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There are currently 29 member reviews
for Karolina's Twins
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Diane D. (Blairstown, NJ)
Fascinating Book!
I have to thank Ronald H. Balson for writing this book. I feel privileged to have been able to read it before its publication date.
I've known most of the things that went on, during the Holocaust, for many years, and it still upsets me to read about it. I have to say that I think I was more upset about Arthur's pursuit of a lawsuit trying to have his mother, Lena declared incompetent & suffering from dementia in her efforts to find her friend's twins. It's obvious that he is just trying to control her money, and that really bothers me. I guess, since I'm almost 80, it brings home how vulnerable we all are, as we age.
Every time I read about what happened to the Jews, during that time, I wonder if any of my ancestors suffered in those ways. Since I have both German & Jewish ancestors, those things bother me even more. It's amazing that Lena & others were able to make it through the atrocities wreaked upon them and go on to live full lives. I know this is a novel, but it seemed SO REAL to me, and I shed many tears over it.
I enjoyed all the characters, especially Catherine and her husband, Liam. They were perfect in their roles.
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Kathryn
Never forget the past...
If you like historical fiction, this is a book to consider reading. I couldn't put the book down once I started it. It is spell-binding!
Ronald Balson wrote about a difficult topic---the Holocaust---and made it very real through Lena's voice.
I am going to the library to check out more of this author's books. Well done!
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Carol R. (Foster City, CA)
Read This Book!
I knew I'd love this book from the very first page. Ronald Balson has written a compulsively readable book that will grip you and not let go until you've finished the last page. Even after that, the compelling story will stay with you. The writing is so fluid that you will have trouble putting the book down. i wanted to jump into the pages and help Lena find the twins. Wonderful book!
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Tillie
Excellent book about the Holocaust
Wow! A well-written book that was hard to put down. Although this is another book about the Holocaust, it was also a book about determination and finding love and joy amidst the horrors of the war. It is definitely a book I will consider for my senior book club. Love this book!!!!!
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Susan
Karolina's Twins
Having read Balson's Once We Were Brothers, I was anxious to read Karolina's Twins. Mr. Balson's knowledge and skills in bringing a human face to the history and horror of the Holocaust remains incomparable.
Once again the action and impetuous for the story involves a court case and our story is told in flash-back. Mr. Balson's voice this time is female and told with the sincerity of one forced to endure the unthinkable in order to survive and to ensure the lives and safety of those we love.
I cannot recommend this book highly enough and as with Once We Were Brothers, a must read. It is a true picture of a time and history we must not forget.
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Lisa R. (Salem, OR)
Mesmerizing and Heartbreaking
This story sucked me in from the very first page. Soon I was immersed as if I was there with the characters themselves, wanting to help, wanting to turn back time and change one of the most painful parts of world history. The characters were so believable, and although this IS fiction, there is probably a horrifying amount of truth as well. Travel along with Lena through her painful, yet loving memories of the past, and don't skip ahead to the end of the story. This is a book that makes you examine yourself and ask "what could you live with".
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Christine B. (St. Paul, MN)
Their Twins
I am 100 percent Polish, so I really enjoyed this book not only because of my heritage but because I will be visiting there in September. This story was so poignant, sad, but still filled with joy all at the same time. It is hard to believe the choices these young women had to make to save not only themselves but each other and of course the children. Deciding who to trust- who not to trust- was an all consuming nightmare. I certainly am not sure I could have survived what they did or made the choices they were forced to make. The strength Lena showed in making her choices followed her throughout her life. I highly recommend this book!!
