I have no idea how this snuck up on me.
All day long yesterday I kept thinking that it seemed like I had something to do on March 31st and I couldn’t for the life of me remember what it was. And then, finally, when I was at Bible Study yesterday morning I mentioned Sarah’s Key for some reason I can’t even recall and it all came together that, YES, March 31st was the day I’d scheduled for the second meeting of our very informal, very casual book club.
And how much more casual and informal can you get than having a hostess who completely forgets all about it?
I think I’ll refrain from posting any official book club questions this go round because no one really seemed to care to get that technical last time. Instead, I will sum up my feelings in one sentence.
I thought Sarah’s Key was very sad.
I guess I should have seen it coming seeing as how it was about the Holocaust, but I don’t think I was prepared for the level of sadness and how hard some of it would be to read. I think I was under the impression that most of it was written in the present and didn’t realize that almost the entire novel would have the past and present intertwined. Which makes me think I need to do a better job of reading the description on the back of books.
I will say that I read the entire thing in two days. I couldn’t put it down. And I was amazed to realize I’d never heard of the Vel’ d’Hiv Roundup that took place in France by French police. It made me wish I’d paid more attention in all those History classes I took in college. But, you know what they say, college tuition is wasted on people who are a lot more worried about their next date party than history.
Overall, I thought it was a really good book. It held my attention, although I think I was more captivated by Sarah’s story than by Julia’s, even though it was much harder to read. And, honestly, I thought the ending was a little too Danielle Steele.
But maybe that’s just me.
It also cemented my theory that I prefer a good memoir over a fiction novel. I guess I just think real life is more interesting and less predictable.
But, again, maybe that’s just me.
I would love to hear y’alls thoughts on the book. What did you love? What did you hate? Would you recommend it?
And if you have any suggestions for next time, I’d love to hear that too. I’m thinking something light and funny that preferably doesn’t have to do with one of the greatest tragedies in human history.
I agree this was a sad book, a completely captivating but heartbreaking story. I stayed up way too late many nights because I couldn’t stop reading. I kept thinking to myself “this happened in 1942, that’s not that long ago.” Somehow when you read about things that happened hundreds of years ago its easier to remove yourself from the terrible things humans did to one another, but this just wasn’t that long ago. Its shocking.
I also found Sarah’s story much more interesting than Julia’s, but I wished there would have been a way to tell her later life story too.
I would most definitely recommend this book.
I read this book about a year and a half ago, as it was in the library of our local American Woman’s Club here in Zurich. I was very captivated by Sarah’s story, and living here in Europe as I do – (and I’m grateful to acknowledge that I will have an opportunity to be in Paris next month) – makes these happenings seem all the more up close and relate-able – if that’s a word. In fact, I’m going to search out the historic marker to this sad happening while in Paris, and perhaps visit a Jewish Museum.
I couldn’t put the book down and liked it – but I agree about the ending. “Danielle Steele-like” is a good way to put it. But I guess we had to come up for air, yes?
Good pick.
I’m imagining how real Sarah’s story will be to you after you visit Paris and view the marker. I wonder whether any French people will be available to speak with, as in Julia’s side of the book.
This was a fantastic book selection. It was riveting, disturbing, and sweet all at once.
I didn’t love the ending, but I couldn’t put the book down while I was reading it. I too was more caught up in Sarah’s story. Julia’s woes were not comparable to Sarah’s.
I loved learning a little more history through the Sarah’s eyes.
I’m ready for something lighter to read though!
Hi Melanie! I’m in agreement too – I almost wish I didn’t read the ending for how contrived it was. Also, I’m not a mother, but I thought Julia’s daughter acted WAY older than she was supposed to be. Thoughts on that? Anyway, the historical importance and heart wrenching human sufferings made this book worth it.
I loved the historical aspect of this book, and realized, once again, how little I really know about history, ugh! Makes me want to visit the Holocaust Museum in D.C.
I also found Sarah’s story the more interesting of the two, but found both of them to be so, so sad! I hoped that her ending would be happier, so even though I thought the book was fascinating and I couldn’t put it down, it left me feeling melancholy. Frankly life is already hard enough- I prefer books that leave me feeling better, not worse! It was a great selection, and I’m glad to have read it, I would never have picked it up on my own, so that is a great benefit of the book club… stretching my horizons!
I agree 100% with your assessment of this book. I too had never heard of the Vel d Hiv roundup and learned a lot from it. I could not put it down.
I read the Glass Castle right before this (in 2 days) and when I put this one down (another couple of days later), my eyes were puffy from tears and my heart was full of sadness and my exact words were, “Big Mama has got to find a lighter book next time!).
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I have recommended this book to all of my friends, but when I start to talk about it they all agree it is too sad to read!!!!
I loved it though. Agree on the ending, very weird, she totally ruined this guy’s life and marriage and now they are going to live happily ever after?! Seriously?
I also read this selection in two days,,,,,couldn’t put it down. I do believe if we don’t know history we are bound to repeat it. I was unaware that the French were so involved in the inhumane round-up and treatment of the Jews in Paris. It’s not hard to imagine that they would like to forget their involvement.
Sarah’s story was more believable than Julia’s and yet harder to read. I wasn’t crazy about the ending, but I have recommended this book to others for the historical aspect.
I feel that this was a good book club selection, but I agree with something a bit lighter next time around : -)
Up From the Blue is one of the best novels I have read in a while. The author, Susan Henderson, hits the nail on the head with the character development. Wow! It’s also pretty short, which is a bonus.
I, too, thought it was very sad, but I am so glad to have read it. Thanks for the suggestion!
Not light and funny but probably the best book I have ever read…Redeeming Love by Francine Rivers. A fictional retelling of the book of Hosea but I should warn you…it almost didn’t make the Christian book list. Just remember that good ole Gomer (Hosea’s wife) wasn’t exactly June Cleaver (or Peggy Bundy for that matter). So worth reading! I loved it so much that I insist all of my friends read it. That means because of me probably 4 extra people on this earth have read this masterpiece. Now go pick up a copy or kindle it or nook it. Whatever…just grab some tissues!
I am equally obsessed with The Hunger Games trilogy. So not my taste…I mean who wants to read about a distopian future where kids are forced to slaughter other kids (and when you hear that description why in the world would you read it?) BUT it was SO AWESOME! I hope you can tell that I loved it by my blatant overuse of capital letters (which I would accent by bold and italicized letters if I wasn’t posting this on my Blackberry from the bathtub…I am a multitasker) and the adjective that really should be reserved our one true God (and valley girls).
This has been book talk with Rachel. Thanks for tuning in.
I have to chime in about Redeeming Love. I loved that book. I am a pastor’s wife and sometimes we have a book club with the women from our church. When the women started reading that book they all teased me that they couldn’t believe I would read something like that but by the time they got to the end everyone loved it. Several have read it more than once. I had to tell them that it was recommended to me by my ultra-conservative, godly mother-in-law. Hey, it was in the Bible, right?!
I am totally in the minority, but I did not like Redeeming Love.
Really? Why? You’re right, you’re in the minority! I’ve read it four times in three years. The first time I read it I picked it up again the very next day and began it all over again.
So I’m definitely curious as to why you didn’t like it, if you care to share!
)
I’m a little late on this as usual, but I have to second The Hunger Games.
I, too, was put off by the premise (like she said it’s basically a reality tv show about 24 kids forced to fight to the death), but as a middle school teacher at the time, I felt compelled to read it since all of my 12 year old students were. Immediately after I picked it up, I was hooked. It’s definitely not light reading whatsoever but is the definition of a page turner. The third in the trilogy was kind of disappointing but the first two were utterly riveting. Riveting I tell you!
Oh, yeah and I sobbed like a baby thru Sarah’s story!
If I had written my own review, it would have been identical to yours!
While reading about Sarah, I had a really hard time feeling any sympathy for Julia. It’s hard to feel bad for a modern day, adult protagonist who makes poor life choices; juxtaposed with a child who is the victim of atrocious crimes against humanity.
I don’t usually get emotional reading books, but Sarah’s Key really got to me. I love history, but I’d never heard of the Vel’ d’Hiv Roundup. Now that I’m a mom, the part of the story where the children were left to their own defenses in the camp is what really tore my heartstrings.
I think, I hope, books like this keep people from forgetting what happened in Europe in that dark time.
I agree about doing something a bit more lighthearted for next time. Looking forward to seeing what you pick!
How about Sandra Dallas’ book “Prayers for Sale”? Or actually any of her books!
O.K. I admit that I did not finish Sarah’s Key. I started it and did not get that far. I don’t even remember why I bailed on it. Anyway…if you like a memoir type book then I have a good one for you if you have not read it yet. It is called “Same Kind of Different as Me” and it is a true story written by 2 authors from 2 different perspectives. You will be changed by this book. So…if you have not read it, do and tell me what you think! The authors are Ron Hall and Denver Moore and you might have to go to the christian book store to find it. My sweet friend gave me a signed copy for Christmas a couple of years ago, so I don’t know where she bought it. On a side note…does P turkey hunt. If so, I am sure your house is filled with the sounds of various turkey calls. After all, practice makes perfect. Arggghhh!!!
I read that book and liked it, mainly because it was not fiction. Parts were hard, especially Denver’s life. Would recommend it.
Same Kind of Different As Me is really good. Some parts of it have really stuck with me!
I also read Same Kind of Different as Me. Loved it, passed it along, and they loved it too!
I think I’m in agreement with the rest – found Sarah’s story riveting (didn’t know anything about the roundup at Vel’ d’Hiv) – and was truly amazed by the French gov’t coverup…
As for lighter reading – my book club’s favorites over the last few years have been Saving Cee Cee Honeycutt by Beth Hoffman, Water for Elephants by Sara Gruen and The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society by Mary Ann Schaffer & Annie Barrows!
Lisa,
You picked two of my favorite books- Water For Elephants and The Guernsey Literary Society. Based on that I will put Saving Cee Cee on my list.
When I read Sarah’s Key, I felt that that Sarah’s story was much more compelling than Julia’s story.
I read this book over a year ago. I loved it and have recommended it to many. I too struggled with the deep sadness…it washes over you as you read and actually this book has stayed with me.
We have spent a lot of time in France and lived in England. I’d never heard of the roundup until I read the book and it got me interested in finding out more which I think is a good thing in a book.
I just finished the book called Room by Emma Donoghue…another hard one to read (fiction) but it was good…it’s getting a lot of buzz. I read the back cover and thought, no, I can’t read it, but I really liked it.
Maybe I missed this in past discussions, and I’m pretty sure you plugged it, but would memoir could be more light-hearted and funny than Black Heels to Tractor Wheels? I just loved it.
Oh, a friend sent me that book a year or so ago and I also read it quickly.
I remember it was so sad and it spurred me on to learn more about the real history of France during the Holocaust. Really good fiction books always help me to learn more about something true and important.
You should read The Nazi Officer’s Wife (How One Jewish Woman Survived The Holocaust) by Edith Hahn Beer for a real life story that will fascinate you as well. I hear they are making it into a movie this year so read it first!
I loved The Nazi Officer’s Wife! Also, Night by Elie Wiesel.
I wasn’t prepared for how sad it was either and I agree, Sarah’s story was so much more compelling that Julia’s. I didn’t think the present day story did much to move the story along and actually was tempted to skip some of those sections to get on with Sarah’s story.
I’m an avid reader. Some things I’ve loved lately:
The Hunger Games and the two subsequent books. The contents sound terrible but they are really engrossing books.
Hide by Lisa Gardner (anything by her is good) Alone is exceptional
The Underland Chronicles. These are also for kids but the first two are engrossing.
Turtle Moon by Alice Hoffman
The Lincoln Lawyer
I read Sarah’s Key last year and I agree with your review. I choked up with tears more than once – so sad to know these things actually happened and not so long ago.
I must have missed that you virtually-hosted an informal book club.
I agree with the above comments about Sarah’s Key. I couldn’t put it down, found the French history quite appalling, but really liked how the author wound the two stories together. The ending was a bit too contrived and I was very surprised that Julia would name her baby girl Sarah. I have recommended Sarah’s Key to many. The author, Tatiana De Rosnay, has a new book out in hard cover — A Secret Kept. I’ll wait for the paperback edition. I just started “The Secret Life of Dresses” and it’s a light little story, good so far but I just started it.
DEEP SADNESS ALERT. Holy cats. I did not pay any attention to what the book was about before I got it. Then as I started the first chapter, and that little boy climbed in the cupboard I told my husband I was NOT going to be able to read this book. Ever since I became a mommy, I have real trouble with the Deep Sadness books and movies. Particularly involving children. So I decided as soon as it got really bad, I’d stop reading. Because I hoped he somehow got out of the cupboard. Then I got sort of caught up in Sarah’s story. And I was relieved for the lighter side of Julia’s story, because it somehow kept the deep sadness from getting too overwhelming. I definitely agree that the ending was a disappointment. It seemed like it either needed to take us farther, or not so far. It felt awkward. Overall, though, a good book and I’m proud of myself for finishing it despite the Deep Sadness.
I’m digging the virtual book club – I’ve read and liked two books I probably wouldn’t have read otherwise.
Sarah, I agree. While I was so much more drawn in by Sarah’s story and her family, Julia and their troubles added a bit of lightness. If not for that, I don’t know how I would have felt about the book. And, I also agree with a previous commenter that Zoe was too grown up to be realistic. There was something off with that mother / daughter relationship, I thought.
But I am so glad you recommended this book. I had never known about this very important part of history, and I’m glad I have the opportunity to learn more! Great story, even though so sad.
I loved the book, and am fascinated by the story of the Paris round-up. I’m like you and I even paid attention in class, and never heard of it. It was sad, but I really liked the book but do agree that the end – disappointing. Oh well. Definitely woulnd’t have known about the book without you and am glad I read it. Can’t wait to see your next pick. Am loving this informal, forgetful, fun book club! No pressure ;o)
I thought it was a really good book. I’d read it a year or so ago and must admit was a little confused when you picked it, seemed like I’d remembered in your original post that you’d wanted to stick with some “lighter” themes…and boy, howdy, that one is anything but light.
I know that you’ve had lots of recommendations for “The Help”, another of my favorites is “Gods in Alabama” by Joshilyn Jackson – it’s very funny, has a bit of mystery running through it and some current day themes to ponder.
I think I would give the book the same assessment as you. I read the thing over the course of two days. I couldn’t put it down, but like you, I found myself skimming through Julia’s and trying to get more of Sarah’s story. It was so sad, but it was really just an incredibly and real story. It was a sad book, but ya know, I really appreciate sad books sometimes because they get me to thinking and they get me to wanting to do more of my part in helping out mankind.
Pros- Great story. Couldn’t put it down.
Cons- Blah love story and it was highly unbelievable that Julia would get together with Sarah’s son at the end.
Overall- GREAT book. I’d recommend it to anyone (actually I have already rec’d it to several different people!).
Sarah’s story haunted me, mainly because I have children those same ages right now. I found myself skimming through Julia’s story. I completely agree with your assessment of the end. I googled Vel’ d’Hiv Roundup and learned a little about real history. Not uplifting, but a good pick nonetheless.
I have always thought that the Holocaust was horribly sad, but fascinating. I’ve loved reading stories of survivors and of the hope and faith that so many depended on… I went to the National Holocaust Museum in DC as a teen and can still picture in my mind several of the things I saw there. Then last year, our church gave my husband and I (he’s the pastor) an amazing trip to Israel, and the Holocaust Museum was on our agenda there. It was so disturbing to read the accounts there and learn that while the US had played a significant and vital role in ending the suffering (which was played up at the DC Museum as well as in every history class I had ever been in), the people there have a much different view of America’s involvement. It was a huge eye opener for my naive self and a reminder that there’s more than one side to every story!
On a MUCH lighter note – our local bookclub line up includes “Heaven is For Real,” and “The Noticer,” and “Water for Elephants” which is going to be a Reese Witherspoon movie!
I loved it and read it in two days! I stayed up the first night until 2:00am. Like you, I found Sarah’s story more compelling, but I was glad that it went back and forth between Sarah and Julia to give me a bit of a breather. Otherwise I think it would have been too heavy for me to finish.
For some reason several of my favorite books are set in the WWII era. I loved the The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society and also The Zookeeper’s Wife which is a true story. Another one that I really like set mostly in that time period is Rosamunde Pilcher’s The Shell Seekers, but it’s sort of scandalous.
Oh yes, light and funny. I need light and funny. I have enough drama and sadness in my life, which you can read about when I finish my novel. (Hope you can still see to read in your nineties, which is when I will get around to writing it.)
I must be the biggest wimp, but I could not finish the book. I read enough amazon reviews to figure out what happened, and then I read the end for myself (now I can’t figure out why – it stunk.) Overall, I was not impressed. Sarah’s story, although realistic, was so incredibly sad and as a parent of small children, I could not help but identify too much with her parents. Julia’s story was just too contrived, not well-written, and I just did not like it. So, I am a little disappointed in myself for not being able to finish it, but I am pretty sure that life will go on. Please pick something lighter next time!
I thought the book was good – but it was a slower read for me. I didn’t know all that had occured in Paris – and their involvement in the Holocaust – it was really sickening – and then to realize it really isn’t that long ago when all that happened – but I’m glad I read the book because I think we don’t like to be reminded of bad things in our history – especially to that degree – it is so horrifying we try to just block it out of our minds – but its important to be reminded as we never want history to be repeated. I like the books you picked because I’d never have selected these on my own — I’d thought about reading PW’s story but hadn’t yet I’d read some of it on her website – it’s quite funny – I suggest we do her luuv story!!
I read the book quickly also and agree it was so sad! I did like Sarah’s “voice” better than Julia’s. The author tied most of the story together well, but I agree it was a little commercial fiction at the end. The tragedies that people of Europe endured during this time are incredibly horrible. I wonder how many stories there are that have not been told even today. I look forward to the next selection, I enjoy reading what others find to read. Love and Blessings to you, Debbiie in Tennessee
I did not read this and have been to the Holocaust museum in D.C. Twice and think it should just be a must. My husband is not a history buff for the most part and I was worried I would keep hearing “can we go now” but did not even see him for about 4 hours and met up in the theater and he was crying at the horrific stories.
I liked The Help and Water for Elephants and would really recommend gods in Alabama. I like Joshilyn Jackson and stories about southern women. Her second and third books are great too. I had two friends recommend Hunger Games and am starting the third book and like them. It reminds me of lent and the parades the Capitol has before the games and Palm Sunday and a parade before a crucifixion. Anyone else feel that way? I also like the Girl with Dragon tattoo series, but the first book has some serious sexual violence against women. Disturbing, but really good.
Love all the great comments and recommendations!
That put tears in my eyes to hear that your husband cried while reading the stories.
I’m pretty sure I’m in the majority here when I say that I wish the book had just been about Sarah. The writing was stronger during her parts than it was during Julia’s. One thing I did like is the title and its symbolism, although as someone with a degree in English is kind of pains me that the author is THAT blatant with the symbolism. Anyhow. At least it’s there and we can see both Sarah’s literal key as well as the symbolic one.
I was fascinated by this novel in part because in all the reading about Germany I did as a high school student and a young adult, I never knew about the roundups at Vel’ d’Hiv, and it makes me kind of sad. I was talking to my mom about it, and she was educated in England and South Africa, and she didn’t know anything about it, either. But it’ actually relatively well-documented which makes my heart break even more.
Right away, I was drawn in because I really liked Sarah. Of course, my heart was heavy for her, and in some ways, as someone who has never had to experience the atrocities of war and concentration camps, I pitied her, even though she didn’t come across as the kind of kid who would want anyone’s pity. But she was a strong, proud little girl, despite the fact that she should have just crumpled to the ground and died. Her father was sent away as soon as they got the the camps, she had promised her brother she’s return to him and save him, and shortly after arriving at the French camp, she is separated, permanently, from her mother. I mean, I’d be a giant, sobbing, hysterical mess if it were me. There’s no way I’d be able to ever formulate an escape plan, let alone carry through. I thought her escape was beautifully done, although some might argue unrealistic — but from what I’ve read, not every Nazi truly supported the cause. Sarah’s journey to freedom and to her brother, and the eventual discovery of her brother’s death, is what made me love this story. I spent the entire time wanting to know more about her and the family who saved her life by claiming her as her own, knowing full well what the risks were. And I got misty-eyed when she opened the cupboard and found her brother’s body. I do think Sarah is one of the most compelling characters I’ve read in a while.
But then Julia Jarmond had to ruin it. From the get-go, I was annoyed with Julia’s story — her husband was kind of a jerk, her in-laws (aside from her father-in-law) were kind of rude, and the things she did were so predictable. It’s not so much that I don’t like predictable. I just don’t like books that try to fool me in the process, and I feel like that’s what de Rosnay does with this part of her text. Like, “Ooohhh, here’s a tricky plot twist I don’t want you to see coming,” but then you see it a mile away. Julia’s part of the story was mediocre at best and then there’s the ending. Um, was I reading a book or watching a Lifetime movie?
I don’t think it’s the best follow up to this book, but you should read The Book Thief at some point. Now THAT is a truly amazing book. It’s technically young adult, but I was blow out of the water by it. And I’m not a big crier when I read, but I sobbed and sobbed at the end of that one. If you ever did have it as a suggestion, I would totally reread it and participate.
Love, and am still haunted by, The Book Thief.
But, not remotely light.
Sarah’s Key reeled me in and held me close. I read it at red lights on my drive to and from work. Throughout the entire book I kept praying and hoping that Sarah’s little brother would turn out to be Julia’s father-in-law but I knew that the ages didn’t match up. But I kept on hoping because I desperately wanted a happy ending.
Thanks for picking it and yes, I could go for something a little be more light-hearted next time.
I recall reading the back of Sarah’s Key and decided not to go with it as I really have to be in the mood for what I think is going to be a sad read. Maybe that’s just me, but I really need to gear myself up for (which is why I’ve had The Zookeeper’s Wife on my bookshelf for months now while I indulge in more lighthearted reading).
I can’t say enough good things about Water for Elephants. I absolutely loved this big tall drink of a book, one of those that I read in dribs and drabs so it would last longer, despite my wanting to devour it in a day or two! I’m eagerly awaiting the movie adaptation next month
(4/22 if anyone’s wondering).
I’ve got the Hunger Games trilogy in my crosshairs right now. It’s not really my ‘type’ of book (then again, neither was the Twilight series or The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo series and I enjoyed those) but I’m hearing so much buzz about them so…who knows?
Oh, and The Help was utterly fab as was The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Society. Happy reading!
Couldn’t read it toooooo sad. I would recommend The Help….great book first time author.
Well, I agree with the majority here – read it quickly but got to the end and was like – really? That’s dumb. I am also pretty knowledgeable about the Holocaust and knew nothing about the Vel’ d’Hiv Roundup and so learning about that part was interesting for me. I strongly feel like you must know what happened in the past to keep it from happening again. I would recommend it to people to read with a disclaimer that the ending kinda sucks.
As for next time – I’m up for anything. Though Water for Elephants would be cool since it’s being made into a movie that is coming out soon.
This was the first book club I’d ever participated in (real-life or internet), and what a sad book to start off with! It was very riveting, though, and I read it in a few days. As a new mother, the children of the Vel d’Hiv just broke my heart. I hugged my baby extra-close a few times while reading the book.
Light and funny sounds like a great plan!
Just have to say that I agree with so many others here. I found the historical part of the book to be so interesting and full of things I never knew – and I, too, have a college education!
Also, thanks for having this little internet book club! I love to read, but never know what’s good. It’s been great to have a book to read before bed every night again!
I LOVED Sarah’s Key. I read it in a day–just couldn’t put it down. It was fascinating to me, that I’d never even heard of the roundup in France. And I took a Nazi Germany class in college!
The ending could have been a little less predictable…
I totally forgot to read the book! Boo! I was so hoping to get a Big Mama Book Club Perfect Participation Award!
I thought it was a good book right up until the last few chapters. It bugged me to no end that it seemed like Julia was getting into business that wasn’t her’s to get into. All in all though, it was a good book.
Have you heard of Jill Eileen Smith’s series The Wives of King David? Historical fiction, very very good. I read Michal first, then Abigail, and stumbled on Bathsheba in the bookstore the other day (didn’t know it was out yet) and girl, I read it in one night. Fascinating. Great love stories with God woven through the middle of them.
On a separate note, have you ever seen this catalog for children’s clothing?
http://www.chasing-fireflies.com
One just came in the mail last week, I’ve never heard of them before. Makes me wish my girl was still in that little girl size range….
here’s the link for The Wives of King David books above:
http://thewivesofkingdavid.com/
When i saw that Sarah’s Key was about the Holocaust, I was hooked. We lived in Germany for several years and visited several of the Concentration Camps there.
I have never forgot one that was off the road a bit in a small village that most people have not heard of (and right now I can’t recall the name). There was a grass covered pyramid in the camp that was higher than my head. This was the ashes from the ovens. I cried.
Ever since then I have wanted to learn more about this time in history. It is not always a pleasant task. Sarah’s Key fit right in with this quest.
LOVED Redeeming Love!!! My co-worker recommended it and I couldn’t put it down. Not exactly a “light” read probably more of a “medium” read. It deals with some heavy issues but has a happy ending. But really, really beautiful story.
and…
My favorite book in the WHOLE world is Gilead. It won the Pulitzer. I will admit it is slow to start but the slow build reveals this beautiful story of redemption. It is about a dying pastor writing a memoir to his young son ( he didn’t have children until late in life) and all the things he learns about himself while completing this task. I just can’t say enough about it. It touched me so deeply. So many messages like its never to late to find forgiveness and turn your life around and no matter how simple or plain your life is it has purpose and beauty. It may not be a book club rec but do yourself a favor and read it!
Too sad. One of those books that you are supposed to say you like because you are supposed to know stuff like that happened so that we don’t let history repeat itself, BUT just too much for this mother of 4. I just wallow in the idea that there are thousands of untold stories just like this and it makes me just too sad.
I have told several people to skip this unless they just want to feel sad.
Holocaust and post-apocolypic books (The Road) are off my list for a bit.
I love The Girls’ Guide to Hunting & Fishing. It’s not a memoir but it’s a good chick lit read. xoxo Trang from Francesca’s Collections.
First, I big fat puffy heart this virtual book club. I never would have read either of the books you’ve chosen, but I’m so glad I did!
Yes, the book was very sad, but good. I studied abroad in Germany in high school and during that time visited several Concentration camps. Reading this book brought back so many memories of those visits, things that didn’t really register with me as a 15 year old high schooler but have impacted me greatly now that I’m older and have a child. I liked going back and forth between Sarah and Julia’s stories, it made for a very quick read.
I was captivated by this book. I thought it was interesting to have the storyline of what happened to Sarah’s house after her family was taken. Holocaust stories usually focus on the victims–understandably so, but it was interesting, for a change, to add to that the family that benefited from her vacant home. I thought it was touching how Julia’s father-in-law had carried the horrible secret his whole life. Probably ashamed for his family’s participation, while not responsible for the demise of Sarah’s family, he definitely benefited from it.
Sarah’s story was heart breaking and important, but the father-in-law’s story added an interesting perspective that I usually overlook when thinking about that time period.
I agree about the ending–too Danielle Steel.
I have read this book before and loved it! It is very sad but I am so interested in this time period and the story was so well-written that I couldn’t put it down. Did you know she has written another book? (sorry if 20 people have mentioned that…I didn’t read the other comments) I haven’t ever really done the memoir thing but you seem really into them so I’m interested in what you choose next!
Captivating is right. I agree with Mary Beth. Once I got started, I, too, had a hard time putting it down, and finished about 3/4 of it in one sitting. I was horrified at the sadness of it all, but so relieved that Sarah’s life was not in vain. Although, I didn’t much care for Julia, her father-in-law was so touching, as was his mother. The guilt they carried around. The horror that Sarah and her brother faced was awful, but which was worse? It has haunted me. I was almost relieved that her mother, who seemed to have all but given up from the moment the round up began put up a fight as they were separated. I also liked that the “friendly” crossing guard redeemed himself by helping in the escape. Oh, and her adoptive family, there is a special place in heaven for people who risk their lives like that for complete strangers.
I really liked Sarah’s Key. I can’t remember why I picked it up but when I started reading it…I was hooked. I have to admit that I found parts of it a bit contrived but overall it was a great book. The ending seemed like an afterthought. I felt that she wasn’t quite able to end the book successfully and so came up with a reallly disjointed ending. My least favorite part was the author’s holding out the name of Julia’s child (so obvious!) as if she was going to reveal some great secret. I also thought it a bit of a fairy tale that Julia and Sarah’s son would both “just happen to be” divorced, etc.
I would definitely choose to read Sarah’s Key again.
Another book I’ve recently read and thoroughly enjoyed was called “Bread Alone”. There is another book in the series…I’m drawing a blank as to the title.
I, too, was not aware of this part of history. But, I read it with a lump in my throat because I was anxious for them to find the brother. I was so hoping that something would have saved him but at the same time knowing it wouldn’t work out that way. I ‘enjoyed’ (not sure if that is quite the right word) the Sarah part the most. At least that was the part I couldn’t put down.
I must admit I would have never read this book if you hadn’t suggested it. Thank you. I thoroughly enjoyed it. I do agree with others though the ending was a bit disappointing. It seemed a bit throw together but all in all it was a good read.
I really liked this book, although I was so surprised that you picked it! It made me feel more educated about this time in history, and in a way, like I was honoring those who died in the Holocaust by taking some time to read about them and mourn them.
The thing that really drove me crazy was that Julia went and told Sarah’s son! Why would you ruin someone’s life like that?
Well BooMama, I must confess. I had to stop reading the book because I was so intensely saddened by it. Our family is going through a very sad time right now and I was just surrounded by so much sadness that I couldn’t read through the sadness, too. I do think I will finish the book at another time in my life, though, because I could tell it was certainly worth it! Thanks for the suggestion and I look forward to the next one…..
I so totally typed BooMama instead of BigMama! Sorry about that. I do love both of your blogs, but I do also know that you are, indeed, separate people!
I did not read the book so can’t reply about that, but I did read a good book last week that you might like. It’s called Battle Hymn of the Tiger Mother by Amy Chua (“This is a story about a mother, two daughters, and two dogs. This was supposed to be a story of how Chinese parents are better at raising kids than Western ones. But instead, it’s about a bitter clash of cultures, a fleeting taste of glory, and how I was humbled by a thirteen-year-old.”) True story, funny, interesting, and a quick read.
I loved this book… even the ending. I felt like Julia deserved some happiness after her bitter marriage. Tying her together with Sarah’s son was a beautiful way to bring peace to both families, in mho. I also don’t understand why so many people (in the book and real life) don’t understand her telling Sarah’s son about her. If it were my mother I would want to know! It made me very sad that Sarah lived the rest of her life with this secret inside of her, letting it eat away at her instead of sharing it with her new family in America. The fact that it led to her suicide made me feel like the Nazi’s had stolen yet another life, despite her escape. And amazingly I was so caught up in the story that I failed to notice that we had never been told baby Sarah’s name until the end! I adore historical fiction and this was one of those books that I could not put down. I hope whatever you choose next can live up to the beauty of Sarah’s Key!!!
Kelly