"Those Who Save Us" by Jenna Blum is an incredibly captivating and emotionally charged historical fiction novel set in Germany during the tumultuous period of World War II. Blum paints a vivid and haunting portrait of the lives of ordinary civilians caught in the horrors of war, exploring themes of love, guilt, and the lengths people will go to protect themselves and their loved ones.
At the heart of the story is Anna Schlemmer, a young woman faced with unimaginable choices as she fights for survival in war-ravaged Germany. Blum crafts Anna as a complex and resilient character, whose acts of sacrifice and survival instincts are both heart-wrenching and inspiring. In contrast, her daughter Trudy, living in present-day Minnesota, struggles with the secrecy surrounding her mother's past. Determined to uncover the truth about her family's history, Trudy embarks on a journey that forces her to confront her own identity and grapple with the burden of her family's dark secrets.
Blum's strength lies in her exceptional character development. Both Anna and Trudy undergo significant growth and transformation as they confront the past and come to terms with their identities. Their journeys are deeply moving and evoke a range of emotions, from heartache to inspiration.
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What sets "Those Who Save Us" apart is Blum's evocative storytelling and the painstaking attention to detail she dedicates to capturing the realities of life in war-torn Germany. Her meticulous research is evident in the vivid descriptions of the hardships faced by civilians, which adds depth and authenticity to the narrative. Additionally, Blum's poetic prose beautifully encapsulates the raw emotions and moral complexities of the characters' experiences.
This novel also delves into thought-provoking themes of guilt and moral ambiguity. Blum poses challenging questions about complicity in evil acts and explores the long-lasting impact of trauma on individuals and their descendants. She challenges readers to reflect on the choices made in desperate times and the moral gray areas that exist even in the darkest moments of history.
What are readers saying?
"Those Who Save Us" by Jenna Blum has garnered positive reception among readers. The novel follows Anna Schlemmer, a German woman who survives World War II, and her daughter Trudy, who embarks on a quest to unveil her mother's past. Blum delves into themes of love, loss, guilt, and the intricacies of human relationships in the midst of war.
Readers commend Blum's meticulous research and vivid depiction of life during the war. They appreciate her ability to capture the emotional depth of the characters and the historical authenticity of the setting. The novel's alternating narrative structure between Anna's wartime experiences and Trudy's contemporary search for answers is well-received, as it offers a deeper understanding of the characters' motivations and adds suspense to the story.
The characters in "Those Who Save Us" are also praised by readers. Anna's strength and resilience in navigating the challenges of survival during the war resonate with many. Trudy is seen as a relatable and determined protagonist on a captivating journey of self-discovery. The complex dynamics between mother and daughter are explored in a nuanced manner, striking a chord with readers.
Blum's exploration of love and romance amidst the chaos of war is another aspect that earns plaudits. The novel delves into the morally ambiguous choices people make to survive and the lasting consequences of those choices. Themes of guilt and redemption are explored through the characters' wartime experiences, eliciting empathy and introspection from readers.
However, some reviewers criticize the pacing of the novel, finding it slow at times. They mention that the transitions between past and present can be disorienting and disrupt the flow of the story. Additionally, while many appreciate the historical accuracy of the book, a few readers comment that the graphic depictions of wartime trauma can be overwhelming.
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