From international bestselling author Mario Escobar comes a story of escape, sacrifice, and hope amid the perils of the Second World War. August 1942. Jacob and Moses Stein, two young Jewish brothers, are staying with their aunt in Paris amid the Nazi occupation. The boys' parents, well-known German playwrights, have left the brothers in their aunt's care until they can find safe harbor for their family. But before the Steins can reunite, a great and terrifying roundup occurs. The French gendarmes, under Nazi order, arrest ...
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From international bestselling author Mario Escobar comes a story of escape, sacrifice, and hope amid the perils of the Second World War. August 1942. Jacob and Moses Stein, two young Jewish brothers, are staying with their aunt in Paris amid the Nazi occupation. The boys' parents, well-known German playwrights, have left the brothers in their aunt's care until they can find safe harbor for their family. But before the Steins can reunite, a great and terrifying roundup occurs. The French gendarmes, under Nazi order, arrest the boys and take them to the V???lodrome d'Hiver-a massive, bleak structure in Paris where thousands of France's Jews are being forcibly detained. Jacob and Moses know they must flee in order to survive, but they only have a set of letters sent from the South of France to guide them to their parents. Danger lurks around every corner as the boys, with nothing but each other, trek across the occupied country. Along their remarkable journey, they meet strangers and brave souls who put themselves at risk to protect the children-some of whom pay the ultimate price for helping these young refugees of war. This inspiring novel, now available for the first time in English, demonstrates the power of family and the endurance of the human spirit-even through the darkest moments of human history. World War II historical fiction inspired by true events Book length: 94,000 words Includes discussion questions for reading groups, a historical timeline, and notes from the author "A poignant telling of the tragedies of war and the sacrificing kindness of others seen through the innocent eyes of children." -J'nell Ciesielski, bestselling author of The Socialite and Beauty Among Ruins
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If you like World War II novels, you are likely going to love this one! I am impressed with the beauty of the writing, vivid imagery, and raw emotions that captured my attention and these beautiful elements exist in a translation.
This book begins with Jacob and Mose's parents leaving on a train to find a safe place for all of them to live. The boys remain with their aunt in Paris because it is safer there for the children in the meanwhile.
I enjoyed reading about the harrowing journey Jacob and Moses went on after the French police rounded up all the Jews in Paris. Ordinary citizens of France hated the cruel treatment of the Jews by the weak French government and the Nazis but many were afraid to stand up for the Jews. Yet there were some who defied the government to help as many as possible.
I think that is what I really liked the most about Children of the Stars. It renewed my hope in the goodness of humanity.
The people Jacob and Moses met were from varying circumstances and religious opinions. An aetheist helped them a bit. Several priests, nuns, wealthy and poor people helped too.
I loved that it didn't matter to most of these people that the boys held different religious views than they did. They still saw them as human beings in need of comfort. I like to believe we can still work together in society that way-loving each other because of our shared humanity and giving aid when needed despite differences.
Another WWII novel also extremely well written is The Book Thief by Markus Zusak. While I enjoyed the beauty of his writing and his creativity, I was shocked by the occasional profanity in what is termed a children's book. It has a somewhat dismal aura. I was pleasantly surprised to find no profanity in Children of the Stars and loved the vibe that whispers of hope even in horrifying circumstances.
The importance of being together as a family over issues of security and wealth were shown throughout this novel. The boys had several opportunities to receive a safe new home with people to take care of them. But they needed their parents. That is a fundamental need I believe.
Do get Children of the Stars. This is a classic!
I received a free advanced reader copy of this book. All opinions are completely my own.
Claudia
Feb 25, 2020
A Book to be Treasured
This is a book from which it is difficult to emerge. The reader becomes completely immersed in the lives and travels of Jacob and Moses Stein as they seek to find their parents while avoiding being captured as Jews are being rounded up. One can only feel immense gratitude for all those who sacrificially gave of themselves and their resources, often risking their own lives, as they assisted those trying to escape the horrors of occupation and the camps.
Mario Escobar is a deep thinker who expresses himself with the beauty of words, as evidenced by the multiple highlights I have within the pages of this book. He reveals the souls of people represented by his characters and of those who truly lived in the difficult times in which this book is set. He also reveals great pieces of wisdom for all times, ones readers will want to hold onto. This is a book to be treasured, and I am grateful to have received a complementary copy from Thomas Nelson via NetGalley. All opinions expressed here are completely my own.
