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The Light After the War

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The Light After the War

By: Anita Abriel
Narrated by: Jesse Vilinsky
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About this listen

 Inspired by the true story of one woman's extraordinary journey to forge a new life after escaping a train bound for Auschwitz.

In 1946 two young Hungarian refugees arrive in Naples after losing everyone they loved before the war. Vera Frankel and her best friend, Edith Ban, are haunted by their terrifying escape from a train headed for Auschwitz after their mothers threw them from the carriage, promising they would follow. But instead the girls find themselves alone in a frozen, alien land. They manage to find refuge and barter for their lives by working on an isolated farm in Austria until the end of the war.

Armed with a letter of recommendation from an American general, Vera finds work and new hope at the United States Embassy and, despite her best intentions, falls in love the handsome and enigmatic Captain Anton Wight. But when Anton suddenly disappears, Vera is forced to drastically change course. Their quest to rebuild their lives takes Vera and Edith from Naples to Ellis Island to Venezuela and finally Sydney as they carve out careers – and find love.

Heartbreakingly moving and compelling, The Light After the War is inspired by the true story of the author’s Holocaust survivor mother.

Praise for The Light After the War

‘You will be swept away by this fast-paced, heartbreaking and hopeful tale of friendship, family, second chances and the enduring power of love, based on the true story of the author’s mother in war-torn Europe.’ Kristin Harmel, bestselling author of The Room on Rue Amelie

‘A heartfelt and memorable tale of family, love, resilience and the triumph of human spirit.’ Pam Jenoff, bestselling author of The Lost Girls of Paris

'There is so much in The Light After the War that truly shines: Unforgettable love, family, faith—and the courageous resolve of two young women to mend their lives and seek new beginnings in a world tragically changed. Fans of historical fiction are sure to devour this tale of hope, reinvention and the power of friendship to heal the heart’s deepest wounds.' Roxanne Veletzos, author of The Girl They Left Behind

‘Heartbreakingly moving and compelling … a testament to the power of humanity, to those people who even after unspeakable horrors and loss, still believe in the beauty and wonder of love, hope and friendship.’ Better Reading 20th Century Fiction Genre Fiction Historical Fiction Jewish Literary Fiction Women's Fiction World Literature War Heartfelt Inspiring Survival Resilience Holocaust

Critic Reviews

‘I was utterly moved and transfixed by The Light After the War, a beautiful novel that spans a decade across four continents in the wake of World War II. You'll be swept away by this fast-paced, heartbreaking, and hopeful tale of friendship, family, second chances, and the enduring power of love, based on the true story of author Anita Abriel's mother and her fascinating journey away from war-torn Europe in the 1940s. A must-read for anyone interested in the emotional toll of the Second World War.’ (Kristin Harmel, bestselling author of The Room on Rue Amelie)
'Fans of Georgia Hunter’s We Were The Lucky Ones should race to grab Anita Abriel’s The Light After The War, spanning continents and set against a vividly drawn canvas of World War II and the post-war period. Based on Abriel’s own family history, The Light After The War is a heartfelt and memorable tale of family, love, resilience and the triumph of human spirit.' (Pam Jenoff, bestselling author of The Lost Girls of Paris)
'Inspired by her own mother’s remarkable life, Anita Abriel takes readers to four continents as she celebrates the power of hope, optimism and female friendship in The Light After the War. If you are a reader who believes in embracing life and love—even after unspeakable loss—you will treasure this book.' (Sally Koslow, author of Another Side of Paradise)
'Based on a true, untold story, Anita Abriel’s The Light After the War paints a wonderful portrait of two young women, both Holocaust survivors, trying to find love and meaning in the aftermath of WWII. From Italy to New York to South America, Abriel brings the friends and the times to life in real, moving, and unexpected ways.' (Mark Sullivan, bestselling author of Beneath a Scarlet Sky)
'Anita Abriel’s heartfelt novel of love and friendship in the years after the Second World War is based on her mother’s own experience, and her intimate connection to the story and characters infuses every word. The Light After the War charts an unforgettable journey to a world struggling to rebuild after the horrors of war, and a pair of extraordinary women who must discover anew how to love and live. Fans of historical fiction won’t want to miss this evocative, heartbreaking story.' (Beatriz Williams, New York Times bestselling author of The Golden Hour)
'Set against the vividly drawn backdrops of Naples, Caracas and Sydney in the aftermath of WWII, The Light After the War by Anita Abriel is a beautifully written and heartfelt novel. I was completely swept up in Vera’s and Edith’s lives, their friendship, their heartbreaks and their triumphs. An unforgettable story of strength, love, and survival.' (Jillian Cantor, USA Today bestselling author of The Lost Letter and In Another Time)
All stars
Most relevant
I am guessing this author is young because she is still in the developmental stage. This story was good however she needs to develop her characters with more depth and definately has too much 'He said', 'She said' going on. She is yet to learn that people are quite capable of following a conversation by what's said without the need to keep saying who said what. Would I listen to another of her books? Yes, in a couple of years time.

This Author Definately Has Potential

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Found this a book I couldn't put down. Loved the courage and strenght of the people concerned. Found I was feeling thier pain and heartbreak . Narration also very good. Was happy they had a good life and found happiness.

Most enjoyable

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i liked the fact that it is based on a true story of the author's family. A bit drawn out at times, but worth persevering!

Good read!

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I began reading unaware it was based on a true story. It is always hard to hear the sufferings of Europe during WW2, so it is heartwarming to hear a story which has light. Vera and Edith's journey reminded me to reflect on how lucky we are and take perspective.
And as refugees are still seeking safety in today's world, a reminder we must never let these stories be forgotten or go unheard. Thank you Anita Abriel for telling your mothers story.

An important story. Captivating.

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This beautiful book certainly runs the gauntlet of emotions. But I loved it from start to finish.

A wonderful story

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Well worth a listen. A worthy saga of Jewish survivors of WW2 and how they adapt or dont, afterwards. Great performance. Highly recomd.

WW2 and after ... a war of hate vs love

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Some books I prefer to read rather than listen to but the narrator made this story so so much better than I could have ever read it myself. Her capacity to read in the different accents was fabulous.

Fantastic narration

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The accents got a bit too much towards the end of the book. Also, since when do Austrians speaking Austrian ( or Venezuelans speaking Spanish) have a foreign accent?
The plot was a bit too predictable. Losing the fiancé, because he couldn’t have children, marrying another guy (who conveniently shoots himself) and having his child and then said fiancé reappears.

Too much of the accents.

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One of the most wonderful books I have ever listened to. Could not recommend this enough. The book brings about empathy for the main protagonist whilst keeping a keen direct view of empathy as an outcome. I want to know more about Edith and Vera. Amazing!

Wonderful

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One can't really imagine what Jewish people went through in the Second World War but this book helps us to understand a small part of it. Couldn't put this book down.

An Inspiring Story

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