The Book of Lost Names
Ratings37
Average rating4.1
Really enjoyed this story! I was hooked from the start. The characters were all really likeable (except for one!). I'm going to look at other books she's written now.
There was some time between putting this on hold on Libby and listening to it. I forgot about the Holocaust connection and wasn't prepared for it. While there are intense scenes, it is not graphically violent. This is a masterfully written book, in my opinion.
There are so many life scenarios in this book that are magnified by the war, but are coming to many of us in peaceful times, as well. I thought Harmel does a fantastic job of illustrating them. The characters are richly written and I wanted to know how their stories would unfold. Not just the main character, but many of the supporting cast, as well.
This story made me think and brought up strong feelings for me. This doesn't fall into my typical reading selection, but I'm glad I branched out and stick with this one, even though I wasn't sure I would want to when feeling the reality of the Holocaust in Paris.
Too many coincidences of being in neighbors apartment when nazis came and then the boarding house they chose is owned by lady who part of resistant. Eva being able to do a decent forgery without practice or making a mistake. The mother is annoying... instead of caring about her duaghter and the situation she is in, she makes a scene on the street and wants to stay in Paris as fugitives. Just wasn't hitting the believability factor for me which I prefer in my historical fiction.
I found this book very enjoyable. The reader did a wonderful job with the voices of the different characters.
The author's characterization was wonderful and she totally drew me into that world and time in history. It can sometimes be a challenge to really show the desperation, fear and courage of the 1940's but I found she brought it all to life and I desperately wanted the characters to survive and everything to work out.
4.5 The ending was so predictable but I still liked it! Mamusia drove me nuts, and now I feel bad about it after finishing the book...
This book has a few of my favorite qualities - features books and book lovers, historical fiction based in reality of World War II heroines, and just a touch of romance, so if that's up your alley, you'll likely enjoy it.
Spoilers
Last few chapters and the ending had me weeping throughout.
Real rating of 4.5 - only docked because the climax was a bit predictable and Eva's mother was heavy-handed and irredeemable with all the guilt she caused Eva to feel in my eyes.