The Umbrella Maker's Son by Tod Lending ~ a Review

by Susan Roberts

 

A powerful and unforgettable novel of survival against all odds and the remarkable power of love, in which a Jewish teenager in World War II Poland fights to save his life and find the young woman who holds his heart.

Amazon affiliate links are used on this site.  A free book was provided for an honest review.

February 2025; Harper; 978-0063413849
audio, ebook, print (400 pages); historical fiction

The Umbrella Maker's Son is an emotional look at World War II through the eyes of a 17-year-old man.  Reuven leads a comfortable life and lives with his parents, grandmother, and sisters in a very nice home.  He works with his father at a shop that makes custom umbrellas and is in love with Zelda and they have plans to marry in the future.  Life is comfortable and happy until 1939 when the German troops begin their invasion of Poland and eventually arrive in Krakow.  

The bombing of Krakow began on the first of September, 1939.  Reuven had been dreaming of his girlfriend when he woke up to the sounds of bombs and German planes flying overhead.  Zelda and her family left, as did many other families, to stay with relatives in the country but Reuven's family decided to stay because of his father's business.  

Only 5 days later, German troops began their occupation of Krakow.  By December, life had gotten unbearable for the Jewish residents - there wasn't enough food, and coal consumption was restricted.  With no business and minimal income, the family was forced to move to a smaller apartment and had to leave many of their personal treasures behind.  Soon after, there was a horrible crime committed and Reuven's father decides that the family must leave as soon as possible to go to an area controlled by the Russians. 

The trip is full of danger to the family and ends tragically.  I'm not going to discuss the plot further because I don't want to ruin it for other readers.  The family's flight from Krakow takes place about 30% into the book and Reuven's quest to find Zelda and his search for safety follow a difficult path full of danger and degradation.  It's a journey full of bravery and surprises that show the resilience of this young man.  Despite the life-altering changes and tragedy, it's a story of survival and unexpected hope in the face of terror and violence.

This novel is beautifully written and very well-researched.  It's different from many other World War II books because it looks at this tumultuous time through the eyes of a 17-year-old who has to grow up fast to help his family and himself.  This is a story of love and loss, bravery and resilience, and family.   Be sure to read the author's Acknowledgements at the end of the book where he explains how parts of this story are from his family's history in Poland.  This is a debut novel for Tod Lending and I look forward to his future books.  

Buy The Umbrella Maker's Son at Amazon

Susan Roberts grew up in Michigan but loves the laid-back life at her home in the Piedmont area of North Carolina where she is three hours from the beach to the east and the mountains in the west.  She reads almost anything but her favorite genres are Southern Fiction and Historical Fiction.   

Enjoyed this post? Never miss out on future posts by following us. Get even more book news in your inbox, sign up for our newsletter today! Or Follow Girl Who Reads with Bloglovin. Girl Who Reads is an Amazon advertising affiliate; a small commission is earned when purchases are made at Amazon using any Amazon links on this site. Thank you for supporting Girl Who Reads.