Caffeinated Reviewer

The synopsis of The Porcelain Maker by Sarah Freethy intrigued me, as I am often drawn to WWII fiction novels. Inspired by an actual porcelain factory in Dachau, this sweeping tale held me captive from the very first page.

An epic story of love, betrayal, and art that spans decades, through the horrors of World War II to 21st century America, inspired by an actual porcelain factory in Dachau.

Two lovers caught at the crossroads of history.
A daughter’s search for the truth.

Germany, 1929. At a festive gathering of young bohemians in Weimar, two young artists, Max, a skilled Jewish architect, and Bettina, a celebrated avant-garde painter, are drawn to each other and begin a whirlwind romance. Their respective talents transport them to the dazzling lights of Berlin, but this bright beginning is quickly dimmed by the rising threat of Nazism. Max is arrested and sent to the concentration camp at Dachau where only his talent at making exquisite porcelain figures stands between him and seemingly certain death. Desperate to save her lover, Bettina risks everything to rescue him and escape Germany.

America, 1993. Clara, Bettina’s daughter, embarks on a journey to trace her roots and determine the identity of her father, a secret her mother has kept from her for reasons she’s never understood. Clara’s quest to piece together the puzzle of her origins transports us back in time to the darkness of Nazi Germany, where life is lived on a razor’s edge and deception and death lurk around every corner. Survival depends on strength, loyalty, and knowing true friend from hidden foe. And as Clara digs further, she begins to question why her mother was so determined to leave the truth of her harrowing past behind...

The Porcelain Maker is a powerful novel of enduring love and courage in the face of appalling brutality as a daughter seeks to unlock the mystery of her past.

The story begins in America, 1993 where Clara, Bettina’s daughter, searches for clues about her father. She follows the sales of unique pieces of porcelain. From the very first pages, I was transported and whisked away to Germany, 1929.

In Germany, we meet Bettina, a painter, and Max, a skilled Jewish architect. Theirs is a whirlwind romance, and I enjoyed the art scene, romance and their young marriage. It’s a dangerous time and soon Max is arrested. He is taken to the Nazi concentration camp at Dachau.

As Clara learns more about her parents, we spend time with both Max and Bettina. Max creates exquisite porcelain figures for the Germans and Bettina risks everything to save him. Bettina’s story tugged at my heartstrings even as I admired how brave she was.

The tale that unfolds was beautiful, sad, heartbreaking, and enlightening. I am always amazed how, during the darkest of times, light emerges. The blending of fiction and history was exquisitely done. I researched off page as the author piqued my curiosity.

If you, like me, enjoy historical fiction/romance steeped in history, particularly WWII, you won’t want to miss The Porcelain Maker. It’s one of my favorite historical reads this year.

Amazon | Audible

About Sarah Freethy

Sarah Freethy worked as a producer and script consultant in television before turning her hand to fiction. The Porcelain Maker is her debut novel. She lives in Hampshire, England with her family.

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About Kimberly

Kimberly is a coffee loving book addict who reads and listens to fictional stories in all genres. Whovian, Ravenclaw, Howler and proud Nonna. She owns and manages Caffeinated PR. The coffee is always on and she is ready to chat. BlueSky | Facebook | Instagram

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