Initially when I started reading this book I was looking forward to catching yet another glimpse into the history of WWII, what I did not expect was that I would learn so much about France's involvement in the Nazi takeover. Not only doe this fictional story grip your heart, but the core history of the book is in fact, truth. The Vel' D'hiv's history prompted me to actually do some of my own research. Thoroughly enjoyed the book, though the ending was a little disappointing.

A glimpse at one survivors story. Troubling at times, funny and moving at other times, this was a book I will recommend to many.

Though it was a fiction through the characters you know in reality there are so many who can relate to this story. So moving and touching, absolutely enjoyed reading this novel, how two completely different worlds can join together.

Throughout the beginning and middle of the book, I thought it was so captivating and educating. However, I feel like the author could have been more creative throughout the end of the novel. It almost seemed rushed; the ideas came together to simply wrap up the story. Nonetheless, it was a good read!

The first thing that struck me about Sarah's Key was how beautifully the words flowed. The second was how contrived many of the characters felt. Perhaps due to this second revelation, I did not follow the same emotional journey as the protagonist of this story (although I appreciate the author's attempt to bring me along). The novel deserves a mature audience; as a 22 year old, I lost interest around half way through the book. All in all, Sarah's Key is a good read, but not great.

I really enjoyed this book when I started it but I found I grew less interested near the end. I was so involved in the life of Sarah and her story told from her perspective. It was so interesting and I really liked how the story kept switching back and forth between perspectives and past and present. Once the story was based solely in present day I found it a little tedious and boring. I enjoyed the book as a whole, I would have just preferred it to go more the way it did in the beginning. Good book overall and it is certainly worth a read.

Could not put this book down! Amazing story about how two families lives connect and how one little girl's story during the Holocaust changes many lives forever. A life-changing story that pulled at my heartstrings.

In 1942 in Paris a ten year old girl, Sarah is rounded up with her parents by the French police and taken to Vel’ d’Hiv’. Before she leaves she locks her little brother in a cupboard thinking she will be back soon to release him. In a parallel story Julia Jarmond is asked to write a story about the Vel’ d’Hiv’ roundup for the 60th anniversary. She is determined to follow Sarah's footsteps. Switching between the two stories the book tells us of Sarah's trials and ordeals and the horror of being a Jew in occupied France. Julia meanwhile, feels Sarah's anguish as she pursues her story and finds out how closely intertwined it is with her in-laws' story. Julia starts to question her own marriage and life. I did not really empathize with Julia and found while Zoe her daughter seemed to be so mature it was almost unreal. I did not know about the Vel’ d’Hiv’ roundup but I did know about how the French do not want to discuss any of their 'ugly' part in WWII. Interestingly, I recently picked up A Thread of Grace By Mary Doria Russell which is about Jews in occupied Italy and how they were hidden. Two authors, similiar subjects and completely different treatments. As much as the French were shown to be brutal the Italians are shown to have some sympathy. *****SPOILER***** I would never have continued living in an apartment where the body of a little boy had been found. I may not have had the courage to stand up to the brutality and even might have overlooked how I got the apartment but to continue to live there. UGH!!! One never knows until one is in that situation how one will react. I could always hope I would stand up and be counted.

Couldn't put the book down! Such passion and character this book has! The sister in the book goes through such trials and tribulations to find and possibly save her little brother! I cried through parts of the book-could feel the characters pain!

This book was quite remarkable.. It made me want to cry and infuriate me at times as well. It really brought alot of emotion out and ask Why ? Why? and Why?. I was thoroughly impressed with this book. Fantatstic!!