Brothers in All But Blood

This story of two boys growing up together in the Ukraine in the 1920s is one of love, sacrifice and sadness. Asher is Jewish and Mykhail is not, but their families share everything including the farm that both families work together. As the birth pains begin that move the country closer to the second world war, Asher’s family flees to Warsaw, Poland, while Mykhail’s remain in the Ukraine. But neither family will ultimately escape the horrible wages of the war, with both Asher and Mykhail ending up in Treblinka death camp, although they never met there. Only following orders, which they both abhorred, and reaping the years of nightmares which followed them after the war. The innocence of their boyhood in the Ukraine never forgotten yet like a different lifetime ago, both men attempt to forge a future for themselves. A chance circumstance bringing them back together in the 1990s and a final rehashing of the past bring this dynamic book to its conclusion. Excellent story of a side of WWII that involves places I’d not listened to/read about before.

2 people found this helpful

I've read better...

I listen to a lot of books set during WWII, and this was pretty average for me. The narrator was good, but the story was just OK.

2 people found this helpful

absolutely insulting and reductive in its ignorance; publishers should be ashamed

Mad at myself for contributing in any way to this book which has all the nuance and writing skill of a middle schooler, and somehow shows even less appreciation for accuracy, human nature, or decency. Publishers willing to print this kind of superficial, insensitive junk ought to be ashamed no matter the paycheck. This attempt at historical fiction is not only irresponsible and shameful, it’s beyond unworthy of the topics it pretends to deal with.

1 person found this helpful

Terrific

I went back and forth between the Kindle version and Audible and the story came alive. Wonderfully written and wonderfully performed, this experience will be with me for a long time.

1 person found this helpful

no regrets, but....

I really enjoyed this audio book, and narration was good. However, after reading several other books from the time period, this story is very similar. Also there are many times when dialogue is very predictable, they summarize information that doesn't read to be rehashed, etc. It doesn't happen a lot, but that's why a 4/5- not a great piece of literature, but entertaining.

1 person found this helpful

Great Book

I Had ancestors who were in prison camps. My Father was also a prisoner of war

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Loved it!

The beginning was a little slow but within the hour picked up. The unexpected ending was amazing.

Yet another WWII story.

This story started out a little typical of all WW II stories, but ended up having a different twist that had not entered my thoughts before. I rather appreciate the added insight.

Good story

fisrt audible, really liked, good story, easy to listen to, would recommend to others

A good listen of a terrible time

I enjoyed 98% of the story. The final 2% was a little too tidy, but I forgive the author for wanting to make sure every loose end was wrapped in a bow.

The framework of a daughter's discovery of her father's unknown and unspeakable past created a break from the horrors of WW2 atrocities. The story of Poland is well known, Ukraine less so. I appreciated a different perspective. What does one do when faced with choosing one evil over another? And what are the long-term consequences of those choices?

Something to think about.