⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ / 5 Stars

Happy publication to Sarah Freethy and The Porcelain Maker! Thank you to Sarah Freethy, Erica Martirano, and St. Martin’s Press for allowing me to read a physical copy of the book prior to its publication date.

And thank you to the author, Macmillan Audio, and NetGalley ( @netgalley ) for allowing me to read an ALC (Advanced Listener 🎧 Copy). The narrator🎙️for this audiobook 🎧 is Kristin Atherton.

The ARC and ALC copies were provided to me in exchange for an honest review!

📅 The Porcelain Maker is now available for purchase at your local bookstore or online. The book was published on Tuesday, November 7, 2023. 📅

If you are a lover of historical fiction, please pick up a copy of this book. I just read Sisters of the Rising Sun by Heather Morris and she gives a rave review to Sarah Freethy. The quote follows: “Brilliant…a page-turning journey that uncovers a past of heroism and betrayal, love, and loss.”

A dual timeline novel that takes place in Germany, year 1929 and America, year 1993.

In 1993, Clara embarks in a journey to learn more about her ancestry and family lineage. Her mother, Bettina, has been very tight lipped about who Clara’s father is and she is bound and determined to find out who he is.

Clara’s research takes the reader to Germany circa 1929 during the threat of Nazism. Two lovers, Bettina and Max, are separated while trying to escape to safety.

Max is arrested and sent to a concentration camp where he is sentenced to making porcelain figurines. Hence, being named the Porcelain Maker. Bettina cannot fathom living without Max by her side. She sets out to find and save him because she would rather die than live another day without him.

Beautifully written. Pulls at your heart strings. Educates the reader. Brutal but captivating. Inspired by the Allach porcelain factory in Dachau where figurines were made by forced labor in the concentration camps.

I really liked this book. It was a lot different than I expected. I didn’t like Max or Bettina in the beginning, but as their lives and their stories intertwined over the years, I grew to love them. I liked Richard and Holger too.

There were no notes from the author at the end of my ARC copy. I wondered if the porcelain factory actually existed at Dachau, so I googled it. There was indeed a porcelain factory at Dachau with the same history and name. This article was interesting: https://www.theguardian.com/books/2015/sep/18/figurines-dachau-nazis-love-porcelain--porzellan-manufaktur-allach-himmler-hitler

One of the many quotes that struck me—especially considering the tyranny we are seeing in the U.S. from the current presidential administration, their FBI, attorneys and judges:

👉🏻Richard said. “You both seemed so determined to stick it out, despite it all.”
Max: “I suppose we both naively hoped things might improve, that the world would come to its senses. I didn’t want to believe it could all get so bad.”
Richard sighed deeply. “I’m afraid there’s no herd of great white horses to warn us when we pass the point of no return. Just the long-drawn-out death of democracy. It seems that people will swallow anything if you feed it to them piece by piece.”

Advanced reader copy courtesy of the publishers at NetGalley for review.

THE PORCELAIN MAKER is Sarah Freethy’s debut novel set in two time periods 1929-1945 and 1993. Every WWII novel adds a puzzle piece that when fit together tells the story of a piece of the war. I learn so much from reading historical fiction, I had never heard about Allach porcelain that was made in a factory at Dachau using Jewish prisoners. The story of Max, a Jewish architect and porcelain maker and Bettina, an artist. They fall in love, marry, have Clara, and do not heed the advice of Richard and his brother to leave Germany until it is too late. The brothers are the helpers. Bettina’s brother is the character the reader hates! The second time period set in 1993 involves Max and Bettina’s daughter trying to solve the mystery of who her father is.

I had a hard time getting through the chapters set in 1929-1945 as they were extremely long and I found my attention drifting and needed to reread. For me, I am glad that Imdid read this book as I did learn something I did not know about WWII. My thanks to St. Martin’s Press and NetGalley. The opinions in this review are my own.

3.5 stars raised to 4 stars

I am extremely torn on my feelings for this book. I almost didn’t finish it multiple times, but I kept persevering. It was a very slow moving and nothing that held my interest for a lot of the book. I just hate to not finish something I start. The author seemed knowledgeable and had researched a lot about the art, porcelain, and history during that time. The dual timeline gave it a little bit of dimension, but there was still nothing to spark my interest. It wasn’t until about 75% into the book that I became interested in the storyline It still had a lot of holes that were never cleared up. When I read a WWII historical story I expect the horrific conditions and depressing mood, but they usually have some type of blessing or uplifting message or conclusion. This story was lacking that for me. I also would have liked an authors note about how she came up with the story and why she wrote it. I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

The Porcelain Maker is a fictional story of 2 people- a Jewish man and a German woman- fall in love studying art prior to WWII. While I appreciated learning some information about the history of German art during this time period, I found the entire story too slow. I would have appreciated more time spent on developing the characters.

Set mostly during World War Two, The Porcelain Maker by Sarah Freethy tells the story of two lovers whose fates are changed by the horrors of the holocaust, and a daughter, who, many years later, tries to find out who her father really was.
It draws inspiration from some obscure facts about forced labor in concentration camps during World War Two, particularly the Allach porcelain factory.
It has quite a memorable set of characters, and I feel Bettina is the one I connected more with.
The story is beautiful in its rawness, and I think it captures the cruelty of war in the most accurate way possible.
This one is definitely worth a read if you like historical fiction and romance books.
I’d like to thank NetGalley and the publisher for providing me an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.

I am a huge fan of WWII historical fiction books and the dual timeline aspect is always a plus for me. However, this one did not capture my attention as much as I had hoped. I appreciated the unique presentation of the design and manufacturing of Allach porcelain which was created in a factory at Dachau by the inmates. In fact, I had to look up the website and see some of the porcelain figurines that are available. They are very well done and beautiful. The romance of Max and Betinna was just okay. It didn’t really grab my attention or make me care about their relationship. For some, I imagine this would be an interesting read and would encourage you to decide for yourself.

Thank you to NetGalley and Simon and Schuster for my advanced review copy. All opinions and thoughts are my own.

For more reviews, please visit my blog at: https://www.msladybugsbookreviews.com/. Over 1000 reviews posted!

A deeply moving story set prior to and at the beginning of WWII. My first reaction to Bettina and Max was not favorable. They seemed to be typical young college students with a flair for a rebellious bohemian lifestyle. I debated whether or not I wanted to pursue investing my time in reading above what I perceived as their self centered lives. With the advancement of the Nazi agenda, however, their love and dedication to each other became both evident and compelling. This story was realistic, but sad and deeply moving. If you are looking for WWII realism as opposed to a happily ever after this is an excellent choice.

Thank you to NetGalley for an advanced digital copy of this book.

Clara is the daughter of a recently-deceased German artist, well-known for one famous painting, as well as for a series of landscapes she made for the Nazi regime's propaganda organization. She was also the widow of a high-ranking SS officer. But Clara has recently discovered that her mother's husband was not her father. So who was? And why did her mother keep this fact from her for her entire life? The only clue she has is an overheard remark her mother made to the maid when she didn't know Clara was listening. She referred to Clara's father as "the porcelain maker of Dachau". What could that possibly mean? Research revealed that there was a porcelain factory at Dachau, and that many of the workers were prisoners at the notorious concentration camp, on whose grounds the factory sat.

The story travels from pre-War Berlin to New York, to Munich and Dachau, and back, finally to New York. Clara's daughter, who is living in Germany, joins her mother's quest and they finally find out MOST of the story.

A good read. A little long and rambling in parts, but worth the time it took to read it.

This is a WWII story from such a different point of view. It begins in 1993 in Cincinnati at an auction where some porcelain figures are being sold. It is here we meet Clara Vogel who is in search of who her father might have been and hopes the auction house will tell her who was the previous owner of the figurines. The story quickly turns to Germany in the summer of 1925 when Max Ehrlich, a porcelain maker, meets Bettina Vogel , an artist, and they fall in love. When the war takes over the Nazi’s arrest Max and send him Dachau. Bettina tries to save him but she has Clara and she tries to protect her. Clara is never sure who her father really is. This is a story with wonderful characters and one that unfolds the story piece by piece as Clara seeks more information about a father she never knew. It is a book you will not want to end but find yourself constantly reaching for the book to see where the story is going. I highly recommend this book as an informative look at Nazi Germany and the power of love during really difficult times. You will not want to miss this one. And, we will all look forward to future books by this author

I wish to thank NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for allowing me to read an advanced copy of this book. I have voluntarily read and reviewed it. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

The Porcelain Maker is the story of a young couple who fall in love in pre-WWII Germany as the Nazi movement takes hold. A second timeline occurs in 1993 with a young woman trying to uncover the identity of her father.

Bettina is a modern artist and Max, is studying architecture with the Bauhaus movement. But their life together is not easy.

I was disappointed after reading the promo held so much promise. I could not concentrate on the slow moving story.

Written with two parallel timeframes, the story primarily traces Max and Bettina’s history during the war; with Clara’s and her daughter’s search for Clara’s father in 1993, as secondary. The characters introduced during the war years are well crafted and memorable, the character of Clara is less developed and a little weak. The author does not include an afterward to separate fact from fiction. Further research indicates the porcelain factory in Allach did exist under the leadership of Heinrich Himmler with forced concentration camp labor used to create the similar objects to what are described in the story.

A great dual story line book that portrays the joy and delights of romance as well as the danger and desperation of the time period. It was a great book to read despite the difficulties included. Thanks #NetGalley

Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC: A well written debut novel. Historical fiction about a couple caught in Nazi Germany: Bettina, a German artist and Max, her Jewish, Austrian, architect boyfriend. The characters are well developed and the plot moves quickly. They don't leave Germany in time and are separated. They reconnect in a porcelain factory in Dachau. A no point was it unbelievable that a Nazi's wife and a German concentration camp prisoner are able to work together. Simultaneously, the book contains a second plot line about Bettina's daughter and granddaughter who start to research the porcelain and their true origins in the 1990's. The two plot lines were clear and each was compelling. A solid debut.

What a fabulous story.

Imagine not knowing any of your family history...then you get little dribs and drabs and are hungry to learn more. WWII takes on a much larger part of your dreams and you wonder...exactly WHO am I? Clara has to find out.

Told with flashbacks from before the Nazi's took over Germany, Max and Bettina live their life in Germany until Max is put in a concentration camp for being Jewish. Only his gift of working with porcelain keeps him out of the gas chambers. Bettina has a secret she must keep hidden. Only her courage and love for Max can help her keep her secret.

I cannot believe this is a debut novel from this author. What a ride. I couldn't put it down. I had all the emotions, happy, sad, tearful, angry, and intrigued. I highly recommend this book!

Title: "The Porcelain Maker" by Sarah Freethy

"The Porcelain Maker" is a riveting tale that seamlessly weaves love, betrayal, and art across decades, from the shadows of World War II to the complexities of 21st-century America. Inspired by the haunting backdrop of a porcelain factory in Dachau, the narrative unfolds through the intertwined lives of Max, a skilled Jewish architect, and Bettina, a sometimes celebrated painter.

Set against the backdrop of 1929 Germany, the story commences with a whirlwind romance between Max and Bettina. As the threat of Nazism looms, their lives take a perilous turn, leading Max to the horrors of Dachau. The novel skillfully captures the tension of the era, where survival hinges on strength, loyalty, and discerning friend from foe.

Fast forward to 1993 America, where Clara, Bettina's daughter, embarks on a quest to unravel the mysteries of her lineage. The narrative seamlessly shuttles between time periods, immersing readers in the darkness of Nazi Germany and the challenges of Clara's contemporary journey. The author masterfully crafts a tale of enduring love and courage in the face of unimaginable brutality.

One of the novel's strengths lies in its vivid portrayal of characters, especially the resilient Bettina and the talented Max, whose survival depends on their artistry in a place of unspeakable horrors. The exploration of Clara's quest adds depth to the narrative, questioning the reasons behind her mother's silence about their painful past.

"The Porcelain Maker" is a poignant exploration of the human spirit's resilience, love's endurance, and the profound impact of historical atrocities. The author's meticulous research and evocative storytelling create a powerful narrative that lingers in the reader's mind long after the final page. This is a compelling read for those who appreciate historical fiction with a profound emotional impact.

"The Porcelain Maker" deeply touched my emotions; I found myself in tears. The narrative is profoundly moving, making it a beautiful addition to my personal library. I'll be keeping a close watch on this author for future works, captivated by the emotional resonance woven into this unforgettable story.

WOWIE KAPOWIE! WHAT A DEBUT👏👏👏!!! It makes me so happy when a new author knocks their debut out of the park, and Sarah Freethy has done just that! This dual timeline novel, set against the backdrop of WWII Germany, leads readers through the life and love of German artist Bettina Vogel and Jewish architect Max Erlich. We are taken from a bright, cheerful time in their young carefree existence, through a progressively deteriorating situation as the Nazi movement takes hold in Germany. Sarah Freethy captures the terror, hope, and courage that enveloped so many during this time.

I had never even heard of Allach porcelain, which was produced at a plant near Dachau concentration camp using the imprisoned Jews as the primary source of labor. It never ceases to amaze me how little I know about this time period, despite reading SO MANY WWII books.

So, kudos to Ms. Freethy for sharing this little known history in such an engrossing manner; I was glued to the book from start to finish! This novel had excellent character development, a solid plot, and a compelling dual timeline. Congrats on writing such a brilliant debut!

Many thanks to partners, St. Martin's Press and NetGalley for sharing this #gifted review copy!

This book was beautiful and haunting with complex characters admist a setting full of agony and suffering at the hands of other humans.

Wow!! Well-written and beautiful.

A must read for those of you who love WWII stories.

I also think I saw this was a debut for this author. Just wow!!

This was a compelling debut novel and I hope to see more by the author. We become immersed in the Bauhaus movement which I found as an interesting topic. I was not familiar with the topic prior to this book. The two artists involved had high hopes for the future but the rise of Hitler changed their plans.

The story moves us to the Dauchan concentration camp and we lean about Allach porcelain. A porcelain piece is what gives us the second timeline in the book. Clara finds a piece in a shop and begins a journey of trying to discover more about her roots. The two stories cross in believable way. I am glad I read this book. Thank you Netgalley for the opportunity to read this unique part of history.