We Were Strangers Once

by Betsy Carter

For readers of The Nightingale and Brooklyn, an exquisitely moving novel about friendship, love, and redemption in a circle of immigrants who flee Europe for 1930s-era New York City.

On the eve of World War II Egon Schneider--a gallant and successful Jewish doctor, son of two world-famous naturalists--escapes Germany to an uncertain future across the sea. Settling into the unfamiliar rhythms of upper Manhattan, he finds solace among a tight-knit group of fellow immigrants, tenacious men and women drawn together as much by their differences as by their memories of the world they left behind.

They each suffer degradations and triumphs large and small: Egon's terminally acerbic lifelong friend, bestselling author Meyer Leavitt, now wears a sandwich board on a New York street corner; Catrina Harty, the headstrong daughter of a dirt-poor Irish trolley driver, survives heartbreak and loss to forge an unlikely alliance; and Egon himself is forced to abandon his thriving medical practice to become the "Cheese Man" at a Washington Heights grocery. But their spirits remain unbroken, and when their little community is faced with an existential threat, these strangers rise up together in hopes of creating a permanent home.

With her uncanny ability to create indelible characters in unforgettable circumstances, Betsy Carter has crafted a gorgeous novel that will resonate with anyone who has ever felt adrift and longed for home.

Genres: Historical Fiction, Fiction, World War II, Historical, New York, War, Book Club

336 pages, Hardcover

First published September 12, 2017

About the author

I am the author of the novel, Swim to Me, which was published in August 2007 by Algonquin Books who also published, The Orange Blossom Special in 2005. My memoir Nothing to Fall Back On was a national bestseller. I write for O: The Oprah magazine, Good Housekeeping, New York, Glamour and Hallmark, among others.
I was a reporter at Newsweek for nine years, and then served as the Editorial Director of Esquire magazine. I was the founding editor-in-chief of New York Woman as well as My Generation Magazine. I was also the Executive Editor of Harper’s Bazaar and editor-in-chief of New Woman magazine. I live in New York City. My novel, The Puzzle King, will be published by Algonquin Books in the fall of 2009.

Reviews

[Angela M · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was going to hold off on reading this, having read several books in the last year or so on the refugee experience. This one though, didn't take place in the current day, but before WWII and I thought about immigrants from our history even earlier than this time when my grandparents came to this country. It's probably something that many of us think about with the current focus on immigration and the title certainly resonated for me and then the dedication "To everyone from somewhere else". The epigraph sealed the deal. I couldn't hold off after reading : "My fellow Americans, we are and always will be a nation of immigrants. We were strangers once, too." - Barack Obama

I thought I'd be taken immediately to New York where this group of German Jews, are connected by knowing each in Germany. We come to know them at first when they are still in Germany in the 1930's. It's not a Holocaust survivor novel per se because none of these characters are taken to the camps but they do ultimately survive the camps, because they were fortunate enough to have escaped that by immigrating a decade before the war. Egon, an ophthalmologist who works in a deli, his college friend Meyer, a writer advertises with a sandwich board , a young woman from a well to do family who has never worked a day in her life has to work in a five and dime are among the people in this group that stay connected, meet weekly and remain in many ways separate from the world they now live in. That is until Egon brings Catrina, an American woman, daughter of Irish immigrants into the group.

I enjoyed the writing from the beginning and was able to connect with the characters from the beginning and when called on at a time when Egon is facing a tough challenge, their friendship and support is flawless. A few words on the book description - this is not in the least bit like The Nightingale and perhaps remotely like Brooklyn. I wasn't disappointed in the least with this story which wasn't without its sadness but yet was uplifting in the friendship, love, and hope that is depicted here while these characters try to keep some of their former selves in a new life. Meyer eventually writes a column for a German Jewish newspaper and says, "Right now ours are small lives. We are mired in our work and our survival, and it is on these things we must focus. But let us never lose sight of the fact that someday, we will have children, and our legacy and duty to them is to break out of our mental and physical ghettos, let in fresh air, and once again become citizens of the world."

I received an advanced copy of this book from Grand Central Publishing through NetGalley

[Diane S ☔ · Rating 3 out of 5]

Aware of how the times are changing, a group of German Jews are fortunate enough to be able to leave their country before Hitler can implement his final Solution. They settle in Manhattan, take whatever jobs they can get, and though the jobs they take are far from the positions they held in their home country, they try to stay hopeful.

New relationships, periods of adjustment we follow a core group of characters. A slightly different type of WWII book, because these were the lucky ones though they still have family and friends in Germany who are at risk. I'm not sure why I didn't connect with this more, but I really neither liked nor disliked the characters, and the narrative seemed rather flat. This has a timely and good message about the trials and tribulations of immigrants, in fact the Irish immigrant experience is also included in the plot. Should have liked it more, many other readers did, so let's just say a worthy read, but expected more.

ARC from Netgalley.

[Cheri · Rating 4 out of 5]

Egon Schneider is the son of naturalists; his father wrote about birds, wildflowers, his mother was the illustrator of those books. They were well known as a couple, and were referred to as the Audubons of Europe. They loved their work and each other, almost to the exclusion of everything and everyone else. When Egon was a boy, they observed him in much the same manner that they observed the birds that provided the means of their livelihood. To him, to his mother, the birds were their family, as well.

One day, as Egon is heading to the bakery for some challah, he is approached by a one-legged man leaning on his crutch, offering a shoelace for a “few pennies.” His old science teacher.

People, his parents included, don’t want to believe what is happening in their beloved country. They close their eyes and ears to the possibilities of what may come.

Egon wants nothing more than to leave the old world behind, his parents’ world. He sets his sights on studying anatomy, and it is at the university in Berlin that he meets Meyer Leavitt, who shares his room in the dormitory. They will remain lifelong friends. By 1934, Egon is a highly respected ophthalmologist in Frankfurt, and Meyer is in Berlin working for Ullstein Verlag publishing company as a senior editor, and author of a children’s book.

A year later, the Nuremberg Laws were passed. Jews were no longer citizens of Germany. Life changed. Jobs were lost, no one wanted to hire Jews, no one wanted to work with them. New laws were passed every day, laws designed to make life impossible for any one who was Jewish. Little by little, it affected them all. Even those like Egan, a doctor. Little by little. That, of course, was the objective.

When Egon finally comes to realize that this “nonsense” won’t be passing anytime soon, he relents, starts the sixteen month-long process of getting his paperwork in order to leave for America, where Meyer already awaits, having helped obtain an affidavit of support for Egon. And so, he leaves the only home he’s known, and taking with him what will fit into a single suitcase. Along with a ship filled with others who, too, have gone to look for their dreams in America.

While Egon finds employment with the aid of Meyer’s connections, it is a considerable step down from being a respected doctor, but he knows that he is lucky to find employment at a local deli as the “Cheese Man.” As more immigrants arrive, tensions rise and he finds that Americans aren’t always as welcoming as he had hoped or believed.

There is a girl, or two, perhaps, although he is shy Egon is a handsome man, and can be charming when he wants. And eventually maybe love or one kind or another, followed by jealousy. Families getting together, some accepting Egon, Egon’s friends from Germany guardedly accepting his friendship with another immigrant – a young Irish woman. Not wanting to trust one outside their inner circle at first, but as time passes, walls slowly fade away. Friendship. Love. Redemption.

The Dedication in this book reads: ”To everyone from somewhere else,” the epigraph is a quote from Barack Obama’s Address to the Nation on Immigration: “My fellow Americans, we are and always will be a nation of immigrants. We were strangers once, too.” Even the fictional Meyer Leavitt is quoted in Aufbau, a journal created for German-speaking Jews which was founded in 1934, saying “America is a land of refugees and immigrants. Everyone was once a stranger here.” If we didn’t immigrate to America, chances are our ancestors did.

Many thanks to my goodreads friend, Angela, who read this recently, and it was through her wonderful review I found this book. Her review: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...



Published: 12 Sep 2017


Many thanks, also, for the ARC provided by Grand Central Publishing

[Annette · Rating 3 out of 5]

I’ve never read any books by this author and I don’t know if this is her regular style of writing. But it sounds as the author is trying to tell the whole story in one breath. You can’t even get into the period time, especially of the war, with such rush-through style of writing. It is not the style of writing I like to read. Therefore, I’m not the right reviewer for this book. There are others who appreciate this style of writing and they will reveal veracious reviews.

@FB: Best Historical Fiction

[etherealfire · Rating 5 out of 5]

I won this book in a Goodreads giveaway. This story of a small group of late 1930s era German Jewish immigrants and a second generation Irish woman and her family was moving, beautifully written and a timely reminder of the struggles and dreams and gifts immigrants bring to our country.

[Cathy · Rating 3 out of 5]

I'm so torn on this book! Ultimately, it's very raw and real and it's a story about immigrants. I found it overall so sad. Depressing, really. I always say I'm a HEA type reader, I want some hope and maybe some sweet romance. This is none of those things and it's not trying to be those things so I can't fault it. It's just a little too sad for me. I agree with some of the other reviewers in that it was crude at times (unnecessary profanity and sex scenes) I didn't love or even like the characters much. I know others will love it and I find it a very worthy story to be told and eye opening too.

[Kelley · Rating 4 out of 5]

Novel received courtesy of Goodreads.com First Reads Giveaway

I've read many WWII novels written from many different perspectives. "We Were Strangers Once" is the first novel I've read that speaks to the experience of German Jews who were lucky enough to get out of Hitler's Germany and their experiences after arriving in New York City.

The son of famous ornithologists, Egon Schnieder was an opthomologist in Frankfort when Hitler came to power. He and others from Frankfort emigrated to New York without realizing that when they arrived here, their occupations/accolades in Germany wouldn't matter to anyone here. When they arrived in New York, they were immediately second-class citizens. Egon takes a job in a grocery store where he works behind the meat and cheese counter and wears a button labeling him the "cheese man'. Others in his group must take similar positions to pay the rent and get by when they come to America.

I found the novel moving in a way I didn't realize until I was finished. Many Americans today still treat immigrants terribly. I'm ashamed that certain members of our society haven't learned how immigrants enrich our society.

[Genna · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received an ARC from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

"America is a land of refugees and immigrants. Everyone was once a stranger here."

We Were Strangers Once is a timely novel, despite being set primarily during WWII. Carter has crafted a particularly poignant cast of characters in a group of Jewish immigrants fleeing Germany for the promise of 1930s-era New York City. The narrative centers on Egon Schneider, a once proud and successful ophthalmologist in Frankfurt, now working at a Manhattan deli counter. Disheartened and degraded, yet tenacious, Egon and his close-knit group of fellow immigrants struggle for purchase and direction in a cold and uncertain new home. At the heart of this saga, Egon finds strength and purpose in his bond with a stray dog, love for the headstrong daughter of Irish immigrants, and a newfound joy in caring for animals.

A story of love, friendship, loss, and the meaning of home. Carter's strength is in her ability to mold rich characters worth savoring, both for their strengths and their deep flaws. Novels portraying victims of the injustices of WWII are not new, but a sensitively written portrait of the unique and insurmountable challenges faced by refugees in the United States during this era feels fresh and particularly apropos. Particularly worth noting are Carter's perceptive depictions of the acute challenges of learning English as a second language, comprehending American culture, and finding a balance between assimilation and perpetuation of their German Jewish heritage. We Were Strangers Once tells a difficult and unexpected, yet provocative story that is meant to be reveled in and mulled over long after the novel has ended.

[Charlene · Rating 4 out of 5]

First part of book, set in Germany, moved rather slowly but once the scene was set & a small group of Jewish friends/acquaintances from Frankfort immigrated to NYC in 1938, the story picked up and I zoomed through this in a day.

Also as a secondary story we have two first generation Irish characters who become part of the story of sorrow, pain, and slowly rebuilding lives & affirmation. Details good in the story . . . I could see the houses and gardens in Frankfort, the food, and then the tiny NYC apartments & Central Park.

[Gaele · Rating 5 out of 5]

AudioBook Review
Stars: Overall 5 Narration 5 Story 5

The real questions that are dealt with here are those faced by many immigrants: how to hold on to yourself and your culture while reinventing yourself in this new life, as someone ‘different’, and deal with the prejudices that are different from, yet ultimately similar to those you fled from? Carter takes us on life journeys from the baby steps that would lead to Nazi Germany, through emigration and relocation to New York, only to face challenges that again will reinforce their different-ness as they struggle to fit in. Less a story of the Holocaust than of the immigrant experience in 1930’s America, we are told the story through Egon’s point of view: his dismay and desires to leave Germany became a need with the passage of the Nuremburg Laws, stripping Jews of citizenship and generally making their lives impossible. He heads to New York, where he connects with old family friends he knew in Germany in a small immigrant neighborhood of Washington Heights. Sponsored in by his best friend and writer, Meyer, Egon’s story begins as we see the struggles with learning English, finding work (he ends up in a deli) and navigating the confusing and senseless discrimination that is both overt and covert, even within his own small community.

A small group of these new immigrants meet regularly to discuss their lives, commiserate and speak of difficulties in navigating this new world. While Egon relies on these friends, and sees that nothing is particularly easy, he also sees that many of his new friends are also isolating themselves from truly trying to assimilate and adjust: comparisons to ‘what was’ instead of finding a new ‘what is’ are common themes, and when he brings an American born girl, daughter of Irish immigrants to their gathering, reviews are mixed. But there is a connection between Catrina and Egon that can’t be denied, and while the difficulties jump out at every corner in terms of their relationship, the connection helps Egon to take chances and find his own path to happiness and feeling more ‘American”. Truly a story of friendship, support and struggle, bringing issues not necessarily at the forefront of the immigration discussion: language barriers, non-recognition of educational credentials, the pace and cost of life, the need to have a support system of friends who are both similar in experience and different. A lovely, uplifting listen that brings an often unheard-from point of view to the discussion of immigration and differences.

Narration for this story is provided by Suzanne Toren and she manages to present the story with a flair that, considering the characters were mostly male, felt natural and authentic. Her flair for accent, the ability to present moments with the appropriate emotions and the clarity of delivery all added to the auditory interest. Where one might expect anger at the situation, there was a controlled and almost ‘reined in’ tension to the speech, the tentative approach in new situations and the relief in the familiarity with friends meeting were all clearly recognizable and allowed me that ‘fly on the wall’ feeling. A lovely performance that perfectly complimented the text and provided an emotional element that I think was intended by the author in the writing of the story.

As said in the dedication: “To Everyone from Somewhere Else”, and truly, we are all from somewhere else.

I received an AudioBpok copy of the title from Hachette Audio for purpose of honest review. I was not compensated for this review: all conclusions are my own responsibility.

Review first appeared at I am, Indeed

[Dana · Rating 5 out of 5]

"We Were Strangers Once," by Betsy Carter is a magnificent and heartbreaking novel. I always find it extremely difficult to read books about Jews being persecuted, whether IN Nazi Germany or during those years, even if the characters had escaped to the US. They were still treated cruelly. In the case of this novel, the main characters are German Jews, as were my ancestors on my father's side, though they came to the US before the Civil War, rather than in the 1930's, when things were even more dangerous. The characters in Carter's brilliant novel were highly educated, and had lived good lives in Germany. They were doctors and lawyers, professionals, or women who were able to live in magnificent homes and tend to those homes and their loved ones. Imagine coming to NY as a respected physician, and being unable to practice medicine, but instead, to be a cheese slicer in a deli. Or, think about being a writer, and having to wear a sandwich board advertising the food for a local restaurant. Think of an older couple, who could only take a few treasured things from their grand home in Frankfurt, only to live in a tiny space in the Washington Heights section of NYC. Immigrants arrived, only to need to sleep on someone's lumpy sofa, often for a year or more, until they could save enough money to afford their own tiny apartment. I feel so pained when I read these things, knowing these immigrants are my ancestors, in many ways. So much talent and brain power was lost to the evils of Hitler and his supporters with 6,000,000 dead Jews, but a lot was lost in this country when immigrants were not allowed to keep their law and medical licenses and so much more.
This is the story of Egon, an ophthamologist in his native Germany, his friend since university, Meyer, a well known writer in Germany, Leisl, who came from great wealth and now works in, and steals from a 5&10 cent store, and of the lovely Catrina, the daughter of Irish immigrants, who suffered as well, but not the degree as the Jewish immigrants. The Jewish community of immigrants kept to their own, lived in a small area and socialized with one another. There were passionate affairs, betrayals, and heartbreaks that had me crying. Catrina was able to join them through her love for Egon. The late 1930's and early 1940's was not a time for much intermingling of races or religions, but sometimes, love prevails and the norm does not matter.
The characters were so well drawn, as were the descriptions of the time and place, to the point where I could smell the things the characters were smelling. I could feel what they felt, and want what they wanted. I wished I could have saved them from betrayal, the way Egon saved animals brought to him by owners who could not afford to see a veterinarian. Egon was not a perfect man. He made some immoral choices, but mostly, he was such a good, kind man. I so wanted for him to find happiness.
This is a book not to miss if you like reading about the era leading up to and during World War II without reading about battles and life in occupied countries in Europe. While the novel started in Germany, the majority of the story took place in New York, before and after the War started. Had it concentrated on the War IN Europe, I could not have read it. It hurts too much. Those were my people, and reading about the horrors absolutely traumatizes me!
Great book by one of the finest novelists alive today. I highly recommend it. If you liked "The Four Winds" by Kristin Hannah, you will like this! Different era, different setting, but similar and tone and feeling.

[Lynne Spreen · Rating 3 out of 5]

The story centers on Egon Schneider, a Jewish man who achieved success as an ophthalmologist in his native Germany but fled to America when the persecution intensified. Egon was the child of a couple who were devoted to each other but not him, so he developed in an atmosphere of emotional deprivation. This deprivation continued in his life as an immigrant to New York City, in that he couldn't practice medicine and was lucky to find a depressing job as a grocery clerk. Other characters served to represent the German Jewish and immigrant experience, and their bleak lives are described as well. A major shortcoming of this novel is that the characters feel distant. For example, Egon's story jumps from his college years to his life as a renowned doctor; his only relationships during that time are meaningless affairs. And then he is on his way to America. The lives of the characters were interesting but unmoving. The novel offers an unflinching depiction of the struggle of immigrants and their different levels of resilience, but it didn't engage me emotionally.

[Kimberly · Rating 5 out of 5]

We Were Strangers Once by [Carter, Betsy]I was given this book by NetGalley however the review is my own honest opinion

I found this book lyrical and tender in a way. The book is set in Germany, during Hitler's time, and in Washington Heights. It talks about the people who have to leave one country to live somewhere else. I felt like I could relate to the characters and the journey they made felt real. I enjoyed this book and I recommend it to all.

[Lynn · Rating 3 out of 5]

We were Strangers Once tells a familiar tale about the struggle of new immigrants. The setting is New York during WWII. No matter the time period, the fears of fitting in and forging a new life are similar. Egon Schneider has made it out of Germany in the nick of time, but barriers exist for this young Jewish doctor. He forms a close group of friends who support each other as they are forced to leave behind some of their hopes and dreams. New experiences will shape their lives now.

This was a decent read which could have been enriched by a stronger focus on character development. This is my opinion only, it's a matter of personal taste as I love character driven novels. Other reviewers have rated this book highly and you should take note of their thoughts.

Thank you to Grand Central Publishing and Goodreads for an advance reading copy in exchange for an honest review.

[Carol · Rating 5 out of 5]

Betsy Carter's novel skillfully parallels the lives of German Jewish and Irish immigrants coming to this country with no option but to start over again. Her main character, a respected ophthalmologist before fleeing Europe, is reduced to selling cheese in a deli. The story is very timely -- I was reminded of a Chinese woman who spoke no English and was therefore not really eligible to be a housekeeper in our store, despite the fact that her husband said she was a chemical engineer before leaving for the US. The courage and tenacity required to make it in our country is touchingly reflected in We Were Strangers Once. As we face an error of increased hostility to newcomers, we need to remember that most of us are descended from immigrants who at one time faced these challenges and overcame them for the sake of the generations to follow.

[Kasey Brinkley · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was interested in reading this book since most of the WWII historical fiction books I have read take place in Europe. This novel primarily takes place in New York City following the lives of German Jewish immigrants (with the exception of Catrina and her family- Irish immigrants) on the eve of WWII. I appreciated the to-the-point writing style in the beginning of the book. The author gave you just enough information and the storyline moved quickly. Halfway into the book I found myself wanting more and realized I was no longer connecting with the characters.
I did appreciate the perspective on immigration, especially during wartime, and the impact it has on one's self image.

[Edie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm tettering between 3 and 4 stars but 4 wins out because the ending was a good one. For me this was a different WWII book. German Jewish Immigrants to America, not because they really wanted to come but because they had no choices left to them in Germany.

I would have liked the characters to be more developed but in the end perhaps the reader has what is needed to become involved and to root for them in their new country.

[Amy Rhodes · Rating 5 out of 5]

Once again, Carter has created richly sympathetic characters and provided wonderful period detail. The pacing is terrific; you feel as if you are racing through the lives of her people but with no lack of texture or context. This is a fully fleshed out saga of immigrants who have made it out of Germany in the late 30's and are building new lives and families in NY.

[Carol · Rating 4 out of 5]

It is intriguing that the author waited until both of her parents had passed away before writing this book. Just like in this book, her parents were German Jews who escaped before Hitler's full scale of them for extermination.

Egon Schneider, the main character of this book was the son of successful naturalists. His father wrote about birds and his mother illustrated them. Egon felt closest to his mother and his father mainly ignored him. So when he died he felt very alone. Not having the talent to capture the special qualities in drawing them, Egon decided to become an ophthamalogist. He and his roommate, Meyer, in college were very different but they started a lifelong friendship. They both escaped Germany for New York just in time.

A group of German immigrants formed and Egon's affection for animals lead to his meeting an Irish immigrant, Catrina. The German Jews had fled Germany because of the impending Holocaust. They had no choice if they wanted to stay alive but many did not believe what was happening until they barely could make it out. One of the basic themes of the book was whether or not they would
assimilate. In the group, Meyer was the closest to do that but an older couple who kept thinking they would return to the beloved home could not do that,

I enjoyed reading this book very much, especially the parts that animals played in this story. The characters were complex and it was difficult to stop reading.

I received a finished copy of this book from a win from FirstReads. My thoughts and feelings in this review are totally my own

[Betsy · Rating 3 out of 5]

The story centers around immigrates coming to the US at the beginning of WWII. As they struggle to find meaningful work and adjust to subpar living conditions, they meet other immigrants and forge friendships. It follows the life of Egan Schneider, who was a respected Jewish eye doctor in Germany. He becomes known as ‘The Cheese Man’ because of his menial job in a deli. Through all his hardships, he never loses his desire to help others and comes to appreciate the careers of the parents he left behind.

[Penny Gilchrist · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful

A poignant and breathtaking story. Uplifting, too, despite its serious themes. The characters’ tough lives are not sugarcoated, but with every disappointment, fear, and fall from grace, Egon and most of his friends find the strength to rise above. They may have limited funds, but they have each other—an improbable group of strangers-turned-family. There is a lesson to be learned: When one has left almost everything behind, the only way to move on is to accept the losses, cherish the present, and work toward the future.

[Bev Davis · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love historical fiction and have read many books from this era. I had not read anything about Jewish immigrants to the US and their experiences. I loved this book and will now read her previous work. The only reason I gave it a 4 rather than a 5 is that I thought that the immigrants would have thoroughly discussed the atrocities going on in Germany regularly. It was a very good read and I highly recommend it.

[Amy · Rating 3 out of 5]

I won this book through a Goodreads giveaway. I really wanted to like this book as I enjoy stories set in WWII. The story follows Egon, a German opthomologist, during the early part of the war and his immigration to the US. While the premise of the story resonates especially today, Egon and his friends were unsympathetic and somewhat unlikeable. Only the backstory on Catrina, Egon’s friend of Irish decent, really held my interest. The story wrapped up too fast and was too predictable.

[Carolyn S · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very well written, about a group of Jewish friends in America. All of who escaped Germany to avoid the unsettledment that was going on over there in the late 1930's. Most were professionals and needed to work at any job they could get in NY City.
This book shows the struggles they all have adjusting to life in NYC and how they overcome the abandonment of Germany.
Great book.

[Paula Engle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Betsy Carter certainly touches the heart in this binge worthy story of a group of German Jews escaping Germany pre-Hitler. I'm not sure why I let this book sit on my bookshelves until now. I am very glad I pulled this important book, written in 2017, to read now. It's a very important story of humanity and reminds us of the current wave of immigrants to our country.

[Sue · Rating 4 out of 5]

I listened to this while driving back and forth to work. A good story of a group refugees experience that can help us understand that experience for todays refugees. Being forced from your home is very different from choosing to leave.

[Kelly Ann Meegan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent story throughly enjoyed

[Jan Reatherford · Rating 3 out of 5]

Jewish immigrants leave their native Germany, escaping Hitler, and find themselves in some unlikely relationships in New York. Like many immigrants, Egon was a successful doctor in Germany which is useless in his new country so he takes a job in grocery store. The diverse group holds together trying to acclimate to their new lives while holding onto the hope of going back to Germany someday. I liked most of the characters and enjoyed the book.

[Josephine · Rating 3 out of 5]

Read this book after winning a Goodreads giveaway (thank you!). I’ve always been drawn to stories about the immigrant experience, and this is a solid one. Flawed characters abound, which made the story much more enjoyable.

[Jeanne · Rating 3 out of 5]

The Schneiders of Germany were a family of refinement, intellect and wealth. They were also Jewish. It is their son, Egon, who will come of age during the rise of the Nazis. He is one of the lucky ones who will make his way to the US before America enters the war. In NYC, Egon will rely upon other Jewish refugees who are all having a hard time assimilating. Egon will also meet an Irish-American woman, Catrina, who is part of the first generation to be born in the US. So much of the experience of these characters is relevant today. They have problems with language, cultural norms and a longing for the life they left behind.

I could have done without the descriptions of animal cruelty. The author has used love of animals as a thread tying people together. I was not prepared for these horrible descriptions and I had to skip over some sections.

Despite my criticism, all-in-all, it was a good read.