I was drawn into Sarah’s Key by Tatiana de Rosnay from the first haunting pages. In sparse, unsentimental prose, de Rosnay tackled the horrific 1942 roundup of French Jews by alternating past and present with two poignant tales.
Ten-year-old Sarah has hidden her little brother in a cupboard with the promise of rescuing him later. While Sarah battles to save him, American journalist Julia Jarmond investigates the iniquitous roundup and uncovers a family secret. In their quests, both women face the inevitability of change and consequences of their choices.
Fortunately, a melodramatic end doesn’t spoil this intimate and emotional tale.