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This book opens in the pivotal year of 1943. Readers meet Clair Rousseau, who finds herself on the night train to Paris, surrounded by German officers. On the train, she has a conversation that changes the course of her life and those who come after her. The narrative then shifts to the present, where the character of Maggie O’Shea, a classical pianist, is introduced. Maggie is drawn to France because of her family’s history. Readers follow Maggie’s journey as she uncovers her grandmother’s heroic past and embarks on a heroic journey of her own. At the same time, the story of Dane, a ruthless killer who threatens everything Maggie loves, is told.
In this book, readers embark on a poignant journey through the past and the present. Maggie’s story is a careful examination of how one’s ancestral past can influence their present. Most of all, it is a story of female fortitude. Both Maggie and Clair find a strength within themselves that neither of them knew they possessed. Additionally, the incorporation of classical music in the novel is refreshing. This focus is a reminder of the unifying and healing power of the arts, music, and literature. The poetic writing makes this book even more gripping, as readers are completely swept up in Maggie and Clair’s experiences. The book is also a deep, eye-opening dive into what life was like in concentration camps such as Ravensbrück, particularly for female prisoners. Readers who are interested in historical fiction will appreciate this novel, while those who enjoy thrillers will find it interesting as well.
RECOMMENDED by the US Review