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The Things We Cherished
Pam Jenoff, whose first novel, "The Kommandant's Girl," was a Quill Award finalist, a Book Sense pick, and a finalist for the ALA Sophie Brody Award, joins the Doubleday list with a suspenseful story of love and betrayal set during the Holocaust.
An ambitious novel that spans decades and continents, "The Things We Cherished "tells the story of Charlotte Gold and Jack Harrington, two fiercely independent attorneys who find themselves slowly falling for one another while working to defend the brother of a Holocaust hero against allegations of World War II-era war crimes.
The defendant, wealthy financier Roger Dykmans, mysteri-ously refuses to help in his own defense, revealing only that proof of his innocence lies within an intricate timepiece last seen in Nazi Germany. As the narrative moves from Philadelphia to Germany, Poland, and Italy, we are given glimpses of the lives that the anniversary clock has touched over the past century, and learn about the love affair that turned a brother into a traitor.
Rich in historical detail, Jenoff's astonishing new work is a testament to true love under the worst of circumstances.
An ambitious novel that spans decades and continents, "The Things We Cherished "tells the story of Charlotte Gold and Jack Harrington, two fiercely independent attorneys who find themselves slowly falling for one another while working to defend the brother of a Holocaust hero against allegations of World War II-era war crimes.
The defendant, wealthy financier Roger Dykmans, mysteri-ously refuses to help in his own defense, revealing only that proof of his innocence lies within an intricate timepiece last seen in Nazi Germany. As the narrative moves from Philadelphia to Germany, Poland, and Italy, we are given glimpses of the lives that the anniversary clock has touched over the past century, and learn about the love affair that turned a brother into a traitor.
Rich in historical detail, Jenoff's astonishing new work is a testament to true love under the worst of circumstances.
288 pages, Hardcover
First published July 12, 2011
618 people are currently reading
14170 people want to read
About the author
Pam Jenoff
30 books6,630 followersPam is the author of several novels, including her most recent The Woman With The Blue Star, as well as The Lost Girls of Paris and The Orphan's Tale, both instant New York Times bestsellers. Pam was born in Maryland and raised outside Philadelphia. She attended George Washington University in Washington, D.C., and Cambridge University in England. Upon receiving her master’s in history from Cambridge, she accepted an appointment as Special Assistant to the Secretary of the Army. The position provided a unique opportunity to witness and participate in operations at the most senior levels of government, including helping the families of the Pan Am Flight 103 victims secure their memorial at Arlington National Cemetery, observing recovery efforts at the site of the Oklahoma City bombing and attending ceremonies to commemorate the fiftieth anniversary of World War II at sites such as Bastogne and Corregidor.
Following her work at the Pentagon, Jenoff moved to the State Department. In 1996 she was assigned to the U.S. Consulate in Krakow, Poland. It was during this period that Pam developed her expertise in Polish-Jewish relations and the Holocaust. Working on matters such as preservation of Auschwitz and the restitution of Jewish property in Poland, Jenoff developed close relations with the surviving Jewish community.
Having left the Foreign Service in 1998 to attend law school at the University of Pennsylvania, Jenoff practiced law at a large firm and in-house for several years. She now teaches law school at Rutgers.
Following her work at the Pentagon, Jenoff moved to the State Department. In 1996 she was assigned to the U.S. Consulate in Krakow, Poland. It was during this period that Pam developed her expertise in Polish-Jewish relations and the Holocaust. Working on matters such as preservation of Auschwitz and the restitution of Jewish property in Poland, Jenoff developed close relations with the surviving Jewish community.
Having left the Foreign Service in 1998 to attend law school at the University of Pennsylvania, Jenoff practiced law at a large firm and in-house for several years. She now teaches law school at Rutgers.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 613 reviews
August 26, 2011
It is sometimes hard for me to pick up a novel like this one, mostly because I have read so many Holocaust period books, and I fear that I will be disappointed if a writer doesn’t live up to my impossibly high standards. The Things We Cherished went above and beyond those expectations, and I read it cover to cover in one day. Centering the historical aspects on the anniversary clock allowed the reader to see the full sentimental value that it held for all the lives it touched after its creation. It made the alternating chapters from the present day so much more meaningful, and still gave me the opportunity to try and figure out how it was going to come together in the end. The story of the lawyers was also well written, and purposeful. The romance was realistic and painful; the characters had their own history that was influencing their current case, making the story one that I couldn’t put down until I read the very end. I appreciated the fact that Charlotte’s character was Jewish, the daughter of a holocaust survivor, and didn’t automatically assume the client was guilty; in fact she was more determined to prove his innocence. There are some great parallels in the story between the present day attorney’s and the historical family which were subtle and well written. I really can’t say much more about this novel without any spoilers, so I will just say: READ THIS BOOK. That’s all.
Reviewed by Gabi for Book Sake.
Reviewed by Gabi for Book Sake.
abandoned
February 19, 2012I got less than 30 pages into this book before giving up, because it has the most pathetic protagonist ever. She's still mooning over the ex who dumped her years ago, and in the meanwhile, she has no friends, no hobbies, no interests outside of work. She never takes her vacation days because she has nothing else to do. It's implied that her lack of a man is the reason for her pathetic life--which is pretty pathetic in itself--but if she needs a man so badly, then really, there's no excuse for her not dating. And it appears that she doesn't do that either.
Sometimes I think it's bizarre that I so want to read about professional women, and yet I tend to avoid books set in the modern-day U.S. (actually, anywhere in the modern-day first world, really). Then I pick up a book like this and decide that I'm not missing much. At least, in settings where it's really hard for a woman to be independent, a character's building up her own career is considered awesome and worthwhile. In settings where it's totally normal for a woman to have a career, her work is Not Enough and tends to become a sidenote in a book that's really about her finding a man.
When her ex showed up at her office, invited her out to dinner (making clear that this was to talk about work, not a date, because he's married) and she stopped to buy and change into a new blouse en route from work to the restaurant, I knew this was not a book for me.
On second thought, that was when I quit, but I knew beforehand--when he invited her to dinner and she decided she might as well go because (she thought self-pityingly) otherwise she'd only be at home with her cat eating takeout. No, Charlotte, your life is not pathetic because you live alone with a cat. Your life is pathetic because you don't put in the effort to build friendships with people whose company you enjoy, you don't engage in activities that matter to you, you don't take responsibility for making your life something you can enjoy and be proud of. I'd like to think she learns that lesson in this book, but from the sound of it she just "solves" her problems by finding a new man. She's probably a clingy, possessive girlfriend too (not to mention a boring one, since she has no life). Wonder how long it takes before he gets tired of her....
Sometimes I think it's bizarre that I so want to read about professional women, and yet I tend to avoid books set in the modern-day U.S. (actually, anywhere in the modern-day first world, really). Then I pick up a book like this and decide that I'm not missing much. At least, in settings where it's really hard for a woman to be independent, a character's building up her own career is considered awesome and worthwhile. In settings where it's totally normal for a woman to have a career, her work is Not Enough and tends to become a sidenote in a book that's really about her finding a man.
When her ex showed up at her office, invited her out to dinner (making clear that this was to talk about work, not a date, because he's married) and she stopped to buy and change into a new blouse en route from work to the restaurant, I knew this was not a book for me.
On second thought, that was when I quit, but I knew beforehand--when he invited her to dinner and she decided she might as well go because (she thought self-pityingly) otherwise she'd only be at home with her cat eating takeout. No, Charlotte, your life is not pathetic because you live alone with a cat. Your life is pathetic because you don't put in the effort to build friendships with people whose company you enjoy, you don't engage in activities that matter to you, you don't take responsibility for making your life something you can enjoy and be proud of. I'd like to think she learns that lesson in this book, but from the sound of it she just "solves" her problems by finding a new man. She's probably a clingy, possessive girlfriend too (not to mention a boring one, since she has no life). Wonder how long it takes before he gets tired of her....
April 2, 2016
Find this and other reviews at: http://flashlightcommentary.blogspot....
I’m a WWII junkie, but Holocaust fiction has always been hit and miss in my book. It wasn’t until reading The Lost Wife by Alyson Richman, that I was truly moved by the adapted subject matter which is what led me to Pam Jenoff's The Things We Cherished. I was familiar with Jenoff’s work, but even so, the material and angle seemed rather ambitious. Truth be told, I wasn't convinced she could pull off dual timelines anchored by a torsion style timepiece, but I crossed my fingers and hoped for the best.
Turns out I needn’t have worried. Jenoff's use of the anniversary clock as a central plot element proved inspired and I was as thoroughly engaged in Charlotte and Jack's story as I was captivated by Roger and Magda's. Cover to cover I loved this book.
My sole criticism has so little relevance it hardly deserves mention, but who exactly is the kissing couple on the cover supposed to be? Roger and Magda would never display their affection so publicly and the clothing is a bit outdated for Charlotte and Jack. I like the image and all, but am I the only one who likes the cover to represent the text?
I didn't expect to fall in love with this book, but love it I did. The Things We Cherished is a superb WWII romance and an absolute must read.
I’m a WWII junkie, but Holocaust fiction has always been hit and miss in my book. It wasn’t until reading The Lost Wife by Alyson Richman, that I was truly moved by the adapted subject matter which is what led me to Pam Jenoff's The Things We Cherished. I was familiar with Jenoff’s work, but even so, the material and angle seemed rather ambitious. Truth be told, I wasn't convinced she could pull off dual timelines anchored by a torsion style timepiece, but I crossed my fingers and hoped for the best.
Turns out I needn’t have worried. Jenoff's use of the anniversary clock as a central plot element proved inspired and I was as thoroughly engaged in Charlotte and Jack's story as I was captivated by Roger and Magda's. Cover to cover I loved this book.
My sole criticism has so little relevance it hardly deserves mention, but who exactly is the kissing couple on the cover supposed to be? Roger and Magda would never display their affection so publicly and the clothing is a bit outdated for Charlotte and Jack. I like the image and all, but am I the only one who likes the cover to represent the text?
I didn't expect to fall in love with this book, but love it I did. The Things We Cherished is a superb WWII romance and an absolute must read.
January 13, 2021
"Good premise, poor execution" seems to be the mantra I'm stumbling upon in my recent WWII fiction reading spree. This novel suffers from the handling of the dual-time narration, where the modern story loses points by having a pathetic bunch for protagonists and a completely unconvincing romance where there's no chemistry at all, and the WWII story in the past suffers from being too short, and having too unexplored and unfleshed-out characters.
The latter was actually the best part of this book, and I think it should've been the sole story here instead of being just flashbacks in the background for the modern story. I suspect many will feel too bored by that part and feel tempted to skim or speed-read towards the next flashback from the secondary story.
The latter was actually the best part of this book, and I think it should've been the sole story here instead of being just flashbacks in the background for the modern story. I suspect many will feel too bored by that part and feel tempted to skim or speed-read towards the next flashback from the secondary story.
February 12, 2022
Ya leí un libro de esta autora, “Las chicas desaparecidas de Paris” y me gustó bastante. En este caso esta es su primera novela y está muy bien. Narrada en varias épocas, más que la historia de los personajes (aunque hay algunos de los que si cuenta su historia), habla de un objeto desde su construcción hasta que forma parte de la vida de uno de los personajes. Una historia emotiva por la gente que aparece y por las vidas o, mejor dicho, los años que les tocó vivir. Vidas largas algunas, sesgadas por el Holocausto otras. Afortunadamente no trata ese tema en profundidad, si no no habría sido capaz de leerlo, sus historias son superiores a mi desde que leí la lista de Schlinder. Este lo recomiendo.
June 30, 2017
Las cosas que amamos ha sobrevivido a la relectura con igual éxito. Novela entretenida, con romance, con una investigación para salvar a un supuesto colaborador nazi, con varias historias paralelas a lo largo de los años... Engancha y es una novela "invisible" que no hay que dejar pasar.
No se lleva las cinco porque profundiza menos en la historia romántica y, en mi opinión, podría haberle dado un peso sentimental mayor. Es cuestión de gustos, lo sé.
Recomendada para quienes disfrutan de las historias que mezclan pasado y presente y el período histórico de la segunda guerra mundial.
No se lleva las cinco porque profundiza menos en la historia romántica y, en mi opinión, podría haberle dado un peso sentimental mayor. Es cuestión de gustos, lo sé.
Recomendada para quienes disfrutan de las historias que mezclan pasado y presente y el período histórico de la segunda guerra mundial.
June 5, 2014
The Things We Cherished ..by .. Pam Jenoff ... The Story set during WW II and present day, revolves around a glass domed anniversary clock. The mystery of it's whereabouts brings friends together, a father and daughter united after his death, a hope to go to America and setting the presumed guilty free. The author did such a good job of making the story so real. I'll be reading more of her books.
December 28, 2011
I had high expectations for this book since it involves so many of my favorite elements- WWII drama, international law, a historical and a contemporary love story. While it was a quick and not unpleasant read, I think its light treatment of these very heavy themes was what made me find it lacking. The characters felt shallow and undeveloped, and as a lawyer myself, I found Charlotte and the other modern characters cliche and unbelievable at times. The historical chapters piqued my interest, but I found it frustrating how quickly and randomly it jumped to vastly different time periods, and how weak the connection between the mini-stories (the possession of a particular crystal clock) was at times. Had it been three times as long, and had the author frankly been a better writer, this would have been as good as any classic. If you are looking for a quick read that will take you away into the interesting lives of other people, this is not a bad choice. If you are expecting something to open your eyes to different perspectives on the world and make you examine human nature, it falls very short.
February 18, 2013
I read this because the author is coming to town soon and I was contemplating going to see her. However, finding the book as unimaginative as I did, I don't think I'll be going. I have read other books with very similar plots. From the beginning this book lacked originality. The love triangle is about as prosaic as you get; I could tell in the first ten pages what would happen at the end. There are certain phrases the author used repeatedly, such as hearing a "scratching" noise whenever someone walked in the room. Twice she used the cliché "dusty archive." It isn't a bad novel, just a bit disappointing. Probably perfect if you're looking for something quick and mindless for the beach.
September 17, 2011
A book titled, The Kommandant’s Girl crossed my path back in 2007, and unveiled one of the most incredible writers that this world had seen in a very long time. We’re not only speaking about a ‘great’ plot or a fascinating story; we are speaking about the ebb and flow of a novel that is so scintillating and beautiful that a reader can not, will not, and does not have the power to put the book down until the very last word has been read.
Pam Jenoff, now an internationally bestselling author, is a writer who has yet to be given the tremendous accolades she so richly deserves. And with this new title she has proven, once again, that her world of romance, history, and in-depth storytelling is still a rare, matchless, and unheard of gift that other authors simply do not have.
In 2009, Charlotte Gold is a public defender who stands beneath the slightly-pompous eyes of William Penn in Philadelphia, where she works day in and day out helping the children of the streets who deserve a fair trial and a better break. Now Charlotte wasn’t on the road to this career at the beginning of her legal life. In fact, this brilliant woman was headed to the other side of the lawyerly ‘fence’ spending her time investigating war crimes, and was offered a place at The Hague to continue her efforts. But, fate intervened, and Charlotte fell in love with Brian Warrington along the way. Let‘s just say that morals and truth-telling were not exactly Brian’s forte (not a big shock, considering he was a lawyer).
One morning, after Charlotte has been killing herself to help one of her young clients who has gotten himself into another mess, Charlotte goes back to her small office, opens the door, and sitting there, after ten years, is the ex-fiancé who broke her heart. Brian has gotten a little pudgy around the middle, and the bags under his eyes, as well as the wrinkles on his brow spell desperation, not the ‘enjoyment of life.’ He married the woman he dumped Charlotte for and is looking a bit terrified at the next chapter about to unfold; but, what he still wants is that partnership, and the only way he can achieve it is by defending a man by the name of Roger Dykmans. This is a client who is going to pay for back-stabbing his brother and causing Hans Dykmans, who was a man like Schindler that helped many Jewish people during WWII to escape, to be hung. Brian needs Charlotte’s help because of her background and knowledge of the Holocaust, as well as her gift of getting clients to trust her. Although Charlotte doesn’t quite know why she doesn’t slam the door in his face, she ends up going to Munich for one week to, perhaps, revisit her past and see what she can do.
Brian stands her up once again, and Charlotte finds herself working with Brian’s brother, Jack Warrington. Jack is a bit leaner and prettier than his estranged sibling, but seems to have a certain odd chip on his shoulder where Charlotte is concerned; he can go from sweet to snooty in about ten seconds. Jack is not happy about this present case. After all, he has spent most of his life prosecuting the WWII persecutors, not trying to save them from the death they so richly deserve. But there is a way to find some answers where the quiet, Roger Dykmans is concerned, and it is an incredible journey through the memorable time of WWII.
There, the reader clings to every word as they keep their eyes on a very special clock that was built by a young man in Bavaria in 1903, to sell and get his wife (with child) out of the country and to America‘s shores, because of the frightening upheaval in his own country that seems to be getting worse every day.
The journey of this particular clock is unbelievably stunning. From Bavaria to Berlin in 1922, to Breslau in the 1940’s - this clock holds special meaning and unknown secrets as it passes through the hands of many who have their own unique story to tell. As Pam Jenoff does consistently well, the past and the present weave together to offer a look at everything from bigotry, denial, forgiveness, love, pain, war, and…sacrifice. The romance is stunning. The characters are perfectly drawn, as if the reader is sitting in these locations listening to the sound of the sirens, and watching people give everything up in order to save the ones they love.
The beauty of Pam Jenoff’s pages is indescribable on this one. This is an immaculately told passage through time, where a relic teaches us all that nothing should ever be left unsaid, and that everyone needs to find the courage to stand up for what they believe in and declare what they feel before it’s too late.
Breathtaking! There should never be a time when Jenoff’s name is not in the #1 spot on the New York Times Bestseller list…unless, of course, she takes a month or two off
Pam Jenoff, now an internationally bestselling author, is a writer who has yet to be given the tremendous accolades she so richly deserves. And with this new title she has proven, once again, that her world of romance, history, and in-depth storytelling is still a rare, matchless, and unheard of gift that other authors simply do not have.
In 2009, Charlotte Gold is a public defender who stands beneath the slightly-pompous eyes of William Penn in Philadelphia, where she works day in and day out helping the children of the streets who deserve a fair trial and a better break. Now Charlotte wasn’t on the road to this career at the beginning of her legal life. In fact, this brilliant woman was headed to the other side of the lawyerly ‘fence’ spending her time investigating war crimes, and was offered a place at The Hague to continue her efforts. But, fate intervened, and Charlotte fell in love with Brian Warrington along the way. Let‘s just say that morals and truth-telling were not exactly Brian’s forte (not a big shock, considering he was a lawyer).
One morning, after Charlotte has been killing herself to help one of her young clients who has gotten himself into another mess, Charlotte goes back to her small office, opens the door, and sitting there, after ten years, is the ex-fiancé who broke her heart. Brian has gotten a little pudgy around the middle, and the bags under his eyes, as well as the wrinkles on his brow spell desperation, not the ‘enjoyment of life.’ He married the woman he dumped Charlotte for and is looking a bit terrified at the next chapter about to unfold; but, what he still wants is that partnership, and the only way he can achieve it is by defending a man by the name of Roger Dykmans. This is a client who is going to pay for back-stabbing his brother and causing Hans Dykmans, who was a man like Schindler that helped many Jewish people during WWII to escape, to be hung. Brian needs Charlotte’s help because of her background and knowledge of the Holocaust, as well as her gift of getting clients to trust her. Although Charlotte doesn’t quite know why she doesn’t slam the door in his face, she ends up going to Munich for one week to, perhaps, revisit her past and see what she can do.
Brian stands her up once again, and Charlotte finds herself working with Brian’s brother, Jack Warrington. Jack is a bit leaner and prettier than his estranged sibling, but seems to have a certain odd chip on his shoulder where Charlotte is concerned; he can go from sweet to snooty in about ten seconds. Jack is not happy about this present case. After all, he has spent most of his life prosecuting the WWII persecutors, not trying to save them from the death they so richly deserve. But there is a way to find some answers where the quiet, Roger Dykmans is concerned, and it is an incredible journey through the memorable time of WWII.
There, the reader clings to every word as they keep their eyes on a very special clock that was built by a young man in Bavaria in 1903, to sell and get his wife (with child) out of the country and to America‘s shores, because of the frightening upheaval in his own country that seems to be getting worse every day.
The journey of this particular clock is unbelievably stunning. From Bavaria to Berlin in 1922, to Breslau in the 1940’s - this clock holds special meaning and unknown secrets as it passes through the hands of many who have their own unique story to tell. As Pam Jenoff does consistently well, the past and the present weave together to offer a look at everything from bigotry, denial, forgiveness, love, pain, war, and…sacrifice. The romance is stunning. The characters are perfectly drawn, as if the reader is sitting in these locations listening to the sound of the sirens, and watching people give everything up in order to save the ones they love.
The beauty of Pam Jenoff’s pages is indescribable on this one. This is an immaculately told passage through time, where a relic teaches us all that nothing should ever be left unsaid, and that everyone needs to find the courage to stand up for what they believe in and declare what they feel before it’s too late.
Breathtaking! There should never be a time when Jenoff’s name is not in the #1 spot on the New York Times Bestseller list…unless, of course, she takes a month or two off
February 7, 2018
I love Pam Jenoff. I fell in love with her storytelling when I read "The Orphans Tale". That was a fantastic book. This book was similar only in it set during WW2, however it also goes back and forth between WW1 era,the 60s and the modern era.
Pam does very well transitioning between the timelines. I liked the story but it was missing something and I dont know what in the world it is. The book isn't as great as I expected but its still satisfactory.
I was totally disappointed in the ending and felt the "climax" was uncalled for. I felt she did it to get a reaction out of everyone. That she is brave enough to kill off her characters for the WOW factor. What Im saying, sounds so very rude, but I couldn't help but feel that way. It was so fake and I dont think the author knew what to do what her characters, so she copped out. The story needed more substance. Id have like to have read more about Roger's younger life and more of the clock maker and his marriage ect..
Still, I say give it a go, many people like this book, I just think its meh..
Pam does very well transitioning between the timelines. I liked the story but it was missing something and I dont know what in the world it is. The book isn't as great as I expected but its still satisfactory.
I was totally disappointed in the ending and felt the "climax" was uncalled for. I felt she did it to get a reaction out of everyone. That she is brave enough to kill off her characters for the WOW factor. What Im saying, sounds so very rude, but I couldn't help but feel that way. It was so fake and I dont think the author knew what to do what her characters, so she copped out. The story needed more substance. Id have like to have read more about Roger's younger life and more of the clock maker and his marriage ect..
Still, I say give it a go, many people like this book, I just think its meh..
October 1, 2022
Omiljena tema II svj.rat se ponovo pokazala kao provjereno dobro štivo.
Malo historije, malo ljubavnih trouglova, nepredvidivosti i hepi end.
Može se pročitati u roku 24h 🤗
Malo historije, malo ljubavnih trouglova, nepredvidivosti i hepi end.
Može se pročitati u roku 24h 🤗
July 28, 2011
I confess that I began The Things We Cherished fully predisposed to fall for the story and the characters. Historical fiction set during World War II, a Holocaust hero who loses his life while saving Jews in Germany, "fiercely independent attorneys who find themselves slowly falling for one another", and a heart-wrenching, life altering love story -- a recipe for a fascinating and engrossing read.
In fact, I started the book yesterday as I traveled from NYC to Boston. It was the perfect escape for the four and a half hour trip. I've convinced my mom to read the book on her 19 hour trip back to Asia next week.
Here's what I enjoyed about The Things We Cherished and why I recommend that you read it too:
Pam Jenoff has created complex, sympathetic, and engaging characters -- both those that lived during World War II and those lawyers living in the present -- and Jenoff forces each of the characters to face nuanced, big picture dilemmas while keeping the characters real. Jenoff has taken great care to make each of the people that you meet memorable. One of my favorites is a less central character, a clockmaker named Johann who lived in a small town in Bavaria in 1902. Johann advances the materials to create a one of a kind anniversary clock in the hope that the wealthiest man in their small town will make good on his order and that this will enable him to take his pregnant wife Rebecca to America. The clock is his chance to make a new start, just as the town's economy seems to be collapsing. When he's completed the clock, he dresses in his best clothes and brings his work to the merchant. When the wealthy Herr Hoffel refuses to pay the agreed 100 because business is slow, it takes courage and a sense of his own worth for Johann to refuse the offer. The scene comes early in the book and as I read it, Johann reminded me of the father in Marcus Zusak's The Book Thief, one of my favorite literary characters.
Jenoff takes seemingly unconnected story lines that are each interesting on their own and weaves them together to make this deeply engrossing and satisfying read.
ISBN-10: 0385534205 - Hardcover $27.95
Publisher: Doubleday (July 12, 2011), 304 pages.
Review copy provided by the publisher.
In fact, I started the book yesterday as I traveled from NYC to Boston. It was the perfect escape for the four and a half hour trip. I've convinced my mom to read the book on her 19 hour trip back to Asia next week.
Here's what I enjoyed about The Things We Cherished and why I recommend that you read it too:
Pam Jenoff has created complex, sympathetic, and engaging characters -- both those that lived during World War II and those lawyers living in the present -- and Jenoff forces each of the characters to face nuanced, big picture dilemmas while keeping the characters real. Jenoff has taken great care to make each of the people that you meet memorable. One of my favorites is a less central character, a clockmaker named Johann who lived in a small town in Bavaria in 1902. Johann advances the materials to create a one of a kind anniversary clock in the hope that the wealthiest man in their small town will make good on his order and that this will enable him to take his pregnant wife Rebecca to America. The clock is his chance to make a new start, just as the town's economy seems to be collapsing. When he's completed the clock, he dresses in his best clothes and brings his work to the merchant. When the wealthy Herr Hoffel refuses to pay the agreed 100 because business is slow, it takes courage and a sense of his own worth for Johann to refuse the offer. The scene comes early in the book and as I read it, Johann reminded me of the father in Marcus Zusak's The Book Thief, one of my favorite literary characters.
Jenoff takes seemingly unconnected story lines that are each interesting on their own and weaves them together to make this deeply engrossing and satisfying read.
ISBN-10: 0385534205 - Hardcover $27.95
Publisher: Doubleday (July 12, 2011), 304 pages.
Review copy provided by the publisher.
May 21, 2022
No ha estado tan malo, pero la historia de la reliquia extraviada junto al pasado en la WWII daba para crear una historia mucho mejor.
Muy entretenido.
Muy entretenido.
May 17, 2021
The Things We Cherished by Pam Jenoff whose first novel, The Kommandant’s Girl, was a Quill Award finalist, a Book Sense pick, and a finalist for the ALA Sophie Brody Award, joins the Doubleday list with a suspenseful story of love and betrayal set during and following the Holocaust.
A novel that spans decades and continents, The Things We Cherished tells the story of Charlotte Gold and Jack Harrington, two fiercely independent attorneys who find themselves slowly falling for one another while working to defend the brother of a Holocaust hero against allegations of World War II–era war crimes. The defendant is a wealthy financier, Roger Dykmans, who mysteriously refuses to help in his own defense. He will only say that proof of his innocence lies within an intricate one-of-a-kind timepiece last seen during World War II in Nazi Germany. The narrative moves from Philadelphia to Germany, Poland, and Italy, as we are given glimpses of the lives that the anniversary clock has touched over the past century, and learn about the love affair that may have turned a brother into a traitor. Rich in historical detail, the author's astonishing new work is a testament to true love under the worst of circumstances. Another in a line of fascinating historical novels.
A novel that spans decades and continents, The Things We Cherished tells the story of Charlotte Gold and Jack Harrington, two fiercely independent attorneys who find themselves slowly falling for one another while working to defend the brother of a Holocaust hero against allegations of World War II–era war crimes. The defendant is a wealthy financier, Roger Dykmans, who mysteriously refuses to help in his own defense. He will only say that proof of his innocence lies within an intricate one-of-a-kind timepiece last seen during World War II in Nazi Germany. The narrative moves from Philadelphia to Germany, Poland, and Italy, as we are given glimpses of the lives that the anniversary clock has touched over the past century, and learn about the love affair that may have turned a brother into a traitor. Rich in historical detail, the author's astonishing new work is a testament to true love under the worst of circumstances. Another in a line of fascinating historical novels.
July 18, 2024
Not great. Charlotte still pines for an old boyfriend, lives alone, has no other interests outside work. But somehow she’s supposed to be this brilliant attorney who ends up trying to defend a Nazi collaborator from the 40s? Nah. Not for me. I finished it but it was tough.
May 5, 2025
The Novel spans decades from 1903 Bavaria to 2009 Philadelphia. "The Things We Cherished" centers around a Jewish Family who owned a priceless clock. Over the decades this clock would change ownership from Europe to America.
World War Two is the background of the Novel and the Nazi atrocities of the Jews.
World War Two is the background of the Novel and the Nazi atrocities of the Jews.
August 4, 2017
Otra historia desaprovechada con la WWII de telón de fondo y mezcla de pasado y presente, en este caso además, con historias románticas a las que tampoco se les saca gran jugo.
April 10, 2013
I won a copy of "The Ambassador's Daughter" by Pam Jenoff through the Goodreads Giveaway Contest. The author so kindly sent me a copy of The "Ambassador's Daughter" and "The Things We Cherished". I have already posted my review of the first novel, and this is the review of "The Things We Cherished", a historical fiction novel with romance.
Charlotte is a public defender in Philadelphia, representing juveniles. When Charlotte returned to her office from court one day, she found her ex-boyfriend, Brian Warrington sitting across from her desk. He came from New York to see Charlotte about a case he is working on. They had met during law school while interning with the war crimes tribunal at the Hague. Brian has since married, and is a securities litigator, defending lawsuits for the biggest brokerage houses in the country.
Roger Dykmans is a security client of Brian, and younger brother of Hans Dykmans, a diplomat. Roger has been arrested and charges as a war criminal for allegedly helping the Germans. They claim Roger sold out his brother during the war.
Charlotte is a descendant of the Holocaust survivors. Brian is looking at Charlotte's forensic skills, as Roger isn't talking. Brian needs help defending an accused Nazi Collaborator. But Brian had broken her heart...why should she get involved?. She agrees to help.
As they investigate Dykmans’ past, they learn of a great secret love in his life. There are many subplots running throughout the novel.
The novel shows how hard it was to survive during the war and how hard it was to help each other, and yet, love somehow survived and thrived, lasting decades. A very enjoyable read.
Charlotte is a public defender in Philadelphia, representing juveniles. When Charlotte returned to her office from court one day, she found her ex-boyfriend, Brian Warrington sitting across from her desk. He came from New York to see Charlotte about a case he is working on. They had met during law school while interning with the war crimes tribunal at the Hague. Brian has since married, and is a securities litigator, defending lawsuits for the biggest brokerage houses in the country.
Roger Dykmans is a security client of Brian, and younger brother of Hans Dykmans, a diplomat. Roger has been arrested and charges as a war criminal for allegedly helping the Germans. They claim Roger sold out his brother during the war.
Charlotte is a descendant of the Holocaust survivors. Brian is looking at Charlotte's forensic skills, as Roger isn't talking. Brian needs help defending an accused Nazi Collaborator. But Brian had broken her heart...why should she get involved?. She agrees to help.
As they investigate Dykmans’ past, they learn of a great secret love in his life. There are many subplots running throughout the novel.
The novel shows how hard it was to survive during the war and how hard it was to help each other, and yet, love somehow survived and thrived, lasting decades. A very enjoyable read.
March 19, 2016
It's like two different people wrote this book about a man, accused of WWII war crimes and the attorneys search for a way to defend him. The portions regarding WWII events are well-drawn and well-researched. But the flow is interrupted by a love story between the attorneys so that this portion feels like it was written by a 12-year-old girl. For example, the obvious love from one of the male attorneys, is consistently misinterpreted by the female. Obvious and silly. Then, alas, this talented writer turns to ex deus machina to explain the ending where a second clock comes out of nowhere. Too bad. This talented writer could have done better.
June 13, 2014
I remember anxiously wanting to read this book for the longest. Needless to say I was disappointed knowing that this is the same author that wrote The Kommandant's daughter( which I did not like at all by the way). However I thought that this would have been drastically different, sadly this was a boring and inconsistent mess. I just don't understand what purpose of this book was, the plot was never defined while reading it, ugh another book that has a lot of critical praise but little substance.
May 26, 2011
Jenoff has been on my radar for a long time, so I was grateful to be able to read this ARC. Perhaps my expectations were too high, because I was disappointed in the character development and the cliched writing. Still, I will look at some of her books as they have gotten good reviews and have been suggested for book discussion.
November 15, 2019
Pam Jenoff is definitely becoming a favorite author of mine. I love this book. I love her writing style and the research she puts into her novels. I always learn something new from her in her author's notes and as a history major in college, I appreciate the opportunity to learn more about topics.
August 15, 2020
I could hardly wait to finish this book so I could read something better. The story twists were not believable. The characters from all the different times that miraculously intertwined were not even rational. Don’t waste your time.
January 18, 2015
This is an interesting story that travels through different time frames, from 2009 back to 1903, 1922, 1940, 1942, 1943, 1961, and 1911. As you read through the book and follow Charlotte, Brian and Jack through various countries, it becomes obvious how these stories and different times all fit together. The link to all of these varying time frames and people is a glass domed anniversary clock that originated in Bavaria.
In a race against time Jack and Charlotte seek to uncover the truth about Roger Dykmans, brother of a Holocaust hero and the crime Roger is accused of which lead to the deaths of many Jews, many of them children. Since Roger refuses to help in his defence, it is up to Jack and Charlotte to discover what really happened.
Throughout the novel the reader travels from America to Bavaria, Poland, and Germany. This is a story that touches on war, the Holocaust, love and loss. Initially I was a little disappointed by the ending but that’s probably just me. When I thought about it later, I decided that it probably was the appropriate ending after all. A good read and I liked the characters of Charlotte and Jack and how their own history impacted the way they reacted to events in life as well as love.
In a race against time Jack and Charlotte seek to uncover the truth about Roger Dykmans, brother of a Holocaust hero and the crime Roger is accused of which lead to the deaths of many Jews, many of them children. Since Roger refuses to help in his defence, it is up to Jack and Charlotte to discover what really happened.
Throughout the novel the reader travels from America to Bavaria, Poland, and Germany. This is a story that touches on war, the Holocaust, love and loss. Initially I was a little disappointed by the ending but that’s probably just me. When I thought about it later, I decided that it probably was the appropriate ending after all. A good read and I liked the characters of Charlotte and Jack and how their own history impacted the way they reacted to events in life as well as love.
March 20, 2019
I’m a tiny bit divided on this because I wasn’t the biggest fan of the protagonist and I’m not generally partial to “these things happening in the present are So Very Similar to the things that happened in the past that we just so happen to be looking into at this exact moment” plots. However, the story was definitely interesting and I enjoyed the way it moved from time to time and kept me guessing. It’s a quick read and ultimately I think it’s worth reading if you’re at all interested in WWII!
June 16, 2024
Încep să-mi placă ficțiunile istorice la nebunie, aceasta mi s-a părut atât de drăguță și cât de profund poate sa scrie autoarea.... I love it!🥰
November 1, 2021
Another historical fiction with dual timelines. I liked the premise of the plot, but it was too much like a soap opera for my tastes. Still I gave it three stars because it was good enough to draw me to the end. I have read other books by Jenoff, and I will try more in the future. This just wasn’t one of her best IMHO.
October 26, 2022
O incercare esuata pentru Pam Jenoff. Ea scrie bine povești de dragoste în timpul războiului, cu puțin suspans. De data aceasta incearca sa faca o carte complexa care sa se bazeze în cea mai mare parte pe suspans. Fiecare capitol are alt loc si timp, dar si alte personaje. Prea haotic. Ideea poveștii foarte bună: alege ceasul ca element cheie în jurul căruia de învârte întreaga acţiune şi toate personajele.
Exagerată partea de dragoste în care atât personaje din trecut cât şi din viitor se îndrăgostesc de cei 2 fraţi. Prea mult dramatism se creează astfel.
Se vede că încearcă să scrie și altceva, însă se străduiește prea mult.
Exagerată partea de dragoste în care atât personaje din trecut cât şi din viitor se îndrăgostesc de cei 2 fraţi. Prea mult dramatism se creează astfel.
Se vede că încearcă să scrie și altceva, însă se străduiește prea mult.
July 26, 2024
bn ca a fost un beach read ca altfel nu o citeam girl Charlotte get a grip
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