(WPF) The World That We Knew / Alice Hoffman - 4****

[Book Concierge]

I think this fits because, even though it is fiction and magical realism, it explores the role of many unsung women heroes who worked with the French resistance during WW2.



The World That We Knew – Alice Hoffman
Book on CD performed by Judith Light
4****

A slightly different take on the usual WW2 stories. Hanni Kohn recognizes the imminent danger the Nazi’s pose, so she goes to a rabbi for help. But it is the rabbi’s daughter, Ettie, who offers to make the mystical golem who will protect Hanni’s daughter, Lea. Once Ava is brought to life, she will join with Lea and Ettie to escape to France. Although separated their paths are fated to intersect.

I was skeptical about reading another WW2 story, but Hoffman’s writing captured my attention and kept me interested and engaged throughout. I grew to love Ava in particular. What an interesting character! Not truly human, and not intended to “feel,” nevertheless, she has been charged by her creators to act as a mother to Lea, and so she begins to feel for this child/teen/young woman. Her devotion is no less that that of a mother, and she suffers many of the same heartaches a mother would feel as her daughter grows up and away from her.

Ettie is a marvelous young woman. Strong, independent, determined to make a difference. She will not accept the role that has been prescribed for her by her strictly orthodox parents. She will fight against tyranny with every fiber of her being.

Lea is a bit of an enigma. A child at the outset she grows into a sullen teenager and then a strong-willed young woman. There were several times I wanted to just throttle her! But by the end of the book I was cheering her on.

While the focus of the story is really on Ava, Ettie and Lea, there are a number of supporting characters who help them throughout, from the Mother Superior at the convent where Ava and Lea hide for a time, to the French resistance group Ettie works with, to a kind doctor and the farmer and his daughter who keep bees and a the charming goat, Bluebell.

Judith Light is an accomplished actress and voice artist. She does a marvelous job of performng the audiobook. She really brings these characters to life.



LINK to my full review

[Amy]

This was one of my favorite books of all time. It was probably number one on my top 10 list last year. I was so moved by it. I’m glad you enjoyed it too!

[Lyn]

I also loved it and gave it 5 stars. Like @Amy, it was number one on my top 10 last year. One of my overall favorites by Alice Hoffman. And it definitely fits the tag!