R E K. (bigstone) - , reviewed on + 1438 more book reviews
There are two parts to this novel and the author moves from one to the other weaving the two into one fascinating story. In 1942, little Sarah and her family are taken from Paris home by the French police at the direction of the Nazis. Ten-year-old Sarah hides her younger brother in a secret area, hoping to keep him safe. She believes the trip with the police will be short and promises to be back to let him out.  With the key in her pocket, she and her parents join others sent to the Vel' d'Hiv for processing to eastern "labor camps".  Most die in concentration camps.
Sarah tells the story of the Jewish people, the conditions in the Vel' d'Hiv, and how children were separated from parents, some torn from the arms of their mothers or fathers. Later packed into cattle cars they are deported to "labor campsâ.  Always the frightened Sarah thinks always of her brother locked away waiting for her return.
Years later, Julia Jarmond, an American journalist, is researching to write about the 60th anniversary of Val' d'Hiv. Like Julia, I was unaware of the horror of this period during the Nazi occupation. Julia uncovers Sarah's story and what happens to her parents and her brother, hidden away only to die of starvation. Finding a link to her husband's family she becomes deeply involved and determined to learn more.Â
The Vel' d'Hiv gathering of Jewish people by French collaborators is a tragic event most French prefer to forget.  This tragic part of French involvement in exterminating their Jewish population was concealed. The French prefer to forget and focus on the future. The author reminds us to be alert and to never forget how little human life can mean to some groups.  In our own country with violent groups bent on creating chaos and upsetting our government, we must be alert to what could happen. It's so important. NEVER FORGET
Sarah tells the story of the Jewish people, the conditions in the Vel' d'Hiv, and how children were separated from parents, some torn from the arms of their mothers or fathers. Later packed into cattle cars they are deported to "labor campsâ.  Always the frightened Sarah thinks always of her brother locked away waiting for her return.
Years later, Julia Jarmond, an American journalist, is researching to write about the 60th anniversary of Val' d'Hiv. Like Julia, I was unaware of the horror of this period during the Nazi occupation. Julia uncovers Sarah's story and what happens to her parents and her brother, hidden away only to die of starvation. Finding a link to her husband's family she becomes deeply involved and determined to learn more.Â
The Vel' d'Hiv gathering of Jewish people by French collaborators is a tragic event most French prefer to forget.  This tragic part of French involvement in exterminating their Jewish population was concealed. The French prefer to forget and focus on the future. The author reminds us to be alert and to never forget how little human life can mean to some groups.  In our own country with violent groups bent on creating chaos and upsetting our government, we must be alert to what could happen. It's so important. NEVER FORGET
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