Historical Fiction-The Bookseller of Dachau-Available Now

This historical fiction novel was difficult to read. Not because it was bad by any means. But because the author did such an amazing job of conveying the attitudes, fears, and straight facts of the historical sections.

Full disclosure from the beginning. My parents and I took a trip to Germany in the early 80s. One of the places we visited was Dachau. People are not lying when they say that you can feel the evil that was perpetrated there. And you can feel the sorrow and the pain.

I have never in my life experienced anything like it.

I was 12 years old. And it has stuck with me to this day.

So, when Grace found out about her history and traveled to Germany, I was right there along with her. And I actually had to stop reading a few times because I was so overcome with emotion

The memories still linger nearly 40 years later. I can’t even imagine what it might feel like to have had relatives or a stronger connection to the place.

This all endeared me to Grace from the moment she decided to take the trip, but especially as she discovers more about her grandmother. The way Matilda’s story is related makes sense in the context of the contemporary storyline, and the transitions between the past and the present were seamless.

Matilda is a heroine of all ages. She is the embodiment of strength and resilience. Even as we know what happened to her in the long run, I still found myself on pins and needles hoping that she would get through her trials in the past.

And no…no spoilers here.

Some historical fiction novels don’t have a good balance between the historical and contemporary storylines, relying too heavily on one or the other. That wasn’t the case here.

The author wisely weaves the two together. I was never unhappy to be in either period, even though Matilda’s had more intrigue. But I very much enjoyed Grace’s line as well. Especially as she learned more about her inheritance.

I’m obviously not going to tell you how everything plays out, because that would ruin the story for you.

However, at the risk of sounding political (I always try to avoid it), I couldn’t help but notice the parallels in the thinking of Matilda’s parents – which were reflective of others in the town. It is those attitudes that allowed for the atrocities to occur.

And frankly, I have seen thoughts very similar to those of Matilda’s father on social media. Which is just scary and should be a wake-up call.

But all of that aside, the author does a phenomenal job with this story. You’ll be amazed at the resilience and ingenuity of Matilda and root for Grace as she makes difficult decisions.

If you are a historical fiction fan (and even if you aren’t) this should be at the top of your list!

Author Bio 

Shari J. Ryan is a USA Today Bestselling Historical Fiction writer. Her desire to write stories revolving Jewish livelihood during World War II stems from being a descendant of two Holocaust survivors. After the passing of Shari’s grandmother, she pursued an active interest in learning more about the inherited stories she yearned to understand better.

Shortly after earning a bachelors degree from Johnson & Wales University, Shari began her career as a graphic artist and freelance writer. She then found her passion for writing books in 2012. In 2016, Shari began writing her first Historical Fiction novel, Last Words, a story about a lifelong journey through the eyes of a Holocaust survivor. With two character related books to follow, Shari quickly found a new passion to share untold World War II stories within a fictional setting. 

Shari is a lifelong New England girl who lives to make people laugh. She is happily married with two wonderful sons and a spunky Australian Shepard, who fits right in with the family.