Sandy Berman, Author

Whitewashed, Sandy Berman, Author

A Novel

Whitewashed

In 1950, Huntsville, Alabama becomes home to 118 former Nazi scientists who are brought to the United States through a secret government-sponsored project called Operation Paperclip to work on the space program. While thousands of Holocaust survivors languish in displaced persons camps throughout Germany, past evidence of war crimes does not disqualify these men from entering the United States. Following the arrival of the Germans, Ben Low, a Jewish boy and Holocaust survivor living in Huntsville, is found hanging from a tree in the woods behind his high school. Was Ben’s death a suicide or something more sinister? Years later the discovery of a journal is the catalyst that encourages Ben’s childhood friend, Tommy Stern, to reexamine the facts about Ben’s death.

About the Author

Sandy Berman

Sandy Berman is the award-winning author of Whitewashed and Klara with a K. Sandy is also the founding archivist of the William Breman Jewish Heritage Museum in Atlanta, where she established the largest repository of Jewish historical research in the Southeast. As the archivist, Sandy spent years traveling to small towns throughout the South documenting Jewish life. This rich tapestry of experiences is woven into her works of fiction.

When Sandy is not ferreting out more southern stories, she and her husband are hiking and spending time with their large Atlanta family.

Sandy_Berman, Author

Current Books

Klara With a K, Sandy Berman, Author

Klara with a K

In an era when Jim Crow rules seem eerily similar to the Nuremburg laws that victimized her family, Klara finds solace in standing up for civil rights. In the end, only a difficult visit from her past will free her from her web of lies.

Whitewashed, Sandy Berman, Author

Whitewashed

Set in Huntsville, Alabama in 1950, Nazi scientists work on project Operation Paperclip for the U.S. space program. A Jewish boy and Holocaust survivor living in Huntsville, is found hanging from a tree. Years later the discovery of a journal is the catalyst that encourages the victim’s childhood friend to reexamine the facts of his friend’s death.

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I highly recommend this novel! The story is filled with interesting facts and intrigue. It’s definitely a page-turner! I was shocked to learn about Operation Paperclip, where former Nazis engineers & technicians were brought over from Germany to work on the “Space Race” in Huntsville, Alabama. It’s a fascinating story that’s hard to put down!

– Janie –

I lived it, having been born in Birmingham in 1937 and visiting friends in Atlanta in the 1950’s. It’s “Driving Miss Daisy” all over again. Also, being Jewish and remembering the terrible bombings, the upheaval of the Civil Rights movement. And still, the lingering notion of trying not to be too “in the faces of the white elite”.

– Barbara L –

I just finished this book and didn’t want it to end. The story is riveting and the writing is superb. You can feel the author’s knowledge of the facts surrounding the devastation of WWII, which makes the story line all the more compelling. I am looking forward to her next book!

– Linda K –

Historical fiction about “Operation Paperclip” a federal program which brought Nazi scientists to the U.S. after WWII and settled them in a small southern town with heartbreaking results.

– Eugenia M –

I really enjoyed reading the book. It kept my attention. I am from Atlanta, so enjoyed the places that were mentioned.

– Charlotte R –

Good read. Very simplistically written by first time another. Another holocaust survival book but I love reading these. Been to 6 concentration camps.

– Dr Barbara –

Fantastic story! I couldn’t put it down. I felt like I was inside the book watching Klara as things unfolded. Great reading.

– Reba –

A successful historical novel about the redemptive power of remaining true to oneself, no matter what the cost.

– Kirkus Reviews –

I just read each of your books and they were perhaps the best stories I have read in years. Loved them. Thank you for 2 wonderful books.

– Neil A –

A fascinating story of Klara, whose youthful experiences in Nazi Germany influenced her feelings of injustice in Atlanta in the 50’s. Ms. Berman’s writing transports the reader into the times and places vividly. Her characters, especially Eigenia were right on. The story of crimes man commits against his fellow man, and complicity in different forms is thought provoking.

– Judi P –

Really enjoyed reading this book. You got an understanding of what it was like to live in Atlanta during the Civil Rights movement and how that was so difficult for a Holocaust survivor.

– Eunie –

Whitewashed is an enjoyable read that is also very informative. It is about a period of history that many people are not aware. The characters are well developed and are interwoven nicely. I would recommend this book highly, especially to those who like historical fiction.

– Gail R –

Excellent debut novel! The storytelling is flawless. References to real places and events during a profoundly sad and volatile time in history anchor the characters and brilliantly bring them to life. I highly recommend this read. P.S. Great book club pick.

– Patricia P –

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Author Forum

Operation Paper Clip ‘Whitewashed’ Nazi Existence

Operation Paper Clip ‘Whitewashed’ Nazi Existence

Author ForumThe Breman Museum’s Founding Archivist Pens Book About Former Nazis Helping the U.S. Space Program Atlanta Jewish Times review by Lou Ladinsky I had just finished watching the intense Showtime drama “Hunters,” which dealt with a group of people hunting...

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