The Corset Maker

by Annette Libeskind Berkovits

WWII-era novel celebrates female friendships and the resilience of the human spirit

THE CORSET MAKER a historical novel

The master planner of rebuilding Ground Zero, world-renowned architect Daniel Libeskind, has created a new piece of art for the cover of “The Corset Maker,” the forthcoming historical fiction novel by his sister, author Annette Libeskind Berkovits. The novel–loosely inspired by their mother’s real life story–is a powerful addition to the genre of 20th century historical fiction, and is slated for release on International Women's Day, March 8, 2022.

In Warsaw, Poland, the young Rifka Berg, raised in an ultra Orthodox home, asks her father why girls don’t have bar mitzvahs. Eventually, his answer provokes Rifka to risk
everything. In a bold move, unheard of at the time, teenage Rifka and her close friend, Bronka, open their own business–a corset shop on the most fashionable street in Warsaw. Rifka yearns to read forbidden literature and to explore the world beyond the confines of her small community.

Her wishes come true, albeit harrowingly, when the tumultuous events of the 20th century take her on a journey for survival. A Parisian Count, a Moroccan arms smuggler, and an orphaned Spanish boy will test the convictions and tug at Rifka's heart. Faced with life and death situations, Rifka will have to take immense risks. She will have to decide if there is ever a time to abandon her principles for a higher purpose. What decisions will she make? Will circumstances choose for her?

In this unforgettable journey, Rifka becomes embroiled in some of the most violent events of the century: the Jewish-Arab conflict in Palestine, the Spanish Civil War and the Nazi occupation of Southern France. As her involvement deepens, she sees firsthand how autocratic rule deprives people of even the simplest freedoms.

Rifka's personal struggles and dilemmas go to the heart of the major ethical issues and challenges of our time.

Genres: Historical Fiction, Fiction, Historical

452 pages, Kindle Edition

Published March 8, 2022

About the author

Annette Libeskind Berkovits was born in Kyrgyzstan and grew up in postwar Poland and the fledgling state of Israel before coming to America at age sixteen.

Despite being uprooted from country to country, Berkovits has channeled her passions into language study and writing. She has published two memoirs, short stories, selected poems, and now The Corset Maker, a historical novel. Erythra Thalassa: Brain Disrupted is her first poetry chapbook.

Her stories and poems have appeared in Silk Road Review: a Literary Crossroads; Persimmon Tree; American Gothic: a New Chamber Opera; Blood & Thunder: Musings on the Art of Medicine; and The Healing Muse.

Her first memoir, In the Unlikeliest of Places, a story of her remarkable father’s survival, was published by Wilfrid Laurier University Press in September 2014 and reissued in paperback in 2016. Her second memoir, Confessions of an Accidental Zoo Curator, was published in April 2017.

In her three-decade career with the Wildlife Conservation Society in New York, she spearheaded the institution’s nationwide and worldwide science education programs. Her achievements include the first-ever agreement to bring environmental education to China’s schools. The National Science Foundation has recognized her outstanding leadership in the field.

Reviews

[Stephanie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rifka Berg grew up in Warsaw, Poland in the 1920's. In her Orthodox Jewish home Rifka notices that women do not have as many opportunities as men and are only expected to get married and have children. Rifka breaks free from this mold and opens a corset shop with her best friend, Bronka. While difficult in the beginning, the two women succeed in business with their talent and charisma. However, with Hitler's rise to power and the Nuremberg Laws in 1935, danger is lurking. Rifka becomes worried about her sister Golda in Palestine and decides to travel to find her. In order to travel safely to Palestine, Rifka assumes a new name and becomes Raquela Bluestone. Upon entering Palestine, Rifka becomes entangled in the Jewish-Arab conflict and becomes part of events that will change her for a lifetime. After Palestine, Rifka cannot imagine going home and decides to travel to Spain. When arriving in Spain she becomes embroiled in the Spanish Civil War and watches over the orphans from the war. During Rifka's time in the orphanage, she becomes attached to orphan Manuel and takes him with her when she escapes to France. In France Rifka and Manuel face Nazi occupation, but with their skills, they join the French Resistance. Rifka once again changes her name, now Simone Bonheur, she is able to help others escape to freedom.

The Corset Maker is an epic story of bravery, survival and resistance. Loosely based on the author's mother, I can only imagine that she was an absolutely tremendous woman. Rifka's character captured me from the very beginning as she defended a neighbor. I was constantly amazed by her ability to question what was happening around her, stand up for what is right, and make choices for herself. While not all of her choices were for the best, she stood by her decisions and carried on. Through Rifka we are able to see the effects of three wars as well as the people who gave everything to fight in them. Rifka's story spans a long amount of time and while I was absorbed in the details of each period of her life, I wanted to know more about her feelings and connections during some of the more tense moments when we just got a play-by-play. Some of the time hops also took me by surprise as well as the switch in perspective between Rifka and Bronka. Bronka's story seemed to just be there to tie up loose ends instead of contributing to the story. I do wish there had been a fuller arc for her. As Rifka's journey landed in France, the suspense heightened with her involvement in the Resistance. I would have loved to have more details of her involvement with removing children from danger. Overall, a factual-based story of hope, resilience and adapting while keeping true to yourself.

This book was received for free in return for an honest review.

[Miranda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Annette Libeskind Berkovits creates a vivid look into the life of Rifka, our main character, as she learns who she is in a world that is working against her in terms of both her gender and her religion. Rifka's journey to find her identity (an identity that actually changes for her own protection more than once), is compelling, and the struggles she faces feel very raw and authentic. There were moments that struck me deeply, and parts of the story that I am still dwelling on. I would highly recommend this book to anyone who is interested in historical fiction set during WWII that does not necessarily dwell solely on the war, but rather the people and their experiences.


Thank you to NetGalley for providing me with a copy of the novel! The review above is completely my own thoughts, feelings, and opinions.

[Clued-in With A Book (Elvina Ulrich) · Rating 3 out of 5]

The Story: The Corset Maker follows the life of Rifka Berg which spans over four decades. It begins with her setting up a corset shop with her best friend, Bronka on the most fashionable street in Warsaw in 1933. She later travels to Palestine to look for her sister and eventually found herself embroiled in the Jewish-Arab conflict in Palestine, the Spanish Civil War and the Nazi occupation of Southern France.

My thoughts: This story was loosely inspired by the author's mother real life story and it definitely grabbed my attention. I liked all the different settings and the different people Rifka encountered.

The author explained in the beginning of the book that she is a non-fiction writer and you can clearly see that with the amount of research done for this book. It was descriptive and atmospheric. I enjoyed reading all the events that occurred in the book. The pace did slow down in the middle and there was tad more non-fiction feel in the overall story.

Overall, this was a pretty good read. I liked the different settings which was different from other WWII historical fiction I've read.

Pub. Date: March 8th, 2022

***Thank you Amsterdam Publishers for this gifted review copy. All opinions expressed are my own.***

[Simone · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was an exciting read, especially if you like history! There's so many parts of WW2 that you can write about and Annette does such a great job weaving together multiple important conflicts of the 20th century into one story, and it works really well.

[Kayla Tornello · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book follows the life of the main character, Rifka, throughout and after WWII. I really enjoyed the various settings and seeing the difference between life in different countries. I also liked how all the characters are complicated and change and mature over time. Despite all the heartbreak from the war, there is still a thread of perseverance and hope throughout the story. I particularly appreciated that this book was inspired by the author's mother.

I received a copy of this book from Books Forward.

[Corey · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thanks to @booksforwardpr
And the author for an eARc in exchabge for an honest review

When I first started this book I thought it was just another WWII historical fiction novel, but I'm happy to say I was wrong. The story follows the lifetime of Rifka Berg, a Polish Jewish woman as she leaves Poland to embark upon quite the epic journey. While the time period in the novel does coincide with WWII, the conflicts most highlighted were those between the Arabic and Jewish people in Palestine and the Spanish Civil War. This is a lengthier book, but is written in such a way that it is not tedious in the least to read.

Throughout the book Rifka meets and loses touch with several lovers and friends but the fate of all important players is revealed by the end of the book bringing much needed closure.

Rifka's story is a study of love in its many forms, personal evolution, and survival❤

I give this one ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ stars and highly recommend for those of you who:
-Enjoy a story that encompasses a character's entire life
-Like historical fiction
-Like reading about the WWII Era
-Enjoyed The Nightingale and The Book of Lost Names

[Jackie · Rating 5 out of 5]

A beautifully written novel that showcases the resilience of the human spirit. Although this is historical fiction, this important story definitely has a resonance that still holds true today. A must read!

[Marissa DeCuir · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very thought provoking! This is a page-turner that will also leave you pondering over philosophical questions, like: is it possible to fully hold onto your values and convictions during wartime? Well done!

[Ellen Whitfield]

This novel was so special and moving! I really connected with Rifka and Bronka from the beginning of the story, and I loved that their friendship was a such cornerstone in the book. Even after the two women grew apart, they still shared a unique bond.

[Rachel · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved it! This would be a perfect fit for a book club discussion.

[Jenn Vance · Rating 5 out of 5]

A timeless hero's journey. I loved following Rifka's story, and was touched that this book is inspired by the author's mother who was equally courageous in her own life.

[Angelle Barbazon · Rating 5 out of 5]

I couldn't put this book down! It's a lengthy book, but I cherished each page.

[Nicole · Rating 4 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️💫

It took me a while to form my thoughts on this one. I enjoyed the book as a whole and thought the story told was important and interesting. It can get very depressing though and I had to take breaks from the trauma these characters experienced. Not only does this deal with anti-Semitism, there is mention of infant loss, miscarriage, and grief. Just lots of loss and trauma followed these characters. There is some resolution and the story rounds itself out, but without too many spoilers, this is historical fiction that really stays true to how destructive WWII and hate was around Europe.

[Avidreader · Rating 5 out of 5]

Annette Libeskind Berkovits has done it again! In addition to her fascinating memoirs and lyrical poetry collection, she has created an enthralling, meticulously researched debut historical novel that takes the reader on a voyage through pre- WWII Poland, to Israel before independence, Spain in the vise grip of Franco‘s Nationalist thugs, and ultimately to post war Paris. Without betraying spoilers, the key to this moving and timely novel is to read both the author’s note and the prologue. After reading this book all the way through I went back and reread many sections again and was struck by the parallels to the current situation in Ukraine. I don’t know that there is a more timely novel that so clearly illustrates the perils of not learning from the past. The disruption and turmoil the protagonist confronts creates a vivid awareness of how one endeavors to respond with humanity to the most inhumane circumstances. This is a thinking person’s novel and the questions it raises regarding friendship, loyalty, and whether violence is ever justified will linger long after the last page has been read.

[Corrine Pritchett · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Corset Maker is an engaging historical fiction novel spanning various countries and time periods. I enjoyed it!

[Joan Downs · Rating 5 out of 5]

If from its title The Corset-Maker you expect an old-fashioned tale about a seamstress of intimate apparel, you've been misled. Nor is this an account of a contemporary fashionista strutting through society clad in a Merry Widow worn as outerwear. No, no, no. Author Annette Libeskind Berkovits plies many strings from her creative bow. Save for a book of poetry, to date the multi-talented biological scientist, educator, and conservationist has specialized in writing nonfiction. A historical novel, The Corset-Maker is Berkovits's foray into fiction and what a debut it is.

Inspired by the life of her mother Dora Blaustein Libeskind, Berkovits weaves a riveting saga of a dynamic woman confronting the challenges seeking her identity in tumultuous twentieth century Europe. Action begins in Warsaw, Poland 1928. The spotlight shines on Rifka Berg, a rebellious adolescent in an Orthodox Jewish family. Curious, resistant to taking orders, Rifka is a squeaky wheel. While she's intensely religious, her vision of what the world can be, doesn't include a traditional arranged marriage. Her ambition? To become a business owner. Exploiting her sewing skills, the precocious teen opens a tiny corset shop. With a friend as helper Rifka takes a step to independence.

But before plunging into commerce Rifka must find Golda. Recruited by Zionists, her sister Golda left Poland to join Jewish settlers in Palestine. Her family waits in vain for even a brief communique from Golda disclosing her whereabouts and new life. Equipped with a false British passport and a new name acceptable during surging antisemitism, Raquela Bluestone leaves her Warsaw home for the first time. Boarding a train to Paris, the first leg of what will become a life's journey, Raquela has no inkling that nothing will ever be the same again. With new experiences in new environments--Palestine, France, Spain--the pacifist confronts war and basic survival is in question. Unique new identities of Raquela will emerge as she makes life and death decisions. Setting out for Haifa she is overcome with the profoundly human desire not to be alone.

[Nel · Rating 3 out of 5]

I sure hope all my female friends had a wonderful day celebrating their dignity and splendor on International Women's Day! What a joy to be a woman!

Also, what a perfect day to introduce this novel about an incredibly strong woman to the world! Annette Libeskind Berkovitz shares her character, Rifka, who is loosely based on her own mother, in this new historical fiction novel. I'm now really curious which parts were actually true!

This storyline is a well-thought-out and does give readers an idea of the tumultuous situation in many areas of Europe prior to, and during, WWII.

I appreciated learning more about the Spanish Civil War and how it overlapped with Hitler's regime. I didn't realize Franco was such a supporter of the Axis Powers. The author also motivated me to further research the Jewish-Arab conflict in Palestine.

TBH, though, I struggled a bit with this method of storytelling. I felt as though it was a very ambitious story that could have been pared down just a smidge. I also found it difficult to accept that both Rifka and Golda ended up in so many serendipitous situations, and some of the dialogue seemed somewhat contrived.

Those minor details aside, as a first novel, this is an impressive piece of work, and kudos to Ms. Libeskind Berkovitz for shedding so much light on historical events.

Many thanks to Iulia, @amsterdam_publishers for gifting me with this advanced reader's copy in exchange for an honest review.

Also, just as an aside, her brother, world-renowned architect Daniel Libeskind, designed the cover of her book!

For more of my reviews, check out my blog at https://mamasgottaread.blogspot.com or follow me on Instagram at www.instagram.com/mamasgottaread/ .

[Tanya R · Rating 3 out of 5]

I'm just getting my feet under me in the Historical Fiction genre. I've been lucky enough to read some really great books thus far and I've noticed that most of these stories are very character/relationship driven, which I love as well.

Going into The Corset Maker, I had hoped to see the same but somehow, this one missed the mark for me in that department.

The author explains in the beginning that she is normally a non-fiction writer but researched the idea for this story based on letters she found from her mother's possessions after she passed away. I felt little connection to the characters in this book and was not very empathetic to situations that the MC found herself in. I think this book had a real non-fiction feel to it, providing information but not creating a connection from the reader to the characters.

The story itself was interesting and entertaining with the MC seemingly not staying still for very long.

So read this Historical Fiction if you are looking for an interesting story, but don't expect to connect to strongly to the characters.

Thank you to #BooksForward for the opportunity to review. All opinions expressed are my own.

[Kansas · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.5 stars rounded up. If you’d like to read my full review, it can be found here:

https://thistleandthoughts.blogspot.c...

Thank you to NetGalley along with the author and publisher for making this ebook available to read for free in exchange for an honest review.

[Melly Mel - Shelf_ishly_lit · Rating 3 out of 5]

The Corset Maker, Annette Libeskind Berkovits
Pub date: March 8/22
@amsterdam_publishers
This is a story about female empowerment, connections forged and the ties that bind, and the indelible resilience of the human spirit.

A book that heralds the strength of women and fit for #internationalwomensday

Drawing from her background in non-fiction, Annette loosely inspired The Corset Maker on her mother and her real life story. Annette constructed a historical fiction novel richly inlaid with historical accurate details alongside a tapestry of experiential accounts of those who were part of the trials of tribulations of WWII.

My thanks to @amsterdam_publishers & @annetteberkovits
for my gifted copy of #thecorsetmaker

#bookstagram #canadianbookstagram #bookstagramcanada #bookreview #marchnewbooks #historical #historicalfiction #ww2fiction #wartime #womenempowerment #womenofwartime

[Jo Sorochinsky · Rating 5 out of 5]

The amazing journey of Rifka Berg through some of the most defining, if horrific, times of the twentieth century, begins in 1930 Warsaw. Young Rifka's road to independence is set with the ownership of a ladies' undergarment shop in Warsaw, where the skills she develops enable her to survive in dangerous places during dangerous times. She struggles with her pacifist beliefs during the Palestinian Arab Revolt of 1936, the Spanish Civil War, and in Vichy France where she joins the Resistance. Rifka/Raquela/Simone refuses to live a life defined by restrictions of gender, religion, nationality; an inspiring woman who confronts and changes her pacifism while remaining true to her own humanity and that she finds in others.

As well as the riveting story of Rifka Berg, The Corset Maker's portrayal of Spain's civil war is particularly powerful and visceral.

Highly recommend.

[Samantha · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a special read - I love that history behind this story, and how fitting to publish this in Women's History Month. I received an advance copy of this, and I'm so glad I did!

"The world has a lot to offer those willing to climb over mountains." This is just one of the gems that are spread throughout this tale. I really love how this story was written - the prose flows well, and you can feel the emotions throughout. I just want to say I really enjoyed this read, and hope you do too. If you enjoy history and especially strong women, I would definitely recommend this.

[Katie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was so wonderfully descriptive. It felt like we were going through the events side by side with Rifka. I loved that this book took place during and after the war. So many historical fictions set in this time period are only during the war. I loved getting to read about the events afterwards.
It was very obvious that this was the author's first time with this genre. You could tell that she writes more nonfiction than fiction. The tone was dry at some points. But it did make it feel more like these events could have happened.

[Lana Allen · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Corset Maker has it all– romance, adventure and a compelling coming of age tale– all wrapped up in the perfect historical setting.

[M. K. French · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rifka Berg was born into an Orthodox Jewish family in Warsaw, and she always wished she could see the world outside her community. As a corsetiere, her life would have followed a certain path if the developments leading to World War II didn't happen. Rifka and other women of her community have very difficult choices to make in a world increasingly dangerous to live in.

Annette was inspired by her mother's family history. Her mother was hesitant to speak of her family, especially with the massive losses in the Holocaust, so Annette later pieced together fragments that her mother hadn't deliberately destroyed, and that served as the basis for this novel.

Rifka from the start has a rebellious streak, even with her piety and eagerness to please. Her father recites a prayer every morning, thanking God he wasn't born a woman and is irritated with Rifka asking him for his reasoning. From there, we see Rifka's interactions with her family, her best friend Bronka, her grandmother, and opening the storefront to become the corsetiere. Rifka grows to be increasingly anti-marriage, irritated with those who look down on her for her Jewish heritage, and for Bronka's wish to marry. When she goes off in search of her sister Golda, Rifka has a host of adventures while Bronka stays in Warsaw and experiences the changes coming ahead of the war.

The war spanned throughout Europe, and Rifka carried different identities throughout the decades. This allowed her to care for orphans, work at spycraft, and spirit Jewish children to safety even as she suffered her own losses. She tried to do good wherever she could, even when she doubted her ability to do so. Her skill at making corsets and bras ultimately proved to be a money-making opportunity several times, as well as helped her create the opportunities to help others. Bronka suffered losses as well within the war even though she wasn't on the front lines, encapsulating all that women were subject to when left behind by soldiers. It's an intense story and a wonderful tribute to Dora and the legacy she left behind.

[TaniaRina · Rating 4 out of 5]

I normally do not like to comment on biographies, especially not regarding the Holocaust. Since this is a fictionalized account, I feel a little more comfortable doing so.

Any story of a Jew who either stops observance or disdains it saddens me. This shows a lack of education on the importance and beauty of our relationship with Hashem as well as with other people.
Example: The book synopsis has main character questioning why girls do not have a bar mitzvah (male coming-of-age); the answer provided in the book reflects a lack of understanding of her question so therefore the father’s response does not address that females have a BAT mitzvah let alone why we have different roles. The answer she receives from her father does not come from our teachings, but rather the outside world.

Sadly, the parts about the British not allowing Jews into their native land, the Cyprus camps, and the genocide attempts were all too true. Unfortunately, the world hasn’t changed its mentality about the sovereign nation of Israel (RE-formed after the British Mandate ended – similar to India’s history).

Another unfortunate occurrence were the arguments Jews had with each other about how to defend our land (still happening).

There was just enough history to provide background information and not too much that would overshadow the story. Bits and pieces of families and other events were a nice touch.


The events in this fictionalized biography were all too true for way too many people. May their memories be for a blessing.

[William Bentrim · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Corset Make by Annette Libeskind Berkovits

This book is a celebration of the resiliency and strength of a woman far ahead of her time. Rifka Berg, her birth name, was reborn multiple times during her life. This isn’t a coming-of-age story as much as it is a tale of the growth of women’s rights. Rifka survives growing up before, during, and post WWII. The book also shows the obscene persistence of Jewish discrimination.
The post-war experiences in Paris were an aspect of the time that I had never considered. The homeland of the USA was unscathed for the most part. The devastation in Europe physically and economically was clearly shown.
The growth of this woman truly reflects the growth of women which sadly is still impaired by misogyny. Rifka merely demonstrates the strength of the “weaker” sex and clearly shows that if you underestimate the “fairer’ sex, you do so at your peril.
I strongly recommend the book.

[Vivian · Rating 4 out of 5]

Spanning several decades and different places (Poland, Paris, British Mandate Palestine and Spain) this book is not the typical WWII book, it deals more with the differences and struggle between Arabs and Jews in British Mandate Palestine and war torn Civil War Spain, than with the fate of the Polish Jewish people during WWII, not to say that the author doesn't touch this topic in the book, she does, at the beginning and narrates the antisemitic attacks they they suffered during the years leading to the war.
This is a book about the resilience of a woman and her will to survive different circumstances throughout her entire life, and she does it by reinventing herself time and again, with every name change, only to regain her true identity by the end of her life.
But this is also a book about love, love for the family, for her partner, her "son", for the one that it could have been but never was and for yourself.
I enjoyed reading this book.

[Maureen · Rating 5 out of 5]

This novel spans from 1928 - 1996 covering the life of Rifka, a smart and courageous Jewish woman. She resides in different countries during turbulent times of war and political and religious conflict. She must not only confront many dangerous, life-threatening situations, but she must also deal with her own feelings and emotions, often having to act against some of her ideals and viewpoints in order to accomplish a larger goal of providing for and protecting her loved ones and fellow citizens.

This was an excellent, fast reading book full of many interesting situations and historical details. I thoroughly enjoyed reading it.

[Debra George · Rating 5 out of 5]

We are introduced to a 12 year old girl in 1928 Warsaw as she balks at the notion that only boys can have a bar mitzvah. We see her grow from that moment building the life she wants not the one prescribed for her. She builds a successful business but then leaves it to travel to the nascent state of Israel looking for the older sister who has had the courage to leave home. From Israel she goes to Spain during the Civil War. Escaping Spain as the Republicans are defeated she ends up working in the French resistance and later settles in post war Paris.
Throughout her life she grapples with issues of love, friendship, forgiveness, passion, sexuality, and violence.