A review by chandaferguson
My Real Name Is Hanna by Tara Lynn Masih
5.0
I was intrigued by the content of this story: A Ukrainian family of Jews trying to escape the threat of death and torture for the Soviet Union which is moving in closer and closer and becoming more and more dangerous. It tells of the family’s hiding, narrow escapes, living in caves and underground, starving and struggling, and much more hardships and conflicts. It’s a fictional story based on true elements, ideas, and people. Details maybe altered, but the overall story is a realistic fiction. Thus it’s tragic, heart-breaking, and difficult to read at times, but also so necessary and important for better understanding these aspects of history.
In the midst of pain and hardship, it tells a story of hope, perseverance, and resilience. It depicts surviving through what seems unsurvivable, which is such a heart-wrenching story. It’s one I do recommend for anyone, and it’s also a free Audible read. This book leaves out triggering and extremely difficult to read moments by alluding to facts and ideas (for example, the mother returns from the market with her clothes ripped and her face scratched but she never discusses what happened to her), but the main idea is a young girl recounting her story, so her perspective allows for some naivety that the reader may be able to read in between the lines for. I believe this is a highly effective technique for telling such a tragic story, so the reader isn’t overwhelmed with grief and hardship, and instead can focus on other elements of the story. It has beautiful moments in the midst of all the darkness and despair.
I think this is a wonderful story for young adults and teens to read in regards to a realistic depiction of the Jews stories. This is a highly sought after topic for that age as well, which I think makes this an even more effective and wonderful novel! It’s one everyone should try!
In the midst of pain and hardship, it tells a story of hope, perseverance, and resilience. It depicts surviving through what seems unsurvivable, which is such a heart-wrenching story. It’s one I do recommend for anyone, and it’s also a free Audible read. This book leaves out triggering and extremely difficult to read moments by alluding to facts and ideas (for example, the mother returns from the market with her clothes ripped and her face scratched but she never discusses what happened to her), but the main idea is a young girl recounting her story, so her perspective allows for some naivety that the reader may be able to read in between the lines for. I believe this is a highly effective technique for telling such a tragic story, so the reader isn’t overwhelmed with grief and hardship, and instead can focus on other elements of the story. It has beautiful moments in the midst of all the darkness and despair.
I think this is a wonderful story for young adults and teens to read in regards to a realistic depiction of the Jews stories. This is a highly sought after topic for that age as well, which I think makes this an even more effective and wonderful novel! It’s one everyone should try!