I have held off from reading this book because of its sad element, but when I saw the movie trailer and then heard the author is coming to Montreal, I knew I wanted to read the book. Although this was a sad story, I truly loved reading it. The author succeeds in interweaving a modern story with one that takes place 60 years prior. She captivated my interest throughout.

Julia Jarmond, an American journalist married to a Frenchman and living in Paris discovers the shameful Vel' d'Hiv' event that took place in France in 1942. As she investigates, she discovers a long-held secret connected to her in-laws and to Sarah, a girl who was torn from her home in Paris in 1942 and sent to a concentration camp. Julia's probing and tenacity to learn more about Sarah gives her courage to face her own issues and her husband's infidelity and to bring about changes in her life.

The short chapters alternate between the two time periods and for me this eased the heavy sadness of Sarah's heartbreaking story so that I felt I could absorb it better in little chunks. It also built suspense, kept me turning those pages at break-neck speed and culminated well with Julia's story.

This story is beautifully written, flows well, and offers the reader a historical look at yet another horrific, and perhaps not so well-known event associated with the Holocaust. An absorbing and compelling read. Highly recommended.

I will count this book toward the following challenges: Support Your Local Library Challenge, Reading the World