"With its focus on prejudice and trauma, and finding family and love, this intensely emotional character-based saga begins just before the Second World War as two Jewish children escape the horrors of Nazi Germany on the Kindertransport."
Thought-provoking and emotional, this novel concentrates on the lives of three women from their childhood as they navigate being thrust together just before the Second World War through to their older years. Margarete aged 12, helps 4-year-old Isle, as they leave Nazi Germany on the Kindertransport for England where both are taken in by the Kingfisher family which includes 9-year-old Judith.
This is the first book I’ve read by author Jan Casey, she has concentrated on the Second World War in her writing, fascinated by ordinary people living in extraordinary times. I really appreciated how she didn’t restrict this novel to the Second World War, but opened it up to the three women in their older years to show the lasting effects of trauma.
Each chapter is headed by one of the three main characters and from their childhood on each is clearly distinct allowing you to connect with them individually. Judith’s sections are written in diary form, which helps to highlight the differences between her and Margarete and Isle. The writing changes as the girls grow older and I walked their path with them.
This novel feels hugely relevant today, where prejudice and antisemitism is increasing. Jane Casey has obviously researched not only this period in history, but also the Jewish faith in order to write this book. I feel it would appeal to those not only interested in the history of the Second World War appearing in fiction, but those seeking a strong sense of the values of integrity, kindness, and compassion.
Poignant and heartfelt, The Nowhere Sisters is a powerful historical saga with themes of prejudice, trauma, family, hope, and love as it travels with three women on their journey to becoming sisters.
| Primary Genre | Sagas |
| Other Genres: |
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Closing date: 31/10/2026
Available from Amazon. Berlin, 1938.
The Nowhere Sisters features in the following genres: Family Drama, Historical Fiction, Sagas, Historical Fiction, Second World War fiction, Narrative theme: Diversity, equality, inclusion, Narrative theme: Social issues, Narrative theme: Displacement, exile, migration, Narrative theme: Identity / belonging
Ebook. Not Available.
The Nowhere Sisters was written by Jan Casey and published by Joffe Books
