Review of The Lyons Den

Please use this forum to discuss historical fiction books. Common definitions define historical fiction as novels written at least 25-50 years after the book's setting.
Post Reply
User avatar
Bertha Jackson
Bookshelves Moderator
Posts: 2589
Joined: 19 Aug 2020, 12:57
Favorite Book: Launchpad Republic: America's Entrepreneurial Edge and Why It Matters
Currently Reading: Death by Doses
Bookshelf Size: 941
Reviewer Page: onlinebookclub.org/reviews/by-bertha-jackson.html
Latest Review: GeeCee by Edward M. Krauss

Review of The Lyons Den

Post by Bertha Jackson »

[Following is an official OnlineBookClub.org review of "The Lyons Den" by Beth Lyon Barnett.]
Book Cover
4 out of 5 stars
Share This Review


Eighteen-year-old Morris Lion and his friend Jonas left Germany for America, where they believed life would be better for them as Jews and where they could make a fortune mining gold. Morris asked his girlfriend, Jette, to wait for him to send her money to join him in America. They arrived in New Orleans, where they got jobs at the Louisiana Royal Cotton Company to earn more money. The story goes on about the lives of the Lyon family, as the author is one of Morris's descendants. Does Jette wait for Morris? Why was the family name Lion changed to Lyon? To get the answers to these questions and learn more about the Lyon family, grab a copy of The Lyons Den by Beth Lyon Barnett.

Beth did an honorable job of writing this historical fiction about her ancestors as she revealed their good and bad qualities, making all of them relatable. The history and research about anti-Semitism in Germany, America, and other parts of the world are commendable. The author did an excellent job translating non-English words, allowing me to learn a few German words. I cannot imagine being separated from my family at such a young age and not knowing if I would ever see them again, and I admire these people's courage. Each character was fully developed, and I could easily visualize them and feel their emotions.

The gory content about slaughtering cows may repulse some readers, but this content was essential to the story and not a flaw. The lack of professional editing was the only flaw I found in this book and the only reason I deducted one star from what would otherwise have been a perfect rating. Thus, my rating for this book is 4 out of 5 stars.

I recommend that mature adults interested in anti-Semitism and American and Jewish history read this book. Readers of Christian and Jewish faiths will most likely enjoy this book because of the religious content. Sensitive readers need to be aware that this book contains non-borderline profanity and discrimination.

******
The Lyons Den
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon
Bertha R. Jackson :D
Book Reviewer at OnlineBookClub.org
User avatar
Gerry Steen
Book of the Month Participant
Posts: 2672
Joined: 08 May 2023, 20:08
Favorite Book: Life Shattered
Currently Reading:
Bookshelf Size: 456
Reviewer Page: onlinebookclub.org/reviews/by-gerry-steen.html
Latest Review: The Seer's Curse by A.K. Nikole

Post by Gerry Steen »

This historical fiction story seems to be very real. Your review gives me that impression. The story of the Lyon family is intriguing. Jewish people have done heroic things in the face of extreme anti-semitism. I am curious to find out how Morris and Jonas fared in America. I am adding this book to my bookshelves. Thank you! :techie-studyinggray:
User avatar
Liam Patel
In It Together VIP
Posts: 240
Joined: 24 Jul 2024, 01:47
Currently Reading:
Bookshelf Size: 28
Reviewer Page: onlinebookclub.org/reviews/by-dandelion-writes.html
Latest Review: Reconfigurement by E. Alan Fleischauer

Post by Liam Patel »

This review of "The Lyons Den" by Beth Lyon Barnett gives a detailed insight into the book's historical fiction storyline, characters, and themes of anti-Semitism. The reviewer commends the author's research and presentation of the Lyon family's journey to America, highlighting both their relatable qualities and the historical context. With well-developed characters and vivid descriptions, the reader is drawn into the story. The only flaw mentioned is the lack of professional editing. Overall, the reviewer rates the book 4 out of 5 stars, making it a recommended read for mature adults interested in anti-Semitism and American and Jewish history. Heartwarming story, filled with love and warmth.
Boring Pigeon
In It Together VIP
Posts: 280
Joined: 19 Jul 2024, 11:21
Currently Reading:
Bookshelf Size: 32
Reviewer Page: onlinebookclub.org/reviews/by-boring-pigeon.html
Latest Review: Soul Seeker by Kaylin McFarren

Post by Boring Pigeon »

The review for "The Lyons Den" by Beth Lyon Barnett suggests that it is a well-written historical fiction novel about the Lyon family's journey from Germany to America. The author's research on anti-Semitism adds depth to the story, and the characters are relatable and fully developed. Although there were some gory scenes related to slaughtering cows, they were necessary for the plot. The only flaw mentioned was the lack of professional editing. Overall, the review rates the book 4 out of 5 stars and recommends it to mature adults interested in anti-Semitism and American and Jewish history. Captivating pacing, kept the story moving briskly.
Post Reply

Return to “Historical Fiction”