I have been fascinated by World War Two historical fiction for years. Yet, I never thought much about what happened after the treaties were signed. The Lost Baker of Vienna has me asking so many questions, wanting to learn as much as possible. The survivors of the Nazi occupation are an inspiration to me and hopefully to you.

Dual time line stories give multiple perspectives. I was impressed with the way the author tells Chana's story. Zoe has just lost her remaining family member. While searching her grandfather's documents she discovers an envelope with her name on it, for her future. She will find herself in Vienna at the Empress Hotel searching for clues from Henri Martin.

Henri Martin has never been one for the limelight. He doesn't do interviews. He doesn't pose for photographs. This time he can't hide away. Henri Martin shares his story in his own words and by sharing Chana's story from her point of view.

Chana takes the reader back to 1946 Vienna. The war is over but the challenges are immense. The Blackmarket is thriving. The abuse and hatred towards the Jewish people continues. Imagine surviving the ghettos and camps only to continue to suffer wlth a lack of food, clothing and shelter. The author brings the struggles forward. The fears of trying to survive were intense. To see that they had to grasp at for any chance of hope just to continue was heartbreaking.

I was thrilled when Zoe learned about the family she never knew. I was saddened that it took her grandfather's passing to start her on the path. The story is fascinating. The story was inspiring. It gave me glimpses into the past guiding me to learn more. I always want to know more. We should all want to know more.

The Lost Baker of Vienna brought the past into the present. It was written is such a way that I wanted to keep reading. The author grabbed my attention. She teased me. She kept me guessing. The truths were worth every wrong guess, every tear and every moment of anger at those that treated people as less than.

2018 When Zoe Rosenzweig starts sorting through her grandfather’s possessions after his passing she decides that she must find out more about his past. The opportunity arises through her work in journalism, almost pleading with Wes her boss to let her be part of the Boucher Conference. The question is , will she have to destroy her career and integrity to fulfill Wes’s wishes?

1946 Chana Rosenzweig carries a promise to her father, that she will look after her mother and brother, but at what cost to herself! Her mother wishes her to marry, does Chana want to settle for a loveless marriage?

This is a beautiful story of trying to find loved ones and their backgrounds. I loved the way it unravelled, keeps you guessing. Strong brave characters. My favourite character was Zoe, least favourite was Kirill.

The Lost Baker of Vienna writes about two timelines.
It moves between 1946 Vienna, where Chana, who survived the Holocaust, fights to rebuild her life through baking, and 2018, where journalist Zoe goes on a journey to uncover family secrets that have been buried for a long time.

Her determination to be a baker and follow in her father’s footsteps was also a promise to him and to stay alive.

The fact that this was based on the author's mother and family made it more emotional.

I loved her connection with Mercher and Elias, each with their own story and agenda for Chana.

I couldn't imagine what Zoe felt as she was told her family history. I was shocked as secrets and the past were revealed to her more and more.

The secrets needed to come out, and I loved the way they did.

Chana was such a strong character; she was still fighting for herself and her family despite everything she had gone through during that dark time in history. She was so brave to go through what she did.

An excellent and emotional read, following the lives of Aron, Chana and their mother Rose who survive the camps during WWII. The book follows them once they make a risky journey to Vienna, in the hope they will be able to find a way to America to their father's family, where on arrival they meet Meyer, who is tasked in finding the, accommodation and work. He does a lot of dealing on the black market.

Zoe, a young journalist who after the death of her parents is brought up by her grandfather Aron. Aron dies quite suddenly after a stroke, and his last conversation mentions a telephone call from his sister Chana in Vienna, who he has always told her died in a fire. Zoe thinks with his dementia he is just very confused.

On clearing out his bungalow, she comes across some papers, marked for Zoe's future and mentions a couple called Martin who are bakers and are to be recogonised at a big event in Vienna. Zoe a foodie journalist begs her boss to let her go.

The dual timeline follows Aron and Chana's lives in Vienna and their desperate lives and desire to emigrate to America.

Wow, what a lovely hearttouching story. I loved this one. The author has such a way with words that k really felt connected with the characters.

Thank you to Netgalley and the reader for this arc

A 5 star read for me.

Following the death of her beloved grandfather, Zoe is trying to put her life together. She inherits an assortment of cuttings with the instructions to find out more about her family background.

This quest takes her to Vienna to meet Henry Martin who tells her about Chana, her great aunt, and life in Vienna after the Second World War.

Zoe is torn between learning more about her family and honouring her obligations to her editor for a story about the elusive Mr Martin. As she learns more she is forced to decide where her loyalties lie.

She comes to appreciate her great aunt’s courage and her determination to save her family but also preserve her freedom to decide her own future. Her greatest wish is to become a baker like her father.

A beautiful story - one which will stay with me.

Wow

This was inspired by the extraordinary experiences of the author's mother and her family during and after the Holocaust.

They would be so proud of the author for writing this. Imagine the pain of the research and the sadness of what she found. But then she uses her magic to put it into this novel

Wow

This book is a compelling novel set in two timelines that highlights the sufferings of people who survived and perished in World War II and how it affects even the current generation. Set in 1946 and in 2018, the story jumps between the two timelines focusing on two strong women characters – Zoe of the current generation and her great-aunt Chana, who survived the Holocaust. In 2018, Zoe grapples with the loss of her grandfather and embarks on a quest to uncover her family’s history. Meanwhile, in 1946 Vienna, Chana faces the challenges of rebuilding her life after the war, torn between her passion for baking and the need for protecting her family.

The vivid portrayal of post-war Vienna is particularly noteworthy. Kurtzman deftly illustrates the challenges of Holocaust survivors, depicting a world still rife with antisemitism and the looming presence of Soviet soldiers. One of the novel’s strengths lies in its character development. Both Zoe and Chana are well-rounded, compelling protagonists whose stories of pain, perseverance, and resilience resonate deeply with readers.

“The Lost Baker of Vienna” is a moving and insightful debut that offers a fresh perspective on the aftermath of the Holocaust. It’s a story of survival, love, and the power of family bonds that transcend generations, making it a worthwhile read for those interested in historical fiction.

Thanks to the publisher for providing ARC.

The Lost Baker of Vienna is set at the time when people were trying to rebuild their lives after World War Two and the Holocaust in particular. Interwoven with the present day the story is compelling and insightful. The character Chana is intriguing and the plot keeps you guessing her destiny until the final pages. I really enjoyed the book.

A great novel! I found it particularly interesting to read the situation of Jewish people after WWII. Unfortunately, I was amazed (again) at the fact that antisemitism still prevailed !! In Vienna where the family tries to build up a new life awaiting visas for the USA, they confront not only racism but also other physical dangers: women (any woman, young or old) are not safe as far as Russian soldiers are concerned. Rivalries between black market leaders don't help either.
The plot was well done even though one could guess the outcome. However, what I will remember about this novel is the social context in Vienna after WWII. That was really fascinating though angering and harsh!
I received a digital copy of this novel from NetGalley and I have voluntarily written an honest review.

Sharon Kurtzman's "The Lost Baker of Vienna" is a poignant historical novel that intertwines the past and present, exploring the aftermath of the Holocaust through the eyes of its protagonist, Zoe Rosenzweig.

The story begins in 2018 when Zoe grapples with the recent death of her grandfather, a Holocaust survivor. Her quest to uncover her family's history leads her back to post-war Vienna, where her ancestor Chana Rosenzweig is trying to navigate the complexities of freedom after enduring unimaginable horrors during the war. Chana's struggle to provide for her family while pursuing her passion for baking becomes the central conflict, as she finds herself caught between two men—one offering security and another sharing her love for baking.

Through Zoe's quest, she discovers Chana’s resilience and sacrifices, illuminating themes of survival and love amidst adversity. Supporting characters enrich the narrative, reflecting different aspects of post-war society and personal choices.

The novel explores issues of identity, trauma, and the enduring impact of war on families. It highlights how history affects generations and remains relevant to discussions about displacement and survival. Love—both familial and romantic—is central to overcoming challenges.

Kurtzman's engaging and evocative writing brings Vienna to life, and her straightforward narrative allows readers to immerse themselves in both timelines. The tone balances tenderness with tension, capturing the emotional depth of Chana’s experiences without being overly sentimental.

Personally, I found the book deeply moving, and resonating on multiple levels. It encourages reflection on familial histories and the legacies shaping identities.

In the context of WWII historical fiction, it stands out for its unique perspective on post-war Vienna—a period often overlooked in literature. Kurtzman's personal connection adds authenticity, making it a significant contribution to Holocaust literature and discussions on survival and identity.

I really enjoyed this, feeling I learned something different about WWII and the Holocaust. It is a very good book I suggest you read.

Wow, not the ending I expected! A brilliant story addressing the divisions that existed in Vienna post war. Having visited the city (and loved it) I could picture myself there and my mouth watered at all the bakery items that were mentioned!

I did struggle with some of the men's names and knowing who was on which "side".

I enjoyed the dual time line and wish more had been said about the modern day and wish we'd maybe got to know Zoe's Grandad more before he passed away and more about what Zoe did after her trip to Vienna.

The persecution of the Jews by the Hitler regime is one of the most devastating periods of modern day history and something that everyone should know more about.

Thank you to the author, publishers and NetGalley for allowing me to read and review an Arc copy.