In this powerful new historical fiction novel, readers follow Rachael, a Jewish woman imprisoned in Auschwitz during the Second World War, as she clings to the memories of her family while trying to survive the horrors of the camp. When she discovers a diamond engagement ring in the mud, Rachael finds herself drawn to Chaya, a young girl starved for connection and support, and readers discover the story of Samuel and Hanna, a young Jewish couple from Prague whose ring Rachael has found. Following these four characters and their two stories, readers discover what it took to resist the Nazis through the difficult act of survival and maintenance of humanity. The characters are the stars of the novel, and their strength of character as well as their faith in their relationships really draw readers into the story and allow them to empathize with Rachael, Chaya, Samuel, and Hanna. The different perspectives and years show the progression of the Third Reich’s power and crimes against humanity, and the historical research really stands out. Hamand has captured incredible stories and emotional tones in this novel, and the deep emotions, complex characters, and intense historical backdrop combine to create a fascinating and moving novel.

I don’t enjoy this one as much as I have other books on the same topics. I think others may enjoy it more! It wasn’t a very unique take in my opinion.

Hands down, this is easily one of the most powerful books I've ever read in my life. Sad and horrifying doesn't begin to describe this story that is based on true events. The truth regarding the absolute brutality of the Nazis is one we can never shy away from, and it needs to be told over and over again. Over and over so that we can scream "Never Again!". I only wish that I was able to put this book in everyones hands and to be able to encourage them to read it - even when it's hard to do so.

Thank you so much to NetGalley, Meg Hamand, and Greenleaf Book Group for this e-arc in exchange for my honest review.

Thank you to netgalley for this e- copy of Diamonds in Auschwitz’ by Meg Hamand in exchange for a honest review.. This story revolves around 3 women -Hanna who has been gifted a beautiful diamond engagement ring by her fiancée and buried it when she arrives at Auschwitz’s not wanting to give it to the Nazis , Rachel who has endured the loss of her whole family but finds the diamond buried in the mud when she arrives at Auschwitz . She shares the diamond with Chaya a young girl who is alone in Auschwitz . The diamond offers hope to all who possess it in a place without hope . It offers beauty in a place devoid of beauty.

This is an absolutely beautiful and heartbreaking story told from the views of four different characters during
World War II.

Rachael is a woman in Auschwitz who befriends a small girl named Chaya, who has somehow survived on her own in the camp. Rachael has long lost hope after losing her entire family when she finds a diamond ring while sorting through prisoners belongings. She decides to pocket the ring, and when she meets Chaya, it becomes a symbol of hope to both of them.

Samuel and Hanna are an engaged couple living in Prague when the Nazi forces invade. We see them from the beginning of the war all the way through their entrance into Auschwitz.

Weaving their stories together masterfully, Meg Hamand captures the essence of the human experience. This book spares no detail with the horrible things the Jewish people experienced at the hands of the Nazis and made me cry several times. Anyone who rated "The Nightingale" by Kristin Hannah, highly should definitely read this.

Thank you NetGalley and River Grove Books for the ARC!

This was an incredible book from start to finish, and absolutely broke my heart on par with The Book Thief. I loved how Rachael and Hanna’s chapters seemed unlinked for the longest time, and it wasn’t until the later chapters became Chaya’s that we started to see the link, through Rachael’s daughter Caterina. I liked also how there was no huge dramatic reveal about that as well, because often that sort of thing comes across as trite and obvious.

I would definitely read more from this author, the writing was exquisite.

A very heartbreaking tale. It is so easy to forget this piece of history because it was so long ago, but these tales need to be remembered. So beautifully written and truly heartbreaking

Beautiful story about the time and place it is set Thanks. It was well researched and just a wonderful read by a talented author. Everyone should read it
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for sharing this boowith me

As a History major, this book needs to be read for every History major before graduation. It was beautifully done, and the honesty and realness of this story just hit home. Wonderful book.

This book sucks you in from the very beginning. Stories set in Auschwitz are always incredibly difficult to read, but they’re so important—these are pieces of history we must remember so they’re never repeated. What I really loved about this one is how the characters’ stories intertwine. Their connections feel deeply human, and that adds another layer of emotion and meaning to an already powerful narrative. It’s heartbreaking, gripping, and necessary all at once.

this book is so heartbreaking. there must be so many stories we dont know of that time. i wish we could hear them all. make them all feel heard. i cant fathom the time, trying to live or in some cases survive. there is so much we dont know and probably could never know. and even if we did unless you lived through that time its often simply unimaginable.
but these stories show us glimpses. and if it doesnt sound too morbid these books are my true favorites of the genre.
this book has me gripped from the very beginning. i have to admit when the ring came about i didnt see there being a happy ending. and so it ramped up the tension as the two different stories were told and the arcs were revealed.
the time in the camp was told which such rawness i felt my emotions so many times and there was even a few unshed tears.
if people enjoy historical fiction based around ww2 then this is for you. but it doesnt pull any punches. its not graphic but it really does get you to the heart of some of the goings on and feelings of the time. but that in itself makes it an even greater read.
this book is just superb. and i feel privileged to read such stories. because though it may be fiction, we all know how close some of these tales perhaps are to what happened. and with the research that goes into these books there is actually so much included of what did happen. and that breaks my heart. the fact it must have been so much worse than we could ever read breaks it further. but like the characters in this book the bravery of those who lived through it never ceases to amaze and astound me.

I read a ton of WW2 historical fiction, and this was one of the most heartbreaking and vivid of all the novels set in this sphere that I have read. Hamand digs deep to create characters that the reader connects with deeply. This novel will stick with me. I'd recommend it to any historical fiction fan.

Meg Hamand’s “Diamonds in Auschwitz” is a heart-wrenching WWII novel that intertwines the stories of a diamond engagement ring’s journey from Prague to Auschwitz and its impact on people. The book vividly portrays life in Auschwitz and its aftermath, highlighting the resilience of its survivors. A must-read.

Thank you to NetGalley, Greenleaf Book Group and Meg Hamand for this ARC.

Diamonds in Auschwitz is a poignant story about love and hope, shining through even in the darkest of times.

We follow Rachel and Chaya, Samual and Hanna and their tales of friendship and love, powering through in the face of adversity and trying to find hope even when it feels like all is lost.

I enjoyed that the story is told from different points of view, all weaving together to create the wider story. There were little snippets dotted throughout and call backs at various points showing how each characters lives were so interwoven.

Whilst no story about Auschwitz will ever be a pleasant read, based on true events or not, reading about the love, happiness and joy each woman felt at different points in their lives shows how important it is to celebrate the little things in life as you don’t know if or when that could be ripped away.

This is such a sad and horrifying story based on true events.
Some of it was very difficult to read, but the truth about the brutality of the Nazis must be told again and again.
The world looked on while 6 million Jews were murdered.
Read this book so you can say NEVER AGAIN.

A WWII story that is easy to follow and get drawn deep into the story. The characters are well written. Heartbreaking!

(posted on Goodreads with additional information)

Diamonds of Auschwitz: A Novel by Meg Hamand
3.75/5 Stars
Read March 2025 - ARC

Diamonds of Auschwitz is a beautiful novel about the power of hope…and how grief can destroy you.

Positive messages: 3/5
Characters risk everything for those they love. They understand that people die, but some live. They have to overcome the overwhelming sense of grief and learn how to hope. Courage is the most evident trait present, although many others can be seen as well.

Positive role models: 3.5/5
Rachael has lost everything she loves and still perseveres and tries to find hope in even the most despair of times. Readers will connect with her brokenness and longing for something—anything to cling to.
Catarina, Rachael’s first-born child, is a support system for her before the war and thoughts of her take up most of her mind’s capacity. Readers will see that their bond is strong and be inspired by this.
Chaya, a young girl in Auschwitz, looks up to Rachael for support and comfort and Rachael gives it. She is strong, brave and kind and doesn’t hate even the ones who persecute her. She looks through a glass-half-full perspective, and readers will admire her for that.
Irine, Rachael’s friend and support in Auschwitz, is wise and honest. She takes care of Chaya some later in the novel.
Frau Friedl cares deeply about the children he teaches (he is an art teacher with Hanna) but respects authority and keeps his mouth shut when he needs to.
Samual, one of the main characters, is not afraid of the future and what it holds. He is passionate about his work. He won’t wait for the approval of others when he knows an action is right. His love for his girlfriend (soon to be fiance!), Hanna, is inspiring. Hanna isn’t afraid to be herself and to speak her mind. She isn’t ashamed of her religion, either. She hates to sit and do nothing—she wants to make a difference and help others! However, it seems impossible and much too risky.
Quote from Hanna—to show readers how she looks at life:
“‘You never walked the Charles Bridge?’ she teased. ‘You really need me in your life, don’t you?’
He laughed. ‘Very true. I walked the bridge, I just never looked up to see where I was going.’
‘Many people live their entire lives that way,’ Hanna mused. ‘But you miss so much. Look at this.’ She threw her arms wide and gestured to the city. ‘It’s a sea of stone. Every rooftop is a unique seashell with all of its different shapes and colors.’”

Greta is a side character but risks her well-being and reputation for a man she has known only for a few years.
David, a friend of Samual’s, rebels against the Nazis and their tyranny no matter the cost.
(Negative) Most soldiers are insensitive and completely dehumanize those they guard, especially Jews. However some guards, like Elke (gave Chaya a piece of chocolate/spoke to her kindly), have a kind side to them.

Drinking, Drugs, and Smoking: 0/5
None present.

Language: 1/5
‘B—h,’ ‘hell,’ and few others are used very infrequently.

Violence, Gore, and Scariness: 2.5/5
A Nazi throws a woman’s baby onto the tracks of a train and he dies (not graphically described but a heavy thought). Soldiers kick a street dog and it’s in pain. Soldiers punch, grab, slap, and shoot innocent people. Jews are constantly in fear and reprimanded/hated for no reason.

Sex, Romance, and Nudity: 1/5
Characters share innocent kisses.

What You Should Know:
I was pleasantly surprised with this one. The cover is…okay. Not my favorite. But I enjoyed the book! The writing is beautiful and poetic and the characters, especially Chaya, are very relatable. Their grief and hope feels so real while reading.
I completely 100% recommend this one to you. It’s completely clean, which is hard to find in novels that take place at such an intense time. However, be warned that it doesn’t sugar coat anything. Death is ever present and characters’ perspectives on it can be heartbreaking and heavy for younger readers. I would say 13-14+ if the reader is mature and has read other books like this one.
Happy reading!

Age Range Recommendation: 13+ A Historical Fiction
TRIGGER WARNINGS/ADULT CONTENT: WAR, DEATH OF LOVED ONES, TRAUMA/PTSD, VIOLENCE

This was such a heart wrenching story. I loved the two stories that ended up entwined together. This book shows life in Auschwitz and life before and in a Auschwitz for a couple. I loved hearing both stories and hearing how they found joy even with everything they were going through. If you enjoy reading stories about World War 2 prison camps and the survivors of those camps this is a good book to read.

4.5⭐️

[a copy of this book was provided to me by the published from netgalley. thank you!]

a deeply personal and touching story about survival in auschwitz. i enjoyed the writing style and character development, and the historical worldbuilding seemed quite accurate.

Books about Auschwitz will never be easy to read, and this book is no exception. Diamonds in Auschwitz was a heartbreaking story about love, the desire for hope and connection, and what it took to survive the Holocaust.

The story followed a Jewish woman, Rachael, and a young Jewish child that she befriended, Chaya, who were imprisoned together in Auschwitz. Rachael and Chaya's factual experiences in the brutal concentration camp gave me so many emotions - anger, bitterness, and disbelief, as well as love and hope. Interwoven is also the story of Hanna and Samual, a young Jewish couple living in Prague and planning for a future together during the time of the German occupation. Samual gave Hanna a gorgeous engagement ring that became a symbol of hope and resistance throughout the entire book. The book alternated between these stories and their timelines, and the ending finally made the beautiful yet heartbreaking connection between all of the characters.

When Rachael found a gorgeous diamond engagement ring in the mud outside of Auschwitz, I think it gave her a reason to hope and a small way to stand up to the Nazis. The ring allowed her to form a connection with Chaya, who had no one. The relationship between Rachael and Chaya was so sweet, and I cannot imagine the sacrificial love that Rachael, who had lost her entire family, was able to have again in Chaya.

Meg Hammond did a brilliant job of creating a fictional story based on factual events that she researched. If you enjoy historical fiction, I highly recommend this book!