Review of Discovering Twins

Nzube Chizoba Okeke · Post by **Nzube Chizoba Okeke** » 16 Feb 2022, 03:47

[Following is an official OnlineBookClub.org review of "Discovering Twins" by Stella Claire ter Hart.]

4 out of 4 stars

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The Holocaust is one of the most contentious topics that will ever come up, irrespective of time or place. Some vociferously claim it never happened and point to some form of mass hysteria from a Jewish population seeking attention as the reason behind it. But to some others, the evidence of the Holocaust and its effects are as real as looking at your family tree and finding missing names. But then, this story is not about the Holocaust. It is about how Stella Claire ter Hart's search for closure leads her to buried secrets. These are horrifying secrets her mother, Sophia, will prefer to carry to her grave than go through the horror of retelling them.

Discovering Twins is a nonfiction novel by Stella Claire ter Hart detailing her discoveries concerning the unusually high number of twins within her extended family. This is a curious fact previously unknown to her. That the fates of so many of her previously unknown extended family members are linked by one singular event is just as intriguing as discovering how she comes into this trove of information.

I am particularly impressed with the attention to detail on the part of the author. Going through the effort to list her family, starting from as far back as the nineteenth century, is no mean feat. Very few people are capable of this, as it involves a ton of research. The author's unique style of switching between past and present events as a reader moves between chapters is impressive. It gives the reader the impression that they are moving in a timeless stream where the past and the present are a singular simultaneous occurrence. Highlighting individual stories that happened to the characters in the book gives a human face to these events that happened so long ago.

Students of Jewish history will find the accounts relating to the Holocaust in this book fascinating. I daresay they will learn a thing or two from it. Nonfiction genre readers will also find this book intriguing. The extensive detailing is sure to draw their attention.

Discovering Twins may not get your pulse racing when you read it, but I guarantee you will be moved by what you will find within the pages. The accounts may not be first-hand, but they are as accurate as the author can make them. The book is professionally edited, and the author's systematic combination of Dutch and English language gives it a unique feel. I rate this book 4 out of 4 stars, as there is nothing to dislike.

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Discovering Twins
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Bianka Brankovic · Post by **Bianka Brankovic** » 18 Feb 2022, 07:15

Thank you for this review. I love well-written non-fiction novels and books about the Holocaust -- when they are well-researched and well-written -- often make me think in a good way. in addition, I am partial to everything Dutch.

I fear my tbr list will never ever grow shorter

.

Post by **Becca Olsson** » 18 Feb 2022, 11:07

This sounds incredibly intriguing and equally as devastating. It’s incredibly the author was able to do the research they did. Thanks for the great review!

Aisha Yakub · Post by **Aisha Yakub** » 26 Feb 2022, 04:39

I like that the author paid attention to little details. This should be an interesting read. Thank you for the review.

Mbenma Esther 080 · Post by **Mbenma Esther 080** » 05 Mar 2022, 05:06

I enjoyed reading every bit of this review. This is a work well done by the author. Thanks for the review.

Blessing Odii · Post by **Blessing Odii** » 10 Mar 2022, 10:21

No secret is hidden for ever. Interesting book.

Brunette2 · Post by **Brunette2** » 10 Jun 2022, 23:34

This is a must read

María Andrea Fernández Sepúlveda · 20 Feb 2023, 07:39

Successfully alternating timelines without confusing an the reader and, moreover, switching languages is no easy feat. Plus, we could all learn more from such a harrowing event in order not to repeat it.

Jennifer L. Armentrout · Post by **Hubre De Klerk** » 20 Feb 2023, 08:08

Reading this review and reflecting back on the title of this book gave me chills as my mind started racing way ahead of me and I haven't even read the book to get enough intel. The title is definitely thought-provoking and although I am not a huge fan of the Holocaust, the review makes this book seem very interesting. Well done for #BOTD!

Ferdinand_Otieno · Post by **Ferdinand_Otieno** » 20 Feb 2023, 08:31

This is an interesting historic fiction novel highlighting the author's discoveries concerning the unusually high number of twins within her extended family. The book has a free sample on Amazon Kindle and has a well-written OnlineBookClub review. Congrats on the BOTD selection.

Post by **Kelsey Roy** » 20 Feb 2023, 08:34

I love historical fiction and this period of history is fascinating and horrifying all in one. I’m intrigued by this plot to find family secrets and I can’t wait to read today’s BOTD! Thanks for your informative review.

Sonia_Gonzalez · Post by **Sonia_Gonzalez** » 20 Feb 2023, 08:42

I do not know if I would have ever become curious about something as unusual as this, having many twins in my family (I don't have them, I am actually an only child). I cannot wait to read this book and find out more about the events that lead to the book, I also love that the author has impressive attention to detail.

Margi zuu202 · Post by **Margi zuu202** » 20 Feb 2023, 08:56

Book

of the day BOTD is historical fiction memoir or biography/partly true story Stella discover through wispher then website the killing of his family ancestors through Auschwitz berkenau and labour camp including most of the sweet twins.her mom was dutch born in Holland she was trained since childhood not to disclose she was half jew the book is honestly, graphic and beautiful written I will recommend it

Timothy Rucinski · Post by **Timothy Rucinski** » 20 Feb 2023, 09:06

The sample was terrific, and I applaud the author for her excellent writing skills. I hope she finds an appreciative reading audience to learn and understand that the Holocaust was real and devasting for countless families. Congrats on BOTD and mazel tov.

NetMassimo · Post by **NetMassimo** » 20 Feb 2023, 09:06

This "docufiction" reconstruct the story of a family during one of the most tragic periods of recent history with some secrets that were connected to such terrible events that were kept buried for decades. Thank you for your great review!