This month’s pick of the month from Andrea Peskind-Katz from GREAT THOUGHTS, GREAT READERS is:
Code Name Sapphire by Pam Jenoff
“A heart-wrenching exploration of the decisions women must make when their loyalties are put to the test in the most unimaginable of circumstances.” –Sarah Penner, New York Times bestselling author of The Lost Apothecary
A woman must rescue her cousin’s family from a train bound for Auschwitz in this riveting tale of bravery and resistance, from the bestselling author of The Lost Girls of Paris
Code Name Sapphire by Pam Jenoff is an untold story of Belgian resistance fighters based on real-life heroes during World War II. These unsung heroes overcame insurmountable obstacles to quietly support the war efforts of the Allies. A young woman developed a complex network to lead downed pilots to safety over the treacherous terrain of the Alps. This network also put significant barriers in the Nazi regime and supported those that had little say in their future.
This book features three unique young women brought together to face a common enemy. Micheline is the 23 year-old mastermind behind the expansive and secretive Sapphire Network. Her quick wit and dedication to helping others survive is truly amazing. Hannah, a 30 year-old refugee, witnessed the death of her fiancée and loss of her unborn child in Nazi Germany while working for the underground. She became an exile in Belgium dependent on the charity of her cousin, Lily. Lily, uninterested in the resistance, worries instead about the choices Hannah made that led her back into the underground. The difficult circumstances forced all three women to make decisions and endure hardships in their fight to survive that leave the reader breathless.
As usual, the talented Jenoff creates an immersive story based on truth that draws you in and just will not let you go. She describes in vivid detail the many heart-breaking elements and subsequent lessons taught about the true power of human resilience. These women did not let their lack of training, equipment, or resources stop them. They forged on, finding ways to enact change that left lasting effects on humanity. Jenoff transports the reader into a past where courage, self-determination and the hope of freedom despite betrayals overcomes doubt in order to make a difference.
Lessons Learned
This latest masterpiece by Jenoff showcases the mission of losing oneself in the service of others. Code Name Sapphire is well-researched and impeccably written. It brings you into the life of heroes most are unfamiliar with, but deserve our accolades. What a legacy they left! Despite incredible challenges, these three women found a way to defy daunting odds and fought against the societal barriers.
I was provided a free advance reader copy from Park Row Books in exchange for my honest review. The opinions shared in this review are my own.
About Pam Jenoff
Pam Jenoff is the author of several books of historical fiction, including the bestsellers The Orphan’s Tale and The Lost Girls of Paris, both of which spent multiple weeks on the New York Times and USA Today bestseller lists, among others. She holds a degree in international affairs from George Washington University and a degree in history from Cambridge, and she received her JD from UPenn. Her novels are inspired by her experiences working at the Pentagon and as a diplomat for the State Department handling Holocaust issues in Poland. She lives with her husband and 3 children near Philadelphia, where she teaches law. Learn more about Pam Jenoff .
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About Andrea Peskind Katz from GREAT THOUGHTS, GREAT READERS:
Andrea Peskind Katz runs Great Thoughts, Great Readers, a Book Salon presented via her private FB group where approximately 6000 prolific readers and authors interact. She also founded Greatthoughts.com, a lifestyle website blog focusing on Great Books and Great Travel. To quote Robert Frost, she created her “second act” career to “unite my avocation and my vocation”. After 20 years in high pressure sales, Andrea retired to spend time doing what she loves best: hanging with her family, reading good books.
Each month, Andrea chooses a book for 50PlusToday that is either written by or for 50Plus individuals.