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.
This was a moving and well written book that made me feel like I was walking beside the author and helping her discover what had happened. I love reading any books that take place overseas (especially France), so loved this book even more.
The main topic of this book (the fate of many Jewish citizens in France) is such an important part of history and this book made it easy to relate and follow, giving many people who have not directly been touched by this or previously taught in depth about it (such as myself) a better understanding of how devastating it really was.
I liked that the main character, Julia, was a strong woman, and not afraid to make hard decisions based on what is truly right, both personally and professionally - even though this is a fictional story I think more young woman need strong role models to look up to (rather than weak female characters like in Fifty Shades!)
I've only just realised they have made this book in to a movie, so this is one I will be checking out soon for sure. A great book and one I think most readers would be able to pick up and enjoy.
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