Forbidden Love or Survival Tactic? In #WeAreOnlyGhosts a Jewish man and an ex-Nazi reenter each other's lives years after their initial meeting in Auschwitz during WWII. What follows is a trip down memory lane, and a story of forbidden love—or is it a story of Survival? Jeffrey L. Richards keeps you turning the pages in this captivating story with excellent character development and storytelling that is hard not to love. The writing alone is compelling, and I found that I was anxious to keep finding out what would (or had) happen(ed) next in both the present and past storylines, all taking place in a history that is tough, but shouldn't be forgotten. The final transition from present-to-past-to-present had me confused for a bit near the end, but otherwise this was a beautifully written and heartbreaking story with a satisfying ending. I would recommend this book to fans of historical fiction who don't mind rated-R queer (MM) love stories, and can handle some tough subject matter. I'll be keeping an eye out for Mr. Richards's next book. Thank you to #NetGalley, Kensington Books, and the author for providing me with this ARC in return for an honest review. 4.25 stars from me.

A really great historical fiction work focusing on the intense, complicated relationship between a prisoner at Auschwitz and a commander at the camp. This book stuck with me and I definitely will be recommending it for bookclub.

We Are Only Ghosts by Kate Alice Marshall is a haunting and introspective novel that beautifully captures the complexities of grief, memory, and identity. The story weaves together supernatural elements with a deeply emotional exploration of loss, as the protagonist grapples with the lingering presence of those who have passed. Marshall’s evocative prose creates a chilling atmosphere, while the narrative draws readers into the protagonist’s inner world, where the lines between past and present blur. The novel’s slow-burn suspense and strong emotional undercurrents make it a compelling read for those who enjoy reflective, eerie tales. It’s a quiet, unsettling journey into the ways we are shaped by those we’ve lost.

Trigger Warning: This review discusses a book that contains themes of rape, abuse, torture, and violence.

"We are only ghosts" by Jeffrey L Richards is a complex and thought-provoking novel set against the backdrop of post-World War II New York City and the haunting memories of the Holocaust. The story follows Charles Ward, a headwaiter at Café Marie in 1968, whose carefully constructed life is upended when a figure from his past resurfaces.

Richards weaves a narrative that alternates between Charles's present life in New York and his harrowing experiences as a young Jewish boy in Nazi-occupied Europe. The novel delves into the complicated relationship between Charles and Obersturmführer Berthold Werden, a Nazi officer who both protected and abused him during his time in Auschwitz.

The book presents an intriguing, albeit disturbing and problematic, perspective on LGBTQIA+ experiences during World War II. Richards skillfully navigates the psychological complexities of a sexually and psychologically abused person, offering readers a nuanced portrayal of trauma and its long-lasting effects. The author's approach to character development is particularly noteworthy, as he resists painting characters in simple black and white terms. Instead, each individual is presented with a range of moods, behaviors, and motivations, adding depth and authenticity to the story.

One of the novel's strengths lies in its refusal to simplify the human experience, even in the face of unimaginable cruelty. The relationship between Charles and Berthold is portrayed with uncomfortable complexity, forcing readers to confront the gray areas of human nature and the lasting impact of trauma on identity and sexuality.

However, it is important to note that the subject matter and graphic depictions in "We are only ghosts" may be too disturbing for some readers. The novel doesn't shy away from the brutal realities of the Holocaust and the lasting psychological scars it left on survivors. While this unflinching approach lends authenticity to the narrative, it also makes for a challenging and potentially triggering read.

In conclusion, "We are only ghosts" is a powerful and provocative novel that explores themes of survival, identity, and the long shadow cast by historical trauma. While it may not be suitable for all readers due to its intense subject matter, those who engage with it will find a thought-provoking exploration of human resilience and the complexity of the human psyche in the face of unspeakable horrors.

We Are Only Ghosts is a heavy tale centering the post-Holocaust. It is not an easy read, with its characters and story being at times uncomfortable to get through. Despite the apparent care put into the text, I could see that some moments were more important to the author than others, and thus were more skilledly written, creating a see-saw effect.
All in all, this is certainly a daring historical novel that will stay with the reader for a long time.

An intense and heartbreaking read, I always enjoy historical fiction that feels like a memoir, and the fact that it works is a testament to how well researched it is. We feel for Charles in so many ways as we journey along his life, and whilst this book was daring and toes the line of controversial, I think you pulled it off.

'We Are All Ghosts' by Jeffrey L. Richards is a striking tale set during the Holocaust that explores the role of identities, power, and survival instincts in the human story. It asks us to think of the extent to which one could go to preserve themselves. It also tries to determine the cost of retrieving the lost identity.

A sort of gothic thriller that really gets you thinking and wondering who can you trust. It was entertaining b

Not actually sure what the author was trying to achieve here...
This is not your normal Holocaust novel. I've read many, and this does stand out, but for the wrong reasons in my opinion.

This took me by surprise. For the content and also for the illustrious way the author conducts it. There's a sense of morality, of right and wrong, but we go along with the main character for the ride, very much letting his choices be judged (or not) by us. The historical setting has definitely been used up and I'm no expert to detail any incongruence, because for all I know Jeffrey L. Richards succeeded telling a complicate and raw story in a very compelling way.

The concept of this sounded like it risked being "problematic" but I found the execution excellent and it alleviated a lot of my concerns. A beautifully written story about survival, guilt, revenge and how to move on from unimaginable trauma.

This was definitely nothing like I expected, but that doesn't mean it was bad. The Holocaust is a very difficult subject matter no matter who's point of view you are listening (aka reading) to. Adding gay characters makes it different from other books in the historical fiction genre. I disagree about what some are describing as a love affair between a Jewish character and a Nazi officer. I don't see it as a love affair as much as it was doing what you needed to do to survive in the moment. Charles was a young man who was definitely taken advantage of during a time when he couldn't say no, even if he wanted to, lest he lose his life. (Please check trigger warnings as there are definitely some difficult moments described in this story) I can't say I enjoyed the story, but I will say I could appreciate a differently nuanced story than what I've previously read

Ghosts can come in so many images. A memory, a poltergeist, thoughts which haunt you, and horrors remembered in the real and spiritual world. We Are Only Ghosts will torment you with its sad, gruesome memories of a life in which the main character’s soul was ripped out of him and he was left empty. A burden which will take his whole life to try and be able to find a sense of peace in himself, and as well as others and to finally release the ghosts which will never go away.

Charles Ward works in a bakery cafe in New York. Cafe Marie is his sanctuary. All those who know him think he is a quiet, honest good man who is American. But, underneath this facade is a tortured man who had been imprisoned as a child in a Nazi concentration camp who witnessed abuse and death and was emotionally and physically mistreated. With much luck, and the kindness of some, he was able to flee the homeland he loved and make his way to the place he now lives but can and will never call home.

His name, common. His papers legal. Charles Ward lives quietly with the same daily routine. Yes, he fears being caught, but he has been here for a while, so those thoughts have lessened. Until one day, a man from his past, his torturer comes into his workplace. Berthold Werden was Ward’s punisher who he hated with a passion. Seeing him in his sanctuary haunts him. What is he doing in New York let alone in the Cafe? Does he know who he really is?

He begins to follow this man to see what kind of a life he has. Unfortunately, it seems he has made a good life for himself and his family. Ward can’t tolerate this as Werden ruined his and his family’s life, without feeling anything for those he abused. Now this ghost has become real, and Ward cannot help but begin to remember what his life had been as a child growing up with people hating him for no reason.

Ward goes back in time to his life with Werden and the abuse and death he witnessed. Those ghosts who haunted his dreams are now standing in front of him and he can’t retaliate for fear of being exposed.

Suddenly his life takes a terrible turn, and he finds himself and his life in jeopardy. He should have learned the lesson that demons never change and if possible, will find you and try and ruin you. Now it’s up to him to decide what to do. What choice can this simple man who has tried so hard to fit into a country which he doesn’t love but must stay for fear of repercussions.

We Are Only Ghosts is powerful. A sad, horrific story but an absolutely necessary read to remind all of us that happened all those years ago could happen again if we don’t allow the ghosts to continue telling their stories.

Thank you #NetGalley #KensingtonBooks #BetweenTheChapters #AJohnScognamilioBook #JeffreyL.Richards #WeAreOnlyGhosts for the advanced copy.

I received a digital ARC from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. All opinions expressed are my own.

This novel was very difficult to read. I did appreciate how the timeline moved backwards, so we knew Charles as an adult survivor first.

We Are Only Ghosts by Jeffrey L. Richards is an absolute masterpiece! From the very first page, I was captivated by the intricate storyline and richly developed characters. Richards has a remarkable ability to blend mystery, suspense, and supernatural elements seamlessly, keeping me on the edge of my seat until the very end. The pacing is perfect, never a dull moment as the plot unfolds with unexpected twists and turns. The prose is beautifully crafted, immersing me in the haunting atmosphere of the story. This novel is a must-read for anyone who loves a gripping tale that will stay with them long after the last page. I cannot recommend it highly enough!

*Thank you so much to the author, publisher, and NetGalley for the chance to review an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.*

'We Are Only Ghosts' by Jeffrey L Richards is a gripping novel that delves into themes of survival, trauma, and identity amidst the backdrop of World War II. The narrative is emotionally intense and thought-provoking, offering readers a poignant exploration of human resilience and the lasting effects of war.

Many thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for an E-ARC in exchange for an unbiased review.

What really worked for me in this story were the themes of immigration, perseverance despite devastation and an evil guy getting exactly what he deserves.

Charles Ward (Karel Benakov) is a Czech Jew who lives through the atrocities of WWII. I felt like the author did a great job describing a young man who is gay in the 1940s who must come to an understanding of who he is all while experiencing Auschwitz, the separation of family as well as death. The passages were meaningful and told with care. The descriptions of Charles' eating Shabbat and working with other Jewish men in the Czech factory were touching and moving. It made Charles' family and life experiences very personal. I cared for his family members.

Charles experiences while immigrating and his current life in New York City were interesting for me. Because the reader is shown so many devastating and sad atrocities from Auschwitz I was glad to see Charles meeting people in NYC that were caring and helpful towards a new immigrant. We as readers need moments of light within a book so were not drug us down. The moments where Charles experienced grace pull us back up to the surface with hope. I loved hearing about Charles' love of cooking and how it lead to his current career. I enjoyed how Jeffrey Richards developed his character into a man that perseveres and continues to love life. The descriptions of NYC were great and you could almost feel the late 1960s New York radiating from the pages.

The section of the book that I had the most difficult time absorbing was naturally the sections of the book which took place at Auschwitz in Poland. I found it incredibly hard to believe that Charles/Karel would be attracted to Obersturmfuehrer Berthold Werden. I must place a caveat here that I am not a gay male nor am I of Jewish descent. Please take my opinion with a grain of salt. I could only place my own experience as a cis female in perspective. I believe that if I was a Jewish woman in servitude to a male SS member that I would be terrified and only complying in an effort to stay alive. I don't believe at any time that I would be attracted to my captor even if he was a straight male.

I continuously told myself that this was a story and that I wasn't being asked as to what I would do in a situation. The story was interesting and it did bring another perspective. This book could very easily be discussed in a college course both from a psychological perspective and well as a LGBTQ history course. The discussion would surely be intense and cause interesting opinions.

Readers who enjoyed Lolita by Vladimir Nabokov and My Dark Vanessa by Kate Elizabeth Russell will find this interesting and thought provoking. Side note, I'm glad our antagonist got what was coming to him. Poetic justice can be so sweet when served to a despicable human being.

This is a very good book, it does include scenes from WW2 in flashbacks and they can be disturbing as they should be. Charles works at a French Cafe in New York, it is 1968 and he is content, he lives in a one bedroom apartment, he is close with the other server (they are gay) and for the most part he's happy. Until one day a man from his past comes in, Berthold was in the German army, a high ranking official who was posted to Auschwitz. In a flashback to that time, we learn that Berthold takes Charles to his house as a servant of sorts, except that he wants him for more than that, he is a closeted gay man (he would have been killed if anyone knew he was), and Charles and him become intimate, not by choice as far as Charles is concerned, but the alternative is to be returned to the camp and face being killed. This carries on until the Allied army advance on Auschwitz and Berthold takes Charles to a remote village and tells him to present himself as a young boy and go into an orphanage, Charles doesn't, he instead goes to a cafe where he is hired as a baker. Back in 1968, Charles realizes that Berthold doesn't know who he his, and when he tells him, Berthold wants to resume their relationship. Charles has mixed feelings about this, he had developed feelings for Berthold, but those were colored by what Berthold did when Charles asked to see his family members who were also in the camp. I enjoyed this book and I would recommend though some of the subject matter is disturbing. Thanks to #Netgalley and #Kensington Books for the ARC.

A dark novel that won't be for everyone. Set during and after the Holocaust, it has scenes of abuse- in more ways that one, Richards has some interesting things to say and he writes well but this one is tough. Fans of the WWII novel should make sure they check the trigger warnings first.