The Book of Lost Names

Author: Kristin Harmel
Length: 388 pages
Publication Date: First published July 21, 2020

Book Summary: The Book of Lost Names

Eva Traube Abrams, a semi-retired librarian residing in Florida, finds herself captivated one morning while shelving books. Her gaze falls upon a photograph in an open magazine nearby, and she is momentarily paralyzed by recognition. The image depicts a book she has not encountered in sixty-five years: The Book of Lost Names.

The article accompanying the photograph delves into the extensive looting of libraries by the Nazis throughout Europe during World War II, a harrowing chapter in history that Eva recalls vividly. The narrative focuses on efforts to restore stolen texts to their rightful owners, highlighting a particularly intriguing case—the eighteenth-century religious text that was believed to have been taken from France during the war’s final days. Currently residing in Berlin’s Zentral- und Landesbibliothek, this book is rumored to contain a mysterious code, the origins and significance of which elude researchers. Yet, Eva possesses the key to this enigma, prompting the question: will she find the courage to confront her past and assist in reuniting lost treasures with their rightful legacy?

In 1942, as a graduate student, Eva was forced to flee Paris following her father’s arrest as a Polish Jew. She sought sanctuary in a remote mountain town within the Free Zone, where she began the perilous task of forging identity documents for Jewish children escaping to neutral Switzerland. However, the act of erasing identities comes at a profound cost. Alongside a dashing and enigmatic forger named Rémy, Eva resolves to safeguard the true names of the children too young to remember their identities. The records they meticulously compile in The Book of Lost Names gain even greater importance after their resistance cell is compromised, resulting in Rémy’s sudden disappearance.

With its rich narrative, The Book of Lost Names echoes the themes found in The Lost Girls of Paris and The Alice Network, serving as a poignant tribute to the indomitable human spirit and the profound courage and love that can emerge in the face of unimaginable evil.

Download in PDF, ePUB or Audible Format: The Book of Lost Names

The book The Book of Lost Names by Kristin Harmel is now available for download in PDF format. Additionally, you can listen to it for free on Audible via Amazon. Take advantage of these options to explore this captivating story today!

What readers are saying about The Book of Lost Names

“The Book of Lost Names” has resonated with readers, offering a captivating blend of historical fiction and emotional depth. Many find the narrative compelling, as it weaves a poignant story set against the backdrop of World War II. The characters are well-developed, and their journeys evoke a strong connection that lingers long after reading.

Readers appreciate the beautifully crafted prose and the way the author brings to life the struggles and triumphs of individuals during a tumultuous period. The themes of love, loss, and resilience are handled with care, making it not just a story of war, but a tale of human spirit.

Overall, the book has been met with enthusiasm, as it invites reflection on the past while reminding us of the importance of memory and identity. For those seeking a thought-provoking read that combines historical insight with emotional resonance, “The Book of Lost Names” is certainly worth considering.