Jennifer Coburn’s The Girls of the Glimmer Factory is a deeply moving and expertly crafted historical novel that shines a light on the resilience of the human spirit. Set against the harrowing backdrop of Theresienstadt, Coburn weaves the stories of Hannah, a brave resistance fighter, and Hilde, a propagandist, into a gripping narrative that explores loyalty, survival, and moral complexity.

With richly drawn characters and vivid historical detail, this novel captures the tension and heartbreak of a dark chapter in history while celebrating the courage of those who fought back. Perfect for fans of historical fiction, The Girls of the Glimmer Factory is a must-read that lingers long after the final page.

My thanks to Net Galley and Sourcebooks Landmark for allowing me to review this arc. This is my second book from this author of Cradles of the Reich,

I am going to get right to the point. This was an EXCELLENT read! HIGHLY recommend. Get this book! It does not disappoint!

Story is told from 2 pov's. Hannah, a young girl and her grandfather separating from their family thinking they are going to a cottage her grandfather purchased by a resettlement Jewish community, but no, they are taken to a ghetto. Then we have Hilde, a young widow and would be filmmaker and a loyalist to the Reich that gets involved in making a propaganda film of the ghetto for a Red Cross inspection. But she doesn't expect to find her old childhood friend Hannah there.

This was my second read from this author, and she’s officially an auto-buy for me when it comes to historical fiction. This story is told through two perspectives: Hannah, a Jewish prisoner, and Hilde, a fervent believer striving to climb the ranks of the Nazi party.

Hannah finds herself imprisoned at Theresienstadt, a place the Nazis falsely portrayed as a wonderful relocation destination for Jews, only for the prisoners to discover it was a work camp. The narrative alternates between the two women, offering starkly contrasting viewpoints. Hilde is not a likable character, which is intentional, but her ignorance and naivety elicit some pity as they blind her to the truth until it’s too late.

Hannah, on the other hand, stole my heart. Her resilience in adapting to life in the camp and ultimately joining the resistance was inspiring. The ending comes full circle—not a perfect happily-ever-after but deeply heartfelt and emotional. Of course, given the historical context, a happily-ever-after wasn’t the reality for most Jews, and it’s heartbreaking every time I read historical fiction (or nonfiction) about their experiences.

This is a must-read for any historical fiction lover!

Hannah is a prisoner at Theresienstadt, a model ghetto where the Nazi’s plan to film a propaganda piece to show the world that their Jewish population is living well. She recognizes an old childhood friend, Hilda, who is now a strong Nazi cause believer and helping to create the film.

Another great World War Two fiction from Coburn. This one a coming of age story of a girl, unfortunately coming of age in Theresienstadt. This is an important story as it shows the use of propaganda during the war and how the Red Cross and others were enabled to turn a blind eye. I hate when ww2 fiction has all the characters survive, as it’s not realistic. This story is completely realistic and be prepared for that.

“Nature taunted her, but it was humanity that had betrayed her. Where were the cries of outrage from the world? They had to know what was happening.”

The Girls of the Glimmer Factory comes out 1/28.

Two young women during World War II. Hilde believes what the Reich says and is trying to find her place in it. Hannah is Jewish and in a concentration camp. When they were young they were best friends but times have changed. This book shows how different there lives are. This is a story told from two perspectives. The reader will identify more with one side or the other. This book explores life on both sides. Life in Germany and life in the concentration camp. How hard it was to have hope in the camps and the ways the residents resisted are explored. What happens when the two old friends meet? Will Hilde feel anything for Hannah or is she thoroughly brainwashed. A book about World War II that you will not want to miss.

Thank you to #NetGalley, #JenniferCoburn, and #SourcebooksLandmark for a copy of this book.
#TheGirlsoftheGlimmerFactory

So heart breaking. So hard to read. The epilogue had me in tears. The stark reminder of how many Jewish and “undesirable” people where killed during the holocaust shocks me to my core every time I read that number.

This book is not for the feint of heart. Look up triggers warnings if you must. It’s set during WWII and one character has been completely brainwashed by the parties rhetoric and the other character is Jewish woman imprisoned in a labor camp. Nothing about this book is happy. It’s an about the realities of that time and a story of survival.

Thank you to NetGalley for an eARC, the publishers, and Goodreads for sending me a physical copy after I won a giveaway. This book is an important read and it will definitely stick with me. 4.5 stars.

In November 1941, the Nazis put into place the Ghettos after the invasion of Czech Village of Terezin. Theresien ghetto provided slave labor for the German war. There were over 155,000 prisoners, 88,000 transported to death camps, and 35, 440 died of starvation and disease. This was promised to the Jews as a "paradise settlement" & "Hitler's gift to the Jews", which ended up being a staging area so they could film documentaries and invite the Red Cross to see the prisoners were handled well.
Nothing goes as they were told...
Hilde, 20 year old widowed German, works proudly for the Reich. Her dream to be a film director has her making terrible decisions. She was best friends in school with a Jew, Hannah.
Hannah lives in Theresien and knows the truth about the camp. Her grandfather is in the camp with her, as well as others she went to school with. Their resilience and bonds they make in camp will touch your heart. As they deal with starvation, sickness and death, as well as friends and family being transported to death camps, my heart hurts and aches for them.
Hannah and Hilde come face to face when the filming company comes to portray the camp in a deceptive light with food, games, and good health. I had a hard time with Hilde as a character, but I can't say what I would do in such a situation.
WWII has always been one of my studies in college and day to day readings. I'm appalled by the treatment yet I love the stories of inspiration from the darkest moments in history. How humans could ever treat others in such a despicable manner never ceases to shock me. Yet, with each story I learn more about perseverance despite the challenges the Jews and others demonstrated "never give up". May we never forget or repeat the worse parts of history.
Thank you NetGalley and Sourcebooks Landmark for this ARC in exchange for my honest review.

In 1940, after leaving Munich for Prague several years earlier, Hannah Kaufman and her family realized they had to escape persecution and move to Palestine. Although they had all the necessary paperwork and tickets ready, plans changed unexpectedly, and Hannah remained in Prague with her grandfather Oskar. Believing he had bought a lakeside cottage, Oskar and Hannah traveled to Berlin to live in a Jewish community called Theresienstadt. The illusion of a comfortable life quickly vanished when they discovered the cottage didn't exist. Their new home was a prison. Unlike the work camps and concentration camps in the East, Theresienstadt was created for propaganda to convince the world that the Jewish people were well-treated and content. Hannah decided to work diligently, hoping for the day when she would be reunited with her family in Palestine.

Hilde Kramer, a staunch supporter of Hitler, secures a position at the Reich Ministry of Enlightenment and Propaganda. Aspiring to be a filmmaker, she is happy to be assigned to a team heading to Theresienstadt to produce a film depicting a flourishing Jewish community. 

The Girls of the Glimmer Factory is a moving book. Author Jennifer Coburn brings attention to Theresienstadt, a ghetto that might not be familiar to many readers. Hannah is a resilient young woman who finds strength in the ghetto and joins a resistance group. Hilde, who appeared in Coburn's previous book Cradles of the Reich, symbolizes the many misguided people who blindly accepted the lies and hatred spread during this tragic historical period. If you are interested in World War II stories, this well-researched book is one to read. The issues of propaganda, prejudice, and hatred remain pertinent.

Rated 4.25 stars.

The Girls of the Glimmer Factory is a must-read historical fiction novel that shines a light on Theresienstadt, a Jewish prison camp located outside of Prague during WWII. The Nazis created propaganda films there to promote misinformation that this was a spa-like community where Jewish people were well cared for and thrived. Although the arts, literature, lectures, and music were a large part of life at Theresienstadt, life was hard labor and starvation for many. The story follows the experiences of two childhood best friends, Hannah, a Jewish young woman, and Hilde, a German who is loyal to the Reich.

Jennifer Coburn's meticulous research is evident throughout with its rich detail and superbly crafted characters. She poignantly demonstrates the bonds of love and friendship, human kindness, and decency as well as greed and the horrors of inhumanity, cruelty, and genocide. Most importantly, the resilience of the human spirit is woven throughout the storyline. I have read several novels about this time period and the concentration camps, including a recent visit to the Holocaust Museum in Washington DC. I knew the Nazis used propaganda to keep the world in the dark about Hitler's goal of genocide but I had never heard of Theresienstadt. I learned so much from this novel, and it is one I will ponder for a long time. The more informed we are, the more we can help prevent similar occurrences in the future.

Many thanks to NetGalley, Sourcebooks Landmark, and Jennifer Coburn for an advance reader's copy in exchange for my honest review.

Using movies to promote an. agenda is nothing new. This is the first historical fiction of a Nazi occupation that takes place during such an incidence. The story follows two women, Hannah (Jewish) and Hilde (member of the Nazi party). They were friends in their youth before Hannah and her family left Germany for Prague in hopes to escape the Nazi regime.

Now women in their 20's, they meet again. Hannah is in a "camp" that is supposed to show what good treatment they are receiving and Hilde is an aspiring film maker who wants to impress the Gestapo that she can help further their cause through staging how the Jews are treated "nicely."

The book toggles back and forth between the two women and at times jumps back in time to set the basis of personalities.

I enjoyed this book. While there was a somewhat twist at the end, it was not surprising.

Thank you NetGalley, the publisher and author for an advanced copy.

Kudos to Jennifer Coburn, the Author of “The Girls of the Glimmer Factory” for writing such a Powerful, Intense, Informative and Captivating Historical Novel of the Holocaust. The Genres for this well-written novel are Historical Fiction, Historical World War Two Fiction, Holocaust, and Women’s Historical Fiction. Jennifer Coburn discusses how propoganda is used as a weapon of war. The author discusses the importance of friends, family, community, loyalty, courage, strength, hope and love. The setting for the novel is a Nazi “Show Camp” Theresienstadt. The author vividly describes the traumatic setting, and the dramatic characters. The author describes one of the characters, Hilde, as a true believer in the Third Reich, and contrasts her to Hannah, who is a Jewish prisoner at Theresienstadt. Once upon a time, Hannah and Hilde were school mates and friends. Hilde is an ambitious and aspires to be a director of films. She is in charge of making a film that is supposed to show how wonderful the Jewish people are treated in Theresienstadt. When Hilde sees Hannah, she makes her an assistant. Hilde truly believes that what she is filming is the truth, and wants it to be successful at all costs. Hannah is in survival mode, and trying to help the other prisoners. I highly recommend this memorable, thought-provoking and heartfelt novel to others. This is intriguing and is educational, and hopefully will be a reminder never to forget!

As World War II began, life in Europe changed dramatically. For nineteen year old Hannah living in Prague, the war meant her family was forced to separate and she had to rely on her trust in others in order to survive. For twenty-year-old Hilde living in Berlin, the war meant she had to play her cards right to have the possibility of becoming a renowned film director. As the war continued, the paths of these two young women found their way together, and their collaboration helped to shed light on some of the worst humanitarian atrocities of the twentieth century.

This historical fiction novel tells a story of World War II from the perspectives of two new adult women, both of whom are forced to mature in myriad ways. As a Jew, Hannah does everything she can to protect herself and her grandfather at the Theresienstadt work camp. Hilde, on the other hand, follows the teachings of Hitler and is determined to see her desires to their fruition. Although living in very different circumstances, the two protagonists discover the darker side of being a woman in war times, and the strength of their spirits is evident in their ongoing perseverance.

While the premise of the story is compelling, the narrative is slow to begin. Long chapters and extensive exposition require patience from the reader, but once the plot gathers momentum, the book improves. Scenes depicting unwanted sexual contact as well as descriptions of life in concentration camps can be heavy for many readers, though these scenes enhance the gritty nature of both the novel itself and the period in history in which the story takes place. At the end of the book, an author’s note helps to solidify some of the true life events that are depicted within the narrative, and fans of World War II historical fiction will find this to be a unique addition to the genre. Best suited for mature readers, this book shares a lesser-known tale from some of the world’s darkest days.

Hannah is a Jewish girl sent to Theresienstadt because she is Jewish. She is determined to get out and save others along with herself.

Hilde, a character familiar if you read Cradles of the Reich finds herself working for a filmmaker. A trip to create propaganda leads to her arrival in Theresienstadt and her crossing paths with Hannah.

It wasn’t until her trip to the camp that Hannah finally realizes that things are not nearly what she has been trained to believe, what she has been spreading as a supporter of the Reich. Is it enough to change her mind, to cause her to act in time to help Hannah?

This story had me engrossed in both story lines. I desperately wanted to help Hannah and to make Hilde see what was truly going on, all the ways she could possible be helping instead of hurting others.

I really learned a lot from Cradles of the Reich and was so happy to see Jennifer had written another book. This one taught me so much as well. I highly recommend this for historical fiction fans.

Thank you to Sourcebooks Landmark for the copy of this book. All views are my own.

This was an interesting concept and I was really looking forward to learning about Theresienstadt. However, it was just too slow moving for me. I didn't feel drawn to pick it up and decided to DNF @ 38%

“Nature taunted her, but it was humanity that had betrayed her. Where were the cries of outrage from the world?  They had to know what was happening.”

Theresienstadt concentration camp was the ‘model’ camp the Nazis created to hide from the world the nature of the ghetto and their death camps.  To hide their true intent from the world, ‘Operation Embellishment’ created a picture perfect Jewish settlement that did not reflect what was actually happening.  Indeed to make the Red Cross visit a success (and the propaganda film that was recorded after), they built and painted new buildings, brought in new Jewish prisoners who didn’t show the strain of the camps, and instructed prisoners on what they could say.

“Girls of the Glimmer Factory” tells the story of two young women, Hannah and Hilde.  One a Jewish girl who is sent to Terezin, the other a German girl who has absorbed every lesson of the Nazi propaganda machine, works for the reich, and has ambitions to become a filmmaker.  I found Hilde incredibly frustrating because she has been so fully indoctrinated by the party and her family.  I found her to be naive and self-centred with a focus on advancing her own fledgling career in the Reich.  This is a testament to Coburn’s ability to write authentic characters.  Hilde does have some redeeming qualities and as the novel progresses the reader gains an understanding of how she came to be this way.  By contrast, Hannah is clever, thoughtful, strong, determined, and kind, though cautious about risks.   Despite the horrors of the ghetto, residents of Terazin surrounded themselves with light and hope whenever possible, using music, plays, concerts, and lectures as an escape to remind them of the joy in life outside the walls.  As Oskar, Hannah’s Opa stated, “Joy is the greatest act of resistance.”

While this is the first book I have read about Theresienstadt concentration camp, I hope to read more soon to better inform myself and to ensure that those whose lives came before are remembered.  Impactful, gripping, and powerful, “The Girls of the Glimmer Factory” is a must-read.

Many thanks to @bookmarked and @netgalley for an advance #drc. Available everywhere January 28, 2025.


🏷️ #bookstagram #bookstagrammer #historicalfiction #wwiihistoricalfiction #theresienstadt #terezin #jennifercoburn #girlsoftheglimmerfactory #fyp #bookfluencer #bookreview #bookrecommendations #sourcebookslandmark #netgalley

This historical fiction will keep one turning the pages!
During WW2 two women, once childhood friends, find their paths diverging in very different directions. One is all in for the Reich and the glory of Hitler. The other has been sent to Theresienstadt
concentration camp, the one the Nazis use as their “model camp” for propaganda purposes…
*I received a digital copy from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are strictly my own.*

This is a fast paced, well-written, informative WWII historical fiction. Its a well-researched novel about Theresienstadt, a Nazi camp for Jewish people. I never knew about this camp so it was very interesting to learn about.

Jennifer Coburn brings the people and storyline to life and I felt like I was apart of this emotional story. A definite recommend.

Thank you to NetGalley and Sourcebooks Landmark for the opportunity to read and review this advance reader copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own and isn't influenced by anyone else

There are so many aspects of WWII and the Nazi’s practice that are not as well known that it’s nice to read a book that does such that. Coburn focused on the Theresienstadt, the Nazi camp that was supposed to be the model to show the world how “nice” the Jews had it and how anything that sad otherwise was a lie. The propaganda that was created while the prisoners suffered was eye opening as well as the lies that were created to convince people to go to the camp.

While this book was eye opening and very educational the story Itself did not fully hold my attention, especially as the book went on. I think it was a nice attempt but just not for me.

Thank you to Netgalley and to the publishers for allowing me to read this advanced copy.

📖 Book Review 📖

📱 "The Girls of the Glimmer Factory" by Jennifer Coburn

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Expected publication January 28, 2025

Based on the true story of Theresienstadt, a “model” Jewish ghetto where Nazis plan to make a propaganda film and two old childhood friends. Hannah is now a prisoner at Theresienstadt, working long hours and praying not to be on the next deportation to camps in the east. Her grandfather has a positive attitude through it all- believing help will come, the war will end, and not to get into trouble so it was very difficult for Hannah to begin to help the resistance group. Her old neighborhood friend Hilde is a true believer in the Nazi cause, and always wanted to be a filmmaker, so she works hard getting the job within the Reich to film “Hitler Gives a City” a Nazi propaganda film to show how good the Jews are being treated, when she sees Hannah.

The sheer fortitude of the prisoners' was amazing. Theresienstadt was a ghetto with over 88,000 imprisoned there, including many artists and musicians who performed often trying to keep spirits up. The ghetto was set up to look nice when in fact conditions were horrible. A prized job was inside the “Glimmer” Factory. Women prisoners used a sharp knife to scrape tiny flakes of “glimmer” or mica flakes off larger rock-like slabs to be used in radios, due to its insulation properties. Told in alternate POV between Hannah and Hilde.

#somanybooks #readsomemore #audiobooks #bookstagram #bookrecommendations #readersofinstagram #readmorebooks #booklover #bookishlove #readersgonnaread #bookishaf

Thank you @bookmarked @jennifercoburnbooks #partner for the gifted copies if this book!

This was my very first book of the year and my second by her and it certainly was the perfect way to start with a bang! 5 glorious stars for Jennifer again which means I would happily auto buy her books in the future! I am telling you if you are a historical fiction lover you need her books!

This book isn’t gonna make you warm and fuzzy inside but what it will do is remind you of the ways that the human spirit stays alive miraculously in such dreary, dreadful and terrible times. Hannah and Hilde grow up as childhood friends and as I am sure you have heard fell into the Hitler trap of choosing sides. Hannah being on the Jewish side, Hilde on the German side. Hannah ends up being a part of the resistance and their paths cross again. Hannah cannot believe how much her friend has changed but in a last ditch effort maybe there is hope for them.

There is SO much to this book that my blurb above. I always, always learn something in Jennifer’s books. The unique way Hannah and the resistance efforts she tried were simply fascinating to me. I always get so emotional in these books because I cannot even imagine what these poor people endured. This book really shines a light on one of the darkest periods in our world’s history but at the same time tells the story of compassion, determination, and steadfastness in which these people tried to save each other. The hate and utter disregard for human life is sickening but through Jennifer’s incredible research and ability to create a story that will forever stick with me she makes a book that I feel everyone should read. I HIGHLY recommend this one. Thank you for continuing to write so these memories don’t fade and we learn from our mistakes.