After a week of so-so reading, Georgia Hunter's We Were the Lucky Ones came through with historical fiction that was emotional and beautiful, at the end. The Kurc family is a tight-knit family of Polish Jews who literally find themselves in different countries after Poland is split between Germany and Russia. They are then flung all over the world during the remainder of World War II and its aftermath and struggle to reunite. The family simply wants to be together for Passover but doesn't know if they will ever be together again for the holiday. One thing that I must mention about this book is that this is one book where you should read the author's note. We Were the Lucky Ones is based on true stories from Hunter's own family. This makes the novel all the more emotional.
This book has an enormous amount of characters. They span an entire extended family with in-laws and cousins and the like. While there are a few main characters, this story is told from the perspective of several different characters and it can, at times, get a bit tedious. The story, however, more than makes up for it. The strength and determination of this family is admirable. Those who believe that the Jewish people sat like waiting ducks until fate did them in should read about all of the ways in which this family tries to thwart the Nazis. From the very beginning, when the matriarch of the family, Nachuma, disguises gold pieces into buttons in order to save them, we know that this is a family that refuses to allow their circumstances to undue their family or their faith.
This is a book that is set during World War II in Nazi-occupied Europe; there are going to be some sad parts. I almost cried as I read about the wedding in which those celebrating had to mute their shouts of congratulations because they did not want to be caught by the police. That being said, I really felt that this book was more about hope than about the fear and anguish that was felt by the characters, at that time.
This is a great novel for anyone who likes historical fiction, history or family dramas. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and highly recommend it.
This book will be available on February 14, 2017 and can be purchased from Amazon and Barnes & Noble. Read more reviews on this book on Goodreads.
I received an advanced copy of this book from the publisher in order to review it but that did not have an effect on my review of the book. This is my honest opinion of this book. I am a participant in the Amazon Affiliates program. By clicking on the Amazon link and purchasing this product, I receive a small fee. I am not associated with Goodreads or Barnes and Noble in any way and the links provided are available strictly for your convenience and not to imply a relationship of any kind.
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