Under the Floorboards
Inspired by the life of a real World War II survivor, this remarkable novel reveals the power of unsung women to change history by saving a young soul.
In an unknown land, at an unknown time, a young boy finds himself in the midst of a war. Just when it seems that all hope is gone, he is saved by a simple maid with a big heart. Surviving the war, the boy embarks on a path to pay her back for her love and grace by doing his best to reciprocate with those he meets. His quest will lead him to riches far beyond and far more satisfying than he ever imagined.
BASED ON A TRUE STORY, with an appendix including authentic documents.
Reviews & Praise
A poignant premise undercut by excessive length and an awkward structure.
In Kiss’ historical novel, a young Jewish man tries to make a new life for himself in Paris after the end of World War 1 -Kirkus
Other Reviews and Praises
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“History meets heart in this debut, where the only thing predictable is the emotional devastation.”
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"This book doesn’t just tell a story—it pulls you into the cracks of history, where survival was a daily act of defiance and hope was a fragile, flickering light."
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“Vivid, powerful, and impossible to put down—this is a debut worth celebrating.”
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“In a world obsessed with war’s loudest heroes, John Kiss brings to life the unsung souls who fought with nothing but their humanity.”
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“Unflinching and deeply human."
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“Just the kind of raw storytelling you didn’t know you were craving.”
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“A first novel that reads like the work of a seasoned storyteller.”
