I was engaged in this book from the first few pages. Both perspectives were equally interesting and kept me wanting to know more. The unsuspecting connections as well as the stories of the lives both females lived were captivating. I also had no idea that Jewish families living in Paris were arrested by their own police and sent to concentration camps. To see how others in the community responded was a saddening observation on human nature. From the novel, it is clear that many French civilians are not aware of the round-up or those who lived through it may have pushed it from their minds.
While this novel is historical, it is also current. The relationship between Julia and her husband are relevant and complex just as the story of Sarah (the young Jewish girl) is sad but honest. Normally, I am not interested in Holocaust literature as I feel I read quite a few in school or through teaching (Number the Stars, The Diary of Anne Frank, Night) but this was a different perspective from which I appreciated learning. Additionally, I am fascinated by French culture, more-so now that I am planning a honeymoon there, so the mentioning of streets, French ways, and traditions were appealing. I would absolutely recommend this novel to teens and adults. There is also a movie version I have yet to watch. Let's hope it lives up to the book!
