and separation, that it is truly an epic tale that takes the reader from Chicago to Paris to Berlin and back to New York, covering the years 1937 to 2005.

The story begins in the year 2004 when Gerta Rosen, a survivor of the Second World War, sees a painting hanging in the Art Institute of Chicago that she knows belonged to her neighbors in Berlin...the Berger family. The plaque on the painting says that it was donated to the Institute by Taylor Woodmere of the Woodmere Family Foundation. Gerta announces to one and all that this painting was stolen by the Nazis, and she will go to the Museum Director and make sure they look up the provenance of this painting. She makes good on her threat and the accusation brings scandal to the austere Woodmere Family.

The writer then 'transports' to 1937 when Taylor Woodmere is sent off to Paris to represent his family at a business conference. Of course, 1937 Europe was in a state of confusion, as Adolf Hitler's Nazi Party was taking over Germany and persecuting the Jewish population, gearing up for an invasion. Taylor goes reluctantly to Paris leaving his girlfriend, Emily, behind. However, once he arrives he meets Sarah Berger, daughter of a business associate of his father's, and falls in love with her. A few hours before this fateful meeting he sees a painting by Impressionist Artist Henri Lebasque and buys it for his girl in Chicago. But when Taylor falls for Sarah he notifies his family that he is going on to Berlin for a visit to see the factories of Sarah's father and to spend more time with her. When Taylor is summoned back by his family he leaves the picture for Sarah.

In the 1960's Rachel Gold, a lovely Chicago girl, becomes pregnant and subsequently abandoned by her boyfriend, Court Woodmere, who is Taylor's son. She goes to New York to live with her aunt who is a Holocaust survivor, has her son, and goes on to college where whe meets Richard Stone, an instructor and eventually marries him. She also has a lucrative career working for a well-known magazine.

Years later, when the dispute over the provenance of the painting is made public, Rachel's grown son becomes disturbed; he remembers the picture and is sure that he has seen it somewhere before. It comes down to the fact that Taylor Woodmere is the only one who can explain the complicated puzzles that crop up in the lives of these people.

The ending of this book will touch your heart. Pictures of the Past is a truly wonderful work of historical fiction. The writing is first class, with a look into the times right before World War II and an in-depth gaze at the lives and events of the era from a time filled with horror and hate. The love story of Taylor and Sarah lasts though all the years of separation.

I have to say, again, I loved this book!! The author did such a good job of keeping the characters interesting, and readers will not get confused by who these people are and where they fit into the story. This is a wonderful read and will keep you enthralled until the very end.

[Lisa · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book has plot lines related to the Holocaust and to a sort-of mystery concerning a painting, which are usually big draws for me. It doesn't reach its potential because the characters lack depth and the plot lines are not developed. The movement back and forth between characters in different time periods seems like a rush to connect all the dots that results in two-dimensionality rather than a three-dimensional work. The book was easy to read (is there such a thing as "Holocaust-light"? perhaps there shouldn't be)--it would take double the length to develop the plot lines and characters to a satisfactory point, which may be a sign of too ambitious a selection of story lines. The author notes in the back matter that she wrote the novel for her book club to enjoy. I hope they did. One jarring note is an anachronistic public make-out session between two supposedly well-brought-up (but surprisingly not chaperoned) young adults on a train between Berlin and Potsdam in 1937. And the book would have benefited greatly by a run past a better editor--there are usage problems and vocabulary problems in English and French. It's an easy read that ends up being a superficial treatment of the events and people portrayed.

[Adrienne · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thoroughly enjoyed reading Pictures of the Past from the beginning to the end. The character development and settings were so descriptive that I easily formed pictures in my mind throughout the book and felt as if I were travelling along with the characters throughout the storyline. I am a big fan of historical fiction and I enjoy reading about the time period from pre-World War II to the present. The format of short chapters depicting the lives, feelings and experiences of the different characters moving back and forth over 60 years made the reading of the book both engrossing and quick paced. I could hardly put down the book at night and couldn't wait to pick it up to continue reading upon awakening. I was so sorry to come to the conclusion as I felt as if I had entered into the lives of many of the characters and was sad to say goodbye!

[Kristina Anderson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Pictures of the Past by Deby Eisenberg is a novel that starts in 2004 in Chicago, Illinois and then goes back in time to relate the story (which seems to be very popular right now in books). Gerta Rosen is celebrating her birthday in 2004 by going to the Art Institute of Chicago. She sees a painting by Henri Lebasque titled “Girl at the Beach” (the English translation). When Gerta sees the plaque that states Taylor Woodmere donated the piece to the museum she is upset. Gerta remembers seeing the painting on the wall in a neighbor’s house in Berlin in 1938. Gerta remembers that the painting belonged to Sarah Berger.

The story is soon in the papers and Taylor Woodmere is under attack. Their family is known for their philantrophy and they are being accused of having Sarah Berger’s (a Jewish woman’s) painting. Taylor reminices and goes back to 1937. Taylor was being sent to Paris on business by his father. He was dating Emily Kendall (a demanding, spoiled brat) who was staying at their home in Kenilworth, Ilinois for the summer. Taylor buys the Henri Lebasque painting at the Paris Exposition intending it as a gift for Emily. Then Taylor meets Sarah Berger and falls for her instantly. When Taylor’s business is over, he accompanies the family back to Berlin (supposedly to look at Mr. Berger’s factory). At the end of his visit, Sarah plans to come to the United States as soon as she can. She does not feel that she can leave her family yet.

We then meet Dr. Sylvie Woodmere Hunt who is Taylor’s granddaughter. She is a clinical psychologist. She sees a little boy when she drops of her daughter for school. The little boy reminds her of Rusty. She played with Rusty one day at her mansion (Woodmere estate in Kenilworth). She never forgot that day. Sylvie was raised by her grandparents after the passing of her mother (her father was a drug addict).

Rachel Gold in 1968 is a college student. She meets Court Woodmere while working and falls for him. She soon becomes pregnant. Court gives her money for an abortion as well as the name of a doctor. Rachel ends up traveling to New York and stays with her Aunt Ida Leber. Rachel gives birth to a little boy and names him Jason.

Jason Stone is a lawyer. He is married to Lara and they have a young son who looks just like him. Jason was adopted by his stepfather when he was young. Lara tells Jason about the woman who stared at their son when she dropped him off at school.

These four people are tied together. The story tells of what happens to Sarah, Taylor, Jason, Rachel, and Sylvie as well as the painting. I enjoyed reading Pictures of the Past. It was not fabulous, but good. I give Pictures of the Past 3.5 out of 5 stars (above okay near like). There is a lot of history in the novel as well as characters. The book takes us through World War II to present day. I think with a little tweaking this book could have been better.

I received a complimentary copy of Pictures of the Past from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. The review and opinions expressed are my own.

http://bibliophileandavidreader.blogs...

[Marilyn (not getting notifications) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Pictures of the Past by Deby Eisenberg deserves 4.5 stars. Review to follow.

[Mandy · Rating 3 out of 5]

A painting by Henri Lebasque, a lesser known Impressionist, is the centre-piece around which this engaging novel revolves, bringing together a disparate group of characters whose lives are all linked by the painting to a greater or lesser degree and which binds them in this often moving and compelling novel about the Holocaust and the events of WWII. It’s a good solid historical family saga, with a satisfying and not too contrived ending. The characters perhaps lack real depth, the dialogue feels occasionally forced, there are admittedly holes in the plot and the narration is largely without subtlety, but if you can put your critical faculties in abeyance for a while there’s also a lot to enjoy here – not least the discovery (for me) of Henri Lebasque.

[Lin S. · Rating 4 out of 5]

This story reminded me of a smaller version of the book "Winds of War". I enjoyed the historical research and the love story or should I say stories. Also, a reminder that things don't always turn out as expected.

[Bonnie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Original review posted on Hands and Home Blog Feb 16, 2012: http://www.handsandhome.ca/2012/02/pi...

When I turned to the first page of Pictures of the Past I had no idea that I would be starting the most engaging, heart-felt and character driven World War II era historical fiction that I have ever read. The first few chapters jumped around in time quite a bit and each of the characters were introduced quickly but the fast pace literally threw the reader into the novel and it was impossible to not become completely absorbed in the story from the very beginning. I was concerned at first that I might not be able to keep all of these characters straight and that the jumping in time (sometimes 70 years) would get confusing but I can assure you these quick transitions only fuelled my interest and kept me glued to this novel.

I will spare you a synopsis because the blurb really says it all and this is a book that you just have to read and discover yourself. I don’t know how I could possibly summarize this book without giving away details about how the characters are connected, and discovering these connections is the best part! I will tell you that I was shocked to learn that this is Deby Eisenberg’s first novel because it reads like the work of a polished professional. The writing is beautiful crafted to convey deep emotions, whether they are intended to be of longing, happiness, fear or suspense. I felt a real connection to the characters, Sarah specifically, and found myself quickly invested in her story. I will definitely be reading Pictures of the Past again as I'm sure there is much more treasure to be found within the pages of this magnificently written book. I truly believe that this is a novel to be savored and poured over time and time again.

Sarah was not the only captivating character and equally deserving of attention is Taylor Woodmere. He was so full of passion, conviction and strength in his youth and while not touched as directly, or tragically, by the Holocaust as Sarah was it forever changed the course of his life. My heart went out to this character, and on an emotional level his story was almost as tragic as Sarah’s.

Pictures of the Past is a gripping and unforgettable story and the combination of intense emotion, powerful drama and utterly unforgettable characters makes it not only a beautifully written historical novel but a timeless piece of fiction. It is a story of romance, unrequited and forbidden love, and the ties that bind us together even after decades of separation. I highly…. highly recommend this book to fans of WWII era historical fiction, and everlasting love stories.

I received a review copy of Pictures of the Past from Pump Up Your Book (thank you!!!) in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.

[Elaine · Rating 4 out of 5]

Pictures of the Past is a love story. That would be the simple way of describing it, but it's really so much more. The book travels from past to present and then back again introducing many different characters. Each character's narrative is shared. Eventually all these stories come together to create this wonderful book.

It's 1937 and Europe is on the verge of war. Taylor Woodmere, a young American, leaves his soon to be fiancé in Chicago and travels to Paris on Company business. While in Paris, he meets Sarah Berger, the daughter of his business associate. Taylor, for the first time, realizes what it means to be in love. Unfortunately Hitler and World War II have other plans for the two young lovers. The fates will send them on separate paths. The saga begins...

Deby Eisenberg does a great job of giving us a brief account of World War II and the effects that it had on family, friends, lovers, etc. She revolves the story around our two main characters (Taylor and Sarah) and follows them from one generation to the next. Some of the events discussed in the book are actually based on true facts. For example: Eisenberg describes the fateful voyage on the St. Louis ocean liner in 1939 from Hamburg to the Americas with more than 900 jewish passengers aboard and Gustave Schroeder as the ship's Captain.

I love a book that takes a simple love story and fills it full of historical facts. Pictures of the Past is one of these books and I'm giving it four stars!

Fun-Fact: "Righteous Among the Nations is an honorific used by the State of Israel to describe non-Jews who risked their lives during the Holocaust to save Jews from extermination by the Nazis.

On March 11, 1993, Gustave Schroeder, Captain of the St. Louis, was given that honor (posthumously).

[Jenny · Rating 2 out of 5]

I was disappointed in this book. The writing was heavy handed, the characters shallow, and the research seemed to be superficial. The author could have explained why an American businessman was interested in business with a Jewish Berliner on the eve of WWII, instead she described the table settings at two meals in Paris. The bicycle company in America after WWII was not realistic, the postwar period coincided with the rise of manufacturing agreements overseas, particularly in postwar Japan. Also, the morality seemed misplaced. I listened to The Irregulars by Jennet Conant while reading this book and can say that wealthy Americans before and during WWII, were more eccentric, sexually promiscuous, drank more and were more fun than the serious characters in this book.

I am normally not bothered by changes in time frames and characters throughout a book, but in this case, I don't think that they added anything to the narrative. A linear plot recounting a multi generational story would have been better and more interesting. Friends who read the book were bothered by the fact that Swiss is not a language and the painting was not real. I have to say I was disappointed by the fact that the painting was not real and not like anything else by the artist. There is so much interesting history involved in the Impressionist collection at the Art Institute in Chicago that it is disappointing that the author did not include any of it in this book.

[Lisa (Bookworm Lisa) · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is beautifully written. It follows the stories of several people, all connected in some way by a picture. This book encompasses contemporary times, World War II, and the 1960's.

Every story is somehow tragically touched by the atrocities done to the Jews during WWII. The book opens when an elderly lady is taken to the Art Institute of Chicago and sees a painting that she remembers hanging in her neighbors home in Berlin. It was at the Berger family, a Jewish family. She sees this painting as another example of the Nazi theft of their victims priceless treasures.

The story then turns to illustrating a love story. This is the story of a young man and woman who are torn apart during WWII. He is an American and she is a German Jew. Taylor Woodmere purchased the picture for the woman he was going to marry. As soon as he met Sarah Berger, his plans for marriage changed and the picture ends up in her hands and home.

This story is mainly about Taylor and Sarah. It shows the great love they have for one another and the tragedy that became their lives when Sarah was swept in Hitlers plans to exterminate the Jewish people.

This book is about a sad and reprehensible time in the history of the world. Deby Eisenberg has written a powerful novel and a wonderful love story.

[Debbie · Rating 3 out of 5]

I think this book started off pretty well and I was definitely interested in it at the beginning. Then it began talking about stuff that didn't affect the story at all. I would call it "a load of filler". And the sermon that the resistance guy was giving, seriously? I know I skipped like 12 pages during that part. Maybe a paragraph about how the man really touched Sarah, but the whole doggone thing?

I also found that either sentences or paragraphs were left out in my e-galley which definitely attributed to my confusion. I realize that's not the author's fault and did not consider it in my score.

I just really feel that there were a lot of things that could have been left out and it would not have messed with the story at all. For me, all the additional filler crap just kinda bored me and made me want to give up on the book. Which I did not, I feel like I could have read the first few chapters and the epilogue and got just as much of the story out of it without yawning so much.

Thanks Studio House Library and Net Galley for providing me with this free e-galley in exchange for an honest review.

[Melanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This novel spans from 1937, Pre World War II to the year 2005. Taking a love story that began in 1937 and intertwining it throughout the generations that followed until it comes full circle for the reader. I love the historical background the author uses to describe Germany and Europe during this pre war season. Where things are just heating up with Hitler, and one of the main characters is a Jew.
I struggled a bit in the beginning of the novel as the story was getting set up. The author needed us to start seeing the roles of each person and how the thread of their lives would weave through each story.My feeble mind makes jumping around in time a bit difficult for me. I did much better once we were heading in a forward motion and at that point I couldn't put it down. Such a deep love, overshadowed by the pressures and tragedies of that time.
I really enjoyed the art history as well, even if Deby took some liberties in creating paintings of her own mind. I would not have known anyhow!
It was a great read and obvious time spent recounting true history in a novel fashion.

[Holly (2 Kids and Tired) · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoy historical novels. The World War II years are a time that fascinate me. I love art. Package all three of those together in one novel and I'm hooked. That the story is compelling is even better.

Taylor Woodmere's story begins in 1937 when he travels to France and Germany on business. He leaves behind a girlfriend and doesn't anticipate falling in love with the daughter of his German associate or a painting. What follows is a story I was quickly drawn into and one that spans oceans and generations.

Deby Eisenberg has crafted a terrific debut novel that has not only captured the essence of pre- and post-war Germany and the hate and fear that was so prevalent, but also the strength and resilience of the Jewish people. Often books with chapters that alternate between characters and even past and present can be confusing. However, here, the alternating chapters and time periods merge together smoothly and the reader discovers a rich, heartwarming story of love lost and love found and family secrets.

[Bonnye Reed · Rating 5 out of 5]

XXX I received this book as a gift from Deby Eisenberg. Thank you, Miss Eisenberg, I really wanted to read your novel but was not a winner in the Goodreads Giveaway.

This is an incredible novel. Telling the story of three families from pre-WWII to the 1980's, the story appears to center around the ownership of a small painting by a little known French Impressionist. And that painting beautifully ties together the lives and worlds of the Chicago Woodmere's, the Berlin Berger's and of the Chicago and New York City Golds. And Deby Eisenberg paints a heartfelt tale of love and hope and war and loss that melts your heart and fills your soul with hope.

I hope there will be more historical tales from Ms. Eisenberg. She is now on my Must Read list of authors.

[Sally Coles · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very good historical saga combining the stories of Taylor Woodmere, Sara Berger and Rachel Gold and weaving them all together.

The story starts with an old lady seeing a painting displayed by Taylor Woodmere and accusing him of having a Nazi theft. We then learn the story of the painting told by Taylor as a young man when he went on business to Europe in 1937 and fell in love with the painting and his business associates daughter a half Jewish girl Sarah Berger.

Alternating chapters are told by Taylor, Sarah and Rachel Gold another young Jewish girl in the sixties and eventually the treads are all tied together and it makes a great story told from all of the perspectives, I definitely couldnt put it down until I reached the end

[RedLakeReader · Rating 5 out of 5]

I highly recommend this novel. I really felt that I came to know and care about the characters, and I loved following their individual stories, waiting to see how it all would come together. And I especially liked that it was historical fiction. The author’s descriptions really brought you through the eras. There were events that I had heard of before, but now could really envision, such as the voyage of The St. Louis. Lastly, there's something about reading a historical fiction while on a train, which I did while commuting to and from work...also makes a great gift :)

[Barry Goldberg · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a too good to put down a very fast read. Starts with complicated romances intertwined with very difficult times and events in world history and travels back and forth through the lives and more complicated romances of the future generations. Along the way, a captivating portrait of life in the late 30's and early 40's in America and Germany and similar times in the later part of the 20th century.

[Patti]

I am a huge fan of historical fiction, and particularly stories that involve WWII, and so when I heard about Pictures of the Past I was very eager to read it. And I must say, it did not disappoint. I was drawn in instantly and could not put it down, until by the end I found myself at almost 4 am unable to sleep until I finished the book. Someone HAS to make this into a movie!

[Angela · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a heart warming story, rambling at times, but worth the journey. Much is presumed, mainly that Americans were able to see the evil that existed in Germany preceding WWII. Also that paths that divert can easily cross again. If you are able to get over the liberties that are taken, then you will enjoy this book.

[Cheryl Marsh · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just loved this book, I could not put it down. As we got to meet all of the wonderful characters, I looked forward to the next page to see how they would all come together. Going back and forth through time was so much fun.

[Mikki · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book and would have given it a 5 except that I initially had trouble keeping the characters and their places straight. Trying to keep multiple narratives and time frames straight detracts from the pleasure of immersing oneself in the story.