Newbery Medal 1990
"Ten-year-old Annemarie Johansen and her best friend Ellen Rosen often think of life before the war. It's now 1943 and their life in Copenhagen is filled with school, food shortages, and the Nazi soldiers marching through town. When the Jews of Denmark are "relocated". Ellen moves in with the Johansens and pretends to be one of the family. Soon Annemarie is asked to go on a dangerous mission to save Ellen's life." (Goodreads)
I've been trying to write this review for 4 days now. I keep starting over. I think I will try not to get too picky about getting the perfect words out because they are just not coming to me. So, let us see what I come up with today and hope this one sticks!
My heart bleeds for stories about people who risk their lives to save others. People who ban together. People who form a Resistance for humanity's sake. It is moving to know that there are people who care for one another enough to make meticulous plans and carry them out at perilous risks. This was one of those books that can leave a reader asking himself, if given a similar situation, would he be as brave? Maybe I cried so hard after reading this book because my answer may have been I don't know or flat out no. Hence, I was left with immense admiration for those courageous people in the book that answered yes and a renewed pledge to be a brave person.
This was not a direct story about the Holocaust but enough of its aura resounded in Annemarie's reflective simple story. The tension, the fears, the injustice, etc. In reflection to that time in her life, Annemarie came to understand that lies, secrets, and not knowing every detail was part of life and survival during that time in history.
I am glad that this book was targeted towards young readers because this book showed a great example of true heroes. That is a mark of an amazing book!
I am still struggling to describe how wonderful I think this book was and the indelible trace it left me. Therefore, read this book for yourself and you might understand what I can't seem to eloquently phrase into words.
I will leave you now with a verse that stuck out to me:
"That's all that brave means -- not thinking about the dangers. Just thinking about what you must do." page 123.
Posts
I think your review is perfect!
ReplyDeleteAwww, thanks Rubs. :)
ReplyDeleteI love the review and looking forward to read the story and I thank you for the submission.
ReplyDeleteYou're welcome DGSA. It's a wonderful book ... hope you enjoy it as much as I did. Thanks for stopping by and making a comment. :)
ReplyDeleteGreat review. I can see why it was hard to write. Sounds like a powerful read. We all need to pick up one of those every now and then. Thanks for sharing!
ReplyDeleteOh sheesh. I can already tell you I wouldn't be able to read this story. I tend to shy away from anything that hints of tissues needed. I read for pleasure and to escape. Too much emotion and I wear myself out. I also tend to get depressed when I read something sad and it puts me in a funk for a while. Just a personal reaction I suppose. I wish I could handle stories like this, but I can't do it. However, I appreciate the time and thought you put into the review. Your passion speaks through the review and that is something I can relate to. Tough reviews oftentimes test us, but can also showcase our talent in ways we might not have displayed otherwise. Well done.
ReplyDeleteKendra @ Reader's Edyn