Friday, January 1, 2010

Sarah's Key


Sarah's Key by Tatiana de Rosnay is a book that I had sitting in my TBR pile for several months. My mother finished reading it last week and raved about it. One of my friends mentioned she had a friend who read Sarah's Key and The Help and thought Sarah's Key was better. Considering I have raved and gushed about The Help all year, the idea that Sarah's Key might be better than that was definitely something to consider. I decided to dig out my book and find out for myself what everyone has been talking about.

Sarah's Key was easily devoured by me in less than a day. Set during World War II, de Rosnay shares a fictionalized account of the roundup and deportation of thousands of Jews in Paris at the Velodrome d'Hiver in 1942. (Yet again I am amazed and saddened by Hitler's far reaching arm and his desire to rid an entire population of people). Set in both 1942 -following Sarah, a ten year old Parisian Jew whose family is taken from their homes - and 2002, following Julia Jarmond a mid-forties American in Paris who begins to investigate the Velodrome d'Hiver this story comes together as family secrets are uncovered that have long been buried. The alternating time periods of this story makes for quick reading and allows for suspense to build as a chapter ends leaving more questions to answer.

I am happy to have started 2010 with a winner of a book. I can see why so many book clubs are picking this title and will recommend it to anyone looking for a great book.

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