Review of Like Embers in the Night

[KeishaMoore]

[Following is an official OnlineBookClub.org review of "Like Embers in the Night" by Andrew Goliszek.]

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5 out of 5 stars

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It is uncertain what the outcome will be when two people from different backgrounds fall in love despite all the odds against them and choose to stay in love despite those odds. But what was more uncertain was their fate after the German and Soviet invasion of their beautiful and dear country, Poland. Wanda and Janek were those two people; Wanda, who is from a wealthy home, risked being disowned by her parents to be with the man she loved, not minding that he came from a poor background. Wanda became pregnant, and they got married before moving to Lwow, where they had their first child, Sophie, who would also suffer the devastating impact of war. Janek went to a technical school, where he studied to become a civil engineer. After this, Janek became a Polish officer and was required to defend the Western Front when Germany launched its attack on Poland, not knowing what awaited him and his beautiful family in a land that they called home. With that, he said his goodbyes to his family and set off to battle, leaving his beloved wife, Wanda, and his daughter, Sophie, in Lwow vulnerable to the impact of war. But the question remains: will they live through the war to tell of their heart-wrenching and horrific experiences of hardship suffered during the war? It is left for you to find out as you set out to discover the history of World War II from a new and indispensable perspective in the book Like Embers in the Night by Andrew Goliszek.

If history is shaped by those in power, as stated by Wanda, how much of what we know is an accurate reflection of events? I was irritated by the acts of wickedness demonstrated in this book and found most of it unbelievable, so I had to reread some phrases to ensure I got the details right. It shows how war can bring out the most dreadful monsters in humans because the acts are inhumane; human life holds no value to the perpetrators of this evil. Being a fan of historical fiction, I like how most of the facts in this narrative are verifiable truths. After hearing so many stories about the Second World War, I realized how little I knew because everyone experienced it differently, and some never lived to tell their stories.

Although it was difficult to read some aspects of this book because of the sheer cruelty portrayed, I appreciated that the author did not withhold these truths because of how terrifying they are. While reading this book, it was palpable that the author chose to withhold some disturbing information and not share some in-depth, which is one of the many things I enjoyed about this book.

I rate this book five out of five stars because I disliked nothing about this book. The story was built around a love story set against one of history’s most unforgettable periods, seamlessly blending romance with historical events. The pacing is another aspect I liked about the book; it was moderate and easy to follow. The editing is professional, as I found only three minimal errors throughout the book.

Fans of historical fiction would enjoy this book, so I recommend it to them.

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Like Embers in the Night
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[Louis Donald]

The blend of romance and historical events during World War II sounds compelling. I appreciate how the author doesn’t shy away from the brutality of war, yet still keeps the story focused on personal, human experiences. It seems like a deeply emotional read that paints a vivid picture of the harsh realities of the time.

[Yasmine Zaki Muhieddine]

Historical fiction are captivating. They mix historical facts with a touch of imagination. In this story, I wonder if Wanda and Janek's relationship stayed the same after each one of they both endured the atrocities of war.

[Pearl Flourish]

A love story set against the horrors of war sounds both heartbreaking and powerful. The mix of romance and real historical events makes it even more compelling sounds like an emotional but important read.

[Jelani Trotter]

The novel offers a deeply personal lens on World War II, showing how love, sacrifice, and resilience are tested in the face of unimaginable hardship. Wanda and Janek’s journey highlights not just the brutality of war but also the strength of the human spirit in fighting for both survival and love.

[Joe Alex 2]

The story weaves together love and war in such a powerful way, revealing the human cost of conflict. It’s hard to ignore the cruelty, but the author’s honesty in portraying it adds depth to the historical perspective. I appreciate how the pacing and romance were balanced, making it both gripping and emotional.