Pastel Orphans

By: Gemma Liviero

Narrated by: Whitney Dykhouse, Nick Podehl, Amy McFadden

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!!