A review of Max in the House of Spies
by
Adam
Gidwitz
Max in the House of Spies by Adam Gidwitz (author of The Inquisitor’s Tale, A Tale Dark & Grimm series) tells the story of 12-year-old Max Bretzfeld, a Jewish boy from Germany sent to live in England as part of the Kindertransport, in an effort to protect him from the growing dangers in Nazi Germany. Max is taken in by the Montagus, a wealthy Jewish family in London, but his time there is far from easy. He faces bombs, bullying, and the sadness of being separated from his parents. As Max grows closer to Ewen and Iver Montagu—two of the children’s uncles—he becomes desperate to return to Germany to protect his family. Will he risk his life to go back? And how could he even get there?
As a fan of historical fiction, I really enjoyed this story. Gidwitz introduces two mythical characters—Berg (a kobold, or goblin, from German folklore) and Stein (a dybbuk from Jewish mythology)—who escape Germany with Max by taking up residence on his shoulders. At first, I questioned the decision to include these fantastical figures, but as the story unfolded, I found their presence to be a clever and meaningful addition. Their narration guides the reader’s understanding of the seriousness of Max’s situation, highlights his goodness and ingenuity, and injects humor to lighten the heaviness of war.
I especially admire how Max responds to adversity. When bullied or desperate to return to Germany, he doesn’t resort to anger or violence. Instead, he uses innovation and patience. Gidwitz crafts Max as an authentic hero whose true superpower lies in being creative and methodical in the face of overwhelming challenges.
The story felt heartfelt and genuine, which I believe stems from the author’s personal connection to the subject and the thorough research he shares at the end of the book. My only complaint is the ending—if you’re hoping for closure, the cliffhanger may feel unsatisfying. That said, the sequel, Max in the Land of Lies, has just been released and offers the conclusion to Max’s journey.
Gidwitz masterfully blends historical reality with fiction, offering a fresh take on a story of Jewish survival and bravery during World War II. If you enjoy experiencing history through stories—and have liked books such as Number the Stars, The War That Saved My Life, I Survived the Nazi Invasion, 1944, or The Boys Who Challenged Hitler: Knud Pedersen and the Churchill Club—you won’t be disappointed with Max in the House of Spies.
Print book
Large Print book
Libby ebook
Libby audiobook
--reviewed by Jen P.