📖 Overview
Jenna Blum is an American novelist and teacher best known for her New York Times bestselling novels "Those Who Save Us" (2004) and "The Stormchasers" (2010). Her work frequently explores themes of family secrets, identity, and the lasting impact of World War II.
As one of Oprah's Top 30 Women Writers, Blum has established herself in both literary fiction and historical fiction genres. Her debut novel "Those Who Save Us" examines the complex relationship between a German mother and daughter against the backdrop of World War II, while dealing with questions of survival and moral compromise.
Prior to her career as a novelist, Blum worked for the Steven Spielberg Survivors of the Shoah Visual History Foundation, interviewing Holocaust survivors. This experience significantly influenced her writing, particularly in her portrayal of World War II narratives and intergenerational trauma.
Blum continues to write while also teaching creative writing at Grub Street Writers in Boston, one of the largest independent writing centers in the United States. Her third novel, "The Lost Family" (2018), further explores themes of loss, family, and the aftermath of historical trauma.
👀 Reviews
Readers consistently highlight Blum's detailed historical research and emotional depth in character development. Reviews focus heavily on "Those Who Save Us," her most discussed work.
What readers liked:
- Authentic portrayal of WWII experiences and Holocaust narratives
- Complex mother-daughter relationships
- Raw emotional impact
- Dual timeline storytelling technique
- Attention to historical detail
What readers disliked:
- Pacing issues, particularly in slower middle sections
- Some graphic content and difficult scenes
- Character decisions that frustrated readers
- Occasional overuse of flashbacks
Ratings across platforms:
- Goodreads: "Those Who Save Us" - 4.2/5 (141,000+ ratings)
- Amazon: "Those Who Save Us" - 4.6/5 (5,800+ ratings)
- "The Stormchasers" averages 3.8/5 across platforms
- "The Lost Family" maintains 4.0/5 average
One reader noted: "Her research shines through without overwhelming the story." Another commented: "The characters stay with you long after finishing." Critical reviews often mention: "Could have been shorter without losing impact."
📚 Books by Jenna Blum
Those Who Save Us (2004)
A Minnesota professor investigates her German mother's hidden past during World War II, uncovering a complex relationship with a Nazi officer and efforts to survive in wartime Weimar.
The Stormchasers (2010) Twin siblings navigate their complicated relationship as they pursue dangerous storms across the Midwest, while dealing with one's bipolar disorder and family secrets.
Woodrow on the Bench (2021) A memoir chronicling the author's final months with her aging black Labrador retriever and the lessons learned about love and loss.
The Lost Family (2018) A Holocaust survivor who becomes a successful Manhattan restaurant owner in 1965 struggles with his past trauma while building a new life with his young American wife and daughter.
Grand Central: Original Stories of Postwar Love and Reunion (2014) A contribution to this anthology featuring interconnected stories from multiple authors about romantic encounters at New York's Grand Central Terminal after World War II.
The Stormchasers (2010) Twin siblings navigate their complicated relationship as they pursue dangerous storms across the Midwest, while dealing with one's bipolar disorder and family secrets.
Woodrow on the Bench (2021) A memoir chronicling the author's final months with her aging black Labrador retriever and the lessons learned about love and loss.
The Lost Family (2018) A Holocaust survivor who becomes a successful Manhattan restaurant owner in 1965 struggles with his past trauma while building a new life with his young American wife and daughter.
Grand Central: Original Stories of Postwar Love and Reunion (2014) A contribution to this anthology featuring interconnected stories from multiple authors about romantic encounters at New York's Grand Central Terminal after World War II.
👥 Similar authors
Lisa See writes historical fiction focused on female relationships and family secrets, particularly within Chinese and Chinese-American contexts. Her novels explore cultural identity and generational trauma through stories set in different time periods.
Kristin Hannah creates narratives about women during wartime and periods of historical upheaval. Her work examines family dynamics and survival through dual timelines similar to Blum's storytelling structure.
Sarah McCoy focuses on World War II stories and their modern-day connections through parallel narratives. Her books deal with themes of identity, loss, and redemption across generations.
Sarah Blake tells stories about families affected by World War II and its aftermath. Her work connects past and present through discovered documents and family histories.
Tatiana de Rosnay writes about World War II's impact on families and explores hidden histories in European settings. Her novels feature protagonists uncovering buried secrets that link to historical events.
Kristin Hannah creates narratives about women during wartime and periods of historical upheaval. Her work examines family dynamics and survival through dual timelines similar to Blum's storytelling structure.
Sarah McCoy focuses on World War II stories and their modern-day connections through parallel narratives. Her books deal with themes of identity, loss, and redemption across generations.
Sarah Blake tells stories about families affected by World War II and its aftermath. Her work connects past and present through discovered documents and family histories.
Tatiana de Rosnay writes about World War II's impact on families and explores hidden histories in European settings. Her novels feature protagonists uncovering buried secrets that link to historical events.