The World That We Knew

Synopsis: In Berlin, 1941, Hanni Kohn knows that to keep her daughter Lea safe, she must send her away from Germany. She finds her way to a local rabbi, but it is the rabbi’s teenage daughter Ettie who acts decisively to save them both. The myth of the golem is utilized to create Ava, born of clay, and sworn to protect Lea. The paths of these three are destined to remain intertwined, as they struggle to stay alive during the dark hours of World War II.

Nicholette’s Review: Corey and I find ourselves back in familiar territory with World War II, and all I can say is Alice Hoffman is a master! I did not know anything of Jewish folklore, and this very much has a fairy tale quality. Whether you think you would like that or not, I can assure you, you WILL, and it is an amazing novel. I almost want to describe it like a painting, as the words create such a such visual image. The theme that resonated deeply for me was the remarkable love between mother and daughter. It’s hard to imagine a world where to save your child, you have to cast them out into the world, far too young, without protection. I loved being able to learn new pieces of history—the Huguenot residents of Le Chambon who provided a haven for Jews fleeing the Nazis, or the sad tale of a Jewish orphanage (that didn’t end well as you might have guessed). I have read several other books by Alice Hoffman, and this might be my favorite. All the stars!! Rating 5/5.

Corey’s Review: It’s no secret that historical fiction seems to be our favorite genre and this book did not disappoint. I absolutely loved the fairytale aspect of this story. It really makes this book unique and not just another WW2 novel. Which was refreshing, because we have read our fair share of WW2 books. Like my mom, I had never heard of Jewish mythology and now I have to admit I am a bit obsessed with it. It is so fascinating and the way Alice Hoffman weaves it so effortlessly into this book makes this one of my favorite books about world war 2. Rating:5/5

Menu: In the book, Lea and Ava find refuge in different situations, and Ava usually finds employment as a cook. Given the hardships of Nazi occupied France, she frequently makes a dish she calls “hardship soup,” based on cabbage and whatever else she can scrounge together. It made me think of a cabbage and kielbasa soup that I love (credit to Rachel Ray) though it is no hardship.

Kielbasa, Potato and Cabbage Soup

2 tablespoons olive oil

1 1/4 pound kielbasa, 1 inch dice

1 pound potato, peeled and chopped

1 tablespoon paprika

1/2 tablespoon coriander

1/2 teaspoon allspice

2 carrots, chopped

2 ribs celery, chopped

2 cloves garlic, crushed

1 onion, chopped

1/2 head Savoy cabbage, chopped

a few grates of nutmeg

1 cup lager beer at room temperature

4 cups chicken stock

2 cups tomato sauce

1/2 cup sour cream

3 tablespoons chopped fresh dill

Handful of fresh parsley, chopped

1/2 lemon, juiced.

1) Heat the oil in a large Dutch oven and brown kielbasa. Remove to paper towel lined plate.

2) Add the potatoes, paprika, coriander, allspice, carrots, celery, garlic, onions and some salt and pepper. Cook, partially covered for 5-6 minutes.

3) Wilt in the cabbage and add a little nutmeg.

4) Deglaze the pan with the beer, then add the stock and tomato sauce.

5) Put kielbasa back in the pot and simmer for another 15-20 minutes.

5) Finish with a dollop of sour cream, herbs and lemon juice.