January 2023 Virtual Book Tour for A CASTLE IN BROOKLYN by Shirley Russak Wachtel

“This is a story about immigration, adaptation to new cultures, and, for Esther, a chance to grapple with the traditional roles that women play. The house itself is an important part of the story … a solid choice for book clubs.” ―Library Journal

“A vibrant family saga…A CASTLE IN BROOKLYN is an impressive debut novel that illustrates the many ways that the Holocaust continues to impact contemporary Jewish life; a deeply felt hatred of fascism gives the novel its heft and lasting relevance.” ―Foreword Reviews

For fans of Ann Patchett’s The Dutch House, Lauren Fox’s Send For Me and Linda Cohen Loigman’s The Two-Family House comes a moving and heartfelt immigration story of one man’s dream to have a family and build a home in America, a place where anything is possible. In A CASTLE IN BROOKLYN (Little A; January 1, 2023), critically acclaimed author Shirley Russak Wachtel pens her debut novel, an engaging and beautifully written tale that explores three main themes: the importance of following one’s dreams; the enduring nature of family and friendship; and the idea that home is a reflection of the lives within its four walls.

In 1944 Poland, Jacob Stein and Zalman Mendelson meet as boys under terrifying circumstances. They survive by miraculously escaping the brutalities of the Holocaust, but their shared past haunts and shapes their lives forever.

Years later, Zalman plows a future on a Minnesota farm, and Jacob has a new life in Brooklyn with his wife, Esther. When Zalman travels to New York City to reconnect, Jacob’s dream to build a home in Brooklyn becomes a reality. With Zalman’s help, they build a house for Jacob’s family and for Zalman, who decides to stay. Modest and light filled, inviting and warm, it’s a castle to call home for each of them.

Then an unforeseeable tragedy―and the grief, betrayals, and revelations in its wake―threatens to destroy what was once an unbreakable bond, and Esther finds herself at a crossroads.

Life goes on as others, with their own dreams, move into the home.  Eventually, the novel comes full circle as those who remain come to understand the true nature of friendship and family.

When asked about the inspiration for her novel, Wachtel explains, “I am defined by my parents’ legacy. Growing up the child of Holocaust survivors, never knowing my grandparents and with only a handful of extended family members, I came to understand the importance of family and am driven to express this idea in my writing.  From a young age, I learned of the horrific experiences my parents endured and their desire to build a better life for their children.  Their story is the story of so many others seeking to build a new home in America.  I wanted to express this idea in A CASTLE IN BROOKLYN.”

We have a great line up of fantastic bloggers who will share features, post reviews and offer giveaways throughout the month of January. We hope you will follow along to learn more about this wonderful new historical fiction!

Monday, January 2^nd – We Love Big Books And We Cannot Lie

Tuesday, January 3^rd – Cassie’s Books Reviews

Wednesday, January 4^th – The Caffeinated Reader

Thursday, January 5^th – Sue the Bookie

Friday, January 6^th – Booklover Laura

Sunday, January 8^th – Books N’ Yoga Pants

Monday, January 9^th – Bookoholic Café

Tuesday, January 10^th – Books Writing and More

Wednesday, January 11^th – Lit by Lilli

Thursday, January 12^th – Danish Mustard Reads

Friday, January 13^th – Andrea C. Lowry Reads

Sunday, January 15^th – Bookphile Belle

Monday, January 16^th – Books and Coffee MX

Tuesday, January 17^th – Suzy Approved Book Reviews

Tuesday, January 17^th – Gloriana Wong

Wednesday, January 18^th – Sarah and Her Bookshelves

Thursday, January 19^th – Tina May Reads

Friday, January 20^th – The Book Club Mom

Saturday, January 21^st – Subakka Book Stuff

Sunday, January 22^nd – Girl Who Reads

Monday, January 23^rd – Momfluenster

Tuesday, January 24^th – Storeybook Reviews

Wednesday, January 25^th – Bookalong

Thursday, January 26^th – Sarah’s Bookstack

Friday, January 27^th – We Break For Books

Monday, January 30^th – Kim Reads and Reads

Monday, January 30^th – Books on my Mind

Tuesday, January 31^st – The Book Review Crew

Tuesday, January 31^st – Lexijava