All the Broken Places
By John Boyne
- Release Date: 2022-11-29
- Genre: Historical Fiction
Description
“You can’t prepare yourself for the magnitude and emotional impact of this powerful novel.” —John Irving, #1 New York Times bestselling author of The World According to Garp
“Exceptional, layered and compelling…This book moves like a freight train.” —Amy Bloom, New York Times bestselling author of In Love
From the New York Times bestselling author John Boyne, a devastating, beautiful story about a woman who must confront the sins of her own terrible past, and a present in which it is never too late for bravery
Ninety-one-year-old Gretel Fernsby has lived in the same well-to-do mansion block in London for decades. She lives a quiet, comfortable life, despite her deeply disturbing, dark past. She doesn’t talk about her escape from Nazi Germany at age 12. She doesn’t talk about the grim post-war years in France with her mother. Most of all, she doesn’t talk about her father, who was the commandant of one of the Reich’s most notorious extermination camps.
Then, a new family moves into the apartment below her. In spite of herself, Gretel can’t help but begin a friendship with the little boy, Henry, though his presence brings back memories she would rather forget. One night, she witnesses a disturbing, violent argument between Henry’s beautiful mother and his arrogant father, one that threatens Gretel’s hard-won, self-contained existence.
All The Broken Places moves back and forth in time between Gretel’s girlhood in Germany to present-day London as a woman whose life has been haunted by the past. Now, Gretel faces a similar crossroads to one she encountered long ago. Back then, she denied her own complicity, but now, faced with a chance to interrogate her guilt, grief and remorse, she can choose to save a young boy. If she does, she will be forced to reveal the secrets she has spent a lifetime protecting. This time, she can make a different choice than before—whatever the cost to herself….
Reviews
Wow!
5By DjchillbillJust when you think you have it all figured out…wham! I couldn’t put this book down. Seamless and captivating!War criminal or victim?
5By Nurse.cratchettI was captivated by the plight of the protagonist, Gretel. As a Jew haunted by the Holocaust and hating Germans most of my life, I had difficulty seeing the experience of young Germans who must have been aware of the horrors happening around them. Boyne helped me understand one plausible perspective and that it’s possible that those young people grew up feeling guilt and the need to be punished or make up somehow for the evils committed by their elders and perhaps some of them themselves. I was riveted for 2 days until I finished the book!Gretel
5By SparkklerGretel’s story holds your attention and causes you to question the actions and emotions of a cast of interesting lead characters. John Boyle has presented us with another view of one of the most tragic periods in human history and its rippling impacts on the lives of those who survived it.Good but slow, wanted more
3By Meme112Wanted more to happen throughout the whole book. Started reading this after a review said it “moves like a freight train” - it def did not move like a freight train. Very slow.All the Broken Places
5By Drummer 😀Indeed one of the best stories I have ever read in my life. I loved all the characters and the way they were all tied together in an easy flowing eloquence. A reminder of how cruel life can be to innocent children and people that are in the midst of a brutal war. It made me laugh and cry because it touches the core of the human spirit in the deepest throes of terrible tragedy and their will to endeavor compassion until the end of their suffering.Tormenting and touching
5By Daniel BrandThis was a surprisingly good read. The author (male) put himself perfectly into the mind of a woman and told the story through her. Tormenting and touching. Bravo!Fantastic book
5By PartyzoneeI could not stop reading this book. Fantastic story.A masterpiece
5By motay yebIncredible writing by the author. Twists and turns through every chapter. Some maybe a bit far fetched, but it was a far fetched time. Absolutely brilliant ending that gave me chills. Read this book.Shatteringly beautiful
5By Nicknack543I was stunned by this book. It was so well written, every moment felt like I was there, in it and feeling it. At times painful, at times tender, then maddening. I never wanted it to end. I loved being surprised up until the last page. A wonderful read!All the Broken Places
5By JoanabakeAwesome story of WWII and a German woman who was the daughter of a concentration camp director.Tough read
3By JSSLONDONThis was a good book and I got through it pretty quickly. It’s a mystery of sorts, and it’s well written, but I have to admit that it has the most detestable characters of any book I’ve ever read. There were times when I wanted to put it down I hated the characters so much. I’m glad I finished it, but it was a lot to take.Nicely written, good motion.
4By wonderkick11When I started the book I had no idea it was a continuation of “The Boy in the Striped Pajamas” and upon starting I came to realize who this was. I like Gretel, and I like the different time periods we get to go through with her. She’s tough, a bit stale sometimes, but her strength is great. I really recommend this book to anyone. The emotional pull is stronger if you’ve read the BITSP, but a great read all together.Intriguing Page Turner
5By Jimminy crick3tThe character of Gretel is one of the most honest character portrayals that I have read. The book poses the question about the guilt of being a bystander to horrific crimes. The reader wants to like the 91 year old woman while also being appalled at her history. I felt empathy towards her for the love/hate she felt towards her parents. Wonderful, intriguing story.Absolute Gem
5By SparkleCookieI loved this book dearly! The pages turned themselves. Must readVery moving story.
5By GidgetlovestoreadLove the writing and the story.Read in one night
5By NewgirlashleighhhhhhhhI could not put this one down! I started last night planning to read a few chapters and then head to bed and finish over the weekend….its almost 4am and I have not slept a wink. What a captivating book. Amazing work. Thank you!!Amazing
5By mninorRead it in a day. Mesmerizing.Beautiful Book
5By apenet9One of those books that makes you sit with yourself for a moment at the end. It’s written beautifully, emotionally, and personally and offers a glimpse into a not often discussed part of the aftermath of WWII.Sad but true
5By Wine between the chaptersI couldn’t stop reading about our main character, 12 year old, Gretal, whose Father was the Commandant of “the other place” we later learn is Auschwitz. She searches her entire life for the release of her guilt by association to find redemption or some sense of peace. The guilt she feels through the entire book becomes a bit overwhelming, although understandable. The comparison of her evil Father, her weak, but beautiful Mother and her younger brother, finally at the ripe old age of 92 allow her the opportunity for redemption. This comes in the comparison of a narcissistic, evil Hollywood producer, who wreaks terror to his weak, gorgeous actress wife and young son whom he beats and controls through threats of death and drugs. At 92 years of age, Gretal finally finds redemption in finding the strength to live without the lies from her past by helping those who need her to save them. The ending is satisfying and hopeful. Ugly reminders of evil and beautiful in salvation!
