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Cradles of the Reich
"Every historical fiction novel should strive to be this compelling, well-researched and just flat-out good." ― Associated Press For fans of The Nightingale and The Handmaid's Tale , Cradles of the Reich uncovers a topic rarely explored in the Lebensborn project, a Nazi breeding program to create a so-called master race. Through thorough research and with deep empathy, this chilling historical novel goes inside one of the Lebensborn Society maternity homes that existed in several countries during World War II, where thousands of "racially fit" babies were bred and taken from their mothers to be raised as part of the new Germany. At the Heim Hochland maternity home in Bavaria, three women's lives coverage as they find themselves there under very different circumstances. Gundi is a pregnant university student from Berlin. An Aryan beauty, she's secretly a member of a resistance group. Hilde, only eighteen, is a true believer in the cause and is thrilled to carry a Nazi official's child. And Irma, a 44-year-old nurse, is desperate to build a new life for herself after personal devastation. Despite their opposing beliefs, all three have everything to lose as they begin to realize they are trapped within Hitler's terrifying scheme to build a Nazi-Aryan nation. A cautionary tale for modern times told in stunning detail, Cradles of the Reich uncovers a little-known Nazi atrocity but also carries an uplifting reminder of the power of women to set aside differences and work together in solidarity in the face of oppression. "Skillfully researched and told with great care and insight, here is a World War II story whose lessons should not―must not―be forgotten." ― Susan Meissner, bestselling author of The Nature of Fragile Things
416 pages, Paperback
First published October 11, 2022
709 people are currently reading
36324 people want to read
About the author
Jennifer Coburn
15 books793 followersJennifer Coburn is the author of CRADLES OF THE REICH, a historical novel about three very different German women who meet at a Nazi Lebensborn breeding home.
She is the author of a travel memoir, six contemporary novel, and contributor to five literary anthologies. Jennifer has written for U-T San Diego, Washington Post, Miami Herald, Mothering magazine, The Huffington Post, Salon.com, and numerous other newspapers and magazines. She lives in San Diego with her husband William and their daughter Katie.
She is the author of a travel memoir, six contemporary novel, and contributor to five literary anthologies. Jennifer has written for U-T San Diego, Washington Post, Miami Herald, Mothering magazine, The Huffington Post, Salon.com, and numerous other newspapers and magazines. She lives in San Diego with her husband William and their daughter Katie.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 1,208 reviews
December 16, 2024
Cradles of the Reich by Jennifer Coburn
I remember first learning about the Lebensborn Society maternity homes from the same television program that that author mentions in her afterward. I spent time researching what I could when I learned of it. The program was far reaching in the ways it intruded into the lives of others, all for the goal of "racial hygiene".
We follow three fictional women who become cogs in the wheels of this program. One young woman, Gundi, is pregnant by the Jewish man she loves but she hides that fact as she is whisked off, against her will, to bear what is supposed to be a "racially pure" baby. The other young woman, Hilde, is a pregnant zealot for the madman that is destroying lives and people, she is a true believer and willing to do most things for her country. The third woman, Irma, is forty two, has burned bridges in her current life, so takes a job at the same breeding home in Bavaria where the other two young pregnant women have been taken.
Gundi could lose everything if her secret is found out, she's already lost almost everything. Hilde soon realizes that her situation isn't the wonderful setup she thought it was and she has to make some desperate choices to even salvage undesirable solutions. Irma sees that no matter how low things have sunk in her life, that she wants to at least make the time the girls are with her as good as they can be. But she can dig even deeper when the time comes and give even more. I enjoyed her awakening and the way she sees the past differently than she thought it was before she found out about this program.
I do wish the story didn't end so quickly, with so much left unsaid and unknown. The ending felt rushed, with much left dangling, unanswered. But the story is a good one and I felt for each woman, even misguided Hilde.
***The program that addresses this subject is The Man in the High Castle (TV series).
Pub Oct 11, 2022
Thank you to Sourcebooks Landmark and NetGalley for this ARC.
I remember first learning about the Lebensborn Society maternity homes from the same television program that that author mentions in her afterward. I spent time researching what I could when I learned of it. The program was far reaching in the ways it intruded into the lives of others, all for the goal of "racial hygiene".
We follow three fictional women who become cogs in the wheels of this program. One young woman, Gundi, is pregnant by the Jewish man she loves but she hides that fact as she is whisked off, against her will, to bear what is supposed to be a "racially pure" baby. The other young woman, Hilde, is a pregnant zealot for the madman that is destroying lives and people, she is a true believer and willing to do most things for her country. The third woman, Irma, is forty two, has burned bridges in her current life, so takes a job at the same breeding home in Bavaria where the other two young pregnant women have been taken.
Gundi could lose everything if her secret is found out, she's already lost almost everything. Hilde soon realizes that her situation isn't the wonderful setup she thought it was and she has to make some desperate choices to even salvage undesirable solutions. Irma sees that no matter how low things have sunk in her life, that she wants to at least make the time the girls are with her as good as they can be. But she can dig even deeper when the time comes and give even more. I enjoyed her awakening and the way she sees the past differently than she thought it was before she found out about this program.
I do wish the story didn't end so quickly, with so much left unsaid and unknown. The ending felt rushed, with much left dangling, unanswered. But the story is a good one and I felt for each woman, even misguided Hilde.
***The program that addresses this subject is The Man in the High Castle (TV series).
Pub Oct 11, 2022
Thank you to Sourcebooks Landmark and NetGalley for this ARC.
Want to read
August 22, 2024Hi All -
I'm the author of "Cradles of the Reich" so this isn't a review as much as it is it a quick overview of the historical novel and Nazi breeding program. I hope you'll put Cradles on your Goodreads "Want to Read" list. My website address is jennifercoburn.com if you'd like to more info.
Jen
In the 1930s the Nazis launched a top secret plan aimed at producing two million "racially desirable" children for Adolf Hitler's so-called master race. The program was called The Lebensborn Society.
The Lebensborn program had three tracks: it arranged sexual liaisons between German women and SS officers, kidnapped Aryan infants and toddlers from occupied countries, and built maternity homes for unwed pregnant women.
About "Cradles of the Reich"
At the center of "Cradles of the Reich" is the complex relationship between three German women who meet at a Lebensborn maternity home. Gundi, a young resistance fighter, must find a way to escape the Lebensborn program before the Nazis discover the truth and destroy her family. Hilde, impregnated by a high-ranking, married SS officer, will stop at nothing to gain power within the Third Reich. While World War l veteran, Nurse Irma, finds her true calling working at Lebensborn, she soon discovers its chilling secrets.
Please put "Cradles of the Reich" on your Goodreads Want to Read list to be kept apprised of giveaways and the release date.
I hope you will consider me as a guest for your 2022 book club or organization event. I love to connect with readers!
For the story behind the novel, please check out my new website!
I'm the author of "Cradles of the Reich" so this isn't a review as much as it is it a quick overview of the historical novel and Nazi breeding program. I hope you'll put Cradles on your Goodreads "Want to Read" list. My website address is jennifercoburn.com if you'd like to more info.
Jen
In the 1930s the Nazis launched a top secret plan aimed at producing two million "racially desirable" children for Adolf Hitler's so-called master race. The program was called The Lebensborn Society.
The Lebensborn program had three tracks: it arranged sexual liaisons between German women and SS officers, kidnapped Aryan infants and toddlers from occupied countries, and built maternity homes for unwed pregnant women.
About "Cradles of the Reich"
At the center of "Cradles of the Reich" is the complex relationship between three German women who meet at a Lebensborn maternity home. Gundi, a young resistance fighter, must find a way to escape the Lebensborn program before the Nazis discover the truth and destroy her family. Hilde, impregnated by a high-ranking, married SS officer, will stop at nothing to gain power within the Third Reich. While World War l veteran, Nurse Irma, finds her true calling working at Lebensborn, she soon discovers its chilling secrets.
Please put "Cradles of the Reich" on your Goodreads Want to Read list to be kept apprised of giveaways and the release date.
I hope you will consider me as a guest for your 2022 book club or organization event. I love to connect with readers!
For the story behind the novel, please check out my new website!
September 11, 2022
3.5 STARS
What an intriguing cover and title! I wanted to know more......
I did enjoy the book quite a bit, but had some issues. I thought it would be more suspenseful and affecting. The three women's perspectives are told in alternating chapters and each has a story to tell. They all are experiencing a crisis in their life and end up at the Lebensborn Society maternity home -Heim Hochland in in Belgium.
The purpose of the home was to provide "racially pure" German women a private place to give birth and decide if they were going to marry the father or have a vetted German family adopt the child.
I was shocked to learn about the existance of these "breeding homes" based on Nazi eugenics and the extra "benefits" for the SS men. I did google the name of the home and saw some actual photos and learned that is was a renovated castle. Both fascinating and unthinkable that this took place.
The ending was abrupt and I was left wondering about the fate of some of the women. Overall, an interesting take on a dark time in history.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for my arc. OUT October 11, 2022
What an intriguing cover and title! I wanted to know more......
I did enjoy the book quite a bit, but had some issues. I thought it would be more suspenseful and affecting. The three women's perspectives are told in alternating chapters and each has a story to tell. They all are experiencing a crisis in their life and end up at the Lebensborn Society maternity home -Heim Hochland in in Belgium.
The purpose of the home was to provide "racially pure" German women a private place to give birth and decide if they were going to marry the father or have a vetted German family adopt the child.
I was shocked to learn about the existance of these "breeding homes" based on Nazi eugenics and the extra "benefits" for the SS men. I did google the name of the home and saw some actual photos and learned that is was a renovated castle. Both fascinating and unthinkable that this took place.
The ending was abrupt and I was left wondering about the fate of some of the women. Overall, an interesting take on a dark time in history.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for my arc. OUT October 11, 2022
November 4, 2022
Cradles of the Reich was rather underwhelming. It had some very interesting historical tidbits, but it lacked a certain emotional depth and the characters felt very one-dimensional.
Set during the height of World War Two, Cradles of the Reich introduces readers to the horrors of Nazi birther homes, where young "racially pure" German girls are forced to have children to enhance the Nazi's vision of a "perfect Aryan society".
The detailed historical setting was definitely the highlight of the book; it is evident that Jennifer Coburn put in an extraordinary amount of research into all the historical aspects of the story. It was horrifying to learn about these programs and realize how far the Nazis were willing to go to create a "racially pure" society.
The story is told from three different perspectives: two expectant young mothers in the program, one pro-Nazi and the other a secret member of the German resistance, and one of he program's nurses. Sadly each of these perspectives felt rather one-dimensional and simplistic. There wasn't much depth or complexity to any of the characters.
About 2/3 of the story is told from the perspective of Gundi, the anti-Nazi expectant mother. Because she is such a strong focus of the novel, the other two perspectives felt incredibly unnecessary. Eliminating the other two points of view and writing entirely from Gundi's perspective would have helped make the novel much more focused and impactful.
While the historical components of this novel were satisfying and well-researched, the actual story itself was a bit flat and disappointing. It lacked the emotional punch that many other World War Two books have.
Set during the height of World War Two, Cradles of the Reich introduces readers to the horrors of Nazi birther homes, where young "racially pure" German girls are forced to have children to enhance the Nazi's vision of a "perfect Aryan society".
The detailed historical setting was definitely the highlight of the book; it is evident that Jennifer Coburn put in an extraordinary amount of research into all the historical aspects of the story. It was horrifying to learn about these programs and realize how far the Nazis were willing to go to create a "racially pure" society.
The story is told from three different perspectives: two expectant young mothers in the program, one pro-Nazi and the other a secret member of the German resistance, and one of he program's nurses. Sadly each of these perspectives felt rather one-dimensional and simplistic. There wasn't much depth or complexity to any of the characters.
About 2/3 of the story is told from the perspective of Gundi, the anti-Nazi expectant mother. Because she is such a strong focus of the novel, the other two perspectives felt incredibly unnecessary. Eliminating the other two points of view and writing entirely from Gundi's perspective would have helped make the novel much more focused and impactful.
While the historical components of this novel were satisfying and well-researched, the actual story itself was a bit flat and disappointing. It lacked the emotional punch that many other World War Two books have.
August 9, 2022
About the book: “Three women, a nation seduced by a madman, and the Nazi breeding program to create a so-called master race.
Based on untold historical events, this novel brings us intimately inside the Lebensborn Society maternity homes that actually existed in several countries during World War II, where thousands of "racially fit" babies were bred and taken from their mothers to be raised as part of the new Germany. But it proves that in a dark period of history, the connections women forge can carry us through, even driving us to heroism we didn't know we had within us.”
Heim Hochland is a maternity home for unwed mothers in Bavaria during World War II where women are chosen based on the “Aryan” characteristics. Three of these women’s lives will intersect, as they narrate their stories: Hilde, eighteen-years-old, and seemingly content; Gundi, a student and secret member of the resistance, and Irma, a nurse.
Through these narratives, a complex story unfolds about the Lebensborn Program that existed in multiple countries during the war. It’s completely absorbing and well-paced as I found it hard to put down. Without a doubt, it was yet another horrific and chilling practice by the Nazis. I enjoyed the author’s note in the end where I learned even more. Highly recommended for hist fic readers.
I received a gifted copy.
Many of my reviews can also be found on my blog: www.jennifertarheelreader.com and instagram: www.instagram.com/tarheelreader
Based on untold historical events, this novel brings us intimately inside the Lebensborn Society maternity homes that actually existed in several countries during World War II, where thousands of "racially fit" babies were bred and taken from their mothers to be raised as part of the new Germany. But it proves that in a dark period of history, the connections women forge can carry us through, even driving us to heroism we didn't know we had within us.”
Heim Hochland is a maternity home for unwed mothers in Bavaria during World War II where women are chosen based on the “Aryan” characteristics. Three of these women’s lives will intersect, as they narrate their stories: Hilde, eighteen-years-old, and seemingly content; Gundi, a student and secret member of the resistance, and Irma, a nurse.
Through these narratives, a complex story unfolds about the Lebensborn Program that existed in multiple countries during the war. It’s completely absorbing and well-paced as I found it hard to put down. Without a doubt, it was yet another horrific and chilling practice by the Nazis. I enjoyed the author’s note in the end where I learned even more. Highly recommended for hist fic readers.
I received a gifted copy.
Many of my reviews can also be found on my blog: www.jennifertarheelreader.com and instagram: www.instagram.com/tarheelreader
October 31, 2023
4.5* WWII opened our eyes to what the human race is capable of and the heartless acts of so many! The Nazi Regime wanted to perfect the “master race” disregarding the not “racially fit” and even disposing of newborns in the most inhumane ways. I had no idea there were Nazi breeding programs and homes for young pregnant girls, such as the Heim Hachland in Bavaria Belgium and the Lebensborn Society maternity homes.
Gundi, a 20 year old Aryan beauty, was sent to the home until the birth of her baby. She became the poster perfect example for the German bred. She had secretly worked for the resistance group and little did they know they were taking her in with a Jewish baby, which is immediate death for the baby if discovered.
Hilde is an 18 year old pregnant girl loyal to the Nazi Regime and carrying a high ranking married officer’s baby. Her personality was haute and spoiled looking down on those around her.
Irma, a 44 year old nurse working at the Heim Hachland maternity ward. She becomes close to the girls and saddened by their hasty decisions to give their babies up so quickly to pledge their allegiance to the regime. The families adopting the babies are high ranking officers.
Other than the abrupt ending and leaving you wondering what happened to the families, I felt this was an intense and difficult or an emotional book. Excellent researched information by the author gives insight into the evil minded involved and the sad innocence of so many. The Nazi eugenics was a huge part of Hitler’s plan.
Thank you NetGalley and Sourcebooks Landmark for this ARC in exchange for my honest review!
Gundi, a 20 year old Aryan beauty, was sent to the home until the birth of her baby. She became the poster perfect example for the German bred. She had secretly worked for the resistance group and little did they know they were taking her in with a Jewish baby, which is immediate death for the baby if discovered.
Hilde is an 18 year old pregnant girl loyal to the Nazi Regime and carrying a high ranking married officer’s baby. Her personality was haute and spoiled looking down on those around her.
Irma, a 44 year old nurse working at the Heim Hachland maternity ward. She becomes close to the girls and saddened by their hasty decisions to give their babies up so quickly to pledge their allegiance to the regime. The families adopting the babies are high ranking officers.
Other than the abrupt ending and leaving you wondering what happened to the families, I felt this was an intense and difficult or an emotional book. Excellent researched information by the author gives insight into the evil minded involved and the sad innocence of so many. The Nazi eugenics was a huge part of Hitler’s plan.
Thank you NetGalley and Sourcebooks Landmark for this ARC in exchange for my honest review!
July 2, 2022
With this novel Jennifer Coburn gives compelling and necessary literary voice to those impacted the most by Adolf Hitler’s haunting and ironically dehumanizing scheme to generate racially pure infants. Skillfully researched and told with great care and insight, here is a WW2 story whose lessons should not—must not—be forgotten.
August 18, 2022
Heim Hochland Estate is a county house in Bavaria, the German’s use it as a maternity home during the Second World War as part of the Lebensborn Society. Here pregnant Aryan women stay in luxury, they receive the best medical care and their babies are adopted by high ranking German officer’s families.
Gundi Schiller is only twenty years old, a university student, she’s involved in the resistance and in love with a Jewish man. Gundi visits her family doctor to confirm she’s pregnant, she’s seen as the perfect example of a German womanhood, and forced to go to stay at Heim Hochland.
Hilde Kramer is eighteen, her parents want her to marry and start a family. Hilde parents support the Nazi party, her brother is a Wehrmacht soldier, and she meets an officer, and falls pregnant. Hilde is honored when she’s sent to Heim Hochland, she doing her duty to Germany and has her future all planned.
Irma Binz is forty four, she’s living in a boarding house, her fiancée is dragging his heels organizing their wedding and she’s tired of waiting. Irma was a nurse in the Great War, she likes babies and accepts a job at the new maternity home called Heim Hochland.
Gundi, Hilde and Irma are the main characters in the narrative and it’s told from three points of view. About their experiences at Heim Hochland Estate, what they think of the establishment, and their secrets!
Gundi assumes the home is only for pregnant women, it's not the case, a group of young single girls are taking part in a training program, and they also entertain German officers. Gundi is concerned by the bizarre naming ceremonies that take place when babies are adopted and medals are given out to women who have four or more children.
I received a copy of Cradles of the Reich from Edelweiss and Sourcebooks in exchange for an honest review. Jennifer Coburn uses real facts in her book that explores Germany wanting to increase it’s birth rate of pure Aryan children during WW II, the practices used and appalling methods. Ms Coburn traverses a tragic time in history, the characters are plausible, and four stars from me.
Gundi Schiller is only twenty years old, a university student, she’s involved in the resistance and in love with a Jewish man. Gundi visits her family doctor to confirm she’s pregnant, she’s seen as the perfect example of a German womanhood, and forced to go to stay at Heim Hochland.
Hilde Kramer is eighteen, her parents want her to marry and start a family. Hilde parents support the Nazi party, her brother is a Wehrmacht soldier, and she meets an officer, and falls pregnant. Hilde is honored when she’s sent to Heim Hochland, she doing her duty to Germany and has her future all planned.
Irma Binz is forty four, she’s living in a boarding house, her fiancée is dragging his heels organizing their wedding and she’s tired of waiting. Irma was a nurse in the Great War, she likes babies and accepts a job at the new maternity home called Heim Hochland.
Gundi, Hilde and Irma are the main characters in the narrative and it’s told from three points of view. About their experiences at Heim Hochland Estate, what they think of the establishment, and their secrets!
Gundi assumes the home is only for pregnant women, it's not the case, a group of young single girls are taking part in a training program, and they also entertain German officers. Gundi is concerned by the bizarre naming ceremonies that take place when babies are adopted and medals are given out to women who have four or more children.
I received a copy of Cradles of the Reich from Edelweiss and Sourcebooks in exchange for an honest review. Jennifer Coburn uses real facts in her book that explores Germany wanting to increase it’s birth rate of pure Aryan children during WW II, the practices used and appalling methods. Ms Coburn traverses a tragic time in history, the characters are plausible, and four stars from me.
August 21, 2022
The lives of three women become intertwined in this novel set in Germany in World War II.
Each of the three women characters is a participant in the Nazis’ Lebensborn program - one of the Third Reich’s little known, state sponsored organizations. The purpose of this program was to breed pure Aryan children who would populate the future Third Reich. Young women who were deemed to be racially pure were used to breed babies who would be adopted and raised by loyal Nazi families. Lebensborn homes were scattered throughout the country.
Gundi is a beautiful blonde young woman who epitomizes the Aryan look. She is sent to one of the homes where her baby will be taken from her and adopted. Unbeknownst to the staff there, she does not support the Nazis, is a member of the resistance, and is actually carrying a Jewish baby.
Hilde is a young eighteen year old woman who is a staunch Nazi supporter. She is proud to be carrying the baby of a Nazi officer.
Irma is a nurse who applies for a nursing position and unknowingly becomes part of the Lebensborn program.
Jennifer Coburn’s meticulous research of documents and diaries as well as personal interviews, help to shed light on the dark practices of this sinister program. It is hard to put this book down! Throughout the book we can see how ordinary Germans were able to justify to themselves the events that were happening around them. This book would generate a lot of discussion for book clubs!
Thank you to NetGalley, author Jennifer Coburn, and Sourcebooks Landmark publishing for giving me the opportunity to read the ARC of this interesting novel!
Each of the three women characters is a participant in the Nazis’ Lebensborn program - one of the Third Reich’s little known, state sponsored organizations. The purpose of this program was to breed pure Aryan children who would populate the future Third Reich. Young women who were deemed to be racially pure were used to breed babies who would be adopted and raised by loyal Nazi families. Lebensborn homes were scattered throughout the country.
Gundi is a beautiful blonde young woman who epitomizes the Aryan look. She is sent to one of the homes where her baby will be taken from her and adopted. Unbeknownst to the staff there, she does not support the Nazis, is a member of the resistance, and is actually carrying a Jewish baby.
Hilde is a young eighteen year old woman who is a staunch Nazi supporter. She is proud to be carrying the baby of a Nazi officer.
Irma is a nurse who applies for a nursing position and unknowingly becomes part of the Lebensborn program.
Jennifer Coburn’s meticulous research of documents and diaries as well as personal interviews, help to shed light on the dark practices of this sinister program. It is hard to put this book down! Throughout the book we can see how ordinary Germans were able to justify to themselves the events that were happening around them. This book would generate a lot of discussion for book clubs!
Thank you to NetGalley, author Jennifer Coburn, and Sourcebooks Landmark publishing for giving me the opportunity to read the ARC of this interesting novel!
September 6, 2022
Such a wonderful vivid telling of an issue that I never knew about the Nazi war machine! The devious Nazis wanted to create a pure Aryan race, minus any imperfections, disabilities, or mental illness. To do so, they selected certain woman who were pregnant and some who they desired to be pregnant were sent to special homes where they were treated well and cared for.
This book focuses on three of this women (fictional) that found themselves in one of the Lebensborn Society maternity homes. One chosen for her beauty as well as being pregnant Hilde, seduced a higher up in the Nazi Party and had great ambitions for herself and her newly formed family. This man was married with children but Hilde was a firm believer in the principals being forwarded by the party. Another young girl, Gundi was a university student, pregnant and keeping a big secret as the father of the child iwasJewish. The third woman was Irma, a person looking to run away from a personal loss.
All three were to learn of the methods of the Lebensborn Society whose purpose was a breeding ground for the master race. Certainly, Gundi's child, if found out its heritage, would be destined to death.
This interesting story gave witness to yet another aberration of the Nazis. They kept girls within their confines so that they could become pregnant by Nazi commanders to flower the Nazi race and their ideas. There existed many of these places, throughout conquered nations, not just the one mentioned in the book. Even babies from these conquered nations (without their mothers) did not escape if they were deemed Aryan enough and bore the traits of blonde hair and blue eyes that was desired. They would be adopted by good Nazi families to be raised in the Nazi way with true values and allegiance to the regime.
A sad and shocking period of history that reinforced the idea that this was truly a heinous reign of both terror and vileness.
Thank you to Jennifer Cobum who did extensive research on the topic , Sourcebooks Landmarks, and NetGalley for a copy of this historical fiction story. This book will publish in October of 2022.
This book focuses on three of this women (fictional) that found themselves in one of the Lebensborn Society maternity homes. One chosen for her beauty as well as being pregnant Hilde, seduced a higher up in the Nazi Party and had great ambitions for herself and her newly formed family. This man was married with children but Hilde was a firm believer in the principals being forwarded by the party. Another young girl, Gundi was a university student, pregnant and keeping a big secret as the father of the child iwasJewish. The third woman was Irma, a person looking to run away from a personal loss.
All three were to learn of the methods of the Lebensborn Society whose purpose was a breeding ground for the master race. Certainly, Gundi's child, if found out its heritage, would be destined to death.
This interesting story gave witness to yet another aberration of the Nazis. They kept girls within their confines so that they could become pregnant by Nazi commanders to flower the Nazi race and their ideas. There existed many of these places, throughout conquered nations, not just the one mentioned in the book. Even babies from these conquered nations (without their mothers) did not escape if they were deemed Aryan enough and bore the traits of blonde hair and blue eyes that was desired. They would be adopted by good Nazi families to be raised in the Nazi way with true values and allegiance to the regime.
A sad and shocking period of history that reinforced the idea that this was truly a heinous reign of both terror and vileness.
Thank you to Jennifer Cobum who did extensive research on the topic , Sourcebooks Landmarks, and NetGalley for a copy of this historical fiction story. This book will publish in October of 2022.
May 22, 2024
I devoured this book in 24 hours.
There is a glut of WWII books to the point that even I have started to roll my eyes when I inevitably pick up a book with a pretty cover only to read “Paris 1942…” on the back. However I’ve been interested in the Lebensborn program since I first read about it so I thought I’d give it a chance.
I’m so glad I did. This is a good, suspenseful book that follows 3 women - 2 pregnant and one nurse - who end up at one of the homes in 1939.
Apparently there is a sequel of sorts coming, so I will be keeping my eyes out for that.
There is a glut of WWII books to the point that even I have started to roll my eyes when I inevitably pick up a book with a pretty cover only to read “Paris 1942…” on the back. However I’ve been interested in the Lebensborn program since I first read about it so I thought I’d give it a chance.
I’m so glad I did. This is a good, suspenseful book that follows 3 women - 2 pregnant and one nurse - who end up at one of the homes in 1939.
Apparently there is a sequel of sorts coming, so I will be keeping my eyes out for that.
October 15, 2022
Is anyone safe in Germany…especially the perfect female examples of the German race.
Gundi is one of the perfect, gorgeous German women chosen by the Reich to bear perfect children to create the master race. She does have a secret, though. Actually she has two secrets.
We meet Hilde who is a staunch follower of the Reich and one of the women who is willing to help fill Germany with perfect children.
And we meet Irma a former nurse and 44 years old. She will be the one encouraging the unwed mothers to stay healthy so they deliver these perfect children.
We meet these women during this dark time in history and at Lebensborn Society maternity home where women arrive already pregnant or will become pregnant by an approved German officer.
Ms. Coburn did amazing, thorough research on a topic I never knew about.
Historical fiction fans will enjoy CRADLES OF THE REICH.
There are many sensitive and heartbreaking topics addressed, and this idea of using German women in this way is something I couldn’t believe. 4/5
This book was given to me by the author via NetGalley for an honest review.
Gundi is one of the perfect, gorgeous German women chosen by the Reich to bear perfect children to create the master race. She does have a secret, though. Actually she has two secrets.
We meet Hilde who is a staunch follower of the Reich and one of the women who is willing to help fill Germany with perfect children.
And we meet Irma a former nurse and 44 years old. She will be the one encouraging the unwed mothers to stay healthy so they deliver these perfect children.
We meet these women during this dark time in history and at Lebensborn Society maternity home where women arrive already pregnant or will become pregnant by an approved German officer.
Ms. Coburn did amazing, thorough research on a topic I never knew about.
Historical fiction fans will enjoy CRADLES OF THE REICH.
There are many sensitive and heartbreaking topics addressed, and this idea of using German women in this way is something I couldn’t believe. 4/5
This book was given to me by the author via NetGalley for an honest review.
September 11, 2022
This book was told by three different characters, Gundi is pregnant she was wanted by the Germans as she was pretty and thought she was carrying a German child..Then there was Irma a nurse,Hilda believed in the cause.in the maternity homes children were being bred for a superior race for the German future. Gundi I connected to more than the other two characters. The book was an okay read for me.my rating is 3.5. Was disappointed as wanted to enjoy it more than I did.
I would like to thank netgalley, and sourcebooks Landmark,and the author Jennifer Coburn for an early copy of this book.This book will be reviewed on goodreads and Amazon uk.
I would like to thank netgalley, and sourcebooks Landmark,and the author Jennifer Coburn for an early copy of this book.This book will be reviewed on goodreads and Amazon uk.
September 11, 2022
This is not ‘just another World War Two book.’
⭐ It’s a mini history lesson on a devious and traumatic top-secret Nazi policy.
⭐ It shows us that we have the ability within us to change the course of another’s life by forging connections that have the potential to carry another through dark moments.
⭐ It encourages us to dig deep and find the catalyst to enable us to act with heroism when we least feel like a hero.
⭐ It answers why civilized, ordinary people became seduced by a fanatic.
⭐ It warns us that a Hitler-style leader can be elected and subtly sow seeds of hatred for another race, group or religion.
Coburn transported me back in time and explored the experiences of those women who gave birth for Hitler and revealed why and how young German women became such willing participants. I knew that the Third Reich members were obsessive about race and racial purity and that it lead to two horrific policies; the Holocaust and Lebensborn. While I’ve educated myself more about the monstrous Holocaust, I’ve not made much of an effort to learn more about the mirror-opposite program and the lengths the Nazis went to increase the numbers of racially desirable. I knew that there was a breeding program, but was not prepared for what author Jennifer Coburn had extensively researched and presented!
In highlighting this barbaric program, Coburn crafted three women representative of each facet of the German population. Gundi Schiller’s response to Germany at war was to join the resistance. On the other end of the spectrum is Hilde Kramer, a highschool student who saw the prestige and eagerly supported Hitler’s movement. Somewhere in the middle was Nurse Irma Binz who decided to put her head down and go about her own business. When Coburn has them meet at Heim Hochland, the maternity home near Munich, readers get an opportunity to see how each woman reacts to her ‘duty.’ The beauty of this for me is a learning experience, especially crafted by an author who has spent dauntless hours delving into the written accounts of others who represented the same section of the German population as her characters. By exploring these girls’ personal relationships, with each other and with the Nazi officers, I gain insight into areas of history I’d never have had the opportunity to know about nor understand.
Coburn effectively placed me in a front-row seat as the policies of the state-supported program called Lebensborn unfolded, helped me see the relevance and importance of studying this event in history, and gave me a deeper and more lasting understanding of what really happened.
You need to pick up this eye-opening account and see for yourself why this isn’t just another historical fiction book.
I can’t wait to see what the author has planned for her next historical fiction novel featuring Nazi propaganda.
I was gifted this advance copy by Sourcebooks Landmark and NetGalley and was under no obligation to provide a review.
⭐ It’s a mini history lesson on a devious and traumatic top-secret Nazi policy.
⭐ It shows us that we have the ability within us to change the course of another’s life by forging connections that have the potential to carry another through dark moments.
⭐ It encourages us to dig deep and find the catalyst to enable us to act with heroism when we least feel like a hero.
⭐ It answers why civilized, ordinary people became seduced by a fanatic.
⭐ It warns us that a Hitler-style leader can be elected and subtly sow seeds of hatred for another race, group or religion.
Coburn transported me back in time and explored the experiences of those women who gave birth for Hitler and revealed why and how young German women became such willing participants. I knew that the Third Reich members were obsessive about race and racial purity and that it lead to two horrific policies; the Holocaust and Lebensborn. While I’ve educated myself more about the monstrous Holocaust, I’ve not made much of an effort to learn more about the mirror-opposite program and the lengths the Nazis went to increase the numbers of racially desirable. I knew that there was a breeding program, but was not prepared for what author Jennifer Coburn had extensively researched and presented!
In highlighting this barbaric program, Coburn crafted three women representative of each facet of the German population. Gundi Schiller’s response to Germany at war was to join the resistance. On the other end of the spectrum is Hilde Kramer, a highschool student who saw the prestige and eagerly supported Hitler’s movement. Somewhere in the middle was Nurse Irma Binz who decided to put her head down and go about her own business. When Coburn has them meet at Heim Hochland, the maternity home near Munich, readers get an opportunity to see how each woman reacts to her ‘duty.’ The beauty of this for me is a learning experience, especially crafted by an author who has spent dauntless hours delving into the written accounts of others who represented the same section of the German population as her characters. By exploring these girls’ personal relationships, with each other and with the Nazi officers, I gain insight into areas of history I’d never have had the opportunity to know about nor understand.
Coburn effectively placed me in a front-row seat as the policies of the state-supported program called Lebensborn unfolded, helped me see the relevance and importance of studying this event in history, and gave me a deeper and more lasting understanding of what really happened.
You need to pick up this eye-opening account and see for yourself why this isn’t just another historical fiction book.
I can’t wait to see what the author has planned for her next historical fiction novel featuring Nazi propaganda.
I was gifted this advance copy by Sourcebooks Landmark and NetGalley and was under no obligation to provide a review.
October 10, 2022
To promote the growth of a desirable Aryan population, the Lebensborn program was created in late 1935. A group of homes were set up for pregnant German women to safely give birth to what Nazi authorities deemed as racially valuable children as well as to provide a means for young women to become impregnated by suitable German men. The quest for a German master-race is hauntingly fictionalized through the lives of three women in Cradles of the Reich.
In 1939 Gundi Schiller was unmarried and pregnant. As a member of the Edelweiss Pirates, a resistance group, she met and fell in love with Leo Solomon, a Jewish man, who was now missing. When she is told that she needs to enter the Lebensborn program at Heim Hochland, Gundi knows that she must protect the identity of her child's father. Single Hilde Kramer enters the program, thrilled that she is pregnant by the married and much older Obergruppenführer Werner Ziegler. She is proud to show her allegiance to the Reich. Irma Binz decides to take a position as a nurse at Heim Hochland after a life of disappointments. Unmarried and childless, she is excited to have the chance to support the women and their babies.
Through much research, author Jennifer Coburn has skillfully brought the Lebensborn program to the forefront. As with so many stories about WWII, this impactful book sheds a light on yet another dark and despicable aspect of this horrible period of history. Through historical fiction, a story of heroism and strength is told representing those who tried to make a difference amidst all the horror.
Many thanks to the author and Sourcebooks Landmark for the opportunity to read Cradles of the Reich before its publication. These types of stories are never easy to read yet they help us to never forget.
Rated 4.25 stars.
Review posted on MicheleReader.com.
In 1939 Gundi Schiller was unmarried and pregnant. As a member of the Edelweiss Pirates, a resistance group, she met and fell in love with Leo Solomon, a Jewish man, who was now missing. When she is told that she needs to enter the Lebensborn program at Heim Hochland, Gundi knows that she must protect the identity of her child's father. Single Hilde Kramer enters the program, thrilled that she is pregnant by the married and much older Obergruppenführer Werner Ziegler. She is proud to show her allegiance to the Reich. Irma Binz decides to take a position as a nurse at Heim Hochland after a life of disappointments. Unmarried and childless, she is excited to have the chance to support the women and their babies.
Through much research, author Jennifer Coburn has skillfully brought the Lebensborn program to the forefront. As with so many stories about WWII, this impactful book sheds a light on yet another dark and despicable aspect of this horrible period of history. Through historical fiction, a story of heroism and strength is told representing those who tried to make a difference amidst all the horror.
Many thanks to the author and Sourcebooks Landmark for the opportunity to read Cradles of the Reich before its publication. These types of stories are never easy to read yet they help us to never forget.
Rated 4.25 stars.
Review posted on MicheleReader.com.
June 28, 2022
I could not put this book down!
This is a fascinating historical fiction about the experiences of three young German women in the Reich during WWII. Told in their alternating voices, we learn about Himmler’s Lebensborn program, that was carried out in state-supported palatial homes that housed young women for the purpose of giving birth to pure blooded Aryan children. Even though they come from very different backgrounds and circumstances, the three women end up in one of these breeding homes and their stories begin to intertwine.
If you like historical fiction, this is a must read! I highly recommend it. -Debbie F.
This is a fascinating historical fiction about the experiences of three young German women in the Reich during WWII. Told in their alternating voices, we learn about Himmler’s Lebensborn program, that was carried out in state-supported palatial homes that housed young women for the purpose of giving birth to pure blooded Aryan children. Even though they come from very different backgrounds and circumstances, the three women end up in one of these breeding homes and their stories begin to intertwine.
If you like historical fiction, this is a must read! I highly recommend it. -Debbie F.
August 26, 2022
Cradles of the Reich, by Jennifer Coburn
Cradles of Reich is a shocking and dark look back at history. In honor of Hitler, the Nazis' Lebensborn Society featured maternity homes where women were bred like cattle to create a "model German society".
I found Jennifer Coburn's book, told from the perspectives of three women, to be enthralling and a subject I was unaware of till I read the book. Although the novel is fiction, it is based on true events. Those interested in history will find this topic unusual and intriguing. This is a testament to the strength and endurance of women during the second World War.
Cradles of the Reich by Jennifer Coburn is available on October 11th.
Thank you, NetGalley and Sourcebooks Landmark, for sharing this book with me. I appreciate your kindness.
Cradles of Reich is a shocking and dark look back at history. In honor of Hitler, the Nazis' Lebensborn Society featured maternity homes where women were bred like cattle to create a "model German society".
I found Jennifer Coburn's book, told from the perspectives of three women, to be enthralling and a subject I was unaware of till I read the book. Although the novel is fiction, it is based on true events. Those interested in history will find this topic unusual and intriguing. This is a testament to the strength and endurance of women during the second World War.
Cradles of the Reich by Jennifer Coburn is available on October 11th.
Thank you, NetGalley and Sourcebooks Landmark, for sharing this book with me. I appreciate your kindness.
October 11, 2022
4.5 stars. Author Jennifer Coburn sheds light on a lesser known nazi evil. Based on historical events.. in 1935 during WWll, the Lebensborn Society Maternity breeding program was created by the nazi’s as an answer to create a new master race.
This book follows the character driven (fictional) story of three young women, one a nurse, who all live on the ground’s of one of these infamous maternity homes.. this one being the real “Heim Hockland” located in Bavaria. All three having their own beliefs toward the party (not all were positive).
It’s heartbreaking and absolutely terrifying to know these homes did exist.. with newborns being born at these sites, or that babies were being taken from their murdered parents in other countries (for their blonde hair/blue eyes).. then shuffled through, picked by and given away to German couples supporting the reich.
There’s so much more to this story, and is one I feel a must read for historical fic. readers. Jennifer Coburn has done an incredible job of researching this subject and it truly shows in this book. Excellent. 4.5 stars — Pub. 10/11/22
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
This book follows the character driven (fictional) story of three young women, one a nurse, who all live on the ground’s of one of these infamous maternity homes.. this one being the real “Heim Hockland” located in Bavaria. All three having their own beliefs toward the party (not all were positive).
It’s heartbreaking and absolutely terrifying to know these homes did exist.. with newborns being born at these sites, or that babies were being taken from their murdered parents in other countries (for their blonde hair/blue eyes).. then shuffled through, picked by and given away to German couples supporting the reich.
There’s so much more to this story, and is one I feel a must read for historical fic. readers. Jennifer Coburn has done an incredible job of researching this subject and it truly shows in this book. Excellent. 4.5 stars — Pub. 10/11/22
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
September 7, 2022
This is an entertaining, well-written, informative, WWII historical fiction novel which is based on actual events. It describes the Nazi breeding program known as the Lebensborn Society from the perspectives of three very different German women. The contrasting points of view, vividly described settings, fast pace, and well developed characters engage the reader from the beginning until the end of this outstanding novel. Ms. Coburn's notes and personal insight are interesting and enlightening, and are truly appreciated.
NetGalley and Sourcebooks Landmark kindly provided me with an ARC of this novel, and this is my honest opinion.
NetGalley and Sourcebooks Landmark kindly provided me with an ARC of this novel, and this is my honest opinion.
January 19, 2023
Wow I have read a lot of WWII books and never have I heard about the Lebensborn Society. Why not? What a horrible despicable place where Aryan unwed mothers went as well as perfect Aryan women went to have sex with Nazi soldiers to further Hitler’s desire for more Aryan children for Germany. Three women’s stories are interwoven here who all arrive at one of these places. The Afterword in the novel is quite insightful as to the prevalence of these places.
The only con is that the book ended kind of suddenly and I still wanted it to go on. A great book when I learn something I didn’t know about and so well written.
The only con is that the book ended kind of suddenly and I still wanted it to go on. A great book when I learn something I didn’t know about and so well written.
July 11, 2023
'Cradles of the Reich' is an eye-opening, if not somewhat disturbing story, which reveals just how depraved the Nazi regime was - even before the actual onset of WWII. The factual basis of the storyline is brought to life through the voices of three women. Their narratives are so plausibly written it's difficult to not to believe in their truth.
Gundi, Hilde, and Irma become involved in the Lebensborn Society of maternity homes, a programme designed in 1935 to breed a pure Aryan race. Each of the women is there for different purposes but the longer they stay, the more they realise just what a perverse programme it is. But under the Nazi regime, it's made clear, that what you want doesn't really matter.
For me, the book began slowly and jumped back and forward in time, with no chapter breaks to signal it. Quickly though, I became astounded at what you would think could only happen in a dystopian novel and I was thoroughly engrossed as to how it could end. My small reservations though, do not detract overall from this enlightening yet unnerving. Any historical fiction lover would get a lot out of this read.
Gundi, Hilde, and Irma become involved in the Lebensborn Society of maternity homes, a programme designed in 1935 to breed a pure Aryan race. Each of the women is there for different purposes but the longer they stay, the more they realise just what a perverse programme it is. But under the Nazi regime, it's made clear, that what you want doesn't really matter.
For me, the book began slowly and jumped back and forward in time, with no chapter breaks to signal it. Quickly though, I became astounded at what you would think could only happen in a dystopian novel and I was thoroughly engrossed as to how it could end. My small reservations though, do not detract overall from this enlightening yet unnerving. Any historical fiction lover would get a lot out of this read.
September 11, 2022
A difficult book to read because of the subject matter.
Adolph Hitler and his henchmen, in their quest to achieve a pure Aryan nation, will stop at nothing to accomplish their goals. Even it means stealing children and giving them to “pure Germans” to raise. Even if means having Nazi officers impregnate young girls. Even if it means eliminating any child who is not deemed perfect…
This book was a chilling read, about a little-known Nazi plan to “stock up” their Aryan nation with children who perfectly (and only perfectly) met the designated standards… by any means necessary.
*I received a digital copy of this book from Netgalley, in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are strictly my own.*
Adolph Hitler and his henchmen, in their quest to achieve a pure Aryan nation, will stop at nothing to accomplish their goals. Even it means stealing children and giving them to “pure Germans” to raise. Even if means having Nazi officers impregnate young girls. Even if it means eliminating any child who is not deemed perfect…
This book was a chilling read, about a little-known Nazi plan to “stock up” their Aryan nation with children who perfectly (and only perfectly) met the designated standards… by any means necessary.
*I received a digital copy of this book from Netgalley, in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are strictly my own.*
April 18, 2021
An extraordinary piece of writing. Powerful, moving, heartbreaking, and ultimately uplifting. A remarkable depiction of a deeply inhumane program that took place during the rise of Nazi Germany, and of how it affected the lives of the three individual women in this historical fiction.
The novel's structure is particularly stunning; its multiple narrations and their interplay brings to mind authors from Faulker to Quentin Tarantino. A modern novel that brings to life a troubling, yet unexplored, moment in world history in a way that helps all of us better understand the human condition.
On top of all that, it's not just wonderfully written - it's a great read.
I couldn't put it down. Bravo.
The novel's structure is particularly stunning; its multiple narrations and their interplay brings to mind authors from Faulker to Quentin Tarantino. A modern novel that brings to life a troubling, yet unexplored, moment in world history in a way that helps all of us better understand the human condition.
On top of all that, it's not just wonderfully written - it's a great read.
I couldn't put it down. Bravo.
October 20, 2022
The Lebensborn Society in Nazi Germany was established as part of their eugenics program to increase the population of “racially pure” Aryan babies. Cradles of the Reich tells the story of one of their maternity homes through the eyes of three fictional women. The pregnant Gundi is the prototype for Aryan beauty…attractive, blond, blue eyed…but she harbors a secret. Hilde strives to be the perfect Nazi loyalist all the while promoting her own self interests. Irma, older and childless, is a nurse at the home.
Many of the horrors of life in the Reich are here. The children’s books that taught hatred of the Jews. The destruction of Kristallnacht followed by fines placed upon Jews for “causing” it. The kidnapping of babies. The euthanasia program for children with disabilities. The work camps. With all this occurring, pure Aryan women were being taught how to manage the home, raise their children, and tend to their husbands.
This is a fast, engrossing read. The ending is a bit abrupt. I would have liked to have known the rest of the stories of these three women. I really would have liked an epilogue. Perhaps there will be a sequel?
Do read the author’s notes at the end discussing the historical research and accuracy of the book.
There are a lot of World War II era historical fiction stories; I like to find those with varying foci. What they all have in common, though, is that I see them as warnings for our time. We need to never forget man’s inhumanity to man and atrocities committed in the name of hate. We need to be sensitive to the dangers of cult like figures, hatred, and how easy it is for the unthinkable to become reality or a nation to be led astray.
Thanks to #Netgalley and #sourcebooksLandmark for the ARC
Many of the horrors of life in the Reich are here. The children’s books that taught hatred of the Jews. The destruction of Kristallnacht followed by fines placed upon Jews for “causing” it. The kidnapping of babies. The euthanasia program for children with disabilities. The work camps. With all this occurring, pure Aryan women were being taught how to manage the home, raise their children, and tend to their husbands.
This is a fast, engrossing read. The ending is a bit abrupt. I would have liked to have known the rest of the stories of these three women. I really would have liked an epilogue. Perhaps there will be a sequel?
Do read the author’s notes at the end discussing the historical research and accuracy of the book.
There are a lot of World War II era historical fiction stories; I like to find those with varying foci. What they all have in common, though, is that I see them as warnings for our time. We need to never forget man’s inhumanity to man and atrocities committed in the name of hate. We need to be sensitive to the dangers of cult like figures, hatred, and how easy it is for the unthinkable to become reality or a nation to be led astray.
Thanks to #Netgalley and #sourcebooksLandmark for the ARC
October 28, 2022
This was a hard book to read because of the content, but important to read. History can be hard, but hopefully we learn from the past. This novel is based on the Lebensborn Society maternity homes during WWII. Mothers giving birth to “racially fit” babies were being bred to be raised in Germany.
Coburn tackles the hard subject of the Nazi breeding program to create the “so-called master race.” Coburn research is meticulous and the subject matter is hard to fathom.
We follow three different women from different backgrounds. Their lives become intertwined at the program. Gundi is hiding a secret, but is considered the perfect German specimen. Irma is the nurse involved in these birth mothers lives. Hilda is a teenager seeing a high ranking Nazi but gets in trouble and the man is married.
How do these girls survive such horrific crimes and brainwashing?
Coburn tackles the hard subject of the Nazi breeding program to create the “so-called master race.” Coburn research is meticulous and the subject matter is hard to fathom.
We follow three different women from different backgrounds. Their lives become intertwined at the program. Gundi is hiding a secret, but is considered the perfect German specimen. Irma is the nurse involved in these birth mothers lives. Hilda is a teenager seeing a high ranking Nazi but gets in trouble and the man is married.
How do these girls survive such horrific crimes and brainwashing?
July 5, 2022
I had the pleasure of receiving an early copy of this book...a truly remarkable read! Here was my "official" take but I'm telling you to pre-order this book now!
Jennifer Coburn brings an untold story brilliantly to the page in this fast paced, heart wrenching, at times harrowing novel. With a resonant plot and complex, well-drawn characters, this book will stick with readers and leave them clamoring to know more.
Jennifer Coburn brings an untold story brilliantly to the page in this fast paced, heart wrenching, at times harrowing novel. With a resonant plot and complex, well-drawn characters, this book will stick with readers and leave them clamoring to know more.
April 14, 2021
Fabulous book! I learned so much about the Lebensborn program and this time in history. It was fascinating to read it from the point of view of three separate and well-developed characters! I couldn’t put it down!
September 15, 2022
The Nazis did many things a modern society might consider extreme or outright insane. Amongst them, their breeding program, Lebensborn. I am interested in that era, so I learned about it some time ago and let the knowledge sit around the mind palace unused.
The author of this book, though, did no such thing upon learning of the program and instead did her research and wrote a book about it. So, kudos on that.
Now, by itself, just going by the author’s other work, I’d never pick up a book of hers. She seems to specialize in women’s fiction, maternal fiction if that’s a thing, estrogen heavy kind of Lifetime TV crap.
But the subject interested me, so I checked it out. And sure enough, it ended up being exactly as expected: estrogen-heavy, women’s fiction, but a well-researched one with meticulous attention to detail and an interesting subject. A peculiar combination, but it worked…to an extent.
The author may not have the pure literary talent or emotional range to turn this into a Schindler’s List, but she does her level best, her fairly decent level best, to tell a tale of three intersecting narratives, three females (two young, one older) caught up in a hideous experiment at a terrible time in a country gone mad.
War dramas are a popular genre and this is the sort of book that’s sure to find its audience among the fans. Perfectly readable, somewhat engaging despite all those heavy Lifetime undertones, plot-wise the book is ok, but the historical fiction aspects of it elevate the entire production. The author even talks about it in her extensive afterword, all the research she did.
If you’ve never heard of Lebensborn, this is a good (fictional) primer on the subject. And surprisingly timely, since reproductive rights seem to be such a huge thing lately. Sadly.
If this book does nothing but serve as a fresh reminder that society that wishes to control and manipulate its women and their reproductive rights so viciously is doing something wrong.
But then again, if people learned lessons from books, the world would be a very different place. Thanks Netgalley.
The author of this book, though, did no such thing upon learning of the program and instead did her research and wrote a book about it. So, kudos on that.
Now, by itself, just going by the author’s other work, I’d never pick up a book of hers. She seems to specialize in women’s fiction, maternal fiction if that’s a thing, estrogen heavy kind of Lifetime TV crap.
But the subject interested me, so I checked it out. And sure enough, it ended up being exactly as expected: estrogen-heavy, women’s fiction, but a well-researched one with meticulous attention to detail and an interesting subject. A peculiar combination, but it worked…to an extent.
The author may not have the pure literary talent or emotional range to turn this into a Schindler’s List, but she does her level best, her fairly decent level best, to tell a tale of three intersecting narratives, three females (two young, one older) caught up in a hideous experiment at a terrible time in a country gone mad.
War dramas are a popular genre and this is the sort of book that’s sure to find its audience among the fans. Perfectly readable, somewhat engaging despite all those heavy Lifetime undertones, plot-wise the book is ok, but the historical fiction aspects of it elevate the entire production. The author even talks about it in her extensive afterword, all the research she did.
If you’ve never heard of Lebensborn, this is a good (fictional) primer on the subject. And surprisingly timely, since reproductive rights seem to be such a huge thing lately. Sadly.
If this book does nothing but serve as a fresh reminder that society that wishes to control and manipulate its women and their reproductive rights so viciously is doing something wrong.
But then again, if people learned lessons from books, the world would be a very different place. Thanks Netgalley.
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September 4, 2022Giveaway Win!
July 11, 2022
Combine "The Handmaid's Tale" with Hitler's Germany, and you will begin to understand the horrors of the Nazis' Lebensborn program, in which unmarried, pregnant Aryan women were basically kidnapped and forced to give up their babies for adoption by "good German" families--while other young women were regularly raped by SS troops to produce even more "racially pure" children.
In this powerful novel, Jennifer Coburn makes that horror both clear and human.
Coburn has done a remarkable job in creating three main characters (and many minor ones) who are complex human beings, not just symbols: Gundi, who is so beautiful that she's chosen to be the literal poster mother for the program-- and who is carrying the child of her forbidden Jewish lover. Irma, a nurse and "ordinary" German, still suffering from devastating World War I-era losses, who doesn't pay much attention to the growing evil around her. And Hilde, the saddest of the three, an ambitious plain-Jane who essentially whores herself to a mid-ranking Nazi. The three meet at a luxurious but regimented Lebensborn facility in Bavaria.
The research is impressive, and the plot is gripping from page 1 to the end. Through the horrors, the three women find unexpected strength to endure -- and grow.
In this powerful novel, Jennifer Coburn makes that horror both clear and human.
Coburn has done a remarkable job in creating three main characters (and many minor ones) who are complex human beings, not just symbols: Gundi, who is so beautiful that she's chosen to be the literal poster mother for the program-- and who is carrying the child of her forbidden Jewish lover. Irma, a nurse and "ordinary" German, still suffering from devastating World War I-era losses, who doesn't pay much attention to the growing evil around her. And Hilde, the saddest of the three, an ambitious plain-Jane who essentially whores herself to a mid-ranking Nazi. The three meet at a luxurious but regimented Lebensborn facility in Bavaria.
The research is impressive, and the plot is gripping from page 1 to the end. Through the horrors, the three women find unexpected strength to endure -- and grow.
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