The book follows Simone and her Jewish best friend, Hava, who both live in Brussels before the German invasion. Despite their difference of religion, the girls are like sisters and their friendship and love for each other is obvious. After Belgium falls, the two girls flee together but eventually get separated.
I would describe this book as a slow burn, with nearly half of the book focusing on the girl's friendship. I didn't mind this as it helped set the scene and allowed me to relate with Simone and Hava. I found both of them to be a bit naïve, but I loved how care-free and innocent they were. The excerpts which opened each chapter were harrowing and reminded me that the horrors in this book did occur less than a century ago.
The story was very emotional and heartbreaking. I would only say that the last third felt slightly rushed, and I would have liked to read more about Simone's time in Nazi-occupied Brussels. Would definitely recommend!!
I would describe this book as a slow burn, with nearly half of the book focusing on the girl's friendship. I didn't mind this as it helped set the scene and allowed me to relate with Simone and Hava. I found both of them to be a bit naïve, but I loved how care-free and innocent they were. The excerpts which opened each chapter were harrowing and reminded me that the horrors in this book did occur less than a century ago.
The story was very emotional and heartbreaking. I would only say that the last third felt slightly rushed, and I would have liked to read more about Simone's time in Nazi-occupied Brussels. Would definitely recommend!!