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The World That We Knew

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Member Reviews

A magical historic fiction read by one of the best authors to paint mystical pictures. This was a beautiful story of dark time. A well researched novel about a time that is often written about, this seemed to have a different spin, that I enjoyed reading.

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.A story that focuses on the Holocaust/World War should not mix with fantasy and was difficult to read and finishII

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One of my favorite authors. This book was haunting, magical and memorable. Absolutely beautiful. Alice Hoffman is 100 percent the best author of my generation.

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The World That We Knew is a beautiful novel about the joys and sorrows of humanity. The writing creates vivid imagery while reading and it feels like almost watching a movie. A must-read master piece.

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Unfortunately, this book was not for me which absolutely kills me as a reader. I felt the plot just completely dragged and was not engaged at all.

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All books involving the Holocaust are heartbreaking at the very deepest level. The magical realism is what takes this book to the next level. And no one does magical realism like Alice Hoffman does. She truly knocked it out of the park with this one. I’m so thankful for every single book written about the Holocaust. We must never forget the atrocities created upon so many innocent people.

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Loved this book. Alice Hoffman is one of the best authors ever. This story will keep you interested and ready to read on. The characters are unforgettable.

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While I enjoy Alice Hoffman and her other works, I ultimately did not feel as engrossed about this one as I did with others. Maybe it had too much magical realism for me? I usually like WWII stories but this one was just meh for me!

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breakfast with⁣
@ahoffmanwriter

or at least her new book⁣

The World That We Knew⁣
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Alice Hoffman has been one of my favorite authors for some time and "The World That We Knew" moved her to a higher position in that category. I have come to believe that any subject Ms Hoffman writes about, will instantly become interesting to me.

"The World That We Knew" mixes historical fiction & magical realism into a very moving story of love, heartbreak and survival.

As I said above, Alice Hoffman has not written a book I, and most people, have not loved. She has a way of writing that just draws you in and will not let you go until the story is completed. If you have never had the joy of reading an Alice Hoffman book, then definitely give this one a try, you will not be disappointed. If you are a already a fan, this is one you do not want to miss!

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I had hug expectations for this book! I gave it many tries but but I could not connect with the story at all!

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I have read every book Alice Hoffman has written and there is only one word to describe her stories…perfection! She brings her magic to one of our darkest times in history, where we wish more than this one little girl had a golem. Heartbreaking yet one turns the pages with a spirit of hope.

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This is one of the best books I have read in 2019. It has stayed with me for a long time and the characters were unforgettable. A perfect blend of magical realism and historical fiction. Alice Hoffman is brilliant and this book by far was my favorite of her works.

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Alice Hoffman delivers a hauntingly beautiful story, mystical realism that mesmerizes.

I had heard the term golem, but wasn't sure how a mystic creature would be woven into a book about Nazis and war. I suspended questioning and dove in, and was instantly enthralled with the writing. Sentences so lovingly crafted the story drew me in and didn't let go.

Hanni Kohn's husband, a Jewish doctor, is murdered as the Germans assert their evil upon the land. She is determined to save her daughter, 12 year old Lea, from the ongoing slaughter of innocents. Hanni must stay behind with an elderly relative, but is determined to send Lea to family in Paris. Unwilling to have Lea travel alone, lest she encounters "monsters" along the way, Hanni implores a rabbi to create a golem as a companion and guard for the child. The rabbi refuses, but his daughter takes on the challenge and Ava is born out of the mud and menstrual blood.

What unfolds is a story that makes one question life, love, the soul, mankind, evil, chance, and destiny. Alice Hoffman is a true master storyteller.

Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC in exchange for this unbiased review.

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This was a magical, beautiful, and heartbreaking story. You feel for every character involved and really get the idea of the emotions of the Jews during WWII. It adds a bit of Jewish myth (Golems) to it and the one we follow is amazing. And the ending... all the feels while also unexpected but a piece of happiness after so many horrible things occur

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I very rarely read an Alice Hoffman book that doesn't bring tears to my eyes and The World That We Knew was no exception. Very well written, I'd expect nothing less from Hoffman.

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This is a wonderful book, well written, captivating and very educating. Jewish tradition as well as the Nazi invasion are explored and I learned a great deal about each. As always there is a magical quality to her books that I love. Highly recommend!!

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I can always give a rave review about anything Alice Hoffman writes. her writing is always a master piece and this didn't disappoint. I loved everything about this powerful story and was so happy to get the advance copy of it. I bought the book as well because it was so wonderful i just needed to read it too. I highly recommend this story and anything else that she has written!

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Magical. You can never go wrong with an Alice Hoffman book. This book is somber and plays into her delicate & powerful writing. I liked that it was something different than her typical books.

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Just when you think you’ve read all the stories about WWII a book like this comes along. I loved this story for the magical realism, the well drawn characters and the acts of bravery. I especially liked learning about all of the efforts made during the war to save Jewish children. Overall this is a book about love: a mother’s love, a couple’s love across the miles, and the selfless love and sacrifice shown by so many during this terrible war. Hoffman’s language is beautiful and I highly recommend this book.

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