#Blogtour The Porcelain Maker by Sarah Freethy

It's a pleasure to take part in the Blogtour The Porcelain Maker by Sarah Freethy.

About the Author

Sarah Freethy is first time novelist. She has been writing for television for the past three decades. Freethy has worked as an Executive Producer in factual TV and series as varied as Big Brother and Country House Rescue, to Clive James’ Postcard from Havana and TFI Friday.  In 2020, she was a Script Consultant on two broadcast drama series, Before We Die (Channel 4) and Professor T (ITV) for Eagle Eye Drama. Sarah is a keen artist and photographer, as well as being a collector of vintage ephemera and odds and sods. Follow @freethy on X

About the book

Germany, 1929. - When Max, a Jewish architect, and Bettina, a beautiful and celebrated German avant-garde artist, meet at a party, their attraction is instant. In love with each other and the art they create, their talent transports them to the dazzling lights of Berlin. But Germany is on the brink of terrible change, and their bright beginning is soon dimmed by the rising threat of Nazism. 

When Max is arrested and sent to the Dachau concentration camp, it is only his talent at making the exquisite porcelain figures so beloved by the Nazis that stands between him and certain death. At first, Bettina has no idea where Max has been taken but when she learns of his fate, she is determined to rescue him whatever the cost. 

Now, a lifetime later, Bettina’s daughter, Clara, sets out on a journey to uncover the truth about her identity. As she weaves together the fabric of her past, she discovers the terrible secret her mother wanted hidden forever. Two lovers caught at the crossroads of history. A daughter’s search for the truth… 

Powerfully moving and beautifully written, The Porcelain Maker is a testament to enduring love and courage.

Review

Clara has managed to trace a certain amount of porcelain figures to an auction, the figures are the key to discovering something about her past. A secret that has been kept hidden from her, because the truth is too painful for everyone involved. Her hope is that the owner of said figurines can point her in the right direction - if not, then she may never discover the truth.

Although there are certainly comparisons to be drawn between the stories written by Morris, at least this author is clear on source material, and about the fictional aspects of it. There is no attempt to use a very traumatic historical narrative to enhance, instead fact and fiction run respectfully hand-in-hand to create a good read.

Aside from the tragic and traumatic story of Clara's search for the truth about her origins, I think there is a poignant element highlighted and encapsulated in the pieces of porcelain, and indeed the path they travel. The destructive stance the Nazi regime took towards all variations of the arts is one mirrored often in fascist, authoritarian and regimes led by dictatorships.

The free thinkers, the creative, the solution seekers and those who both influenced and spoke to all senses with their creations and expressions via any medium possible. Of course any restrictive regime would limit freedom and voice, whether that be via the written word, painted picture, sculpture or music. The oppressors weren't opposed to using the value of said art to enhance their pockets and portfolios though.

It's a story steeped in trauma, humanity and the natural desire to uncover the fabric of our heritage and parentage. Unfortunately that doesn't always gel well with the people guarding any secrets. I enjoyed the read and wouldn't hesitate to recommend it.

Buy The Porcelain Maker at Amazon Uk or go to Goodreads for any other retailer. Publisher: Simon and Schuster Uk; pub date 23 May 2024 - Paperback - £9.99. Buy at Amazon com.