This is a well-written, entertaining, deeply moving, WWII historical fiction novel. The story is told from the perspectives of three engaging and well-developed characters: an English woman, a German woman, and a young boy. I was completely immersed in their stories and felt their outrage, despair, pain, suffering, and heartbreak, which was tempered by their strength, hope, resilience, friendship and love. It has a wonderful message of finding beauty in the ruins. I listened to the audiobook, and the narrator, Ms. Sarah Durham, has a lovely voice and does an outstanding job depicting the characters and their personalities. Many thanks to Bookouture, Ms. Hokin, and NetGalley, from whom I received an advanced listener copy of this fabulous novel. This is my honest opinion.

Set in 1938 Berlin, this story follows Esther, who has already lost almost everything—except her young son, Sascha. In a heart-wrenching decision, she sends him away to an uncertain future, hoping it will be the only way to keep him safe. Sascha, a Jewish boy, needs to escape Berlin and Germany for his own survival, but Esther can’t go with him. The pain of saying goodbye is almost unbearable, but she holds on to the hope that one day they’ll be reunited.

This book really hits hard, especially with everything I’ve been reading about from this time period—the brutal persecution and roundup of Jewish people, the camps, and the tragic stories of parents sending their children away in hopes of saving them. There’s also a side story about the Nazis looting art—specifically works created by "undesirable" people. Amalie, a British woman working at the Berlin National Gallery, tries to protect what she can, but eventually, even she can’t stay in the city. She heads back to Britain, but her heart stays in Berlin, mourning all that she’s witnessed.

As the war ends and Amalie returns to Berlin, Esther and Amalie’s paths finally cross more directly. Now, there’s a boy to find, art to save, and criminals still walking free—some of the same people who wreaked havoc on the art world. Both women know the risks, but they’re determined to keep going, even if it means facing danger head-on. What really stands out here is how deeply the story conveys loss, but also how much strength these women show despite everything. It’s a reminder that, even in the darkest times, there are still good, caring people trying to make a difference. The book doesn’t sugarcoat the sadness of the era, but it also highlights the power of friendship and perseverance. Sarah Durham’s narration of the audiobook is spot on—her voice really brings the emotions of the story to life.

This book was a tragic yet beautiful story told through the eyes of one woman and the sacrifices she has made to keep her family safe. While this was a significant piece of the story, there was so much more for the reader to cling to. I did feel like there were a few sections that were slow, but they were important to the story. If the reader is a history buff, a fan of historical fiction or stories with strong female leads, this is the book for them. I really enjoyed it!

This is the first time I have read anything from Catherine Hokin, and I am hooked! Her writing was beautiful and thorough. It was evident there was great care for details and research based on the specific mentions of the Monument Men and what occurred with European art and culture during WWII. I have read many books taking place during this time period, and I don't believe that I ever read anything that touches on this topic.

Sarah Durham did a FANTASTIC job with the audiobook narration Beautiful tone and inflections while telling Ester's story. Listening to the book at a speed of 1.5 or 2.4, it was pleasant. For me, this is a win all around since I listen at 2.3 or higher typically. The transitions between chapters was smooth.

The Train That Took You Away by Catherine Hokin
Narrated by Sarah Durham

It's 1938 Berlin and Esther has lost everything but her young son, Sascha. Now Esther is sending him away to an unknown future and there is no way she can explain why she is doing this, no way to help him understand that she is doing this because she loves him so much. As a Jewish boy, Sascha needs to get out of Berlin, out of this country, to somewhere safe, despite the fact that Esther can't go with him. It breaks Esther's heart to give up her boy and she can only do so if she tells herself she'll see him again someday.

This story entails so much of what I've been reading about over the last years. The persecution, the roundups, the camps, sending children away to strangers in the hopes of saving their lives. I've also read a lot about the pillaging of art treasures because they were created by people who are now considered unworthy of creating art or even of existing. British woman, Amalie, works at the Berlin’s National Gallery and does what she can to protect the bits of art she can protect. But eventually she can stay in Berlin no longer, heading home to Britain with her heart still in Berlin, breaking for all that she has seen and knows is happening.

In some ways, these two women's lives have already crossed because of their work and people they have known. But once the war is over and Amalie makes her way back to Berlin, the two women come together face to face. There is a boy to find and there is art to save. There are criminals to apprehend, criminals walking the streets, living as powerful men, still crushing those beneath them as they ravish the art world. Both women know too much, both women can find themselves in danger if they aren't careful. Both women must tread carefully.

The story is so sad, even when good things happen, it's hard to let go of all the loss. But both women have important tasks they want to complete and they are not alone in this world that has known so much cruelty. We see that there are good, loving, caring people and each woman moves forward even if they have lost so much. The story encompasses so much of the suffering of this time but also shows us the strength of friendship and perseverance. Sarah Durham does a great job with the audiobook narration.

Thank you to Bookouture Audio and NetGalley.

A heartbreaking story about the horrors leading up to, during and after WWII in Berlin. Esther Spielmann’s husband and father are both murdered by the Nazi’s. Esther then becomes scared of what will happen to her son Sasha. She makes the impossible decision to send him on a train in Kindertransport to England to keep him safe. We are also introduced to Amalie, an art conservationist and tries to do anything in her power to save Jewish art that is set to be stolen and destroyed by the Nazi’s. This was an emotional story that tugged at my heartstrings. I know that Esther giving up her child was for the best, but as a mother, I cannot imagine doing so. The characters were all very well developed and had great depth. The love shown was immeasurable. I listened to the audiobook and the narrator, Sarah Durham, did an amazing job portraying each character and telling their stories.

Esther's story is a poignant and powerful narrative that delves into the harrowing experiences of a German Jew during and after World War II. Forced to send her son to England for safety, Esther's journey is one of survival, resilience, and an unwavering quest to reunite with her child. The narrator's reference to "her war" is particularly striking, highlighting the unique and deeply personal impact of the war on each individual.
Unlike many Holocaust fiction works, this story extends beyond the war's end, offering a rare and enlightening perspective on the aftermath. It challenges the reader to look beyond the typical victory parades and celebrations, shedding light on the struggles of the displaced and the complexities of rebuilding a life from the ruins of conflict.
The narrative beautifully weaves in the theme of art, exploring its looting during the war and its profound significance in Esther's life. This aspect adds a layer of depth and beauty to the story, emphasizing the enduring power of art amidst the chaos of war.
Overall, this book is a compelling and insightful read, providing a unique lens through which to view the lasting impacts of the Holocaust and the indomitable spirit of those who lived through it.

Always an emotional read when you read about the Holocaust. This story targets the art scene and the looting lost art as well as the perspective of mothers/children and all that the survivors lost and dealt with in the aftermath. The author and narrator did a good job conveying the emotions that spanned almost a decade. Thank you Net Galley for the advanced copy of this audiobook that comes out on January 20. It’s a solid read.

I have been reading/listening to a lot of ww2 historical novels. This one concentrated more on the relationships and hard decisions that were need to be made. I had to keep listening to see how it resolved.
The introduction of the arts and museums and the plunder by the nazis was very well explored. For some reason I never even thought that museum island was in the soviet sector and the explanations fo that worked very well.
The elements re the kinder transport and the impacts on the children were well explained.

The narration worked well and fitted in with the setting.

The Train That Took You Away by Catherine Hokin

First of all, a big thank you to #NetGalley and Bookouture Audio for sending me this ALC in exchange for my honest review.

This book is a very beautiful and emotional read based during the time of Hilter’s rise in Germany. It interlaces the life’s of two different women, Esther and Amalie.

Esther Speilman is a Jewish woman that owns an art gallery in Berlin. As the Nazis rise to power her once flourishing life begins to fall apart. Tragedy after tragedy leads Esther to make the heartbreaking decision to send her son, Sascha, to England on train, in order to protect him and save his life, even though she may never see him again.

Amalie Eden is an English woman who takes a job in Berlin at the National Art Gallery, despite her family concerns. The war is approaching and her family wants her to stay in England where she will be safe but Amalia is intent on helping to keep the art treasures safe from looting Nazis. Eventually staying in Germany becomes too dangerous and Amalie has to return to England.

Eventually the lives of these two women do cross. I won’t get into too much detail here, in case of spoilers.

Grab the tissues before you start to read this book! Such an emotional read. Catherine Hokin does an amazing job making these characters come to life. As a mother myself, I just wanted to grab Esther and hold her tight. The incredibly difficult decision she made to send her 8 year old son away to help save his life was incredibly heartbreaking! She made that decision out of absolute pure love.

I really enjoyed this book and I highly recommend it, especially to those that enjoy historical fiction. The narrator, Sarah Durham, does a phenomenal job helping to make each of these characters come to life!

I rate this book 4/5 stars.

This book releases January 20, 2025

The Train That Took You Away by Catherine Hokin is a gripping and emotional read, but what stood out most to me was its focus on the post-war period. So often, books about this era end when the war does, but Hokin delves into the harsh realities of life after the fighting stopped—the rebuilding, the struggles, and the human cost that lingered.

The story is beautifully written, with vivid characters and an immersive setting. It’s a poignant reminder that the war’s impact didn’t end with victory. A compelling and thoughtful read that I highly recommend to fans of historical fiction.

Many thanks to NetGalley and Bookouture Audio for the free audiobook in exchange for my honest review. Sarah Durham does a fantastic job as the narrator! I highly recommend the audiobook if that is of interest!

Esther and her jewish family suffer amazing loss during the war. Despite being a wealthy and educated woman who owns her own art gallery, Ether slowly begins to lose everything. Like many jews, Esther makes the courageous decision to send her son, Sasha, to England and escape the war in Germany. Sasha learns quickly to acclimate to life in England and become English. At the end of the war, Esther and Sasha reunite and try to regain a relationship.

I really enjoyed this story as it was a different take on the atrocities of WWII at the hands of Hitler and his evil minions. The characters are very strong and likable. I enjoyed the art aspect of the plot as well. This is a very well written historical fiction about survival, family, art and WWII. Highly recommend!

An important look at resilience during the Holocaust. Beautifully written, spanning years and parallel stories of otherwise unrelated characters-the author brought them all togethers in this emotional story.

Very sad novel about a woman (Esther) and her son (Sascha). Esther is from an elite family during the height of war, and at the very beginning of Hitler’s rule…before anyone had any idea what was ahead for them…

Her father runs a bank and has made a lot of money, and a name for himself, so her family never had to ‘want’ for anything. Her husband has made a name for himself as well. And her mother is very involved in the family.

One night when they are out eating, celebrating two birthdays, her young son is excited, and when a soldier comes over to speak with them he blurbs that they are going to a game…and have the best seats in the house!

This is the beginning of their downfall…as the soldier is NOT happy to hear that these ‘Jews’ are having fun…

I’ll 🛑 stop 🛑 there with the story, but will say that as things begin to unfurl, Esther realizes that the ONLY HOPE she has for Sascha is to get him on a KinderTransport out of Berlin….although it is BREAKING her heart ❤️ and soul….

At the same time, Amalie is working at an art gallery. She is English and her family does NOT want her in Berlin, but she is young and foolish…and headstrong!
We follow her life as well, and see her ups and downs…until she is forced out of Berlin.

At some point the two women meet up…and history is made.

Warning: ⚠️ As with many books revolving around the Holocaust, there are some very disturbing sections and descriptions. If you are ok with this, don’t pass this one up. It will grab a hold of your heart and keep tugging….

#TheTrainThatTookYouAway by #CatherineHokin and narrated nicely by #SarahDurham.

4 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ for me!!

Thanks so much to #NetGalley and #BookoutureAudio for an ARC of the audiobook which is being released in about ONE WEEK!
**** LOOK 👀 FOR IT ON JANUARY 20, 2025! ****

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