The Book of Lost Names by Kristin Harmel

*** My Review ***

The Book of Lost Names by Kristin Harmel is a poignant and moving historical fiction novel that takes readers on a journey through the harrowing events of World War II. The novel follows the story of Eva Traube, a young Jewish woman who is forced to flee her home in Paris during the German occupation.

Eva, along with her mother, is taken in by a local priest, who helps them escape to a small town in the Free Zone of France. There, Eva is recruited by the Resistance to forge documents for Jewish children, so that they can escape to Switzerland and avoid being sent to concentration camps.

As Eva works tirelessly to create false identities for these children, she is forced to confront the horrors of the war and the toll it is taking on her community. She also must grapple with her own identity as a Jewish woman living in a world that is becoming increasingly hostile to her.

Throughout the novel, Harmel skillfully weaves together themes of love, loss, and the resilience of the human spirit. The characters are richly drawn and the historical detail is impeccable, transporting readers back to a time of great turmoil and uncertainty.

Furthermore, Harmel’s writing style is both engaging and descriptive, making the story come alive on the pages. Her attention to detail when it comes to historical events, locations, and even the art of bookbinding, adds an extra layer of authenticity to the story.

One of the most compelling aspects of The Book of Lost Names is the way in which it portrays the impact of the war on individuals and their communities. Eva’s experiences show the devastating effects of persecution and discrimination, but also demonstrate the courage and resilience of those who fought against it.

In addition, Harmel skillfully handles the complexities of relationships during wartime. Eva’s relationship with Remy, a fellow Resistance member, is particularly well-developed and adds an emotional depth to the story. Their romance is both tender and fraught with danger, as they work together to forge documents and evade the watchful eyes of the German authorities.

One of the most significant themes in The Book of Lost Names is the power of language and how it can be used to both harm and heal. Eva’s role as a forger of documents highlights the importance of language and its ability to shape identity and reality. By forging identity papers for Jewish children, Eva not only saves their lives but also gives them a new identity and a chance for a better future.

Moreover, Eva’s work as a forger also serves as a way for her to reclaim her own identity and assert her agency in a world that seeks to erase her. The act of creating false identities becomes a way for her to hold on to her sense of self and fight against the forces that seek to silence her.
Harmel’s portrayal of Eva’s struggle to reconcile her Jewish heritage with her new identity as a forger also adds another layer of complexity to the novel. Eva’s work as a forger puts her at odds with her Jewish identity, which dictates that lying and deception are morally wrong. However, Eva sees her work as a necessary evil to save lives and cannot help but feel conflicted.

The Book of Lost Names is also a testament to the resilience of the human spirit in the face of adversity. Despite the overwhelming odds against her, Eva refuses to give up and continues to fight for what she believes in. Her strength and determination are a source of inspiration not only to the other characters in the novel but also to readers who may be struggling with their own challenges.

While The Book of Lost Names is a beautifully written and emotionally impactful novel, there are a few aspects that some readers may find to be negative or challenging.

One of the primary criticisms of the novel is its pacing. Some readers may find that the story moves slowly, particularly in the beginning. The novel spends a significant amount of time setting up the characters and the historical context, which may be off-putting for those who are looking for a fast-paced read.
Another potential negative aspect of the novel is its focus on the Resistance and its activities, which may overshadow other important aspects of the war. While the Resistance was undoubtedly an important part of the war effort, some readers may feel that the novel’s emphasis on this aspect of the war comes at the expense of other stories that are equally deserving of attention.

Additionally, while the novel does a fantastic job of exploring the impact of the war on Eva and her community, some readers may feel that the other characters are not as fully developed as they could be. Some of the supporting characters feel like they are there solely to advance the plot or provide exposition, rather than being fully realized individuals.

Finally, the novel’s focus on forgery and document forging may not be of interest to all readers. While the themes of identity, language, and the power of words are certainly compelling, some readers may find the intricacies of forgery to be less engaging.

Overall, The Book of Lost Names is a beautifully written and deeply moving novel that explores the complexities of the human experience in times of great adversity. It is a testament to the strength of the human spirit and a reminder of the power of language to both divide and unite us. I highly recommend this book to anyone interested in historical fiction, particularly those interested in the stories of those who fought against the atrocities of World War II.