Sarah's Key by Tatiana De Rosnay

Another bit of historical fiction—based on La Grande Rafle at the Vel’ d’Hiv’. La Grande Rafle was the name given to the main roundup of Jews in Paris on the 16th of July, 1942. The Jews were taken to the stadium (Vel’ d’Hiv’). There were over thirteen thousand men, women and children who were rounded up. Most of the Jews were taken to Auschwitz where they were exterminated.

Sarah’s Key is a well-written novel. It invites the reader into the world of a young Jewess named Sarah. She is taken with her parents to a camp, where she is separated from them. The title is taken from the fact that Sarah carries a key in her pocket. The key is the source of much grief on the part of the family.

This story tries to explain the horror of the Holocaust, the struggle to survive and the harboring of fears and guilt from which the main character never really escapes.

If you wish to read about a topic that has had a bit of glossing over—read this book. It will enlighten you and serves as yet another reminder to “never forget”.

Ladybookbug!

The Guernsey Literary and potato peel pie society by Mary Ann Shaffer and Annie Barrows

About a year ago I checked out a BBC production on DVD entitled “Island at War”. It was a fictional account of what transpired during the German occupation of the Channel Islands. It was a wonderful story and I ached for more but unfortunately the series was never continued. Nonetheless, I found myself wanting to learn more about this historical period and I located a non-fiction book in the Suffolk County Library System which shed some light on the subject.

When I discovered this new book in October, I simply could not wait to read it. I was not disappointed.

Juliet is a writer and the story is written in letters to her and from her to various characters on Guernsey and in London. The letters are so well arranged, that it was easy to slip into the feeling that I was receiving them. The authors spur the story and the reader on and I stayed up half the night finishing it.

If you are in the mood for a wonderful bit of historical fiction—this one is a must read.

Ladybookbug!

My Stroke of Insight by Jill Bolte Taylor, PH.D.

This is an enlightening story about a young woman who happens to be a brain scientist and who suffers a debilitating stroke. It is told from the perspective of a knowlegable person who takes us through the initial onset, the recuperative stages and to the present.

It is the story of strength, fortitude and perserverance. In addition to being informative, it is light enough to enjoy while learning about a happenstance that affects many people each year. Dr. Taylor’s ability to learn from her stroke and to appreciate the value of her life is inspiring to say the least.

A short, comprehensive foray into a mind-boggling experience, it is well worth the read.

Ladybookbug!