Status
Available
Call number
Collection
Call number
F CAM
Publication
Thomas Nelson
Description
"Two women, one in the present day and one in 1942, each hope for a brighter future. But they'll both have to battle through their darkest days to reach it. Today. With the grand opening of her new gallery and a fairytale wedding months away, Sera James appears to have a charmed life. But in an instant, the prospect of a devastating legal battle surrounding her fiancé threatens to tear her dreams apart. Sera and William rush to marry and are thrust into a world of doubt and fear as they defend charges that could separate them for life. June 1942. After surviving the Blitz bombings that left many Londoners with shattered lives, Kája Makovsky prayed for the war to end so she could return home to Prague. But despite the horrors of war, the gifted journalist never expected to see a headline screaming the extermination of Jews in work camps. Half-Jewish with her family in danger, Kája has no choice but to risk everything to get her family out of Prague. But with the clutches of evil all around, her escape plan crumbles into deportation, and Kája finds herself in a new reality as the art teacher to the children of Terezin. Bound by a story of hope and the survival of one little girl, both Sera and Kája will fight to protect all they hold dear"--… (more)
User reviews
LibraryThing member Kris_Anderson
A Sparrow in Terezin by Kristy Cambron is an interesting and confusing book. I kept reading the book hoping things would be explained and start to make sense, but halfway through the book, I was still confused (and still no explanations). I looked up A Sparrow in Terezin and discovered it is the
Sera and William have moved up their wedding. No one knows why and they are assuming it is because they just do not want to wait any longer be together. However, the ceremony is barely over the police show up and arrest William. The police state that William committed fraud. Evidently he sold artwork that belonged to Hanover Corporation and not to William. William states he is innocent. Sera sets out to prove her new groom innocent and find out what he is not telling her.
The book alternates between present time and World War II. It is 1939 and Kaja Makovsky is fleeing Poland with her sister, Hannah, and brother-in-law, Jakob. The Germans have invaded Poland and their parents want the girls to get to safety. Kaja spends time in Palestine, but then ends up in London. Kaja ends up working for The Daily Telegraph as a secretary and copy editor (she wants to write). Kaja meets Liam Marshall who is a reporter. Kaja slowly discovers that there is more to Liam than meets the eye. When Kaja finds out what is happening to Jews in Poland, she insists on going back to help her parents.
Kaja finds her parents and is unable to get them out. The three of them end up in a Theresienstadt Concentration Camp (also known as a ghetto or Camp Terezin). Kaja is put in charge of children that are too young to work. She is too teach them art. Kaja meets Sophie and becomes her guardian. Housing is deplorable and the food is sparse. Will Kaja get out (escape) or get sent to the ovens?
To find out the connection between Sophie and Sera, if Kaja survives, and what happens with William, please read A Sparrow in Terezin. It is nicely written, but a little complicated. I give A Sparrow in Terezin 3.5 out of 5 stars. I think if I had read The Butterfly and the Violin first, I would have understood and enjoyed A Sparrow in Terezin.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from NetGalley (and the publisher) in exchange for an honest review.
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second book in the series. Before reading A Sparrow in Terezin, you must read The Butterfly and the Violin. Sera and William have moved up their wedding. No one knows why and they are assuming it is because they just do not want to wait any longer be together. However, the ceremony is barely over the police show up and arrest William. The police state that William committed fraud. Evidently he sold artwork that belonged to Hanover Corporation and not to William. William states he is innocent. Sera sets out to prove her new groom innocent and find out what he is not telling her.
The book alternates between present time and World War II. It is 1939 and Kaja Makovsky is fleeing Poland with her sister, Hannah, and brother-in-law, Jakob. The Germans have invaded Poland and their parents want the girls to get to safety. Kaja spends time in Palestine, but then ends up in London. Kaja ends up working for The Daily Telegraph as a secretary and copy editor (she wants to write). Kaja meets Liam Marshall who is a reporter. Kaja slowly discovers that there is more to Liam than meets the eye. When Kaja finds out what is happening to Jews in Poland, she insists on going back to help her parents.
Kaja finds her parents and is unable to get them out. The three of them end up in a Theresienstadt Concentration Camp (also known as a ghetto or Camp Terezin). Kaja is put in charge of children that are too young to work. She is too teach them art. Kaja meets Sophie and becomes her guardian. Housing is deplorable and the food is sparse. Will Kaja get out (escape) or get sent to the ovens?
To find out the connection between Sophie and Sera, if Kaja survives, and what happens with William, please read A Sparrow in Terezin. It is nicely written, but a little complicated. I give A Sparrow in Terezin 3.5 out of 5 stars. I think if I had read The Butterfly and the Violin first, I would have understood and enjoyed A Sparrow in Terezin.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from NetGalley (and the publisher) in exchange for an honest review.
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LibraryThing member vintagebeckie
Kristy Cambron has created another great read in her sophmore offering, A Sparrow in Terezin. This historical/contemporary novel spans time and connects people with the story and art of the Holocaust. Kristy is meticulous in her research and creates lasting images with her words. If you read book 1
In the early days of WWII, Kaja makes her escape from Prague as the Nazi’s march into her beloved city. But she is forced to leave her parents behind. Making her way to London, via Palestine, she meets the dashing and daring Liam at the newspaper where she works. Liam is a reporter on the war beat, but his shadowy movements hint at something much more. As Kaja discovers the horrors of the Nazi’s plan for the Jews, she enlists Liam’s help in getting back to Prague to rescue her family, but soon finds herself living the nightmare of Terezin. In the present day, Sera and William’s love story is upset by legal battles and problems with trust. Kaja’s story intersects their own in interesting ways.
As in The Butterfly And The Violin, I enjoyed the WWII story line much more than the contemporary romance. Sera and William’s story is interesting, but it is Kaja’s story that kept me turning the pages. Kristy brings to life the march of the Nazis into Prague, the Blitz of London, and the brutality and inhumanity of Hitler’s Final Solution. At first I was incredulous that Kaja would risk traveling back to Prague, but her sacrifice becomes more believable as she cares for and protects her mother and then the child entrusted to her. Her character is interesting — idealistic, a bit naive, but ever hopeful. She survives by placing her trust in God’s promises. Trust is a theme that runs through A Sparrow in Terezin — trust in God, in love and in commitment to people. Kristy’s writing is very strong. She paints pictures with her words that remain with the reader for a long time. Her description of Kaja’s journey to Terezin is powerful with phrases such as “as evil unfolded around them” and “forgotten souls” capturing the despair of the people transported from everything they knew and loved to a world one never could have imagined.
One of the strongest elements of A Sparrow in Terezin is found in the remarkable character of Dane. An SS officer charged with the engineering aspects of the concentration camp, he is also a man of compassion and conscience trapped by his own country’s ideology. He serves to remind the reader that the smallest light can dispel the darkest darkness.
Powerful images, complex characters and a message of hope in the midst of evil, A Sparrow in Terezin is a highly recommended read.
Highly Recommended.
Great for Book Clubs.
Audience: older teens and adults.
(Thanks to LitFuse and Thomas Nelson for a review copy. All opinions expressed are mine alone.)
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in her Hidden Masterpiece series, The Butterfly And The Violin, then you will not want to miss this book. Haven’t read book 1? Then make sure to get both and look forward to some wonderful reading.In the early days of WWII, Kaja makes her escape from Prague as the Nazi’s march into her beloved city. But she is forced to leave her parents behind. Making her way to London, via Palestine, she meets the dashing and daring Liam at the newspaper where she works. Liam is a reporter on the war beat, but his shadowy movements hint at something much more. As Kaja discovers the horrors of the Nazi’s plan for the Jews, she enlists Liam’s help in getting back to Prague to rescue her family, but soon finds herself living the nightmare of Terezin. In the present day, Sera and William’s love story is upset by legal battles and problems with trust. Kaja’s story intersects their own in interesting ways.
As in The Butterfly And The Violin, I enjoyed the WWII story line much more than the contemporary romance. Sera and William’s story is interesting, but it is Kaja’s story that kept me turning the pages. Kristy brings to life the march of the Nazis into Prague, the Blitz of London, and the brutality and inhumanity of Hitler’s Final Solution. At first I was incredulous that Kaja would risk traveling back to Prague, but her sacrifice becomes more believable as she cares for and protects her mother and then the child entrusted to her. Her character is interesting — idealistic, a bit naive, but ever hopeful. She survives by placing her trust in God’s promises. Trust is a theme that runs through A Sparrow in Terezin — trust in God, in love and in commitment to people. Kristy’s writing is very strong. She paints pictures with her words that remain with the reader for a long time. Her description of Kaja’s journey to Terezin is powerful with phrases such as “as evil unfolded around them” and “forgotten souls” capturing the despair of the people transported from everything they knew and loved to a world one never could have imagined.
One of the strongest elements of A Sparrow in Terezin is found in the remarkable character of Dane. An SS officer charged with the engineering aspects of the concentration camp, he is also a man of compassion and conscience trapped by his own country’s ideology. He serves to remind the reader that the smallest light can dispel the darkest darkness.
Powerful images, complex characters and a message of hope in the midst of evil, A Sparrow in Terezin is a highly recommended read.
Highly Recommended.
Great for Book Clubs.
Audience: older teens and adults.
(Thanks to LitFuse and Thomas Nelson for a review copy. All opinions expressed are mine alone.)
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LibraryThing member alekee
Kristy Cambron has woven another historic reminder of the evil that took over the world when Hitler came to power. We travel between current times and beginning in 1939 through WWII, when horror took over the world.
The story opens with the continuation of the first book, The Butterfly and The
The story connects through the decades in unexpected ways, and again we experience the horrors of the concentration camps, and the connection between the families. It’s a world gone mad, and the innocent souls who succumb to the evil, and for what, and how can it end, a timely reminder to this day.
This is a page-turner, and one that will linger with you for a long time after the last page is turned. It is a timely reminder of what happens when Satan takes over, and the havoc he pushes forth on a world that has turned it back on God.
Come and find the connection between Kája and Sera, and of course Sophie, you will be surprised and heart warmed.
I received this book through Litfuse Publicity Book Tours, and was not required to give a positive review.
The story opens with the continuation of the first book, The Butterfly and The
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Violin, which was such a fantastic read, but this book does read alone. We are at the wedding of Sera and William, and when the ceremony is finish, an arrest happens for a crime that he never committed.The story connects through the decades in unexpected ways, and again we experience the horrors of the concentration camps, and the connection between the families. It’s a world gone mad, and the innocent souls who succumb to the evil, and for what, and how can it end, a timely reminder to this day.
This is a page-turner, and one that will linger with you for a long time after the last page is turned. It is a timely reminder of what happens when Satan takes over, and the havoc he pushes forth on a world that has turned it back on God.
Come and find the connection between Kája and Sera, and of course Sophie, you will be surprised and heart warmed.
I received this book through Litfuse Publicity Book Tours, and was not required to give a positive review.
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LibraryThing member lanehillhouse
Sunday, April 26, 2015
A Sparrow in Terezin by Kristy Cambron, © 2015
A Hidden Masterpiece Novel, Book Two
Contemporary/Historical Fiction
Thomas Nelson
The story centers around the children’s art of the Theresienstadt transport camp (also known as Terezín), the Nazis’ propaganda camp north of
My review:
A strong story of hope and encouragement in the face of despair. I really enjoy reading two time period novels. The stories are richly woven together. The happenings before us do affect today. Courageous actions on the part of those willing to take a risk to love will be an encouragement to those who follow. Kristy Cambron has written of an inner strength.
"Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go." ––Joshua 1:9 NIV
Kája swallowed hard. "The last secretary quit after one day?"
"Secretaries. And it was within a week." He grimaced. "But what does it matter? We have a copy-editor from Oxford here now. And given the fact that she's already had the grand tour and her desk is cleared off and everything..." He pulled out the wooden swivel chair and patted the back with his palms. "Why not give it a try? What's the worst that could happen?"
--A Sparrow in Terezin, 47
Powerful. You walk every step with them.
I began reading mid-afternoon, with 87 pages remaining, so absorbing, I was unaware I had read that far. Kristy Cambron is a wordsmith bringing you visibly into their world and time. The story of the beloved clock from Kája's childhood brings hope alive amid the children's art at Terezin.
"You are Kateřina Makovský from Prague?"
She stood before the woman, nervous but head held high. If Liam was right and she was inordinately stubborn, Kája had an inkling it would be a necessary component to her survival in this place. She notched her chin and answered, "Yes. I am."
The woman handed over a sheet of paper, a small rectangle, then answered, "You are to report to the ration line, then to the Jewish Council for medical inspection and work assignment. Memorize this number," she cautioned, though her voice was staunch and formulaic. "You must know this number. It is how you will be referred to from this point on. Do you understand?"
Kája nodded. "Yes."
"If you are asked, you must give this number immediately. At all times. There will be no opportunity for remembering."
--Ibid., 221
The description of the Terezin concentration camp is so vivid. One detail, among many, that stood out to me was how being moved from a large central room to an attic room was worse because of the vermin and cracked window with winter approaching. Nearer to the school for children, the attic room was a place of refuge against the turmoil without, if even for a little while.
Continuing from the story in the first book, this second book reflects Sophie's early childhood. Giving from an open heart, the present and past intersect in her later years. Present day, Sera James, receives what she needs to continue by the influences and sacrifices of those who risked their own lives for the children of Terezin. For such a time as this; how important we each are in forthcoming generations.
***Thank you to Litfuse Publicity Group and Thomas Nelson for this copy of Kristy Cambron's book two in the Hidden Masterpiece series, A Sparrow in Terezin, for review. This review was written in my own words. No other compensation was received.***
A Sparrow in Terezin by Kristy Cambron, © 2015
A Hidden Masterpiece Novel, Book Two
Contemporary/Historical Fiction
Thomas Nelson
The story centers around the children’s art of the Theresienstadt transport camp (also known as Terezín), the Nazis’ propaganda camp north of
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Prague.My review:
A strong story of hope and encouragement in the face of despair. I really enjoy reading two time period novels. The stories are richly woven together. The happenings before us do affect today. Courageous actions on the part of those willing to take a risk to love will be an encouragement to those who follow. Kristy Cambron has written of an inner strength.
"Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go." ––Joshua 1:9 NIV
Kája swallowed hard. "The last secretary quit after one day?"
"Secretaries. And it was within a week." He grimaced. "But what does it matter? We have a copy-editor from Oxford here now. And given the fact that she's already had the grand tour and her desk is cleared off and everything..." He pulled out the wooden swivel chair and patted the back with his palms. "Why not give it a try? What's the worst that could happen?"
--A Sparrow in Terezin, 47
Powerful. You walk every step with them.
I began reading mid-afternoon, with 87 pages remaining, so absorbing, I was unaware I had read that far. Kristy Cambron is a wordsmith bringing you visibly into their world and time. The story of the beloved clock from Kája's childhood brings hope alive amid the children's art at Terezin.
"You are Kateřina Makovský from Prague?"
She stood before the woman, nervous but head held high. If Liam was right and she was inordinately stubborn, Kája had an inkling it would be a necessary component to her survival in this place. She notched her chin and answered, "Yes. I am."
The woman handed over a sheet of paper, a small rectangle, then answered, "You are to report to the ration line, then to the Jewish Council for medical inspection and work assignment. Memorize this number," she cautioned, though her voice was staunch and formulaic. "You must know this number. It is how you will be referred to from this point on. Do you understand?"
Kája nodded. "Yes."
"If you are asked, you must give this number immediately. At all times. There will be no opportunity for remembering."
--Ibid., 221
The description of the Terezin concentration camp is so vivid. One detail, among many, that stood out to me was how being moved from a large central room to an attic room was worse because of the vermin and cracked window with winter approaching. Nearer to the school for children, the attic room was a place of refuge against the turmoil without, if even for a little while.
Continuing from the story in the first book, this second book reflects Sophie's early childhood. Giving from an open heart, the present and past intersect in her later years. Present day, Sera James, receives what she needs to continue by the influences and sacrifices of those who risked their own lives for the children of Terezin. For such a time as this; how important we each are in forthcoming generations.
***Thank you to Litfuse Publicity Group and Thomas Nelson for this copy of Kristy Cambron's book two in the Hidden Masterpiece series, A Sparrow in Terezin, for review. This review was written in my own words. No other compensation was received.***
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LibraryThing member wrbinpa
The marriage of William and Sera is hindered by William's past. He is being charged of felony grand theft and forgery, and is facing prison time for crimes he didn’t commit. But Sera is determined to face the humiliation because she trusts her husband, and believes in his innocence.
Kaja fled
Kaja read that the Nazis were killing Jews, rounding them up and sending them away where many of them were never heard from again. The camps in the East were killing centers where the Jews, along with women and children, were murdered with bullets and by gas. Kaja makes the decision to return to Prague to rescue her parents.
Liam Marshall, a reporter assigned to the war beat, meets Kaja in London, and is immediately attracted to her. A romance soon blossoms between them. Liam knew there was no way of stopping Kaja from returning to Prague. He understood Kaja’s heart and used his connections to help her in her quest. Kaja was a woman of incredible will, and astounding courage, who was about to embark on a harrowing journey of great sadness.
And the story unfolds as Kaja returns to Prague and ends up in Terezin, a halfway point – a holding pen for Jews that was a combined ghetto and concentration camp. Between 1942 – 1944 more than 15,000 children passed through Terezin, living in horrific conditions, while they awaited to be transported from the ghettos to one of the Nazi killing centers.
The author cleverly weaves together two storylines that are compelling and beautifully written. The characters are strong and unique, and the engrossing story that takes place during WWII is vividly described – quite captivating.
A slight negative comment – I couldn’t become fully engaged with the story of William and Sera, and I did read the first book in the series, The Butterfly and the Violin. My rating is 4.5 stars.
Prepare to lose yourself in this thrilling novel, beautifully crafted, by an extraordinary author.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from BookLook Bloggers in exchange for an honest review.
Kaja fled
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Nazi-occupied Prague in March of 1939, leaving her half Jewish parents behind, with a promise from them that they would be on the next train. Kaja’s parents had sent her away because things had begun to turn bad in Prague, but they had no way of knowing that heir daughter was now in the most dangerous place in the world. War had chased her to an ARP Shelter in the heart of London – she was living in the Blitz, caught up in another nightmare.Kaja read that the Nazis were killing Jews, rounding them up and sending them away where many of them were never heard from again. The camps in the East were killing centers where the Jews, along with women and children, were murdered with bullets and by gas. Kaja makes the decision to return to Prague to rescue her parents.
Liam Marshall, a reporter assigned to the war beat, meets Kaja in London, and is immediately attracted to her. A romance soon blossoms between them. Liam knew there was no way of stopping Kaja from returning to Prague. He understood Kaja’s heart and used his connections to help her in her quest. Kaja was a woman of incredible will, and astounding courage, who was about to embark on a harrowing journey of great sadness.
And the story unfolds as Kaja returns to Prague and ends up in Terezin, a halfway point – a holding pen for Jews that was a combined ghetto and concentration camp. Between 1942 – 1944 more than 15,000 children passed through Terezin, living in horrific conditions, while they awaited to be transported from the ghettos to one of the Nazi killing centers.
The author cleverly weaves together two storylines that are compelling and beautifully written. The characters are strong and unique, and the engrossing story that takes place during WWII is vividly described – quite captivating.
A slight negative comment – I couldn’t become fully engaged with the story of William and Sera, and I did read the first book in the series, The Butterfly and the Violin. My rating is 4.5 stars.
Prepare to lose yourself in this thrilling novel, beautifully crafted, by an extraordinary author.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from BookLook Bloggers in exchange for an honest review.
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LibraryThing member TheWiserWay
A Sparrow In Terezin by Kristy Cambron is a heartbreaking, yet hope filled book of love and courage written for the reader who is not only interested in being entertained, but simultaneously informed to historical events that took place during World War II.
Masterful writing!
A Sparrow In Terezin by
Kristy Cambron logically interlaces the lives of the two main characters, Kaja and Sera between current time and 1942. As each woman faces the most intense trial of her life, they each uncover an inner strength and peace. The story utilizes meticulous narration as the two intertwined lives eventually comprehend that the source of their strength is Christ living within them. The gospel presentation is subtle, but unmistakably clear. The continual foundation of family commitment and unwavering selflessness that are consistently communicated in this book, are inspiring and commendable. The inhumanity revealed within A Sparrow In Terezin as depicted through the horrendous events occurring in the city during the war are clearly appalling and paralyzing, however, the countering bravery, trust, resilience, hope and faith that each character represents, manage to restore a sense of confidence in humankind that is undeniable.
I was enlightened to some of the atrocities that occurred during this time period and I am grateful for a deeper understanding of the intense suffering that took place. I was truly touched by the reading of this book. I found the descriptions of the children within the city walls to be hauntingly realistic. A Sparrow In Terezin was painful to read in some parts, but the exchange for knowledge was worth the injurious emotions. I'm thankful for the education and I walk away from this masterpiece with a desire to be "a teacher of hope".
Thank you to Thomas Nelson, a registered trademark of HarperCollins Christian Publishing, Inc for this review copy of A Sparrow In Terezin by Kristy Cambron. A copy of this book was provided to me through the BookLook Bloggers program in exchange for a complete read and an honest opinion of this work.
Masterful writing!
A Sparrow In Terezin by
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Kristy Cambron captures the happenings that took place within the boundaries of the Nazi established Jewish internment camp of Terezin during World War II. Terezin was a town in Northwestern Czechoslovakia and history records that Jews were brought by the thousands to this city for the purpose of falsely promoting a model "Jewish settlement" of sorts and thereby utilizing it to show the world how well the Jewish nation was being treated by the Nazis. This in fact was a lie. The town in actuality served as a transit camp run by the SS for the Jews who were en route for extermination to other death camps. The city was an overcrowded ghetto filled with underfed, mostly elderly and young Jewish people who were suffering from rampant illness and poor living conditions.Kristy Cambron logically interlaces the lives of the two main characters, Kaja and Sera between current time and 1942. As each woman faces the most intense trial of her life, they each uncover an inner strength and peace. The story utilizes meticulous narration as the two intertwined lives eventually comprehend that the source of their strength is Christ living within them. The gospel presentation is subtle, but unmistakably clear. The continual foundation of family commitment and unwavering selflessness that are consistently communicated in this book, are inspiring and commendable. The inhumanity revealed within A Sparrow In Terezin as depicted through the horrendous events occurring in the city during the war are clearly appalling and paralyzing, however, the countering bravery, trust, resilience, hope and faith that each character represents, manage to restore a sense of confidence in humankind that is undeniable.
I was enlightened to some of the atrocities that occurred during this time period and I am grateful for a deeper understanding of the intense suffering that took place. I was truly touched by the reading of this book. I found the descriptions of the children within the city walls to be hauntingly realistic. A Sparrow In Terezin was painful to read in some parts, but the exchange for knowledge was worth the injurious emotions. I'm thankful for the education and I walk away from this masterpiece with a desire to be "a teacher of hope".
Thank you to Thomas Nelson, a registered trademark of HarperCollins Christian Publishing, Inc for this review copy of A Sparrow In Terezin by Kristy Cambron. A copy of this book was provided to me through the BookLook Bloggers program in exchange for a complete read and an honest opinion of this work.
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LibraryThing member HeatherLINC
Even though I quite enjoyed this book, it certainly wasn't as good as "The Butterfly and the Violin" . The two parallel stories didn't connect as well as they did in the first book and I had very little interest in what was happening to modern Sera and Wiliam.
Like "The Butterfly and the Violin", I
I also thought that the author didn't provide enough detail of the gut-wrenching horrors and overwhelming depravities that Adele would have witnessed whilst in Auschwitz. Overall, I was disappointed with "A Sparrow in Terezin". It certainly didn't live up to expectations after the fabulous debut of "The Butterfly and the Violin".
Like "The Butterfly and the Violin", I
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found the storyline set during WWII far more interesting, but I was still disappointed. I never fully believed Kaja's story. She was like a cat, always landing safely on her feet and while I liked Liam, Dane was just too good to be true. I also thought that the author didn't provide enough detail of the gut-wrenching horrors and overwhelming depravities that Adele would have witnessed whilst in Auschwitz. Overall, I was disappointed with "A Sparrow in Terezin". It certainly didn't live up to expectations after the fabulous debut of "The Butterfly and the Violin".
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ISBN
9781401690618
Series
Hidden Masterpiece 2