I requested to read and review for free from St. Martin Publishing Company. I know this is a work of fiction but I honestly could visualize this being a real life idea during that time period. At first I wasn't to sure about this story but the longer I kept reading I was hooked. It's a powerful story of love, betrayal, forgiveness and moving forward. Max who's live is going great until him being a Jew leads to a major roadblock in his life. Bettina had escaped the madness of her home and is moving forward in life until a series of things has her questioning life and everything in general. Can Max and Bettina story be a beautiful one or tragic one or can it be both? Will either of them get a happy ever after or will life take it away from them forever. This book can be read anywhere but by a mature reader

The Porcelain Maker by Sarah Freethy is a captivating historical fiction novel that seamlessly weaves two timelines - 1929 Berlin and 1993 America - into a tale of love, art, and survival. Max, a Jewish architect, and Bettina, a celebrated German artist, navigate the dark era of Nazi Germany, with Max's life depending on his talent for crafting porcelain figures. In 1993, their daughter Clara embarks on a quest to uncover her father's identity. Freethy's rich vocabulary and adept storytelling make this debut novel a compelling read, and the alternating timelines add depth to the narrative. The book explores the enduring power of art amidst adversity, leaving a lasting impression on readers.

The story perfectly intertwines present day with Germany 1929 through World War II. This dichotomy parallels the love story of Bettina and Max. Bettina, a talented Bohemian artist, falls in love with Max, a talented architect who is Jewish. Before they can escape, Max is arrested and sent to Dachau. The portrait of German life at the time is quite realistic, providing a dark canvas to their efforts to survive. Yet this plot is perfectly contrasted with the present day as Bettina's daughter, Clara, and granddaughter try to uncover Bettina's story, and perhaps, the identity of Clara's father. Well-written, you will be entranced, appalled, and hoping for Bettina and Max.

I’m such a huge fan of historical fiction, and so I couldn’t wait to start this book. Sarah Freethy is a new-to-me author, and she did an amazing job blending romance into the historical bits, which gave the story a wonderful ebb and flow throughout. My emotions were all over the chart while reading this book, and I finished it in just a couple of days. Freethy’s characters were so well developed, and I found myself able to relate in some particular way to each one of them. Then, of course, you have the dynamics of war and the chaos and tension that goes along with it, which just adds to the many layers of the book. I would recommend The Porcelain Maker to everyone, and I look forward to reading more of this author’s work in the very near future. Well done!

Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC. To say i enjoyed reading this book is hard because the subject matter is difficult. I have read many many books based on WWII and the cruelty to those deemed less than perfect that occurred. such a sad story, but also a story about how the human spirit cannot be crushed despite what happens. I enjoyed the back and forth between present day and then. I came to love the characters in this book, and commend the author for bringing them to life

In 1929 Germany, Bettina, an avant garde artist and Max, a Jewish architect, fall in love. As they realize what is happening in their country and the danger that lies within, they plot their escape. When their plan is foiled, Max is sent to Dachau and Bettina finds herself pregnant. To save her baby, she marries a rising officer in the SS. While at Dachau, Max’s skills are put to use in the porcelain factory opened there to promote the Nazi ideal. Bettina’s daughter, Clara, grows up not knowing who her father was and, in 1993, she and her own daughter set out to discover his identity. The timelines shift back and forth between the 1930s and the lives of Bettina and Max and Clara’s 1993 journey of discovery.

This debut offer is well plotted, beautifully written, and deeply affecting. I found myself wanting to race through to find out what happens.The book raises intriguing questions : What would one do to protect loved ones? What will one risk to express outrage through art? What painful stories should be shared? What are the differences among sacrifice, preservation, and complicity? I have read quite a bit of World War II historical fiction, especially those focusing on the Nazi atrocities. With its focus on the role of the porcelain factory in advancing their propaganda, this was a unique perspective and I learned quite a bit. Even though I have visited Dachau, I wasn’t aware of this factory being a part of it.

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.

Yes it's a WWII holocaust book but it's so much more. It's a story of survival, love, and family roots. Enjoyable but the chapters do get long.

This beautifully crafted debut novel from Sarah Freethy is a different perspective of the Hallocaust.

1929 Bettina and Max are star-crossed lovers who are torn apart by the war. Their relationship illegal as she is German, and Max is Jewish.

In the 1990s, Clara , Bettina's daughter, was searching for the truth of her father's identity, which her mother took to the grave. All she knows is thar he was the porcelain maker of Dachau.

Allach porcelain figurines were made in the Dachau work camp, where the Jewish prisoners crafted the most beautiful and intricate pieces in a place made for destruction of the human spirit. destruction.

The writing in the book is beautifully crafted. Sarah's attention to historical fact brings the past to life. Also details if the art, locations and even people were just plain artistry. Scenes are exquisite and equally horrific. She is a true master of the writer word.

Lovers of historical fiction will find themselves emersed in this wonderful debut novel.
Thank you to St. Martin's Press and Netgally for this ARC. My review is voluntary.

I so enjoyed this book. Such a great story and what a great debut from this within. I can’t wait to see what else she writes! Already a huge fan!

The author has written an interesting heartbreaking novel of WWII set in Germany. It’s the story of two star crossed lovers, Bettina, a German artist and Max, a Jewish architect. Set in two timelines, 1929 and 1993, we experience the love and hardship of the tragic love story and also the story of Clara who is determined to find out the true identity of her father. Incorporated in the story is the importance of art and the fierce love between mother and daughter. An important debut written by a talented author. #ThePorcelainMaker #SarahFreethy #NetGalley

It boggles the mind that so many books on the Holocaust have been written. Each of the ones that I have read, and I have read many, are on a different topic that focuses on the absolute evil of the Reich and the horror faced by the millions who were considered subhuman. While the disclaimer states that this was a work of fiction and the characters and situations are the product of the author's imagination, I would like to know if there was in fact a porcelain factory in Dachau. I also would have liked to know what gave Ms. Freethy the idea for writing this extraordinary novel.

This was a very interesting take on the topic of the Holocaust. For while many of the upper echelons of the Nazi organization were interested in doing away with those they considered expendable, they also took an amazing interest in art. And that is what this story is all about. What makes art acceptable for everyone? And who should be allowed to create art? These are questions the Nazis were very involved in deciding according to the author.

The book was beautifully written and populated with believable characters in unimaginable situations that were all too real. I loved this story and highly recommend it.

Clara has always wanted to know more about her Mother’s life in Germany during the war. She thinks the porcelain figurines are a clue to her Father’s identity and their lives together.
Sarah Freethy is a great storyteller that brings to life another inspirational story of love and survival.

Thank you, NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for the copy of The Porcelain Maker. I know people love WWII historical fiction and if you do, this book is probably perfect for you, but maybe WWII books are no longer really for me. Many of the WWII scenes and situations were really hard to read about and didn’t bring me any enjoyment because I don’t need to be reminded about the atrocities. I just never connected to the story or the characters.

The book was interesting - liked the fact that it was based upon an actual porcelain factory. I wasn't fond of the ending as I thought it wrapped up a little too quickly. However, I would recommend the book.

At first glance, this will seem like just another historical fiction work about WW2…dig deep and you’ll find it is not…
This is a story of two people deeply in love, in one of the most dark and troubled times in history. A time when evil ran rampant and unchecked. When innocent people had to make unthinkable life choices, just to survive. And many of these threw caution to the winds, in order to make at least a small glitch in the wheel that churned out atrocity after atrocity, guided by mad men.
And the mental images of the porcelain creations will stay with the reader for a long time…

World war 2 historical fiction is one of my favorites so when I got approved to read an advanced copy of Sarah Freethy’s newest book I was very excited. The Porcelain maker is from the POV of Max and Bettina during WW2 and Clara, Bettina’s daughter who is trying to figure out who her father was. The story really showcases how strong love can be in the face of adversity and the scarifies we make. The story of how Max became a porcelain maker and how his pieces leads Clara to uncover her heritage.

Overall this was an excellent story that kept moving. I definitely enjoyed the Max and Bettina’s part of the story a bit more then Clara’s but overall it all worked well together. I look forward to reading what Freethy writes next. Thank you to Netgalley and to the publishers for allowing me to read this advanced copy.

This book is written about a heart-breaking time in history. Tried to be understanding about all the typos because it was an ARC copy. I hope these are fixed before the final publication. However, it was a very touching story of love and survival and a surprise ending.

In 1929 two students, Max and Bettina, meet and fall in love in Berlin, but as the years pass and more restrictive and terrifying laws are passed their love becomes illegal. They will do everything they can to hold onto each other despite the fear and hatred mounting around them.
In 1993 Clara searches for answers about her origins after her mothers passing. Her only clue is a porcelain Viking that was her mother’s greatest treasure.

This is not a romance, this a a true and genuine love story. I loved watching them hold onto each other and their love through trials no person should have to face.
This was heartbreakingly beautiful. The second timeline took just enough space to add to the story and never took away from the central plot. I liked that the second storyline was about a mother and daughter and not a second romance.
A wonderful piece of World War Two fiction.
The Porcelain Maker will be released November 7 2023
Thank you to @sarah.freethy @netgalley and @stmartinspress for letting me review this book.
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I just finished this book and man was it a whirlwind of emotions. The story is expertly told and detailed. The characters are so well written and fully fleshed. I can’t recommend this book enough. The subject matter is hard but the story will take you. Loved it. Read a NetGalley copy

I received this from Netgalley for an honest review. This is an incredible piece of historical fiction. Bettina and Max's story is about love and endurance all through separation. This is different view than the usual concentration camp stories. Get out your tissues. You will need them.