Member Reviews

Thank you Netgalley, the publisher and the author for this opportunity to read an advanced copy of this novel. The Sunflower House by Adriana Allegri, from start to finish, was one I found hard to put down. This well written historical novel with a romance weaved within the story is one that will be difficult to forget. The story begins in America in 2006 as Katrine uncovers a hidden box in her elderly mothers home. Allina,her mother upon seeing that her secrets have finally been uncovered, proceeds to tell Katrina of her past and of Katrina's birth father, whom Katrina had longed to know more about. Allina recounts her life during World War II during which time she found herself at Hochland Home, part of the Lebensborn Nursery Homes dedicated to providing a place for racially pure to conceive children. This home as it turns out had a much darker truth.

Was this review helpful?

I have read many good, even great, novels that describe the personal impact of the Nazi regime, but this is my first exposure to the history of the Lebensborn Program – the establishment of baby-factories to promote the expansion of Hitler’s Aryan race. The repulsive nature of the “homes” where meticulously screened women are selected to mate with soldiers is compounded by the atrocities of the research and experimentation on infants and toddlers that were “slow” or identified as less than perfect.

This heavy, emotionally charged theme is leavened by the beautiful love story of Allina, a nurse at one of the homes, and Karl, a disillusioned SS officer working simultaneously with an underground network to relocate Jewish families and children out of Germany.

The novel, which does drag in a few places, drew me into story with equal parts revulsion for the Nazi cruelty and hope for the protagonists’ triumph. Told in alternating timelines, the book addresses this difficult topic with sensitivity and compassion.

I highly recommend reading the author’s note at the end of the book. It provides the foundation for her writing, illuminates the extensive research underpinning the storyline, and defines the factual basis and where she exercised creative license. This is not an easy book to read, but it is definitely worth it.

My thanks to the author, the publisher, and NetGalley for the privilege of reviewing this book. The opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

This review is being posted immediately to my GoodReads account and will be posted on Amazon upon publication.

Was this review helpful?

Thank you to Net Galley and Macmillan Publishing for an e-advanced readers copy in exchange for an honest review.
This is a dual timeline story, a daughter caring for her elderly mother finds a wooden box with a swastika on the top hidden in the floorboards of her closet. At first, I wasn’t sure I wanted to continue with the story. It was a very slow start with some uncomfortable situations occurring as the mother recounts her memories to her daughter. However I am so glad I stuck with it. The way the author developed the story and showed the love that tried to prevail among the horror of the Nazi regime. The mother shares her secrets from the Lebensborn homes and the author uses creative liberties to give hope with the good that could have occurred. It is a hard read emotionally but the author does such a good job I highly recommend.

Was this review helpful?

Equally heartbreaking and fascinating, the Sunflower House is a heavily researched historical fiction about one of Germany’s Lebensborn houses during WWII. I’ve somehow lived decades without learning about these horrifying baby farms. The atrocities penetrated my thoughts daily and had me returning to the book often in search of morsels of joy. Alina and Karl’s story was poignant, demanding, and at times, endearing. I wanted nothing more than for their love to transcend in the face of war and terror.

“Secrets can’t exist in the light of truth, and while the truth can be painful to hear, its lasting gift is peace.”

I reduced my rating by one ⭐️ because there were a few lulls in the story. I was simultaneously left with questions and wanting so much more for Alina, Karl, and Katrine. The dual/multiple POV was fantastic and helped me invest in most characters.

Thank you, NetGalley, St. Martin’s Press, and Adriana Allegri, for this advanced e-copy!

Was this review helpful?

Such an amazing historical fiction novel.
“A must-read* Get the tissues for this one.
This story follows the life of Allina, a woman during WWll who hides her Jewish ancestry to save herself. She ends up working at the Hochland Home, a nazi baby making facility.
This explores many of the cruel and deplorable things that occurred under Hitler’s reign in Germany. This book also has a beautiful love story weaved in the pages as well. This novel brings out all the feels!
Thank you to Netgalley and Macmillan publishing for a copy for my honest review.

Was this review helpful?

I am always up for a good WWII historical fiction. This is did not disappoint and gave us a different look at lives impacted by the war.

Was this review helpful?

I really enjoyed reading this. I felt like certain parts dragged a bit, but overall, I liked the glimpse into a less-explored version of WWII history. The notion of a covert SS officer who worked to kill Hitler seemed a little outlandish, but it worked in the context of the story. Altogether, it was a nice, albeit emotional, read.

Was this review helpful?

The majority of my historical fiction reading is in the time period of WWII. This particular story focused on Lebensborn homes. I was equally horrified and fascinated to read about this aspect of the war for the first time. The author executed a fast paced, informative, entertaining novel with undertones beyond the scope of the war. I am grateful for the love stories in the midst of all the grief to prove good things can happen in the midst of terror. It is no wonder this book took twenty years to create.

Was this review helpful?

I found this to be an utterly captivating read. I was very gripped by the story, and super absorbed in its characters. It has such a great depth and arc for the characters with the beautiful prose. I couldn’t put it down till was done with it.

Was this review helpful?

I can’t even tell you how much I loved, The sunflower house. This book was gorgeous and heart wrenching at the same time. It made me breathless and want to cry in the very same breath. I love how the characters are really nicely sketched and appear human rather than perfect, something that is usually the case with most of the romance books. I will read this many more times.

Was this review helpful?

Many thanks to NetGalley and the Publisher for allowing me to read The Sunflower House. First of all, WOW! This book was amazing! It hooked me from the first chapter. I couldn't put it down. The story of Allina & Karl is beautiful and heartbreaking. The work that they did in the darkness of Nazi Germany is incredible. The work that people did to resist Hitler is beyond incredible. This is an absolute must read in my opinion.

Was this review helpful?