Masih's young adult novel, 'My Real Name is Hanna' is a coming of age text that will stay with you long after the last page, particularly as the narrator, Hanna, begins her story as a fourteen-year-old girl living through the most horrific and traumatic time imaginable. The reader is taken on a journey as Hanna and her family and friends go through extreme hardship and inconceivable challenges just to survive as Hitler's reign takes it toll on her community in Kwasova, Ukraine. In order to stay alive, the group are forced from their previously peaceful existence in their shtetele, living harmoniously amongst their neighbours, eventually having to leave behind everything they owned and everyone they knew, heading for the forest at first, then ultimately hiding out in the caves below ground. Living in unutterable misery and hardship, the group work to remain alive, existing on barely nothing, and facing sickness, starvation and despair.
Through Masih's evocative portrayal of the situation and the endearing nature of the young protagonist, the sheer power and devastation of this period in history is brought to the fore, leaving the reader with a long-lasting admiration for those who lived through this, whilst having affirmation of the power of the human spirit and love. Both young readers and old will love this story, based on real life experiences and people.

This book begins like many Jews-in-hiding-in-Poland stories, with the Slivka family hiding behind false walls and beneath bales of hay in the barn. When these places are no longer safe, they move again and again, staying just one step ahead of the murderous SS. But soon, they are aware of the intense obstacles to hiding: the need for food, exercise to keep their legs and arms movable, the chamber pots, silence, and news of the outside world. This is much more than another Anne Frank story of a family in hiding -- this family is constantly listening for the slightest sound that signals the presence of the enemy.

I felt keenly their fear. Their hunger. Their desperation.

I read this EARC courtesy of Mandel Vilar Press and Net Galley. pub date 09/11/18

WWII historically fiction is my favorite genre so I was intrigued by this story told in the voice of a young girl named Hanna. The setting is in the Ukraine during the war and Hanna is Jewish. Her family disobeys the order to assemble and be transported to the concentration camps. Instead they hide in the forrest and later in caves. This is a very different type of book told by Hanna as she matures into a teenager during her years of hiding. A book that kept me up at night and anxious to get back to when I put it down. An excellent story of family love, unity and survival based on true events. I received a ARC copy from NetGalley and this is my honest review.
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Very good story portraying the horrors of the holocaust told through the 14 girl. It’s a very timely novel for what is going on Today

DISCLAIMER: I was provided with an arc of this novel in exchange for an honest review. So, here it goes...

Wow. I guess you could say I'm blown away.

My Real Name is Hanna follows the tale of Hanna Slivka, a young, Jewish girl living in the devastating events of WWII. The book starts out in modern day, many years after the war, with Hanna (then known as Marcelina Rosenberg) informing her daughter that her real name is Hanna. She then proceeds to tell the shockingly traumatizing story that led to her changing her name and, more importantly, becoming the person she was.

I absolutely devoured this book. It was so mesmerizing and lyrical that I almost felt like I was reading a poem. It also should be noted that although this is a work of fiction, it felt all too real. While I was reading this novel, I wasn't just READING it. I was standing right beside Hanna, my heart aching for her through every single hardship she went through.

Congratulations, Tara Lynn Masih, on composing an absolutely breathtaking piece of writing.

Thank you to NetGalley, Mandel Vilar Press, and the author for giving me a chance to read this magnificent novel.

This book wholly and utterly blew me away! It was such an emotional read from the very start and I honestly couldn’t put it down! It was so raw, it felt like I was openly reading a letter from mother to daughter, from the present, before whirling back to the past, and reminiscing about Hanna’s life, from her early years exploring her home town with her younger brother and sister, until the Gestapo’s minions close in and they are forced to flee and leave what they know and what possessions they love behind.

The childhood innocence in this book was utterly precious, that Hanna, Symon and their sister didn’t quite understand what they were going through, and that they fast learnt that they had to leave some things behind when fleeing for their safety, yet, their love for one another, and their parents, is really what resonated as being most powerful throughout the book. All throughout, as they were in fear of being discovered and taken away from one another to labour camps or other horrors, that as long as they were together, they had what was most important with them all along!

The writing evoked so much emotion, it was so powerful and as I read the story, I easily felt like I could put myself in Hanna’s shoes, and even though, taking into account how the book opens, I had some assumptions about how the book would go, I was definitely awed all the way throughout, I loved Hanna’s special and unique bond with her neighbor, and cute little interactions with Leon, I found myself longing for this book when I was apart from it, and this is easily one of the greatest historical fiction pieces I’ve read in some time!

"My Real Name is Hanna" is filled with powerful, visual writing that at times chilled me to the core, picturing Hanna and her family seeking refuge in those caves, and at times on the edge of my seat in a nervous fashion, easily awaiting what would come next! By the conclusion, I was definitely feeling awe inspired and moved, that’s for sure!

"My Real Name is Hanna" is expected to hit shelves on the 15th of September, 2018. Historical fiction lovers or anyone who loves a powerful read, you won’t want to miss out on this!

Thank you again to NetGalley and the publishers for allowing me an e-ARC in exchange for an honest review.

(Thank you to NetGalley, Mandel Vilar Press and Tara Lynn Masih for the opportunity to read this book for an honest review.)

Hanna is a fourteen-year-old Jewish girl living during the time of Hitler's genocide of Jews. This story is told from her perspective over the couple of years that her family must flee and hide to try and survive the invasion and persecution of any Jewish people. Having to leave home with just the clothes on her back, Hanna and her family leave everything they know behind in exchange for their lives. At one point, the only safety left is to live in a cave. For nearly a year Hanna and her family live in the darkness of a cave, feeding off what little they have and avoiding the light of day so that soldiers won't come shoot them.

This was a very intriguing read that definitely shows the amount of research effort put into the making of this novel. It highlights a crucial time in our world's history and the fact that so few survives that major event. This novel is meant for younger readers, and I highly recommend it during a Holocaust unit alongside books like Night or The Book Thief, because this book shows the perspective that we don't see in a lot of other books on this topic, which makes it unique. One of the only things that I want a bit more of are defining Polish (or other foreign) words more than once--maybe two or three times--to help that word stick with the reader, especially if it is being used so often. I also think more about the country Hanna is in and some of the history about the area and the time itself, as background or maybe reflection by Hanna, would also develop an understanding for a younger reader who might not know as much about or be as familiar with the time period. Overall, I find this book to be very realistic, showing an aspect of the Holocaust that we just don't see in other books of the same topic. A recommended read not only for teens, but adults too. I learned more from this book about the history, and it took a turn I wasn't really expecting, making the experience of the read thrilling and engaging.

I loved My Real Name is Hannah. It is set in the Ukraine during World War II. Although it is a fictional story, it is based on real people.

In the story, our protagonist, Hannah, recalls how she lived through World War II. At first, their life seems quite simple, and they are unaffected by the course of the war. They start hearing rumors of terrible things happening to Jews in other towns... and slowly, the horror starts encroaching upon their lives.

Eventually, they are forced to flee their homes and survive in the forest. It is not easy for them to survive, but somehow, they manage. Much of the story details how this happens. Especially as I got towards the end of the book, I didn't want to put it down.

If you like historical fiction surrounding the World War II era, you will probably like this book. It is well-written, the characters are likeable, and brings that era of history to life.

This book is about a young teenage girl named Hanna, who is a Jew, and it is a story about her and her family's survival during the Holocaust. This is slightly different to what I've read before with Holocaust books, as this does not feature within a Nazi concentration camp. Her family and extended family are forced to hide in a forest and survive as well as they possibly can. It's a beautiful story about family, friendship, strength and survival. I feel as if I learnt something when reading this book, and although the characters are fictional (minus Hitler), it is based on true stories of survival of such a horrific era in history. 

It's written from the first person perspective of Hanna, who is telling her story to her daughter. Because of it being written in the first person, we really get to know Hanna. We read her thoughts, feelings, memories and more. She's a strong and intelligent girl who really helps her family during their time in hiding. I highly recommend this book, as it is well-written, educational and emotional. It's a wonderful book.

"It's ok to cry, Hanna...crying is a form of breathing."

*ugly sobbing*

Narrated in the voice of 14 year old Hanna, My Real Name is Hanna is the true story of a Jewish family on their quest for survival in the Ukraine during the Holocaust. The family eventually takes refuge in underground caves leaving them to try to make some semblance of a life while being cast in complete and total darkness.

"What is it like to take your last breath? What if the sound of it gave you away?"

*more ugly sobbing*

This is a powerful story about family, hope and ultimately the goodness of mankind.

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

I was provided an ARC of this book by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

This book was both inspirational and heartbreaking. Knowing that it was loosely based off of a real event made it even more tragic to read. The first third of the book consisted of the narrator describing daily life in a Ukrainian village, which helped set the scene for later events. I'm really glad that this book didn't jump straight into the action like so many World War 2 books seem to do. This one slowly built up and created unique, relatable characters. The other two thirds of the book covered what the main character went through as she and several other families attempted to avoid capture and starvation. It was easy to become emotionally attached to Hanna which inevitably led to my caring about her survival. What she and her family would sometimes eat or do to live was simply appalling! My only complaint with this book was that the title didn't make since until the last few pages of the book. I wish the story could have gone into a little more depth and been extended to cover some of that journey. Overall very good and something I highly recommend!

“I am beginning to realize that freedom means you can be who you are meant to be, whatever that is. . . . That breathing without any thought to it is a gift. Now, I think about breathing all the time. What is it like to take your last breath? What if the sound of it gave you away?”

I have always been enthralled with stories revolving around WW2. Learning the true meaning of strength and perseverance by reading accounts of what life was like for Jews. My Real Name is Hanna, did not disappoint in any regard. Inspired by true events, this coming of age story illustrates the insurmountable odds people had to face to survive, yet does so with remarkable spirit of hope and faith in others.

Thank you to NetGalley, Mandel Vilar Press, and Tara Lynn Masih for providing me with a copy of this book.

This was yet another heartwrenching book based on World War 2. Every book on the topic is like something I have never read before. Each book written on the Holocaust is never the same..This one was definitely a "type" I have never read before.. Living in caves for months on end kept me wondering what was going to happen to these poor families all because they were Jewish.. Definitely recommend the wonderful read and thanks to netgalley for letting me review it.

I don’t know where to begin with this book. Hanna will stay close to my heart for a long time to come. My Real Name Is Hanna explores one of the darkest times in history, but does so with a remarkable spirit of hope and faith in mankind. Central to the theme of this book is a sense of connection which transcends divides such as religious beliefs.

One of the most touching relationships in this book is between our young Jewish protagonist, Hanna, and her elderly Christian neighbor, Alla, who takes on a somewhat grandmotherly role to Hanna. Hanna’s parents don’t entirely approve of the work which she does for Alla, assisting her in decorating pysanky, a kind of Ukrainian Easter egg which is intricately decorated and rich with symbolism. At one point in the story, Alla gifts Hanna with a pysanka decorated with symbols from Jewish folklore, a gesture which speaks to a deep abiding love and the mutual respect they have for one another’s cultures and beliefs.

Hanna’s father examines the bird painted on the egg and speculates on the meaning behind it. Perhaps it is a phoenix, which would symbolize patience, or perhaps it is the Ziz, which would be a symbol of protection.

"'I do not know which bird Alla has painted for you, or what she is trying to say. Perhaps both. Have patience, and be protected.'
His large hand is on mine, placing the egg back carefully in the cradle of my palm.
Alla finally found a bridge."

This passage is, in a lot of ways, the crux of the novel to me. Alla and Hanna connect, not by ignoring their differences, but by embracing them, finding ways to bridge the gap, and a mutual habit of never addressing one another with a sense of superiority. This merging of cultural traditions in a time of sharp division and iniquity was a poignant symbol of hope in the fundamental goodness of people.

There is a lot of darkness in this book; it is a YA book, so it avoids going into grisly detail about some of the worst of Nazi atrocities, but it is honest and clear about the fact that Hannah and her family are facing the imminent threat of death. They endure unspeakable hardship, sustained in large part by their love for one another. They have lost their home, almost all of their possessions, and any sense of security in their own country, but familial love endures as they hold on by a thread.

Inspired by a true story of a family that survived the Holocaust by hiding out underground, this novel is a timely reminder of all that’s at stake when we fail to acknowledge the humanity of the Other. Above all else, we must value kindness and connection.

"God be with you. We pray differently, no? But I think we pray for the same things."

I devoured this book in one sitting as it was is hard to put it down. It was well written storyline was well thought out and powerful. I would highly recommend it.

Thank you to NetGalley, Mandel Vilar Press and Tara Lynn Masihfor the opportunity to read this book.

This book tells the story of Hanna and her family, which is told in a marvelous way. I love reading more about World War II and these stories need to be read.  I read this book in one siting, it was hard putting it down, because I  wanted to understand what else did the story have to tell.

I hope that this one like many stories alike that stays with me for a long time. Therefore I can say I highly recommend this book. 

My main problem with this book was its writing, there was something out for me. But either way I really enjoyed the book overall

'My Real Name Is Hanna' was an incredible read. The beautiful story of Hanna and her family was told wonderfully. This story touched me and I felt like I was really there in the midst of the holocaust. The story followed a family of Jews in hiding during World War II. I absolutely love historical fiction and this book was another wonderful story to add to my collection. I definitely recommend this book.

This was an amazing book telling a story that needed to be told; I loved reading about the Jews and their experiences during the war as I have only ever read books from the point of the NAZI's and citizens. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and recommend it to everyone for a raw, beautiful and informative read.

Thankyou to NetGalley, Mandel Vilar Press and Tara Lynn Masih for the opportunity to read this novel.
I am having a great deal of difficulty to find the words to describe the book I just read. So many things come to mind but don't seem enough to explain how hauntingly beautiful Hanna's story is.
I will start by saying that this story demands to be read in one sitting. It was incredibly hard to put it down once you start reading. The storyline was well thought out and so wonderfully descriptive that the reader feels as if they are with Hanna as she faces the horrors of war, It is a powerful story about strength of spirit, power of faith and love and of humanity. And one girls determination to keep her family together through a horrific period of history.
This book had a profound effect on me and I know it will stay with me for a long time to come. I would highly recommend My Real Name Is Hanna. If you loved The Book Thief, Beneath A Scarlet Sky or All The Light We Cannot See, you will enjoy this novel.
Thankyou again to Tara Lynn Masih for writing such a captivating story.

The story is told by a mother, who is telling her story to her children and explaining why she is not using real name. Our main character, Hanna Slivka, is a young 14 years old girl that lives in a small Jewish village, Kwasova. War broke out, when Hitler's army has defied Comrade Stalin and crossed the border into Soviet-occupied Ukraine. Hearing the news, Hanna, Leon and their families are forced to run away from their beloved home and hide in the forest hut. Two families had to share one narrow room. As the story goes on, the settings are changing as well. Conditions were really hard and the arrival of winter made it even more difficult as food supplies were decreasing each day. Soon they realised that they will have to move and so the hidden caves became their new home for a longer period of time. The story is showing a strong bond between families, friends and helping those in need. When the war is finally over, and they head back to devastated Kwasova, and they soon realise that things are not as they used to be.