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The Plum Tree

by Ellen Marie Wiseman

Published: 2012-12-24
Paperback : 400 pages

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2 members have read this book

Recommended to book clubs by 3 of 3 members

"The meticulous hand-crafted detail and emotional intensity of THE PLUM TREE immersed me in Germany during its darkest hours and the ordeals its citizens had to face. A must-read for WW2 fiction aficionados--and any reader who loves a transporting story."--Jenna Blum, NYT bestselling ...

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Introduction

A deeply moving and masterfully written story of human resilience and enduring love, The Plum Tree follows a young German woman through the chaos of World War II and its aftermath.

"Bloom where you're planted," is the advice Christine Bolz receives from her beloved Oma. But seventeen-year-old domestic Christine knows there is a whole world waiting beyond her small German village. It's a world she's begun to glimpse through music, books--and through Isaac Bauerman, the cultured son of the wealthy Jewish family she works for.

Yet the future she and Isaac dream of sharing faces greater challenges than their difference in stations. In the fall of 1938, Germany is changing rapidly under Hitler's regime. Anti-Jewish posters are everywhere, dissenting talk is silenced, and a new law forbids Christine from returning to her job--and from having any relationship with Isaac. In the months and years that follow, Christine will confront the Gestapo's wrath and the horrors of Dachau, desperate to be with the man she loves, to survive--and finally, to speak out.

Set against the backdrop of the German homefront, this is an unforgettable novel of courage and resolve, of the inhumanity of war, and the heartbreak and hope left in its wake.

Advance Praise For Ellen Marie Wiseman's
The Plum Tree

"The Plum Tree is a touching story of heroism and loss, a testament to the strength of the human spirit and the power of love to transcend the most unthinkable circumstances. Deft storytelling and rich characters make this a highly memorable read and a worthy addition to the narratives of the Holocaust and Second World War." --Pam Jenoff, author of The Ambassador's Daughter

"A haunting and beautiful debut novel." --Anna Jean Mayhew, author of The Dry Grass of August

"In The Plum Tree, Ellen Marie Wiseman boldly explores the complexities of the Holocaust. This novel is at times painful, but it is also a satisfying love story set against the backdrop of one of the most difficult times in human history." --T. Greenwood, author of Two Rivers

"Her characters are not just victims, but flesh-and-blood people. If you care about humanity, you must read The Plum Tree."--Sandra Dallas, author of True Sisters

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Book Club Recommendations

Recommended to book clubs by 3 of 3 members.

WWII story taking place in Germany.

by LanaK (see profile) 01/28/17

Different story of war - gives the reactions and concerns of everyday people living in Germany. Great discussions. Important to understand so we do not repeat history. Wonderful German food was served with German decorations on the table.

German food

by v2valenta (see profile) 08/05/14

Our hostess served German Pot Roast with mashed potatoes and broccoli.

Member Reviews

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by Sharon K. (see profile) 01/18/20

by Karen H. (see profile) 07/31/17

"The Plum Tree"by Lana N. (see profile) 01/28/17

Excellent story giving a different view of WWII.

"Great Story - Very Well written"by Wendy G. (see profile) 08/18/15

Only criticism I have is that the book dragged in a couple of spots.

"WWII from a different perspective"by Vicki V. (see profile) 08/05/14

I really was not excited about this book. I think I'm a little burnt out on WWII and the Nazis. However, I did like that this story was told from the perspective of a non-Jewish German citizen. The book... (read more)

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