Berlin, 1931: Ally Keller, a talented young poet, is alone and scared when she gives birth to a mixed-race daughter she names Lilith. As the Nazis rise to power, Ally knows she must keep her baby in the shadows to protect her against Hitler’s deadly ideology of Aryan purity. But as she grows, it becomes more and more difficult to keep Lilith hidden so Ally sets in motion a dangerous and desperate plan to send her daughter across the ocean to safety.
Havana, 1958: Now an adult, Lilith has few memories of her mother or her childhood in Germany. Besides, she’s too excited for her future with her beloved Martin, a Cuban pilot with strong ties to the Batista government. But as the flames of revolution ignite, Lilith and her newborn daughter, Nadine, find themselves at a terrifying crossroads.
Berlin, 1988: As a scientist in Berlin, Nadine is dedicated to ensuring the dignity of the remains of all those who were murdered by the Nazis. Yet she has spent her entire lifetime avoiding the truth about her own family’s history. It takes her daughter, Luna, to encourage Nadine to uncover the truth about the choices her mother and grandmother made to ensure the survival of their children. And it will fall to Luna to come to terms with a shocking betrayal that changes everything she thought she knew about her family’s past.
Separated by time but united by sacrifice, four women embark on journeys of self-discovery and find themselves to be living testaments to the power of motherly love.
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Read some great reviews from our Preview readers here:
I love historical novels that reflect true events and time, and The Night Travelers depicts war, with an intensity that both enthralls and gives insight to the reader. With the rise of the Nazi’s in Germany 1930s, the story follows the paths of four women striving for survival, safety, clarity and love. The novel takes you through a multitude of emotions and feelings regarding war, mixed race relationships of the time and survival. It’s a rollercoaster but one of rescue and survival. Five stars from me. Sharon, QLD, 5 Stars
The Night Travelers is a compelling and eye-opening story, connecting the lives of women across decades and multiple historical events. I love the way this book spoke to generational trauma. It was confronting to read about the racial hygiene program, a topic that I believe isn’t explored in the general education system when learning about WWII. I had very little knowledge about the Cuban Revolution so to read about that was quite chilling as well. Of all the characters, I was most invested in Lilith and her Mother Ally. I’m so glad I had the opportunity to preview this book, I still have goosebumps writing this. Chloe, VIC, 5 Stars
A book that travels the full circle from Germany to Cuba to the United States of America and back to Germany. Four women, Great Grandmother, Grandmother, Mother and Daughter. The effects of war within four generations of women so great, and a love for each one’s daughter so strong, that preservation and quality of life is the only priority. The only and hardest decision no mother should have to make. A stirring of so many emotions – love, anger, despair, sadness, unimaginable humiliation, inconceivable disbelief at the cruelty inflicted on the human race by men in power, happiness when family are reunited. Sometimes a hard book to read because of the emotions but worth persisting until the end. A completely different outlook on the way war devastates everyday people. Their lives, their past, their present and the way they are forced to live and the choices they are forced to make. As an adopted person, Lilith and Nadine’s stories were close to my heart, with little information on biological parentage and time running out for a reconnection. I look forward to Armando’s next book. Annette, NSW, 5 Stars
What would you do to keep your child safe? Would you be prepared to be parted from them for an unknown period of time? How much are you willing to sacrifice? Many people have made sacrifices over the years to keep their family secure. To be able to feed, clothe and house a family takes determination and a willingness to put their needs above your own. A mother will love her child without judgment and conditions. When your child does not meet society’s expectations, how do you deal with it? Lilith was born into a world of turmoil and prejudice where the very act of playing in the park in daylight hours could endanger her life. The story by Armando Lucas Correa takes you through history as told by a family who are required to make the ultimate sacrifice to keep those they love most, safe. As a reader, I was taken on a journey through some of the world’s most prolific conflicts as experienced by Lilith and her family. I was inspired by the strength of the women and the lengths they would go for their families. I would thoroughly recommend this story to all readers. Robyn, QLD, 5 Stars
Armando Lucas Correa, you are incredible. A magical, moving book which transports you back in time. Thank you for allowing me to get to know your characters and spend time learning their stories. I loved The German Girl and The Night Travelers did not let me down. It is true, by night we are all the same colour. Thank you Better Reading for the chance to read this beautiful book. I loved it. Courtney, QLD, 5 Stars
The story spans generations, continents, lives and losses. Amazing to be taken through time along one string of a family and the different worlds they face with the same gnawing issues underneath. Just when you think you know what direction it will take there is unexpected turn after turn. Tina, QLD, 5 Stars
A story spanning generations, countries, cultures and political unrest. Nazi Germany is a tale most are familiar with, but the laws on racial hygiene and how these laws impacted families left my heart hurting. Ally experiences hardship and hatred at a level that leaves scars across four generations. While remembering the atrocities from history is crucial, this book will also leave you amazed at how humans, no matter the condition, hold on to hope and love. From Germany to Cuba to New York, generational trauma is lived with sadness, anger, beauty and ultimately the need to embrace the memories and ensure future generations never forget. Tess, TAS, 5 Stars
Thank you for the opportunity to review this wonderful book. It covers the time period of WW2 through to 2015 and is situated in Germany, Cuba and briefly New York. The main theme within the themes of war and revolution concerns the relationship between mothers and daughters and the heart breaking decision of what to do as a mother to keep her daughter safe. It also covers the emotional fallout of how a daughter can navigate the loss and the behaviours and emotions to compensate and fill that gap. It’s beautifully written and illuminates so clearly the suspicion people can have for anyone or anything that’s different to them and the terrible consequences of war. Well worth the read. Thoroughly enjoyed it. Charleen, WA, 5 Stars
This story is long and complex with a few female main characters, all related. The writing is beautiful from the beginning and continues through out. There were many paragraphs so nicely written I read them over and over. As well as being an intriguing story the history throughout the book is absolutely fascinating. I learnt so much, particularly about Cuba and the conflicts there. The amazing descriptions by the author has the reader feeling as if they are in many of the places the characters are living. I could not put the book down and it was one of those stories I didn’t want to end. I need to read the author’s first two books now. Toni, QLD, 5 Stars
The Night Travelers is the story of four generations, of mothers and their daughters, as they face wars and revolutions which threaten the lives of those they love. It tells of the lengths mothers will go to protect their children, even if that means never seeing them again. From Germany and the rise of Nazis to revolutionary Cuba, then New York and full circle to modern day Berlin, this story kept me engrossed from beginning to end. The characters were rich and complex while the writing was rich and beautiful. A wonderful book that touches on the horrors of war from the perspective of mothers protecting their children. Sadly, as the author’s note acknowledges, parents all over the world are still forced to make such decisions to save their children. A must read. Elizabeth, WA, 5 Stars
The Night Travelers is such a beautifully written piece of historical fiction. As a new reader to this genre of writing, I found the story filled me with so many emotions. The characters are captivating and rich, their stories powerful, heartbreaking but full to the brim of friendship, love and strength. The historical aspects are brought to life by the author’s cleverly crafted and lyrical writing, which was a joy to read. I found his style of writing created such strong images, such a talent that is greatly evident within the pages. To me this is a love story, the lives of the women portrayed shows such a courageous beauty, despite horrific hardships and cruel situations; it is a story that has touched me deeply. I believe this book is the author’s third and I will be seeking out his collection to read the others – so enjoyed his eloquent writing. Cathy, QLD, 5 Stars
I was excited to read an advanced copy of The Night Travelers and I wasn’t disappointed. I loved this book. I was immediately engrossed in the lives of Ally, Lilith, Nadine, and Luna —four generations of strong women surviving the ongoing impact of war and finding the strength to survive tragedy and loss. Armando Lucas Correa uses both Europe and Cuba as settings and does it well. I felt as if I was there with the four women, experiencing all their joy and their pain. Their individual stories were so inspirational, I thought each one deserved their own novel. The book’s historical details support the women’s stories and shines a spotlight on the ongoing impact conflicts have on women, their families, and future generations. I highly recommend this book and hope you enjoy it as much as I did. Leigh, QLD, 5 Stars
What a delightful book this was. Constantly tinged with sadness and loss yet somehow able to transcend this by painting a portrait of radically different cities each with their own political climate that dictates the lives of so many. A beautiful read about the bonds of women and how genetics and words can live on through generations. I loved the cover too! Lina, VIC, 5 Stars
An utterly heartbreaking and yet beautiful story of what lengths mothers will go to to keep their children safe. My heart broke for what these poor women went through and the sacrifices they had to make. Then, when you get the the end… Boy oh boy, get ready! A truly captivating story. You will not be able to put this down. Sarah, QLD, 5 Stars
I found The Night Travelers a wonderful story. The writing style for me was excellent. The three mothers that the story is based on have to be the most brave selfless women to save their daughters from political turmoil. I enjoyed the way Armando wove in the politics of the time from 1931 to 1988 and ended in 2015. At no stage did I feel the book became boring but kept me reading every word from beginning to end – no skimming. This book has romance, history, human sacrifice, politics, covers three countries and different religions. If you have read other historical fiction you will love this book and I am sure it will be a winner for 2023 when it hits the shelves in April. I know I will be recommending it to many. I will also be looking for other books written by this author. Elaine, NSW, 5 Stars
This book is about four generations of women who are separated from their mothers, and all affected by war in one way or the other, but all learn great lessons from it all. I found it hard getting through the first Act but once into Second Act I didn’t want to put the book down as we then learn about Lilith and her daughter and future generations. Sue, NSW, 5 Stars
An enjoyable historical fiction novel spanning four generations. This story shattered my heart and I’m not ashamed to say had me sobbing. It was interesting reading about how different races and cultures were treated during the war. And I absolutely adore the quote “By night we are all the same colour “. It is true and an inspiring and powerful quote to live by. Leanne, QLD, 5 Stars
I was captivated by the stories of Ally, Lilith, Nadine and Luna from the very first line I read in the book! The four generations of women all faced personal challenges due to historical dictatorships. I learnt more about Hitler’s dehumanising racial hygiene laws which was very thought provoking. However ultimately “By night, we’re all the same color”. I must admit I gasped with shock and excitement towards the end of the book. It was a fantastic read! Kelly, QLD, 5 Stars
The Night Travelers is a stunningly crafted narrative by Armando Lucas Correa that captures the lives of four generations of women who, despite being separated by decades, are reunited by the uncovered truths of their family history. Their stories of love, loss, survival and discovery are woven into the landscape of war torn Berlin, Havana at the peak of its revolution and then circles back to a bordered Berlin in the eighties. This book makes for the perfect Book Club read as there is a heroine for everyone. And, just when you think Ally, Lilith, Nadine or Luna are going to break through their circumstances they are faced with making another difficult, and often, dangerous decision. Maria, NSW, 4 Stars
A story of four generations of women from 1931 – 2015. An extremely emotional and at times depressing read but well researched and detailed by the Author. Nicola, SA, 4 Stars
A fantastic multi generational story of four women. A great historical fiction book that takes you to three troubling times in modern history. A story of love between mother and child and the lengths she will go to, to keep her child safe. Four women, four stories, four diffrent time periods. Beautifully written, complex and at times confronting. Andreea, ACT, 4 Stars
A gut-wrenching, multi-generational story that challenges you to walk in the shoes of mothers and daughters whose lives are upended by the events around them, and who are forced to make unthinkable decisions to save their loved ones. It may not be an easy read, or a fun read, but I strongly believe it is a worthwhile read that ultimately leaves you uplifted and hopeful. I encourage you to read this important tale of love and resilience. Lisa, QLD, 4 Stars
This was such a powerful, moving, heartbreaking history lesson. From 1930 Berlin to the Cuban Revolution to the falling of the Berlin Wall, this story unfolds the lives of four generations of women and the most difficult decisions they had to make. I feel like my heart broke multiple times whilst reading this story. Lileth’s life was the one that I held close to my heart. Her life was so hard from the moment she was born. And since she was a child everyone close to her disappeared. All I kept thinking throughout the book was what would I do for my child and could I leave them to give them a better life. A brilliant book, which takes you through so many journeys. Marie, NSW, 4 Stars
The Night Travelers will take you on a rollercoaster of emotion and across continents. At first look, you feel as though it will be your standard historical fiction following a family in Nazi Germany, however, this story goes so much deeper and further, quite literally. Not only do we delve into characters in war torn Germany, we also experience the terrors of revolution in Cuba, before then travelling to the United States and back to Germany. Throughout it all, we learn the complexities of the choices we make in life and how they affect those around us. Definitely would recommend for lovers of historical fiction, but expect a twist on this genre. Angie, VIC, 4 Stars
A story about women and making sacrifices, that as a woman I can relate to. The Night Travelers spans from the 1930s to the 2010s, and set in Berlin, Havana & the New York. Beautifully written, and gives a graphic view of the periods captured which has you imagining what life was in some of history’s most troubling times. They say history repeats itself; four generations of women faced with making decisions that we, today, would never even come close to considering. I was a few chapters in when I thought this book was going to be right up there with my best reads, but something happened in part 2 and I felt a little bored. In saying that, it did pick up pace again. For me this was a history lesson, and that’s what I love about reading… there’s always something I take away from a book. Donna, NSW, 4 Stars
Four generations of resilient women reconciling their past, present and future in turbulent times. It is a tragic story about heritage, ancestral suffering and how it affects following generations. While I have enjoyed the book and appreciate the author’s effort to encompass multigenerational story spanning over decades in different countries, I couldn’t help but feel that some sections were little bit rushed through and would have deserved more attention. This in my opinion resulted in the characters not always showing the emotional depth I would have liked. Laura, QLD, 4 Stars
The Night Travelers has already been acquired for translation into ten languages. The book itself is divided into three acts, with each chapter clearly stating where and when the events are taking place. This made it very easy to follow the action. The book focuses on four generations of women – Ally, Lilith, Nadine and Luna – and the story is written in the third person from the POV of these main characters. This is the first book I have read by this author, and I really enjoyed his writing style. I was impressed by the way he was able to portray the strength of each of these women, and the emotions they felt. Historical Fiction is my favourite genre and I love it when I learn about actual historical happenings that I don’t know a lot about. As a mother, I found some scenes hard to read, and yet I was riveted and had to keep turning the pages to see if the women survived and if there was ever a reunion for them. I thought this was a well-written book that had all the feels, and although it was a heavy read, I am so glad I read it and will be hoping to read the author’s earlier novels. Ruth, WA, 4 Stars
The Night Travelers by Armando Lucas Correa is the epic tale of four generations of women and their fight for love, freedom and belonging. I absolutely adored this book – the characters are interesting and written extremely well. You get caught up in the emotion of their decision making and their struggle to do right by their loved ones. Highly recommend! Emma, NSW, 4 Stars
This is interesting, as it follows four generations of woman as they do what they have to do to save not only themselves but their daughters in the troubled times. Times were tough and to save their children, parents were forced to send them away to foreign countries to possibly never see them again. I can’t even imagine how these woman felt. Trusting that it was for the best. This book really opened my eyes as to how much injustice society as a whole has suffered throughout the years based on religion or even the colour of your skin or the profile of your face. Any difference really. I feel blessed I was born when I was and where I was. That is what this book enforced in me. Renee, QLD, 4 Stars
A brilliant interweaving of the stories and journeys of four generations of women and their experiences through wars and revolutions. It really depicts the strength of mother love. Gail, WA, 4 Stars
What an extraordinary story The Night Travelers is. At times I was overwhelmed by the depths it went into. From race, politics, religion, war, family, love and loss. A fearless narration on some tough subject matters, executed with so much grace. Intense and profound, this is truly an exquisite work of historical fiction. Belinda, VIC, 4 Stars
What if the only way to save your child was to abandon her? Extensively researched, The Night Travelers brings well and lesser known histories together in a fascinating and beautifully written novel. Juanita, NSW, 4 Stars
A story of four generations of women with incredible courage and inner strength, mothers who are forced to face heartbreaking choices to protect their daughters. Due to their heritage, country of birth or appearance these women, who live in the shadows of war, persecution and political dictatorship display an inner strength and fortitude to protect the most precious thing they have – their daughters. The reader is given a history lesson which should never be repeated or forgotten. Diane, VIC, 4 Stars
An excellent read. I enjoyed the diverse characters, their motivations and their choices which kept the story intriguing. I loved the sweep of time and places with the drama of war and revolution as a backdrop; and what ‘s not to like about good dialogue? A very satisfying page turner. Sharyn, VIC, 4 Stars
The Night Travelers is a well-written historical fiction. It’s emotional and heartbreaking at times, and beautifully descriptive. I even learnt some history along the way! I haven’t read any other books by this author but am keen to check them out. Natalie, NSW, 4 Stars
A very interesting and intriguing book, although I found it a bit hard to get into to start with. An emotional read that takes you on a real journey, with strong female characters and tough themes. I particularly enjoyed the multi-generational aspect. Bianca, NSW, 3 Stars
This story follows the lives of four generations of woman. I found this book difficult; it was well done, but it went back and forth all over the place with dates. Each generation of woman, the stories were the same: protecting the children from wars, etc. I enjoyed the history of Cuba and how they lived and it was a book I enjoyed, though at times I felt it was slow. Lyndsay, QLD, 3 Stars
I recently read The Night Travelers by Armando Lucas Correa and I thoroughly enjoyed it. The novel follows the story of two Cuban families separated by the Cuban Revolution who eventually reunite decades later. I found the characters to be endearing and the plot to be engaging, with plenty of twists and turns to keep me on my toes. The themes of loss, family and hope are explored in a meaningful way and made me reflect on the importance of preserving our cultural heritage. In conclusion, I highly recommend this book as an entertaining and thought-provoking read. Shoshana, WA, 3 Stars
A sweeping saga set over a period of decades of unrest in Germany and Cuba. It follows the lives of four generations of women and the domino effect of decisions and actions taken and how these can change the course of history for their descendants. The book is well researched and whilst most readers might be more familiar with the history of Germany in World War Two and then later the Berlin wall, it was interesting to learn about the unrest in Cuba in the 50s and 60s. The four main characters; Ally, Lilith, Nadine and Luna are strong, resilient and determined women who are supported by an assortment of individuals who either hinder or sustain them. It is not a light read and it was difficult to connect with the women, but the book was well researched and highlighted a little known chapter in history about the revolution in Havana. With what is happening across the world now, it appears we don’t learn from our past mistakes. Susan, NSW, 3 Stars
The Night Travelers is a compelling read that showcases a gritty and descriptive writing style. Not a story for the faint-hearted. Armando Lucas Correa weaves a story full of intrigue and determination that will leave the reader immerse in the story and dialogue. Not a book for everyone, but if you persevere you will be richly rewarded. Recommended! Peter, NSW, 3 Stars
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