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Roberta Kagan
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The Syndrome That Saved Us: An Unputdownable End to the Saga, Book Four in a Jewish Family Saga Kindle Edition

by Roberta Kagan (Author) Format: Kindle Edition
4.6 out of 5 stars 1,379 ratings
As the saga continues in Manhattan, Sam Schatzman learns that rash decisions can be life altering.

When an old enemy from the KKK, who had once tormented him, appears back in his life, will he rise above his hatred, or will he allow it to consume him?

Across the ocean, in Berlin, Esther and Ted Birnbaum are faced with leaving everything and everyone they love behind in an effort to survive Hitler’s vicious attack on the Jews of Germany.

But even if they are willing to sacrifice all they have worked for and leave Germany, where will they go, and how will they get out?

They have no one to turn to for help except their oldest employee, Hans Hubermann. But Hans's son, Erwin, is showing great promise in the Hitler Youth, and Luisa, a longtime enemy of the Birnbaums', has taken notice of Erwin’s advancements in the organization. Does she realize Erwin is Hans’s son, and that Hans is connected to the Birnbaums? And if she does, what will the ramifications of this be?

In Rome, the Nazis are rounding up all the Jewish people in the ghetto. There is talk that these poor innocent souls are being sent to Auschwitz and perhaps even murdered. When Lory hears this, he becomes desperate. His beloved wife, Alma, is Jewish, and he must find a way to save her. But how?

When three doctors at a Roman Catholic hospital approach him with a brilliant but dangerous plan, Lory and Alma must decide whether they are willing to take the risk of joining these three antifascists or try to escape from Italy on their own.

This is book four, the final book, in A Jewish Family Saga series.


Readers are loving A Jewish Family Saga series:

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐Another Roberta Kagan hit! ...I love Roberta's writing, can never get enough. A family story during WWll, leaving you sad and happy. - Goodreads Reviewer

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐Roberta has done it again! This was a brilliant 5 star book! - Goodreads Reviewer

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐Couldn’t put down! - Goodreads Reviewer

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐I am really enjoying reading this amazing Jewish saga. - Goodreads Reviewer

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐These four books had just the amount to make someone like me proud to be Jewish and understand our heritage. - Goodreads Reviewer
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  1. Book 4 of 4
    A Jewish Family Saga
  2. Print length
    360 pages
  3. Language
    English
  4. Publication date
    January 6, 2021
  5. File size
    2.8 MB
  6. Page Flip
    Enabled
  7. Word Wise
    Enabled
  8. Enhanced typesetting
    Enabled
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There are 4 books in this series.

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Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Kelli Tager is a classically trained actor with a master's degree in Shakespeare studies from the Shakespeare Institute in Stratford-Upon-Avon, UK. She worked in film/theater and taught children's acting for many years. Now, she only acts behind the mic in commercials, animation, and, of course, audiobooks. ("Kelli Garland" narrates anything for the young listener.) Audiobook narration is the perfect marriage between her love of literature and her love of acting.

Roberta Kagan is an American novelist who primarily writes historical fiction, most notably set during World War II and the Holocaust, although she has featured other time periods and settings. Her fans have a particular fondness and appreciation for her World War II period books, such as All My Love Detrick and A Flicker of Light, which are inspirational stories of ordinary people caught up in extraordinary circumstances. Her father was of Romany descent, and her mother was Jewish. Her childhood was quite unusual, as the family was wealthy until she was thirteen years old, when her father suffered a reversal of fortune in his business. The family went from being privileged to being poor in a matter of months, and Roberta learned some valuable lessons about true friendship and what really matters in life that have carried over into her books and short stories. The Romany teachings she received from her father have also had a significant impact on her writing, and several of her books feature Romany characters.

Product details

  • ASIN ‏ : ‎ B08SC3FM8K
  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ (January 6, 2021)
  • Publication date ‏ : ‎ January 6, 2021
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • File size ‏ : ‎ 2.8 MB
  • Text-to-Speech ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Screen Reader ‏ : ‎ Supported
  • Enhanced typesetting ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • X-Ray ‏ : ‎ Not Enabled
  • Word Wise ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Print length ‏ : ‎ 360 pages
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.6 out of 5 stars 1,379 ratings

About the author

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Roberta Kagan

Roberta Kagan

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I am an USA Today Best Selling Author of Historical Jewish Fiction mainly set during World War 2. My father was Romany and my mother was Jewish, When I was very young I learned about the Holocaust. I couldn't understand how something like this could happen. So, I began to research and learn more. I met with survivors. I even met with children and grandchildren of SS officers. But I still had no answers. I cannot say that I have all of the answers to all of my questions even now. But what I do know is that soon all of the survivors will be gone. Their message must be remembered, the sacrifices that they made must not be forgotten. And so I humbly and with the utmost humility I try to tell their stories. It is painful, but I must convey the darkness and horror of the time, However, I also want the world to know and celebrate the unsung heroes. Because there were many ordinary people who acted in heroic ways. I realize that writing these books is a great responsibility. I pray every day that I am able to do this correctly. I am trying to reach out and touch many people, not with the message of the horrors but with the promise of hope. I thank you from the bottom of my heart for considering my work. It is an honor that I never take lightly.

I send you many blessings, Roberta

Customer reviews

4.6 out of 5 stars
1,379 global ratings

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Customers say

Customers find this book to be a wonderful addition to the Jewish family saga series, with each character being fascinating. Moreover, the writing style receives positive feedback, with one customer noting how the author brings Europe to life. Additionally, customers appreciate the survival themes in the book.

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25 customers mention "Story quality"22 positive3 negative

Customers praise the story quality of the book, describing it as a wonderful series with a terrific conclusion.

"...The author writes a stunning story of fiction and fact, but yet; there is a different take on "living and love"...." Read more

"...A terrific conclusion to an amazing four part saga. Deep characters and plenty of drama with historical accuracy blended seamlessly in...." Read more

"Roberta is wonderful at weaving together historical fiction and areas you may not have known existed - like syndrome K. Hope, survival, kindness in..." Read more

"I loved how each series flòws. The last book in this series was awesome.She paints a beautiful but tragic picture." Read more

17 customers mention "Readability"17 positive0 negative

Customers find the book highly readable, with one describing it as a page-turner and another noting its satisfying conclusion.

"Wow. Fabulous new book from author. Review to come shortly. Wow!!! Newest release from author Roberta Kagan... 5.0..." Read more

"This series was amazing. I read the first awhile ago. Read 2 3 and 4 within 2 weeks . Loved them . Wish you had not killed Sam but War is war ...." Read more

"I loved how each series flòws. The last book in this series was awesome.She paints a beautiful but tragic picture." Read more

"...It's been theraputic to read of the power of the human spirit at a worse time in our world's history as we struggle now to survive COVID, racism,..." Read more

6 customers mention "Character development"6 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the character development in the book, finding each character fascinating.

"...A terrific conclusion to an amazing four part saga. Deep characters and plenty of drama with historical accuracy blended seamlessly in...." Read more

"...I have read all of the books and this one put all the characters from the previous books together...." Read more

"...Just saying.. By reading Kagan's books, you come to fall in love with the characters, empathize and just want their stories to go on and on!..." Read more

"...Her character development is extraordinary. It is so easy to remember who each character is from one book to the next and their individual stories...." Read more

4 customers mention "Writing style"4 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the writing style of the book, with one customer noting how the author brings Europe to life, while another finds it heartwarming and hard to put down.

"...Starvation. Somehow they did come through it. The author excellently brings alive Europe and America during this time." Read more

"...She writes stories that are hard to put down and always leave me hoping for one more book in the series." Read more

"...You are an excellent writer. Thank you." Read more

"Very sensitive read...." Read more

3 customers mention "Survival"3 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the book's portrayal of survival, with one describing it as very strong.

"...and areas you may not have known existed - like syndrome K. Hope, survival, kindness in unexpected places, people you hate who finally get what they..." Read more

"...It shows the determination to survive under horrifying circumstances. The author did an extremely good job of tying up all storylines...." Read more

"Very strong women..." Read more

Top reviews from the United States

  • skl
    5.0 out of 5 stars What Doesn't Kill Us Makes Us Stronger
    Reviewed in the United States on January 19, 2021
    Verified Purchase
    Wow. Fabulous new book from author.
    Review to come shortly.
    Wow!!! Newest release from author Roberta Kagan...
    5.0

    My grandmother always said: Stacey- What doesn't kill you makes you stronger.
    Being in my early 20's at the time, I truly did not understand the depth of what she meant.
    But... Roberta Kagan certainly does understand, which she proves flawlessly as you will see when finishing this book.
    It wasn't the fact that Syndrome K; the disease which saved many jews during the Holocaust was the only defense; it was the bravery of "righteous gentiles" such as doctors, employees, friends; and the fact that the "power of the human spirit" was never underestimated by the characters at risk.
    The author writes a stunning story of fiction and fact, but yet; there is a different take on "living and love".
    This is not- a book about activities inside a concentration camp.
    Two of the many topics brought up in this novel are judgement and deceit. Yes, we all know deceit; though- not like this! I have never witnessed anything close to what I saw - until meeting Luisa, which I have not gotten over.
    I was introduced to the most vile and evil, deceitful character I think I have ever met; be it in a book or in my life.
    This younger woman was a childhood friend of my heroine Esther's daughter, and won her title by torturing Esther's daughter emotionally and physically, moving on to to abuse Esther- verbally and emotionally ; her final long term act was in playing with the mind of an adolescent; the most dangerous of all. Please know I am being extraordinarily nice in my vocabulary regarding Luisa.

    Is there such a thing as a happy ending in a novel about jews during the Holocaust?
    There is when you re-examine your priorities and recognize what constitutes a blessing.
    Roberta Kagan has written 41 books-
    and for me...she has become a household name.
    2 people found this helpful
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  • Christine
    5.0 out of 5 stars Wonderful
    Reviewed in the United States on June 5, 2023
    Verified Purchase
    I knew it had to end even though I didn't want it to. A terrific conclusion to an amazing four part saga. Deep characters and plenty of drama with historical accuracy blended seamlessly in. This is one series that will not disappoint.
    Helpful
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  • Denise Marie
    4.0 out of 5 stars Story is brilliant
    Reviewed in the United States on July 24, 2023
    Verified Purchase
    Roberta is wonderful at weaving together historical fiction and areas you may not have known existed - like syndrome K. Hope, survival, kindness in unexpected places, people you hate who finally get what they want. But she could use a new editor, one that matches her skill for a tightly woven thriller you won't put it down till the last page.
    Helpful
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  • mary murphy
    5.0 out of 5 stars Amazing
    Reviewed in the United States on November 10, 2024
    Verified Purchase
    This series was amazing. I read the first awhile ago. Read 2 3 and 4 within 2 weeks . Loved them . Wish you had not killed Sam but War is war . Roberta you are an amazing author . I have read other books by you all are great .
    Helpful
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  • Laurie
    5.0 out of 5 stars Addictin Series
    Reviewed in the United States on January 13, 2024
    Verified Purchase
    I loved how each series flòws. The last book in this series was awesome.She paints a beautiful but tragic picture.
    Helpful
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  • Jean38no
    5.0 out of 5 stars Jean38no
    Reviewed in the United States on July 8, 2021
    Verified Purchase
    I thoroughly enjoyed the saga of this Jewish family from shedding light on the anti- semitism in American ,to WWII.
    The war sparked by Hitler’s Germany under the control of a madman seeking world domination. He using the hated of the Jews to bind people to follow him. What happened to this fictitious family probably happened to many, many Jewish families. Being thrown into concentration camps that were death camps. Losing everything they owed. Hiding from Nazis to stay alive. Starvation. Somehow they did come through it. The author excellently brings alive Europe and America during this time.
    Helpful
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  • Amazon Customer
    5.0 out of 5 stars Last Book
    Reviewed in the United States on November 4, 2022
    Verified Purchase
    This is the last novel in a Jewish Family Saga. I have read all of the books and this one put all the characters from the previous books together. It has a bittersweet ending..I felt I knew the characters personally.
    3 people found this helpful
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  • Jayrb
    4.0 out of 5 stars Good mix of fiction and non-fiction to inform, educate, and story-tell about a Jewish Family
    Reviewed in the United States on February 7, 2022
    I’m reviewing all four books because each doesn’t really stand-alone due to cliff-hanger endings at the end of the first three. I would have preferred to read one novel without the need to summarize the story elements contained in each prior book. However, this did not distract me from the story plot arc of this “saga.” The author absolutely sustained my interest throughout with the various plot elements associated with each of the family characters. There is no shortage of drama, heartache, love, hate, jealousy, ethical and unethical behavior, and some spirituality. I confess that some plot elements were difficult for me to read due to the situations that characters had to endure, but I believe them to be realistic and certainly even toned down from other real-life aspects of living and dealing with the Nazis. There were some non-fiction aspects of the story that were new to me, particularly the Syndrome K ruse used by Italian doctors to save Jewish lives - amazing. I very much liked how Ms. Kagan intertwined fact and fiction, which caused me to frequently check out certain aspects of the story line via Wikipedia. BTW, 60 Minutes recently did a complete segment on the Ritchie Boys, which is highly worth viewing. I must say that’s one element of the story that the author could have expanded upon, seeing Sam in action as a Ritchie Boy - lost opportunity in my mind. She still could have satisfied Sam’s fate in a more interesting way, but it’s her story to tell. I would agree with a few reviewers who weren’t satisfied with the chosen ending, but real life often doesn’t turn out as expected. I highly recommend this book series, but prepare to feel blue at the end.
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Top reviews from other countries

  • fionamarshall.
    5.0 out of 5 stars Best read .....ever.
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on December 19, 2021
    Verified Purchase
    I have now read these 4 books in a row. I simply couldn't put them down. Each page was had me so engrossed.
    I actually felt as though all these characters were known to me. Each book was filled with love,pain,saddness and war.
    Having read many books this series is certainly one of the best . Highly recommended ,expertly written,and I actually
    Learned so much more about the second world war than any other book I've read. I'm sorry to have read this last book in
    The series,I now need to go to Roberta Kagan library. Worth more than 5 stars..
    Report
  • Stephanie Catudal
    5.0 out of 5 stars Just wow!
    Reviewed in Canada on May 21, 2024
    Verified Purchase
    I couldn’t put this book down. All the pieces came together but I have to be honest, I definitely cried a few tears.
    Report
  • Kindle Customer
    5.0 out of 5 stars Survivors and reunions.
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on April 17, 2022
    Verified Purchase
    The final book of a remarkable and well written series. Recommended to all lovers of WW2 romantic fiction. Roberta is a rare author where every book is a five star page turner.
    Report
  • Mary Vinette
    5.0 out of 5 stars Amazing
    Reviewed in Canada on January 14, 2021
    Verified Purchase
    I have read all of Roberta Kagan's books. Love every one of them. This one though was exceptionally good. I read it in 2 days. Just couldn't put it down. Looking forward to her next one.
    Report
  • Kindle Customer
    5.0 out of 5 stars Judy Wright
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on December 25, 2021
    Verified Purchase
    What a lovely story i enjoyed every minute of it its one of the best books i have read i really recommend this series of books
    Report

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