Review of Untertauchen

Please use this forum to discuss historical fiction books. Common definitions define historical fiction as novels written at least 25-50 years after the book's setting.
Soma Ezenwanne
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Re: Review of Untertauchen

Post by Soma Ezenwanne »

I really want to read "Untertauchen" by Arthur M. James because I want to find out what happens to Hans and whether he makes it. Congrats on BOTD!
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Amy_Jackson
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Post by Amy_Jackson »

A man that can stand for himself and his family in the face of troubles is a man to be honoured and emulated. It couldn't have been easy for Hans and Anna, but I'm glad they worked in unity to battle the opposition they faced.
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Post by Limpho Mojakisane »

This review really shows how intense and emotional Untertauchen is. I like how it highlights the fear, survival, and inner struggles Hans and Anna go through. The story does a great job of showing how people stay strong even when everything is falling apart around them and Anna’s bravery stood out to me, too. Sounds like a powerful read for anyone interested in historical fiction.
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Post by Mercy Bolo »

This historical fiction novel follows Hans Bracher as he flees his hometown amidst Nazi occupation. Jews' businesses are boycotted, and they're forced to shut down. This is a story of hope and resilience. Hans faces many challenges while on the run, and that gives readers much to look up to.
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Post by mrlefty0706 »

"Untertauchen" by Arthur M. James is a story about Hans Bracher who had been arrested and molested by the SA, so once out of jail he had to leave Berlin as soon as possible. Hans went to Nochern to live with Anna Gerson and her parent, but a short while later all Jewish businesses were boycotted and forced to close. The SA was still on Hans’ tail so he left Nochern and went to France. The detail in the sample showed how ugly the Nazis had become, especially young teen boys that were Hitler youth and they loved the power of hurting people. This story is a masterclass in suspense and the book follows the treacherous themes of survival, resilience fear, moral ambiguity, family and evasion. Hans was on the run and was able to evade the SA and disappear from a society that threatens his safety. I cannot imagine the fear, isolation and threat of betrayal that Hans and his kinsmen lived with during WWII in Europe. These fears rose when Hans and Anna had to register at the police station to get a permit to live in Berlin and Hans worried about his previous record. With the Nazis hunting down Jews Hans and Anna need to get far away from Germany. This historical thriller is based on the true story of a German Jewish couple that outlived Hitler’s 1,000-year Reich. When they received their summons for resettlement in late 1942, they went underground praying for their survival over the next 13 months. This story competes in my brain with the Diary of Ann Frank. The fear of discovery and the loss of loved ones made the book hard to put down. This story strikes me the same way and I need to read the entire book.
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Post by Ohanele Chinonyerem »

"Untertauchen" by Arthur M. James seems emotional. Hans story is heartbreaking, and I want to know how he will survive and protect his family.
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Post by Janet Kimetto »

This book is based on the true story of the Brachers, a young Jewish couple who survived the Holocaust. I cannot begin to imagine the things they had to go through in their quest for survival. Thanks for the review!
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Post by mrlefty0706 »

Hi @Ohanele Chinonyerem, I just read your comments on the official review of "Untertauchen" by Arthur M. James and I would recommend you provide comments that prove you read the official review and the sample. For example: "Untertauchen" by Arthur M. James is a story about Hans Bracher who had been arrested and molested by the SA, so once out of jail he had to leave Berlin as soon as possible. Hans went to Nochern to live with Anna Gerson and her parent, but a short while later all Jewish businesses were boycotted and forced to close. The SA was still on Hans’ tail so he left Nochern and went to France. The detail in the sample showed how ugly the Nazis had become, especially young teen boys that were Hitler youth and they loved the power of hurting people. This story is a masterclass in suspense and the book follows the treacherous themes of survival, resilience fear, moral ambiguity, family and evasion. Hans was on the run and was able to evade the SA and disappear from a society that threatens his safety. I cannot imagine the fear, isolation and threat of betrayal that Hans and his kinsmen lived with during WWII in Europe. These fears rose when Hans and Anna had to register at the police station to get a permit to live in Berlin and Hans worried about his previous record. With the Nazis hunting down Jews Hans and Anna need to get far away from Germany. This historical thriller is based on the true story of a German Jewish couple that outlived Hitler’s 1,000-year Reich. When they received their summons for resettlement in late 1942, they went underground praying for their survival over the next 13 months. This story competes in my brain with the Diary of Ann Frank. The fear of discovery and the loss of loved ones made the book hard to put down. This story strikes me the same way and I need to read the entire book. @Mrlefty0706
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