Sarah's Key

Synopsis: In this novel, the author brings a fiction story based on the 1942 Paris roundups and deportations, where Jewish families were arrested and transported to Auschwitz.

Julia Harmond, a forty-five-year-old writer for an American magazine, has been assigned by her editor to cover the coming 60th anniversay of the Vél' d'Hiv' roundups. While doing this assignment, she learns that the apartment she is planning to move into with her husband was once the house of a Jewish family that were part of the deportation 60 years ago. The more she learns about the family, especially about the 10-year-old daughter, Sarah, who was the only one who survived, the more she learns about her husband and his family's background, France, and ultimately, herself.

Review: In this book, the author used an effective method of alternating the past (1942) with the present.The historical plot and storyline makes this compelling, interesting, and intriguing. But even though there were good points, I don't think it was that good overall.

It started to lose its appeal by the middle of the book, that it lost me with it as well. There were unnecessary ramblings, and random events that might have been better if they were taken out or edited better. The modern life overshadows the tragedy of the past, making it seem like a book full of rants and complains of a not-so-likable character, suffering from mid-life crisis. (Sorry)

In short, the story had great potential. The writing was good, but nothing special. The issues were not used and dealt with efficiently.

I just feel that if only it was handled differently by another author, it would have ultimately be a better book. Don't get me wrong, it is not a HORRIBLE book, but it is not GREAT either. Also, I can think of so many other different titles dealing with this storyline and issues that you will find so much better. This one is not so worth it. Personally, if I were you, I'd skip it.

The Book Thief

Synopsis: Narrated by Death, set in the late 1930s in Germany under Hitler’s rule, this is a story of a young girl, Liesel Meminger, an illiterate, who finds solace in stealing books and discovers wonders in words. Soon enough, she learns to read more and more. But these are dangerous times for Liesel and her foster family, especially when they hide a Jew in their basement. Everything is unexpected and everyone is fearful. As Liesel becomes a full-pledged book thief, during these times, “her world is both opened up and closed down.”

Review: Prior to reading this, I have already heard a lot of great things about this book from different sources; reviews, bookstores, blogs, friends, etc. I must say, it definitely lived up to its hype, and exceeded expectations.

This was just such a wonderfully written novel from a very skilled author, who I think, crafted just one of the most unforgettable stories I’ve read in a while. I have read several stories centered during the Holocaust, but this is my favorite, without a doubt.

As heartbreaking as this book generally was, I don't think it would have had the same impact that it had if it was done differently. The message that came along with it, was subtle but strong. It was heart wrenching, but also strangely uplifting at the same time. It made me not only think, but really feel and empathize with these characters I've grown to love and feel attached to. Even after I read the entire thing, and off reading another novel, I would find myself still thinking about the characters and their stories. And it's not that often that we get to find characters like that in books, most especially in fiction, that leave marks or imprints like that in our heads.

The Book Thief is just everything a good book should be; original, engaging, inspiring, uplifting, and haunting all at the same time. With wonderful writing, unique narratives, memorable quotes, and the most lovable and unforgettable characters, one thing's for sure, this book is nothing less than amazing. I loved it, and I think that you will love it too.

Those Who Save Us

I will tell you now, this is one of the most powerful books I have ever read. It’s considered as contemporary fiction, but I feel it is more of a historical literary thriller.

Those Who Save Us gives us a new perspective of the Holocaust, this time from two damaged German women; the mother and the daughter. Although this book is narrated mainly by Anna, the daughter, we also find out about her mother and her past as well. The book goes deeper into their experiences as civilians from the other side of the tracks, as they helplessly watch the crimes against the Jews and at the same time, ensuring that they themselves are out of danger.

This book asks you the question, “What if?” all throughout. I enjoyed the fact that it gave us a different outlook on the German civilians as well as the Holocaust itself, being seen from the eyes of women in very different ages.

It is very sad of course, considering the subject matter, and it is depressing as it is powerful. It is very well-written, and found myself in those two days that I read it, awake at 2am wanting to sleep but can not, because I wanted to finish it. Heartbreaking, insightful, disturbing, haunting, so full of life AND death. It is such a beautiful story, and may I say, very brave for the author to go in such depth on a still-touchy subject.

I loved this book, because not only was it wonderful as I was reading it. It was very inspirational, even causing you to have at least a moment of reflection. After I finished reading it, I immediately told my sister to read this (being the bookworm that she is like me) and she loved it too.

Definitely 10/10. Please read this book, it is just good. Period.

Suite Francaise

A book containing two narratives; one fiction, one factual explaining how the fiction part came about. This is about life in France, when the Germans and Hitler were invading Paris around the 40’s. It goes in depth about what the French civilians go through, from children to adults.

This book is chilling at its very best, its descriptions so realistic that even I had trouble trying to imagine what these characters, these real people, must have felt. The narratives are so strong; every word essential to build this masterpiece of a book.

I don’t think Suite Francaise is a very popular novel exactly, and I feel it does not get the credit it deserves. I feel that once you give it a try, you would feel as astounded as I did when I first read it. It’s a book I definitely recommend. Great writing.