The World That We Knew: A Novel

📚 Why We Recommend It

"The World That We Knew" is a historical novel by American author Alice Hoffman, published in 2019. Set against the backdrop of World War II, it intertwines magical realism with the harrowing realities of Nazi-occupied France, telling the poignant story of three women—Lea, Ettie, and Ava—who navigate love, loss, and resistance.

The narrative begins in 1941 Berlin, where Lea, a Jewish girl, is sent away by her mother, Hanni, to escape the escalating Nazi persecution. To ensure her safety, Hanni enlists the help of Ettie, the daughter of a rabbi, who creates Ava, a golem—a mystical being from Jewish folklore—to protect Lea.

As the story unfolds, Lea, Ava, and Ettie's paths converge in France, where they become entangled in the French Resistance. Their journey is fraught with peril, yet it is also a testament to the enduring power of love and sacrifice.

Alice Hoffman's lyrical prose and rich storytelling have garnered critical acclaim, with the New York Times Book Review praising it as "gravely beautiful" and a "hymn to the power of resistance, perseverance, and enduring love in dark times."

If you're drawn to historical fiction that delves into the complexities of human relationships and the resilience of the human spirit, this novel offers a compelling and emotionally resonant experience.