One-line summary:

Sarah’s Key is a heart-wrenching historical fiction novel that intertwines the stories of a young girl during the Holocaust and a journalist in modern-day Paris.

The Story of Sarah:

Sarah’s Key, written by Tatiana de Rosnay, is a captivating novel that takes place in two different time periods, following the lives of two women whose stories become intertwined. The book explores the dark history of the Vel’ d’Hiv Roundup, a tragic event that occurred in Paris during World War II.

The story begins in 1942 when ten-year-old Sarah Starzynski, a Jewish girl, is living with her family in Paris. When the French police arrest her family during the Vel’ d’Hiv Roundup, Sarah locks her younger brother, Michel, in a hidden cupboard, promising to return and set him free. However, as the family is taken away to a concentration camp, Sarah’s desperate attempts to escape and save her brother become the driving force of her story.

Julia’s Journey:

In the present day, the narrative shifts to Julia Jarmond, an American journalist living in Paris. Julia is assigned to write an article about the Vel’ d’Hiv Roundup, which leads her to uncover Sarah’s story. As Julia delves deeper into the past, she becomes determined to find out what happened to Sarah and her brother.

As Julia uncovers the truth about the Vel’ d’Hiv Roundup, she also grapples with her own personal struggles. Her marriage is falling apart, and she begins to question her own identity and the choices she has made. Through her investigation, Julia not only uncovers the horrors of the past but also finds a renewed sense of purpose and a desire for justice.

The Intersection of Past and Present:

As the story unfolds, the lives of Sarah and Julia become increasingly intertwined. Julia’s search for answers leads her to meet Sarah’s son, William, who has spent his life unaware of his mother’s tragic past. The connection between Julia and William brings closure and healing for both of them, as they come to terms with the events that shaped their lives.

Throughout the novel, Sarah’s Key explores themes of loss, guilt, identity, and the power of memory. It highlights the importance of remembering and acknowledging the past, even when it is painful, in order to prevent history from repeating itself. The book also sheds light on the often-overlooked role of France in the Holocaust and the lasting impact it had on its Jewish population.

Key Takeaways:

• The Vel’ d’Hiv Roundup was a tragic event in French history that saw the arrest and deportation of thousands of Jewish people during World War II.
• The novel emphasizes the importance of remembering and acknowledging historical events, even when they are painful, in order to learn from the past and prevent similar atrocities from happening again.
• Sarah’s Key explores themes of loss, guilt, and the power of memory, reminding readers of the lasting impact of historical events on individuals and society as a whole.

“I’ve learned that people have two faces, the one they show to the world and the one they keep hidden inside, and never the twain shall meet.”

In conclusion, Sarah’s Key is a poignant and thought-provoking novel that seamlessly weaves together the stories of Sarah and Julia. Through its exploration of history, memory, and personal identity, the book serves as a reminder of the importance of acknowledging the past and the power of individual stories to shape our understanding of the world.