51 pages • 1 hour read
The World That We Knew
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Book Brief
400
Novel • Fiction
Germany • 1940s
2019
Adult
18+ years
Super Short Summary
In The World That We Knew by Alice Hoffman, three Jewish girls in Nazi-occupied France navigate the horrors of the Holocaust with the help of a magical golem, which was created to protect them. Intertwining historical reality with elements of the supernatural, the story highlights the themes of love, resistance, and survival amidst the brutality and violence of World War II. Contains descriptions of violence and wartime atrocities.
Mysterious
Fantastical
Emotional
Dark
Bittersweet
Reviews & Readership
41,302 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
Alice Hoffman's The World That We Knew is praised for its lyrical prose and evocative storytelling that deftly blends magical realism with historical fiction. Reviewers laud its emotional depth and well-drawn characters, though some criticize the pacing and predictability. Overall, it's a haunting and beautifully written tale that captivates readers.
Who Should Read The World That We Knew?
Readers captivated by historical fiction with a touch of magical realism would enjoy Alice Hoffman's The World That We Knew. Fans of Kristin Hannah's The Nightingale or Markus Zusak's The Book Thief will appreciate the poignant narratives, strong character arcs, and the interplay of love and sacrifice set against the backdrop of World War II.
41,302 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Ettie
Ettie
The daughter of a rabbi who uses her courage and intelligence to fight against the Nazi regime, joining the Resistance and stepping beyond traditional gender roles.
Ava
Ava
A golem created by Ettie to protect Lea, who develops human-like qualities and an appreciation for the world, serving as a steadfast guardian.
Julien Lévi
Julien Lévi
A young man trained in mathematics and art, whose transformation is sparked by his love for Lea and his struggle between intellectual logic and emotional depth.
400
Novel • Fiction
Germany • 1940s
2019
Adult
18+ years
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