The Light After the War

by Anita Abriel

Inspired by the true story of one woman's extraordinary journey to forge a new life after escaping a train bound for Auschwitz.

In 1946 two young Hungarian refugees arrive in Naples after losing everyone they loved before the war. Vera Frankel and her best friend, Edith Ban, are haunted by their terrifying escape from a train headed for Auschwitz after their mothers threw them from the carriage, promising they would follow. But instead the girls find themselves alone in a frozen, alien land. They manage to find refuge and barter for their lives by working on an isolated farm in Austria until the end of the war.

Armed with a letter of recommendation from an American general, Vera finds work and new hope at the United States Embassy and, despite her best intentions, falls in love the handsome and enigmatic Captain Anton Wight. But when Anton suddenly disappears, Vera is forced to drastically change course. Their quest to rebuild their lives takes Vera and Edith from Naples to Ellis Island to Venezuela and finally Sydney as they carve out careers - and find love.

Heartbreakingly moving and compelling, The Light After the War is inspired by the true story of the author's Holocaust survivor mother.

Praise for The Light After the War

'You will be swept away by this fast-paced, heartbreaking and hopeful tale of friendship, family, second chances and the enduring power of love, based on the true story of the author's mother in war-torn Europe.' Kristin Harmel, bestselling author of The Room on Rue Amelie

'A heartfelt and memorable tale of family, love, resilience and the triumph of human spirit.' Pam Jenoff, bestselling author of The Lost Girls of Paris

'There is so much in The Light After the War that truly shines: Unforgettable love, family, faith-and the courageous resolve of two young women to mend their lives and seek new beginnings in a world tragically changed. Fans of historical fiction are sure to devour this tale of hope, reinvention and the power of friendship to heal the heart's deepest wounds.' Roxanne Veletzos, author of The Girl They Left Behind

'Heartbreakingly moving and compelling ... a testament to the power of humanity, to those people who even after unspeakable horrors and loss, still believe in the beauty and wonder of love, hope and friendship.' Better Reading

• ISBN10: 1982122978
• ISBN13: 9781982122973
• Publish Date: 4 February 2020 (first published 1 February 2020)
• Publish Status: Out of Stock
• Imprint: Atria Books
• Format: Hardcover
• Pages: 320
• Language: English

Reviews

[elysium]

3,5 stars

Vera and Edith are two Hungarian Jews who escape a train bound to a concentration camp. They end up in Austria, hiding in a freezing barn. After the war, hearing none of their families survived, they go to first to Naples then Ellis Island and finally Caracas, Venezuela. There they try settling to live and find job, love, and sorrow.

What I found interesting was that it was set in the aftermath of the war and seeing the refugees trying to find life after the Holocaust. The only thing about the war is through flashbacks. The story is based on the experiences of the author’s mother. And I’m wondering how much is true and how much fiction. Because the book felt more like romance than historical fiction and there were just too many coincidences to be believable.

It was an easy and quick read and I loved reading about the aftermath of the war. And how people were trying to learn how to go on with life after such horrific times.