A review by smalltownbookmom
Those Who Are Saved by Alexis Landau

4.0

A moving WWII historical fiction book about the hardships faced by Jewish families forced apart when they flee for their lives. Russian Jewish emigres living in France, Vera and her husband Max are ordered to report to an internment camp but in an attempt to save their young daughter Lucie, they entrust her to a close friend. Fate intervenes for this poor family when Vera and Max are able to escape to America but have no way to find where Lucie has gone to bring her with them. The majority of the story takes place in California where Max and Vera (both writers) try to establish a new life for themselves. Vera can't forget about Lucie and Max wants to start over leading to deep strains in their marriage. After the war is over Vera meets and begins an affair with Sasha and together the two travel back to Europe in search of Lucie. A heartbreaking journey with a happy ending but Alexis Landau does a great job highlighting the secret pain many survivors dealt from the loss and separation from loved ones during and after WWII. Recommended for fans of The Paris orphan, Children of the stars, The black swan of Paris or We must be brave.