"The Children's Dream', by Roberta Kagan

Book # 1 in the Auschwitz Twins series

A strong feeling that something is about to happen “premonition” is the theme Ms. Kagan’s has penned in this latest. More fitting in my opinion would be “forbidden loves” since 90% of this story hovers around the unfaithfulness of the people involved. Having said this, whether I am right or wrong, the decision is up to you.

In a few words:

“The Children’s Dream” is a heart-breaking and gripping work of fiction that could possibly have happened.

Poland in the late 1030’s, the action set in an ultra-religious Jewish neighborhood.

Sleepless and restless nights both Naomi and her daughter Perle believe dreams are glimpses into the future they both have nightmares about smokestacks, creepy doctors and strange flags invading their little village. Is this a premonition of what is to come.....

Meanwhile Naomi is unhappy with her arranged marriage to Hershel and life is a living hell with him. When an old acquaintance happens to show up and steal her heart away, soon a scandalous secret love affair begins. Maybe she was not the only one having a secret to hide...

My thoughts:

Does arrange marriage succeed more than finding the love of your life: definitely not in this story. Most of the book covers the secret rendezvous between Naomi and Eli, the love of her life. Contrary to her husband Eli is considerate, charming and attentive while Hershel is strict and rule his house with an iron fist. No wonder eyes roamed...and other things too..... Naomi trysts with Eli go on for years till the day it all comes apart.... what a surprise when Hershel reveals secrets of his own... I did not see this coming, but I am not surprised.

The pacing is slow and steady and every word is written with compassion: sorrow, despair, love and torment come out strong. Naomi sister Mariam, her three daughters: Shoshana, Perle and Bluma play interesting roles so does the many characters that populated this sad novel.

The book ends when the Nazi pushes in and all Jews are rounded up including the Hershel’s family. Of course this ending opens the door for a sequel I await impatiently.

Thank you Book Whisperer and Netgalley for the opportunity to read and review this book: this is the way I see it.