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Tuesday, April 28, 2015

A Sparrow in Terezin by Kristy Cambron

A Sparrow in Terezin by Kristy Cambron
Thomas Nelson
ISBN: 978-1401690618
Published April 7, 2015
Trade paperback, 368 pages

My Review
Reviewed by Laura Fabiani

Last year I read The Butterfly and the Violin by Kristy Cambron which left an impression on me. I was eager to read the second book in the Hidden Masterpiece series, which I also enjoyed very much. This book can be read as a stand-alone. As in the first book, there is a dual timeline. In present day, we are once again introduced to Sera and William who are getting married, and Sera is moving her art gallery from New York to California.



William's past catches up to him and he is convicted and part of a money scandal. This situation tests their love. The second storyline begins in 1939 in Nazi-occupied Prague when Kája escapes to London while her parents stay behind. Her father is a prominent doctor and although he manages to get his daughters out, he and his wife don't leave.

I loved the historical part of this book more than the contemporary one. It took place in London during the Blitz and then in a concentration camp in Terezin. Cambron's writing thrives as she places her characters in heart-rending situations. There is danger, passion, and heartbreak. We are easily immersed in that time period. Cambron once again brings a lesser-known part of history to life: the children's art of Terezin. I wished there had been more of the historical part of this novel.

Sera and William's story was nowhere as interesting as Kája's and the connection of the historical part to the modern one was good but also a little anti-climactic. Sera and William's love lacked passion and I had a hard time believing they were newly-weds. Whereas Kája and Liam's story was filled with longing, great dialogue and a strong love that stood the test of time. It truly touched me. Cambron also makes us see that compassion can sometimes be found in the least likely places.

Once again the book's cover and title do it justice. The sparrow is symbolic, making us recall the Biblical scripture that not one sparrow falls without God's knowledge. I loved Kája's story and I hope that Cambron continues to write historical fiction. If you like WWII stories, do not miss this one.

Note: This book is rated G. Although part of this book takes place in a concentration camp, there are no graphic depictions of violence. This story is for a mature audience.

To read more reviews, please visit the author's page on Litfuse.

About the author


Kristy Cambron has been fascinated with the WWII era since hearing her grandfather's stories of the war. She holds an art history degree from Indiana University and received the Outstanding Art History Student Award. Kristy writes WWII and Regency era fiction and has placed first in the 2013 NTRWA Great Expectations and 2012 FCRW Beacon contests, and is a 2013 Laurie finalist. Kristy makes her home in Indiana with her husband and three football-loving sons.

Find Kristy online: website, Facebook, Twitter

Disclosure: Thanks to the publisher and Litfuse for sending me this book for review. I was not compensated in any other way, nor told how to rate or review this product.

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