The other night I babysat for my granddaughter. It was a late night; I did not get back home until 2:30.
Now granted, I fell asleep on my daughter's couch after Riley was sound asleep. I drooled. I snored. I did my normal routine whenever I'm in a semi-reclining position.
However, when I got home, I read until 4, and was tempted to read even later. What was the book that kept me up? It was Sarah's Key by Tatiana de Rosnay.
Imagine you are being taken away for the afternoon by the police because you are Jewish...Imagine you agree to keep your brother safe by locking him up in a cupboard...Imagine you don't get back later that day--and you are the only one who has a key to the secret hiding place...where your brother is.
I had to read--unmoving except for my fingers turning the pages--until I got to the end. I recommend this book. It highlights a moment in history that is not well known, it's the story of an American in France, it's the story of a woman becoming liberated in various ways.
Below is a video interview of the author. When I read this novel, I thought of how fortunate we are--in this country, at this point in history. Have a marvelous holiday--if you are celebrating now--and have a great end of 2011!
That sounds like a book that would keep me awake, worrying about the cabinet boy.
ReplyDeleteI read this title as "Why Are There Samsonites Under My Eaves?" So I wondered if Santa left you some luggage outside, or if a plane dropped a surprise, or if you had some unexpected guests. I really need some trifocals.
That sounds like a fascinating book!
ReplyDeleteThanks for the head's up on this. I'm off now to request it from my library.
ReplyDeleteHope you had a wonderful Christmas!
I've read Sarah's Key and did the same thing, kept reading until I was finished. That's been several months ago, but that story still stays with me.
ReplyDeleteSounds like a fascinating book. I love books that keep me reading until the wee hours of the morning.
ReplyDeleteDonna
Val--There are also Samsonites under my eaves. At some point, when the dustbunnies take over, I'm hittin'the road.
ReplyDeleteMama Zen--It IS a great read.
Lisa--I had a great holiday. It sounds like you had a delicious Christmas.
Lynn--I am sure this story will stay with me for a while as well.
Donna--I too love books that MAKE me read them. However, I'm usually sad when they end.
Just added this title to my MUST READ list...
ReplyDeleteThanks for the recommendation!
That book sounds right up my alley.
ReplyDeletePearl
You write an awesome book review--just like that interview. Added to the list.
ReplyDeleteBeth, Pearl and Tammy--
ReplyDeleteI'm confident you will enjoy it. It also has an interesting "format." The story--for the firt three-quarters of the book--tells two different stories; a chapter from the past, and then a chapter from the present--alternating--hurtles the story along. I've been hankering to tell a story about a historical event that took place in Oklahoma. This format might be the key...