This was literally and figuratively a book of two halves for me. If I had read the first part alone my rating would have been higher; the portrayal of life in Auschwitz was harrowing and I was really invested in Miriam and Chuck’s story. The second part felt like a completely different book. Another reviewer compared it to the DaVinci Code, and yes, I can see that. Not necessarily a bad thing but I think events towards the end of the book were a bit over the top, farcical even, and detracted from any sense of poignancy that was intended in the final scenes. Part of the problem was that Robin, who I think was portrayed realistically in part one, became almost cartoon villainish in part two. And the author’s overarching message of forgiveness, especially given the historical context, the horrors portrayed, and the scenes of domestic abuse, felt jarringly facile. ( )

I bought this book some time ago but I kept putting off opening it because of the content. I am so glad I worked up the courage to read it because painful as it was, it tells of a time in the world’s history that needs to be remembered.

It was often hard to continue to the next page and the events are overwhelmingly heartbreaking. The author has written her characters in a way that they across as being totally believable in their reactions. There was the combination of love and hate, cruelty and kindness, acceptance and hope. ( )