The Forgotten Names by Mario Escobar

4/5 Stars

WWII Historical Fiction is one of my favorite book genres to read, and no matter how many books I read in this category, there are so many stories to hear and learn.  The Forgotten Names by Mario Escobar explores a little known yet extremely powerful story of good rising from the midst of darkness.

Told in dual timelines, The Forgotten Names is placed in France during WWII as well as the 1990’s.  In the earlier part of the story, French parents face the impossible choice during the Holocaust: allow their children to be transported to Germany to die in concentration camps or sign over their rights to save them.  With the courage and assistance of the French resistance including clergy and civilians, over 100 children were able to escape the fate of death at a German concentration camp.

Fast forward to 1992 when Valérie Portheret, a doctoral student, stumbled upon the story of these children in Lyon, France and made it her mission to give them back their identities.  Over two decades she worked, unwavering, solid and determined, to help these children turned adults remember their past. 

This is a good story.  In the horror of war and destruction, the reader catches a glimpse of the good, the brave, the strong.  While this good rises from the ashes, the story is still extremely difficult and heartbreaking.  But it is also important to read, remember and honor these children, their families and the heroes that helped saved them.  Escobar really did his research and brought this story to life.  I am thankful for the opportunity to learn this incredible story.

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

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