Hauntingly beautiful story based on the real events that took place at Theresienstadt during World War II. A historical fiction on family, friendship, and Nazi propaganda--a timely novel that is a must read for 2025.

The first half of The Girls of the Glimmer Factory was slow-paced, leading me to consider setting it aside for something more engaging. However, I persisted, and I’m glad I did, as the second half of the book picked up significantly.

This historical fiction novel follows the lives of two women—one a Jewish woman and the other a German woman involved with the Nazis—against the backdrop of the Theresienstadt “model camp,” a site the Nazis used for propaganda films and Red Cross inspections. While the title may suggest a focus on the glimmer factory, the mentions of it are sparse and feel somewhat tangential to the main narrative. It seems as though the glimmer factory was added after the title was chosen, as the heart of the story lies in the examination of Nazi propaganda and the experiences within Theresienstadt.

Despite the slow start, I appreciated the insights I gained about this historical period, which is always rewarding in WWII historical fiction. However, I found it challenging to connect with many of the characters. Hilde, the German woman, was particularly well-written; I experienced a complex mix of emotions towards her, feeling both hatred and sympathy as I grappled with how she could become so indoctrinated by the Nazi regime.

In contrast, I felt the author kept Hannah's character at a distance, making it difficult to form a strong connection. Interestingly, I found myself relating more to her grandfather, whose story, although not central to the plot, piqued my interest and added depth to the narrative.

Ultimately, I’m glad I persevered through the book. While the title may be misleading, it offers valuable insights and a thought-provoking look at its themes. Don't judge this book by its title—it presents an important perspective on a challenging period in history.

This book was different than many of the books set in WWII. You often get one side of the other, but in this dual narration you get both. Two friends, one sent to the ghettos, but where the Nazis use propaganda to "show" how well the Jewish people have it. The other trying to move herself ahead in the Nazi regime. Jennifer Coburn does not disappoint, and she did not with The Girls of the Glimmer Factory. I loved this book, and I read it straight through.

Thank you to SourceBooks/Landmark for a digital ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review. All opinions are my own.

#NetGalley #TheGirlsoftheGlimmerFactory #JenniferCoburn #SourceBooksLandmark #WWII

The girls of the Glimmer Factory
By: Jennifer Coburn
Pub Date: January 28, 2025
Publisher: Sourcebooks Landmark

After reading Cradles of the Reich last year, I knew Coburn would be another wonderful historical fiction hour which would become an auto-buy. Her books transport us to a time which is difficult but must be remembered.

Hannah is a Jewish prisoner at Theresienstadt, a ghetto where Nazis make a propaganda film. Those living in this ghetto knew exactly how they were living, but the film is being made so the outside world believed the Jewish people were living in good conditions.
She is apart of the resistance.

Hilde believes in the Nazis, and is working with the Reich Ministry of Enlightenment and Propaganda. She is another path as she tries to earn the respect of the Nazis. She is looking for validation.

Hilde and Hannah were old childhood friends and this will cause problems as their alliances are varied.

A must read. The story is compelling, frightening, emotional and tells of some of the darkest times in history. Coburn’s research makes this novel immersive and you can feel what these characters had to endure.
Thank you Sourcebooks Landmark for the gifted e-ARC.

History major in me just absolutely cherished every page in this book! Jennifer, you wrote a phenomenal story! I loved the journey these woman faced, and the page by page intensity, I couldn't put the book down. Thank you for a wonderful story! Well done!

This is a book about the Nazi regime, and the story focuses on both sides of the support/hate towards the Nazi group. It made me think, it made me angry and upset. I think the writing was well done, but the opinions were interesting.

Thank you to NetGalley, the author, and the publisher for this complimentary ARC in exchange for an honest review!!