What Only We Know: A Heart-Wrenching and Unforgettable World War 2 Historical Novel Audible Audiobook – Unabridged

Catherine Hokin (Author), Jasmine Blackborow (Narrator), Hachette UK - Bookouture (Publisher)

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A door slammed and the unmistakable sound of boots came crashing up the hall. Liese held her little daughter’s hand so tightly, the tiny fingers had turned purple. The SS officer’s hand was at Liese’s throat before she saw him move. "I can kill you easily, then I can kill your daughter." He relaxed his grip a little. "Or perhaps I could kill her first?"

England, 40 years later. When Karen Cartwright is unexpectedly called home to nurse her ailing father, she goes with a heavy heart. The house she grew up in feels haunted by the memory of her father’s closely guarded secrets about her beautiful mother Elizabeth’s tragic death years before.

As she packs up the house, Karen discovers an old photograph and a stranger’s tattered love letter to her mother postmarked from Germany after the war.

During her life, Karen struggled to understand her shy, fearful mother, but now she is realizing there was so much more to Elizabeth than she knew. For one thing, her name wasn’t even Elizabeth, and her harrowing story begins long before Karen was born.

It’s 1941 in Berlin, and a young woman called Liese is being forced to wear a yellow star...

A beautiful and gripping wartime story about family secrets and impossible choices in the face of terrible hardship. Perfect for fans of The Tattooist of Auschwitz, We Were the Lucky Ones, and The Alice Network.

Listening Length

12 hours and 46 minutes
Author

Catherine Hokin
Narrator

Jasmine Blackborow
Audible release date

May 27, 2020
Language

English
Publisher

Hachette UK - Bookouture
ASIN

B088P464LX
Version

Unabridged
Program Type

Audiobook
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Product details

Listening Length	12 hours and 46 minutes
Author	Catherine Hokin
Narrator	Jasmine Blackborow
Whispersync for Voice	Ready
Audible.com Release Date	May 27, 2020
Publisher	Hachette UK - Bookouture
Program Type	Audiobook
Version	Unabridged
Language	English
ASIN	B088P464LX
Best Sellers Rank	#29,561 in Audible Books & Originals (See Top 100 in Audible Books & Originals) #2,016 in Historical Fiction (Audible Books & Originals) #11,105 in Historical Fiction (Books)

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Carol Hatch

A Must Read!

Reviewed in the United States on July 3, 2020

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Historical fiction is my favorite genre and I must say that What Only We Know is among the best by far that I have read in a long time. Catherine Hokin’s beautifully written story goes from the past to the present and back and forth again in a seamless manner. The horrors and secrets of the past emerge gradually through a heart-wrenching narrative. The characters are memorable and, for me, unforgettable. This is not an easy read. Be prepared to encounter the horrors of World War 2 and it’s highly personal effects on several generations.

What Only We Know had such a powerful effect on me that I am certain that it will be the yardstick by which I measure other historical fiction works. This is a a Must Read!

35 people found this helpful

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jml

This is a very human, emotional portrayal of deeply buried difficulties in complicated relationships.

Reviewed in the United States on July 1, 2020

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Although the first few chapters did not seize my attention, they were necessary to portray a child’s perspective of an unthinkable family tragedy. When the strands of the story began to weave together I was engrossed in an emotional whirlpool that sucked me in, heart and soul to the lives, feelings, and reactions portrayed so masterfully in each of the characters. Descriptive phrases dropped like flowers and chocolates into the horrifying unraveling of events too terrible to imagine, like “the dark of night moving across the sky like spilled ink spreading over wet paper.” Each character is given life and form through actions, conversation and inner thoughts so well done they evolve rather than simply appearing. The story is unforgettable. My compliments to the author for a work well done.

26 people found this helpful

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Kindle Customer

As I write with tears in my eyes

Reviewed in the United States on September 20, 2020

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I read many books of the world war 11 that my country entered, as it has often done. I am very proud of our America.
I had never read one regarding the devastation of Germany. I was a military spouse for 20+ yrs. Although my husband was stationed there and I could have went, somehow I could never bring myself to do so. I had read a lot of stories from friends that had came to the states that had family in the Eastern side of Berlin. It upset me so. This novel was truly hard for me to read. I am so glad to have decided to do so. It seemed to open my eyes better than their stories did.
It was so real, almost like a true story, that good. You will understand more of what you think you know, by reading slow as I did.
Our country AMERICA. Is going thru a time of terrible turmoil now, that I had never would have believed could happen, rioting, killings, people wanting to make our America a socialist, communist country. It's so scary, something That can NEVER will happen I pray.
Try to read with an open heart, and if you are living in a country that lives FREE. He grateful.
is going

11 people found this helpful

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AmazonCustomer4321

Intense but captivating

Reviewed in the United States on June 23, 2020

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I made the mistake of picking this up to read a few chapters one evening and did not put it down until the final page was read the next morning. The lives of the characters and the story of their attempts to survive were mesmerizing. Grab a tissue and enjoy a story that will not soon leave you. One of the best books I've read and I recommend it to all who enjoy WWII historical fiction.

19 people found this helpful

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Kindle CustomerTop Contributor: Historical Fiction Books

Great plot

Reviewed in the United States on June 5, 2020

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This is a truly great plot....original. The story tells the life of a young Jewish woman who grows up with surroundings if a fashion house owned by wealthy parents in Germany's pre-WWII during the Nazi Party's early days and the tragic suicide in 1971 England.

The woman leaves a husband and 11-year-old daughter who grows up angry and grieving a mother she needs to understand. Other characters become more central throughout the storytelling as the daughter grows up and begins searching for answers.

The story jumps back and forth as it unfolds. And as I've said, the plot itself is unique and very good. But I found sentence structure very hard to follow in the reading. Sometimes it was difficult to know for certain who was speaking. More than once I found myself re-reading paragraphs to make sure I comprehended what the author was trying to convey.

So it's a five-star plot with a two-year writing. I would recommend to readers of historical fiction, though. Many secrets unfold here.

51 people found this helpful

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L. C. Fahrendorff

A Beautiful Sorrow!

Reviewed in the United States on July 6, 2020

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A very sad story indeed, but a "beautiful sadness". This book is more for a "woman's read" but not essentially so. I thoroughly enjoyed the book, there were times I had to put the book down and walk away to absorb and consider the level of guilt, sorrow, despair suffered by the book's main character. A lady to survive WWII in body, but whose mind, spirit were irretrievably broken. Missed opportunities and misunderstood relationships; time wasted, but fortunately regained. Wonderful reading...highly recommended!

12 people found this helpful

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MaryN

A must read for historical fiction readers

Reviewed in the United States on December 31, 2020

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Historical fiction is my favorite genre if it is well documented; this novel is.
"Only What We Know" is a story based on what life was like for German Jews living in Berlin during WW II.
The central plot point revolves around the reason for Karen's mother's death. Her mother was captured by the Nazis and lived in a labor camp for several years, and as many of those prisoners the damage done to them, not only physically, but mentally, lasted for years, sometimes a lifetime.
Karen is driven to unravel the reason for her mother's death and the cause of the dynamics in her family. Are they intertwined? Is there a secret?
I tried to read this book a few pages at a time before bed. Couldn't do it! I gave up, started over and finished it in two days!!!
As much as this is a beautiful story it is also a horribly disturbing story of the cold-hearted cruelty inflected upon people simply because of their religion.
I recommend this book. Read it slowly. Feel the pictures and emotions the words create. I felt like I was actually there with the characters, which enriched the story. I hope it does the same for you.

4 people found this helpful

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Top reviews from other countries

David Prendergast

Very different very well written

Reviewed in the United Kingdom on August 24, 2020

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I have read many stories regarding the holocaust ,this one looks a various different aspects i.e communism the building of the wall ECT .
Lots of interesting facts about different camps ,and in the midst a story of a young Jewish girl who understands the dangers of the Nazi ,tries to talk her father in to leaving Berlin before the start of the war ,
Because he believes that they will be safe that it would blow over they stay ..
The real story starts there , I felt carried away with all the emotions of the story and although I couldn't comprehend the sheer horror that was experiences by the jews the author had such a way of writing that made you feel the realness of it all.
An excellent book , prepared to be shocked saddened and disbelieving that terrible crimes that were carried out in the name of facism x

One person found this helpful

C. L. Butler

A Haunting Tale of Persecution, Loss and Learning

Reviewed in the United Kingdom on July 7, 2021

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This is beautifully researched novel about the Jewish persecution in WW2 Germany, infanticide, maternal suicide and post war Europe. There is so much in this story of Liese and her family, both past and present that Hokin has invested time and understanding to make it the truly heartbreaking story it is.

Beginning with a classic tale of a Jewish girl caught in Nazi Germany when Hitler came to power in 1929, Liese's story is one of fear, mistrust, and frustration. You will be shouting at her parents to leave Germany, get out whilst they can, yet with the knowledge of hindsight, understanding how they also believed that the possible was impossible. Liese's courage to keep going when she feels she can't is something to admire.

Her experience of life under the Nazi regime and how they saw people 'non-Aryan', those less than themselves, as inhuman and a mere commodity is haunting and gutwrenching. Yet the words leapt off the page as truth stronger than fiction. These things happened, not just in the author's mind but in reality.

Karen was a character I struggled with at first, because she was so frustrating and herself frustrated, yet recognising that post war world of being kept in the dark, I can entirely understand her pain. Only now are we beginning to recognise PTSD which Liese suffered with undoubtedly, but also how in the post war era no one discussed it. That old phrase 'don't mention the war' is true; one that Karen has to experience throughout her life, being met with her own metaphorical wall of silence and secrets.

I remember, as a child, the Berlin Wall falling, and the end of the Cold War, but never really understanding the true significance of it, until more recently after completing my own more indepth research into the history of East and West Germany. Another fascinating part of European history.

This isn't a story of joy, happiness, and laughter, though there are moments which shine through the gaps; it's a story of pain, suffering, loss but also learning, through the character of Karen but also as the reader.

As a parent myself and with Jewish half aunts who were alive in WW2 I tried to imagine the experience that Liese went through and the pain she felt. It is beyond comprehension, yet Hokin has done an amazing job of getting close.

I highly recommend this book, and the author, who I have recently started to follow, and read her novels. It is a beautifully written novel, and I admit I shed a tear or two. If you, like me have a keen interest in this era then it's definitely worth a read. Just have a tissue or two to hand.

One person found this helpful

Tony Frobisher

Vivid, powerful and resonant.

Reviewed in the United Kingdom on December 28, 2020

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What Only We Know A well written tale of the horror and inhumanity, the fear and uncertainty of German Jews in Berlin before and during WWII. A story of secrets, of the pain of separation and loss, the consequence of decisions forced upon a person and the long lasting impact of the brutality of war.
Bouncing between a narrative in 30's and 40's Berlin and 1970's-90's England, Catherine Hokin writes a powerful, beautifully described novel of family, identity, unpalatable truths and reconciliation.
The history of those who survive war doesn't become instantly becalmed once victory or liberation - or indeed defeat has passed.
Highly recommended.

C. Kirby

Totally engaging story - brilliant

Reviewed in the United Kingdom on August 12, 2020

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Catherine Hokin has created a completely rounded and full story. Every character was memorable and each of their stories told with such clever insight, that made them come alive before the reader. Each one had an important part to play and each one was drawn sympathetically, but honestly. The amount of detail to the places, events and characters made the whole novel excellently crafted and I was left feeling that every question was answered and a satisfying ended completed it perfectly. Brilliantly done.

One person found this helpful

james beck

How dramatically the war changed lives.

Reviewed in the United Kingdom on July 23, 2020

Verified Purchase

Slow start led to real page turner. Told from the view point of a number of characters, how the war affected their lives and led to unhappiness of so many people. Not only during the war but the long term effect of the mental anguish of those concerned. Carrying on living with the secrets and guilt of their past lives together, coupled with the things people have to do to survive in hostile environments, made for an engaging, poignant and moving tale.

One person found this helpful

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What Only We Know: A Heart-Wrenching and Unforgettable World War 2 Historical Novel Audible Audiobook – Unabridged

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