I binged this book in one day!  It was such a heart wrenching read.  Eva's life is turned upside when the Nazi's in France start taking members of the Jewish community.  After her father is taken she is forced to flee with her mother and ends up in a place she might be able to help others.  As she learns that her art skills could help create forged documents she stays to assist.  This choice causes a long line of consequences: strained relationships, new relationships, and reunited relationships.  Remy is who Eva learns to work with as they create the documents for the children.  As they learn to work together they learn that these children need a way to remember who they were: hence the creation of the book of lost names, a way to safely keep track of who the children become.  As the Nazi's close in their operation becomes increasingly unsafe until they must disband, all making choices that impact the future.  

This read tore me apart but gave me hope.  The Book of Lost Names demonstrates the horror of WWII France and what the Jewish population unfortunately faced but it also showed that there were people to fight, people who put others first, and people who were not ready to give up.

After the Nazis raid their Paris apartment and arrest her father, Eva forges identity papers for herself and her mother and flee to the free zone and on to Switzerland. But in a small town in the free zone, her papers are recognized as forgeries by a group that need her help. They produce false documents to help hundreds of Jews escape, many of them children. Eva, feeling heartbroken that these children won't remember their own names or heritage, creates a code in a religious text linking the children's forged identities to their real names. After the war ends, Eva discovers that the book has been confiscated by the Germans. Then in 2005, Eva now in her 80s, sees an article about lost books and recognizes her book of lost names. Desperate to recover the book, she travels to Germany, hoping to discover a message from the love of her life who disappeared in the war. 
Inspired by a true story of forgers during the war, this book was informative and fascinating.  Highly recommended for anyone that enjoys historical fiction of WWII.
Thank you to Kristin Harmel and Gallery books for the opportunity to read this book. I received a complimentary copy of this book through NetGalley. The views and opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.

Harmel has added another excellent book to the list of recent titles that showcase the role of women in WWII. Like The Nightingale, Code Name Helene, and The Alice Network, this centers on how women helped in the resistance efforts to defeat the Germans and save innocent lives.

The story takes place in France and centers on Eva, a young grad student with artistic talent who works in a library in Paris. When she needs to have her and her mother’s Jewish identity papers changed, it falls upon her to forge their own documents. This leads to her helping hundreds of people, predominately children, get forged documents to help them escape to Switzerland. 

The book is based upon real events, though the characters are fictional. As Ava works with Remy, a young man from the resistance, she decides it’s important to track the birth names of the children who are given fake identities. A secret code that relies on the mathematical Fibonnaci Sequence, is inserted into a religious book’s text to document the names so that children might someday reclaim their heritage. This book was confiscated by the Germans and after being missing for over half a century, resurfaces in Germany. When the elderly Ava reads a news account searching for the owner of the looted book, she knows it’s her book that contains the key to the lost names of the Jewish children who fled France during the war.  She immediately sets off for Germany from her home in from America to retrieve the book and share the secret of the code. 

Little known stories like Ava’s are part of the rich history of the resistance, and especially the role of women. The events in the book are based upon the stories of real forgers, though the characters and the particulars are fictional. Similar to the novel, there are people today seeking to reunite owners with books stolen by the Germans. Authors like Harmel use the details of historic events to weave a rich tale that enlightens as well as entertains. This is another engaging book to add to the list of outstanding historical fiction.

Reading the description of this book reminded me of Irena's Children. This story for me, all Holocaust stories in general, is always heartbreaking and heavy. Knowing what these people had gone through especially children. The book is very well-written. It gives you an insight into what happened in WWII in France.
#NetGalley #TheBookofLostNames 

This eBook was provided by Gallery Books and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

Interesting and well-written World War II novel about a young French Jewish woman who becomes involved with the resistance, forging identity papers to help Jewish children escape from Occupied France. Definitely worth reading for anyone who likes World War II fiction.

Well written and descriptive. The author caught the mood of the era very well. Great character development. An interesting and engaging story.

This is a perfect blend of modern and period piece. I absolutely adored this book. Wonderfully written. So well researched. Such deep characters that I felt every emotion for. Yes, yes yes.

Book of Lost Names by Kristen Harmel

Brief Summary:  

Highlights: Eva, a librarian comes across an article that chills her blood. A book that survived the Nazi looting of libraries has resurfaced and seems to contain a code that researchers can’t crack. Eva hasn’t seen the book since her days as a forger during the War. When she and Remy worked long hours to forger papers for hundreds of Jewish children and secretly coded their names so their identities wouldn’t be lost; until the day their resistance cell was compromised and he disappeared. This is my third book by Kristen Harmel. I requested it and was thrilled to read it because she is one of my favorite authors.

I had incredibly high expectations and she exceeded them! This book compares to the Nightingale, the Lost Girls of Paris and the Things We Cannot Say!  I absolutely loved learning about how the forgers worked and the stories of the children tugged at my heart strings. This was also a heartwarming read for an art lover. I was absolutely glued to this book and finished it in 24 hours. I could barely tear myself away. 

Explanation of Rating: 5/5; I would give this five plus stars if I could

Favorite Quotes: I’m frightened. I am too, but the greatest deeds in life require us to rise above our fear.

The idea of a German ally was still taking some getting use too. It was a reminder that it didn’t matter where someone had come from, virtue could live within everyone.

Once you have fallen in love with books, their presence can make you feel at home anywhere; even in places you shouldn’t belong.

This is a must read for WWII historical fiction enthusiasts. Please please please give us a movie. 

Thank you to Net Galley and Gallery Books for an ARC of this novel in exchange for an honest review. I already bought a copy of this book for my personal library to support the author!

Kristin Harmel is THE author to read if you are interested in WWII historical fiction stories. I loved reading her latest hit and will be recommending this book to all of my friends.

I started this book last night and finished it today! What an exciting read! I actually didn't want it to end. I haven't read anything else by this author but I will definitely watch for more books by her. She has a unique way of writing. I felt like I was in the story. So much about history is in this book, When I was reading it I was reminded of Kristin Hannah's book, so I recommend it for fans of Nightingale. A true feel-good book! I love love loved the ending! You are never to old to find your one true love.

Thank you NetGalley for the chance to read and be intro'd to this author. I'm a Historical fiction geek and at the moment really interested in stories about World war two so this appealed to me. All about the French forgers of WWII who saved thousands of men, women, and children. This book was well written with excellent detail and research. The main character Eva is a strong and smart and resilient woman. Her character is well-developed and I enjoyed her story. Not my favorite book but a good read.

Going back and forth between the present and France during WWII, Eva finds herself helping out with the resistance to save Jewish children from Nazis. 

I'm going to be honest, I couldn't finish this. It was written like a movie from the 1930s where women were damsels in distress and men were dashing and manly and it just wasn't for me. It didn't feel grounded in reality despite the historical backdrop.

Wonderful story about a Jewish survivor during Nazi filled Europe. About how she makes a mark, one survivor at a time, to save their identity. The book of lost names is a must read, love story, with an unpredicted ending.

Another wonderful book by Kristin Harmel! I just love her writing style. Her knowledge of history and her ability to tell a story made this a page turner. And the ending! I loved how she did that. Outstanding!

I read a lot of World War II historical fiction, but this is the first one I've read this year because it was just too heavy for 2020. That said, I loved this book. Eva was a fantastic character, and it was so interesting to learn about the forgers who saved so many people during the war. The concept of the Book of Lost Names was beautiful, and so many things towards the end of the book were both heartbreaking and touching. This was everything I like in a World War II novel, and I can't wait to read more of Kristin Harmel's books.

The Book of Lost Names was such a wonderful, gripping, tear-jerker book for me.  I loved the story, the characters and their development, and the romance.  The author does such a great job of describing the town of Aurignon so that the reader is there with Eva and her mother. The intensity of the invasion and escape scenes had me holding my breath and racing through the pages.  I totally got swept up in this story of bravery and love. 

The only part of the book that I struggled with was the ending. While I love how it wrapped up everything so nicely, it definitely wasn't expected and also not the type of twist that I felt was necessary or added to the book. 

Overall, I would rate this book a 4.5 and definitely recommend this book to other readers. And, I most certainly will be reading other books by this author.

This was such an excellent book - as always this author's research and detail are just stellar. Granted, the market is a bit saturated, in my opinion at least, with the historical fiction books based on WWII; however, with Kristin Harmel's latest, she delves into the lives of the people who forge documents to smuggle out Jewish children from occupied France. This is the first book I've read on this topic, and I found it enjoyable and plausible (even though I am still trying to figure out the math formula she uses to "remember" the children's names!). The story centers around Eva Traub, a Jewish girl in her mid-twenties, who is forced to flee with her mother to the area near Switzerland, in hopes of escaping persecution from the Nazis. Wanting to help the cause, she meets with the local priest, who is organizing forged documents to move Jewish children from the safe houses across the border to Switzerland. Realizing her artistic talents could be used, she offers to help - at least for a few months, until her and her mother's trip to freedom can be arranged. She joins forces with Remy -an accomplished forger - to expedite documents, as they need to move the children as quickly as possible. Realizing some of these children are so young they won't remember their true identities, Eva develops a code for writing in a religious book their assumed names along with their real names; she is determined these children aren't lost to history. So the Book of Lost Names begins. This was a wonderful story, with fully fleshed characters and descriptions of the scenery that you feel like you are right there with them on their journey. You won't be able to put this one down - it deserves 5 stars and more from me! Thanks to NetGalley and Kristin Harmel for ARC kindle edition of this one - absolutely loved it! (less)

"Books are magic."

I love historical fiction books, I really love them when it's a brand new storyline I haven't read before (and that's a tough feat with a book about WWII) and I especially love them when there is the most amazing hook at the beginning of the book. This book immediately sucks you in from page one and you won't let out your breathe until the very last page.

The writing is as smooth as silk. The character development is simply phenomenal! Eva is one of many heroes you will read about. This really is a captivating, thought provoking book. I fell in love with the characters and their bravery was beyond inspiring.

This isn't just a book about WWII and the Nazis driving all of the Jews out of France. This is a story about bravery, friendships, family, hope, sacrifice, honor, resilience, betrayal and love.

"I would rather die knowing I had tried to do the right thing than live knowing I had turned my back." - Pere Clement

Despite the horrific atrocities happening to them, the daily fear of death, the characters find a way to turn the dark into light, to find hope when there is none, they find a way to survive.

This book grabbed my heart, moved me and touched my soul in a way that I didn't want to let go. Read this book. I promise you will not be disappointed. If I could give this book more than 5 stars, I would. One of the best books of 2020.

My thanks to Kristin Harmel, Gallery Books and Netgalley for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

My Thoughts
A book that gave me all those warm fuzzy feelings and those teary eyed moments.

What I Loved
AT FIRST
The title captured my interest first; even before I knew what it was about. The Book of Lost Names – does it not make you curious as to what it would be about? I certainly was – so count me in!

I certainly love reading historical fiction; and somehow have been drawn to books set in WWII more often than not. Those stories do tend to leave one feeling a bit heart-broken, a little inspired, often teary-eyed, and many a time wondering about humankind (the good, the bad, and the ugly sides of it). The Book of Lost Names does all of that, and does it effortlessly in page-turner fashion.

THE CHARACTERS AND THEIR STORIES
The characters and their endearing, heart-warming, inspiring stories captured my attention and my heart; and without realizing it, I soon found myself at that ending, one that left me feeling all the feels.

From the very first page, to the ‘The End,’ I was swept up in Eva’s world; between present day Eva reclaiming herself, and the Eva of years ago working to ensure that those whose identities she forged could reclaim theirs someday. And of course, was also caught up in the ever present dangers; as well as that sweet yet impossible romance between courageous Eva and the sweet and brave Remy.
 
Every character in the book is fleshed out so well; I wanted to know more about what was happening to each of them as the story progressed; even Eva’s mom who got on my nerves a few times.

OF COURSE, THE HISTORY
Harmel weaves fact and fiction together seamlessly; and I love how she integrates the little known stories of the forgers in the resistance. The historical details further added to the richness of the story; and increased my interest in a book I was already heavily invested in!

AND THE REST
The Author’s Note is a must read.
And so many books/authors are mentioned throughout, including Adventures of Tom Sawyer, Jules Verne and more! What’s not to love about books within books?!
I love that the book reminded me of other favorite reads; Anne Frank, Number the Stars, The Book Thief, and The Sound of Freedom, among others.
And it also reminded me of sweet romance novels that leave you smiling.
I appreciated how the ugly side of WWII was not glossed over, and yet balanced with a sensitivity to pull at heartstrings while not breaking your heart fully.
And as for quotes, there are simply too many, so I will let you read the book for yourself!!

In Summary
Harmel has created wonderful characters, and then proceeded to spin together their stories – of love, sacrifice, of duty and of helping others in need first, of family, of the love of books, and last but, not the least, secret codes and math – into a book that will constantly tug at heartstrings, amaze and inspire as you read it; and then stay with you long after you close it.

Perfect for readers who love women’s fiction, WWII fiction, historical fiction, or romance, or books about books; in short, perfect for readers!

Disclaimer: Thanks to NetGalley and Gallery Books for the digital review copy of this book. All opinions are my own.

This book is heart-wrenching and brilliant tale. Eva Traube Abrams, a librarian, discovers a photo of book while shelving books in her library that makes her stop completely. The book details a flashback in 1942 when Eva was a student and was forced to leave Paris after the arrest of her father. Eva began forging documents for Jewish children and to keep the operation quiet. I absolutely loved this book and would highly recommend it to my audience.