The Forest of Vanishing Stars by Kristin Harmel

*** My Review ***

The Forest of Vanishing Stars is a captivating and emotional novel by Kristin Harmel that takes readers on a journey through the depths of the forest and the human spirit. This is a story about survival, bravery, and finding one’s true self in the face of adversity.

The story takes place in Poland in 1941 and follows a young girl named Yona, who was abandoned as a baby and raised in the forest by a group of strangers known as the Zosia. The Zosia are a group of nomads who have made the forest their home and survive by hunting and gathering. They take in Yona and raise her as their own, teaching her how to survive in the forest and providing her with a sense of family and belonging.

However, when the Nazis invade Poland, Yona’s peaceful life in the forest is disrupted. The Zosia are forced to flee, and Yona is left alone to fend for herself. Yona soon meets a group of Jewish refugees who are also hiding in the forest, and she takes it upon herself to help them survive. Yona’s bravery and resourcefulness are put to the test as she risks everything to protect those around her.

The Forest of Vanishing Stars is a beautifully written and emotionally resonant novel. Harmel’s prose is vivid and lyrical, bringing the forest and its inhabitants to life on the page. Yona is a compelling and complex protagonist, and her journey of self-discovery is both heartwarming and heartbreaking. The novel explores themes of identity, belonging, and the power of human connection in the face of adversity.

The characters in this book are nothing short of amazing – they possess a strength and resilience that is truly inspiring. In a world where everything has been taken from them, they manage to survive and even thrive.

Yona, our protagonist, is a force to be reckoned with. She’s been raised in the forest by a group of strangers, the Zosia, and has learned how to survive in the most difficult of circumstances. But when the Nazis invade Poland, she’s forced to leave her safe haven and face the unimaginable. Watching her grow, learn, and find her way in a world that has turned upside down is truly captivating.

And let’s not forget about Jerusza – what a gem! She may be a kidnapper, but she’s also a tough lady with a heart of gold. I was instantly captivated by her character and was left wanting more of her backstory. Her ability to ‘know’ or ‘sense’ things adds a touch of magical realism to the story, which only adds to its charm.

The writing in this book is absolutely stunning. Harmel has a way with words that is simply enchanting. The story is filled with tense moments that kept me on the edge of my seat, and I found myself going back and re-reading passages and highlighting sections that spoke to me.

Furthermore, Harmel’s portrayal of the Zosia is particularly fascinating, as she delves into their culture and way of life. The Zosia are a fiercely independent and resilient group, and their bond with Yona is deeply touching. The novel also sheds light on the little-known history of Jewish refugees who found refuge in the forests during the Holocaust, highlighting the bravery and resilience of those who fought to survive in the face of unimaginable horror.

The Forest of Vanishing Stars has a mystical quality to it, but the Author’s Note at the end reveals the extensive research behind the real-life events and stories that inspired the novel. But don’t be fooled by its magical elements – this book is based on real-life events and stories, and the author’s extensive research shines through on every page.

As I read the Author’s Note at the end of the book, I couldn’t help but feel a sense of awe at the resilience and faith in God that helped people survive during one of the darkest times in human history. The desire to not only survive but to help others survive, even when everything has been taken from them, is truly remarkable.

It’s clear that Harmel put a lot of research and effort into writing this book, and her passion for the story really shines through. The people she spoke to, the inspiration behind the story – it’s all there, and it’s incredibly moving.

The stories of those who lived to tell the horrors of the Holocaust are a testament to the resilience and strength of the human spirit. Millions died, but those who survived did so with a fierce determination to remember their loved ones and to make sure that the world never forgets what happened.

Reading a story like this one is never easy – it’s hard to face the horrors of the past and to imagine what it must have been like for those who lived through it. But it’s important to remember the people who lost their families, friends, and lives, and to honor their memory by standing up against cruelty and injustice wherever we see it.

So if you’re looking for a powerful and moving story that will stay with you long after you’ve turned the final page, The Forest of Vanishing Stars is the book for you. It’s a reminder that even in the darkest of times, there is always hope, and that the human spirit is capable of incredible things.

It must be mentioned, that some readers may feel that the pacing is slow or that the characters are underdeveloped. Others may have issues with the use of magical realism in a story based on real-life events. It’s important to approach any book with an open mind and to be willing to consider different perspectives.

Overall, The Forest of Vanishing Stars is a powerful and moving novel that will stay with readers long after they turn the final page. Harmel has crafted a story that is both heartwarming and heartbreaking, filled with vivid imagery and unforgettable characters. This is a must-read for anyone who loves historical fiction or stories of resilience and survival in the face of adversity.