MAX’S WAR is another engrossing and powerful historical novel from award-winning author Libby Fischer Hellmann. From growing up Jewish in Germany as Hitler gains power to becoming a member of the US military intelligence unit, Max’s point of view will pull readers into a story that is rich in details and action.

In 1930s Regensburg, Germany, in an area known as the Jewish Quarter, Max and his parents are increasingly aware of local businesses that are closing due to the growing anti-Jewish sentiment. His father’s bicycle shop remains longer than most establishments, but Max encounters racism even from teachers at his school, forcing him to leave. His childhood sweetheart, Renee, has left for Shanghai with her family, though they correspond throughout their lives. Their letters give readers insight into life in Asia as Japan engages in World War II.

"From the story of a young Jewish man growing up to the missions of his espionage work, MAX’S WAR moves quickly with memorable characters. Readers will appreciate the book’s vivid descriptions and learning about the little-known Ritchie Boys."

Max and his parents realize that they need to leave while they still can, so they move to Amsterdam. There Max finds friends and falls in love with a young woman who works as a prostitute. He helps her realize her dream of becoming a fashion designer at a department store. When a manager recognizes her and blackmails her, Max retaliates by telling people what the man has done.

Max’s father is taken to Dachau and is very sick when he returns home days later. It is clear that he was reported because of Max’s revenge plan. The situation continues to get worse in Amsterdam for Max and his family. By 1942, his parents urge him to go to the United States.

Max works in Chicago near his cousins. When he learns that his parents have been taken to a concentration camp, he enlists for the US. He makes it through basic training and is moved to Camp Ritchie, Maryland, to train in intelligence. The fascinating details of this group come through the narrative as Max works on missions posing as a German or interrogating Germans to help the Allies.

Hellmann, who is so skilled at writing mysteries, weaves in characters and clues across the years. Max receives help from his former love’s mother on a mission. At the end of the war, he assists in screening those who are Nazi sympathizers and discovers the teacher who bullied him from his youth. It is during this post-war time working in Germany that Max returns to Regensburg and runs into an old friend, bringing his life full circle.

From the story of a young Jewish man growing up to the missions of his espionage work, MAX’S WAR moves quickly with memorable characters. Readers will appreciate the book’s vivid descriptions and learning about the little-known Ritchie Boys.