This well-written book took a different path when weaving her story. Many books are published telling of the horrors of the Holocaust. The concentration camps. The mutilation. The showers. Jews lived their nightmare until exhaling a final breath.

This story, however, is written from the view of an author trying to create a new story. Her inspiration came in the form of a long-forgotten Holocaust survivor card. Serendipity led her to England and straight into the arms of a story more fascinating than she could have imagined.

The survivor, Jana, was but a child as Hitler invaded country after country. Imprisoning or slaughtering all who opposed him. No Jew was safe. Children were shot by Nazis just as quickly as adults and the elderly.

There was a single saving grace. A place where she, and others like her, would be safe.

This is the story of Jana and how she survived hell. ( )

The Golden Peacock by Lauren B Grossman is so much more than I expected and the surprise ending is one I could never have foreseen.

The story bounces between Nazi Germany in the late 30s, early 40s and 1997. Running from Nazi Germany to Amsterdam, Holland to London, England, Rainee is always hiding, in some fashion.

Rainee will meet Jana and her life will be changed forever. Secrets will be exposed.

The combination of the Holocaust, adoption, Alzheimer and dementia, nursing homes, rape…Lauren B Grossman handles these subjects with grace…And when Rainee shares a little something with Mr Wickam…well, I loved it and even managed to smile.

I read along thinking I knew what the book was offering, and I love that Lauren surprised me with a couple tricks she pulled out of her bag. I was left with bittersweet thoughts of a well crafted novel that will make me more open to checking out books that I would normally pass by.

I voluntarily reviewed a free copy of The Golden Peacock by Lauren B Grossman.

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Golden Peacock possessed some interesting story ideas and the research to back them up. Jana’s story of escape and her life in England were vividly portrayed. The plight of Alzheimer’s, both on the patients and those close to them, made my heart twinge. The author took the time to really get into the effect regular visits have on the recovery for those patients and to show how devastating the loss of self can be, especially for a Holocaust survivor.

I enjoyed Rainee’s story as well. I found her to be a very sympathetic individual who came to care for Jana as more than just a story prompt. She dedicated herself to telling Jana’s story and connecting with her as family. I also enjoyed the romantic aspects, especially with Rainee being a bit older than your typical romantic lead. They were a pleasant side note to Rainee’s interactions with Jana.

However once the story gets into the second half of the book, I almost felt like I was reading a different novel. The pitch of the story changed from heartfelt exploration of survival, overcoming tragedy, and memories to this hell bent adventure story dodging bad guys and ferreting out Nazis. And then at the conclusion, it almost seemed liked the whole Alzheimer’s thread was dropped after the big reveal and showdown. The emphasis on themes and overall environment of the two halves were completely different.

That sudden switch in tone and story emphasis mid-book did kill the momentum and enjoyment a bit for me. If this had maybe been two short novels or something like that, I might have enjoyed it better? I don’t know. I enjoyed the different themes explored in the book individually: Alzheimer’s and its consequences, Rainee’s journey and relationships, and the excitement of the latter half. Yet, I felt like they should have been interwoven more rather than split down the middle. Still, an overall enjoyable read.

Note: Book received for free from author in exchange for an honest review. ( )