4 stars for a depressing, bittersweet story of a woman who is searching for information about a father that she never knew. She was raised by her mother and a nanny, both of whom never talked about her father.The book alternates between Germany from 1929 to 1946 and 1993 U.S. and Europe as Clara searches for a father she never knew. She does find answers. If you enjoy historical fiction, I recommend this book.
#ThePorcelainMaker #NetGalley.
Thanks to Maeve Oliver at St. Martin's Press for sending me this eARC through NetGalley.

1925-1994 in Germany. Max, a Jewish architect and Bettina, a German painter met and fell in love. The war is just beginning and, eventually, their relationship is forbidden. On the day they plan to escape out of Germany, Max does not meet up with Bettina. She learns that he has been sent to Dachau. She goes to extreme measures to meet up with him to let him know he has a daughter named Clara.
1993-Cincinnati: Bettina passed away 3 years ago and Clara is seeking information about her father as her mother would not talk about her past.
This is a heartbreaking love story during WWII and the efforts and sacrifices made to survive.

This fantastic debut novel by Sarah Freethy is a dual time line novel that looks at the beauty of art in contrast with the ugliness of war.

1925-1946 - Max, a Jewish architect, and Bettina, a beautiful and celebrated German artist meet in Berlin in 1925 and fall in love. Their world is full of love and light and most importantly their art. Both are dedicated to their craft and encourage each other to try new things. By 1932, the rise of Nazism in Germany has caused her art to be labeled as decadent. Max and Bettina try to keep their hope alive and but making art has become increasingly dangerous for them as the Nazis influence on the culture of Germany pushes it to the darker side. When they can no longer support themselves, they move to Dachau with the help of a friend. Max gets false papers and a job as a laborer in a Porcelain factory while Bettina moves back in with her critical and dysfunctional family. When Max is arrested and sent to Dachau prison camp, life appears to be over for him. Will his artistic ability to make beautiful porcelain help him survive??

1993 - Clara, the daughter of Bettina is looking for clues about who her biological father was. Her mother never shared any information with her about her years in Germany during the war and after her death, Clara and her daughter begin a quest to find out what they can about her father. She starts by going to auctions and buying porcelain figurines because she knows that they have some kind of connection to her father. When she and her daughter go to Germany, her mother's secrets start to unravel as she follows the clues. Will she find the information she's been seeking or is it lost in history?

The characters are well written and believable as their lives move from love and light to despair and darkness. I understood Clara and her need to find out about her biological father and more about her mother who never shared anything about her past with her daughter. The description of the porcelain figurines made this book even more special. I love learning new things when I read and spent a lot of time goggling porcelain manufacturing and the factory in Dachau. This is a World War II story that I don't think has been told in previous books. The author did a lot of research into the art world before and during WWII. It's amazing that this is a debut novel and I look forward to future books from this author.

My thanks to Net Galley , St Martin's Press, and the personal invitation I received to review this arc.

This book was excellent! I cannot say enough about it! I have no negative comments at all.

Story opens in 1929 where a woman, Clare, tries to find the identity of who her father really was. Her only clue, a porcelain figurine.

Story switches to 1929 and tells how her parents, Bettina an artist, and Max an architect meet, Max s subsequent arrest, and what Bettina does to get back to Max and get out of Germany. Highly recommend!

This story was really quite compelling. At time it seems there are so many Holocaust books, how could an author find something new to write about but Sarah Freethy did a wonderful job from another perspective. I like many of the characters in the book and was hoping for as good a resolution as is possible in a Holocaust story. Definitely a book I would recommend.

This was a stunningly beautiful book in everyway. The plot, the characters, the love story were all exquisitely combined to form what is now one of my top favorite WWII novels. I cannot say good things about it. Before I wrote this review, I actually had to read it twice, because once was not enough. If you still have a "The Nightingale" hangover, worry no more. This book will affect you just as profoundly. I cannot wait until I can hold the paper copy in my hands. HIGHLY recommended.

I loved the dual timelines of this story. Max and Bettina have a compelling story of love and quest for survival. The component of the Bauhaus was very interesting to me as I was not familiar with the porcelain.
Many thanks to St. Martin’s Press and to Netgalley for providing me with a galley in exchange for my honest opinion.

The Porcelain Maker is an enthralling and captivating novel that seamlessly blends the realms of art and war. This immersive literary masterpiece takes readers on a compelling journey, delving into the intricate world of porcelain making amidst the backdrop of conflict.

Freethy's skillful storytelling transports readers to a time where creativity and destruction collide, painting a vivid picture of the challenges faced by artists during wartime. Through her meticulous attention to detail, she weaves a narrative that not only captivates the imagination but also sheds light on the profound impact of war on artistic expression.

As readers delve into the pages of The Porcelain Maker, they are enveloped in a world where beauty and chaos coexist. Freethy's prose effortlessly captures the essence of the characters, their struggles, and their unwavering determination to create amidst the turmoil. The novel's rich tapestry of emotions and experiences leaves an indelible mark on the reader's psyche, compelling them to reflect on the resilience of the human spirit.

Freethy's exploration of the intersection between art and war is both thought-provoking and enlightening. Through her masterful storytelling, she invites readers to contemplate the profound role that art plays in times of conflict, serving as a beacon of hope, a means of expression, and a testament to the indomitable nature of the human soul.

In conclusion, The Porcelain Maker by Sarah Freethy is a captivating and thought-provoking novel that seamlessly intertwines the realms of art and war. With its immersive narrative and profound exploration of the human spirit, this literary gem is sure to leave a lasting impression on readers, igniting their passion for both art and history.

Beautifully written, heartwarming debut novel. We'll paced novel with characters to both love and hate.

A woman’s quest to learn her family history uncovers both great beauty and horror.

Clara Vogel has never known who her father is. Her enigmatic mother Bettina, a world-reknowned artist from Germany who lived much of her adult life in London, has shared very little of her past with her daughter. Certain topics were understood to be taboo, and Clara grew up knowing how to avoid upsetting Bettina. When Bettina passes away Clara is ready to search for answers to the many questions she has, with the help of her daughter Lotte. A connection between one of her mother’s most famous paintings and a porcelain factory that existed near Dachau during World War II is the thread that Clara must follow to discover the truth of her mother’s life and her own background….and she will uncover so much more than she ever expected.

The story unfolds both in 1993, when Clara begins her quest, and in the years leading up t0 and during World War II, when Bettina is first an art student then successful artist. Clara’s quest for answers is one with which readers can identify; many who lived during those war years have never fully shared their experiences with their families. But it is Bettina’s story that truly captured my attention. A lovely young German woman from a modest background, Bettina is a talented and ambitious artist who finds fulfillment in the circle of avant-garde artists she encounters at school. She meets and falls in love with Max, a budding Austrian architect from a Jewish family. They have dreams of creating art and beginning a family together, but they are not living in a time nor a place where either avant-garde art or being Jewish is safe. They start planning their escape, but fate can not be so easily avoided. Their love and determination may not be enough to overcome what is happening within Germany, where friendships and betrayals can go hand in hand. Clara had always believed her mother to be fragile, but will discover that she was anything but weak. There really was a porcelain factory on the grounds of Dachau, which seems to be an unimaginable juxtaposition of beauty and horror. The Porcelain Maker shows us that the two can, and in fact did, live side by side in a world gone mad. Intriguing characters, a richly detailed backdrop, and a view of this time in history through art make for an excellent read. Fans of Kristin Hannah, Susan Isaacs and Julia Kelly should definitely give this novel a try, as should lovers of art and history. Many thanks to NetGalley and St Martin’s Press for sharing an advanced reader’s copy with me in return for my honest review.

In 1929 Germany, Max, a Jewish architect, and Bettina, a painter, meet and instantly forge a connection. Years later, when the Nazi's come into power, their relationship is threatened. When Max is arrested, he is sent to Dachau, where he works at a porcelain factory. Bettina, determined to survive, marries a Nazi official for safety, and works to find her way into the porcelain factory. In the 1990's, Clara, Bettina's daughter, begins searching for the identity of her father, and the secrets that her mother kept from her.

I enjoyed the WWII storyline, but felt that the modern storyline was unnecessary. It took focus away from Bettina and Max, and slowed everything down. The modern day story unraveled in a very expected manner and did not contribute to the story. Overall, 3 out of 5 stars.

I was drawn in from the first line, “In a tall cabinet, on a glass shelf, lies a white porcelain rabbit.” This sets up the truth-seeking endeavor of a daughter to find the identity of her biological father.

I liked how the author allowed the reader to enter Bettina Vogel and Max Erhlich’s art world and showed how they are met with a historical fork in the road that shuts their creativity and lively hood down and traps them in ways they never anticipated. This is an epic story about love, betrayal, art, and family I couldn’t put down.
My heart broke for this couple, as they attempted to produce beautiful work in perilous conditions, and under circumstances meant to break Max and his spirit. The author weaves this timeline with a Bauhaus Movement featuring two artists, a Jewish architect, Max Erhlich, and a German Painter, Bettina Volgel, who strive to live through the Nazi cruelty in hopes that their art will stand the test of time.

This novel opens up in 1993 and flashes back to the summer of 1929 as we follow a young couple in love living in Germany. Soon things there start to change, and they are soon prohibited from getting married since Max is Jewish. Architect Max is engaged in work on the autobahn. Bettina enjoys creating abstract art, but all of a sudden is forbidden to do so by law.

What would a mother in 1929 Germany do to protect her child? What Clara does to save Bettina is soon revealed near the end. The author does a fantastic job of placing the reader in the moment by creating a palpitating suspense, along with a few unexpected twists and turns. as Max and Clara are trying to make since of what was happening around the world.

This is a engrossing tale that is easy to get lost in. This book would work well for your next book club pick. This is the author’s debut novel. I’m eager to see what her next novel will be about. This is an author to watch.

Disclosure Material Connection: I requested and received a copy of this book from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Nora St. Laurent
TBCN Where Book Fun Begins!
The Book Club Network blog https://psalm516.blogspot.com/

A very promising debut!

This book is a dual timeline book alternating between the late 30s and early 90s.
Clara is trying to find who her father really was. Bettina, her late mother, never spoke about her father and what leads to her father is the porcelain figurines made in Dachau.

It was a beautiful yet heartbreaking reading experience to follow Bettina's life during the WWII and Clara's journey to find her father. I'd recommend this book to those who enjoy reading historical fiction and romance

Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for the eARC in exchange for an honest review

An incredibly well written debut!!!!

The story is told in two different timelines and perspectives. I felt like this helped the book keep a good pace. The perspectives are of mother and daughter. It was a great way to get to know the characters.

It’s a story of World War II but also so much know.
Congrats Sarah Freethy on such an amazing debut story!!!

This was a beautifully written, yet sad historical fiction, starting pre WWII.

Told in alternating time lines 1929 thru 1940's & the other being 1993.

Clara (1993) is trying to find out who her father was, & she comes upon a photograph of her mom with 3 other men, 2 in prison camp uniforms. This puts her on a search to find out who these men are & the connection to her mom.

The other part of the story focuses on the changes in & around Germany, how this effects the work of artists who do not meet the criteria of Nazi Germany & the relationship between Bettina & Max.

This is a love story, also an interesting story about a porcelain factory at Dachau & many missed chances to get away from it all. The story focuses more on people, art, danger & not too much about the actual horrors for how people were treated in the camps. There is some but not as heavy as other books I have read.

I loved the way the author portrayed Bettina & Max & then how we find out many years later what happened to them & their respective works of art.

I did go & look up these porcelain pieces.

I was given an advance copy via Net Galley & St Martin's Press in exchange for a fair & truthful review

This dual timeline novel carries all the emotional and physical burdens of World War ll, the Holocaust, and the impact of these events on relationships and families. The porcelain figurines found at auction in Cincinnati,1993, represent the tension and anxiousness fired into Sarah Freethy’s characters. From the opening of the novel in Germany,1929 when the main characters meet, through America, 1993, when Clara is searching for clues to her past, readers will experience love and marriage consequences, the Allach Porcelain Factory, the concentration camp in Dachau, along with frightening rescue attempts.
The climax of the plot is set in the basement of the porcelain factory. As an escape plan is formed Freethy’s chilling descriptions, plot twists, and courageous characters keep suspense at a peak. The porcelain making techniques and regimens of the prisoners, aside the brutal treatment and plight of the Jews makes this an emotionally challenging and demanding novel. Sarah Freethy’s The Porcelain Maker is a work of art. And as “The Porcelain Maker of Dachau believes, “Art should serve a purpose beyond beauty.”

In this dual timeline novel, Clara buys porcelain figurines made in Dachau because she believes they will lead her to who her father was. Her mother Bettina refused to speak of him.
During the war years, Bettina, her lover, and their artsy crowd ran afoul of the Nazis. Tragedy is bound to happen. Her SS brother is pure evil and she married a cruel Nazi. This was not a pleasure to read, and I did skip forward to see how the book ended.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions are my own.

This book is a dual timeline - Germany in 1929 and America in 1993. Max and Bettina, both artists in their own way are trying to stay safe in a war-ridden land. Max is taken to Dachau and becomes one of the most prolific porcelain makers.

Clara, Bettina's daughter, is trying to find out who her father was. She is hunting down porcelain made at Dachau to solve the mystery with her own daughter.

This is one of those historical fiction novels that you want to be true and you are rooting for Clara the entire time. Clara is looking for her father, but also learning about her mother and herself in the process. This was a fantastic read.

Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for an advance copy for review.

The porcelain maker is a dual timeline historical fiction book, mostly set in Nazi Germany. In present day, actually the 1990s, Clara is trying to discover who her father was, since her mysterious artist mother never told her. The older story is a love story between Bettina, Clara's mother, and Max, both artists, but Max is Jewish so they cannot marry. I won't give anything away, but there is a lot of cruelty by the Nazis, as expected. Bettina and Max want to love each other and make meaningful art, but they are trapped by their time.

Kudos to Sarah Freethy, the author of “The Porcelain Maker,” for writing such a mighty masterpiece. This is a captivating, heartbreaking, thought-provoking, and memorable Historical Fiction Novel. During this time of the Jewish New Year, this serves as a bitter reminder that we mustn’t forget. The genres for this novel are Historical Fiction, Fiction, Romance, and World War Two. The actual German art factory inspires this in Dachau. Sarah Freethy is a fantastic storyteller, and this is a well-written novel that vividly describes the scenery, characters, and plot. The author describes the dramatic characters as complex and complicated. There are betrayals, cruelty, danger, and the contrast of good and evil. Beautiful artwork that depicts and represents the times and courageous and loyal characters are discussed. There also are the tragic circumstances of Germany and concentration camps and the evilness and immoral events of the times.

In 1929, Bettina, an avant-garde painter, and Max, A Jewish Architect, are romantically involved in Germany. Bettina comes from a dysfunctional wealthy family and beats to the tune of her drum. This was when Nazism was strong in Germany, and Max was sent to a concentration camp. Max starts making various porcelain pieces that represent the German government. Bettina is obsessed with locating Max.

In 1993, in America, Bettina’s daughter Clara discovered pieces of porcelain that might lead to the identity of her biological father. Clara is obsessed with piecing the parts of her historical puzzle. The author brings both timelines together in a heartfelt and memorable way. I highly recommend this thought-provoking novel, and I do recommend having tissues nearby.