Review of Once We Were Family

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.
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Sarah Zain
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Re: Review of Once We Were Family

Post by Sarah Zain »

The way the story is narrated and the characters are built makes you want to continue reading, but because I do not feel like reading anything related to wars or that era, I will skip reading it, but it is a good choice as BOTD. Well written review.
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Post by Reva Parker »

Thanks for the great review. I also liked the character development and how each one was different just like in real life. After reading your review, I am even more prepared for an emotional story. I enjoyed the sample and after your review, I added it to my list of books to read.
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Post by azza lia »

I guess the well developed characters, engaging plot filled with unexpected twist, and easy language making it a worth read. An extremely emotional historical-fiction revolving around the protagonist in the midst of nazi Germany. I'm intrigued to read how they deal with it and if they can resist. Thank you for a lovely review.
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Post by Kendal Low »

I find this part of history very interesting to learn about, so I definitely think that this book would be something I’d enjoy. Seems like a great choice for the book of the day!
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Post by Chimdik Chimezi »

"Once We Were Family" by Nancy Saling Graham is a book with an interesting story set in Germany during the reign of the Nazis. I would read to know if Annalise managed to find happiness amidst the rough treatment of the Nazis party.
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Post by Ochieng Omuodo »

It’s a refreshing change to see a focus on the German side of WWII. Also, the individual-level perspective is intriguing without losing the historical aspect; I notice your mention of learning some new things.
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Post by Yulisa Sanchez »

This fictional family drama has a great storyline but most amazingly, it's set of characters are exceptionally well rounded and easy to relate to. It's set in history and many can definitely learn from this story and this time period. Congrats on the BOTD!
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Post by Surabhi Rani »

'Official Review: Once We Were Family: In Nazi Germany,' by Nancy Saling Graham is a thorough and useful glimpse into the historical fiction story for readers. It focuses on the bright points of the author's work for keen readers. The point that the book follows the life of Annalise Klaus, a German lady born years before the occupation of the Nazi Party during the era of the Second World War, is worth mentioning in the review. Also, as mentioned in the review, the point that the book discusses difficult topics like race, war, and even rape is remarkable for readers. It was great to learn that the book is a fictional family drama!
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Post by Misael Carlos »

The Nazi era was for me the most brutal and horrifying event in the history so this violent period being the backdrop for the book sends darkness to the story. I’m looking forward to digging into this fiction book to find out what happened Annalise Klaus and her family members through the World War and after.
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Post by Shanesha Sammerson »

It is a terrible thing how the Nazis treated the Jews. I will pass on this book as I would not like to read about it. Good job on the review it was interesting.
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Post by Jennifer Coxon »

I'm a big fan of historical fiction and I think this book is exploratory rather than falling for the cliches. The characters appear well-developed and the author creates a nice connection with them.
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Post by todwyer01 »

From a sampling, this seems like an interesting historical fiction about a German family that is pulled apart during the rise of the Nazi party with each member doing his or her own means of surviving WWII. It might be worth a second look. Well done.
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Post by C Howard »

Once we were family
Born before the Nazi invasion of WW11. Interesting fictional story of twin girls & about a family in Germany.
Congratulations on being BOTD.
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Post by Ftaim Alkadi »

I would like to know how much this war is going to affect their bond as a family; Annalise's view of her father seemed to be negatively changing at the beginning. On the other hand, I expect some mutual experiments between the two sisters (Helga and Annalise) to abstract the hate and disrespect from their relationship. The free reading sample has totally got me into the story and your review does not make the rest of it look disappointing
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Post by Nancy Allee »

Thank you for expressing a accurate review of Once We Were Family. I also found it written in language that was very relatable and captivating. Just the sample that I read, pulled me into wanting to know more about the family. From what I read, I think I would agree with you that it would be a 5 out of 5 star book
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