Michael Reit

Beyond the Tracks, a book based on true events of Nazi concentration camps came highly recommended by a dear friend, who happens to have a personal interest in this subject as an octagenarian Jewish woman. It was an easy sell as I, too, have a great interest in this time in history (my in-laws were children in the Netherlands during WW2 and have asked that I pen their stories).

I was underwhelmed when the book began, its dialogue feeling too forced to "fit" what needed to be said and a bit sophomoric. In honesty, I put the book down for several weeks halfway through. But the cover kept staring at me, my friend's recommendation rattling around in my mind, and simple curiosity forced me to pick it back up on a rainy Saturday and couldn't put it down.

The second half of the book caught its stride and was a page-turner. The book is informative and without gore, telling a harrowing story of loss, endurance, and friendship. When best friends Jacob and Ethan, who have survived four years in a transit camp, suddenly find themselves on a train bound for Auschwitz, the reader is drawn into the world of the Polish Resistance and will find themself staying up late to ensure the story's good ending.

The author's notes, the recount of what was actually true in the book, and his passion for retelling the story as a person from the Netherlands sealed the deal for me - well done, Michael Reit.

Beyond the tracks is a well-written, self-published book that deserves attention. It is edited to the nth degree (read no mistakes!), the cover is gorgeous, and the book looks fabulous on my shelf. You will not regret reading this one.… (mehr)

For a time there was a preponderance of new WW2 fiction coming available. That was a good thing, but at times just a bit too close to current events. This one is from a slightly different perspective as the main character is not from a Jewish home, but more in the character of the family of Anne Frank, who was both terrified and horrified by what was happening to her world. The writing is strong and well put together while emphasizing the basic humanity of the important characters. I have not read the first two books of the trilogy but did not feel the loss.
I requested and received a free temporary EARC from Book Whisperer via NetGalley. Thank you!
Available 14 Mar 2024 #BeyondTheTracksBk3… (mehr)

Botanist's Tracks is another of Michael Reit's superb books about the death camps. Based on true stories, he takes an unflinching look at the horrors of the concentration camps. You feel every one of his character's fear, horror, determination and grief at the loss of friends and family. One way to survive is to make yourself useful. Felcia is assigned to work in the laboratories where they are researching plants that will produce rubber for the Nazi war effort. Sabina is not a prisoner but joins the resistance. Their narratives are told in alternating chapters.. Highly recommended, this book will make you feel and remember their stories long after finishing the book.… (mehr)

Beyond the Tracks Book #3

In this installment we are taken to the Nazi agricultural camp of Rajsko, a sort ride from Auschwitz- Birkenau. You needed to be a valuable asset to survive the horrors that lies ahead. Felicia Hodak, a botanist with vital skills is assigned to tend to the plants needed for the Reich most ambitious experiment. While Sabina Kupka agreed to work for the resistance, what starts with significant roles soon propels her into a frontline one. By chance the women met and soon were engaged in a daring plan to arm the prisoners of Auschwitz.

Although part of a series this novel can be read as a stand-alone

Mr. Reit historical fictions mainly focus on lesser-known events and people in WW11. His books have usually provided us with information between facts and fiction, but this time not much is mentioned, so I presume at first the events and people were the fruits of his imagination till Mr. Google came into play. Yes the camp existed; Dr. Joachim Caesar was the head of scientists working in green houses although in the story the goal was to raise a substitute rubber plant.

In this story everything goes too neatly to sound real, the events are farfetched and I hardly believe clandestine meetings can always go so smoothly. With the help of an active narration, the plot has enough tension and drama to move along at a steady pace to keep us captivated and turning the pages. Unfortunately, the story leaves us questioning the whereabouts of the traitor, who was he (she) what a hole in the story to ponder on. I love the characters, Felicia and Sabina where innocent although smart. They played the male guards well to get to what they wanted....although the female guards were ruthless....the story tells us how much....

This latest may not be my favourite in the series but it was nevertheless a captivating read I enjoy passing time with.

This is an ARC which I received from NetGalley and the publisher for my thoughts… (mehr)