Alice Hoffman's The World That We Knew is praised for its lyrical prose and evocative storytelling that deftly blends magical realism with historical fiction. Reviewers laud its emotional depth and well-drawn characters, though some criticize the pacing and predictability. Overall, it's a haunting and beautifully written tale that captivates readers.

Readers captivated by historical fiction with a touch of magical realism would enjoy Alice Hoffman's The World That We Knew. Fans of Kristin Hannah's The Nightingale or Markus Zusak's The Book Thief will appreciate the poignant narratives, strong character arcs, and the interplay of love and sacrifice set against the backdrop of World War II.

In The World That We Knew by Alice Hoffman, three Jewish girls in Nazi-occupied France navigate the horrors of the Holocaust with the help of a magical golem, which was created to protect them. Intertwining historical reality with elements of the supernatural, the story highlights the themes of love, resistance, and survival amidst the brutality and violence of World War II. Contains descriptions of violence and wartime atrocities.

Mysterious / Fantastical / Emotional / Dark / Bittersweet

Alice Hoffman

Adult

Novel

Fiction

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Study Guide

Before You Read

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Overview

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The World That We Knew Summary and Study Guide

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Chapter Summaries & Analyses

Chapters 1-6

The World That We Knew Chapters 1-6 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 7-13

The World That We Knew Chapters 7-13 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 14-19

The World That We Knew Chapters 14-19 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 20-26

The World That We Knew Chapters 20-26 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 27-34

The World That We Knew Chapters 27-34 Summary & Analysis

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Character Analysis

The World That We Knew Character Analysis

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Themes

The World That We Knew Themes

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The World That We Knew Symbols & Motifs

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The World That We Knew Literary Devices

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Important Quotes

The World That We Knew Important Quotes

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The World That We Knew

Before You Read

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