The Thirteenth Child: A World War 2 historical novel based upon an enthralling and heart-wrenching true story (The Rachael Kisch Trilogy)

Reviewed in the United States on March 8, 2024

From the opening scene (two young boys fascinated by the Nazi military march into Amsterdam in the early days of World War 2) to the concluding chapter (a portrayal of Jews being loaded onto a cattle car for transport to a labor camp) Mark deMeza paints a vivid picture of life in Holland under Adolf Hitler’s heavy hand. The Thirteenth Child offers both a chilling, historically accurate, account of events in those days and a fictional re-telling of one family’s experience. Strongly recommend.

Reviewed in the United Kingdom on January 26, 2024

Verified Purchase

A stunningly good first novel, based on Mark DeMeza’s shocking recent discovery of what happened to his family in wartime Amsterdam and their transportation to the Nazi death camps. The author skilfully interweaves a harrowing account of the fates of the fictional Kisch family with the historical events, places and main characters of the era (a compelling mix of the best and worst of humanity). As such, I found his novel both enthralling and highly educational. The narrative is also very well written, with numerous chapters that flow beautifully from Mark’s pen, whilst leaving the reader with a sense of foreboding about what is to follow or in deep shock at the dramatic and tragic events that unfold. Bravo to Mark – I very much look forward to the sequel.

Reviewed in the United Kingdom on March 15, 2024

Verified Purchase

This book is a poignant depiction of just how horrific the holocaust really was. Mark de Meza highlights the complete tragedy and utter desolation faced by millions of Jewish families as their lives are slowly destroyed by the Nazi regime. We all know the gist of the story but this book shows the personal tragedy faced by one family and their friends and relatives trying to survive. Knowing many of these people actually existed brings this story to life and ensures their bravery and humanity won’t be forgotten. It’s hard to believe this is Mark’s first book. Well worth a read as it’s thought provoking stuff.

Mark wrote his first novel draft when he was 17 years old. It’s still lying in a box in a dusty loft. Untouched. Like many other aspiring authors, he fell in step with a ‘steady’ career and income, and the yearning to write gurgling away in the pit of his stomach. When a gap presented itself in his busy life, he started to write short stories and was lucky enough to have a good number published or recognized in competitions.In May 2022, a convenient break in his career appeared and, at the same time, he discovered the dreadful truth about his Jewish ancestors’ plight under the Nazis in the Netherlands. So he embarked on his first full length novel, The Thirteenth Child, a piece of historical fiction, but with the experiences of his ancestors permeating every word. Patiently supported by his wife and daughter, watched indifferently by their black and white cat and often distracted by his ADHD, he completed the novel, and it was published in January 2024. Suitably encouraged, he started the sequel, which is to be released later in the year. He’d love to hear from you whether you’re interested in his WW2 research, his short stories or his current writing – please, pop onto his website to discover more.