In 1942, ten-year-old Sarah Starzynski lives with her 4-year-old brother and her parents in Paris. On July 16, Sarah and her parents are arrested in the infamous Vel d’Hiv roundup, when the French government and French police collaborated with the Nazis to roundup Jews for transport to concentration camps. Sarah, not knowing the political situation, locks her brother in a secret cabinet in their apartment, thinking she will be back in a few hours.
In 2002 on the 60th anniversary of Vel d’Hiv, Julia Jarmond, an American born journalist living in France for 25 years, is asked by her magazine to cover the anniversary. Little does she know that her research into the roundup will uncover personal secrets that have been kept hidden in her husband’s family since that fateful day.
This is a powerful story, especially at the beginning of the book when the chapters alternate between Sarah’s story and Julia’s story. Near the middle Sarah’s voice is silenced and we learn much more about Julia and her quest for redemption for her husband’s family.
You will not soon forget this story. Highly recommended!
Jan
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