The Forgotten Names (by Mario Escobar)

As a huge fan of WWII historical fiction books, I have struggled to find books that are written with a new focus on the atrocities that occurred during the Holocaust. I thoroughly enjoyed The Book of Lost Names by Kristin Harmel with a unique view of how innocent children were stripped of their identities during WWII. This book portrays a similar concept. While a sad view into the depravity of humanity, you are also provided a glimpse into the bravery of individuals who were willing to risk everything to save 108 children from the concentration camps. They had to take on new identities, but they were able to survive the atrocities of Hitler’s reign of terror. As a dual time-line book (1942 and 1992), you are also allowed the to get to know Valerie Potheret as she worked tirelessly to complete her doctoral dissertation. Though she initially planned to focus on Klaus Barbie, a truly evil man who inflicted such heinous acts on innocent Jews. The discovery of the box containing 108 names changed the course of her research project and she was determined to locate every child, learning about their story, and giving back their name. One negative comment is that you do not get an indepth view of the characters, you still can grasp how terror was part of their every waking moment. A story of hope, resilience, and courage, I was touched by the lives of each child who lost their name as well as those who worked hard to save each young person. I continue to be amazed at the strength, resilience, and utter bravery that was demonstrated during the days of WWII. God bless those who were willing to risk everything to save a child.

Thank you to NetGalley and Harper Muse for my advanced review copy. All opinions and thoughts are my own.

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Fiction

Historical

Historical Fiction

Holocaust

WWII