TL;DR
A gripping tale of courage and resilience, 'The Book of Lost Names' by Kristin Harmel follows Eva Traube Abrams as she forges documents to save Jewish children during WWII, while preserving their real identities in a secret book.
What is The Book of Lost Names about
'The Book of Lost Names' is a historical fiction novel by Kristin Harmel centered around Eva Traube Abrams, a courageous young woman who becomes a document forger in Nazi-occupied France. The story unfolds as Eva, a graduate student and a Polish Jew, flees Paris after her father's arrest. She finds refuge in a small mountain town and works with a mysterious forger named Rémy to create fake identities for Jewish children escaping to Switzerland. They secretly document the children's real names in a book to preserve their identities. Decades later, Eva, now a semiretired librarian in Florida, comes across a photograph of the book, triggering a journey back into her past. The novel explores themes of identity, sacrifice, and the enduring impact of wartime experiences.
The Book of Lost Names 6 Key Takeaways
Eva's Escape
In 1942, after her father is arrested by the Nazis, Eva Traube flees Paris and finds refuge in a small mountain town in the Free Zone.
Forging Documents
Eva begins forging identity documents for Jewish children fleeing to neutral Switzerland, working alongside a mysterious forger named Rémy.
The Book of Lost Names
Eva and Rémy decide to record the real names of the children in a book to preserve their identities, a task fraught with danger as the Germans close in.
Betrayal and Disappearance
The Resistance cell Eva and Rémy work with is betrayed, leading to Rémy's disappearance and increasing peril for Eva.
Eva's Last Message
As the Germans get closer, Eva records a vital message in the Book of Lost Names, hoping it will help reunite those lost during the war.
Decades Later
Decades after the war, an article about the looting of libraries by the Nazis brings the Book of Lost Names back into Eva's life, compelling her to revisit her past and seek answers.
Top The Book of Lost Names Quotes
- 'There are names that will never be forgotten, and there are people who will always be remembered.'
- 'In the face of evil, the smallest acts of kindness can be a beacon of hope.'
Who should read The Book of Lost Names?
'The Book of Lost Names' is suitable for adults and older teenagers who appreciate historical fiction, especially those interested in World War II narratives. Readers will find inspiration in Eva's courage and the novel's exploration of identity and love.
The Book of Lost Names Best Reviews
- 'A heartwarming and inspiring story of survival and courage during one of history's darkest times. Kristin Harmel has crafted an unforgettable narrative.' - Historical Novel Society
- 'The Book of Lost Names is a poignant and powerful novel that beautifully explores the resilience of the human spirit.' - Booklist
People also liked these summaries
The Book of Lost Names FAQs
What age is 'The Book of Lost Names' appropriate for?
The book is suitable for adults and older teenagers due to its mature themes and historical context.
Is 'The Book of Lost Names' sad?
While the book contains moments of sadness and loss typical of WWII narratives, it also focuses on uplifting relationships and the resilience of the human spirit.
What happened to Eva's mother in 'The Book of Lost Names'?
Eva's mother was executed by the Nazis. Eva discovers this tragic news when she attempts to find her mother, only to be met with devastating loss.