A Small Hotel

SILVER MEDAL IN FOREWORD REVIEWS BOOK OF THE YEAR (Historical Fiction)

'A sweeping, unforgettable WWII saga. Laqueur weaves military history, frontline combat, and enduring love into a masterpiece of historical drama.'


In the summer of 1941, Europe is at war, but the idyllic Thousand Islands are alive with summer romance...


Kennet Fiskare, son of a small hotel proprietor on the St. Lawrence River, falls headlong in love with Astrid Virtanen, a Swedish-Brazilian guest. Their quiet paradise is shattered when family duty and America's entry into World War II tear them apart.


Plunged into the brutal European theater, Kennet undergoes a trial by fire—from the frozen forests of the Battle of the Bulge to the liberation of Mauthausen concentration camp. Bonded with his brothers-in-arms, he witnesses both the darkest depths of humanity and the extraordinary strength required to survive.


Spanning three decades, A Small Hotel is a magnificent family saga exploring first love, war, and resilience across generations.


Note: While introducing the original generation of the Fiskare family, this historical novel is a complete standalone and can be enjoyed before or after reading the Fish Tales series.