The Forest of Vanishing Stars by Kristin Harmel is a different type of WWII book. While the knowledge of the Holocaust and the elimination of Jews is indeed a key element of the story line, it is an element. The storyline follows Yona from her kidnapping at the age of 2 until the end of WWII when she is a young adult.

The story starts with Yona being kidnapped from her home by an older woman. She then takes Yona into the forest - keeping her always on the move - and teaches her all about the forest and eking out a living in the environment. Once the older woman dies, Yona is left on her own and realizes that she needs people in her life. To me - this is when the story gets interesting and Kristin Harmel's wonderful writing showcases the true part of the story. Yona’s dedication toward helping people survive and understanding how to survive in the forest is so important.

I did know that many Jews who escaped the ghettos hid out in various places. I had no idea until I read the ending of the book how many survived in the forests in Eastern Europe. The strength of this storyline is Kristin’s writing and the main character Yona. While the first couple of chapters were weird, once the story started to roll, the reader was all in. The Forest of Vanishing Stars by Kristin Harmel was a good read and will stay with me.

4.5 ⭐️‘s
This book is an intriguing twist on the usual WW2 tale. A young child is kidnapped by an old lady who lives in the Black Forests of Germany. For many years as the girl grows to womanhood she is schooled by the old woman in the ways of survival and adaptation to the forest around her. When the old woman dies the young woman is left on her own until she meets a band of Jews that need her help. It is a story of love, what being a family really means, the brutality of the Nazi regime and the will to survive in the most difficult circumstances one can imagine. I was even more intrigued when I found out that the story was based on several actual bands of Jews who lived in the forests of Germany and survived to tell of their ordeal.

I received a free electronic ARC of this historical novel from Netgalley, Kristin Harmel, and Gallery Books. Thank you all for sharing your hard work with me. I have read 'The Forest of Vanishing Stars' of my own volition, and this review reflects my honest opinion of this work. Kristin Harmel is an author to follow. Her works are consistently first-rate, her story told with heart and soul, her facts well researched.

Yona was a child of two in 1922 when she was kidnapped from her hardline Berlinese parents by Jerusza, a hardened loner woman now pushing 80 years old, and taken to live the life of a regimented forest traveler, in summer moving every few days from hollow tree to handmade shelter, avoiding humankind, and living off the land. It is the only life she can remember, and Jerusza is despite her faults an excellent teacher of maintaining the basics and avoiding everyone else. Summers were times to gather and dry and store fish, mushrooms, acorns, and 'borrowed' staples and clothing from area farmers, and winters were spent in a dug-out, the weather making it not necessary to continually change their location. There were rules - moving about only with beginning snowfall, keeping fires limited to nighttime to avoid visible smoke, storing creek water or snow for liquid needs. The number-one rule according to Jerusza, you must always keep the universe in balance. Summer and winter, day and night. Sustenance and poison, good and evil. You must know the darkness to appreciate the light.

It was a very confining lifestyle, and lonely for a small girl but she knew nothing else. And then through the rumbles of approaching WWII, Jerusza dies. Yona is grown, and well trained. She can maintain her lifestyle just as it was. But she will make changes - and include people in her orbit. People hiding from the Nazis, Jews looking for escape in the forests- she can help them. She must help them. And so she does. It's an awesome tale, told quite well. I loved it. Hope you will, as well.

In Berlin on a dark night an old woman snuck into an apartment and took a small girl. They hid in the forest. The woman Jerusza taught the girl,Yona all she knew about surviving in the wild. The girl was very quick to learn how to hunt, what plants to eat and how to build shelters. The most important lesson Jerusza taught Yona was to trust her instincts and to listen to herself.
One day after Jerusza was gone Yona saw some men running through the forest. After observing them for a while she decided to approach them. They were Jews running away from the Nazis. After hearing about the fighting and murders Yona knew she had to help them.
This is a very intriguing look at the war. It was good and thought provoking.

Having read The Book of Lost Names, I knew The Forest of Vanishing Stars was a must read for me by Kristin Harmel. She writes such fantastic historical fiction. World War II stories are always hard to read because of how terrible of a time it was for everyone, but even more so for those who were hunted like animals by the German’s and had to live through dire circumstances. Harmel has a way of writing that pain and tragedy where you feel it deep in your bones, but you fall in love with these characters and their strength.

The Forest of Vanishing Stars was very different from other stories of Jewish survival. I have read stories where people hide in houses, barnes, sewers, and more. But this is the first one I have heard where people had to learn to survive off the land and steer clear of German soldiers at the same time. If I am being honest, this story started out slow for me. I struggled for the first 20%. Not because it was boring, but because it just meandered along. I’m a person that needs things to focus on and interesting aspects to keep me connected. I struggled at first. But once I passed that 20% mark the book picked up and I have zero complaints.

There were a lot of characters in this book as groups of Jewish people fled into the forest. You met a lot along the way. I loved many. I disliked some. I even hated a few. I love when a book pulls out strong emotions regarding my feelings towards characters and this one did it. I was not a fan of Aleksander and found him emotionally abusive and taking advantage of Yona many times to a point where I was angry every time I had to read about him. I loved the children and how their characters brought the other characters joy in times when they were at their lowest. I love how Harmel gave descriptions of the characters, but not really in depth ones. I had my own images of each character in my mind, which likely would be different from others vision of them. It was just enough information to set the scene and then I was able to imagine the rest. A good author doesn’t have to overexplain. The reader is able to create a world out of the description given.

The Forest of Vanishing Stars may have started out slow for me, but quickly because a heart wrenching story of survival, family, personal growth and love. This is a must read for 2021. It might be a World War 2 story, but it’s so much more than that.

This is a beautiful book of suffering and resilience. Before World War II, Yona, stolen from her German parents by an old woman, becomes a child of the forest. When the Nazis start murdering the Jewish people. Yona works with and leads a group of refuges in the forest. Yona finds the best and worst of humanity, living through betrayal, but finding love. This book is beautifully written. You'll cry for the overwhelming loss, but cheer the resilience of these ordinary but extraordinary people. Yona is a true "shero" who you will never forget.

I love Ms. Harmel’s books and think this may be her best so far. Her newest book is a story of hope, courage, bravery, survival, and love. It is also a story of determining who we are inside and how to become that person.

Yona was born to a German family and named Inge. But when she was two years old, she was stolen from her parents by a woman named Jerusza and renamed Yona. Living in the forest, Jerusza taught Yona valuable survival skills. These skills would be the key to Yona’s survival and her ability to save other lives.

As the Nazis gained ground in Poland, thousands of Jews fled to the deep forests of Eastern Europe to escape their clutches. When Yona encounters some of these Jews, she feels she must help them survive. But because she has been isolated deep in the forest throughout her life, she has no social skills. All this leads to a fascinating story of underground bunkers, danger, hardships, trust, conflict, and betrayal. But through it all, Yona learns how to open her heart to others. And when Yona comes face-to-face with her past, her world is turned upside down.

Ms. Harmel did intense research so she could tell the story of the real-life Jews who lived this story. The writing was so vivid that I felt an emotional connection with the characters. I could feel their fear, their hunger, their shivering in the harsh winters, and the solace that came from looking up at the stars from deep within the forest.

I highly recommend this stunning book to all historical fiction fans.

I loved that this wasn't a typical WWII book about Jews fleeing Nazi Germany. I feel like there are so many WWII books these days, and loved that this one was different than all the rest. I had so many emotions reading this book. I loved the main character, cried for her, and was angry at other characters. I didn't want the book to end and was sad when it was over.

Yona is stolen from her parents and taken to live in the forest with Jerusza. Jerusza teaches Yona how to survive in the forest by teaching her how to hunt, protect herself and gather the right berries and mushrooms. When Jerusza dies, Yona is left to survive in the forest by herself. She runs into a group of Jews who are fleeing from their city to avoid death and she joins with them to teach them about the forest. Yona is content with helping them until she is betrayed and runs to a nearby town that is controlled by the Nazis. This is where she runs into her past and must make a decision that will impact the rest of her life.

I was 100% captivated with this book right from the start. Harmel really did extensive research and you can tell in the detailed descriptions of the forest, plants and the herbs to use for medicinal purposes. I could vividly see the swamp and was transported there with Yona. I am excited to read more books by Harmel.

This book was not what I wanted it to be. While i enjoyed the glimpse into life in the forest escaping the Nazis, the story dragged on and on, to a point where I almost gave up several times. It was repetitive. It was boring. I wish for more.

The Forest of Vanishing Stars is a beautifully written historical novel, set during World War II. I absolutely could not put this book down once I started it!
Author Kristin Harmel has crafted an exquisite story of survival and courage with a heroine struggling to find her place during the horrors of war.
Two year old Yona is stolen from her German parents and raised deep in the forest by a stern old woman named Jerusza. Yona is taught history, religion,languages, foraging, herbal medicine and survival skills for years deep in the forest, with no contact from the outside world, in order to someday fulfill her destiny.
My heart raced as Yona stumbles upon the band of Jewish refugees and vows to help them survive the pursuing German onslaught . Love and the human connection bring joy and sorrow as Yona discovers herself and valiantly tries to save those under her care.
A giant thank you to #netgalley and Gallery Books for the gifted e-arc in exchange for this honest review.

A heart wrenching story of survival against all odds. Filled with intense suspense, haunting and inspirational, and filled with wonderful complex and interesting characters. This is a real page turner. A must read.

This wonderful book grew even more wonderful about halfway through when I flipped to the back and read the the Author's Note before reading on. Learning the history on which the story is based made the story seem so much more realistic, while retaining its mystical bent. I read and review mostly Christian fiction; this book isn't that, but it does have spiritual aspects and is tastefully written. The story will appeal to fans of historical fiction as it is set in a forest in Poland during World War II, and includes characters with very real struggles of the times. The theme of character being shaped by hard times is very well formed, and one that is as pertinent to the present as to the past.

I am grateful to have received a complementary copy of The Forest of Vanishing Stars from Simon & Schuster via NetGalley without obligation. All opinions expressed here are my own.

Another great book by an amazing author! It takes place during WWII. Yona is kidnapped from her home in Berlin when she is 2 years old by an old woman whose name is Jerusza. She takes her to live in the forests of Poland, where she teaches her survival skills growing up. She uses these skills after Jerusza dies. While living in the forest she meets Jewish people who are escaping from the Nazis. She teaches them her survival skills of finding food and building shelters.
Thanks to NetGalley for letting me read this wonderful book!

The Forest of Vanishing Stars is such a unique WW2 story. After being kidnapped from wealthy German parents and raised in the woods, Yona finds herself in a position to help Jews who are trying to flee the Nazi’s in the woods.

Yona was a great protagonist. Her understanding of the world seemed based on childlike innocence because she didn’t grow up with the social prejudices she would have if she’d been left in society.

The book honestly felt too long to me and drug on a bit but overall the story was an incredible story of survival, resiliency, and hope.

One of my favorite parts was the authors note at the end where Harmel talked about her research for the book and her interviews with a man who was in a Jewish group in the woods during the war and survived. Truly incredible!

Thank you @netgalley for my free copy in exchange for an honest review!

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (I feel like I’m leaning more towards 3 or 3.5 stars because it felt too long but I think that may be a me problem and feel like the story and Harmel’s writing deserve more so I’m rounding up)!

Kristin Harmel might be my favorite author so I always look forward to her new releases. I have been a reader since The Sweetness of Forgiving, and I haven't missed a single book of hers since then. I absolute loved the last book she wrote before this, The Book of Lost Names, anad I wasn't sure another book set in the same WWII era could surprise me or add a new subject matter that I haven't previously read (since WWII historical fiction is my favorite genre), but Kristin Harmel surprised me with this one. I don't know how I never knew that there were Jewish people hiding in the forest during the holocaust, but it was interesting reading this fictionalized version of the people who did. Even though The Forest of Vanishing Stars belongs to the WWII historical fiction genre that Harmel has been writing in for years, there were some elements to this story that were different that I really enjoyed. I recommend this book to anyone who enjoys historical fiction.

What a wonderful book. Heart wrenching but the resilience of people going through horrendous situations can be heart warming. Couldn’t wait to turn the next page!

Many thanks to NetGalley and Gallery Books for gifting me a digital copy of this amazing book by Kristin Harmel - 5 stars!

Yona was taken from her parents' home as an infant and raised in the woods of Eastern Europe by a wise old woman. When her protector dies, Yona is alone in the woods until she comes across a group of Jews fleeing Nazi persecution. Yona is horrified to discover the atrocities that are going on in the world and she vows to protect the group and teach them to survive in the woods. But the group also teaches Yona to open her heart to other people, even when that may cause pain.

What an incredible story based on true events, with Jewish people hiding in the woods to escape the Nazi's. The atrocities of that time never cease to appall and there are a never-ending number of stories from that era. This is an impeccably-researched book and so well written. It is gripping, suspenseful and celebrates the human spirit and drive to survive. I loved the author's note at the end quoting a survivor of one of those living in the woods - Be nice if at all possible. In these days of such racial and societal discourse, sage advice to be sure. Highly recommended!

The wonderfully well-written book is about a kidnapped girl and then learned to survive in the woods assisting Polish Jews fleeing the Nazis. Told from the main character's point of view, Yona grows and learns the meaning of family, loss, and how to overcome survivor's guilt.

The book is well researched, and the authors note at the end is moving in and of itself.

Kristin Harmel has become an automatic buy for this reader, and this book is a great example of why.

I want to thank Net Galley, Gallery Books, and Ms. Kristin Harmel for an advanced copy in return for an honest opinion.

From my blog: Always With A Book:

This is the second book I’ve read by Kristin Harmel, though I do have quite a few of her other books on my to-be-read shelf. And after absolutely loving this one, I will definitely be moving those other ones up on my list.

It’s no surprise that I love historical fiction and no matter how many books I read that touch upon WWII, I feel there is always a new take and this one is like none I have read before. I was immediately captivated by this story that primarily takes place in the forests of Poland and has almost a mystical quality to it. It’s a book that manages to evoke such a wide range of emotions throughout. I found myself becoming very emotionally attached to these characters, most especially Yona, but some of the others as well. I laughed, I cried, I got angry and I cheered with these characters. I was completely invested and I did not want it to end.

I love when we are given a strong female lead and that is what we have here. Time and again, Yona is forced to rely on her survival skills not only for herself but to help others stay alive and safe from the Germans. It’s not only a matter of life and death, but it ultimately becomes a matter of trust.

This book showcases the atrocities that went on during this time and the author’s note at the end is fascinating in it’s own right. I am so glad I picked this one up and I’m even more excited that to be discussing it in one of my online book clubs – this book has so much to unpack and chat about. I will definitely be recommending this one to everyone I know…it’s not to be missed!

This book was a slow start for me. In fact, I put it down for a couple of weeks before trying again. Boy, am I glad I gave it a second try! The beginning of the story is allmost fantasy-ish. An old lady takes a young child and teaches the child how to survive in the forests of Poland. The child grows, learns, and shares her knowledge with others. As the story progresses, Jewish and Christian principles and ideas are shared. I found myself taking notes and writing down sentences that seemed thought provoking. This turned out to be a favorite book.