Catherine Hokin

A story to break your heart – if you read only one book this year, make it The Fortunate Ones. Germany, 1941. When Inge – all blonde curls and good manners – first locks eyes with Felix, she knows instinctively that he’s off limits. Her staunchly proper parents will never approve of a working-class Jewish boy for their precious only daughter. But that doesn’t make their first, shy kiss less significant, or the moment they’re torn apart less shocking. The next time they see each other, it will be across the packed courtyard of a Nazi concentration camp – Felix in the prisoners’ ranks and Inge on the arm of her new, Nazi husband. Inge never knew that her father’s ‘party loyalty’ would extend to marrying her off to a cruel Nazi officer twice her age, who sees his new wife as just another thing to control. She has always been a good girl – a silent wife – but when Inge sees Felix that day – beaten, bloody and brave – she knows she can’t stay silent any longer. She must save him, whatever the cost, whatever her husband or even her country might do to her later… What readers are saying about The Fortunate Ones: ***** ‘What an amazing read, well written emotional and very compelling… I was totally absorbed in the story and I would love to give it 10 stars. One of my best reads this year. I can't begin to say how much I loved this book, I couldn't put it down, absolutely brilliant.’ Goodreads reviewer ***** ‘Heartbreaking... I cried many, many times…This story showed just how important hope can be.... The historical detail Hokin poured into this book through her research was simply phenomenal. The Fortunate Ones is a must-read.’ Goodreads reviews ***** ‘This was a wonderful story about romance, life, and survival. I could not put it down… heartbreaking.’ Crossroad Reviews ***** ‘This story just swept me away… I was left speechless… just wow!!... I do recommend a box of tissues… This book will have you turning the pages.’ Red Headed Book Lady blog ***** ‘I stayed up all hours to finish this book. There were moments I could barely breathe. A fantastic and compelling read if you like suspense, WWII, and stories that aren’t always tied neatly with a bow.’ Goodreads reviewer ***** ‘What an extraordinary, engaging story. It moved me to undiscovered heights of understanding and compassion. A novel that will stay in my mind forever.’ Goodreads reviewer ***** ‘Contained within a richly detailed narrative was a story that spoke of prevalence of the human spirit, both resilient and beatific, bowed but never broken by the unfathomable horrors of war. Captivating. Sobering. Unflinching. 5+ stars.’ Goodreads reviewer ‘The writing is deeply moving, so much detail is cleverly woven throughout to make this a vivid and entrancing read. Strong characters make this such a gripping read.’ NetGalley reviewer ‘From the first to the very last page this story was a sheer joy to read. One of hope, despair, love and loss and history combined this book has it all. Thoroughly recommend.’ Goodreads reviewer

The Fortunate Ones quotes

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