Pastel Orphans

By: Gemma Liviero

Narrated by: Whitney Dykhouse, Nick Podehl, Amy McFadden

Length: 10 hrs and 7 mins

Publisher's summary

In 1930s Berlin, young Henrik, the son of a Jewish father and Aryan mother, watches the world around him crumbling: people are rioting in the streets, a strange yellow star begins appearing in shop windows, and friends are forced to move - or they simply disappear.

After his father becomes gravely ill, Henrik and his little sister, Greta, are taken by their mother to Poland for safety. However, not even the pastoral surroundings of their new home can protect them from the terrors of war. When the Nazis invade and Greta is kidnapped, Henrik must shed his youthful innocence and search for his lost sister, a quest that will further reveal a harrowing landscape of violence and struggle - but also unexpected connections.

Uniquely told from the perspective of youth plunged into adult chaos, Pastel Orphans is a coming-of-age story that explores profound lessons in self-belief, kindness, and human endurance.

Revised edition: This edition of Pastel Orphans includes editorial revisions.

©2015 Gemma Liviero (P)2015 Brilliance Audio, all rights reserved.

Great Book- Narrator Not So Much

Narrator could've worked on different character voices. It was too obvious she was reading straight from a book. A little flat. But great story!

Good Story, Very Well Done

What was one of the most memorable moments of Pastel Orphans?

I didn't find any one moment as best. Each of the three parts of the book are from that characters POV. That was one of the best parts of the book. The author made each of these parts specific to that character and appropriate for the age in those circumstances. I enjoyed that most.

Which character – as performed by the narrators – was your favorite?

Rebecca's narration was so true to a young women that age, but having lived through those times. I liked her best.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

Yes, I went out of my way to hear it as soon as I could.

Any additional comments?

All in all, this book conveyed the story while maintaining dignity. I mean this book didn't have graphic descriptions that would add nothing to the story.

Great book

Really enjoyed this book. Great listen. Narrator did a great job as well! Alot of history in this book.

.not so predictable

This was a WW2 story a little less predictable than others I've read. It covers a boy becoming a man and the choices you make for love and family. It humanize those who think differently and helps you understand how they became who they were. And you don't know why they are called Pastel Orphans to well into the story. Audible 20 review sweepstakes entry

Very good book

I like to keep Audible on as I work and this book made the time pass quickly!!

Great Read

I have read all of Gemma L.s books. Loved each book. Loved her characters. Wanting more from each book. My heartbreaks as I read but is strengthened by pure human strength and love she describes.

Wow! What a story!

Having just finished listening to this book I must pause to regain my composure. It’s been a real page turner, just one story among thousands of human tragedies taking place during the Nazi terror.
I highly recommend this book; it should be required reading

A beautiful story of humanity's best and worst

This is a story of love, hope, courage, and loyalty in the midst of war.

Absolutely INCREDIBLE!

the story is incredible! So many times I was listening and almost brought to tears just imagining what these poor children had to go through. this is an amazing book. So good that I bought it for my own 16 year old daughter said that she might be able to read it as well. I would 100% recommend this book to anyone.

Discover a little known aspect of WWII

This was a very good story that centers on a little known aspect of WWII. Specifically, that of the special "breeding program" put in place by the Reich in order to produce those possessing "true Aryan" features. The story itself doesn't focus on those in the program, but rather is revolves around the impact of an abducted child on a family. This is the basis, but the book covers so much more, from the years prior to WWII through to it's end.

I found the book both uplifting and depressing, which also led me to think of the story afterwards. This makes it a good work, as sub-par stories get quickly forgotten.

Other reviews have mentioned the narration as a negative. I can understand why the childhood era-voices, in the early chapters, could grate on some, but I wasn't bothered by it. The paired narrators complemented each other well and didn't detract from the story.

Other reviews have also mentioned that they found the early childhood chapters brutal in how the sibling interaction unfolded. Truth be told, it was pretty accurate, and there really was nothing brutal there.

In summary, I can highly recommend this audio book to pretty much any audience. It should have a broad appeal, as the story covers many topics ans issues, and does so in a most engaging way.