I am a big fan of Jennifer Coburn and really enjoyed this book as well. It is always hard to read a book that tackles this subject as it is almost impossible to believe these things happens. The Girls of the Glimmer Factory tells the story of two girls, Hilde and Hannah and how very different their lives were during the Holocaust. It also felt very relevant for the times we are living in now with everyone talking about "Fake News". I always learn so much when I read books by this author and find myself doing lots of other research on the topics. The only reason I gave this book 4 stars instead of 5 was due to the ending, I just would have liked a little bit more.

In Jennifer Coburn’s newest novel, The Girls of the Glimmer Factory, Hannah attempts to escape to Palestine with her family, but comes down with small pox which prevents her from traveling. When her Oma takes her places, she stays behind with her Opa, who buys them a lakeside cottage at a planned location in Theresienstadt. Upon arrival, they find that what they were told is untrue and they become a part of Nazi propaganda to let the outside world know that there is no mistreatment of Jews. Behind the scenes, a resistance is building and trying to find ways to let outsiders know the falsehood of the film being taped.

Meanwhile, Hilde uses whatever means she can to work her way into the filmmaking world of her Fatherland. She finally lands the opportunity to help with a propaganda film where she sees her childhood classmate, Hannah, who she manages to get as her assistant. Hilde has always found a way to get and do what she wants, but as layers are revealed, she finds there is so much she doesn’t know about the true intent of the Nazi government.

Amazing research was done by Coburn for this novel. Heartbreaking but filled with hope that they’ll live another day, the prisoners at Theresienstadt did what they could to survive and avoid transport east to Auschwitz. The research notes at the end of the book fill in gaps of the real people who inspired her characters and helped tell their story of the hell they went through because they were viewed as lesser than and a problem by Hitler and his people. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Thank you to NetGalley and SOURCEBOOK Landmark for the advanced copy. Opinions expressed are my own. This book will be published on January 28, 2025.

#netgalley #arc #bookstagram #JenniferCoburnBooks TheGirlsoftheGlimmerFactory #SOURCEBOOKLandmark

This fast paced book shows life in Theresienstadt Concentration Camp and how the Nazi’s showed this place as an ideal camp to the Red Cross. Although the main character is fictional, it is based on real life stories. Artists and musicians flourished here and there were thousands of paintings, sketches, musical pieces written and performed here by adults and children. This however did not hide the evils of what went on behind the scene.. It was mainly a slave labor camp, however few of the 155,000 that came through here survived. It also shows how different life was for the two main characters who had once been best friends since childhood. Ms Coburn does an excellent job of character development. The book is extremely well written and I would recommend it highly.

An amazing sequel to Cradles of the Reich! I’m glad Hannah got a happy ending. I only wish that selfish Nazi woman had lived to see her Reich fall into dust.

This is a really interesting and important book set in a lesser known internment camp of the Nazis. Filled with mostly Czech Jews it highlights activity of the time I was unaware of. Jennifer Coburn has done extensive research and also includes detailed notes about the fiction vs actual events depicted. I enjoyed The Girls of the Glimmer Factory very much and will look for Cradles of the Reich by the same author.

I thank #netgalley and the publisher, #sourcebookslandmark for this ebook ARC to read. All opinions are my own

Friendships broken. Friendships forged. Hearts broken. Hopeful hearts. Propaganda. Resilience.

This is the tale of two women, Hilde and Hannah. They used to be best friends until Hilde and family disowned Hannah for being Jewish.

In short.....Hilde falls into the Nazi regime and yearns to make propaganda films in Theresienstadt. Hannah is a prisoner in Theresienstadt. The reader gets a glimpse of both the mind of a supporter of the Reich and the heartbreaking daily struggles of those imprisoned and murdered.

The history of this book was researched well. The one thing that rubbed me the wrong was is the title of the book. The story is about much more than those in the 'glimmer factory,' and another title embracing the whole of the story may have been a solid choice.

I received a free copy of this book from NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

The Girls of the Glimmer Factory
by Jennifer Coburn
Pub Date: Jan. 28, 2025
Thanks to the author, publisher and NetGalley for the ARC of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.
From the author of Cradles of the Reich comes a poignant and inspiring tale of resistance, friendship, and the dangers of propaganda, based on the real story of Theresienstadt, for fans of The Forest of Vanishing Stars and The German Wife.
Hannah is a Jewish prisoner who longs to reunite with her family; Hilde is a Nazi filmmaker who has clawed her way onto the crew for the sham documentary, “Hitler Gives a City to the Jews.” When the former friends face off, they change the course of one another’s lives.
I absolutely love historical fiction, and this one is well researched and well written.
This gripping historical fiction, with an absolutely PERFECT title, that explores both sides of the Nazi oppression is not to be missed.

Jennifer Coburn’s The Girls of the Glimmer Factory took me straight into the haunting world of Theresienstadt, the so-called “model ghetto” during WWII. Imagine being forced into a fake production to convince the world you're just fine—when you're anything but.

The story follows two childhood friends—Hannah, a fighter for truth, and Hilde, a Nazi propagandist desperately climbing the ranks. I loved how the book kept the focus on the raw, human side of things. Hannah’s bravery, the strength and courage of people around her and Hilde’s internal struggles were a stark reminder of how easily people can be shaped by the world around them. And to always question what you’re told, truth matters more than ever!

The chilling reminder of the power of propaganda, and resistance are beautifully researched and written, it sheds light on history many of us never learned in school.

The book left me so curious that I looked into Theresienstadt’s history. Turns out, the town of Terezin (its modern name) still stands, though many of the buildings that held thousands of Jewish prisoners during the war are now crumbling. It’s haunting to think about the talented lives lived and lost there.

If you’re into WWII fiction or gripping stories of humanity and resilience, this one’s a must-read!

A heartfelt thank you to NetGalley and author for the advanced reading copy. I’m thrilled to share my honest thoughts! ✨

This was an amazing work of historical fiction. It takes place during WWII at Theresienstadt work camp that was located in then Czechoslovakia, now the Czech Republic. It centers on Hannah, a young Jewish girl who was kept there and Hilde, a filmmaker for the Third Reich.

The book starts with Hannah's mother, father, brother, and grandmother escaping Prague and going to Palestine for safety. Hannah was struck down with smallpox and her always-optimistic grandfather stayed back with her to nurse her back to health, both unaware of what was going on not so far from them.

Her grandfather thought they were going to cozy cottage on a lake when they were herded into a train car. It's what he'd asked for. They were both rudely awakened when they got there, yet Oskar kept a positive attitude and that helped Hannah, even though they were split up and put in separate barracks. They still managed to look after each other.

Hilde and Hannah were best friends when Hannah lived in Munich and was surprised to see her at the camp when she and her film crew showed up to make a Nazi propaganda film. She hadn't seen Hannah since Hannah had moved to Prague with her family. That's all I'm going to say about that. I don't want to ruin this stellar novel for anyone else.

This book is rich with history, even the parts that some people wish to bury or ignore. It was an ugly time for the world as a whole and the author did a fantastic job of keeping it all relevant while telling this poignant story of family, friendship, greed, love, and betrayal. There were times when I wept as I watched (and felt) these characters struggle to survive. They were abused, starved, lied to, and enslaved. It was always a question as to who was or was not going to make it.

It's imperative that you read the epilogue. It's also worthwhile to read the Author's Notes. The author did an incredible amount of research to write this book and it showed.

Personal Note

As I read this, I was reminded of our own political climate right here in the United States. I don't want to make this a platform for political rhetoric, but the next time someone calls another person a Nazi, I hope they realize just what they're saying. It appalls me that there are groups of people chasing down Jews like they're dogs in the street right here in America. It can't wrap my mind around having that much hate in your heart. I hope they realize that the Nazis were aiming for a master race that did not include the mentally or physically disabled, calling them "useless eaters." These people were exterminated. Then if a Nazi found a Jew worth saving, they were considered "pet Jews." Really? They were people with feelings and souls. They still are. They are not animals and certainly not vermin.

Think about these things when you start hating on the Jews and calling people Nazis. Read books like this, learn the history, and not repeat that awful time in the world.

*I received a complimentary copy of this book from NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

The Girls of the Glimmer Factory by Jennifer Coburn

Jennifer Coburn has offered up another historical fiction story of something I had never heard of. I was unaware of the Lebensborn Society and now Theresienstadt, the “model ghetto” of Jews in the now Czech Republic.

This manufactured town was a transition camp where Jews did hard labor for minimal food until they were shipped to Auschwitz or other extermination camps. As per Nazi propaganda, the Jews were allowed to act, play music, draw and paint and listen to lectures from their peers, while in reality, life was brutal.

Hannah and Hilde, young girls who were once friends in Prague, find themselves together again in Theresienstadt on opposite sides of the war: Jew and Nazi. Once again, Coburn has created strong characters and an interesting story. I highly recommend this title for historical fiction aficionados and rate it a strong four stars.

For me this book was a book about the horrific things the nazis did under ww2, how far they were willing to go to erase what they called the untermenschen. But the book was also about strength , broken Dreams, new Dreams and glimmer of hope. It made me think, and be angry. But some parts felt a little bit rushed. I still recommend this book. Thank you to netgalley for letting me read this e arc in exchange for an honest opinion

I absolutely loved this book! It was such a fun read and I was very lucky to get an advanced copy!

Powerful story of two friends on opposite sides of the war. Definitely a must read!!

5⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Thank you to Net Galley and Sourcebooks Publishing for an early copy of The Girls of the Glimmer Factory by Jennifer Coburn

Two female students in Prague experience the horrors of the Third Reich as each of their lives moves in directions they never could have imagined. Hilde, a gentile and Hannah, a Jew, are friends in Prague until the pressures of the Hitler regime end their friendship.

Hannah's immediate family has obtained exit papers to move to Palestine where they will await the arrival of Hannah's grandparents should papers become available for them. When Hannah develops smallpox just before the family's departure, her grandfather decides to remain with her and send his wife instead. It will not take long for Hannah and her grandfather to be transported to the "model camp" Teresienstadt designed by the Nazis to falsely show the world their humane treatment of the Jews. Nothing could be further from the truth.. While the unimaginable brutality of death camps further East is absent, the residents of Teresienstadt are still under the relentless ill treatment of the Nazis, lack food and basic necessities, work long hours and suffer human indignities.

Hilde has dreams of becoming a filmmaker and finds her way on to a team which will create the propaganda film featuring Teresienstadt as a glorious haven for Jews. Of particular importance is the work done by women in the glimmer factory where they perform the dangerous work of shaving pieces of mica from the rock using very sharp knives. No one in Teresienstadt is privy to what the mica shavings are used for by the Reich.
Those living at the camp cannot believe the false picture the Nazis are painting of life here.

Hilde is blinded to the sins of the regime and believes that work camps are just that and nothing more. When Hilde and Hannah meet at Teresienstadt, this sets up a series of events that will show the true natures of both women.

Author Jennifer Coburn has created very strong characters beyond Hilde and Hannah and woven an intricate and moving drama that does not back down. The author's lengthy notes at the conclusion of the novel provide additional outlooks on this particular time and place in history.

Another really good WWII book. This one covers the Theresienstadt, a model ghetto slated to be used as a propaganda film for convincing the world of the luxury living the Jewish people were experiencing. I have read many WWII books, and I have to admit this one depicts the real lives, sacrifices, diligence, bravery and selflessness of the characters very well about a topic that I had not read previously. The research is stellar and the highlight of the Author’s notes at the end were so much appreciated.

My only con on the book was it took a while to get invested in the story but once it all started to fit together it was mesmerizing. I had previously read Cradles of the Reich and just as this one, thoroughly enjoyed. Ms. Coburn is a fine author with wonderful writing skills. I thank you for another great read.

Coincidentally I had just finished a book covering the use of women to build and assemble ammunition for their soldiers during WWII, those women turned yellow, and another book on the paint containing harmful cancer causing agents to the women that painted them on the clock dials, then to read about Hitler using these prisoners to handle the glimmer. I can only hope we learn from those mistakes, sadly the prisoners had no choice but the other two situations the women were voluntarily wanting to help the war effort and not told the hazards.

I thank Sourcebooks Landmark along with NetGalley for providing this Galley edition for no requirement other than my offer to provide an unbiased review. High 5 stars.

Based on the real story of Theresienstadt, this fictional work tells the story of a propaganda film intended to make an internment camp look like a desirable gift, courtesy of Herr Hitler. The residents know what life in this camp and its sister camps are like, and plan to disrupt the filming so they can tell the real story of the death camps.

The Girls of the Glimmer Factory is a brave tale of resistance, friendship and the dangers of propaganda. It is based on the real story of Theresienstadt where the Nazi’s filmed movies about the “proper” treatment of the Jewish population. The story follows Hannah, a young Jewish woman, who is a prisoner at Theresienstadt an who will help resistance members derail their plans of filming propaganda films and the deportation of prisoners. The story also follows Hilde who is a support of the Nazi regime and dreams to work as a filmmaker to help the Reich with their propaganda films.

This story is inspiring and to see two sides of it was amazing. I have never learned of the Theresienstadt ghetto in Czechoslovakia and I think it is important to understand that it was what prevented the Red Cross from investigating Auschwitz. Hannah is a beckon of hope and Hilde is blinded by faith in a government who she believes is the true cause.

Though set in the past, this story is relevant today and is important to read.

Thank you Sourcebooks Landmark for the opportunity to read this novel for an honest review, and thank you to NetGalley for providing the ebook.

Thank you NetGalley, Sourcebooks Landmark and Jennifer Coburn for the opportunity to read an advanced copy of The Girls of the Glimmer Factory.
This is a very emotional and heart wrenching story taking place during World War II describing a situation I knew little about-quite the education I got through reading this!
The main setting is Theresienstadt which portrayed the Jewish ghetto located here as a model of a Jewish community run by the Nazis with arts, education, music and a spa-like environment. A film was being made to show the world that Hitler was providing for the Jewish population and all other information was incorrect. This is the start of “fake news” that continues to thrive today. I won’t get political but there are strong parallels to our recent election.
Our main characters, Hannah and Hilde grew up together and were close friends. They end up on opposite ends-one filming, one living it. This is edge of your seat drama of their friendship, trust and honesty. Hannah is very close to her family and cares deeply about her culture. Hilda’s priorities are advancing in the Hitler regime rather selfishly. Where do our priorities stand? I shed a few tears over these characters and became totally immersed in their stories. I have been thinking about them and their decisions ever since I finished reading. A true sign of a five star read- loved it!

I would definitely recommend this book.

From the goodreads description: From the author of Cradles of the Reich comes a poignant and inspiring tale of resistance, friendship, and the dangers of propaganda, based on the real story of Theresienstadt, for fans of The Forest of Vanishing Stars and The German Wife.

I've read Cradle of the Reich and The Forest of Vanishing Stars, and I agree that if you read those books and liked them, you will like this book.

One of the reasons I recommend this book is I've read books based on other concentration camps before, but I've never read one about Theresienstadt. Jennifer does her research. Her writeup at the end of the book with all of her research is a worthwhile read as well as the book.

I received an advanced copy of this book from Netgalley

We meet Hilde and Hannah.

Hilde's husband was killed in the war and is now working for a film crew who will be making a propaganda film about Theresienstadt - a Nazi camp that spouts a wonderful, peaceful city for the Jewish people and where they are treated well.

In reality, it is a Ghetto, a work camp, and a prison that was a a stopover before being sent to death camps.

Hannah is a prisoner in Theresienstadt and tries to thwart the efforts of the Germans since she is living in squalor, working for nothing, and eating watered down soup for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

When Hilde arrives, she sees her friend Hannah.

Will friendship win out to thwart the fake news about the camp or will the Nazi’s lies and deception win?

Hannah was a very likable character whereas Hilde was not. Hilde was self centered - Hannah suffered a lot and had compassion.

THE GIRLS OF THE GLIMMER FACTORY brings to light the horrors of this misrepresented camp but focuses on courage, friendships, and the will to live.

Thank you to the publisher for a copy of this book. All opinions are my own.

This book is very meaningful to me. Two years ago, while in the Czech Republic for a Christmas market river cruise land tour, my husband and I chose to do a tour of the Terezin fortress and the ghetto museum. I reflected on that visit as I read this novel. It was so heartbreaking. A wonderfully written story about how friendship and love can carry people through horrific situations. It is also the tale of how brainwashing can turn kind people into monsters. We see two sides of the coin here. On one side is Hannah, a kind young Jewish woman separated from most of her family during WWII, taken to the Terezin camp. On the other is Hilde, a childhood friend of Hannah’s from Germany who has become a Nazi. In the beginning I wanted to like Hilde. Something about the way she was characterized at the start made me try liking her. The more I got to know her, I realized she was selfish and brainwashed. Her desire to have a film career had her making a decision to help create propaganda for the Nazis to display to the world how “terrible” Jewish people are and how good they have it at these “camps” like Terezin. The Nazis put on a display for the Red Cross to show them all of the wonderful things that Terezin was for its inhabitants. In reality, it was a cruel place bringing despair, sickness, and starvation to the people. the author, Jennifer Coburn describes it all with just a perfect amount of details to make you feel like you are there. This is the second book I read from her and I thoroughly enjoyed both. After reading her note at the end of the book I saw just how much research she did to really be as accurate as she could and tell a good story that needs to be shared with the world.