Wow. This was a heart-wrenching book, and truly brutal in its subject matter.

Drawn from the horrifying history of the Handmaid's Tale-esque Lebensborn eugenics program, this fictional story takes us on Allina Strauss' journey from idyllic German life to the shocking revelation of her true identity and the ensuing battle to save her own life -- and others while working in secret as a nurse at a Nazi-run baby factory.

Even though this is a work of fiction, you can tell it's deeply researched, and it's these historical foundations of truth that are so haunting and heartbreaking.

There are many content warnings for this book -- including brutal sexual assault and murder -- so I urge you to familiarize yourself with the subject matter before reading; it's brutal and haunting and truly difficult to stomach at times.

This story of horrors is hard to read, but also manages to infuse moments of love, hope, resilience, and light. It's a deeply resonant story with a powerful execution. It's a story -- and a history -- you'll be thinking about long after you finish.

Thank you to St. Martin's Press and Netgalley for the e-ARC in exchange for my honest, unbiased review. THE SUNFLOWER HOUSE is out now.

Adriana Allegra’s debut novel, The Sunflower House, is a must-read dual-timeline novel about the Lebensborn Program, which rose from the Notorious Henrich Himmler’s pogrom to encourage a proliferation of births among pure German SS officers and young German women of ‘good Aryan stock.’ As a debut novel, this story is a must-read for any WWII historical fiction enthusiast.

I have read several books, both fiction and non-fiction, about the Lebensborn program and the push for young Aryan German girls to reproduce, regardless of marriage, for the benefit of the Reich. But this story blends romance with the horrors of Hitler’s secret programs surrounding his horrific plans to use women and children to further his 1000-year Reich.

Rich in imagery, peppered with characters that jump off the page and into your heart, this very well-researched tale kept me entranced from the first page to the last. I felt as if I was living alongside Allina as she discovered she is half-Jewish when her uncle revealed the story about her deceased parents and how her aunt and uncle came to raise her to protect her as Hitler’s madness spread across. Europe. Creating a new identity for her, they kept the secret of her parentage from her. Then, one day, a cruel German officer and his company of German soldiers raided their tiny town, killing her aunt several days after her uncle had died. A madman forced Allina into a sadistic, impossible situation. Throughout the tale, Allina’s experiences reveal the brutality of the Reich pogroms, as an officer forces her to work at one of Hitler’s baby factories, which are brothels disguised as homes for unwed mothers and officer’s wives.

A beautifully written romance develops between an SS officer named Karl and a traumatized Allina at Hochman House. As he falls for her, he secretly shields her from officers who seek to ruin her. But Allina is not the only one holding secrets. Karl is hiding a few of his own, and so is the Director of the baby factory.

This is a tale of strength despite adversity, with characters so rich and realistic you want to jump inside the book and offer them your help and support. As Allina avoids the obligation of producing a Lebensborn child or children by working for the Director of the House, Karl and she creates an elaborate plan to help Jewish children and other children born at Hochman House.

Adriana Allegra brings this often ignored historical travesty to light as the timeline shifts to a grandmother in New Jersey decades after the war, telling her granddaughter the secrets of her family, the tale of the bravery of her SS officer grandfather, bringing the horrors of the Nazi Reich to light, echoing how easily it is to indoctrinate a population through fear and intimidation to participate in the evils of one man's vision for his country and people.

I can honestly say this is one of the best stories I have read in years. I am absolutely in awe of this writer’s debut novel. It not only educates readers but also shows the human side of a horrific period in history, the battles many German officers fought in opposition to the Hitler regime, and the price they paid for their courage.

Five stars, hands down. I want to thank Net Galley, the publisher, and Adriana Allegra for the opportunity to read this as a free ARC. My review is voluntary and mine alone.

An absolute powerhouse of a debut novel - a beautifully written heartbreak.

I was very impressed with the research obviously put into this - though not at all an easy read, the story is well written and engaging, showcasing hope and love amidst true horrors. The imagery of the story feels particularly timely right now and will give readers much to think about.

The author did a stellar job and I look forward to reading whatever Ms Allegri writes next.



Thank you to St. Martin’s Press and NetGalley for the DRC

Courtesy of Netgalley and St. Martin's Press, I received the ARC of The Sunflower House, a debut novel by Adriana Allegri. This well researched historical fiction highlights the Lebensborn Program of WWII in Nazi Germany. While the characters epitomized strength through the worst circumstances, the situations were heartbreaking. I especially loved the friendship through adversity, in spite of all the secrets. Highly recommend this book!

I’m a big fan of historical fiction and find myself reading a lot of WWII books. And every time I think the horrors of that war can’t be any worse, I stumble across something new. The Lebensborn program saw healthy women basically used to breed the new Aryan race, and the children who were not deemed worthy were often ignored and mistreated. Allina is hiding her Jewish roots while working in a Lebensborn home, fighting for the children under her care at the height of the war, when she meets Karl, an SS officer sympathetic to her plight. Definitely worth a read.
Thank you to NetGalley and St Martin’s Press for an advance copy.

A big standing ovation and applause for the first-time author of The Sunflower House, Adriana Allegri.

This is a well-researched and well-written book.

I have read many books on The Holocaust, but not from this perspective.

It flowed well and kept my interest from start to finish.

The topic of this debut novel is about the Lebensborn Program of Nazi Germany.

Where the women of “pure” blood stayed in Lebensborn homes for the purpose of being a baby factory and increasing the Aryan population

Another very sad story of this horrific time in history, but one that needs to be told.

Thank you to NetGalley, The Author and
St. Martin's Press for my advanced copy to read and review.

I knew that the Nazis had encouraged German women to bear many children, but I didn’t appreciate how far they pushed that agenda. The Sunflower House, by Adriana Allegri, is a gripping new page-turner about the Lebensborn program, which was intended to help repopulate Germany with good Aryans to replace the men lost in wars. The shortage of men due to all the deaths in the First World War, combined with tough economic times post-war, led to a declining population in Germany during the inter-war period. One way that eugenicist Heinrich Himmler devised to encourage the birth of more high-quality stock was to encourage even unmarried Ayran women to breed. The regime set up a network of birthing houses in Germany and in conquered territories (including Norway, Austria, Denmark and even France). This novel, based heavily on documented fact, explores how these houses worked, through the eyes of an orphaned woman who ends up in one after having learned a startling secret about her own lineage.

Most of the babies born to unwed mothers in these Lebensborn facilities were turned over to well-connected Nazi families. Because the birth mothers were well fed and cared for during their pregnancies, some married women with connections, such as officers’ wives, would also go to them for their final weeks of pregnancy and first few weeks postpartum.

I was startled to learn that some of the facilities became essentially whorehouses for Nazi officers, who were encouraged to spread their seed at parties held at the homes. Pretty young German women who weren’t pregnant would be invited to come and help produce babies for the nation’s glory. As Adriana Allegri writes in her author’s note, “Sexual relations became sport, sport with a sacred purpose.” There were even dinner parties where, in true Handmaid’s Tale fashion, the wife would sit on one side of the officer and his breeder du jour on the other.

Another shameful secret explored in the book was that a huge proportion of the babies born in these houses failed to thrive, despite their “pure” lineage. The suggestion in the novel is that this was because the care of the newborns was overly regimented, not giving the babies the stimulation they needed to learn to speak and move properly. As a result, a huge number of the babies were sent off for the Nazi’s horrendous medical “experiments”.

Although the book is a bit heavy on the romance angle for my taste (though that would doubtless be a pro rather than a con for many readers), it was a well-told and informative story that kept me reading eagerly. The main character, Allina, is complex. She struggles with her quick temper and reluctance to play the games required to survive. The book also explores secrets, and the impact they can have on relationships and future generations. Overall, a moving and thought-provoking read. This would be great book club material!

I haven't been reading enough Historical Fiction, mainly because I am very picky. I am not a huge fan of historical fiction romance, fantasy, or magical realism, so its a challenge to find a solid novel with none of the elements I mentioned.

The Sunflower House by Adriana Allegri was terrific. I am so glad I read it. World War II fiction can be draining and intense, so I don’t read a ton of it. But this one is a must-read if you are in the mood for a well-written novel about one of the worst times in history.

Synopsis:

In a sleepy German village, Allina Strauss’s life seems idyllic: she works at her uncle’s bookshop, makes strudel with her aunt, and spends weekends with her friends and fiancé. But it’s 1939, Adolf Hitler is Chancellor, and Allina’s family hides a terrifying secret — her birth mother was Jewish, making her a Mischling.

One fateful night after losing everyone she loves, Allina is forced into service as a nurse at a state-run baby factory called Hochland Home. There, she becomes both witness and participant to the horrors of Heinrich Himmler’s ruthless eugenics program.

The Sunflower House is a meticulously-researched debut historical novel from Adriana Allegri that uncovers the notorious Lebensborn Program of Nazi Germany. Women of “pure” blood stayed in Lebensborn homes for the sole purpose of perpetuating the Aryan population, giving birth to thousands of babies who were adopted out to “good” Nazi families. Allina must keep her Jewish identity a secret in order to survive, but when she discovers the neglect occurring within the home, she’s determined not only to save herself, but also the children in her care.

A tale of one woman’s determination to resist and survive, The Sunflower House is also a love story. When Allina meets Karl, a high-ranking SS officer with secrets of his own, the two must decide how much they are willing to share with each other — and how much they can stand to risk as they join forces to save as many children as they can. The threads of this poignant and heartrending novel weave a tale of loss and love, friendship and betrayal, and the secrets we bury in order to save ourselves.

Just when I think I couldn't possibly read another book about Hitler's shameful actions leading to World War II, I discover another one that features an aspect I knew very little about. Even though the characters are fictional, the story is based on true events. The author did years of research and poured her heart and soul into this debut novel. The Sunflower House by Adriana Allegri is one that I will definitely be recommending to my fellow readers. Thanks to NetGalley, St. Martin's Press and the author for a copy to read and review.

Well-written and moving story of a young German woman caught up in the horrors of Nazi Germany. Passionate about serving others, she finds herself working in the Lebensborn Program, where the Nazi’s centered their Aryan repopulation efforts. The power of this book is in showing how every corner of life in Nazi Germany was tainted by evil and hatred, while those who disagreed were forced into the shadows and cracks as they sought to serve their souls. I really respected how well the author balanced the frustrations and horror of some Germans through main characters of Allina and Karl with the emotional torture they faced as they played the loyal Nazis in order to survive and maintain access to areas where they could resist. Heartbreaking at times, this book consumed my thoughts and emotions. (I only gave it four stars because of the final chapter, which took me from the honest tensions into an overly contrived, oft-heard philosophical proclamation.)

Thank you to St. Martin’s Press, Netgalley, and the author for early access to this moving book.

Title: The Sunflower House
Author: Adriana Allegri
Length: 336 pages
Format: ebook arc
Pub Date: Nov 12 2024
Genre:Historical Fiction | Romance | Women's Fiction
Rating Out of 5: ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️
Summary:
Allina Strauss, hiding her Jewish heritage, is forced to work at Hochland Home, part of Heinrich Himmler’s eugenics program. Witnessing horrific neglect, she risks everything to save the children under her care. Amid danger, Allina forms a bond with Karl, an SS officer with secrets of his own, as they strive to resist and protect innocent lives. This meticulously-researched debut is a gripping tale of love, loss, and courage in the face of unimaginable evil.

Thoughts:
I just finished this book, and I don’t know what to do now! I’m wrecked. My mind is mush. I’ve finished crying. This story was wonderful and awful in so many ways, as is all WWII historical fiction novels. I’ll be honest, I almost put this book right back down after I started reading because the beginning has a horrific rape scene. I’m glad I didn’t put it down because I would’ve missed a really great story. I had no idea the Lebensborn e.V. was a thing. At all. I’m finding I know so little about history as I read more and more historical fiction novels. It was very fascinating and unnerving to read about this, however, the author made it as digestible as it could be. Lebensborn aside, the story of Allina reconnecting with her mother through her mother finally telling her about her past was beautifully done. And the love story between Allina and Karl was so beautiful that it made me weep for the happily ever after they didn’t get. I’m so thankful to books like this one for giving me an inspiring story while also teaching me a little about the past. The author does note at the end that her main characters and their mission were fictional, but everything else was based on true events. All in all, I HIGHLY recommend this book!

Special thanks to the @netgalley and @stmartinspress for the arc in exchange for my honest review!

Sometimes it feels like the WWII trope is over done. I have gotten pretty picky about what I read. This is a 10/10 and a book that I will keep on my shelves. I read this as an epub and ordered it as soon as it was available in print. Do not miss this.

I was hooked from the start as the story opens in Summer 2006 in Ramsey, N.J., and a 2 a.m. call is answered by Katherine. It’s the hospital letting her know her 86-year-old mother was in the ER—with a sprained wrist and a bump on her head. Katherine was upset, but her mom was a hurricane of a woman; she would recover quickly. Katherine was learning how to mother her mother. It was hard

Katrine discovers something unexpected in her mother's bedroom closet. Katherine learns about the Sunflower House scenario for the first time. Katrine begs her mother, Allina, to explain her unusual upbringing. When she does expound, there is a lot to unfold. Katrine now needs to make sense of what she has learned.

In another timeline, the author shows Allina as a heroic young lady who has the courage to fight for what is right in relation to the WWII Nazi baby factory. Warning: There is a brief rape scene featuring a young girl and a Nazi. Babies are ignored and abused, living in deplorable conditions. I’ve read many WWII books, but I'd never heard of "baby factories" until reading this historical novel.

This story is based on true events. The author describes how she learned about the Sunflower House in the author’s notes: "Why a novel about the SS Lebensborn program? Once I learned about facilities like Hochland Home, I couldn’t get them out of my head.” Hitler was trying to create a master race.”

“Homes started out as havens for unwed mothers who gave their babies to “good Nazi families.” Not realizing there was something much more sinister afoot. “

This novel takes a different approach by telling the story of Germans who disagreed with what the Reich sought. However, there is a twist in this intense story. Set in Nazi Germany, the terror is mixed with moments of tenderness as Allina and Karl fight together to help the children. They were aware of the risk that they were putting themselves in, but they continued to fight for the innocent ones, their beliefs, and their love. This is a must read.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I requested and received a copy of this book by the publisher and NetGalley. 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/

This story was very hard to read. It tells of a Nazi WWII baby factory. So much sadness and cruelty caused by Hitler.

Historical Fiction; great narration on audio. really nice story; enjoyed the characters and their journey.

Title:  The Sunflower House  
Author: Adriana Allegri         
Genre: Historical fiction        
Rating: 5 out of 5

In a sleepy German village, Allina Strauss’s life seems idyllic: she works at her uncle’s bookshop, makes strudel with her aunt, and spends weekends with her friends and fiancé. But it's 1939, Adolf Hitler is Chancellor, and Allina’s family hides a terrifying secret—her birth mother was Jewish, making her a Mischling.

One fateful night after losing everyone she loves, Allina is forced into service as a nurse at a state-run baby factory called Hochland Home. There, she becomes both witness and participant to the horrors of Heinrich Himmler’s ruthless eugenics program.

The very idea of this eugenics program is horrifying to me, but the author did an excellent job of capturing bits of hope amidst such darkness. Allina experiences true horror the night her life fell apart, and she took a long time to heal from it, but she did. I appreciated the hope that part of the story illustrated. This was well-written and so moving—and I loved every page of it.

Adriana Allegri lives in Arizona. The Sunflower House is her newest novel.

(Galley courtesy of St. Martin’s Press in exchange for an honest review.)

Heart breaking, gut wrenching, a beautiful book with lyrical writing. I highly recommend to all my historical fiction fans

Allina has a decent life, living with her aunt and uncle and working in her uncle's shop. But then he falls ill and reveals to her the truth of her birth--she is part Jewish, which in Nazi Germany is very dangerous. When her uncle dies and her world falls apart, Allina finds herself in a home for unwed mothers. Not just young women who fall pregnant, but those who are kept there deliberately to breed Aryan babies.

A young Nazi officer catches her eye when she realizes he is not all he seems. Caring, concerned for the babies as she is. And like Allina, secretly Mischling. As the two fall in love, they conspire to keep their secret, while saving as many children as they can.

Allina and Karl are characters the reader will care deeply about. And if the well-researched backstory seems unbelievable, the reader should remember it could happen here, too. The Sunflower House is a timely warning as well as a finely drawn romance and novel of historical fiction. #TheSunflowerHouse #NetGalley

Best historical fiction!!! Just so good.

This story introduced me to things about Germany during WWII that I had heard little about until reading this book. This is a two timeline story but switching from one to the other is so smooth. It keeps the main story going without a lot of interruptions. The characters are well developed and the pace of the story was good. This story is well written and keeps the reader engaged. The book is hard to put down. I plan to read more books by Adriana Allegri in the future.

The Sunflower House is the novel about WWII we needed! This brings to light a completely different part of Nazi Germany that I knew nothing about. This is solidly historical fiction that takes us through Allina’s life as the Reich came into power and began to use “baby factories” to create the perfect race.
The storytelling is wonderful. I think fans of historical fiction will love this one! There is a nice love story and some great friendships as well as triumph over evil.