Author: Tatiana de Rosnay
Genre: Historical Fiction, Standalone
Published: 2007
Personal Rating: 3.5/5 (good)
Format: Audiobook
Yearly Count: 64
The French police "round-up and deport" all the Jewish families in Paris on July, 1942. Julia Jarmond, an American journalist married to a Frenchman, is covering the 60th anniversary of the round-up. With a lack of knowledge regarding the devastating event, Julia's research reveals that she is much more connected than she ever thought. That little bit of information consumes Julia, and she is determined to find survivors.
The movie version coming out is what prompted me to finally get to this book. Ultimately, I found it to be an interesting story, but I didn't become engrossed like I have with other books of this nature. It did contain a good plot in seeking a survivor of the Holocaust; however, the characters didn't ring "true" to me. Something was off with them, so I did not believe. Unfortunately, the narration of the audiobook could be the culprit. I am glad that I finally got to this book, as it gave me another valuable viewpoint of the Holocaust.
I was hoping to read the book before seeing the movie, but it doesn't look like I'll be doing either anytime soon since the movie's not showing here yet.
ReplyDeleteBermudaonion ~ I'm not certain if I'm going to see the movie. Glad I finally got to the book, though. I hope you like it more than I did if you get around to it.
ReplyDeleteI've had quite a few friends recommend this one, but for some reason I just can't get excited about it. Your review gives me permission to skip it :)
ReplyDeleteStacybuckeye ~ Well, it certainly wasn't a favorite of mine, but it was still good. However, I'm glad to be of service to you in your decision. :)
ReplyDeleteI am one of those who really liked the book. I had never heard of this aspect of the war. I wonder how many others will be illuminated as the years go on. Layer upon layer of horror, it seems. I wrote about it here, if you are interested:
ReplyDeletehttp://lettersfromahillfarm.blogspot.com/2009/12/sarahs-key-by-tatiana-de-rosnay.html
Nan ~ We, of course, know the general history of the Holocaust, but reading about specific individuals or families in the numerous countries that were directly targeted has been absolutely astounding. The different perspectives and locations seem endless. So sad.
ReplyDeleteI enjoyed this book, but will probably not see the movie (at least not until its on cable!) I liked this perspective of the war, and Sarah's tale the best. Julia annoyed me though - though maybe it was her husband that annoyed me the most.
ReplyDeleteSarah Reads Too Much ~ Welcome!
ReplyDeleteI agree with everything you mentioned! :)
I didn't realize that there was a movie coming out based on this book...I'm going to have to read this before I see the movie. Interesting :)
ReplyDeleteSamantha.1020 ~ It's amazing how many books to movies there are out right now or coming soon.
ReplyDeleteI loved this book so I was glad to see that you enjoyed it for the most part. I really want to watch the movie...looks good!
ReplyDeleteStaci ~ I hope you find the movie as good as the book.
ReplyDeleteI saw that there was a movie coming out! Unfortunately I abandoned this one on audio. Maybe I'll go back to it one day but the change in perspective was hard for me--I don't think I could give it enough attention in the car to immediately notice the change in narrator and so was often lost. Sounds like you had trouble with the narration as well?
ReplyDeleteTrish ~ I didn't specifically mention that narration change, but YES! I did experience confusion through the first half of the audio. I did finally catch on, but never liked it. At the very least, there should have been a longer pause so we'd know we were at a new chapter. :)
ReplyDeleteI don't know if I'd blame the audio. I only gave the book a 2.5/5 rating. I'll watch the movie, but not until it comes out on Netflix.
ReplyDeleteLes ~ LOL I don't think I'm heading to the theater either.
ReplyDeleteMaybe I'll just watch the movie instead. A shorter time commitment!
ReplyDelete1morechapter ~ Welcome back to the blogging world! I hope all is well with you and yours.
ReplyDeleteIf you watch the movie, come back and share your thoughts. :)