Book Review: Sarah’s Key by Tatiana de Rosnay

Posted on May 8, 2012 · 18 Comments

Sarah’s Key
by Tatiana de Rosnay
Genre: Historical Fiction, World War II
Publication Date: September 2008
Publisher: St. Martin’s Griffin
ISBN: 978-0312370848
293 pages

From Amazon:
Paris, July 1942: Sarah, a ten year-old girl, is brutally arrested with her family by the French police in the Vel’ d’Hiv’ roundup, but not before she locks her younger brother in a cupboard in the family’s apartment, thinking that she will be back within a few hours.

Paris, May 2002: On Vel’ d’Hiv’s 60th anniversary, journalist Julia Jarmond is asked to write an article about this black day in France’s past. Through her contemporary investigation, she stumbles onto a trail of long-hidden family secrets that connect her to Sarah. Julia finds herself compelled to retrace the girl’s ordeal, from that terrible term in the Vel d’Hiv’, to the camps, and beyond. As she probes into Sarah’s past, she begins to question her own place in France, and to reevaluate her marriage and her life.

Tatiana de Rosnay offers us a brilliantly subtle, compelling portrait of France under occupation and reveals the taboos and silence that surround this painful episode.

My Thoughts:

I have mixed feelings about this book. It has languished on my TBR shelf for nearly 3 years. My mother and sister-in-law read it before I did and raved about it. Many others in the blogging world have given this book high praise. So, when I started it, I expected to be blown away.

But I wasn’t.

I wish the book was told entirely from young Sarah’s perspective. To be honest, I didn’t care at all about Julia and her story. There was so much drama with her husband that it really took away from the full impact that this story could have had for me. The Vel’ d’Hiv story is tragic. Tragic is even a light word for it. It’s horrifying. Thousands of Jewish families rounded up by the French police and shipped off to the Auschwitz gas chambers . . . it makes me sick to my stomach.

We meet young Sarah as her family is being rounded up by those French policeman in the middle of the night. In order to save her brother, she locks him in their secret hiding place, a cupboard in their bedroom. She thinks she will be right back to let him out; however, things do not go the way Sarah thinks they will.

Julia Jarmond is a journalist who is covering the 60 year anniversary of the Vel’ d’Hiv roundup. What she uncovers during her research will change her life forever. Her personal struggles with her husband are ever present throughout the novel and really detract from the powerful story that is Vel’ d’Hiv.

Told in alternating viewpoints, Sarah and Julia’s stories eventually merge into an unexpected conclusion.

This is a good story and tells of a time that is not well known in World War II history, so for that purpose, I would recommend it.

*****

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Book Review: Bridge of Scarlet Leaves by Kristina McMorris

Posted on April 2, 2012 · 4 Comments


Bridge of Scarlet Leaves
by Kristina McMorris
Publication Date: February 28, 2012
Publisher: Kensington

Los Angeles, 1941. Violinist Maddie Kern’s life seemed destined to unfold with the predictable elegance of a Bach concerto. Then she fell in love with Lane Moritomo. Her brother’s best friend, Lane is the handsome, ambitious son of Japanese immigrants. Maddie was prepared for disapproval from their families, but when Pearl Harbor is bombed the day after she and Lane elope, the full force of their decision becomes apparent. In the eyes of a fearful nation, Lane is no longer just an outsider, but an enemy.

When her husband is interned at a war relocation camp, Maddie follows, sacrificing her Juilliard ambitions. Behind barbed wire, tension simmers and the line between patriot and traitor blurs. As Maddie strives for the hard-won acceptance of her new family, Lane risks everything to prove his allegiance to America, at tremendous cost.

Skillfully capturing one of the most controversial episodes in recent American history, Kristina McMorris draws readers into a novel filled with triumphs and heartbreaking loss–an authentic, moving testament to love, forgiveness, and the enduring music of the human spirit.

My Thoughts:

Maddie Kern is a budding violinist with dreams of attending Julliard. Her brother, TJ, has his own dreams of playing baseball. At the opening of the novel, they are both still reeling from the loss of their mother in a car accident and the subsequent catatonic state of their father. TJ is very angry at his father as he feels he is to blame for the accident; however, Maddie continues to visit her dad in the nursing home, playing the violin for him with little to no reaction.

When she secretly marries her brother’s best friend, Lane, the son of Japanese immigrants, life is changed forever. The morning after their wedding ceremony, Maddie and Lane wake to the news that Pearl Harbor has been bombed – and everyone of Japanese descent, including Lane and his family are now suspect. Forced to move into an internment camp, Lane, his mother, and his sister leave the American life they have grown accustomed to and begin a new life full of suspicion, fear, anger, and hate directed at them.

Maddie chooses to follow her husband, joining him and his family inside the camp. Maddie struggles to connect with her mother-in-law as Lane tries to cope with being ostracized from the country he was born into. He ends up joining the Army on the American side, willing to do anything to prove his allegiance to his country. TJ also steps up and joins the military, willing to risk his own life to serve and protect his country.

No words I can write could do adequate justice to the work of literary gold within the pages of Bridge of Scarlet Leaves. This book captivated me from page one and did not let go until the final word, some 400 pages later. McMorris exquisitely captures the raw emotions – the angst, the pain, and the love – of each character in such a way that truly mesmerized me. The story is told from multiple viewpoints (Maddie, TJ, Lane), but the story never gets confusing or jumbled. The reader can feel each of the emotions that the characters are feeling, the sorrow and the joy, during their journeys. I was transported into another time and place and became so immersed with these characters that I did not want to leave them! I recommend this book without any reservation. McMorris is phenomenal – don’t miss her first book, Letters from Home!

 

***

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Book Review: Before the Last All Clear by Ray Evans

Posted on March 8, 2012 · 3 Comments

Before the Last All Clear
by Raymond Evans
Morgan James Publishing
Genre: Memoir; World War II
Publication Date: August 2008

About the Book:

Some recall it as the greatest adventure of their lives. For others, being a wartime evacuee was a nightmare. These are the witty yet deeply poignant memories of a man still haunted by the cruelties he endured. During World War II, around three and a half million British children were evacuated away from possible air raids in the big cities in one of the largest social upheavals Great Britain has ever seen. One of those children was Ray Evans. This is the story of a young evacuee from Liverpool sent to live in the Welsh town of Llanelli. Separated from his mother, brothers and sisters, six-year old Ray was dispatched to a series of families who ignored, exploited and brutalised him. Pushed from pillar to post, he finally finds happiness with a family who make him so welcome that he is reluctant to leave when war ends. Set in a world of ration books, air-raid sirens and ever-present danger, this is a candid and direct account of wartime Britain as seen through the eyes of a child.

Raymond Evans was just six years old when he was forced to leave the comfort of his family home and take up residence at numerous “billets” (similar to foster homes)  in Llanelli, England.

The story is captivating. The editing left a lot to be desired. I had to overlook a lot of basic grammatical and spelling errors in this book, which is disappointing. Due to my real-life job, I’m a bit anal about editing and spelling errors in the books I read. In addition, the story was difficult to follow at times. There were transitions in the narrative that were very confusing. For example, Ray is talking about wanting to see his father at a Christmas party that is in a few weeks. Then, without any modifier to transition to it, the next paragraph discusses Ray being at the party. Odd shifts like this in the storytelling were confusing to me. I think with a good editor, this story could be tightened up and pack a greater punch than what is currently presented.

Aside from the editing issues, I really enjoyed Ray’s story. The shipping of English children away from potential air raids is a part of WWII history that I was not at all familiar with. Ray was moved around from different billets, initially able to be with his brother, but soon separated and on his own. Some families were strict and harsh; others neglectful and abusive; and another was so wonderful that Ray didn’t want to leave once the war ended. Told from the eyes of a young boy, Before the Last All Clear is a compelling and moving story of a lesser-known period of World War II. If you can look past the editing issues, the story is one I would definitely recommend.

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Review & Kindle Touch Giveaway: Remembering You by Tricia Goyer

Posted on November 28, 2011 · 2 Comments

Remembering You
by Tricia Goyer
Publication Date:  November 2011
Publisher:  Guideposts
Purchase this book - Amazon

Source:  I received a free copy of this book for my participation in a blog tour through Litfuse Publicity Group.
View the full Blog Tour Schedule HERE.

About the book:

Television producer Ava Ellington cannot refuse her grandfather’s last wish – that she accompany him to Europe on a tour of World War II battle sites.  Ava has little interest in historical battles, but this may be her last chance to break down the barriers that have grown up between them, and she sets off, camera in hand, ready to record and report on their journey.  She and Grandpa Jack are greeted in Paris by Paul, her grandpa’s best friend, and his grandson Dennis.  The Dennis who just happens to be Ava’s first love.

History comes alive as the group travels across Europe – from the romantic sights of Paris to the bleak battlefields of Belgium to the Austrian labor camp these men liberated so many years before – and Ava sees a side of her grandfather she’s never known before.  As he shares his memories of those bitter days on the battlefield, she begins to understand how his experiences in the war made him the man he is today.

Throughout the journey, Ava and Dennis are drawn together in ways neither of them expected.  Can their memories of the past lead to a bright new future?

Read an excerpt, watch a video and find out more here. http://www.triciagoyer.com/contemporaryfiction.html#RememberingYou

My Thoughts:

I love novels centered around World War II and although this is a contemporary work of fiction, it is based on two grandfathers recalling their stories from the front lines of the war against Hitler’s regime and the ultimate liberation of the Jewish people from one of the many concentration camps, specifically Mauthausen in Austria.  In their 80′s, Grandpa Jack and his best friend and WWII buddy, Gran Paul, are fantastic characters, brimming with life.  You can feel their emotional turmoil as they recount their numerous stories as the foursome make their way across Europe, from Paris to Belgium, through Germany into Austria.  The angst lying under the surface as they watch their friends dying; their joy and horror at opening the gate to the Mauthausen concentration camp rings very true to life and I was very caught up in their tales.  The side stories with Jack as he comes to terms with some of the things he had to do during battle were heartbreaking and I felt truly sorry for the young man that he was, having to experience what he did.

Although I loved the historical aspects of this novel, the rest of it fell flat for me.  I did not care for the main character, Ava.  She was not a likable character at all.  I kept wanting to like her, but she kept doing silly and stupid things that made me dislike her even more.  Eventually I just got tired of her.  I never connected with her as a character or really knew what she was about.  All she seemed to care about was her job and getting the next camera shot.  It was agonizingly frustrating considering how much I enjoyed the other parts of this book.  Her relationship with her grandfather, Grandpa Jack, seemed strained at best and I never really felt a connection between them, which is unfortunate.

Dennis and Ava’s relationship is pretty awkward.  It isn’t until 230+ pages in that we learn the whole story of their past and why things are so weird between them.  They are on a roller coaster of emotions with each other and it is frustrating trying to figure out what the issues are between them when neither of them will talk about anything!

Finally, considering this book is Christian Fiction and published by Guideposts, I was a little surprised that there wasn’t some conclusion to Ava’s spiritual development at the end of the novel.  Prayer and God were touched on throughout the book (but not overly so), but I was expecting some kind of wrap-up to the journey I went though for 300 pages, or at least some type of “it’s in the works” statement.  But, it seemed to solely focus on the relationship between her and Dennis and making sure all of those loose ends were tied up.  It left me wanting more.

Overall, an okay read, especially for those who love the historical aspects of World War II. There’s a fantastic author’s note at the end regarding her interviews of veterans and some of her research.

About Tricia:

Tricia Goyer is the author of thirty books including Songbird Under a German Moon, The Swiss Courier, and the mommy memoir, Blue Like Play Dough. She won Historical Novel of the Year in 2005 and 2006 from ACFW, and was honored with the Writer of the Year award from Mt. Hermon Writer’s Conference in 2003. Tricia’s book Life Interrupted was a finalist for the Gold Medallion in 2005. In addition to her novels, Tricia writes non-fiction books and magazine articles for publications like MomSense and Thriving Family. Tricia is a regular speaker at conventions and conferences, and has been a workshop presenter at the MOPS (Mothers of Preschoolers) International Conventions. On Tricia’s weekly radio show, Living Inspired, she shares stories of inspiration and encouragement. She and her family make their home in Little Rock, Arkansas where they are part of the ministry of FamilyLife.

For more about Tricia and her other books visit www.triciagoyer.com

Win a Kindle Touch for YOU and a Friend from Tricia Goyer!

Tricia Goyer is celebrating the release of her novel, Remembering You, with a KINDLE Touch Giveaway for you … and for the friend of your choice. Then on 11/29 she’ll be wrapping up the release of Remembering You with a Book Chat Party!

During the first half of the party Tricia will be chatting, sharing a sneak peek of her next book, and giving away a ton of great stuff. Then she’ll head over to her website for a Live Chat! Readers will be able to chat with Tricia via video or text.

Don’t miss your chance to win a Kindle Touch for yourself … and to “remember” a friend this holiday with a Kindle Touch for them!

Read what the reviewers are saying here.

One grand prize winner will receive:

  • A Brand New Kindle Touch and a Kindle Touch for a Friend (winner’s choice!)
  • A copy of Remembering You by Tricia Goyer for each

Enter today by clicking one of the icons below. But hurry, the giveaway ends at noon on November 29th. Winner will be announced at Remembering You Facebook Party on 11/29. Tricia will be hosting an author chat (on Facebook and Live from her website) and giving away copies of her other WWII books and gift certificates to Starbucks and Amazon.com. So grab your copy of Remembering You and join Tricia on the evening of the 29th for an author chat, a trivia contest (How much do you know about WWII?) and lots of giveaways.

Enter via E-mail Enter via FacebookEnter via Twitter

Don’t miss a moment of the fun. RSVP today and tell your friends via FACEBOOK or TWITTER and increase your chances of winning. Hope to see you on the 29th!!

Disclosure: Crazy-for-Books is NOT giving away a Kindle Touch. I am merely providing this information as part of the blog tour for Tricia Goyer. Please read and review the Kindle Touch giveaway information above to find out how to enter. Thank you.

Filed Under: Blog Tour, Book Reviews, Crazy Good Tagged With: , , , , , , ,

Blog Tour & Review: The Book of Lies by Mary Horlock

Posted on August 12, 2011 · 9 Comments

[amazon_image id="0062065092" link="true" target="_blank" size="large" ]The Book of Lies: A Novel (P.S.)[/amazon_image]

[amazon_link id="0062065092" target="_blank" ]The Book of Lies: A Novel[/amazon_link]
by Mary Horlock
Publication Date:  July 19, 2011
Publisher:  Harper Collins

TBL


I will read most historical fiction surrounding World War II.  I’m not sure what it is about the time period, but I can’t seem to get enough of it.  I want to know everything I can about it.  It sickens and disgusts me, but I continue to read everything I can.  When I heard about [amazon_link id="0062065092" target="_blank" ]The Book of Lies[/amazon_link] through TLC Book Tours and the story involving the Occupation of Guernsey, I was very excited to read this book.  I had not previously known about Guernsey’s involvement in the War, so I found the historical pieces of this book to be fascinating.

Guernsey is situated between England and France in the English Channel (see map – if you are anything like me, you want to know exactly where you are in the world when you start a book!).  The print version of the book actually has a map at the beginning so you can visualize where all the places are when Cat and Charlie discuss them in the novel.  I read the e-book version through Netgalley and did not look at my print copy until I was done.  I wish I had!  I found the map to be very useful if you like to visualize where all the places are on Guernsey as the characters are talking about them.  The e-book did not offer this feature, but I also had the uncorrected proof, so it could be in the finished copy.  But, I digress.

1985, Guernsey – Nicolette and Cat are the best of friends before a perceived betrayal rips them apart and Nic responds with incessant bullying of Cat.

1945, Guernsey – Charlie (Cat’s uncle) and Ray are friends during the Nazi Occupation of Guernsey during WWII.  The reader sees the rise and fall of their friendship and how Charlie ends up betraying those closest to him and ending up in a concentration camp.  Charlie records his story on tape, before his death.  It is transcribed by Cat’s father Emile.  It is Emile’s life-long goal to uncover the truth about the Nazi Occupation of Guernsey.

Fifteen-year-old Cat Rozier is your typical teenage angst-ridden girl. She describes herself as overweight, without many friends, but very smart. Living in her father’s shadow, she has picked up a lot of information about the Nazi Occupation of Guernsey, which she spews forth to anyone who will listen. Cat is also atypical in that, from the first page, she tells us that she is a murderess. And she’s a bit upset that no one has suspected her!

It’s been a fortnight since they found her body and for the most part I am glad she’s gone. But I also can’t believe she’s dead, and I should because I did it. Yes. That’s right. I killed Nicolette on these very cliffs and I’m frankly amazed that no one has guessed. (pg. 1)

So, from the first page, I am intrigued. Who is Nicolette? And why did a young girl kill her? Was it an accident? Did she do it on purpose? So many questions tumble through the mind as Cat’s narrative continues. She goes on to say that the murder is really not her fault. History has a way of repeating itself.

We talk about getting away and seeing the world, but we never do. We stay here making the same mistakes, over and over. I’m a murderer and it’s not just my fault. I can blame the Germans, and I can blame my parents, and I can blame my parents’ parents. Don’t you see? Once you know your History, it does explain everything.

It turns out I was a murderer before I was even born. (pg. 5)

The narrative then jumps to Charlie back in 1945 right at the cusp of the Nazis coming in to occupy Guernsey. Charlie jumps from a boat that is taking the natives to safety, choosing instead to stay and fight the Germans. He falls from the boat and gets help from Ray Le Poidevoin, who becomes his friend. . . and later, his enemy.

Using a split narrative, Horlock switches from Cat in 1985 to Charlie in 1945, showing how Cat’s family history shaped her into who she is today.  We learn how Charlie’s experiences during WWII shaped the course of the Rozier family for the next two generations. The book is aptly titled The Book of Lies.  Because what really is that thing we call the truth?  As a reader, I kept wondering if what I was reading was really the truth or a bunch of lies perceived as the truth.

Being a fanatic of World War II historical fiction, I would have preferred an entire book just from Charlie’s perspective.  I had no knowledge that Guernsey was occupied during the War and would have loved further exploration of Charlie’s character during this time.  The quick changes from character to character were jarring.  Once I was really getting into one character’s story, it would switch to the other and then I would forget what was going on in the other narrative.  It was quite frustrating.  And I am normally a fan of the split narrative!  The changes were just too abrupt for my liking.

The book is ultimately about two friendships gone horribly wrong and how the past has a way of influencing the present.  It was an okay read, but it took me a while to get through.  It didn’t excite me as much as I would have hoped.

Final Rating:

Disclosure:  I received a free copy of this book through TLC Book Tours for my participation in a virtual book tour.  I also downloaded a free e-book copy through Netgalley to read on my Nook, because I really like to read books on my Nook rather than in print.  :)   :)   From my rating and review above, you can see that this did not influence my thoughts about the book.

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