I was honestly having a very hard time following along with this book since the ARC formatting was throwing me off. The spacing and lack of chapters and paragraphs so it just made it a bit harder. It felt slow going and the storyline was from various perspectives which made it hard to follow along. Again I think this is due to the format I received it in. I think I will try the audiobook and update my review then.

This is a gut punch of a book that kept me hooked from start to finish. Alice Austen has crafted an array of interesting characters who all bring something special to the apartment building of 33 Place Brugmann. I am not a usual reader of wartime historical fiction, but the premise of exploring Nazi-occupied Brussels through the eyes of neighbours in an apartment block drew me in. This really is a character-driven book that explores the human condition and how communities change as a result of the horrors of war. The characters can be seen to represent a microcosm of society - in the inhabitants of 33 Place Brugmann we can recognise the artist, the good samaritan, the spirited youth, and the cynic, just to name a few. The prose is written beautifully and those who enjoy thematic books that utilise a lot of metaphors and symbolism will be sure to enjoy this read.

33 Place Brugmann is a touching story, based on true facts, told from several points of view of people who lived in the same building, in Brussels, before and during WWII, and how they felt through the ignominies perpetrated against humanity by the Nazis. It also shows how people persevere doing the good, how they help and lean on memories and possibilities of what is to come whilst at the same time it shows how people are greedy, selfish and not prone to help one another if it's not to benefit them. Although about a difficult topic, the author was able to deliver a beautifully written story where in spite of the harsh situation they faced they could still find hope for better days and find help where they would usually not see it coming from. Highly recommended!
I thank the author, her publisher, and NetGalley for this ARC.

I LOVED the structure of this book. While some of the characters' stories felt very similar to others in the genre, the structure made this a standout in WWII fiction.

Like many readers, even fans of historical fiction, I often feel that there is an oversupply of novels set in World War II. Yet there was something about 33 Place Brugmann that kept calling to me until I eventually gave in and read the book. That thing was setting - twice over. Not only is the book set in Belgium, much less read (by me at least) than say France, Germany or even Poland, but most of the action takes place in a small apartment building, the titular 33 Place Brugmann, and focuses on the experiences of its residents. There is something about apartment buildings, the way they bring sometimes very different people into close proximity and make it easy for them to know each other's business, that makes for interesting tension and storytelling. That was the case here. We've got a range of different characters, including an art student, a Jewish family, an architect, a lawyer, a retired army colonel, a seamstress, a busybody, and a housewife. Once the Nazi occupation begins, their lives begin to change, and soon all have choices to make. Some choose to submit and even collaborate, while others choose to resist. None of the individual story lines are particularly unique. I've certainly read similar plot points in other World War II novels, but there is something about the close proximity that heightens the risk to those who are resisting, and that adds a sense of claustrophobia for the reader, an extra frisson of excitement to the storytelling. I appreciate learning through my fiction reading and this book exposed me to some interesting aspects of Belgian history during the period including the ethnic divisions among the population and the role of the Flemish VNV in collaborating with the Nazis. This book got off to something of a slow start, a common occurrence for books with a large cast of characters. However, it soon got going, and the tension really ramped up by the end. It wasn't a perfect book for me - the philosophical musings and references to Wittgenstein became a little grating. However, the good outweighed the bad. Overall, a solid, very readable WWII novel whose setting provides it with a freshness and point of difference.

This book was interesting, I liked the multiple perspectives and the clever setting which gives some great opportunities to explore those points of view. That made it a little hard to keep up with at times and i was more invested in some characters than others, which is to be expected.

This one took me awhile to get through, I'm not sure if was some of the funky formatting or the disjointed feel from time to time. I'm not sure that I would recommend it to others, but I am glad I gave it a try. I will read others from Austen.

33 Place Brugmann was quite a heartbreaking book that was, overall, well done, but the different perspectives could get confusing at times. However, as you get more invested in the characters, it gets easier to differentiate their voices.
Thank you, Netgalley and Grove Press, for an ARC in exchange for my honest review and opinion.

A terrific read for fans of historical fiction. This is told by the residents of a single apartment building in Brussels, starting as the Nazis begin their march across Europe. It's not neat, there are no clear lines, and you'll fund yourself caught up in the lives of these people. In the lives of the family who leaves, in the life of Charlotte an artist who is unable to see color, and her father. In the life of Masha, who had already fled her home once, In the life of Julian who loves Charlotte. And Dirk who is repugnant. And the Colonel and Zipper his dog. All of them do small acts of revolt or assistance or betrayal. There are surprises here so be patient with everyone. Thanks to the publisher for the ARC. The storytelling is subtle and accomplished. This is a debut to be proud of and Austen is a writer to watch.

Thank you Netgalley & Grove Press for an eARC ♥️♥️♥️

I was completely absorbed in the story of the residents of 33 Place Brugmann in Brussels, 1939. I mean, can you even imagine living through that time? The fear, the uncertainty, the impossible choices... it's all so heartbreakingly real.
What really got me, though, was the way the author explores the human condition. It's like she's speaking directly to your soul, you know? The book is about the choices we make, the sacrifices we make for love, and the resilience of the human spirit.
I'm not gonna lie, this book destroyed me. I sobbed, I raged, I felt all the feels. But it's a beautiful kind of destruction, the kind that makes you feel seen and heard and understood.
I think what I loved most about "33 Place Brugmann" is its ability to make you feel like you're part of the story. The characters are so richly drawn, so complex and multifaceted... you'll fall in love with them, just like I did.❤️‍🩹

33 Place Brugmann is told in the singular voices of the residents of a Beaux Arts apartment house in Belgium during World War II. Charlotte Sauvin, an art student raised by her beloved architect father in apartment 4L, knows everything about the building and the people who live there. Her grandmother lives upstairs. Across the hall from Charlotte is, Julian Raphaël, the son of an art dealer. The Raphaël family and their artwork disappear in the middle of the night.

What great debut novel! I found telling of the stories through the eyes of the residents of a singular building was unique and I loved it.

Thank you NetGalley and Grove Press for the ARC. #33PlaceBrugmann #NetGalley

3.5 Stars

This novel, set during World War II, focuses on the residents of an apartment building in Brussels. They are a diverse group of people of different ages and from different backgrounds. There’s a Jewish family, the Raphaëls, who disappear one night, leaving everything behind but their valuable art collection. There’s a Russian immigrant and a widowed war veteran. There are a number of students, including Charlotte, a colour-blind art student. There are professionals: an architect, an art dealer, an attorney, and a notary. There’s a nosy busybody. Once the Nazis occupy the city and life becomes more difficult with restrictions on movement and food rationing, each resident must choose whether to submit to the regime or resist. Some people make sacrifices and endanger themselves to save others and some people betray others to save themselves.

There are multiple points of view. At least one person from each apartment provides his/her perspective. This narrative technique provides an opportunity for the reader to encounter the thoughts of the best and worst of people, both heroes and cowards. Though they are not narrators, the Nazis are also represented, and even there, we see differences – a Nazi officer who shows compassion more than once and a collaborator who shows none to either human or animal.

There’s a disjointed feeling to the novel because of the constant shifts between so many narrators. What also affects the narrative flow is the insertion of dreams and visions, sometimes in stream-of-consciousness passages. Charlotte, for instance, at the beginning of the novel sees that “blood is seeping out under [the massive church doors], too, flowing from the church and flooding the square. Blood is everywhere. The passersby wade through blood, and it spatters their pant legs and skirts, but they take no notice.” This vision obviously symbolically foreshadows what is to come, but others are less clear.

What is also less clear is the philosophical musings. There are repeated references to Wittgenstein and I found these less than interesting. Charlotte dislikes Wittgenstein’s writings and comments, “I’d rather read a magical book with the illusion of a beginning and an end. Not pithy little bursts that force me to consider every damn sentence.” When encountering another discussion of Wittgenstein’s philosophy, I found myself agreeing with Charlotte.

Charlotte is a central figure in the novel. Her point of view is included several times, and it is her life that provides considerable action to the plot; she’s involved in the romance story and the most suspenseful scenes. Unfortunately, I found it difficult to relate to her. Others speak so highly of her, but I found it difficult to grasp her personality. For me, she remains an indistinct character, always hazy and lacking definition.

There are quite a few coincidences which troubled me. Julian’s arrival at Herman’s apartment stretches credibility. And then there are the connections among Dirk and Putzeis and the Gorilla and Masha.

I have read quite a bit of historical fiction set during World War II, but I believe this is the first set in Brussels, so I learned a great deal from this book. I learned about the VNV, the Flemish nationalist party which became the leading force of political collaboration in Flanders during the German occupation of Belgium. I also learned about the 1943 solo bombing of the Nazi headquarters in Brussels by Jean de Selys Longchamps.

Though there are elements of the book I did not enjoy, it does offer a look at how Nazi occupation affected ordinary people whose survival was threatened in many different ways. It also inspires the reader to consider how s/he would react in similar circumstances. Would one choose submission or resistance? Some statements certainly made me draw parallels with current events in the US: “When we stop trying to understand how others see the world, when we lose our compassion, our empathy, we become animals. Worse than animals” and “Elected. The meaning of the word has changed for me since [the election of Hitler]. Or else my understanding of my fellow humans’ basic intelligence has changed. I don’t know if it will come to shooting, but I know it might.”

For many writers, especially those writing for the American market, World War II and the Holocaust seem to form a convenient drapery for what is, essentially, historic romance fare. If you’re in a book club, you’ve probably been exposed to those books. I’m wary of any new fiction set in that period because of too many bad experiences with these books before. Give me a real history book any day.

Still, I decided to read this book because the description hinted at what I find interesting in the social history of WW2, and that is how ordinary people responded when under the pressures of occupation. By centering the action in an apartment building with only eight lodgings, and using the POVs of various residents, we see what the personalities are before and then how they act during the occupation.

It occurred to me while reading that the author shares a surname with the famous Jane Austen. While there isn’t much resemblance between Regency era England and World War II occupied Belgium, both Austens share an observational approach to characters that manages to conjure them with little description.

What’s most impressive about this book, especially for a debut, is its accomplished style. The writing tends to be opaque (sometimes a little too opaque) and impressionistic, but then it will suddenly bite with an astute and acid observation—many of which can sadly be applied to current circumstances in the world, especially the US. I wrote down so many of these, which I can’t quote since i read an ARC.

I will definitely look for more books from Alice Austen in the future.

this was superb. totally and utterly absorbing in the best of ways but also the worst.
it had me thinking from the off. how did everyone feel on the eve of Nazi occupation. anyone, how did anyone feel with the mounting news and then suddenly realising what was going to happen. and then as we know, families would just disappear. did they really question it. and would you? how scary it must be to also know your morals will be tested. because to keep your family safe,yourself safe what would you do.
i have such interest in thie time. and i love learning as much as i can. and this book had such a deep and personal storyline. it is relevant to anyone. because it really does make you think of those at that time. and also what would we all do? and what did our ancestors have to do?

this book is about an apartment building and the resident in it during Brussels during WW11. it has multiple Pov which i found a perfect way to show how people even within living distance of eachother can both think and experience different things. how then you feel towards others you see every day. and also of course how if you are one of the families targeted at that time how that mus have been. what did neighbors think when families just werent there the next minute?
i was more invested in some of the stories. but that didnt take away from my interest and readability of all the characters involved in this book.
i feel bad saying i loved this book considering the content. but i honestly did love it. it was done so well. and such a new take for me on this topic.

This is a difficult book to review. It’s very slow, with a cast of thousands at the beginning, or so it feels, Keeping track of all the characters is a challenge.
Parts of it are exceptionally good and well written, but sometimes the narrative slows down so much it’s a struggle to keep reading. The stream of consciousness writing is a particular dislike of mine in a novel, it felt like the story was becoming lost in the meandering of the author’s mind.
This was a DNF for me, unfortunately. I will not post this review to media outlets as I did not finish the book.
My thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for my advance copy of this book.

What a wonderful and heartbreaking book!

Seeing life in Brussels before World War II and during it through the eyes of the residents of the apartment building was harrowing, tense and memorable. So many different people and so many different views on survival, honor and goodness. There are a lot of POVs, but they never felt overwhelming or mixed up. Some fates made me very sad, some almost hopeful.

My only critique is that (1) the book is a bit slow-paced for my taste and (2) I wanted more from the ending (but I do understand that in a time of war happy endings are not promised).

Thank you NetGalley and Grove Atlantic for this ARC.

I really enjoyed this well-written and poignant story. Focussing on the inhabitants of one apartment block during the Second World War in Brussels, we see how their lives are all changed immeasurably in different ways. If was really interesting to have the perspective of Belgians and the hardships they faced, which is not often featured in settings for stories about the War. I thought the novel wove the different stories together very effectively and depicted how individuals responded in distinct ways to the challenges and horrors of war. Well written and and engaging in moving between different characters.

33 Place Brugmann follows the stories of the various residents of an apartment building in Brussels during WWII. I loved the little details and overlapping stories, and I feel the tension got really intense especially closer to the end. It’s definitely heartwrenching to see how each person reacts in the face of war, genocide, and acts of terror throughout the Nazi occupation. I was most invested in the stories of Charlotte, her father, Julien, and the General.

There is a large cast of characters and the POVs change at each chapter, so it was hard to keep track of who was who at the beginning. I also felt like the book got slow during the middle, and it felt like characters were mostly explaining their thoughts about world events going on around them. Some POVs weren’t as interesting as others, and I wanted to get back to the characters I did enjoy. I also had some mixed feelings on the ending, but overall it was an entertaining read.

Thank you to the publishers and NetGalley for this ARC!

I enjoyed reading an ARC copy of 33 Place Brugmann, Alice Austen’s debut novel, which will be published by Grove Atlantic in early March 2025.

Told through the voices of the residents of a large apartment building on Place Brugmann in Brussels, the story unfolds beginning in the days immediately preceding the Nazi occupation of Belgium in WWII and continuing until early 1943. While the multiple points of view can feel a bit confusing in the beginning, it really sorts itself out quickly as the reader gets to know the residents and how they interact with each other. (There is also a character listing at the beginning of the book, which I found helpful.)

The story is well-written and told from a unique perspective (the collection of residents in one building). I found it compelling and rather gritty; perhaps a more realistic portrayal of life under Nazi occupation than you get in many WWII historical fiction novels. The characters are well-drawn and intriguing; certainly a group you care about.

I look forward to future offerings from Alice Austen.

Note: The Kindle version of this ARC edition had some serious formatting issues that made reading a bit . . . challenging . . . from a visual perspective. I imagine this will be sorted when the book is published in March.

Thank you to NetGalley and Grove Atlantic for providing an advance copy of this book in exchange for my honest review. The book will be published on March 11, 2025.

3.5 stars, rounded up to 4

33 Place Brugmann is a stunning debut novel that weaves together a poignant love story, a gripping mystery, and a deep philosophical exploration of identity and survival during wartime. Set in a Brussels apartment building on the eve of Nazi occupation, the book beautifully captures the complexities of life under threat, seen through the eyes of its diverse residents.

Charlotte Sauvin, the main protagonist, offers a compelling narrative, her observations of the people and events around her blending seamlessly with the historical context. The mystery surrounding the disappearance of the Raphaël family and their art collection adds intrigue, while the relationships between the building’s residents evolve in ways that reveal their hidden truths.

The novel’s pacing is a bit slower at times, but it’s balanced by rich character development and evocative prose that brings the setting and the era to life. The themes of love, sacrifice, and moral choices in the face of danger resonate strongly, making 33 Place Brugmann an unforgettable and thought-provoking read. A beautiful and engaging work that highlights the resilience of the human spirit amidst tragedy.

33 Place Brugmann is framed as a series of vignettes focusing on residents of one apartment building in Brussels (the address of course being the title of the book) in the lead up to and during the Nazi occupation of Belgium. It was interesting to focus the story like this because the reader gets to see how a collection of people who are in this together by circumstance navigate significant upheaval and trauma together.

The way this story was told worked very well to show the slow and insidious way antisemitism manifested itself amongst everyday people who then went on to collaborate with the Nazi government against their neighbors. Although on a more positive note, this story also depicts how people overcame their differences and suspicions and made the choice to do the right thing and not cooperate.

This book worked on a broader level to paint a picture of what life was like in Brussels during the occupation, including how Jewish people were smuggled to safety, and also brief chapters depicting characters who went on to actually serve in the military, however in terms of character development this book fell flat.

The romance between one of the women main characters and her husband who we never heard from was written like they just met each other and decided to get married with very little description of how well they even knew each other. There is a secondary romance plot within the book that was a lot more interesting, however that was combined with an espionage plot which I had a lot of trouble following. It was compelling that this book depicted the elaborate networks for survival and resistance which developed, but it was so vague about what was actually happening or who was on which side that I felt like this could have been explored in more depth.

This book is best for someone who is looking for a relatively superficial overview of what experiencing the Nazi occupation was like from a very specific viewpoint, however this is not ideal for anyone looking for historical fiction with deep character development. Worth noting that the book also incorporates two actual historical figures as either friends of people in the building or critical to the overall plot.

Many thanks to Grove Atlantic/Grove Press and to NetGalley for this ARC to review. This review is my honest opinion.