Review #23: Sarah's Key by Tatiana de Rosnay

From the likes of The Rabbit Girls by Anna Ellory to the book in this review, I have only recently discovered the Historical Fiction genre and I am pretty much in awe. These two books I have read have inspired and horrified me in equal measure and has driven me to undertake some research into historical events, such as the Holocaust & the Vel D'hiv Roundup. 

Writing Style: 9.5/10
Storyline: 10/10

Ease of Reading: 9.5/10

 Tyger! Tyger! burning bright 

In the forests of the night, 

What immortal hand or eye Could frame thy fearful symmetry? 

—WILLIAM BLAKE, Songs of Experience

I remembered learning about this poem at school, but I'm pretty sure I was too young to know just how poignant it was. I don't have anything to say really, but this is at the beginning of the Sarah's key, and whilst it's not mentioned in the book's story, there are moments that you're drawn back to it.

The writing style of this book is familiar and easy to follow. It flits from historical chapters to the present day, which I'm finding is common within Historical Fiction books.

In Sarah's Key, I particularly enjoyed the anonymity of the characters written about in 1942. You don't actually find out the girls name for certain until quite far through the story, and it really reflects the anonymity of the thousands of men, women and children sent to concentration and death camps throughout the war.

I have marked the Ease of Reading as 9.5. I'm not saying it was an easy read because of the topic. It was an emotive "real-life" subject which was difficult and one which needs not been forgotten, however the reason I have scored this highly is that the message in the book is clear throughout. Never Forget

All in all, an incredible book, horrific but beautifully truthful book and a genre I will absolutely continue to read. 

This book really puts life into perspective. Please remember to be kind to one another and to be safe.

Steph 💚