Every so often I like to change up my reading content and throw in a historical fiction. The Book of Uriel surely "scratched that itch" but it was not the historical fiction I was expecting. To be fair, I liked this cover and that intrigued me the most, so I knew nothing going into this other than it was a historical fiction about WWII. I fell in love with the sweet, endearing, strong, and brave little boy that Uriel was. WWII books are typically devastatingly heartbreaking. While The Book of Uriel possessed those elements it was really the relationship between Uwe and Uriel that melted my heart, restored faith in humanity, and kept me reading. When reading Historical Fiction I always consider who I will recommend the book to, often times certain books suit different people, but this is a novel for everyone.

The Book of Uriel is a compelling tale of hope and perseverance set against the backdrop of World War II. Elyse Hoffman's debut novel follows a young mute boy on a perilous journey to save his people. The author's vivid descriptions and the heart-wrenching plight of the characters create a powerful and immersive reading experience.

While the novel's exploration of faith and the human spirit is undeniably moving, the complex web of characters and subplots can occasionally be confusing. The Book of Uriel is a thought-provoking read that will resonate with fans of historical fiction and coming-of-age stories alike.

This was different from anything that I've read in a long time. A book that combines history, magic and the views of the Jewish heritage it's nothing I've ever read before. It's extremely well written and was extremely hard to put down. I loved the blending of the elements and it held the book together even during those tough moments.

This was an . . . interesting story. A mix of magical realism with the horror of genocide that reminded me of the movie "Pan's Labyrinth" in a way.

It's been a while since I read through the book but I do remember that it was a haunting book to read and had quite a bit that kept me wanting to pick up the book. I read it over the period of 48 hours and I honestly could not tell you if that was because I was genuinely captivated or because I just wanted to see where the author would go next.

Thank you to Netgalley and the publishers for giving me free access to the digital advanced copy of this book.

Although this wasn't my usual style, the characters were so believable and the pacing was so tight that I actually ended up enjoying this book. I wouldn't have picked it off the shelf, but that just goes to show that "sticking with what you know" means you can miss out on gems like this one!

***Thank you to NetGalley and to the publishers for allowing me to access this book in digital form.***

This is a unique, unforgettable fable set during WWII, when there is trouble in Heaven as well as on earth. Uriel is a Jewish child living in Germany who was born mute and who can 'see' things that others can't. He is a lonely child. His wise Mama teaches him to read and write, and saves money to give him a book where he can write down his stories. Uriel can also see and talk to angels, angels that only he can see.

One day, Polish troops arrive and destroy his village, killing everyone, including his family. The Nazi commander who comes to survey the damage finds the golden book near Uriel's body and takes it with him. Later, a man who is an interpreter for the Nazis also finds Uriel, who appears dead at first but then opens his eyes. The interpreter takes Uriel with him, although it is very dangerous for him, and for his family. He has no choice but to serve the Nazis. He must hide Uriel or he, his wife and children, and Uriel will all be killed.

Uriel, however, has a mission from the angels that requires him to come out of hiding. He has to find the archangel Michael, the guardian angel for the Jewish people. Michael is hidden in lands occupied by the Nazis, where the other angels can not go.

I received an e-arc of this book from The Book Whisperer via NetGalley, and voluntarily read and reviewed this book.

A beautiful historical fiction tale mixing fantasy with Jewish folklore folklore. This story really pulls at your heartstrings.

Very well written; a beautiful fantasy tale framed in contrast against the background of the true historical horror that was Nazi occupied Poland. I definitely recommend the book.

Interesting book! It was not exactly what I thought but it was very well-written. I think it was not in the genre I generally enjoy but if you do, then you will find it an excellent read.

Uriel is a mute outcast in his Jewish village. His escape is to write. This book looks at the horrors of the Holocaust and mixes it with Judaic mysticism. A bond is created between this book and a german translator. Together they attempt to save the Jewish people. This book is through the eyes of a child. Highly recommended! It is a serious page turner.

I do not think that I have EVER read a book like this before, and it was a seriously amazing change for me. I am more of a fantasy fiction romance person.
This book offers a unique blend of historical fiction, Jewish heritage, and something really different, I just jumped into an amazing world. I have never read anything else by this author but this book, It shows the author and his skills….. overall amazing. Uriel expresses what it is to have unwavering faith, love, and optimism despite being mute and experiencing horrific things in his young life, things which no young child should ever have to suffer. It portrays the harshness of the WWII events and the interactions that Uriel experiences. It does take a bit time to get into it, or maybe it was just me because I do not really read this genre.
But the book was all in all amazing.

Went into this expecting more of a magical realism book but I was pleasantly surprised when it wasn't the main focus of the story. My biggest issue with the book is that the main character is a Nazi that we are supposed to see the good in. He was the only one in the whole book that could see the Jewish child because he was "good of heart" and it just made me feel weird. Otherwise, I enjoyed the story overall.

The Book of Uriel takes a horrific period of history (the holocaust) and injects fantasy and hope. I've never read anything like it. Young Uriel, a mute Jewish boy, meets his unlikely companion, German linguist Uwe, and they both work toward stopping Major Brandt, the German leader who is working to eradicate all the Jewish villages in the area. Uriel's mission, given to him by the angels, is to find and free the Archangel Michael, who had been trapped by the Angel of Death. This was a very touching story about human resilience and the power of God. The elements of fantasy that are worked throughout the story really helped to keep it from being too dark. Absolutely worth the read.

I love how so many things happened in the book. I could not keep myself from the book because it was so good

A wonderfully crafted novel as seen through the eyes of a child. Although 10 yrs old and mute, Uriel the young Jewish boy is the hero of this wonderfully crafted tale of the evil and horrors of Hitler's atrocities against not only the Jewish people but also the Polish people.

Even though antagonist towards each other, through Uriel, these 2 groups work together to take on the evil of Hitler letting love and grace shine through.

I want to thank #Netgalley for letting me read the eArc of #TheBookofUriel.

I thought this was a really good book with some amazing world building and character building. I was able to picture things in my mind really well and felt as though I was living the book myself. I would highly recommend this book to anyone looking for a great, enthralling read!

This book would be a perfect choice to read in combination with Elie Weisel's Night and Markus Zusak's Book Thief. Definitely a great replacement for Boy in the Striped Pajamas!

The magical realism mixed with a child's POV of the Holocaust makes this an important read that is engrossing - you can't help but love Uriel! The main character is a mute child with a notebook full of stories who miraculously survives a slaughter at his town"s synagogue. He may not be able to speak, but his words carry power.

"Stories are meant to be shared, and it's best to share them with more than one person. Maybe someday millions of people will read your stories. They'll read them and say, 'This boy Uriel, he jas a gift. He's a great storyteller.' Being a storyteller is a great gift, Uriel. Your words will still be here, even after you're gone. It's like living forever."

Such a beautiful story with amazing imagery. Unique and lovely, full of the light that keeps out the dark.

"Not the sun. This light was no mere celestial beam. It replenished his spirit, killed his sobs, and strengthened his heart."

World War II Poland serves as the backdrop for this imaginative story of an unlikely friendship between a mute, Jewish boy and a German man serving as a translator for the Ordnungspolizei. Their pure hearts lead them each on a dangerous journey to stop the campaign and save the Jewish people.


Wow!  This is, without a doubt, the best book I have read so far this year.  Part adventure, part historical/biblical truth, all creativity, “The Book of Uriel” reads like a story within a story.  I'm not sure what I found more fascinating, the main story or “little writer's” stories, because they both left me wanting more.  A page turner until the very end, the ending did not disappoint. Although it wasn't what I hoped it would be, it was perfect, even if it did bring me to tears.  This one will stick with me forever!

A huge thanks to Netgalley and The Book Whisperer for the opportunity to review this amazing book!

The Book of Uriel is such a unique, fantastic book. I laughed, I cried (and cried some more) and overall was just so enthralled by this book.

Uriel is a 10 year old Jewish boy whose village is decimated by Germans during WWII. In order to save his people, he must perform five tasks for the Angel of Death to free archangel Michael from imprisonment. During his trials, he meets Uwe: a German translator who becomes more and more aware of what his comrades are actually doing to the Jews and the Poles.

The relationship between Uriel and Uwe was so lovely. I hesitate to use to word "wholesome" re: a book about the atrocities of WWII and a little boy losing his family in a raid of his village. However, if anything can be considered wholesome and just good in this book, it's their relationship and the way they help each other get through the most gruesome moments.