The boy that never smiles. It would be an apt name for this book. But, Where David threw stones, depicts the story of ten-year-old David unusually which captures the imagination throughout the story. Though David vowed never to smile, his new friends sure tried everything they could to make him forget the promise.
After David’s parents' accidental death, David had no choice but to live with Herr Ernst, his grandfather on mother’s side. It tells the story of one Jewish boy who discovers a secret that kept WWII’s memories alive within its bosom hauntingly. And Jews away from the town. David soon realised what the secret was and the impact it would have on him as he experience up close the horrors of the war. Despite it all, David’s character flourished within this small town as he became acquainted with the townfolk in ways he didn’t think possible.
Even at this young age, David was not easily manipulated into doing things he believed to be wrong or against his upbringing. With a strict background, he wore his kippah with pride no matter the hateful glares, and ultimately ban to visit the shops. But once he stumbled onto the secret, his purpose for being there became clear. Unwilling friends became comrades, family became strangers, and the story started a life of its own.
“This spellbinding Historical WW2 Fantasy Novel is a story of a ten-year-old boy's loss, redemption, and ultimate courage. Award-winning author Elyse Hoffman has crafted an expertly woven tale of World War II's horrors. This thrilling story is perfect for readers of Marcus Zusak's "The Book Thief," John Boyne's "The Boy in the Striped Pajamas," or Michael Reit's "Beyond the Tracks."”
The vivid story telling captures the imagination as it sends you back into a time where no Jew was safe. The propaganda against Jews is an intense hate that moored within the very fabric of the people and the lies they believed almost crippling you. But David’s ways carried a wait that touched even the hardest of hearts and views changed as the secret become real.
Going back in time each night, layered the story with a unique ploy, remarkable characters and dramatic plotlines that felt so real that my heart cramped in pain. Of which Maria Rahm’s young character was my favourite. The children within this book had to grow up fast, as they try to find the truth for themselves and how they were connected to David. No grownup will help or tell them about the curse, and David and his little friend had to unravel every lie spread by Hitler and his cronies. A truth that surpassed the curse and secret and left me speechless.
This is a book I can recommend to every WWII reader. It adds another layer to what we already know about the war and how it affected the nation. ( )

"I think he was mad because getting hurt is one thing, but being forced to smile when everything hurts is even worse."
West Germany, 1968: When ten year old David Saidel's parents are murdered, he is sent to live with his grandfather in an anti-Semitic village. Miserable and lonely, David finds comfort in his kindly Grandpa Ernst, who has only one strict rule: Never go out after midnight. When David breaks curfew to search for his missing dog, he discovers why Ernst is so serious about his curfew: Brennenbach is cursed. At midnight, the town is thrown back to 1943 at the height of Hitler's reign. The Nazi ghosts in the village are just as dangerous as they were in life. And they are hunting for David, thinking he is the last member of a family they've been ordered to destroy. With the help of a little girl named Maria Rahm, David sets out to end the Curse before it claims more victims.
This book sounded like an amazing read from the moment I read the summary and it did not disappoint. I was hooked from the opening line to the final line. This is a book that can be enjoyed no matter your age. The lessons that can be found in this book are universal: love, courage, and redemption. Ten year old Jewish David finds himself surrounded by Nazi's trying to capture and kill him in the past and a fierce hatred in the present. All because he is Jewish. I mean David even has some self-loathing going on himself. The most heartbreaking thing: he feels like he deserves the hatred and punishment of people.
When I tell you this book left me with chills multiple times, I mean I was emotionally wrecked by this book. I loved every second of it, because it wasn't just a story... it meant something. Hoffman is a master storyteller and you find yourself drawn into the world that is created. The book is a really great example of finding redemption and forgiveness. It is obvious the town has a big secret they are trying to hide, and David's time in the past helps him to uncover the sins of the town. In the process he opens the eyes of those in the present. I think the curse aspect was a cool dynamic, my only wish is that I could have known a little bit more about it. I don't want to give any spoilers so I'll leave it at that. GO READ THIS BOOK!!! ( )

I am a fan of this genre. Instantly, I was transported within the pages of this book. It was like a mini movie playing in my head, while I was reading this book. David is an engaging little boy. All of the things he saw and experienced I felt them to with him.

Although, I did feel like there were a bunch of other characters that came at me all at the same time in the beginning and it was a bit hard to keep them all straight. The use of the "f" word is used a lot throughout the book. Yet, I understood where it was coming from in relation to the story, so I did not have a problem with it.

Author, Elyse Hoffman really does know how to write engaging characters and good storylines. I will read more books written by her. I enjoyed this book from the first page to the last page. ( )

This book...where to start? When I first began reading, I wasn't sure if I was going to like it. David's guilt weighs so heavily on him, my heart absolutely broke for him. You can feel his sadness and guilt spilling out over the pages. Then, the next thing I knew, I'm chapters deep, my stomach is growling at me, and I'm reluctant to put the book down long enough to go grab a snack. This book will captivate you, and pull you back through time. The characters are real, and you'll absolutely hate some of them. It also highlights that people, just like life, are not all black and white, and hate can pass from one generation to the next. An excellent book overall. ( )

This book has it all. Recommended.

"Welcome to the Brennenbach of Midnight! The Curse Hours have begun."

West Germany, 1968

When ten-year-old David Saidel's parents are murdered he is sent to live with his grandfather in the anti-Semitic village of Brennenbach. Miserable and lonely, David finds solace in his kindly Grandpa Ernst, who has one strict rule: never go out after midnight.

When David breaks curfew to search for his missing dog, he discovers why Ernst is so serious about his curfew: Brennenbach is cursed. When midnight strikes, the town is thrown back to 1943, the height of Hitler's reign. The Nazi ghosts that infest Brennebach are just as dangerous as they were in life. They're hunting for David, thinking he is the last member of a family they've been ordered to destroy.

Through the help of a little girl named Maria Rahm, David sets out to end the Curse before it claims more victims. Award-winning author Elyse Hoffman has crafted an expertly woven tale of World War II's horrors - perfect for readers of Marcus Zusak's "The Book Thief," or Michael Reit's "Beyond the Tracks." ( )