What a profound novel first set in 1945 at Auschwitz. And then the liberation. Suddenly we are thrust upon a winding and unpredictable path with the surviving victims.
This latest by Anna Stuart left me speechless and moved to tears. The searing reality of what these people experienced, pierced my heart. It physically hurt to read some passages because of Anna’s ability to express the injustice done to the Jews. I appreciate how well she handled such a difficult topic with great sensitivity and respect. For she has given us a chance to relate to those who suffered untold pain, persecution and loss. Things we can only imagine on our worst days.
The War Orphan is based on many real people, as expressed in the author’s historical notes at the back, and it is obvious Anna has embraced and utilised the research in such a way that it comes across in fictional form so powerful you feel you have been sewn into the fabric of these people’s hearts. The suffering of the Jews is undeniable and clearly highlighted. I was taken on a journey filled with such deep sadness and grief you wonder how anyone could move forward. But just as in life, there are moments of joy and normalcy—even amid the pain and chaos. Little gifts of remembrance, too, such as what Natasha carries—a lock of her mother’s hair—to give her courage and hope that they might be reunited one day.
I love that Alice Goldberger is brought into the light—showing us the wonderful things she did for the orphans. She suffered her own loss and often battled guilt for escaping Germany when others did not—especially her family. This would have been the anguish of many, I am sure. But Alice, as seen in this novel and history, kept moving forward, always trying to make a difference. She knew these orphans desperately needed to feel safe and loved: to know they had a home, a chance to feel part of a family—to celebrate the milestones, birthdays, holidays—to feel normal. She wanted them to experience the closeness of a community that shared and cared for each other. Alice fostered all the best things of humanity. Her charity and compassion shines in this novel, as I am sure it did in real life. She became like a mother to many: well-loved by all those under her supervision.
This’s story’s particular focus is on the orphaned who were sent to England after they were freed in 1945. We gain incredible insight on the Jewish children: how they coped, their understandable erratic behaviour. So many lost their parents through the gas chambers or other Nazi brutality. This would have left the mark of despair on their psyche. It would have been a monumental task to try and find out who survived and did not. Their hope dashed over and over. Because in truth, there would be many who could not find their mothers, fathers and siblings after the war. This novel made me look at it from various angles and viewpoints. Those who tried to help these children like Alice and those on the receiving end like Tasha who agonised and fought the possible scenarios. She often acted out her grief so it would have been challenging to comfort her. Alice, though, never gave up and her patience and fortitude became an example. Under normal circumstance, Tasha’s responses would have made her unlikable but somehow it is easy to forgive her harsh actions and reactions because we know the trauma she has experienced. And like Alice, we want to wrap our arms around her and love her to wholeness—even though we know her life is fractured and that large pieces of her heart may never mend.
I could certainly feel the anguish these children experienced through their separation and loss. There are countless scenes emblazoned on my memory forever. The Prologue particularly where Natasha and her mother Lydia are cruelly treated and then separated at Auschwitz.
Then in chapter one we are thrust forward four months later. Liberated, the victims begin picking up the pieces. We discover a fellow survivor, Georg, who protected Tasha from the Kapo in Auschwitz. He ‘brought drive and positivity into her life.’ He becomes an important figure in her future. Starting with convincing her to go to England with the rescued children, even though she feels the pull to stay and search for her mother. It’s a hard decision for sixteen year old Tasha. But her choice opens her many new possibilities. She does a lot of growing over the rest of this novel. There are ups and downs, hurt and happiness. But she gets her answers and the story keeps rolling in like the waves over your heart.
This is a great addition to the series. A brilliant delivery, with exceptional characters and a riveting plot. It is etched in truth and eventually triumph. There are some very sad moments but still it offers a message of hope and healing. 5 Stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Thanks to Bookouture and Netgalley for my review copy.
