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A Jewish Family Saga #4
The Syndrome That Saved Us
As the saga continues in Manhattan, Sam Schatzman learns that rash decisions can be life altering.
When an old enemy from the KKK, who had once tormented him, appears back in his life, will he rise above his hatred, or will he allow it to consume him?
Across the ocean, in Berlin, Esther and Ted Birnbaum are faced with leaving everything and everyone they love behind in an effort to survive Hitler’s vicious attack on the Jews of Germany.
But even if they are willing to sacrifice all they have worked for and leave Germany, where will they go, and how will they get out?
They have no one to turn to for help except their oldest employee, Hans Hubermann. But Hans's son, Erwin, is showing great promise in the Hitler Youth, and Luisa, a longtime enemy of the Birnbaums', has taken notice of Erwin’s advancements in the organization. Does she realize Erwin is Hans’s son, and that Hans is connected to the Birnbaums? And if she does, what will the ramifications of this be?
In Rome, the Nazis are rounding up all the Jewish people in the ghetto. There is talk that these poor innocent souls are being sent to Auschwitz and perhaps even murdered. When Lory hears this, he becomes desperate. His beloved wife, Alma, is Jewish, and he must find a way to save her. But how?
When three doctors at a Roman Catholic hospital approach him with a brilliant but dangerous plan, Lory and Alma must decide whether they are willing to take the risk of joining these three antifascists or try to escape from Italy on their own.
This is book four, the final book, in A Jewish Family Saga series.
When an old enemy from the KKK, who had once tormented him, appears back in his life, will he rise above his hatred, or will he allow it to consume him?
Across the ocean, in Berlin, Esther and Ted Birnbaum are faced with leaving everything and everyone they love behind in an effort to survive Hitler’s vicious attack on the Jews of Germany.
But even if they are willing to sacrifice all they have worked for and leave Germany, where will they go, and how will they get out?
They have no one to turn to for help except their oldest employee, Hans Hubermann. But Hans's son, Erwin, is showing great promise in the Hitler Youth, and Luisa, a longtime enemy of the Birnbaums', has taken notice of Erwin’s advancements in the organization. Does she realize Erwin is Hans’s son, and that Hans is connected to the Birnbaums? And if she does, what will the ramifications of this be?
In Rome, the Nazis are rounding up all the Jewish people in the ghetto. There is talk that these poor innocent souls are being sent to Auschwitz and perhaps even murdered. When Lory hears this, he becomes desperate. His beloved wife, Alma, is Jewish, and he must find a way to save her. But how?
When three doctors at a Roman Catholic hospital approach him with a brilliant but dangerous plan, Lory and Alma must decide whether they are willing to take the risk of joining these three antifascists or try to escape from Italy on their own.
This is book four, the final book, in A Jewish Family Saga series.
- GenresHistorical Fiction
360 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 6, 2021
517 people are currently reading
210 people want to read
About the author
Roberta Kagan
72 books651 followersI’m an American writer of Jewish and Romany decent. I write Historical Fiction and Historical Romance, most of which is set during the holocaust. Although I never discount the horrors of the time period, the main focus of my work is on ordinary people who prove to be strong heroic characters in unfathomable circumstances.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews
April 18, 2021
Wow!! 5.0
"Syndrome K"
Have you ever heard of "Syndrome K" ?
Having read hundreds of books on the Holocaust, fiction and fact, I have never heard this before.
"Syndrome K" was true disease "invented" to save Jews from the Nazi's.
Invented by three non-jewish Doctors inside a Catholic Hospital in Italy, it was a brilliant concept.
This book and Wikipedia can give you a better explanation than I could.
//////
My grandmother always said: Stacey- What doesn't kill you makes you stronger.
Being in my early 20's at the time, I truly did not understand the depth of what she meant.
But... Roberta Kagan certainly did, which she proves flawlessly throughout this book.
It wasn't just the fact that Syndrome K was the only defense in saving lives; it was the courage by "righteous gentiles" such as doctors and strangers who became involved, but...
most important was that the "power of the human spirit" was never underestimated by the characters at risk.
The author writes a stunning story of fiction and fact, but yet; there is a different take on "living and "love" which spans over time in Europe and America.
This book is not about the activities inside a concentration camp.
Three of the many important topics that stay with us long after the novel is finished are ones that stay current with us today; intermarriage, priorities, and deceit.
We all know deceit, however; nothing as remotely close to the persona given to Luisa who I met early on. Vile and evil are the kindest words I choose to describe her.
Luisa, a younger woman was a childhood friend of my heroine Esther's daughter.
She won her title by torturing Esther's daughter emotionally and physically, moving on to Esther to abuse her verbally and emotionally ; her final long term act being in playing with the mind and body of an adolescent; as we know can be a most dangerous game for both.
When it comes to the topic of "priorities" sometimes we have to re-think their order of importance.
Material things can't save a life, but sometimes they can make a life a bit easier.
I address the above topics only because they are safe from spoilers.
Having a proclivity to include spoilers that I am not aware of wouldn't be fair to another reader.
Is there such a thing close enough to a happy ending in a novel about jews during the Holocaust?
There is when you re-examine your priorities and recognize what constitutes a blessing.
Roberta Kagan has written 41 books-
and for me.. is a household name.
"Syndrome K"
Have you ever heard of "Syndrome K" ?
Having read hundreds of books on the Holocaust, fiction and fact, I have never heard this before.
"Syndrome K" was true disease "invented" to save Jews from the Nazi's.
Invented by three non-jewish Doctors inside a Catholic Hospital in Italy, it was a brilliant concept.
This book and Wikipedia can give you a better explanation than I could.
//////
My grandmother always said: Stacey- What doesn't kill you makes you stronger.
Being in my early 20's at the time, I truly did not understand the depth of what she meant.
But... Roberta Kagan certainly did, which she proves flawlessly throughout this book.
It wasn't just the fact that Syndrome K was the only defense in saving lives; it was the courage by "righteous gentiles" such as doctors and strangers who became involved, but...
most important was that the "power of the human spirit" was never underestimated by the characters at risk.
The author writes a stunning story of fiction and fact, but yet; there is a different take on "living and "love" which spans over time in Europe and America.
This book is not about the activities inside a concentration camp.
Three of the many important topics that stay with us long after the novel is finished are ones that stay current with us today; intermarriage, priorities, and deceit.
We all know deceit, however; nothing as remotely close to the persona given to Luisa who I met early on. Vile and evil are the kindest words I choose to describe her.
Luisa, a younger woman was a childhood friend of my heroine Esther's daughter.
She won her title by torturing Esther's daughter emotionally and physically, moving on to Esther to abuse her verbally and emotionally ; her final long term act being in playing with the mind and body of an adolescent; as we know can be a most dangerous game for both.
When it comes to the topic of "priorities" sometimes we have to re-think their order of importance.
Material things can't save a life, but sometimes they can make a life a bit easier.
I address the above topics only because they are safe from spoilers.
Having a proclivity to include spoilers that I am not aware of wouldn't be fair to another reader.
Is there such a thing close enough to a happy ending in a novel about jews during the Holocaust?
There is when you re-examine your priorities and recognize what constitutes a blessing.
Roberta Kagan has written 41 books-
and for me.. is a household name.
January 18, 2021
Wonderful series
This whole series is suberb, and a different take on the holocaust. The subject that started the series is awful, and unbelivable. But, I guess that anyone might believe anything through fear. Never again we hope.
This whole series is suberb, and a different take on the holocaust. The subject that started the series is awful, and unbelivable. But, I guess that anyone might believe anything through fear. Never again we hope.
September 29, 2023
Roberta leaves no characters behind! She always wraps it up in a bow…but breaks your heart along the way. Obsessed with this author’s books. Fantastic series. I will miss the characters.
(Audiobook)
(Audiobook)
February 22, 2021
Terrific as always
What a wonderful series of books. Thank you for not concentrating on the horrible facts of the concentration camps. We are all well informed on those facts. These four books had just the amount to make someone like me proud to be Jewish and understand our heritage
What a wonderful series of books. Thank you for not concentrating on the horrible facts of the concentration camps. We are all well informed on those facts. These four books had just the amount to make someone like me proud to be Jewish and understand our heritage
May 24, 2021
Very sensitive read.
I am really enjoying reading this amazing Jewish saga. I am reading it In record time, as I'm having a hard time putting it down. It's been hard to read about all the evil that was described here. So many people lost because of one man's actions, but I have really enjoyed the love that flowed through so many people.
I am really enjoying reading this amazing Jewish saga. I am reading it In record time, as I'm having a hard time putting it down. It's been hard to read about all the evil that was described here. So many people lost because of one man's actions, but I have really enjoyed the love that flowed through so many people.
January 8, 2021
I'm sad its ended
I loved this series the stories were about everyone this was a sad book but also a happy one at least the ending was happy. I will definitely be reading these again
I loved this series the stories were about everyone this was a sad book but also a happy one at least the ending was happy. I will definitely be reading these again
December 19, 2021
Again another page turner by RK. Wonderfully written, factual and romantic. For a war story this is not particularly gruesome and suits most readers that perhaps wouldn't normally be drawn to war time books. In fact I highly recommend people who know little about WWII to read this book in the series, even if they haven't read the others yet.
There are quite a few tears in this book as some in the mostlyJewish family perish, babies are born, kids die, people are rescued and some reunited after the war. All sensitively described and put into beautiful and relatively easy reading pages of compelling reading. The storyline moves between Italy, USA and Germany, giving the reader a great perspective of a world in war. If you're tossing up to read this or not, do yourself a favour and start immediately!
There are quite a few tears in this book as some in the mostlyJewish family perish, babies are born, kids die, people are rescued and some reunited after the war. All sensitively described and put into beautiful and relatively easy reading pages of compelling reading. The storyline moves between Italy, USA and Germany, giving the reader a great perspective of a world in war. If you're tossing up to read this or not, do yourself a favour and start immediately!
July 8, 2021
Jean38no
I thoroughly enjoyed the saga of this Jewish family from shedding light on the anti- semitism in American ,to WWII.
The war sparked by Hitler’s Germany under the control of a madman seeking world domination. He using the hated of the Jews to bind people to follow him. What happened to this fictitious family probably happened to many, many Jewish families. Being thrown into concentration camps that were death camps. Losing everything they owed. Hiding from Nazis to stay alive. Starvation. Somehow they did come through it. The author excellently brings alive Europe and America during this time.
I thoroughly enjoyed the saga of this Jewish family from shedding light on the anti- semitism in American ,to WWII.
The war sparked by Hitler’s Germany under the control of a madman seeking world domination. He using the hated of the Jews to bind people to follow him. What happened to this fictitious family probably happened to many, many Jewish families. Being thrown into concentration camps that were death camps. Losing everything they owed. Hiding from Nazis to stay alive. Starvation. Somehow they did come through it. The author excellently brings alive Europe and America during this time.
June 20, 2025
I have loved every one of Roberta Kagan’s novels. This was the last in a 4 book series and you journey through life, love, and loss right along with this family. It was beautifully written and without being too graphic you really get a glimpse into what the Jewish people went through. how much their lives were upended (an understatement of course) but a little glimpse leads to greater compassion and more understanding. It’s still hard to believe anything so atrocious as this could have happened.
December 20, 2023
This is a very hard book to read. Not because of the way it's written, but because of the content. I kept thinking of my family, and so many other families like mine. Hate for no reason is such a wasted emotion.
I will read many more of Ms. Kagan's books, but not for awhile. This series has had a great impact on me. I have learned things that I felt I should have known about WW2 and what lead up to it.
This book, this series, touched me to core.
I will read many more of Ms. Kagan's books, but not for awhile. This series has had a great impact on me. I have learned things that I felt I should have known about WW2 and what lead up to it.
This book, this series, touched me to core.
September 20, 2021
My Musings
While this series has been up and down for me, it does have a very satisfying conclusion in this book. It shows the determination to survive under horrifying circumstances. The author did an extremely good job of tying up all storylines. I am glad I found this series on Kindle Unlimited. Happy reading!
While this series has been up and down for me, it does have a very satisfying conclusion in this book. It shows the determination to survive under horrifying circumstances. The author did an extremely good job of tying up all storylines. I am glad I found this series on Kindle Unlimited. Happy reading!
September 24, 2021
Good book about the lives of many in WWII. Esther, the mother who lost her husband, Ted and her daughter, Goldie was always good to everyone. She was taken to a concentration camp but was intercepted by a Nazi military man who needed a maid. Then the war ended and the last few chapters are devoted to tracing everyone in her family who was still alive.
February 10, 2022
LOVED IT!
This was a page-turner but all of Roberta’s books are. I think this was so good because it showed the reader that love is something all can have, if they believe. I was so very moved by the story especially by the grandmother, maybe because I am one. Read this and learn that hatred is wrong and love through God is the way!
This was a page-turner but all of Roberta’s books are. I think this was so good because it showed the reader that love is something all can have, if they believe. I was so very moved by the story especially by the grandmother, maybe because I am one. Read this and learn that hatred is wrong and love through God is the way!
November 26, 2022
This book follows Esther Birnbaum and her family thru WWII, with the trials and unbelievable challenges that the Jews encountered from the Nazis. From Berlin to Poland, to America and Italy the entire family is documented and part is decimated. Roberta Kagan is a master at telling these stories, which are fiction but based on truth.
July 24, 2023
Story is brilliant
Roberta is wonderful at weaving together historical fiction and areas you may not have known existed - like syndrome K. Hope, survival, kindness in unexpected places, people you hate who finally get what they want. But she could use a new editor, one that matches her skill for a tightly woven thriller you won't put it down till the last page.
Roberta is wonderful at weaving together historical fiction and areas you may not have known existed - like syndrome K. Hope, survival, kindness in unexpected places, people you hate who finally get what they want. But she could use a new editor, one that matches her skill for a tightly woven thriller you won't put it down till the last page.
June 9, 2024
This was the last book of The Jewish Family Saga. The story from the first book to the fourth book was very well written. The characters were defined and enhanced with each book. Be prepared to pick up the next one immediately as there is a cliffhanger at the end of the first three!!!
The final book ends each character with a definite conclusion to their story- I love that!!!
The final book ends each character with a definite conclusion to their story- I love that!!!
January 19, 2021
Another Roberta Karen hit! I had to wait till I had all 4 books before starting to read this series.m I love Robert as writing, can never get enough. A family story during WWll, leaving you sad and happy. If you have never read Robertas books you are truly missing out.
September 30, 2021
Don
Roberta Kagan has written many books about the second world war and
the Nazis' handling of Jews. I have read most of them. They are excellent reads
and document that part of history that many have forgotten. I highly recommend her books
Roberta Kagan has written many books about the second world war and
the Nazis' handling of Jews. I have read most of them. They are excellent reads
and document that part of history that many have forgotten. I highly recommend her books
April 17, 2022
Survivors and reunions.
The final book of a remarkable and well written series. Recommended to all lovers of WW2 romantic fiction. Roberta is a rare author where every book is a five star page turner.
The final book of a remarkable and well written series. Recommended to all lovers of WW2 romantic fiction. Roberta is a rare author where every book is a five star page turner.
October 22, 2022
A WWII Story of family, love and survival
Spanning Germany, Italy, Poland and America, a family is torn apart by the hatred of the Nazi Party. Some die, some survive, and try to find the will to live after the war. Will there ever be a reunion?
Spanning Germany, Italy, Poland and America, a family is torn apart by the hatred of the Nazi Party. Some die, some survive, and try to find the will to live after the war. Will there ever be a reunion?
November 4, 2022
Last Book
This is the last novel in a Jewish Family Saga. I have read all of the books and this one put all the characters from the previous books together. It has a bittersweet ending..I felt I knew the characters personally.
This is the last novel in a Jewish Family Saga. I have read all of the books and this one put all the characters from the previous books together. It has a bittersweet ending..I felt I knew the characters personally.
February 4, 2023
Good ending for a 4 book series. I had read the first 3 over 2 years ago. The author was able to remind me of the characters easily. This was good enough to be a stand alone book. I’ve read about 22 of her books. This one was a winner from all sides.
June 5, 2023
Wonderful
I knew it had to end even though I didn't want it to. A terrific conclusion to an amazing four part saga. Deep characters and plenty of drama with historical accuracy blended seamlessly in. This is one series that will not disappoint.
I knew it had to end even though I didn't want it to. A terrific conclusion to an amazing four part saga. Deep characters and plenty of drama with historical accuracy blended seamlessly in. This is one series that will not disappoint.
June 28, 2025
Brilliant series.
Syndrome K was a fictional disease invented by Italian doctors in a catholic hospital in Italy during World War II to save Jews from Nazi persecution. The deception was never discovered by the Nazis, and many lives were saved.
Syndrome K was a fictional disease invented by Italian doctors in a catholic hospital in Italy during World War II to save Jews from Nazi persecution. The deception was never discovered by the Nazis, and many lives were saved.
January 16, 2021
This book tied up this particular series beautifully. Sad, happy, hopeful. I hated to see it end!
January 27, 2021
Great book
I really liked this book. I did enjoy the entire series. I was glad for some happy endings in spite of all the horror during this time in history.
I really liked this book. I did enjoy the entire series. I was glad for some happy endings in spite of all the horror during this time in history.
January 27, 2021
Roberta has done it again! This was a brilliant 5 star book! The characters became my friends as they always do in Robertas books! Thank you!! Looking forward to your next series!
January 28, 2021
Roberta Kagan writes great stories, focusing on individuals who represent people we know. Her books are great reads and I look forward to each one
Read
February 4, 2021Couldn’t put down!
Another winner for this author as she continues to place the reader back into Nazi Germany for a story I couldn’t wait to continue
Another winner for this author as she continues to place the reader back into Nazi Germany for a story I couldn’t wait to continue
May 28, 2021
Anything by This Author is Good
This is the last book in this series. There's a lot of tragedy but a satisfying ending. Read the series in order for the best experience.
This is the last book in this series. There's a lot of tragedy but a satisfying ending. Read the series in order for the best experience.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews