If you like emotional historical fiction stories that will break your heart and put it back together, you must read this one!!

The Hidden Book by Kirsty Manning discusses the long-lasting trauma that the Holocaust has had not only on the characters of Hannah and Roza with their tumultuous mother-daughter relationship but around the world. as well. This is not just a story of these two women's relationship but a story that intertwines both fiction and reality to show a realistic depiction of the effects such a worldwide trauma can cause the world even though the events that occur are in semi-fictionalized world. While Manning does an excellent job at depicting human emotions and real-life events the love scenes that are included in the story seem to be largely unneeded. Most do not contribute anything of particular importance to the story. Overall, Manning has created an interesting and exciting work that deals with a harrowing topic in an impressive manner.

I have mixed feelings about Kirsty Manning's The Hidden Book. In some ways, this was a powerful book about the Holocaust, trauma, generational trauma, and the tough choices humans make to survive. Nico and Lena were powerful characters, and their stories demonstrated heart, courage, and growth. I was not as familiar with Mauthausen Concentration Camp as I am with other concentration camps, and parts of this story were absolutely heartbreaking.

However, I had issues with Hannah's story in the present day. To me, she seemed childish and lacking in many ways. She did not seem to grow as a person, and was negative, selfish, and temperamental. It was not that she was unlikable - I just felt like she wasn't as developed as she could be (but maybe this was the generational trauma??). I also wondered what role her romantic relationship drama was supposed to play in the story. There were aspects of this story that were so good but parts of Hannah's perspective made the book not as good as it could have been, in my opinion. One fun aspect of Hannah's story was reading about Australian life - I kept putting my Kindle down so I could google one Australian term or another. I love learning about another culture like that!

This book was still very readable and engaging, and I'm glad I took the time to read it. Thank you to the author, publisher, and NetGalley for this eARC. All opinions are my own.

“The Hidden Book” by Kirsty Manning is a poignant and gripping novel that delves into the harrowing realities of World War II and its lasting impact on generations. Based on a true story of courage and resilience, Manning’s narrative weaves together the lives of individuals affected by the war, spanning from Austria in the 1940s to present-day Australia.

In the heart of wartime Austria, Yugoslavian prisoner Nico Antonov finds himself confined in the brutal Mauthausen concentration camp. Despite the unimaginable horrors surrounding him, Nico forms a bond with Lena Lang, a young woman living under Nazi occupation. Together with Spanish POW and photographer Mateo Baca, they embark on a perilous mission to document the atrocities of the camp and preserve evidence of Nazi crimes.

Decades later in Australia, Nico’s granddaughter Hannah Campbell stumbles upon a hidden photo album belonging to her grandfather. As she delves into its contents, she is confronted with the stark realities of war and the profound suffering endured by those who came before her. Driven by a relentless pursuit of truth, Hannah’s journey intertwines with her own experiences of love, loss, and motherhood, leading her to uncover the untold stories behind her family’s legacy.

“The Hidden Book” is a powerful testament to the resilience of the human spirit in the face of adversity. Manning masterfully explores themes of courage, sacrifice, and the enduring impact of trauma, offering readers a poignant reminder of the importance of bearing witness to history’s darkest moments. With its richly drawn characters and gripping narrative, this novel is a captivating and unforgettable read.

I really enjoyed this work of historical fiction. Although it tackled a tough topic from history the character and plot development led to a wonderful, rich story that was both heartwarming and heartbreaking.