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The World That We Knew
The World That We Knew | Alice Hoffman
119 posts | 106 read | 106 to read
Oh, what a book this is! Hoffmans exploration of the world of good and evil, and the constant contest between them, is unflinching; and the humanity she brings to us it is a glorious experience. The book builds and builds, as she weaves together, seamlessly, the stories of people in the most desperate of circumstances and then it delivers with a tremendous punch. It opens up the world in a way that is absolutely unique. By the end you may be weeping Elizabeth Strout, Pulitzer Prize-winning author of Olive Kitteridge In Berlin in 1941 during humanitys darkest hour, three unforgettable young women must act with courage and love to survive, from the New York Times bestselling author of The Dovekeepers and The Marriage of Opposites Alice Hoffman. In Berlin, at the time when the world changed, Hanni Kohn knows she must send her twelve-year-old daughter away to save her from the Nazi regime. She finds her way to a renowned rabbi, but its his daughter, Ettie, who offers hope of salvation when she creates a mystical Jewish creature, a rare and unusual golem, who is sworn to protect Lea. Once Ava is brought to life, she and Lea and Ettie become eternally entwined, their paths fated to cross, their fortunes linked. Lea and Ava travel from Paris, where Lea meets her soulmate, to a convent in western France known for its silver roses; from a school in a mountaintop village where three thousand Jews were saved. Meanwhile, Ettie is in hiding, waiting to become the fighter she's destined to be. What does it mean to lose your mother? How much can one person sacrifice for love? In a world where evil can be found at every turn, we meet remarkable characters that take us on a stunning journey of loss and resistance, the fantastical and the mortal, in a place where all roads lead past the Angel of Death and love is never ending. Praise for Alice Hoffman: 'A major contribution to twenty-first century literature' Toni Morrisonon The Museum of Extraordinary Things A great atmospheric storyteller Her books are a real pleasure Kate Atkinson 'Hoffman reminds us with every sentence that words have the power to transport us to alternate worlds, to heal a broken heart, and to tie us irrevocably to the people we love' Jodi Picoult 'Miss Hoffman heals wounds with the gentle touch of an angel' Joseph Heller Hoffman writes with heartbreaking clarity The Times Alice Hoffman is simply brilliant Daily Mail 'Hoffman knows how to tell a good story' Sunday Times 'Monumental magical, moving beautifully written... A genuine masterpiece' Daily Mail on The Dovekeepers 'One of the finest writers of her generation' Newsweek
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Marquis784
The World That We Knew | Alice Hoffman
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Pickpick

In Berlin, Hanni Kohn‘s husband was murdered during a riot outside a Jewish hospital in which he worked as a doctor. Hanni realizes that she must stay to protect her dying mother while finding a way to save her her 12 year old daughter, Lea.This is unlike any other historical novel written about WWII. The characters, experiences and connections are rich and substantial. With any story during this time period, there is pain and loss and redemption.

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TheQuietQuill
The World That We Knew | Alice Hoffman
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A little bit of a #bookhaul going on this morning! I stopped by my local outlets and got all these books for $2 each. I couldn‘t pass it up and I‘m excited for Secrets of the Chocolate House. I just ordered the first in the series, so that‘ll be my next read I believe 🍫☕️

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Chelsea.Poole
The World That We Knew | Alice Hoffman
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Mehso-so

Y‘all, I don‘t know what‘s gotten into me—I‘ve had so many “meh” audiobooks these days. I‘m convinced the problem is me and not the books themselves. This one, for example, was a hit for my book club, but just fell flat for me. WWII magical realism with plenty of tragedy and a magical crane (my favorite part). But I couldn‘t connect with the story. I think it‘s because of my hectic life (back to school schedule for my kids, practices, work 😱).

Tamra I have streaks like that too - I‘ve been in a bit of one, though this one seemed to get traction. (edited) 7mo
Chelsea.Poole @Tamra thanks so much! Stacking 😊 7mo
TheBookgeekFrau I don't think it's you when it came to this book. Was not one of my favorites by her at. All. 7mo
bookaholic1 I just got over my blah time with books, it's been a tough year for sure 7mo
70 likes4 comments
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rachaich
The World That We Knew | Alice Hoffman
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Pickpick

Wonderful writing with the magical realism flowing through.
Sad tale, as it should be, but full of human trust and relationship.

And I saw a heron in my run yesterday 😊😊

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rachaich
The World That We Knew | Alice Hoffman
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I've read many of her books and the boyfriend surprised me with this!

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MrsBibliophile
The World That We Knew | Alice Hoffman
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Mehso-so

It has never taken me this long to read a book... I loved the authors writing style and the easy flow of her ideas. But this was the saddest story I've ever read and it only got worse. My heart feels heavy after finally finishing this book. This is the first of Ms. Hoffman's books I've ever had the pleasure of reading, but I will say maybe this is just her style?

I apologize, I'm not sure who I would recommend this to.

📚📖Happy Reading!📖📚

Chrissyreadit Her books are not typically depressingly dark. The can be sad though and then happy. And quirky. 2y
TrishB Not all like that! This one is my favourite 2y
MrsBibliophile I have a couple different titles by her, I will definitely check them out. Thanks for the info ladies! 2y
9 likes3 comments
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AmyG
The World That We Knew | Alice Hoffman
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@Kdgordon88 Debra! Thank you so much for this book I have wanted to read. What a lovely surprise. Thank you so much. How lucky I am to have made so many wonderful friends here. 😘

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Deblovestoread
The World That We Knew | Alice Hoffman
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#BookReport

The World That We Knew 3.5🌟
Love & Olives 3🌟 #Bookspin
The Light of Luna Park 4🌟

I am caught up with 2 of my 3 buddy reads and decided to set aside the Lorde for now as it deserves more of my attention than I am giving it. I‘ve tried to read the DNF twice and just can‘t get into it so moving on.

I‘m reading The Only Plane in the Sky in small doses. And have just started Gods of Jade and Shadow.

And we finally have rain!

Cinfhen Like your rainy day graphics 💚😁 3y
TheAromaofBooks Looking great!!! 3y
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vlwelser
The World That We Knew | Alice Hoffman
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Pickpick

I seem to prefer this author's books that don't center on women doing magical things in Massachusetts. Though there is a golem in this one. This #audiobook is read by Judith Light and she does a good job. The only disjointed thing about this one is that the author uses French and German phrases, then translates them for you. It's like listening to the same thing twice.

#AuthorAMonth with @Soubhiville

#BookSpinBingo free space @TheAromaofBooks

TheAromaofBooks Woohoo!! 3y
36 likes1 comment
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Skygoddess1
The World That We Knew | Alice Hoffman
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Pickpick

Wow! Such a powerful story that isn‘t your typical Holocaust/WWII story. A magical realism story filled with history, mysticism, love and loss. I loved the story and these characters. This is a book I will be buying a copy of to keep. #AuthorAMonth #BookSpinBingo

TheAromaofBooks Woohoo!! 3y
32 likes1 comment
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DHill
The World That We Knew | Alice Hoffman
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This is a beautifully written, emotional story but I spent the whole book wondering why one of the characters was necessary. In the end, it all came together.

#AuthorAMonth
@Soubhiville

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staci.reads
The World That We Knew | Alice Hoffman
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Pickpick

Wow. Powerful and heartbreaking, this story takes place in France during WWII, following multiple characters' attempts to survive. I am so glad that is the book I chose for #authoramonth. I wasn't very impressed when I read Practical Magic last year and probably wouldn't have picked up another Hoffman book, but for her being this month's author. This book was incredible. It's going to stick with me. @Soubhiville

Soubhiville I‘m so glad you enjoyed it. 3y
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DHill
The World That We Knew | Alice Hoffman
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1. Tagged and A Boy and His Dog At the End of the World.

2. The Family Upstairs by Lisa Jewell

3. College Football (Go Hawks!)

#WeekendReads
@rachelsbrittain

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SanjanaGhosh
The World That We Knew | Alice Hoffman
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Pickpick

A book so beautiful, I'm grateful for the author for writing it ❤️

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Goleemn
The World That We Knew | Alice Hoffman
Pickpick

A pleasure to read! The blend of realism and fantasy is so tightly integrated that it should be in a category of its own. While I couldn‘t barely get one-fourth of the way into “The Plague of Doves,” I couldn‘t put this book down.

Nute Welcome to Litsy! It‘s a warm and friendly community. I know that you will enjoy yourself here. I‘m looking forward to getting to know you!🙂
Check out #LitsyEvents for a varied listing of fun-related happenings within this neighborhood of fellow readers.🤗
2y
6 likes1 comment
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kspenmoll
The World That We Knew | Alice Hoffman
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This book was a gift to me ages ago- reading it so I can discuss the book with my gift giver friend! #porchlife #tbr

Tamra Sweet spot! 3y
76 likes1 comment
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roseyreviews
The World That We Knew | Alice Hoffman

Has anyone had to stop reading a book because the of the author's style of writing? I like the plot and the story so far, but I'm getting annoyed/bored with her word choice and descriptions.

I just started it, but I'm honestly thinking about putting it back and starting something else. Anyone ever face this dilemma?

rjsthumbelina I've definitely had that happen. Personally, Alice Hoffman is one of my favorites, but her writing can be very flower-y and almost like poetry. I can see how she wouldn't appeal to everyone. If you're not vibing with it, read something else! Life's too short 🤷‍♀️ 3y
5 likes1 comment
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Jas16
The World That We Knew | Alice Hoffman
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Pickpick

When a mother needs to help her daughter flee Berlin during WWII she follows advice and turns to a Rabbi‘s family for assistance creating a Golem to protect her child when she cannot. It isn‘t the Rabbi who steps in to help but his own daughter who also wants to leave Germany. I will read anything that Hoffman writes and she definitely plucked at my heartstrings with this book.
#jewishauthorormc #booked2021

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BClark
The World That We Knew | Alice Hoffman
Pickpick

A definite departure from the type of books I gravitate towards but it was recommended by a friend and I'm glad it read it. I enjoyed it.

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KristiAhlers
The World That We Knew | Alice Hoffman
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Pickpick

I loved this book. Alice Hoffman has the most lyrical voice in a writer. Really pulls you in with character and storyline. I highly recommend this book.

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candority
The World That We Knew | Alice Hoffman
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Pickpick

Before I read this book, I would have told you that I absolutely do not enjoy magical realism. But now, I have realized that I only dislike magical realism when it is not well explained. In this book, Hoffman takes a story that has been told countless times before and turns it into something new. This story is beautiful, moving, and heartbreaking. If you enjoy WWII stories, but are looking for something a bit different, give this a try. 4⭐️

candority This was my #DoubleSpin pick for March and a long overdue #NetGalley read. @TheAromaofBooks 3y
TheAromaofBooks Woohoo!! I've had this one stacked for a while. 3y
candority @TheAromaofBooks Definitely worth the read (or listen)! 3y
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Kathleenkelly
The World That We Knew | Alice Hoffman
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Pickpick

#BookSpin selection for February completed. Another incredibly sad book about the loss of life in World War II.

TheAromaofBooks Great progress!! 3y
39 likes1 comment
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Jas16
The World That We Knew | Alice Hoffman
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Thank you so much Jee! I love Alice Hoffman and am really excited to have another one of her books to look forward to. And you know how much I love sloths so this book mark is absolutely perfect. I so appreciate your thoughtfulness.

Jee_HookedOnBookz So sorry for this late response I haven‘t been on Litsy lately...Glad you like the gifts :) hope you enjoy the book 3y
Jee_HookedOnBookz Ooops fat thumbs. Also thank you so much for your gifts. I absolutely love the socks and can‘t wait to use them. Looking forward to reading the book too 💕 Wrote you an email as well. Hope you‘re well my friend and happy holidays! 3y
Jas16 @Jee_HookedOnBookz I am so glad your gifts arrived! I got your email and haven‘t had a chance to respond yet but will. I hope you have a wonderful New Year! 3y
Jee_HookedOnBookz Thank you, my friend. You too 💕 3y
46 likes4 comments
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rmaclean4
The World That We Knew | Alice Hoffman
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Pickpick

"Heart of my heart, love of my life, the one loss I will never survive." WWII story about a mother's love for her daughter with magical realism elements. 5 ?

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LatrelWhite
The World That We Knew | Alice Hoffman
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👏🏽👏🏽Wow this was a great read my first Alice Hoffman. 🎧Love historical fiction and a little fantasy on the side.

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perfectsinner
The World That We Knew | Alice Hoffman
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I'm officially on vacation. I wanted to get Dark Matter by Blake Crouch, but my library doesn't have it.
I instead got Night Road and Magic Hour by Kristin Hannah and The World That We Knew by Alice Hoffman.
Oh, and I'm 45 pages into the second book in the Century trilogy, Winter of the World by Ken Follett.
Good thing I'm a fast reader! Hopefully I can finish all my borrows, at least! 🤓📚🧡

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TheSpineView
The World That We Knew | Alice Hoffman
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Pickpick

In typical Hoffman fashion, this story combines magic with the harsh truths of WWII as 3 Jewish girls try to survive and avoid capture during one of the most turbulent times in recent history. Great story, excellent prose. 4⭐

TheAromaofBooks I'm so in love with this cover!! Glad you enjoyed it - this one is on my TBR!! 4y
rjsthumbelina I loved this book so much! But then again, Alice rarely lets me down ❤️ 4y
58 likes5 stack adds5 comments
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TheSpineView
The World That We Knew | Alice Hoffman
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#FirstLineFridays @ShyBookOwl

"If you do not believe in evil, you are doomed to live in a world you will never understand."

62 likes1 stack add2 comments
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sarahljensen
The World That We Knew | Alice Hoffman
Pickpick

This was such a beautifully written story with characters I will not soon forget. I had only read the Practical Magic books, but now I will seek out her other works

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Lindy
The World That We Knew | Alice Hoffman
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Pickpick

A pick with reservations: this WWII novel is overly dramatic at times & has lines like: “Because I value your life over mine, I cannot let you carry a sin.” (The sin of disobedience.) Still, I really liked the female golem character. Also, actress Judith Light‘s #audiobook narration carried me along even when I rolled my eyes. If you liked Doerr‘s All the Light We Cannot See (a so-so read for me) then this will definitely be in your wheelhouse.

TrishB I really enjoyed this one despite the occasional soppyness! 4y
Lindy @TrishB 👍It mostly stayed on the tolerable side of the soppyness border. 😉 4y
38 likes2 comments
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Lindy
The World That We Knew | Alice Hoffman
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JacqMac
The World That We Knew | Alice Hoffman
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Pickpick

A Jewish mother, in Germany, creates a golem, to protect her daughter during WWII, and sends them off to France. The magical realism helps with the darkness. But I still cried forever. I always forget how much I love Alice Hoffman. Highly recommend.

rjsthumbelina I loved this one, too! I love Alice Hoffman's writing so much 4y
rather_be_reading 👏👏 4y
BiblioLitten Hi just checking in. Hope you are keeping well. 💕 4y
JacqMac @BiblioLitten Thanks for checking in. All is well. I just took a little internet vacation. I think I‘m back now. 😘 4y
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NeedsMoreBooks
The World That We Knew | Alice Hoffman
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Pickpick

#Netgalley #ARC
This book focuses on Lea and Ettie, and the golem called Ava who was created by Ettie and Lea‘s mother to protect Lea. Set in 1941 and continuing for 4 years, the novel is beautifully written focusing on the 3 lives. Other characters include Marianne, Lea‘s family and partner, and a host of other minor characters. I also enjoyed the information about being a Jew and the religious aspects were not overwhelming. #booked2020

Cinfhen I‘m a huge fan of Alice Hoffman, plus I enjoy Jewish Literature but for some reason this particular book was only ok for me. I‘m glad you enjoyed it and I agree, a lot of historical information was included into the storyline in an easy and compelling way. 4y
NeedsMoreBooks @Cinfhen this was my second Hoffman. I usually do t like historical fiction but I liked this one. Which is your favorite Hoffman? 4y
See All 11 Comments
Cinfhen The first two that come to mind are The DoveKeepers and 4y
Cinfhen All three are HF 4y
NeedsMoreBooks @Cinfhen thank you so much for the recommendations💖❤️💖❤️ 4y
alisiakae Is this her latest? Sounds good! 4y
NeedsMoreBooks @4thhouseontheleft yes, I received an ARC but read it only yesterday 😅 It is published now. 4y
BarbaraTheBibliophage Great review. I‘m a Hoffman fan, so I‘ll add this to my TBR also. 4y
49 likes1 stack add11 comments
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wen4blu
The World That We Knew | Alice Hoffman
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Every time I think I‘m done with WWII stories I seem to find one just different enough to intrigue me. This one includes the hidden children of France and a golem.

“If you do not believe in evil, you are doomed to live in a world you will never understand.”

TrishB I really enjoyed this one 👍🏻 4y
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rjsthumbelina
The World That We Knew | Alice Hoffman
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Pickpick

As always, Alice never lets me down. Her lyrical writing is beautiful. Her historical aspects are always so well-researched. And her characters are so real and flawed, but lovable. She manages to be one of those authors that always gets right at the crux of what it means to be human, every time. The magical realism was wonderful and almost dream-like, more so than in some of her other books

rjsthumbelina Read for #OWLSmagicalreadathon for #careofmagicalcreatures (creature with a beak on the cover) 4y
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rjsthumbelina
The World That We Knew | Alice Hoffman
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rjsthumbelina
The World That We Knew | Alice Hoffman
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rjsthumbelina
The World That We Knew | Alice Hoffman
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Jeg
The World That We Knew | Alice Hoffman
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Pickpick

Didn‘t realise the Herron was reflective . Lovely. I think this is my first Alice Hoffman book. I enjoyed it. Based somewhat on history I learnt a bit more about the plight of the Jews in the war. Also about golems.
Not sure why Target were selling it for $3 but so glad I found it. #2020joybooks
@MrsMalaprop

MrsMalaprop Bargain! I‘ve not read her either. 4y
13 likes1 comment
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Mleanne
The World That We Knew | Alice Hoffman
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Currently listening to: “The World That We Knew”

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abookishbutterfly
The World That We Knew | Alice Hoffman
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What‘s your favorite kind of cake? I am more of a brownie person but I do love buttery yellow cake with chocolate frosting!

Speaking of cake 🎂, I hope someone is making a special cake for Alice Hoffman today because it‘s her birthday! Happy birthday, Alice Hoffman!

OrangeMooseReads I love white cake 🍰 🤤 I don‘t even need frosting 4y
xxjenadanxx I'm more of an ice cream cake kind of gal, but I will never turn down a nice bright pink slice of strawberry cake with strawberry icing! 4y
abookishbutterfly @OrangeMooseReads The frosting is my favorite part! Haha 4y
abookishbutterfly @xxjenadanxx I do like ice cream cake! 4y
Laughterhp I love funfetti cake! And I‘m so lucky pillsbury makes a gluten free box version! 🤤 (I actually don‘t like frosting. I find it too sweet) 4y
54 likes5 comments
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AnneCecilie
The World That We Knew | Alice Hoffman
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Pickpick

For me this was a so-so read until the end of the book. The ending changed that for me and made it a pick.

We meet 5 kids during WWII, Ettie, Lea, Marianne, Victor and Julien. During these they meet one or more of the others, and they grow from kids to adults even if they‘re still in their teens when the book ends.

My second book finished for #NewYearWhoDis! @monalyisha @Pricel101

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AnneCecilie
The World That We Knew | Alice Hoffman
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#BookReport

I‘ve been working at home since Tuesday and with Norway being on lock down since Thursday, I‘m trying to focus on the positive. More reading 🤪

📚 Read Killers of the Flower Moon
📚 Read The Bradshaw Variations
📚 Will finish The World That We Knew today

🎧 Still on the fourth book in the Department Q series

jordanremington Hi there 👋 4y
jordanremington How you doing today? 4y
Cinfhen Great progress this week 💚 did u like the Hoffman? It wasn‘t my favorite 🙁 4y
AnneCecilie @Cinfhen it was a so-so until the ending. That changed it for me. I have to spent my extra free time on something and so far it‘s been reading. 4y
69 likes4 comments
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AnneCecilie
The World That We Knew | Alice Hoffman
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If you do not believe in evil, you are doomed to live in a world you will never understand

#FirstLineFridays
@ShyBookOwl

Suet624 Ooohhhh. Good line. 4y
AnneCecilie @Suet624 Yeah, I got me hooked 4y
ShyBookOwl Good one! 4y
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AnneCecilie
The World That We Knew | Alice Hoffman
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Does anyone know if this is true?

Makes me think that the more things change the more they stay the same

Reecaspieces I know there was a ship from Germany with Jewish refugees and USA sent it back 4y
vlwelser Yes. Unfortunately. 4y
zezeki I don't know if it's true, but I honestly wouldn't be surprised. Just look at migration crisis that Europe is dealing with now. Millions of people waiting on borders, and no one is willing to take them. Who knows what will future generations think of us. 4y
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S3V3N That‘s terrible. 4y
hilded 😢 4y
AnneCecilie @Reecaspieces That was mentioned somewhere in the book as well. And it was not only the US. 4y
AnneCecilie @zezeki I agree. Until the immigration crisis I would have said that it‘s not possible to treat an other person like that. Now I know better. I don‘t think future generations will be proud of us. 4y
Butterfinger Yes. It's a sad truth. 4y
53 likes9 comments
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AnneCecilie
The World That We Knew | Alice Hoffman
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Started my second book from the #NewYearWhoDis! list

@monalyisha @Pricel101

MayJasper Sounds fascinating 4y
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Expandingbookshelf
The World That We Knew | Alice Hoffman
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“That was how evil spoke. It made its own corrupt sense; it swore that the good were evil, and that the evil had come to save mankind. It brought up ancient fears and scattered them on the street like pearls.”

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Jeg
The World That We Knew | Alice Hoffman
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Random books going cheap in Target. Could not resist. The Alice Hoffman was $3 ! Pretty sure I haven‘t read her before so looking forward to reading it. I‘ve seen Fiona‘s books around. Not my usual read but we shall see. Another Aussie. A Good Death— well not too sure !
@MrsMalaprop

MrsMalaprop How exciting 👏. I have Alice Hoffman on my radar too. 4y
CarolynM I've got that Fiona Palmer book on my kindle - I read a good review of it somewhere (I don't think it was here) so fingers crossed. I've only read one Alice Hoffman book - can't remember which one but I remember liking it. 4y
The_Real_Nani Alice Hoffman is one of my favorite authors and The World That We Knew is such a good book! 4y
The_Real_Nani And even if you haven‘t read of her books, perhaps you‘ve seen Practical Magic, with Nicole Kidman and Sandra Bullock! 4y
21 likes4 comments