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A View Across the Rooftops
An unforgettable story of love, hope and betrayal, and a testament to the courage of humanity in history’s darkest days.
As Nazis occupy his beloved city, Professor Josef Held feels helpless. So when he discovers his former pupil Michael Blum is trying to escape the Gestapo, he offers Michael a place to hide in his attic.
In the quiet gloom of the secret room, Michael talks of his beautiful, fearless girlfriend, Elke. Michael insists that not even the Nazis will come between them. But Elke is a non-Jewish Dutch girl, and their relationship is strictly forbidden.
Josef sees the passionate determination in his young friend’s eyes. Furious with the rules of the cruel German soldiers and remembering his own heartbreak, Josef feels desperate to give Michael and Elke’s love a chance. But then tragedy strikes, and Josef is faced with an impossible choice.
In the dark days of war, with danger and betrayal at every turn, no-one can be trusted. If Michael is to survive and get back to the woman he loves, it will be down to Josef – to find the hero inside himself, and do whatever it takes to keep Michael alive.
Even if it means putting his own life in mortal danger.
A heartbreakingly beautiful story about courage against the odds, perfect for fans of The Tattooist of Auschwitz, All The Light We Cannot See, and The Nightingale.
As Nazis occupy his beloved city, Professor Josef Held feels helpless. So when he discovers his former pupil Michael Blum is trying to escape the Gestapo, he offers Michael a place to hide in his attic.
In the quiet gloom of the secret room, Michael talks of his beautiful, fearless girlfriend, Elke. Michael insists that not even the Nazis will come between them. But Elke is a non-Jewish Dutch girl, and their relationship is strictly forbidden.
Josef sees the passionate determination in his young friend’s eyes. Furious with the rules of the cruel German soldiers and remembering his own heartbreak, Josef feels desperate to give Michael and Elke’s love a chance. But then tragedy strikes, and Josef is faced with an impossible choice.
In the dark days of war, with danger and betrayal at every turn, no-one can be trusted. If Michael is to survive and get back to the woman he loves, it will be down to Josef – to find the hero inside himself, and do whatever it takes to keep Michael alive.
Even if it means putting his own life in mortal danger.
A heartbreakingly beautiful story about courage against the odds, perfect for fans of The Tattooist of Auschwitz, All The Light We Cannot See, and The Nightingale.
398 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 25, 2019
6193 people are currently reading
9591 people want to read
About the author
Suzanne Kelman
15 books627 followersSuzanne Kelman is an Amazon international bestselling author in America, the United Kingdom, Canada, and Australia. Her books have sold over 475,000 copies worldwide and accumulated ten rights deals across eight territories.
Her WW2 historical fiction books are published by Bookouture - an imprint for Hachette U.K.
She is also the author of the bestselling book, "The Rejected Writers' Book Club", published by Lake Union, which is the first book in the Southlea Bay series. Other books in the series include, "Rejected Writers Take the Stage" and "The Rejected Writers' Christmas Wedding".
Kelman is an award-winning writer/screenwriter whose accolades include the Best Comedy Feature Screenplay Award from the L.A. International Film Festival, the Gold Award from the California Film Awards, and the Van Gogh Award from the Amsterdam Film Festival.
In 2015 her script, Held, was recognized by the Academy of Motion Pictures and was shortlisted to the top ten in the Academy Of Motion Pictures Nichols Fellowship competition.
As well as a screenwriter and a published author, Suzanne is also a playwright, and her award-winning comedy play, "Over My Dead Body", had its World Premiere at Outcast Theatre in Washington, Fall 2019.
Born in the United Kingdom, Suzanne now resides in Washington State.
Please sign up for her newsletter to stay in touch - https://www.suzannekelmanauthor.com
Her WW2 historical fiction books are published by Bookouture - an imprint for Hachette U.K.
She is also the author of the bestselling book, "The Rejected Writers' Book Club", published by Lake Union, which is the first book in the Southlea Bay series. Other books in the series include, "Rejected Writers Take the Stage" and "The Rejected Writers' Christmas Wedding".
Kelman is an award-winning writer/screenwriter whose accolades include the Best Comedy Feature Screenplay Award from the L.A. International Film Festival, the Gold Award from the California Film Awards, and the Van Gogh Award from the Amsterdam Film Festival.
In 2015 her script, Held, was recognized by the Academy of Motion Pictures and was shortlisted to the top ten in the Academy Of Motion Pictures Nichols Fellowship competition.
As well as a screenwriter and a published author, Suzanne is also a playwright, and her award-winning comedy play, "Over My Dead Body", had its World Premiere at Outcast Theatre in Washington, Fall 2019.
Born in the United Kingdom, Suzanne now resides in Washington State.
Please sign up for her newsletter to stay in touch - https://www.suzannekelmanauthor.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 928 reviews
September 10, 2019
Romance and resistance in Amsterdam. What matters to you enough that you would sacrifice your own life? Widowed math professor, Josef, is faced with a decision to help a student, Michael, when the Jewish raids begin. Yet when Josef’s niece, Ingrid, becomes involved with the Nazi’s, Josef not only must decide where him and Ingrid’s relationship stands but he must also choose to follow his moralistic principles or surrender his values to solidify his own safety. Michael’s girlfriend, Elke, is faced with turmoil when Michael goes missing and she struggles to accept that he is gone.
My notes: As a reader, you will not learn much history that has not already been accounted for in a plethora of other novels. The atmosphere of war and the setting of Amsterdam 1940-1945 is well constructed. However, the focus is on the characters and their tales during this time. The inhumane atrocities experienced by Jews and their life in concentration camps is not accounted for. Overall, the novel was a light, easy read. The plot did not create a complexity of profound thoughts or cause for deep reflection. For me it was not gripping or intensely captivating, but rather a normal WW2 read that avoids harrowing specifics.
There is a good true story of sacrifice buried in here, and it is revealed and noted by the author in the end. Thanks to Netgalley, Bookouture, and Suzanne Kelman for a copy. Opinions are my own.
My notes: As a reader, you will not learn much history that has not already been accounted for in a plethora of other novels. The atmosphere of war and the setting of Amsterdam 1940-1945 is well constructed. However, the focus is on the characters and their tales during this time. The inhumane atrocities experienced by Jews and their life in concentration camps is not accounted for. Overall, the novel was a light, easy read. The plot did not create a complexity of profound thoughts or cause for deep reflection. For me it was not gripping or intensely captivating, but rather a normal WW2 read that avoids harrowing specifics.
There is a good true story of sacrifice buried in here, and it is revealed and noted by the author in the end. Thanks to Netgalley, Bookouture, and Suzanne Kelman for a copy. Opinions are my own.
October 7, 2019
A View Across the Rooftops is a very moving book set during the period of World War II in Amsterdam. These are hard times and only love and compassion provides (some) solace.
Josef Held is a professor teaching mathematics, whose life seems to hold no charm after the passing of his wife Sarah many years ago. He finds Hannah Pender at the university charming and yet cannot find the urge to take the relationship forward. The Nazi occupation and their treatment of Jews, brings more pain. His neighbor Mrs. Epstein is killed right in front of his eyes, an old lady who took pleasure in playing the piano. There is also his Jewish student Michael Blum, whose easy ways he finds difficult to relate to. And yet, Josef makes a choice – he helps Michael by hiding him. Michael is in love with Elke (who is not Jewish) and the prevailing situation separates them. There are further complications and risks with his niece Ingrid dating a high-level German officer.
Josef and Michael form a bond over time – at the start without even speaking much with each other. As trust grows, they learn to share their pains and memories of better times. There are several close shaves while Michael is in hiding, and he also falls seriously ill at one time.
This is not a fast paced book, and yet it is very beautiful – a sum total of the characters, their inner feelings, circumstances and the strength of the story. It is a wonderful story of courage, letting go and find purpose in the most difficult of situations.
My rating: 4.5 / 5.
My thanks to Bookouture, NetGalley and the author for a free electronic copy of the book for providing a review.
Josef Held is a professor teaching mathematics, whose life seems to hold no charm after the passing of his wife Sarah many years ago. He finds Hannah Pender at the university charming and yet cannot find the urge to take the relationship forward. The Nazi occupation and their treatment of Jews, brings more pain. His neighbor Mrs. Epstein is killed right in front of his eyes, an old lady who took pleasure in playing the piano. There is also his Jewish student Michael Blum, whose easy ways he finds difficult to relate to. And yet, Josef makes a choice – he helps Michael by hiding him. Michael is in love with Elke (who is not Jewish) and the prevailing situation separates them. There are further complications and risks with his niece Ingrid dating a high-level German officer.
Josef and Michael form a bond over time – at the start without even speaking much with each other. As trust grows, they learn to share their pains and memories of better times. There are several close shaves while Michael is in hiding, and he also falls seriously ill at one time.
This is not a fast paced book, and yet it is very beautiful – a sum total of the characters, their inner feelings, circumstances and the strength of the story. It is a wonderful story of courage, letting go and find purpose in the most difficult of situations.
My rating: 4.5 / 5.
My thanks to Bookouture, NetGalley and the author for a free electronic copy of the book for providing a review.
November 8, 2019
EXCERPT: As Held walked home that evening, he bought a bottle of wine with his groceries as he dwelled on his day. The loss was acute. He knew it was just a wireless, a thing, an object, but it was what it represented to him. Hadn't the Nazis already taken so much? Their town, their way of life, their hope. Why was one more thing so important? They were already stripped and surrendered. What was the point of taking even more? And what would they do with his wireless? The sting of resentment coursed through him as he imagined it taking pride of place in some Nazi's home or, worse, getting dusty on some German requisition shelf. What harm could come to Germany from a mathematics professor with a wireless tuned to a classical music station?
ABOUT THIS BOOK: 1941, Nazi-occupied Amsterdam. An unforgettable story of love, hope and betrayal, and a testament to the courage of humanity in history’s darkest days.
As Nazis occupy his beloved city, Professor Josef Held feels helpless. So when he discovers his former pupil Michael Blum is trying to escape the Gestapo, he offers Michael a place to hide in his attic.
In the quiet gloom of the secret room, Michael talks of his beautiful, fearless girlfriend, Elke. Michael insists that not even the Nazis will come between them. But Elke is a non-Jewish Dutch girl, and their relationship is strictly forbidden.
Josef sees the passionate determination in his young friend’s eyes. Furious with the rules of the cruel German soldiers and remembering his own heartbreak, Josef feels desperate to give Michael and Elke’s love a chance. But then tragedy strikes, and Josef is faced with an impossible choice.
In the dark days of war, with danger and betrayal at every turn, no-one can be trusted. If Michael is to survive and get back to the woman he loves, it will be down to Josef – to find the hero inside himself, and do whatever it takes to keep Michael alive.
Even if it means putting his own life in mortal danger.
MY THOUGHTS: A View Across the Rooftops never quite drew me in and enveloped me. I found it quite superficial, sanitised, rather than heart-wrenching. It makes oblique references to the atrocities that were inflicted on the Jewish population, but the closest it gets to the real thing is a brief description of the rounding up and trucking out of the Jews from the ghetto. And even that is dealt with rather gently.
This is a gentle book. A light, easy read that stirred no emotions in me whatsoever. And to be truthful, I began to lose interest in the middle. It picked up again at about 80% through, but at no point did I feel the raw emotion I have experienced with some other books dealing with the same subject.
More than a story of a man surviving German occupation and sheltering a Jew in his attic for most of the duration of the war, it is more a story of a man coming to terms with himself and his past, enabled by the war, and learning to live again.
My favourite quote from A View Across the Rooftops: 'It's hard for anyone to breathe in all of that, so much sadness in the air.'
#AViewAcrossThe Rooftops #NetGalley
***
ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Born in the United Kingdom, Suzanne now resides in Washington State.
DISCLOSURE: Thank you to Bookouture via NetGalley for providing a digital ARC of A View Across the Rooftops by Suzanne Kelman for review. All opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own personal opinions.
For an explanation of my rating system, please refer to my Goodreads.com profile page or the about page on my webpage sandysbookaday.wordpress.com
This review and others are also published on Amazon, Twitter and my webpage https://sandysbookaday.wordpress.com/...
ABOUT THIS BOOK: 1941, Nazi-occupied Amsterdam. An unforgettable story of love, hope and betrayal, and a testament to the courage of humanity in history’s darkest days.
As Nazis occupy his beloved city, Professor Josef Held feels helpless. So when he discovers his former pupil Michael Blum is trying to escape the Gestapo, he offers Michael a place to hide in his attic.
In the quiet gloom of the secret room, Michael talks of his beautiful, fearless girlfriend, Elke. Michael insists that not even the Nazis will come between them. But Elke is a non-Jewish Dutch girl, and their relationship is strictly forbidden.
Josef sees the passionate determination in his young friend’s eyes. Furious with the rules of the cruel German soldiers and remembering his own heartbreak, Josef feels desperate to give Michael and Elke’s love a chance. But then tragedy strikes, and Josef is faced with an impossible choice.
In the dark days of war, with danger and betrayal at every turn, no-one can be trusted. If Michael is to survive and get back to the woman he loves, it will be down to Josef – to find the hero inside himself, and do whatever it takes to keep Michael alive.
Even if it means putting his own life in mortal danger.
MY THOUGHTS: A View Across the Rooftops never quite drew me in and enveloped me. I found it quite superficial, sanitised, rather than heart-wrenching. It makes oblique references to the atrocities that were inflicted on the Jewish population, but the closest it gets to the real thing is a brief description of the rounding up and trucking out of the Jews from the ghetto. And even that is dealt with rather gently.
This is a gentle book. A light, easy read that stirred no emotions in me whatsoever. And to be truthful, I began to lose interest in the middle. It picked up again at about 80% through, but at no point did I feel the raw emotion I have experienced with some other books dealing with the same subject.
More than a story of a man surviving German occupation and sheltering a Jew in his attic for most of the duration of the war, it is more a story of a man coming to terms with himself and his past, enabled by the war, and learning to live again.
My favourite quote from A View Across the Rooftops: 'It's hard for anyone to breathe in all of that, so much sadness in the air.'
#AViewAcrossThe Rooftops #NetGalley
***
ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Born in the United Kingdom, Suzanne now resides in Washington State.
DISCLOSURE: Thank you to Bookouture via NetGalley for providing a digital ARC of A View Across the Rooftops by Suzanne Kelman for review. All opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own personal opinions.
For an explanation of my rating system, please refer to my Goodreads.com profile page or the about page on my webpage sandysbookaday.wordpress.com
This review and others are also published on Amazon, Twitter and my webpage https://sandysbookaday.wordpress.com/...
August 21, 2019
The cover is gorgeous it attracted me then the story plus this is a new author for me someone I plan on reading more about.
The roller coaster of emotions I went through while reading is amazing from sadness, joy, hate, and anger. Rarely has a book made me actually cry /weep.
For the author to make me literally cry the story is just incredible. Plus, finding out this is based on an actual true story that makes it more human.
I want to thank NetGalley for this free book for a honest review and to Bookouture for accepting my first ever request review.
The roller coaster of emotions I went through while reading is amazing from sadness, joy, hate, and anger. Rarely has a book made me actually cry /weep.
For the author to make me literally cry the story is just incredible. Plus, finding out this is based on an actual true story that makes it more human.
I want to thank NetGalley for this free book for a honest review and to Bookouture for accepting my first ever request review.
June 13, 2021
Thanks to NetGalley, Bookouture and Suzanne Kelman for my digital copy of: A View Across The Rooftops.
Professor Josef Held has never recovered from the loss of his beloved wife Sarah who tragically died 20 years ago giving birth to their first child and he has no intention of ever letting anyone else into his life. He's a man stuck in a rut, after he finishes teaching math at the university, he walks home every day taking the same route, he feeds his cat, eats a simple meal, opens his kitchen window and listens to his neighbor Mrs Florence Epstein play her piano.
In 1941 the Nazi's arrive, Amsterdam's been invaded, German soldiers are everywhere and it's a very dangerous place to live. When his niece Ingrid starts dating Major Von Strauss, her uncle Josef is horrified and it only got worse when she starts working for the Germans. Jewish people are being arrested, first it's men and then the Germans started to targeting all Jewish people.
Michael Blum attends the university where professor Held works, he has very little interest in mathematics, he's a dreamer, he's a real character, a poet and he's in love with a fellow student Elke. Michael's banned from attending university as he's Jewish and he has no idea how danger he's in! Desperate to give Michael and Elke’s love a chance to flourish, Josef gives Michael refuge in his attic, an act of bravery and resistance that changes both of their lives. As the dark days of war continues, they face danger and betrayal, who can be trusted and their both on edge.
The Dutch people suffered terribly during the war, all radio's were confiscated, they have no contact with the outside world, medicine was in short supply, food, fire wood, clothes and shoes wore out. So you can imagine what people thought about women like Ingrid who were working and sleeping with the enemy. Soon keeping Michael safe becomes extremely difficult, his niece announces her engagement to Major Von Strauss and they visit him at home with no prior notice. Hannah Pender lives with her mother Clara, she's a attractive young widow and she works at the universities office. Professor Held is totally unaware that the pretty widow is interested in him and during such a troubled times was is wise to start a romantic relationship?
A View Across The Rooftops, is a story about, love, hope, friendship, courage, risk, secrets and danger. I especially enjoyed reading about the strong unbreakable bond formed between very unlikely friends Joseph and Michael during the war. I gave the book 4 stars, I shared my review on Goodreads, NetGalley, Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Kobo, Twitter and my blog.
https://karrenreadsbooks.blogspot.com/
Professor Josef Held has never recovered from the loss of his beloved wife Sarah who tragically died 20 years ago giving birth to their first child and he has no intention of ever letting anyone else into his life. He's a man stuck in a rut, after he finishes teaching math at the university, he walks home every day taking the same route, he feeds his cat, eats a simple meal, opens his kitchen window and listens to his neighbor Mrs Florence Epstein play her piano.
In 1941 the Nazi's arrive, Amsterdam's been invaded, German soldiers are everywhere and it's a very dangerous place to live. When his niece Ingrid starts dating Major Von Strauss, her uncle Josef is horrified and it only got worse when she starts working for the Germans. Jewish people are being arrested, first it's men and then the Germans started to targeting all Jewish people.
Michael Blum attends the university where professor Held works, he has very little interest in mathematics, he's a dreamer, he's a real character, a poet and he's in love with a fellow student Elke. Michael's banned from attending university as he's Jewish and he has no idea how danger he's in! Desperate to give Michael and Elke’s love a chance to flourish, Josef gives Michael refuge in his attic, an act of bravery and resistance that changes both of their lives. As the dark days of war continues, they face danger and betrayal, who can be trusted and their both on edge.
The Dutch people suffered terribly during the war, all radio's were confiscated, they have no contact with the outside world, medicine was in short supply, food, fire wood, clothes and shoes wore out. So you can imagine what people thought about women like Ingrid who were working and sleeping with the enemy. Soon keeping Michael safe becomes extremely difficult, his niece announces her engagement to Major Von Strauss and they visit him at home with no prior notice. Hannah Pender lives with her mother Clara, she's a attractive young widow and she works at the universities office. Professor Held is totally unaware that the pretty widow is interested in him and during such a troubled times was is wise to start a romantic relationship?
A View Across The Rooftops, is a story about, love, hope, friendship, courage, risk, secrets and danger. I especially enjoyed reading about the strong unbreakable bond formed between very unlikely friends Joseph and Michael during the war. I gave the book 4 stars, I shared my review on Goodreads, NetGalley, Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Kobo, Twitter and my blog.
https://karrenreadsbooks.blogspot.com/
December 22, 2019
2.5 stars
The story tells about how during WW II ordinary people were put in situations that made them heroes, although it was the last thing on their minds.
The book doesn't feel Dutch, no Dutch names were used for instance, it could have taken place anywhere except for a few Dutch characteristics thrown in for good measure. I struggled to finish it but I do appreciate what the author has tried to achieve, telling a story about a truly brave man.
The story tells about how during WW II ordinary people were put in situations that made them heroes, although it was the last thing on their minds.
The book doesn't feel Dutch, no Dutch names were used for instance, it could have taken place anywhere except for a few Dutch characteristics thrown in for good measure. I struggled to finish it but I do appreciate what the author has tried to achieve, telling a story about a truly brave man.
October 25, 2019
It’s 1941, Amsterdam is occupied by the Nazis. Professor Josef Held is a Mathematics Professor at the local University. Josef has never gotten over his wife Sarah dying 20 years previously but, he doesn’t let it show to others.
As the war goes on, his pupils are disappearing due to being Jews. They are either captured by the Nazis and sent off to the concentration camps, killed or are in hiding. So, when he discovers one of his worst pupils that he has. That is very confident and outspoken and poetic Michael Blum he offers to hide him in his attic.
The story also includes the story of Ingrid who is sympathetic to The Third Reich and has a relationship with a Major. She dreams of a life with Hendrich getting married and moving to Germany.
Also, Hannah Pender, the receptionist at the university who ends up a member of the Resistance and helps the cause to win the war.
I always enjoy reading historical novels about the WW1 and WW2 and this is no exception. This was a beautifully written story of Love, courage, self-sacrifice and determination. I loved the poems too that were linked in this story. They gave more meaning to the story. This was such an emotional story and so different to others that I have read in this subject. That I give it big fat 5 stars from me.
As the war goes on, his pupils are disappearing due to being Jews. They are either captured by the Nazis and sent off to the concentration camps, killed or are in hiding. So, when he discovers one of his worst pupils that he has. That is very confident and outspoken and poetic Michael Blum he offers to hide him in his attic.
The story also includes the story of Ingrid who is sympathetic to The Third Reich and has a relationship with a Major. She dreams of a life with Hendrich getting married and moving to Germany.
Also, Hannah Pender, the receptionist at the university who ends up a member of the Resistance and helps the cause to win the war.
I always enjoy reading historical novels about the WW1 and WW2 and this is no exception. This was a beautifully written story of Love, courage, self-sacrifice and determination. I loved the poems too that were linked in this story. They gave more meaning to the story. This was such an emotional story and so different to others that I have read in this subject. That I give it big fat 5 stars from me.
November 7, 2019
4.25 rating
How many heart-wrenching WWII books can one read? Well, if they are like this book, I will keep reading them. Set in Amsterdam during the Nazi occupation, we meet mathematics professor Josef Held as life is starting to change all around him. He has been living a simple life with his cat devoid of any real emotion as he has never recovered from the death of his wife twenty years earlier. Only the simple pleasure of listening to his neighbor Mrs. Epstein play her piano is all he allows himself. But once his Jewish neighbor is murdered right before him, everything changes. And when his student Michael, a vibrant, artistic young Jewish man, needs his help, Josef must find the strength and courage to come to his rescue putting his own life in jeopardy. Inspired by a true story, this book was beautifully written and extremely moving showing that heroes exist beyond the battlefields. Many thanks to NetGalley, Bookouture and author Suzanne Kelman for the opportunity to read this impressive book in advance of its October 25 release.
How many heart-wrenching WWII books can one read? Well, if they are like this book, I will keep reading them. Set in Amsterdam during the Nazi occupation, we meet mathematics professor Josef Held as life is starting to change all around him. He has been living a simple life with his cat devoid of any real emotion as he has never recovered from the death of his wife twenty years earlier. Only the simple pleasure of listening to his neighbor Mrs. Epstein play her piano is all he allows himself. But once his Jewish neighbor is murdered right before him, everything changes. And when his student Michael, a vibrant, artistic young Jewish man, needs his help, Josef must find the strength and courage to come to his rescue putting his own life in jeopardy. Inspired by a true story, this book was beautifully written and extremely moving showing that heroes exist beyond the battlefields. Many thanks to NetGalley, Bookouture and author Suzanne Kelman for the opportunity to read this impressive book in advance of its October 25 release.
October 20, 2019
World War ll. The Nazi's have occupied Holland. Its becoming more and more dangerous for the Jewish population. Professor Josef lives a solidarity life in Amsterdam when the Nazi occupation begins. Michael and Elke are madly in love. He is Jewish, she is Dutch. Students are disappearing as the Jewish students are being taken away. Where can they go? Who can they trust?
This book is loosely based on a true story. Josef and Michael are great characters who form a special bond. There's a greatmlist of characters who are true to life and believable. Josef puts his life at risk whilst trying to hide Michael. Be warned, this book will mess with your emotions. You will also find it hard to put down. It's beautifully written. A story of courage shown in difficult circumstances. At the end of this book, we are told the background of which this story is based on. Just make sure you have a box of tissues handy before you start reading this marvellous story.
I would like to thank NetGalley, Bookouture and the author Suzanne Kelman for my ARC in exchange for an honest review.
This book is loosely based on a true story. Josef and Michael are great characters who form a special bond. There's a greatmlist of characters who are true to life and believable. Josef puts his life at risk whilst trying to hide Michael. Be warned, this book will mess with your emotions. You will also find it hard to put down. It's beautifully written. A story of courage shown in difficult circumstances. At the end of this book, we are told the background of which this story is based on. Just make sure you have a box of tissues handy before you start reading this marvellous story.
I would like to thank NetGalley, Bookouture and the author Suzanne Kelman for my ARC in exchange for an honest review.
September 22, 2020
Baseado numa notável história real.
Suzanne Kelman ficou a conhecer a história durante uma pesquisa e, entre outras informações, descobriu que mais de 30.000 judeus sobreviveram à guerra escondendo-se em casas, porões e sótãos. Quem já conhece a história de Anne Frank e da sua família, já tinha conhecimento deste facto.
Neste livro são evocado os horrores daquela época, tornando-se assim numa leitura comovente.
Cada personagem tem a sua própria experiência de guerra e corre riscos para sobreviver, mas é um professor de matemática – professor Josef Held (herói em holandês) -, que corre o maior risco de todos.
Até onde cada um de nós iria, para salvar alguém, sabendo que se for descoberto, ambos morrerão?
1941, Amsterdão, invasão nazi e o modo de vida de extremo sofrimento dos habitantes, sobretudo dos judeus.
Um período em que, com as restrições impostas, os habitantes se viam obrigados a comer bulbos de tulipa e…papel de parede. Uma verdadeira aura da Segunda Guerra Mundial e a luta pela sobrevivência.
Uma leitura emocional, convincente. Uma história comovente, cativante, com momentos de parar a respiração e de partir o coração.
Traição, esperança, coragem, determinação, medo, desespero, sacrifício e o amor, como pano de fundo da 2ª Guerra Mundial.
Uma bonita história sobre coragem, contra todas as probabilidades, ao bom estilo de Toda a Luz que Não Podemos Ver e O Rouxinol.
Recomendo!
Suzanne Kelman ficou a conhecer a história durante uma pesquisa e, entre outras informações, descobriu que mais de 30.000 judeus sobreviveram à guerra escondendo-se em casas, porões e sótãos. Quem já conhece a história de Anne Frank e da sua família, já tinha conhecimento deste facto.
Neste livro são evocado os horrores daquela época, tornando-se assim numa leitura comovente.
Cada personagem tem a sua própria experiência de guerra e corre riscos para sobreviver, mas é um professor de matemática – professor Josef Held (herói em holandês) -, que corre o maior risco de todos.
Até onde cada um de nós iria, para salvar alguém, sabendo que se for descoberto, ambos morrerão?
1941, Amsterdão, invasão nazi e o modo de vida de extremo sofrimento dos habitantes, sobretudo dos judeus.
Um período em que, com as restrições impostas, os habitantes se viam obrigados a comer bulbos de tulipa e…papel de parede. Uma verdadeira aura da Segunda Guerra Mundial e a luta pela sobrevivência.
Uma leitura emocional, convincente. Uma história comovente, cativante, com momentos de parar a respiração e de partir o coração.
Traição, esperança, coragem, determinação, medo, desespero, sacrifício e o amor, como pano de fundo da 2ª Guerra Mundial.
Uma bonita história sobre coragem, contra todas as probabilidades, ao bom estilo de Toda a Luz que Não Podemos Ver e O Rouxinol.
Recomendo!
January 6, 2021
Uma janela com vista sobre os telhados passa-se em Amesterdão no auge da ocupação nazi.
Acompanhamos o Professor Josef Held, um homem de meia-idade, que nunca recuperou da perda da sua esposa, e Michael Blum, um dos jovens estudantes judeus de Josef. Quando os nazis começam sistematicamente a prender e a matar cidadãos judeus, Josef decide oferecer a Michael um lugar para se esconder no seu sótão por uma noite...que rapidamente se transforma em anos.
Gostei da história e das personagens, para além da relação de Michael e Josef, Michael e a sua namorada não judia (Elke) são peças importante da história, tal como Ingrid, a sobrinha de Josef, que se apaixona por um oficial nazi e trabalha para o Terceiro Reich.
A história tem alguns elementos românticos. Antes de Michael ter de fugir, ele tinha uma relação apaixonada com Elke, e foram forçados a separar-se. Além disso, há Hannah Pender. Josef sente-se surpreendentemente atraído por ela, mas como acredita que ela é uma mulher casada, ele luta contra esse sentimento.
Todas estas peças contam realmente a história do medo constante com que o povo de Amesterdão vivia dia após dia durante a ocupação nazi.
É uma história triste, comovente e trágica, mas também inspiradora e esperançosa.
Acompanhamos o Professor Josef Held, um homem de meia-idade, que nunca recuperou da perda da sua esposa, e Michael Blum, um dos jovens estudantes judeus de Josef. Quando os nazis começam sistematicamente a prender e a matar cidadãos judeus, Josef decide oferecer a Michael um lugar para se esconder no seu sótão por uma noite...que rapidamente se transforma em anos.
Gostei da história e das personagens, para além da relação de Michael e Josef, Michael e a sua namorada não judia (Elke) são peças importante da história, tal como Ingrid, a sobrinha de Josef, que se apaixona por um oficial nazi e trabalha para o Terceiro Reich.
A história tem alguns elementos românticos. Antes de Michael ter de fugir, ele tinha uma relação apaixonada com Elke, e foram forçados a separar-se. Além disso, há Hannah Pender. Josef sente-se surpreendentemente atraído por ela, mas como acredita que ela é uma mulher casada, ele luta contra esse sentimento.
Todas estas peças contam realmente a história do medo constante com que o povo de Amesterdão vivia dia após dia durante a ocupação nazi.
É uma história triste, comovente e trágica, mas também inspiradora e esperançosa.
August 16, 2020
Sempre que leio livros sobre a 2a Guerra Mundial fico com o coração pequenino pequenino...
Este não é apenas mais um livro sobre a 2a Guerra, são várias histórias de coragem, coragem muitas vezes silenciosa, histórias de pessoas que não hesitaram em arriscar as suas vidas para salvar outras, para salvar amigos, vizinhos e até desconhecidos, e sempre que leio sobre estas pessoas fico emocionada e pergunto-me sempre se teria a mesma coragem.
Foi tão duro o que aconteceu, tão cruel, tão desumano, custa sempre tanto tanto realizar que isto aconteceu mesmo e não foi assim há tanto tempo.
Esta é a história de coragem do professor Held, que significa herói em holandês, inspirada numa história verídica e que se cruza com outras tantas histórias, encontros e desencontros que nos mantém agarrados até ao final.
E sim chorei imenso... 💔
...Estou fatigado pela batalha sem ter erguido nenhuma arma
E tenho cicatrizes sem nenhum corte na minha carne
Mas ainda assim hei-de levantar a cabeça. Ainda assim não desistirei de lutar.
Para todos os que me pedem sugestões de romances têm aqui uma proposta 5🌟
November 18, 2019
As a fan of WW2 fiction, A VIEW ACROSS THE ROOFTOPS is unlike any other I have read. A touching tale of love, hope, courage and betrayal in Nazi-occupied Amsterdam, it is evocative, emotional, unsettling and yet it is hauntingly beautiful.
It's 1941 and the Nazi's have invaded Amsterdam, taking it over and setting up occupation in the name of the Fuhrer. There are German soldiers at every turn making the Dutch town a dangerous place to live. Radios were confiscated, food, clothes and medicine were in short supply and with their city under complete rule of the Nazis, the people were isolated from the outside world.
Professor Josef Held has never gotten over the loss of his beloved wife Sarah who died 20 years ago whilst giving birth to their first child. He has barely lived in the time since, refusing to forgive himself for letting it happen. By day he teaches advanced mathematics at the university and by night he sits at home alone with his cat, eating a plain and simple meal and listening to his neighbour play her piano. He has no intention of letting anyone else into his world...this existence in which he lives until the day he rejoins his beloved Sarah.
A sympathetic and compassionate man, Josef does not think of himself as brave. He has no intention of involving himself in the war around him. He just wants his life to remain as simple as possible. And yet, one night his life is changed forever when the Nazis come for his neighbour, Mrs Epstein, who both delighted and soothed his soul every evening with her beautiful piano. She begs him to help her but is wretched from his arms by the Nazis and shot. Josef is horrified and speechless. But more than that...he feels an incredible guilt as the Nazis thanked him for his good work. He knew then that he had a hand in his neighbour's demise when he told his niece Ingrid of his Jewish neighbour who played the piano, teaching local children how to play. And now Josef must live with what he has done.
Michael Blum is a young Jewish man and a student of Josef's at the university. He is a dreamer, a romantic, a poet and cares nothing for mathematics...but is following his father's aspirations to study numbers in the belief that he would make something of himself. But Michael comes up against adversity when Jews are banned from attending classes and in a final act of defiance completes his last exam with the writings of Josef's late wife's favourite poets, Rilke.
Michael wants nothing more than to live a quiet life on his girlfriend Elke's houseboat, writing poetry and making love. But when his childhood friend David comes knocking frantically, the Gestapo hot on his heels, Michael then attempts to escape the city...but David is killed. With frantic promises to Elke, Michael flees to the one person he feels he can trust.
When Josef hears the insistent banging on his door he worries that the Nazis have returned after shooting his neighbour in cold blood. But upon opening his door he is surprised to find his former student Michael, terrified and shaking...and a Jew on the run for his life. Without thinking twice, Josef offers Michael safe shelter in his attic for the night. But things become far too dangerous and fearing his house is under watch, Josef concedes that Michael must stay if he is to survive. This is especially true with Ingrid working with the Third Reich and dating a high level SS officer - Major Heinrich von Strauss - putting his life at an even greater risk. But after the death of his neighbour, the Major was of the firm belief that Josef was "one of the good Dutch". Indeed he was...just not in the way the Major thought.
Then there is Ingrid. As Josef's niece, she was orphaned at a young age when Josef himself was still grieving the loss of his own wife and was unable to take on the care of the little girl. So she was sent to live with relatives and attend boarding school...leaving Josef feeling guilty that he should've been there for Ingrid in her younger years. Now she is an adult and excited about her new job with the Third Reich. Josef is mortified. But Ingrid is naive in her knowledge of the Nazis, believing she is on the path to a better life - a richer life - with Heinrich by her side.
Meanwhile there are elements of romance throughout. While in the shadowy quiet of his secret room, Michael regales Josef with stories of his beautiful fearless girlfriend Elke, with whom he insists that not even the Nazis will come between. But Elke is a non-Jewish Dutch woman and their relationship is strictly forbidden. Furthermore, there is also Hannah Porter who works at the university where Josef teaches. Completely unaware that Hannah is interested in him, Josef surprisingly finds himself also intrigued by her but believes her to be a married woman so refuses to pay any heed to his attraction. But Hannah, who lives with her aging mother Clara, is a widow and tries in vain to capture the attentions of the somewhat aloof and indifferent professor. But given the troubled times in which they live, was it wise to embark on a new relationship?
A VIEW ACROSS THE ROOFTOPS is not a fast paced tale and yet it is so beautifully told that you find yourself so immersed within the story that you devour it all too quickly. I read it in two sittings, staying up till 3.30am until I turned the final page.
A haunting tale, A VIEW ACROSS THE ROOFTOPS is unlike any WW2 historical novel. Every character draws you in as you invest yourself in each of their stories, whether they be good or bad, devouring it all with baited breath. Josef's heroic actions, Michael's strength, Ingrid's naivete, Elke's fearlessness, Hannah's courage, even Heinrich's insidiousness. By the end, I was left both heartbroken and satisfied.
A VIEW ACROSS THE ROOFTOPS is not just another Holocaust or WW2 story. It is something else entirely. Poignant, moving, tragic and heartbreaking but it is also inspiring, beautiful and hopeful. You will need a box of tissues for this one...but you won't regret it.
I would like to thank #SuzanneKelman, #NetGalley and #Bookouture for an ARC of #AViewAcrossTheRooftops in exchange for an honest review.
This review appears on my blog at https://stinathebookaholic.blogspot.com/.
It's 1941 and the Nazi's have invaded Amsterdam, taking it over and setting up occupation in the name of the Fuhrer. There are German soldiers at every turn making the Dutch town a dangerous place to live. Radios were confiscated, food, clothes and medicine were in short supply and with their city under complete rule of the Nazis, the people were isolated from the outside world.
Professor Josef Held has never gotten over the loss of his beloved wife Sarah who died 20 years ago whilst giving birth to their first child. He has barely lived in the time since, refusing to forgive himself for letting it happen. By day he teaches advanced mathematics at the university and by night he sits at home alone with his cat, eating a plain and simple meal and listening to his neighbour play her piano. He has no intention of letting anyone else into his world...this existence in which he lives until the day he rejoins his beloved Sarah.
A sympathetic and compassionate man, Josef does not think of himself as brave. He has no intention of involving himself in the war around him. He just wants his life to remain as simple as possible. And yet, one night his life is changed forever when the Nazis come for his neighbour, Mrs Epstein, who both delighted and soothed his soul every evening with her beautiful piano. She begs him to help her but is wretched from his arms by the Nazis and shot. Josef is horrified and speechless. But more than that...he feels an incredible guilt as the Nazis thanked him for his good work. He knew then that he had a hand in his neighbour's demise when he told his niece Ingrid of his Jewish neighbour who played the piano, teaching local children how to play. And now Josef must live with what he has done.
Michael Blum is a young Jewish man and a student of Josef's at the university. He is a dreamer, a romantic, a poet and cares nothing for mathematics...but is following his father's aspirations to study numbers in the belief that he would make something of himself. But Michael comes up against adversity when Jews are banned from attending classes and in a final act of defiance completes his last exam with the writings of Josef's late wife's favourite poets, Rilke.
Michael wants nothing more than to live a quiet life on his girlfriend Elke's houseboat, writing poetry and making love. But when his childhood friend David comes knocking frantically, the Gestapo hot on his heels, Michael then attempts to escape the city...but David is killed. With frantic promises to Elke, Michael flees to the one person he feels he can trust.
When Josef hears the insistent banging on his door he worries that the Nazis have returned after shooting his neighbour in cold blood. But upon opening his door he is surprised to find his former student Michael, terrified and shaking...and a Jew on the run for his life. Without thinking twice, Josef offers Michael safe shelter in his attic for the night. But things become far too dangerous and fearing his house is under watch, Josef concedes that Michael must stay if he is to survive. This is especially true with Ingrid working with the Third Reich and dating a high level SS officer - Major Heinrich von Strauss - putting his life at an even greater risk. But after the death of his neighbour, the Major was of the firm belief that Josef was "one of the good Dutch". Indeed he was...just not in the way the Major thought.
Then there is Ingrid. As Josef's niece, she was orphaned at a young age when Josef himself was still grieving the loss of his own wife and was unable to take on the care of the little girl. So she was sent to live with relatives and attend boarding school...leaving Josef feeling guilty that he should've been there for Ingrid in her younger years. Now she is an adult and excited about her new job with the Third Reich. Josef is mortified. But Ingrid is naive in her knowledge of the Nazis, believing she is on the path to a better life - a richer life - with Heinrich by her side.
Meanwhile there are elements of romance throughout. While in the shadowy quiet of his secret room, Michael regales Josef with stories of his beautiful fearless girlfriend Elke, with whom he insists that not even the Nazis will come between. But Elke is a non-Jewish Dutch woman and their relationship is strictly forbidden. Furthermore, there is also Hannah Porter who works at the university where Josef teaches. Completely unaware that Hannah is interested in him, Josef surprisingly finds himself also intrigued by her but believes her to be a married woman so refuses to pay any heed to his attraction. But Hannah, who lives with her aging mother Clara, is a widow and tries in vain to capture the attentions of the somewhat aloof and indifferent professor. But given the troubled times in which they live, was it wise to embark on a new relationship?
A VIEW ACROSS THE ROOFTOPS is not a fast paced tale and yet it is so beautifully told that you find yourself so immersed within the story that you devour it all too quickly. I read it in two sittings, staying up till 3.30am until I turned the final page.
A haunting tale, A VIEW ACROSS THE ROOFTOPS is unlike any WW2 historical novel. Every character draws you in as you invest yourself in each of their stories, whether they be good or bad, devouring it all with baited breath. Josef's heroic actions, Michael's strength, Ingrid's naivete, Elke's fearlessness, Hannah's courage, even Heinrich's insidiousness. By the end, I was left both heartbroken and satisfied.
A VIEW ACROSS THE ROOFTOPS is not just another Holocaust or WW2 story. It is something else entirely. Poignant, moving, tragic and heartbreaking but it is also inspiring, beautiful and hopeful. You will need a box of tissues for this one...but you won't regret it.
I would like to thank #SuzanneKelman, #NetGalley and #Bookouture for an ARC of #AViewAcrossTheRooftops in exchange for an honest review.
This review appears on my blog at https://stinathebookaholic.blogspot.com/.
December 21, 2020
Wow! This is an incredible historian fiction novel. There was so much depth to this story and it had many twists and turns. I learned a lot from this story, not only about the Dutch and their experiences during World War Two, but also how seemingly ordinary people performed heroic acts of kindness and bravery. Their quiet strength, compassion, and courage is commendable. Even through darkness and horrific events they never gave up and fought to preserve humanity and the soul of their nation. I loved the characters and felt so much sadness, but also joy for them. This story truly touched my heart.
June 26, 2020
Esta história é passada em Amesterdão na década de 40, ocupada pelos Nazis.
Vamos conhecer o professor Josef Held, o seu aluno Michael e a sua colega Hannah.
Com a chegada dos nazis, Michael, judeu e a namorada Elke tentam fugir da cidade mas sem sucesso. O professor acaba por acolher o seu aluno e escondê-lo no sótão da sua casa.
Josef faz de tudo para proteger o seu aluno.
Gosto muito de livros relacionados com a segunda guerra mundial e Holocausto e por isso, assim que comecei a ler, fiquei logo agarrada à história. Um livro viciante que se lê muito rapidamente.
Impossível não me emocionar com a história de vida destas personagens num dos piores episódios da história da humanidade.
Uma história baseada em factos verídicos, de coragem, resiliência, traição e essencialmente amor.
Vamos conhecer o professor Josef Held, o seu aluno Michael e a sua colega Hannah.
Com a chegada dos nazis, Michael, judeu e a namorada Elke tentam fugir da cidade mas sem sucesso. O professor acaba por acolher o seu aluno e escondê-lo no sótão da sua casa.
Josef faz de tudo para proteger o seu aluno.
Gosto muito de livros relacionados com a segunda guerra mundial e Holocausto e por isso, assim que comecei a ler, fiquei logo agarrada à história. Um livro viciante que se lê muito rapidamente.
Impossível não me emocionar com a história de vida destas personagens num dos piores episódios da história da humanidade.
Uma história baseada em factos verídicos, de coragem, resiliência, traição e essencialmente amor.
September 5, 2019
A View Across The Rooftops by Suzanne Kelman is a story set in Holand during World War Two.
A university professor puts his life at risk by helping a student who is in danger of being arrested and he will do anything he can to keep him alive.
This is a heartbreaking story of bravery, hardship and survival.
Thank you to NetGalley and Bookouture for my e-copy in exchange for an honest review.
A university professor puts his life at risk by helping a student who is in danger of being arrested and he will do anything he can to keep him alive.
This is a heartbreaking story of bravery, hardship and survival.
Thank you to NetGalley and Bookouture for my e-copy in exchange for an honest review.
September 9, 2021
THIS BOOK!!!!!!
I can not believe I haven't heard of this author before but now that I have I'll sure be making up for lost time and reading her other books.
A View Across The Rooftops has touched my heart like so few can do.
This historical fiction starts out taking place in 1941 Nazi-occupied Amsterdam .
We meet our typical middle aged boring mathematics professor .
He leads a safe,quiet,unassuming life by himself after being widowed years ago. His students and lesson plans are all he needs.
Walking the same route daily past his neighbor lady Mrs. Epstein's house home to his cat he realizes to his horror the Nazi's have come for the Jews and suddenly Mrs. Epstein is dead.
Returning home another time he realizes something is different in his home and what he ends up doing for the next four or so years will completely change his life in ways he couldn't even begin to imagine.
Unimaginable strength is shown by characters during an incredibly dark and harrowing time that many where unable to escape from with their life.
From the author, " This story is incredibly close to my heart,and is inspired by a true story of a man who risked everything to save another,and by the courageous acts of the Dutch people."
Incredible book!
Pub Date 25 Oct 2019
I was given a complimentary copy of this book. Thank you.
All opinions expressed are my own.
I can not believe I haven't heard of this author before but now that I have I'll sure be making up for lost time and reading her other books.
A View Across The Rooftops has touched my heart like so few can do.
This historical fiction starts out taking place in 1941 Nazi-occupied Amsterdam .
We meet our typical middle aged boring mathematics professor .
He leads a safe,quiet,unassuming life by himself after being widowed years ago. His students and lesson plans are all he needs.
Walking the same route daily past his neighbor lady Mrs. Epstein's house home to his cat he realizes to his horror the Nazi's have come for the Jews and suddenly Mrs. Epstein is dead.
Returning home another time he realizes something is different in his home and what he ends up doing for the next four or so years will completely change his life in ways he couldn't even begin to imagine.
Unimaginable strength is shown by characters during an incredibly dark and harrowing time that many where unable to escape from with their life.
From the author, " This story is incredibly close to my heart,and is inspired by a true story of a man who risked everything to save another,and by the courageous acts of the Dutch people."
Incredible book!
Pub Date 25 Oct 2019
I was given a complimentary copy of this book. Thank you.
All opinions expressed are my own.
June 30, 2023
Šioje istorijoje glaudžiai susipina keturių žmonių gyvenimai. Vienas iš jų - matematikos profesorius Jozefas, žydų kilmės studentas Michaelis, universiteto administratorė, pasipriešinimo dalyvė Hana bei Jozefo dukterėčia Ingrida. Istorija sukasi tuo laiku, kuomet vokiečiai okupavo Amsterdamą Antrojo pasaulinio karo metu.
Labai įtraukė mane ši knyga ir sužavėjo tuo, jog karo baisumams atitenka antraplanis vaidmuo. Šioje istorijoje yra svarbiausi žmonės bei jų patiriami išgyvenimai.
"Kartais drąsiausia meilė prabyla kuždesiu giliausios tylos akimirkomis."
Jozefo bei Michaelio draugystė buvo viena iš tų, kuri net neabejoju, jog pasitaiko tik kartą gyvenime. Buvo be galo skaudu skaityti apie patiriamą neteisybę bei Michaelio gyvenimo sąlygas karo metais. Džiaugiuosi, jog besąlyginis Jozefo palaikymas bei draugystė padėjo vaikinui išgyventi juodžiausias akimirkas.
Man asmeniškai, ši knyga buvo tarsi odė draugystei bei žmogiškumui. Ši knyga tik dar kartą puikiai įrodė bei atskleidė tai, kaip yra svarbu išlikti žmogumi ❤️📚
Labai įtraukė mane ši knyga ir sužavėjo tuo, jog karo baisumams atitenka antraplanis vaidmuo. Šioje istorijoje yra svarbiausi žmonės bei jų patiriami išgyvenimai.
"Kartais drąsiausia meilė prabyla kuždesiu giliausios tylos akimirkomis."
Jozefo bei Michaelio draugystė buvo viena iš tų, kuri net neabejoju, jog pasitaiko tik kartą gyvenime. Buvo be galo skaudu skaityti apie patiriamą neteisybę bei Michaelio gyvenimo sąlygas karo metais. Džiaugiuosi, jog besąlyginis Jozefo palaikymas bei draugystė padėjo vaikinui išgyventi juodžiausias akimirkas.
Man asmeniškai, ši knyga buvo tarsi odė draugystei bei žmogiškumui. Ši knyga tik dar kartą puikiai įrodė bei atskleidė tai, kaip yra svarbu išlikti žmogumi ❤️📚
June 23, 2020
Heartbreaking yet beautiful, tragic yet inspiring, and left me with a broken heart yet also satisfied.
A View Across The Rooftops is a moving novel set in Nazi-occupied Amsterdam during WWII. From the beginning, I was completely immersed in the story and it didn’t let up until I came to the very last page.
I cared deeply for each and every character, and found myself constantly worrying and grieving for them as the story went on. Their strength throughout their various circumstances was simply remarkable, and the lessons shared throughout the novel like learning to let go and finding purpose even in the most difficult of times will stay with me forever.
I guarantee that you will need a box of tissues nearby, but you will not regret reading this one! It truly is unlike any other WWII book I’ve ever read.
A View Across The Rooftops is a moving novel set in Nazi-occupied Amsterdam during WWII. From the beginning, I was completely immersed in the story and it didn’t let up until I came to the very last page.
I cared deeply for each and every character, and found myself constantly worrying and grieving for them as the story went on. Their strength throughout their various circumstances was simply remarkable, and the lessons shared throughout the novel like learning to let go and finding purpose even in the most difficult of times will stay with me forever.
I guarantee that you will need a box of tissues nearby, but you will not regret reading this one! It truly is unlike any other WWII book I’ve ever read.
August 30, 2020
enho um especial interesse e gosto por livros que se passam na 2.ª Guerra Mundial. Sempre tive. No entanto, há algum tempo que não lia nenhum do género. Tinha saudades.
Está história desenrola-se em Amsterdão, ocupada pelos nazis. Conhecemos Josef, um professor de matemática, que acolhe em sua casa Michael, um aluno judeu que se vê obrigado a fugir.
Uma história maravilhosa que se lê de uma forma compulsiva e viciante. Para os que não gostam dos típicos livros de 2.ª Guerra não tenham medo. Não se trata da habitual história de campos de concentração. Vale bem a pena!
Está história desenrola-se em Amsterdão, ocupada pelos nazis. Conhecemos Josef, um professor de matemática, que acolhe em sua casa Michael, um aluno judeu que se vê obrigado a fugir.
Uma história maravilhosa que se lê de uma forma compulsiva e viciante. Para os que não gostam dos típicos livros de 2.ª Guerra não tenham medo. Não se trata da habitual história de campos de concentração. Vale bem a pena!
March 30, 2021
Em Holanda, em 1941, Josef é um professor universitário que contraiu uma doença mortal para salvar a vida de Michael, um judeu que escondeu no sótão de sua casa durante três anos.
Um livro sobre sobrevivência, coragem, bondade, integridade, compaixão, perdas, sofrimento, dor, amizade e amor verdadeiro. Este livro é baseado numa história verídica e é um relato marcante do Holocausto, diferente do habitual por não ser tão centrado nos campos de concentração. Um romance muito bem escrito, que nos parte o coração ao recordar uma passagem da História tão triste e sombria.
Um livro sobre sobrevivência, coragem, bondade, integridade, compaixão, perdas, sofrimento, dor, amizade e amor verdadeiro. Este livro é baseado numa história verídica e é um relato marcante do Holocausto, diferente do habitual por não ser tão centrado nos campos de concentração. Um romance muito bem escrito, que nos parte o coração ao recordar uma passagem da História tão triste e sombria.
August 25, 2019
Oh my goodness! Evocatively unsettling yet hauntingly beautiful. That is what
A View Across the Rooftops
translates to me. The setting in this touching tale is that the Nazis have occupied Amsterdam. They are working feverishly at extinguishing any Jews, individually and collectively.
Professor Josef Held is struggling as a math professor. On a personal level, he has never gotten over the loss of his wife. With regards to his job, it is become more and more difficult. Some of his students are simply not interested, as the war is in full swing. Before long, any Jewish students that he was teaching are forever gone.
Josef is sympathetic and compassionate. One thing that soothes his soul is the nightly piano music that he hears his elderly neighbor Mrs. Epstein play. When she loses her life to the Nazis, Josef is more than devastated and even feels partially responsible. Right after this occurs someone comes banging on his door. Josef is concerned the Nazis are back, but why? The person at the door, however, is a terrified former student, Michael Blum, a Jew on the run for his life.
Josef doesn't think twice. He pulls Michael inside and offers him a place to hide. This is not just for the night either. Josef manages to hide Michael for years. Things are incredibly scary and dangerous for both Josef and Michael. This is especially so because Josef's niece Ingrid is dating a high-level SS officer and is seemingly overly concerned for her uncle's welfare.
Meanwhile, the story has some romantic elements. Before Michael had to flee, he was in a passionate relationship with Elke, a young Dutch woman, and they were forced apart. Furthermore, there is Hannah Pender. She is a woman who works at the college. Josef is surprisingly drawn to her, but since he believes her to be a married woman, he fights his powerful attraction to her.
When you pull in all of these characters, Josef, Michael, Elke, Hannah, Ingrid, as well has her new fiance, Heinrich, the story is incredibly powerful - and increasingly dangerous. I read this book with bated breath. I cried, I grieved and I hoped. Josef's heroic actions were so powerful, as well as Michael's strength. After all of this, I was left both heartbroken and satisfied. Suzanne Kelman is a new name to me and she has floored me with this book.
Thank you to NetGalley and to Bookouture for this ARC for review. This is my honest opinion.
Professor Josef Held is struggling as a math professor. On a personal level, he has never gotten over the loss of his wife. With regards to his job, it is become more and more difficult. Some of his students are simply not interested, as the war is in full swing. Before long, any Jewish students that he was teaching are forever gone.
Josef is sympathetic and compassionate. One thing that soothes his soul is the nightly piano music that he hears his elderly neighbor Mrs. Epstein play. When she loses her life to the Nazis, Josef is more than devastated and even feels partially responsible. Right after this occurs someone comes banging on his door. Josef is concerned the Nazis are back, but why? The person at the door, however, is a terrified former student, Michael Blum, a Jew on the run for his life.
Josef doesn't think twice. He pulls Michael inside and offers him a place to hide. This is not just for the night either. Josef manages to hide Michael for years. Things are incredibly scary and dangerous for both Josef and Michael. This is especially so because Josef's niece Ingrid is dating a high-level SS officer and is seemingly overly concerned for her uncle's welfare.
Meanwhile, the story has some romantic elements. Before Michael had to flee, he was in a passionate relationship with Elke, a young Dutch woman, and they were forced apart. Furthermore, there is Hannah Pender. She is a woman who works at the college. Josef is surprisingly drawn to her, but since he believes her to be a married woman, he fights his powerful attraction to her.
When you pull in all of these characters, Josef, Michael, Elke, Hannah, Ingrid, as well has her new fiance, Heinrich, the story is incredibly powerful - and increasingly dangerous. I read this book with bated breath. I cried, I grieved and I hoped. Josef's heroic actions were so powerful, as well as Michael's strength. After all of this, I was left both heartbroken and satisfied. Suzanne Kelman is a new name to me and she has floored me with this book.
Thank you to NetGalley and to Bookouture for this ARC for review. This is my honest opinion.
August 12, 2023
A lovely story of an unlikely friendship between a professor and his Jewish student in Amsterdam during the German Occupation in WWII.
As one of my Goodreads friends has previously pointed out, this isn't a story about Amsterdam. It could have taken place in any occupied city. I think the author could have done a better job of making the reader feel connected to the place, and not just the characters. That being said, I still recommend this to anyone who enjoys WWII novels.
As one of my Goodreads friends has previously pointed out, this isn't a story about Amsterdam. It could have taken place in any occupied city. I think the author could have done a better job of making the reader feel connected to the place, and not just the characters. That being said, I still recommend this to anyone who enjoys WWII novels.
September 15, 2020
4,5!!
Que livro maravilhoso!!..não dou o 5 porque acho que existem partes que poderiam ter sido mais exploradas em detrimento de outras, mas no final adorei este livro:)
Que livro maravilhoso!!..não dou o 5 porque acho que existem partes que poderiam ter sido mais exploradas em detrimento de outras, mas no final adorei este livro:)
June 30, 2024
Jautri istorija apie herojus ne tik mūšio lauke, apie jų žmogiškumą, meilę ir drąsą. Labai gražiai parašyta knyga,man patiko.💙
" Kartais drąsiausia meilė prabyla kuždesiu giliausios tylos akimirkomis."
" Kartais drąsiausia meilė prabyla kuždesiu giliausios tylos akimirkomis."
February 6, 2021
Vídeo de opinião desta obra em https://youtu.be/foRVDgl55ig (a partir dos 17:26)
July 4, 2022
Que história maravilhosa, uma história real que envolve a personagem, Josef Held, um professor de matemática que resolve proteger Michael, no meio do caos da ocupação Nazi na Holand, por ser um rapaz judeu. Já Michael está desesperado e com uma saudade imensa durante anos sem ver a sua amada Elke, devido às circunstâncias que vive.
Uma verdadeira história onde mostra de amor, amizade, ódio, esperança e luta pela sobrevivência sob o regime nazi aos olhos destas personagens.
Quem já leu o livro do Anthony Doerr, “Toda a Luz Que Não Podemos Ver”, então recomendo ler este livro.
5 ⭐️
Uma verdadeira história onde mostra de amor, amizade, ódio, esperança e luta pela sobrevivência sob o regime nazi aos olhos destas personagens.
Quem já leu o livro do Anthony Doerr, “Toda a Luz Que Não Podemos Ver”, então recomendo ler este livro.
5 ⭐️
March 12, 2022
3.5 ⭐'s "One doesn't know how brave one is until the cost outweighs the fear", he said thoughtfully. "You may surprise yourself if the cost becomes something precious, worth fighting for."
Professor Josef Held teaches mathematics at the local University. He has never recovered from the loss of his wife Sarah years ago and finds sticking to a strict routine the only way to get through each day.
It is 1941, and the Nazi's occupy Amsterdam. In time, the Nazi's start coming for every Jew, including one of his students, Michael Blum. One night there is a knock at the professor's door, and he sees Michael. He had nowhere to go running from the Nazi's. The only place he could think to go was to the professor's address which was in a book he gave him. Held takes him in and decides to hide him in his attic. He is so brave and risks his life to save Michael in hopes of him having a future.
This book was hard to rate. The first 60% was hard to digest. Josef is completely grief stricken and you fall into a depressed state with him. He is so dry, depressed and boring. It also bothers me that Hannah Pender, this beautiful woman who flirts with him nonstop at the University, he can barely even smile at, despite feeling an intense attraction to her. However, I loved Hannah's character, along with her mother Clara and how brave they both were. Their friend Eva also tugged on my heartstrings. I did enjoy reading of Michael and Elke's love, and how that was the driving force for him to get through each day.
Josef's niece Ingrid I found to be beyond annoying. Her ignorance is unbelievable to me in many scenarios throughout the book. How could she be so oblivious to the horrific things the Nazi's were doing? I also feel like the first half of the book dragged in places and could have been about 100 pages shorter.
Now the last 40%, I would give 5 stars. The author goes from second gear to fifth. This is where the action is and where everything comes together beautifully. I literally could not put the book down for this part of the book. The ending felt incredibly realistic given the rest of the story and was tied together fantastically.
Overall, this is an enjoyable WWII read with a unique take on Amsterdam. The author mentions in the epilogue how the Netherlands lost some of the highest numbers of Jewish citizens, with only around 25% of them surviving. Of that 25%, many survived due to the Dutch hiding them in attics like Professor Held, or basements or barns. The sheer fear they must have experienced daily must have been horrific. But yet, they stood strong and brave. It brings a good question to us today, faced with the same scenario, would we risk our life to save the lives of others as the brave Dutch people did?
One of my favorite quotes from the book: "What is life without the beauty of art or music or poetry to help us interpret it, encourage us to know how to feel, how to love and how to live?"
Professor Josef Held teaches mathematics at the local University. He has never recovered from the loss of his wife Sarah years ago and finds sticking to a strict routine the only way to get through each day.
It is 1941, and the Nazi's occupy Amsterdam. In time, the Nazi's start coming for every Jew, including one of his students, Michael Blum. One night there is a knock at the professor's door, and he sees Michael. He had nowhere to go running from the Nazi's. The only place he could think to go was to the professor's address which was in a book he gave him. Held takes him in and decides to hide him in his attic. He is so brave and risks his life to save Michael in hopes of him having a future.
This book was hard to rate. The first 60% was hard to digest. Josef is completely grief stricken and you fall into a depressed state with him. He is so dry, depressed and boring. It also bothers me that Hannah Pender, this beautiful woman who flirts with him nonstop at the University, he can barely even smile at, despite feeling an intense attraction to her. However, I loved Hannah's character, along with her mother Clara and how brave they both were. Their friend Eva also tugged on my heartstrings. I did enjoy reading of Michael and Elke's love, and how that was the driving force for him to get through each day.
Josef's niece Ingrid I found to be beyond annoying. Her ignorance is unbelievable to me in many scenarios throughout the book. How could she be so oblivious to the horrific things the Nazi's were doing? I also feel like the first half of the book dragged in places and could have been about 100 pages shorter.
Now the last 40%, I would give 5 stars. The author goes from second gear to fifth. This is where the action is and where everything comes together beautifully. I literally could not put the book down for this part of the book. The ending felt incredibly realistic given the rest of the story and was tied together fantastically.
Overall, this is an enjoyable WWII read with a unique take on Amsterdam. The author mentions in the epilogue how the Netherlands lost some of the highest numbers of Jewish citizens, with only around 25% of them surviving. Of that 25%, many survived due to the Dutch hiding them in attics like Professor Held, or basements or barns. The sheer fear they must have experienced daily must have been horrific. But yet, they stood strong and brave. It brings a good question to us today, faced with the same scenario, would we risk our life to save the lives of others as the brave Dutch people did?
One of my favorite quotes from the book: "What is life without the beauty of art or music or poetry to help us interpret it, encourage us to know how to feel, how to love and how to live?"
October 28, 2019
Rating: 3.5 touching stars rounded down to 3 stars
This story set in 1941 German occupied Amsterdam works on many levels. I liked Josef’s backstory that slowly unfolded and helped explain his stoicism. I liked the romance aspect between Michael and Elke who were both students in the University level math class that Josef taught. Complicating the story is the fact that Michael is a Jew. The Germans are trying to hunt him down. They want to send him to a ‘work camp’ or just kill him on the spot when they capture him.
Then there is Ingrid. She is Josef’s adult orphaned niece. She is self-centered, not too principled, and seeking an easy life. She craves approval from all the wrong places. She is a catalyst for one of the harrowing scenes told in the first third of the book. When she sees her uncle after the incident, she does not understand why he is not happy about what had just taken place.
This is mainly the story of how Josef Held has to come to terms with whether or not to shelter Michael. Is it worth it to put himself at risk for the sake of another? Josef is a cautious man who has cut himself off from human touch and interaction after the death of his wife. Can he find the courage to extend himself for another? How do you weigh the value of your life against the potential of another’s life?
This book is about a dark subject in world history. It is written in a gentle thoughtful style. For me, the history was a little too glossed over. It minimized some of the aspects of what the Germans did to the Jews in Amsterdam. If you like your WWII stories told with a lighter touch including some romance in addition to historical fiction, this could be just the book for you. I’d recommend it to readers who haven’t read much about WWII yet, or who don’t like to be overwhelmed with too many harrowing scenes directly involving the Holocaust and death camps.
‘Thank-You’ to NetGalley; the publisher, Bookouture; and the author, Suzanne Kelman for providing a free e-ARC copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
This story set in 1941 German occupied Amsterdam works on many levels. I liked Josef’s backstory that slowly unfolded and helped explain his stoicism. I liked the romance aspect between Michael and Elke who were both students in the University level math class that Josef taught. Complicating the story is the fact that Michael is a Jew. The Germans are trying to hunt him down. They want to send him to a ‘work camp’ or just kill him on the spot when they capture him.
Then there is Ingrid. She is Josef’s adult orphaned niece. She is self-centered, not too principled, and seeking an easy life. She craves approval from all the wrong places. She is a catalyst for one of the harrowing scenes told in the first third of the book. When she sees her uncle after the incident, she does not understand why he is not happy about what had just taken place.
This is mainly the story of how Josef Held has to come to terms with whether or not to shelter Michael. Is it worth it to put himself at risk for the sake of another? Josef is a cautious man who has cut himself off from human touch and interaction after the death of his wife. Can he find the courage to extend himself for another? How do you weigh the value of your life against the potential of another’s life?
This book is about a dark subject in world history. It is written in a gentle thoughtful style. For me, the history was a little too glossed over. It minimized some of the aspects of what the Germans did to the Jews in Amsterdam. If you like your WWII stories told with a lighter touch including some romance in addition to historical fiction, this could be just the book for you. I’d recommend it to readers who haven’t read much about WWII yet, or who don’t like to be overwhelmed with too many harrowing scenes directly involving the Holocaust and death camps.
‘Thank-You’ to NetGalley; the publisher, Bookouture; and the author, Suzanne Kelman for providing a free e-ARC copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
November 10, 2021
Be sure to visit my Favorites Shelf for the books I found most entertaining.
I've read a lot of well-written WWI and WWII novels over the summer. If you enjoy historical fiction, A View Across the Rooftops belongs on your to-read list.
Many books that take place during times of war feel the same.
This book is different.
Yes, there is Darkness. Horror. Desperation.
However, this book is about Strength. Courage. Humanity.
Well done Suzanne Kelman.
I've read a lot of well-written WWI and WWII novels over the summer. If you enjoy historical fiction, A View Across the Rooftops belongs on your to-read list.
Many books that take place during times of war feel the same.
This book is different.
Yes, there is Darkness. Horror. Desperation.
However, this book is about Strength. Courage. Humanity.
Well done Suzanne Kelman.
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