Only the Brave

By: Danielle Steel

Narrated by: Samuel Roukin

Length: 7 hrs and 10 mins

Publisher's summary

From #1 New York Times bestselling author Danielle Steel, comes a powerful, sweeping historical novel about a courageous woman in World War II Germany.

Sophia Alexander, the beautiful daughter of a famous surgeon in Berlin, has had to grow up faster than most young women. When her mother falls ill, Sophia must take charge of her younger sister Theresa, look after her father and the household, while also volunteering at his hospital after school. Meanwhile, Hitler's rise to power and the violence in her very own town have Sophia concerned, but only her mother is willing to share her fears openly. After tragedy strikes and her mother dies, Sophia becomes increasingly involved in the resistance, attending meetings of dissidents, and helping however she can.

Circumstances becoming increasingly dangerous and personal when Sophia is instrumental in her own sister's daring escape, fleeing Germany with her young husband and his family. Her father also begins to resist the regime, secretly healing those hiding from persecution, only to have his hospital burned to the ground. When he is arrested and sent to a concentration camp, Sophia is truly on her own, but more determined than ever.

While working as a nurse with the nuns of the convent, Sisters of Mercy, Sophia continues her harrowing efforts to transport Jewish children to safety and finds herself under surveillance. As the political tensions rise and the brutal persecution continues, Sophia is undeterred, risking it all, even her own freedom, as she rises to the challenge of helping those in need—no matter the cost.

In Only the Brave, Danielle Steel vividly captures the devastating effects of war alongside beautiful moments of compassion and courage.

©2024 Danielle Steel (P)2024 Recorded Books

The courage of the heroine

Made my 7 hour drive a breeze! If I had not had this to keep me company it would have been unbearable.

Historical

Once again Danielle hit it out of the park. I wish it was a little longer, but still an excellent performance and story. I learned what was not in the history books.

Loved this story! Will miss reading it!

I love the history, sad as those times were. I can’t imagine the courage so many had. It was wonderfully written and I loved the characters. Had me on the edge of my seat many times! I could picture all the scenes as if I were there!

Edith Stein

This is the second of Danielle’s WW2 books I have listened to. While I liked ECHOS more, I want to focus on the historical quality of ONLY THE BRAVE. The facts about the rise of the Nazis was quite compelling. While hard to hear, I could not stop. In both books, DS told the brave story of Edith Stein, a Jew turned Catholic nun who spoke bravely about the rise and dangers of Hitler. Edith was a real person, a brave person. Thank you for telling this story with such attention to accuracy.

Also , I found the narration to be slow and cold. It could have been a lot better.

How are people so brave.

Thank you for the happy ending. Characters were interesting and believable. Beautifully written and held my interest.

Never A disappointment

I’ve been reading Danielle Steel for 40+ years. I’ve not once been disappointed by , except the fact that I always want the story to continue to know what happens next. This story is exactly the same situation. I want to know what happens!

Great triquing story

Stories of nazi Germany always make me sad, especially the to hear of the cruelties done to others. But this was a better story than I thought & in Danielle Steel fashion a great ending. I would love for the book to have been longer or there to be a sequel.

Good storyline

Loved the narrator. And the story was accurately depicted for this time period with many ups and downs that people experienced.

Sweet Story

Rather a “same old, same old” WWII story. If you like an easy read with a lovely ending, go for it. I enjoyed the narration because the book was written as a story, not a dialogue. The narration was straight up rather than punctuated with goofy voices as some seem to be.

Ending abrupt

The ending was abrupt and seemed not true to the story- perhaps if the story had been more fully developed, it would have made sense