In 1993, Clara Vogel seeks an answer to the secret her mother kept from her—the truth of who her father was. Her only clue is a rare porcelain figure that her mother said had been made for her by Clara's father, the Porcelain Maker of Dachau. Told in parallel with Clara's search is the story of her mother, Bettina, and father, Max, who meet in Germany in 1929 and fall in love. But Max is Jewish, which means their relationship—and his very life—is in peril. When he is arrested and sent to Dachau, even working as an artist in the porcelain factory doesn't assure his safety. Bettina will do anything she can to help the man she loves, even if it means putting herself in danger.

I always appreciate a book that gives me insight into something I didn't know before, especially when related to a subject matter that a lot has already been written about. Historical fiction set during the Holocaust is prevalent, but the art and porcelain factory angles were new for me, and I did learn some interesting facts about the Nazis' push for a certain style of art during their rise to power, mostly as a means of propaganda. Since I am not an artist and have never studied art or art history, a lot of the nuances of the different styles that were preferred by "degenerates" compared to the Nazis were lost on me, which is unfortunate, since it's a big theme in the book. There are also several scenes about the making of porcelain figures that did provide some vague explanation, but not enough for a complete novice like me. So I definitely skimmed a lot of descriptions and discussions about expressionism, romantic realism, and other art styles that don't mean much to me.

I felt for Max and Bettina, but I don't think I got enough of a sense of their relationship—what brought and kept them together—to have quite the anguish the author would have preferred to provoke in the reader when they faced being apart. Of course, considering the circumstances of their forced separation, the reader doesn't necessarily need a connection to the characters to understand how terrible it is. On top of that, though, the pacing of this book is very slow. I often found myself wondering if whole sections were really needed, such as a scene about a little girl and a rabbit that seemed completely unnecessary to me. I can't even say I believe the more modern timeline with Clara added all that much to the story. Then, the last few chapters speed through the rest of the story, with very little detail given on matters I would have liked to know more about.

For those like me who like to know about graphic content before reading a book, there are references to a physical relationship (and Max and Bettina are not married), but nothing graphic, though there is one brief mention of nudity early in the book (Bettina during a party). I can't recall a single bit of foul language, though God's name is taken in vain a few times. I didn't dislike this book, but overall, I think I wasn't quite the right audience. I do think that most fans of historical fiction, especially WWII/Holocaust-related fiction, will like this book more than I did.

I really need to pay more attention before I agree to read books. This is not a book I would have read if I'd realized what it was about and not because it was bad or because of the content, but because once you get started, you realize there is no way there will be a happy ending and it will be heartbreaking. This book was clearly translated from German because second words in sentences were capitalized as well as German words sometimes translated and sometimes not and it still needed some cleanup, but it didn't distract me, if anything it kind of immersed me in the story more. This book was perfectly plotted and was heartbreaking and wonderful! I'm glad I didn't pay attention and agreed to read it.

Thank you to St Martin's Press for a lovely book. All opinions are my own.

The Porcelain Maker, by Sarah Freethy, is a beautifully written debut novel which shines light on the Nazis' attempt to create and use art to promote the regime's beliefs. Told in two connected timelines, Freethy's story first focuses on the artists during the early days of Hitler's power. The second timeline involves one of the artist's daughter and granddaughter, who search for answers about their own ancestry. Both storylines are compelling, although I found the more recent the most satisfying. Freethy's masterful use of language and imagery complimented every aspect of this novel. I also learned a great deal about porcelain and the use of art in general to advance political and social agendas. Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for the opportunity to read a digital ARC. It was my pleasure.

The Porcelain Maker started slowly for me. I debated abandoning it several times before I found I just could not put it down. It is a powerful read depicting the tragedy and cruelty of the Nazis during World War 2.

I really liked this novel, despite navigating some difficult spots. First, it takes place in two time periods and alternates back and forth -- which usually annoys me as a reader to keep track. Fortunately, the cast of characters differs and the chapters are carefully labeled in terms of the time periods. Second, the two time periods take place mostly around German locations, one during WWII and one in the 1990s. The scenes of the Holocaust and Nazi oppression may be triggering, especially for some Jewish readers given the current events in Gaza and Israel. Finally, the subject matter -- about artists who make porcelain miniatures and paintings -- may not appeal to everyone.
But despite these difficulties, it is a bang-up great read. The characters -- in both eras -- are fascinating and well drawn,. While emotions run high, they are all believable and interesting and the drama moves the plot points along and in a very believable manner. I highly recommend this book, given my caveats above.

In 1993, Cincinnati, we meet Clara Vogel, acquiring several porcelain figurines in an auction, among which is a piece called The Viking, which was inspired by one of her late artist mother’s most famous works. Clara’s search for the figure is motivated by her quest to find her father – a man she never met and whose identity is a mystery to her. All she knows is that he was “the porcelain maker of Dachau” – as revealed to her by her ailing mother, Bettina, before she passed away. The porcelain figure has a historically significant maker’s mark, which could be instrumental in tracing its origin and shed light on Clara’s family history. Her quest takes her into a deep dive into her mother's past, Bettina’s life in Nazi-occupied Europe and the man she loved. Told through dual timelines, Bettina’s story begins in 1929 and the Bauhaus movement and how she, a German painter, falls in love with Max, an Austrian Jew studying to be an architect. As they struggle to stay together and make plans to eventually leave Germany, fate might not be on their side.


The Porcelain Maker by Sarah Freethy is a compelling work of historical fiction that revolves around love, loss, courage and artistic expression with an element of mystery at its core. The characters are well thought out and the author captures the time and place in history quite well. Both timelines are well developed and the narrative flows well, though I would have enjoyed this novel a tad more delved deeper into Clara’s life. Art plays a pivotal role in this novel, and I appreciated how the author utilized the theme of artistic expression and interpretation of the time to carry the story forward also shedding light on how censorship impacted artistic endeavors in Nazi Germany in the era leading into WWII. Labeled “Degenerate Art” Bettina’s early works like those of her modernist peers were deemed “unsuitable”, forcing many to abandon their passion and others to succumb to the pressures of creating works of art in keeping with the norms established by the regime.

This was the first time I came across any reference to Allach porcelain (originally the factory near Munich and the second location outside the Dachau concentration camp) and the patronage of SS head Heinrich Himmler and how the works were meant to symbolize the ideals of the Third Reich. I read a lot of WWII fiction and I appreciate it when a story incorporates an aspect that was previously unknown to me.

Novels set in this era are seldom happy reads and this novel is no exception. However, this is a beautifully written , emotional story that I would not hesitate to recommend to those who enjoy historical fiction set in the WWII era.

Many thanks to St. Martin’s Press for the physical ARC and the digital review copy via NetGalley. All opinions expressed in this review are my own. The Porcelain Maker was published in the USA on November 7, 2023.

I received an electronic ARC from St. Martin’s Press via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. All opinions expressed are my own.

Bettina and Max’s story will stay with me. Novels on this subject are difficult to read. That being said, this one offered a look at two people who just tried to live their lives, doing whatever they had to do in order for their loved ones, and themselves to survive. I look forward to reading more from Sarah Freethy.

I listened along to this one whilst traveling. It was engaging enough to make the multiple flights go by but it’s exactly what you expect a WWII book to be. Although I will admit that it didn’t go into as much detail of the concentration/labor camps so that was uniquely different about it.

Dual timeline novel first set in the early days of WWII and follows the love story of Bettina, a modern artist and Max, a Jewish architect. They have so much promise, personally and professionally, until the nightmare of WWII is upon them. Max is arrested and sent to Dachau. His talent is making beautiful porcelain figurines. Bettina has to change her painting techniques to better suit the German ideals and is trying to figure out how to save Max.

Fast forward to 1993, Clara, Bettina’s daughter, is trying to unmask her roots and to finally see if she can find out who her father is. Her mother kept deep, dark secrets and Clara needs to uncover the truth.

I had a hard time getting into this in the beginning. With everything going on in the world today, I’m not sure I was in the right mindset to delve into this subject. The story started slowly but once I sat down and focused, I was invested. I really knew nothing about Dachau and the porcelain figures. The book centered on the love story between Bettina and Max, their fight to be together and the horrors they endured. My heart went out to Clara and her need to find out who her father was, since Bettina shared very little with her. This is a debut novel, and I look forward to reading this author again.

Thanks to St. Martin’s Press and NetGalley for this ARC. This is my honest opinion.

WWII story that looks at the life of two artist who met when they were young. They fall in love but Hitler takes control of Germany and soon Max is in fear of his life. Not only is he an artist, but also a Jew. Bettina is an abstract artist that is at odds with her family. If artists weren't a certain type in Germany at this time, they also feared for their life. Max tries to get Bettina to leave, but soon it's to late. What must they do to survive such a world?

Freethy writes a very moving story. It's Historical Fiction at its finest. A love story that is heartbreaking. Freethy made me feel like I was experiencing everything that went on right during that time in History. There was great character development. I was disgusted at what happened during the Holocaust and pray it never happens again.

If you like historical fiction, love stories, or WWII books, don't miss this one.

Published November 7, 2023

Thanks to Netgalley and St. Martin's Press for the E-ARC of The Porcelain Maker. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

😊 Happy Reading 😊

#netgalley
#stmartinspress
#sarahfreethy
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Ⓑⓞⓞⓚ Ⓡⓔⓥⓘⓔⓦ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

𝕋𝕙𝕖 ℙ𝕠𝕣𝕔𝕖𝕝𝕒𝕚𝕟 𝕄𝕒𝕜𝕖𝕣
𝗦𝗮𝗿𝗮𝗵 𝗙𝗿𝗲𝗲𝘁𝗵𝘆
WWll Historical Fiction
384 pages

Sʜᴏᴿᴛ Sʏɴᴏᴘsɪs

Set in Germany and starting in 1929, Max & Bettina meet and fall in love. Nazism inevitably interferes, breaking them apart.

Max is sent to a concentration camp but works at a porcelain factory, making the figurines that the Nazis love.

These figurines have a way of bringing people together both in the past and the present. They are a daughter’s key to finding out who her father was long after both parents are gone.

Mʸ Tᴴᴼᵁᴳᴴᵀs

Porcelain Maker is an emotional ride. Though it doesn’t go into detail about the war or the concentration camps, it gives a peak into the situation by dipping a toe into the dire circumstances that occurred.

The story takes the reader on a journey by alternating from present to past. Both were inspiring and immersed me in the lives of not only Max & Battina, but also with future generations.

Love is a strong motivator, making the characters show great perseverance and an unending determination to keep loved ones from suffering with the knowledge of the horrendous events that happened.

This story is superbly written. Sarah Freethy weaves this story together without missing a beat. The past and present join together perfectly in the end.

I was enthralled with the story of Max and Bettina. This is a story of love, heartache, and how the characters dealt with life.

Thank you to NetGalley, the author, and the publisher for providing this ebook for me to read and review.

~Read more reviews at Latishaslowkeylife.com

The Porcelain Maker, by Sarah Freethy was an excellent historical fiction novel, told in dual timeline. Wonderful unfolding of events as a current day daughter is searching to uncover the history of her family and the identity of her father, utilizing the clue of a porcelain sculpture. Very interesting and captivating, great characters and ties to WWII events. I really enjoyed this book! Thank you NetGalley, the author and publisher for the review copy. All opinions are my own.

Thank you NetGalley and publisher for this ARC publication for an honest review.

This was an interesting historical fiction. I have never read a book with porcelain making as part of the storyline and it was a fascinating addition to the wartime theme. This book had two timelines. The current day is with Clara trying to find out who her father is after her mother's passing. The secondary timeline focuses on Clara's mother, Bettina, and her story with Max during the war.

As Clara unravels clues to her father's identity, her journey of discovery gives glimpses of a past of love and loss.

I enjoyed most of the story but felt some of the storyline was lacking...not all of the blanks were filled in for me.

3 stars

In 1993, recently divorced Clara is determined to learn the identity of her father, a secret her mother carried to the grave. Clara’s daughter, Lotte, is eager to learn more about her grandmother, both as an artist and as a woman.

In 1929, budding architect Max meets artist Bettina and is immediately smitten. The two Bohemians seem destined to share a long creative life together but Hitler has other plans. Max, a Jew, is forced to fake a new identity but is ultimately discovered and sent to Dachau. Max and Bettina are separated, reunited, and finally, face tragedy.

Told in alternating points of view, this story is sometimes painful to read (but unavoidable in a historical novel set in Germany during the Holocaust). A fresh new voice in historical fiction. #ThePorcelainMaker #NetGalley

In Weimar, Germany 1929, a gathering of artist, two artists meet, wo young artists, Max, a skilled Jewish architect, and Bettina, a celebrated avant-garde painter, are drawn to each other and begin a romance. Their respective talents send them to Berlin. In Berlin, Max is arrested and sent to the Nazi’s camp Dachau. It is his talent of making of porcelain figures that appears to keep him from death. Bettina risks everything to save her lover Max. Will she be able to do it? In America, 1993, Clara, Bettina’s daughter, embarks on a journey to find out who her father is. Bettina has kept who her father as a secret from her daughter. Clara never understood her mother’s reasoning for not telling her . Clara’s quest to figure out about her father transports the reader back in time to the darkness of Nazi Germany, where life is hopefully living .in Clara digs further and begins to question why her mother was so determined to leave the truth of her harrowing past behind...Clara doesn’t understand. Will she finds the answer to who her father is? Will she understand why her mother was so determined to keep her secrets?

The author has written more than a love story but also a time when Nazis reign. The novel is sad, heartbreaking and tells a tale of truth not told enough. It is a story of brutality during a dark period in Germany and how love endures. It is a novel I will not forget.

Unfortunately, I didn’t find this story engaging though it seemed to be well written. I just couldn’t find enough interest to continue reading.

The narrative has a dual timeline told from the two main characters points of view, Bettina and Clara, it starts in 1929 and ends in 1994 and it’s very easy to follow. The story is aroundthe fictional lives of Max, a young Jewish architect, and Bettina, a budding German artist, who are drawn together by the art scene in Germany in 1929. In America, in 1993, it is Bettina's daughter Clara who becomes the focus of the other part of the story, as she is trying to find the father she never knew. The story is based on Allach porcelain, which was produced in Allach Germany at a factory owned by the SS. It is marked with a stylized SS on the bottom and was produced using slave labor from the Dachau concentration camp. The porcelain was a personal favorite of Himmler.
The book does best when it concentrates on art - the difference between the approved art the Nazis favored, romantic realism, and the “degenerate art” of the modernists. The characters are well developed and the reader really gets engaged to the story and the experiences when they are together as well as separated. I will definitely be looking for more by this author.

With thanks to NetGalley, the author and especially to Simon and Schuster.

This novel is a World War 2 historical fiction love story. It's 1993 and Clara, along with her daughter, is searching to find out who her father is. During Clara's search, which revolves around porcelain figurines, we go back in time to before WW2 in Germany. We meet Bettina who is Clara's mother and an artist in 1929. Clara falls in love with Max, a Jew, which will shortly be a problem for them and then even against the law. This is also the story of survival and the ways regular citizens can fight back against the law when those in charge are evil. The narration is well done.

The Porcelain Maker by Sarah Freethy was an enjoyable historical fiction with a dual timeline of Germany 1940’s and London 1993. Although the book was a little slow at first the storyline quickly picked up and held this readers interest.

1929 Germany- Two young artists, Max and Bettina, meet and fall in love. When Max is sent to Dachau, his talent at making porcelain figures may be the only thing that could keep him alive, and Bettina is also ready to do anything to save him.

1993 America- Bettina’s granddaughter Clara is on the search for her family roots and answers to family secrets, which leads her straight back to the darkness of Nazi Germany.

This book is a heart wrenching, beautifully written story of betrayal, love, art, family secrets, and survival. The story was inspired by an actual porcelain factory in Dachau! An incredible debut novel and an absolute must read for historical fiction lovers.