The Book of Lost Names by Kristin HarmelMy rating: 5 of 5 stars
5.0 stars - I was afraid to start this book, given the difficulties in the world right now. I couldn't face more horror and depression. What I found however, was a wonderful piece of historical fiction, based upon a true story of a young Jewish woman, who risks her life to save hundreds of others by forging documents to help children and resistance members escape to Switzerland. She grieves the loss of these children's identities, and with her co-conspirator, Remy, she finds a way to record in code the children's names - their real names and the ones she gives them, in hopes that after the war she will be able to help give them a piece of their past.
(view spoiler)She manages to escape and at the end of the war, returns to Paris, where she eventually finds her father, who has returned from a concentration camp, but is dying from cancer. Eventually, she meets an American, a good man, who asks her to marry him and come to the United States.
Years later, while working at the library, she comes across an article about a researcher who is trying to reunite books stolen by the Germans during the war, with their rightful owners. In a photograph, she recognizes her book, and decides to fly to Germany to retrieve it. While there, she helps to create a list of the names, and then the happiest ending imaginable happens.
I love books that feature strong women characters and people who are brave enough to do things I can hardly imagine.
I received a copy of this book in return for an honest review.
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