Daughters of the Occupation

A Novel of WWII

By: Shelly Sanders

Narrated by: Kathleen Gati

Length: 10 hrs and 59 mins

Publisher's summary

Inspired by true events in World War II Latvia, an emotionally charged novel of sacrifice, trauma, resilience, and survival, as witnessed by three generations of women.

On one extraordinary day in 1940, Miriam Talan’s comfortable life is shattered. While she gives birth to her second child, a son she and her husband, Max, name Monya, the Soviets invade the Baltic state of Latvia and occupy the capital city of Riga, her home. Because the Talans are Jewish, the Soviets confiscate Max’s business and the family’s house and bank accounts, leaving them with nothing.

Then, the Nazis arrive. They kill Max and begin to round up Jews. Fearing for her newborn son and her young daughter, Ilana, Miriam asks her loyal housekeeper to hide them and conceal their Jewish roots to keep them safe until the savagery ends.

Three decades later, in Chicago, 24-year-old Sarah Byrne is mourning the untimely death of her mother, Ilana. Sarah’s estranged grandmother, Miriam, attends the funeral, opening the door to shocking family secrets. Sarah probes Miriam for information about the past, but it is only when Miriam is in the hospital, delirious with fever, that she begs Sarah to find the son she left behind in Latvia.

Traveling to the Soviet satellite state, Sarah begins her search with the help of Roger, a charismatic Russian-speaking professor. But as they come closer to the truth, she realizes her quest may have disastrous consequences.

A magnificent, emotionally powerful story of family and the lingering devastation of war, The Daughters of the Occupation explores how trauma is passed down in families and illuminates the strength and grace that can be shared by generations.

Supplemental enhancement PDF accompanies the audiobook.

PLEASE NOTE: When you purchase this title, the accompanying PDF will be available in your Audible Library along with the audio.

©2022 Shelly Sanders (P)2022 HarperCollins Publishers

Excellent virtually untold story of the Jews of Latvia

A must read for this genre. Also sheds light on the horros of the soviet occupation in addition to the heinous annihilation of most Latvian Jews by the Nazis and their Latvian collaborators.

Performance amazing

Kathleen Gati- great performance as always, brings Shelly Sanders story depth and personality to a story of generational tragedy.

Couldn’t stop listening- bears so much emotion

There’s a painful reality in our world’s history. It never stops breaking my heart and shaking my core of truth telling.

Such an important story to share

I wish it had been revealed what Miriam meant at her daughter’s funeral. Maybe I should listen again.

I loved this book!

this book was easy to get into! The narrator's accent was perfect, making the Baltic region come alive for the reader. I listened to this in just a few days, couldn't stop! It brought me tears! Amazing story

Never forget

Such an emotional story of a horrific time. I happened to be listening to this during a current horrific war that is starting. Saddened me even more that our some places in our world are still filled with hatred.

A story that breaks the heart

I have never heard of the story of Latvia and the murder of the thousands buried in the mass graves outside of Riga. I can not help but compare it to what is going on in that part of the world today. It may not be in Latvia but the Jews of this world are still being killed and many more are being injured. I recommend this book for anyone who interested in history and how it is often kept secret from generations due to the pain and fear of what could happen again. If we don’t remember, though, it WILL happen again.

Couldn’t stop listening

This book is so good. Hits all emotions and keeps you listening to know what happens next. Thanks

Riveting and emotional

I enjoyed the story and it made me cry! We’ll worth the credit I spent on it.

No sugar coating the Holocaust

This is the second book by this author that I have listened to and have really been immersed in both books. I finished both in just 3 nights.

This book is based in Riga, Latvia in the early 1940’s as well as the US, 1970’s. It flips back and forth between generations telling the story of how the Jews in Riga eventually were put in a ghetto after losing their homes, their belongings, their husbands, businesses, etc. All the while flipping forward to a granddaughter who just lost her mother trying to figure out why her deceased mother and grandmother didn’t have a good relationship. Why she wasn’t raised Jewish and what her background really was?
As a reader/listener, I had no idea that Latvia had the invasion it did by both Germany and the Soviet Union. I had no idea the atrocities that occurred there in Riga and other areas in Latvia and that so many Jews lost their lives there. This book is based on true facts, historical events that actually happened. The author does not sugar coat the events happening in this book and if you are a compassionate person, your heart will truly be broken knowing these events really happened to real people. The Holocaust did happen, it was one of the most heartbreaking and inhuman events in our history and those who survived are almost all passed now. People will soon forget this as “history.” It should never be forgotten. It’s still happening and it should never be repeated anywhere again. Although a tearful book, it’s true and a very good listen. I highly recommend this book. I’d not recommend it to anyone who can’t handle the events that happened in the Holocaust until they are of age to do so.