Two stories weaved together to tell a story. One about a girl trying to protect her brother after having been arrested and sent to the Vel' d'Hiv' with her parents in Paris, July 1942. The other, an American Ex-Pat journalist researching the events of July 1942.The chapters about Sarah and her family were the hardest part to read emotionally, but they were the best parts of the book. The modern day chapters that focused on Julia and her family started out feeling out of place and unrelated. I kept getting upset that Sarah's story was getting interrupted. I was very tempted to skip them and get back to them later. However, as I continued to read the connection became more apparent and I ended up not minding them as much.
Such a sad tale and under such terrible circumstances. This book had me crying and wanting to find more books on what happened in France during the Occupation. I am just appalled by the inhumanity of those who sent so many people to the work and concentration camps during WWII. This is one that will stick with you for awhile after reading it.
4/5
A to Z Challenge (S)
I'm going to be reading this one at the beginning of February for a noontime chat and the war challenge. I'm looking forward to it even though it is sad.
ReplyDeleteI have this in my pile too, and while I am not looking forward to reading something sad, I am looking forward to a good story!
ReplyDeleteI added your review here on War Through the Generations.
ReplyDelete--Anna
Diary of an Eccentric