In my March 30 entry “Late to Reading,” I neglected to name the book that became my cousin’s wife’s entree to the reading world. It was the historical novel Sarah’s Key by Tatiana de Rosnay. I still need to read it myself, but it seems to be a popular read with book clubs. If you have read it, let me know (Comment) what you thought, okay?
I truly liked this book. Holocaust related “reads” are difficult so say the least, but this story went back and forth (past/present) which helped give a needed pause/respite when the story was taking place in the “past.” I would recommend this book and find it fascinating that this was the cousin’s first book “entree.”
Loved Sarah’s key!
Meredith–congratulations on your blog! Sarah’s Key–I’ve read many books on the Holocaust for the novel research I’ve been doing, and this book transported me into the worlds of both past and present completely. I found it difficult to put down, and the scenes of the book have stayed lodged in my mind and heart. I have read memoirs about the Vel d’Hiv and have seen a movie about it, and the book is very accurate about what happened there. I highly recommend it. If you like excellent WWII novels, I also recommend The Invisible Bridge by Julia Orringer. It’s one of the most beautifully written books I’ve read, and it’s based on Julia’s grandfather’s life before and during WWII, with a lot of history about Hungarians at that time.
Keep writing! Best Wishes, Linda Joy
So glad to see your blog up and going! I approached reading Sarah’s Key with some trepidation… books about the Holocaust can be so painful. But it was a wonderful telling of a child’s story and the enduring consequences of the Vel d’Hiv. Both painful and worthwhile. I recently read The Book Thief by M. Zusak which tells of a German child’s experience of WWII and the people who touch her life including the Jewish man who hides in her basement and her brave best friend. Very affecting and illuminating, sad and uplifting.
Thank you, everyone, for your comments on Sarah’s Key. You have confirmed that it’s a real winner. I look forward to reading it.