The World That We Knew (Book) - Nomi's Pic

I’ve read quite a few of Alice Hoffman’s books, and my favorite so far has been The Dovekeepers, though I also loved The Magic Trilogy. Practical Magic, which was adapted into a movie starring Nicole Kidman and Sandra Bullock, was a favorite of mine back when it first came out.

Hoffman’s writing often embraces mystical realism, blending magical elements with real-world consequences. Her ability to weave magic into historical fiction speaks to me deeply. The way she makes the supernatural so believable leaves me wondering if there might be a touch of magic in the real world after all.

The World That We Knew is a mesmerizing exploration of what it means to be human in a world that can seem devoid of humanity. It delves into love in its many forms—the love between a mother and child, between sisters, and even first love—all set against the backdrop of war.

The novel is set in 1941 Berlin, where Hanni Kohn and her daughter Lea struggle to survive under the oppressive Nazi regime. Hanni's love for Lea is boundless, but as the situation grows increasingly dire, she feels powerless to protect her. In an act of desperate love, Hanni turns to the mystical to save her daughter. She enlists the help of Ettie, the daughter of a prominent rabbi, who has learned the ancient art of creating a Golem—a creature formed to protect Lea and help her escape to safety in Switzerland.

Ava, the Golem, is strong, beautiful, and resourceful, though seemingly without a soul. Along with Lea and Ettie, she embarks on a harrowing journey through the war-torn landscape, doing what they can to survive while secretly aiding the Resistance. The experiences they face force them to grow up quickly, their childhoods stolen by the horrors around them. The people they meet along the way add layers of complexity to their story, demonstrating how love and bravery can make all the difference in times of unimaginable hardship.

The intense trials they endure will have you holding your breath, crying, and reflecting on profound questions as you turn each page. Hoffman invites readers to consider what it means to be human, what a soul truly is, and, perhaps most importantly, how we decide who is worthy of our humanity.

Though the subject matter is heavy, this book is undeniably a page-turner. I couldn’t put it down. I finished it quite a while ago, and the characters and the questions they raised are still with me, lingering in my thoughts.