Review of The Angel of Hoheneck

[Caroline Anne Richmond]

[Following is an official OnlineBookClub.org review of "The Angel of Hoheneck" by Ivan Fredrikson.]

---

5 out of 5 stars

---

Share This Review

---

The Angel of Hoheneck by Ivan Fredrikson is a historical fiction novel. The story displays the atrocities of war and their effect on future generations. The book is suitable for adult readers as the content includes violence and scenes of torture.

In Sydney, Australia, James Llewelyn attends a business dinner. On his way, his thoughts wandered to his hardships and the demise of his relationship with his daughter. Whilst in his car, he considered missing the dinner but decided to face the upcoming sales pitch. Only one woman, Kimberley Wagner, intrigues him, a mysterious figure and a woman he is immediately attracted to.

In 1939 Poland, Janek Dabrowski was barely a teenager and half-Jewish. All he knew was war and fear. The only light was his love for Salomeja Maciejko. Sadly, his parents are taken by Nazis, leaving Janek consumed with the desire for revenge, so he joins the Polish Resistance, the Armia Krajowa. Later, under the advisement of Salomeja, he enlists with the Bezpieka, the Polish Secret Police, and later finds himself in East Germany working for the Stasi. His thirst for revenge burns like a fire, and with his son Karl not conforming to communist ideology, the repercussions of a personal war are just as deadly.

The author has skilfully added a gripping story to periods of unrest in history. The book has a lot to offer in insight and education about the Second World War and the following communist rule of East Germany. I found the historical content fascinating and a stark reminder of the atrocities that have occurred across Europe and the persecution that millions endured. Reading this book reminded me of the evil humans are capable of and how indoctrination, propaganda, and prejudice can cause catastrophic outcomes. I found it interesting to be reminded of historical timelines and events that shaped the years of East and West Germany and the eventual fall of the Berlin Wall. Alongside the evils of war and insane ideologies, the book tells a story of hatred, control, and revenge on an individual level that is just as terrible and sinister. Although the book is harrowing with its accurate descriptions of suffering, love and faith are the strongest attributes the characters hold to push through torture and grief, enabling them to fight with every fibre of their bodies in search of a better world. The story includes every emotion and is suspenseful. The words on every page draw you deeper into the plot, and I found the book very hard to put down.

The author has created wonderful characters, some who you couldn’t despise more and some who are true heroes and heroines. The love between characters is beautiful and equally matched by the power of hate between others. I felt immense sadness for the trials and tribulations of some of the characters, even more so knowing the story includes historical events. Throughout the book, there is a visualisation of various places in the world. I especially enjoyed the difference in the separated East and West Germany as the author has given a great representation of the differences between the free and communist states.

The book is exceptionally edited. I loved this heart-wrenching story. It is steeped in history and reminds us of hardships inflicted on generations before us. The characters are engaging, and their emotions fill every page. I loved that the book is a page-turner, and the story never loses momentum. I also thought it was clever how two different timelines are present and how characters from other sides of the world are connected. I found nothing to dislike about the book as I felt I had a history lesson and enjoyed a wonderful tale of enduring love and faith. I rate the book 5 out of 5 stars.

******
The Angel of Hoheneck
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon

[Joe Alex 2]

The Angel of Hoheneck sounds like a deeply emotional and impactful historical fiction novel, blending love, revenge, and the horrors of war. The author’s depiction of different timelines and the complex characters really intrigues me. Given the strong historical themes and emotional depth, I’m definitely interested in reading it to learn more about the characters and the historical events that shaped their lives. I think I’ll add it to my reading list.

[Caroline Anne Richmond]

I hope you enjoy reading this fantastic novel. I loved it. Thank you for your comment.

[patricia MGBEMENA]

I like that it is clear that this book is best suited for adults and I would love to find out what led to the end James' relation with his daughter. This was an interesting review!!