THE FOREST OF VANISHING STARS
BY KRISTIN HARMEL

I first discovered the accomplished Author named Kristin Harmel, last year during 2020, when I read her popular book called, "The Book of Lost Names." I had received an ARC of it and thought it was extremely well written and knew it would be read by many who also loved it. So I was very excited when I noticed on my dashboard her new novel called, "The Forest of Vanishing Stars." I had requested it in what seems like a while ago before it appeared. I stopped what I had been reading, (which were books already published that I wanted to read). I am so grateful that I did because this novel which is based on historical fact that was thoroughly researched is a book that in my opinion I loved even more. The title is perfectly suited to this fantastic novel regarding the heartbreaking events to the Jewish people who lived in Poland during the massive and senseless obliteration of approximately three million innocent lives taken by the Nazi's.

Kristin Harmel really out did herself with this flawlessly and stunning beautiful prose that she has incorporated into her latest novel. The writing is absolutely poetic in its lush descriptions of both the flora and fauna that inhabits the Polish forest where most of this story takes place. She seems to have poured her heart out on the pages of this brilliant part of history during World War II. The market seems to be over saturated these days with World War II. I assure you when I say this that this stand out novel is in a class all by itself in its uniqueness.

The story throughout had an almost fairy tale feel to it and also very much felt spiritual to me. I was immediately drawn into the narrative from the first page until the last. This is one of those books that you fall in love with the character's and are so sorry when the book ends.

The story begins in the 1920's when a wizened old woman kidnaps a two year old German girl from her biological parents. At first I was horrified by that detail but soon understood the rationale of why this occurred. Jerusza, who at first appeared cruel to commit such a terrible act had been watching this particular German husband and wife and in her observations thought that the toddler's mother was aloof and her father to want to crave power. The German child's mother's name was Alwine and her power seeking father's name was Siegfried Juttner. Jerusza had witnessed that the apartment that they lived in covered with roses and ivy and felt because they were not the ones that nurtured these plants, rather the task was left to their maid to do it. Jerusza firmly believed that since it was left to the maid to tend to the plants that it deemed the parent's were lacking the goodness it takes to nurture all life.

Jerusza had been watching the Juttner's for two year's and had learned that Siegfried Juttner had been one of the first to willingly sign up in Berlin's National Socialist German Workers' Party. This party was a new political movement in an already war ravished Country from World War I. From her tracking the Juttner's unbeknownst to them, Jerusza had also observed that Siegfried's inspiration to join the Party came from attending a speech of an angry young German named Adolph Hitler. Jerusza had somehow gleaned the knowledge that the child that she was to kidnap was conceived during the night Siegfried had attended what I imagined was anti-Jewish rhetoric from Adolph Hitler. Their stolen child was named Inge and she had a dove shaped birthmark on the inside of her left wrist.

Jerusza, who was already an old woman seemed to have other worldly visions of events taking place in history before they happened. I don't ever condone the theft of a child from their parents in any circumstance. The unimaginable grief of losing an innocent child taken from one's home would be enough to cause the parents to die of heartbreak. I was frustrated with Jerusza for stealing Inge and for the way she renamed her Yona. I thought that she was some sort of wicked witch for committing such a vile act. In her other worldly wisdom that she innately had is something that I haven't meet anybody ever to have acquired. I had to suspend belief for this very beginning which isn't at all a spoiler for the many years that Yona will grow up in the Polish forest learning to live off the land which Jerusza has taught her.

This is a fable like story which also incorporates historical facts that I learned in the Author's note. While I read about some of the tragic events that took place, I was captivated by the enchanting magical vibrations by the selflessness and loving goodness in the characterization of Yona. I was able to put aside Jerusza's actions which I initially felt were deplorable because she taught Yona so much about how to survive and be a leader who saved many lives. Also absorbing Jerusza's almost sixth sense of foretelling the darkness that often foreshadowed harm before it happened by circumventing it. Most of the story takes place in the forests of Poland where many Jewish refugees flee the Nazi's cruel extermination of the Polish Jewish race.

I sound like a broken record reiterating just how beautiful the writing is in this masterpiece of the Polish Holocaust. I appreciated that this was a story unlike the many World War II settings that I have already read. If you read just one historical novel this year about the Holocaust, please consider letting this be the one you choose. Be sure not to miss the Author's Note at the end which will entice you and lends the authenticity of this saga. Kristin Harmel lists all of the multitude of the title's which she read to craft this important part of history. I highly, highly recommend this and I will seek out her earlier books. This is truly unforgettable and is a favorite for 2021. I can't wait to purchase this for family and friends and of course, myself, for that special book cabinet.

Publication Date: July 6, 2021

Thank you to Net Galley, Kristin Harmel and Gallery Books Publishing for generously providing me with my ARC in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.

#ForestofVanishingStars #KristinHarmel #GalleryBooks #NetGalley

Thanks to Netgalley for an advance copy.

I read Kristin Harmel 's, The Book of Lost Names, and loved it. So I was excited to receive an advance copy of this book. When I first started reading I thought it was a fantasy book. I did like the different take on a WWII book. Overall, the book was okay for me. I felt like I was reading and going nowhere. It took me a week to finish, I usually finish a book in 2-3 days max. Also at times I felt some things were rushed.

I really liked this. It was very different and took a fresh perspective to WWII. I thought it was very well written. Thank you to netgalley foe the ARC. All opinions are my own.

This book is absolutely breathtaking! A truly original story, based on real characters and real events, beautifully and realistically fictionalized into a book you won't be able to put down.

Yona is a young woman kidnapped from her Berlin home at the age of 2 by a strange old lady, who takes her into the forests of Eastern Europe to raise. In the process she educates Yona in several languages as well as how to sustain herself in all situations she might encounter living in the forest: herbs to heal and mend wounds, techniques for disappearing in plain sight, disarming bad guys, and much more...keep in mind that this is FICTION). While some of this may be over the top it makes for a suspenseful and heartstopping story. After her kidnapper dies Yona finds herself helping villagers in a nearby town to escape, and then to support themselves as they hide from the Germans in the forest.

This book is so many things - a tale of history, of coming of age, ofthe best and worst in people. Yet it's told with finesse, compassion, suspense and love. I believed every word I read, in fact I wanted it all to be real. It's truly a wonderful book. I can't recommend it enough, would give it 6 stars if I could!

This was my second Kristin Harmel book, the first being The Book of Lost Names.

In The Forest of Vanishing Stars, we meet Yona, kidnapped at age two by a woman who just takes her from her home and raises her in the forest for over 20 years. Jerusza teaches Yona how to hunt, fish, build makeshift homes, and all the survival techniques she will need while battling the elements and man! The practical person in me was thinking "She was in a forest for over 20 years, never seeing a doctor or dentist?" But yes - she was!! She even made medicines out of flowers and herbs!!

Once Jerusza dies, Yona is all alone until she meets other refugees escaping the Nazis. She teaches them all she knows about surviving in the forest and how to stay safe as they move from camp to camp.

Some of the executions were very hard for me to read. While I know this all happened in real life, I found some of the scenes so very sad, which helped me learn and have extreme empathy for anyone who survived WWII. The losses those people must have endured are truly tragic and heartbreaking.

I don't want to give spoilers of course, but we follow Yona through many trying times in the forest, and we witness her saving lives - and taking lives, as well as dealing with someone from her past. She's an extremely strong young woman and a true heroine!

I saw another reviewer said this book didn't pick up until about 40%, and I'd say it took me until 60% before I felt it got to the 'meat' of the story. So stick with it definitely!! You won't be sorry! The first half was a bit long in my opinion, and there were a lot of characters to learn, but it is a very good book and you really will learn a lot about WWII - and the human spirit.

This novel is a very unique take on WWII and one woman’s quest to help many Jews reach safety. The plot initially drew me in with the supernatural vibes, however the beginning of the story felt rushed. The pacing for the rest of the book was odd and the “big moments” were predictable. I was fond of the main characters and invested in their fates, which compelled me to keep reading. However, I feel like the reader only got to know the main protagonist on an intimate level. I would have liked to go deeper within some of the other characters. Overall, this novel had so much potential but ultimately fell flat for me. I think it would be a fantastic movie, but did not go deep enough to be a great novel.

Thanks NetGalley for providing an ARC for an honest review.

This is an amazing book about the Jews that escaped the Germans and survived by living/hiding in the dense forests in Poland during World War II. It is so hard to believe all the trauma these people lived through and yet a number of them survived the horrors and recreated a life after the war. I don't really like war stories but do love reading about the real life stories of the people who were affected by the war. I would highly recommend this book.

This book does not read like the usual WWll novel. Starting out this book had the feel of a fairy tale even though it was based on actual events. It did get a little better after the first several chapters, although for the most part the story felt a little far-fetched. I usually enjoy books by this author, but this one failed to pull me in. I was a little disappointed. But still, it was an interesting book about survival in a forest during WWll. If you enjoy historical novels about WWll I think you will want to read this one. Thanks to author Kristin Harmel, publisher Gallery Books, and to NetGalley for providing a copy of this book for a honest review.

The Forest of Vanishing Stars by Kristin Harmel is a most unusual WWII novel, beautifully written with fantastical elements, which might suggest it is a fairytale. No, oh no, it is based on an all too real account of Holocaust survivors in Poland, who took to the deep forests for safety from the invading Nazi troops. I am blown away by the emotions this book brought out in me, it will stay with me for days to come. The protagonist is a 22 yr old woman, Yona, who was sheltered in the forests by an old woman, Jerusza, who had the gift of sight. Jerusza. was certain that Yona was destined for great things. And she was.

I requested an ARC of this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you so much for allowing me to review this book. #ForestofVanishingStars #NetGalley

In 1922, an old woman named Jerusza kidnaps a two year from her parents. The child renamed Yona, is raised in the forest and taught survival skills and to stay hidden from others.. Twenty years later, Jerusza has died and Yona is alone and unaware of what is happening in the world outside the forest. When she encounters Jewish refugees fleeing from the Nazis, she decides to teach them how to survive in the forest.
When a betrayal sends her into a town controlled by the Nazis, an encounter with the past will have a tremendous impact on her and the choices to be made.
An engrossing read.
Thanks to NetGalley for a copy.

After being kidnapped at the age of two, Yona lives her life in the forest with Jerusza, an older woman who kidnapped her and explained that she saved her from evil. She teaches her how to live off the land away from civilization for years until her passing. When Jerusza dies, Yona continues to live her life independently in the woods until a group of Jews wander across her path, fleeing from the Germans who have begun to take over their villages, killing their loved ones, looking for food and shelter. Yona uses her instincts and years in the forest to help dozens of Jews hide and forage for survival, but her desire to help others brings her right into the eyes of the enemy and a past she never expected to collide with again. Based on real accounts of bravery, heroism and surviving against all odds, Harmel weaves yet another WWII historical tale you will never forget. Add this to your TBR list for the Summer as it comes out in July.

Thank you to NetGalley for this advanced copy!!!

One of the best books I've read in a long time. I hated to see it come to an end.

Kristen Harmel achieved what so few seem to do these days and created a world and characters who came to life. You feel every fear and triumph as well as every sorrow and loss. A truly magical book.

The Forest of Vanishing Stars by Kristin Harmel is an excellent WWII-era historical fiction novel that truly capitivated me from beginning to end. Just stunning.

I have read several books from Ms. Harmel ( The Book of Lost Names, The Winemaker's Wife, When We Meet Again, and The Room on Rue Amelie) that I have really enjoyed, so I knew when I found out she had written a new book, that I had to read it. Boy, I am sure glad I did! What an excellent addition to an already impressive portfolio.

This is such a unique and wonderful novel. Reading the story of a woman that was kidnapped from her German family as a young child, raised, educated, and secluded in the wilderness by the woman that was her captor was fascinating. The author's descriptions, research, and knowledge on all of the survival skills and life-sustaining chores and support to keep one alive in the forests was so informative and interesting.

Yona is then thrust into the middle of the war when as she is living in the forests of Poland alone after the woman whom raised her passes away, she happens upon Jewish citizens that have entered the area in hopes of escaping and hiding from the Nazis. Yona then raises to the challenges and helps many individuals learn survival skills and helps hide/help them to safety. She selflessly puts herself in harm's way to helps others. In turn, being around others, being a part of something bigger then herself, Yona receives so much more in return.

The atrocities, the rawness, the fear, loss, and complex emotions that the characters exchange and feel themselves really affected me. As always, it was hard to read so much hurt, fear, and damage. This book gives a harrowing account that has some historical fact/basis, and it was just so remarkable and stunning, that I will remember this book for a long time to come. I won't divulge any more of the plot as I do not want to spoil anything for future readers, but I will just say I dare any reader not be affected by this novel by the time that it is finished. It is just that amazing.

5/5 stars

Thank you NG and Gallery Books for this amazing arc and in return I am submitting my unbiased and voluntary review and opinion.

I am posting this review to my GR, Bookbub, and Instagram accounts immediately and will post it to my Amazon, Instagram, and B&N accounts upon publication on 7/6/21.

Thanks to #NetGalley and Gallery Books for the advanced copy of this beautiful story, reminiscent of what I most loved in Where the Crawdads Sing.

This book transported me through the forests of World War II with a story that continually tugged at my heartstrings and I fell more in love with the further I went! At first, the story line of the old lady Jerusza, stealing a toddler to live with her in the woods outside Berlin felt a tad far fetched and was completely out of the ordinary of a typical WWII book. But - the more I dove into this book the more I loved their relationships and all that she taught Yona to prepare her for her future.

Recommend for fans of Where the Crawdads Sing and who are looking for a new perspective on WWII. Much credit to Kristin Harmel for the amount of research that went into the novel! I learned so much.

Thank you NetGalley for the ARC of this novel. This book captured my attention from the first page. As the story took me through the wilderness during World War II, the characters stories evolved. Yona was an amazing heroine and Harmel's beautiful writing allowed you to feel everything Yona felt. An unbelievable story of survival that will stay with you after the last page.

Such a wonderful book! I’ve always found the story of the Bielski brothers to be fascinating. This story shows the strength and courage people had during the war to survive.

A woman raised in the forest wilderness helps a group of Jews fleeing the Nazis. She teaches the Jews how to survive in the forest. In return, the group teaches her to open her heart and trust.. After betrayal by her lover, she escapes into a German-occupied village. Her past collides with her present. Betrayed by her past she returns to the forest and group of Jews. Based on true stories of survival in the Polish forests.

The first book I read by Kristin Harmel was The Life Intended. I don't even remember how I came upon this book, but it was one that stuck with me because it made me think, feel, and reflect so much after I was finished. I frequent Netgalley, and her last book The Book of Lost Names was one I requested because I absolutely love WWII fiction books and this book too, was one I devoured in a short time and that stuck with me well after the last page. I found out Kristin lives nearby me in Winter Park, Florida, so I am obsessed with one day meeting her. Her writing is perfection, her characters completely lovable, and her work well researched.

I am not to quote from this book since it is an advance reader copy, and not a published version, but my kindle copy of this book has highlight after highlight. I will share quotes once the book is published as I will be buying this book and displaying it on my book shelf. This honor is only reserved for my top favorite books and authors.

Yona, like Kristin's other heroine's is extremely strong and intelligent. She is taken by an old woman Jerusza from her German parents, a woman so incredibly in sync with the universe that she insists she was told to take the young child to save her as she was destined for greater things. Yona does not know her true destiny until her 22nd year, after the death of Jerusza and well into WWII when she encounters Jews hiding in the Polish forest.

This book is a MUST read. If you love Kristin's other books, or if you are new to her work, and you love WWII fiction novels, this is one you must buy.

This novel very much reminds us that we are part of a larger plan, and our paths, while not yet known, will lead us exactly to where God intends us to be.

I cried so very much reading this novel, as with every WWII book I encounter, I do not understand how the Nazis were brainwashed to believe Jews were so evil that they deserved to be driven to near extinction. It is a reminder that evil is very much alive, and goodness and kindness must be our driving force behind everything we do.

Thank you, Kristin Harmel for another amazing book. I can't wait for your next one!

REVIEW - 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟/5 🌟

Reviewing books for me is not easy. What constitutes a five stars read for you? For me? How do I recommend that “just right” book to people who all bring different life experiences to their read? For me, a five star book means the book changes my world view. Makes me think a new way. Obviously, I don’t give a five star review often. But for me, this book is just that.

Synopsis from the publisher: After being stolen from her wealthy German parents and raised in the unforgiving wilderness of eastern Europe, a young woman finds herself alone in 1941 after her kidnapper dies. Her solitary existence is interrupted, however, when she happens upon a group of Jews fleeing the Nazi terror. Stunned to learn what’s happening in the outside world, she vows to teach the group all she can about surviving in the forest—and in turn, they teach her some surprising lessons about opening her heart after years of isolation. But when she is betrayed and escapes into a German-occupied village, her past and present come together in a shocking collision that could change everything.

This book is based upon true events that I knew nothing about - Jews hiding from the horrors of the Holocaust in the forests. I kept looking up information as I read, and was fascinated by the way that Harmel wove this story together in such a beautiful way. Spirituality, love, loss, are all themes in this story that focuses on the balance of life, between good and evil.

Historical fiction at its best. If you loved The Nightingale, All the Light We Cannot See, or The Lilac Girls, you will love the Forest of Vanishing Stars. It will stay with you long after the book is finished.

Publication date is July 5, 2021.

Note: Thank you to Kristin Harmel, NetGalley and Simon and Schuster for providing me with an e-ARC in exchange for an honest review.

The Forest of Vanishing Stars by Kristin Harmel is Rich with Engaging Characters Determined to Survive Against the Odds

Harmel (The Book of Lost Names) reveals how one woman’s selfless kindness helped Jewish people survive German capture by hiding in the forest. In 1922 Berlin, eighty-two-year-old Jerusza steals two-year-old girl Inge from her parents, the Juttners, and takes Inge to live with her in the woods. Jerusza teaches Inge, whom she has named Yona, survival techniques, multiple languages, science, math, and the theology of various religions. Jerusza cautions Yona against the dangers of the world outside the forest, believing that she needed to take Yona from her parents to protect her. After Jerusza dies at the age of 102, Yona meets Aleksander, a young Jewish man leading a band of Jewish refugees from certain death in the Polish ghettos. Yona teaches Aleksander and his refugees how to survive in the forest, endure the harsh winter, and frequently move to avoid detection by German soldiers. Yona falls in love with Aleksander, and the loneliness she felt after Jerusza’s death falls away as she feels a purpose and unity with the people she is trying to save. When Yona and Aleksander’s relationship is fractured, Yona experiences a heartache unlike anything she has ever known.

Harmel draws on the actual life experiences of Aron Bielski who fled into the woods of Poland to escape the German soldiers during World War II. Her extensive research details survivalist techniques and evasion methods essential to avoid detection and provide food and shelter. The characters are mesmerizing, especially Yona, a uniquely gifted woman whose compassion evenly matches her intelligence. Readers will be captivated by this novel from the very first page.