Sarah's Key is a book I haven't been able to stop thinking about since the moment I picked it up. Since I was a kid and first learned about the World War 2 and the Holocaust I was fascinated and saddened. Mostly saddened. How could something so horrible happen? It's hard to turn away and not continue to keep learning about what happened, but it is still hard. Sarah's Key is extremely sad, but I learned even more while reading this book.
I had no idea about the Vel' d'Hiv Roundup in Paris. It actually hadn't occurred to me what had happened to the Jewish people in France. Or, actually it hadn't occurred to me that it wasn't the Nazi's that was in charge. It's frightening and so sad that it was the French. It further reinforces the insane and disgusting power the German had over so many nations.
As I write this I am embarrassed at how little I know about European history. I know the basics. That is about it.
Anyway, back to the book. It was amazing. Such a great story. I do not read much historical fiction, but I might have to start. I love that I learned so much during my favorite past time.
If you have not read this book you totally should. Especially before the movie comes out. Hopefully the movie does not ruin the book, but we all know how likely that is.
Do you read historical fiction? Do you have any suggestions of historical fiction for me to read?
9 comments:
I LOVED this book. It is one that I recommend to many people. It was so sad to read and obviously very heavy, but I think it's so important for us to read books like this to be reminded of the horrible attrocities of WWII (and wars in general).
I read a sprinkling of Historical Fiction. I prefer books about WWII as that is an era that I am very interested in. I read "The Invisible Bridge" which is historical fiction based on WWII. It was a little slower of a reader, but a great book.
I LOVED this book. I don't remember what led me to pick this up, a whim I suppose, but I'm si glad I did. I went on a rant on fb about our schools only telling half the story when I finished it. A teacher tried to tell me that the event was probably the fictional of the book too. This was a woman who was a friend's mom & did lots of personal research just shooting down the idea without even a basic internet search. I bombarded them with links & facts & articles. I was so saddened by what happened & to me it is Terrible that most people don't even Know. Yes, it's a shameful part of their history they don't want to dwell on, but how are people to learn? How do people know that Yes, another country Will commit terrible acts against their own people on another country's say in order to save themselves if they don't see that it Had happened.
I admit I did find parts of the book to be boring & made me want to skim to the better parts. But I resisted. Mainly I love this book because years later I still get fired up & passionate about the book & what it taught me. Because it did te ach me a lot & encouraged me to go learn more.
Thanks for the reminder, I should definitely get a copy & reread it.
I'm so glad I read this book. It's definitely one that once you read you can't forget.
And slightly related, it's interesting to learn how the Holocaust changed certain things in France. For example, France no longer keeps census date about religion and I'm sure other things like race. Since they used the census data to round all the Jews up, they figured if they stopped keeping that data they couldn't take advantage of it.
And I'm sure you've noticed, but I do read a lot of historical fiction. Most of what I read is Medieval/Renaissance though. Growing up I read almost about YA Holocaust book, and I think part of the reason I don't read them a lot now is because I got a little burned out.
But if there are any periods you're interested it, let me know and I'll try to see if I can come up with a good book suggestion or two!
I loved this book, definitely one of those ones that is incredibly hard to put down and hard for forget. I did a huge study on the Holocaust in college, it was a horrific time in history.
I agree, this book definitely stays with you. Historical fiction is one of my top preferred genres. The Other Boleyn Girl (by Phillippa Gregory) is pretty good too. I just turned around to look at my bookshelves to give you more suggestions and realized I've already packed all my books! Check out my goodreads though, there's a ton of historical fiction on there! :)
I felt the same way after I read Kristin Hannah's Winter Garden - which was sort of a historical fiction story, interwoven with a contemporary fiction story. I realized how little I know about WWII and what actually happened and who was involved. Really opens up your eyes and makes you want to learn even more.
This book is on my reading list, it's just a matter of finishing the books I already have!
I used to be not so drawn to historical fiction, but they can be so interesting to read! I don't know if it counts because the people are real, but I really enjoyed The Other Boleyn Girl!
i loved this book too! It is for sure one of my all time favorites! If you haven't already, you should read Night by Elie Wiesel.
I loved, loved, LOVED this book! And I had almost the exact same reaction that you did about the Vel' d'Hiv, which is really interesting! One of my best friends is from France, so he and I spent quite a bit of time talking about the history as well. I'd like to rack his brain a little bit more, though, when wine's not involved. :)
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