I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.
A coming of age tale of a young girl facing the horrors of war during the rise of Hitler and the Nazi regime takes center stage in author Rina Z. Neiman’s novel “Born Under Fire”.
The Synopsis
Born Under Fire is a historical novel that tells the story of a girl coming of age and her drive to excel despite the devastating effects of long-term war. Born in Jerusalem under British rule in 1928, Shula grows up in a world in turmoil as Hitler rises to power and nations enter into war. Amid a landscape of ancient stone ruins next to modern Bauhaus architecture, and desert scrub ending at newly verdant farmlands, Shula grows into her independence as the State of Israel is born. Based on historical documents and events, Born Under Fire is also about the context surrounding the founding of the State of Israel, as well as the horrors and dangers of growing up in a conflict zone. Shula battles grief and depression due to the shattering events affecting her, her family, and the entire world. Despite this struggle, her resilient spirit enables her to reach great heights as a concert pianist.
Get 40% Off Select Fiction BestsellersThe Review
This was a gripping tale that held no punches and spoke honestly about the rise of the Israeli state and the hardships endured by many during this era of history. Not only did it explore the violence plaguing the world at large during WWII, but the affects it had on the Jewish community around the world and the violence between other cultures and the Jewish people, (and even division amongst the Jewish people themselves), that arose due to this tumultuous time. Yet it’s the way the story is told that will instantly pull readers in, as protagonist Shula is shown from a young girl growing into a young woman and seeing the violence and changes happening around her and to her family.
Shula is what makes the story feel relatable and emotional. While many books and films/television programs will explore historical periods like WWII and give great insight into the period of time that saw so much death and destruction, they often lack the emotional struggle many people faced each and every day. Yet this historical fiction/drama showcases these struggles realistically and allows the reader to hang on to the author’s every word as Shula endures great loss, change and triumph throughout this tale. Not only do we see history through this young woman’s eyes, but readers also feel connected to her as she undergoes this coming of age journey that sees her find the inner strength and courage not only to face these everyday challenges during a time of war, but to reach for her dreams and fight to hold onto her passions in the face of so much loss and adversity.
The Verdict
This is a must read historical fiction novel. Many WWII novels that showcase the struggles of the Jewish people often will focus on the struggles of those immediately in danger from the Nazi regime. Yet in this novel readers get a new perspective on the Jewish community outside of Europe and instead on those establishing themselves in the growing state of Israel. Highlighting the cultural struggles as well as the violence endured during this time, readers will fall in love with Shula and the story of her life during this tumultuous era of history, making this a novel readers will not want to put down. If you haven’t yet be sure to grab your copy of “Born Under Fire” by Rina Z. Neiman today!
Rating: 10/10
Born Under Fire is now available to purchase on Amazon, Barnes and Noble, and Thrift Books.
Start a New YA Series: Buy One, Get One 50% OffAbout the Author, Rina Z. Neiman
Rina Z. Neiman is a writer, event producer and public relations professional. Born Under Fire is based on the true story of her mother, Shulamit Dubno Neiman, a Sabra, a musician and one of the first generation of modern-day Israelis. Rina lives in Marin County, California with her husband and son. This is her first novel.
You may find out more about the author and her book by visiting the website https://www.bornunderfire.com/. Also, you may find her on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram
— Blog Tour Dates
May 20th @ The Muffin
What goes better in the morning than a muffin! So, grab your coffee and join us today as we celebrate the launch of Rina Z. Neiman’s book Born Under Fire. Read an interview with the author and enter to win a copy of the book.
http://muffin.wow-womenonwriting.com/
May 21st @ Karen Brown Tyson Blog
Make sure you stop by Karen’s blog today where you can read Rina Z. Neiman’s guest post about how to manage time and distractions during the book writing process. If you are writing a book – or thinking about writing one – this one is a post you don’t want to miss!
https://karenbrowntyson.com/blog/
May 22nd @ Coffee with Lacey
Grab some coffee and visit Lacey’s blog today where you can read her review about Rina Z. Neiman’s book Born Under Fire.
May 23rd @ Coffee with Lacey
Stop by Lacey’s blog again where you can read the author Rina Z. Neiman’s guest post about why researching primary sources is so effective.
May 23rd @ Bri’s Book Nook
Looking for a new book? Make sure to stop by Bri’s Book Nook and find out why you need to add Rina Z. Neiman’s book Born Under Fire to your reading list.
May 24th @ One Sister’s Journey
Today is a can’t miss review by Lisa over at One Sister’s Journey blog. She’s sharing her thoughts about Rina Z. Neiman’s historical fiction book Born Under Fire.
May 26th @ Reading Whale
You won’t want to miss today’s stop at the blog Reading Whale where you can read this Rina Z. Neiman’s guest post about when you can finally start writing your book after all that research.
May 27th @ The Burgeoning Bookshelf
Fill your bookshelf with good books! Stop by Veronica’s blog and read author Rina Z. Neiman’s guest post about writing biographical fiction and when to dramatize real events.
https://theburgeoningbookshelf.blogspot.com/
May 28th @ Helen Hollick’s World of Books
Join Helen Hollick’s Tuesday Talk over at her blog and read Rina Z. Neiman’s guest post about how videos can reinforce your historical novel.
May 28th @ Book Collab Blog
Make sure you stop by Morgan’s blog Book Collab where you can find out what she has to say about Rina Z. Neiman’s historical fiction book Born Under Fire.
https://morganbray15.wixsite.com/mysite
May 29th @ Author Anthony Avina’s Blog
If you love historical fiction, make sure you visit Anthony Avina’s blog today where he features author Rina Z. Neiman’s blog post about how she researched her historical fiction novel Born Under Fire. You won’t want to miss this!
https://authoranthonyavinablog.com/
May 31st @ Jess Reading Blog
Are you interested in writing history for young adults? If you are, you will absolutely want to visit Jess’ blog today where author Rina Z. Neiman talks about writing history for young adults and what grabs them and what loses them.
https://jessbookishlife.wordpress.com/
June 1st @ The World of My Imagination
Come by Nicole’s blog today where you can read her review of Rina Z. Neiman’s book Born Under Fire and enter to win a copy of the book.
http://theworldofmyimagination.blogspot.com
June 2nd @ Author Anthony Avina’s Blog
Can’t resist a good book? Visit author Anthony Avina’s blog today when he reviews Rina Z. Neiman’s incredible historical fiction book Born Under Fire.
https://authoranthonyavinablog.com/
June 3rd @ Beverley A. Baird’s Blog
Looking for your next great read? Make sure you stop by Bev’s blog today and catch her opinion on this fascinating historical fiction novel Born Under Fire.
https://beverleyabaird.wordpress.com/
June 4th @ Amanda Diaries
Today’s stop is at Amanda’s blog where you can read what she thinks about Rina Z. Neiman’s historical fiction book Born Under Fire.
https://amandalsanders1989.wordpress.com/
June 5th @ The Frugalista Mom
Visit Rozelyn’s blog today where you can not only read her review of Born Under Fire but also enter to win a copy of the book!
June 7th @ Bookworm Blog
Feeling bookish today? Make sure you stop by Anjanette’s Bookworm blog where you can read her thoughts about Rina Z. Neiman’s powerful historical fiction book Born Under Fire plus read an interview with the author.
https://bookworm66.wordpress.com/
June 8th @ Jessica’s Reading Room
Today’s tour stop is a fantastic guest post written by author Rina Z. Neiman about how to make stories interactive. A must-read for all the writers out there!
http://jessicasreadingroom.com/
June 9th @ Jess Bookish Life
Need a new book in your life? Stop by Jess’ blog today where she shares her opinion about the historical fiction book Born Under Fire.
https://jessbookishlife.wordpress.com/
June 10th @ Beverley A. Baird’s Blog
Are you doing research for your novel? Make sure you visit Bev’s blog today where author Rina Z. Neiman is talking about top 5 ways to research secondary sources.
https://beverleyabaird.wordpress.com/
June 12th @ Author Anthony Avina’s Blog
Get to know author Rina Z. Neiman at today’s stop over at author Anthony Avina’s blog where he interviews the author.
https://authoranthonyavinablog.com/
June 14th @ Bookworm Blog
Visit Anjanette’s blog today and read a guest post by the author who talks about making your story interactive and why adding music is so effective.
https://bookworm66.wordpress.com/
Visit Wendi’s blog at Strength 4 Spouses where you can read Rina Z. Neiman’s guest post about the importance of writing during deployment.
June 15th @ Strength 4 Spouses
June 17th @ 12 Books
Visit Louise’s blog over at 12 Books and find out her thoughts about Rina Z. Neiman’s book Born Under Fire.
June 19th @ Inquiry and Beyond
Join Kathy on Instagram and on her blog PYP in Paradise as she reviews and features Rina Z. Neiman’s book Born Under Fire.
https://www.instagram.com/InquiryandBeyond/
http://pypinparadise.blogspot.com/
June 21st @ Choices Blog
Interviewing someone for your book? Make sure you visit Madeline Sharples’ blog today where Rina Z. Neiman talks about how to conduct interviews with people who are (and who are not) willing to talk with you.
June 23rd @ Strength 4 Spouses Blog
Need a new book? Make sure you stop by Wendi’s blog where she reviews Born Under Fire by Rina Z. Neiman.
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