If you like historical fiction set during WWII and from a different perspective than the reams of historical WWII fiction novels out there, then you would love this one most likely. This is the author's debut novel. She currently lives and works in Paris.
STORY SUMMARY
It is 1953 and Jean-Luc lives with his wife Charlotte and their son Sam in Santa Cruz, California. Jean-Luc has a scar on his face that is a constant reminder of the horrors he and Charlotte escaped from while the Nazi occupation was going on in their hometown of Paris, France back in the mid-1940s. He now has a new life in California and a good job. He absolutely never expected the past to come knocking on his door one morning, especially in the form of the police.
In Paris, in 1944, a young woman named Sarah, who has just given birth a few hours earlier, is herded by force, onto a train bound for Auschwitz. Her husband David is also forced onto the train although they are separated. Sarah and David are devout Jews. They have named their baby boy Samuel. In an act of desperation, Sarah thrusts her precious baby into the arms of a stranger working on the railroad...that man? Jean-Luc. All Sarah has left is her hope that one day she and David will re-unite and find their baby. Jean-Luc promises to care for the baby.
The choices both of these people make in the midst of a war and horror will change their futures in ways they never would have predicted.
MY THOUGHTS
This was one of the best contemporary historical fiction books centered on World War II and the Nazi occupation in France that I have ever read. It is told from the perspective of a French couple who were not Jewish but who also didn't approve of the Nazi's or Hitler's regime. Charlotte is one of the bravest characters I have ever met in a fiction book. Her bravery and strength really shines forth in the book.
Sarah and David are characters with whom you will feel your heartstrings tug. They managed to survive the horrible conditions of Auschwitz and cling to their faith and hope. However, they were not my favorite characters.
The setting and descriptions are so well done. You can actually "feel" the bleakness, the terror, the shame, the fear. You can also feel the strength and courage of Charlotte and Jean-Luc. You feel the love and innocence of Sam. It's so well done and well written. This is the author's debut novel and I'm looking forward to more from her.
This book brings out the themes of hope, courage, resilience and the power of love. It also teaches us what family really means. Is it just our birth parents?? or is it the people with whom we make a home?
The book touches on the strength of family ties and the stress of war effects.
It will teach you what unconditional love really is all about.
May we never forget the realities of the Nazi occupations and the faith of all people.
In my opinion, this book is appropriate for ages 14 and older.
On a scale of 1-10, with 10 being the highest, I rate this a 10.
1 comment:
Wow, that sounds like a good one. I am going to see if the library has it! Thanks for the review.
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