Gina Roitman’s first novel is a joy and a conundrum. It’s an engaging, multi-layered story that is a love story, a family saga, a mystery and holocaust historical novel. What is different from most is that it takes on the emotions and anxieties often felt by second-generation survivors - people whose parents survived the holocaust although they themselves were often born in freedom and later lived in comfort, and yet still have inherited and lived trauma from their parents.

The story-telling is page-turning, and the flashbacks illuminating as they give substance and background to the the characters, and also provide context for those not as familiar with the horrors of the holocaust. Yet I felt some of the motivations are left out. We the reader must decide for ourselves why they happened. Especially concerning the mother. Maybe I didn’t believe she would act on what is essentially an idiom. What I do believe is that I would have needed a lot more therapy to get my life in order if I was her daughter. Also, a little thing - I think the title of the book is not engaging enough.

This is a good story. I am quoting someone here: “Good stories can be one of two things: they are either windows or mirrors.” If I tell you I married into holocaust survivor families, my husband was born in a DP camp in Germany, and my ex’s family name is one mentioned in the book, albeit spelled differently (and more) I don’t’ have to say which was mine for this book. I had to stop and over and over and remind myself this is a novel. Or is it?

Many thanks to Guernica Editions and NetGalley for the ARC of this enjoyable novel.

What a beautiful story, combined with some drama, suspense and history. This was a very entertaining read, and I enjoyed it a lot. Haven't read anything by Ms Roitman before, but will do so in future. Recommended.