I was so excited to read this book as I am lover of Historical Fiction, especially WWII. This was a story I hadn't heard anything about. While it seems to have been thoroughly researched, there were so many characters it was extremely hard to follow or to connect with any of them.

A dual-time story set during WW2 (mostly summer of 1942) and modern time spanning roughly 25 years. The historical aspect is based on the true story of 108 Jewish children who liberated from a camp in France as they were to be sent to concentration camps. The modern storyline follows the true story of a woman who ends up spending roughly 25 years locating and recording the stories of the 108 children spirited from the camp. Both storylines are based on actual events and people and woven into a fascinating story of people who cared more about helping others than about what would likely happen to them if caught. A well told story.
I received an ARC copy from NetGalley and the publisher. All opinions are my own.

This is truly a gem of a read! “The Forgotten Names” is a courageous tale of love and resilience. The captivating plot acquires depth through the use of past and present timelines and It’s definitely a tear-jerker, so make sure you have a box of tissues handy. I cannot praise this book enough, it is a must-read, especially if you are a fan of WW2 Historical Fiction Novels!

The Forgotten Names by Mario Escobar is the first book I've read by this author; I now look forward to reading his other works! This story was absolutely heartbreaking, but ultimately uplifting. Man's inhumanity against man knows no bounds, but neither does the courage of those who fight evil. The book is told in dual timelines, which can be confusing at first. Make sure you read the year which begins each section to keep the story straight.

Law student Valérie Portheret of France is doing research on Klaus Barbie, "The Butcher of Lyon", for her thesis in 1992. She unexpectedly comes upon a list of 108 names. When she investigates further, she discovers those were the names of children who were smuggled out of the Venissieux Internment Camp in France which was under the Nazi regime in WWII. Those children were given new names, new lives and were actually hidden in plain sight. When her research brings her to Chateau de Peyrins, the son-in-law of the original owner of the Chateau shows her meticulous hidden records of the children who found safety behind the castle's walls. Valérie becomes determined to locate each of the original Jewish children, now adults, in order to hear their stories and to shed light on their true origins. She spent 25 years on her quest, which wasn't always easy, as some people don't want to remember the Holocaust, or even deny it ever happened.

This is a must-read book, especially at this current time when anti-Semitism is disturbingly on the rise. This author apparently does his research, and he is extremely knowledgeable about World War II. On the of the most interesting things in the book comes at the end, when he gives a timeline of the major events of that war. There were mentions of battle locations that I wasn't even aware of; this makes me want to do more reading about history of which I'm ignorant. I was familiar with Klaus Barbie, but I learned new things here about him, also. I suggest getting the e-book version of this book; trust me, you're going to want to look up a lot of information about these events, people and locations yourself. Barbie sent thousands to their death; he was also a brutal man who had no qualms about rape and torture. A little of that is shown here, which I believe was necessary to understand the man. I didn't learn much about Valérie from this book, besides her being a determined woman who would not rest until she tracked down all the children and heard their stories. I read the stories of the French men and women who rescued the children here; there were many, and I'm sorry to say I didn't write down all their names. However, they were based on actual people. These French men and women became known as Righteous Among the Nations for rescuing children. There were priests, a therapist, and many others from different walks of life; they were determined to save these children from certain death, and they were willing to forfeit their own lives to do so. There were stories that focused on some particular children; I especially remember Rachel, 8 years old and playing her violin to keep up the spirits of the other children. The most heart-wrenching thing about this entire episode was that exemptions for the work and extermination camps were granted for unaccompanied minors, so the parents had to actually sign away their rights for their children (even though our heroes had to sneak out the children, as Barbie had planned to send them to the camps anyway.) I cannot image the heartbreak and trauma these parents faced. Not only were they giving up their rights as parents to save their children, but they knew they would never see them again, as most knew what their own fates would be in the camps. I couldn't stop sobbing during these stories. I enjoyed when Valérie met the saved children as adults. “Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it.” – George Santayana, The Life of Reason, 1905. May we never forget that!

I received an ARC of this book courtesy of the publisher and NetGalley. I received no compensation for my review, and all thoughts and opinions expressed are entirely my own.

Escobar does a wonderful job of showcasing the best and worst of humanity. His latest is an emotional and difficult book to read due to the topic. I have read numerous books about this topic, in general, but I have not read many that pertain to the families who took in Jewish children to save their lives. It was heartbreaking to read, particularly knowing that this is based on true events that should never be forgotten. I've read multiple books by this author, and they are always very well written and researched, and they stick with me after the final page is turn. This one is no exception. With this book, it is hard to imagine the courage that the parents, as well as those taking in the children, demonstrated. It certainly may leave the reader questioning what choice they would have made to save the life of their child, or whether or not they would have risked the lives of their family to save that child. There are two storylines from different periods. One is on the effort to save the French Jewish children from deportation to concentration camps, and the other is not a doctoral candidate who is using this historical period of time for her dissertation. She becomes more invested than she anticipated. This is not a fun read, but it is an important one.

It is hard to keep track of all the characters in this book because there are so many of them. The book just barely touches on most people's stories. However, despite that it is still worthwhile because it shines a light on an important but little-known historic incident when a group of people banded together and did what was right and saved the lives of 100 children. It reminds us that we should always have the bravery to stand up for what is right. One person can make a difference, and together we can make an even bigger difference.

The Forgotten Names is an inspiring, compelling, and unforgettable WWII story of sacrifice and heroism.

Inspired by true events and real people, The Forgotten Names is the story of Jewish children who were smuggled out of Nazi-occupied France during WWII. The contemporary timeline shares the story of real-life law student, Valérie Portheret, as she attempts to track down these children from the list of 108 to hear their stories and provide them with any available birthright heritage from 1942. It took her twenty-five years.

“You won’t get the children.”

Just as I think I might be burned out on WWII histfic, I come across a stand-out read.

Some of the most poignant and unforgettable WWII stories are the ones about saving innocent children. In The Forgotten Names, 108 are saved. One of the most compelling parts of the story is their rescue from Venissieux, an internment camp, where they were held.

Protestants, Catholics, and Jews often worked together to help the under served during this time, especially Jewish children. How did people with different beliefs come together to rescue children and save as many as possible? It’s a miracle in the darkness. Organizations like the Organization to Save the Children were formed at great risk to its members. Lyon, France seemed to be the center of this Resistance and was known especially for the number of children saved.

An unimaginable choice…

Saving the innocent requires sacrifice on many levels. The most heartfelt and tragic sacrifice is made by parents who, with almost no certainty of seeing them again, relinquish their children to strangers in hopes that their lives will be spared. I often wonder what I would be capable of doing to save my children’s lives. The brave souls who hide, smuggle, and transport the children risk and at times sacrifice their own lives as they protect and keep secrets. The children exchange their sense of security and happy childhoods for survival. The sacrifice is staggering but inspirational.

Mario Escobar provides us with a well-researched, well-paced, and well-written multilayered story from multiple perspectives. At the beginning, I took notes to keep multiple characters and locations from the 1942 timeline straight in my mind. The author helps us see the story from the perspectives of the organizers of the Resistance, the caretakers responsible for the children’s safety and security, and from the children. We also have a perspective from the lawyer in 1992 as she tracks down the names. This is a complex and compelling dual timeline story and TBR worthy.

Content Consideration: WWII atrocities, separation of families

I love untold stories of ordinary people doing extraordinary things in the most difficult and unthinkable circumstances. I’m highly recommending The Forgotten Names for fans of well-written, well-researched, and compelling WWII historical fiction. Readers who appreciate stories that focus on saving the innocent will find this story riveting and memorable. It has secured a place on my best of 2024 list.

Thanks #NetGalley @harpermusebooks for a complimentary e ARC of #TheForgottenNames upon my request. All opinions are my own.

Finding a list of names while researching her thesis, Valerie Portheret vows to track down these Jewish children who were hidden during WWII. Visiting the Chateau des Peyrins she finds records of these children and the brave men and women who risked their lives to save them. Well written and recommended.

Set in a turbulent time, it follows characters trying to piece together their lost pasts. Escobar's writing beautifully captures deep emotions and the complexities of their journeys. He skillfully blends historical events with personal stories, making you reflect on the importance of remembering where we come from.

If you enjoy historical fiction with a lot of heart, this book is definitely worth a read.

This work of historical fiction is a dual-timeline story based on the rescue of 108 children from the Vénissieux internment camp on the outskirts of Lyon, in the Free Zone of France in 1942, and the experience of Valérie Portheret, a French historian who, after discovering a box with the children's files, spent more than twenty-five years finding most of those children and giving them back their true identities. The author's notes on the true events at the end of the book are as fascinating as the story he has written. The novel more thoroughly covers the 1942 storyline, and I enjoyed learning more about Ms Portheret. I enjoy Mario Escobar's writing style, and appreciate the work of his translator, Gretchen Abernathy, in making his novels available in English. His writing is crisp and he truly embraces “show don't tell” in getting the emotions of his characters across to his readers.

I am grateful to have received a complimentary copy of The Forgotten Names from Harper Muse without obligation. All opinions expressed here are my own.

I gave four ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ to The Forgotten Names. Thank you Net Galley, Harper Muse Books and Mario Escobar for the ARC. These are my honest opinions.

I loved this book! I have my masters degree in history, so I’m partial to historical books. I love how Mario Escobar took one specific event, did all of the research and then put it on paper.

This book will rip your heart out. A very haunting read. Knowing that this is a true story and these events really happened, will hurt your heart. It’s so hard to fathom that people can be so cruel and evil. It’s even harder to fathom people being forced to make such difficult and soul wrenching decision about the ones they love, especially children.

Read this one!

This story is both riveting and deeply moving. The resilience of the human spirit, as depicted in World War II narratives about the Jewish people who were imprisoned, never fails to captivate me, and this tale is no exception. Based on actual events, it recounts the daring rescue of 108 children and the adults who risked everything to save them from certain death. The magnitude of their efforts cannot be overstated. As some reviewers have noted, the book's challenge lies in its multitude of characters, which can be hard to keep track of. Initially overwhelmed, I chose to focus on the story of the children instead. The bravery of the adults who faced torture and death to save these children profoundly changed me. This book will stay with me forever. Although this is my preferred era to explore in literature, this particular rescue was new to me. The parents' courage to send their children away from the camp, knowing they would never see them again, epitomizes true love. It is, indeed, an incredible gift.

In 1992, Valérie Portheret is studying law in Lyon, France and learns about the lost children of Lyon. Based on the true story of Portheret and her mission to reunite Jewish children with the true names they hadn't even realized they'd lost. I found the topic to be interesting, but the writing style made it hard to really connect to the book.

When I see a book is about WWII, it's almost always instantly added to my TBR. I just love reading about wars and find the history behind it so fascinating. On top of that authors are typically very creative in when writing stories in this time period. So when I saw The Forgotten Names, I immediate knew I wanted to read it. While the content and history behind the story was interesting, I found it hard to connect with the story. It didn't pull me in like I wanted it to. Upon finishing the book, I learned that this has been translated and I honestly think that affected my reading. I don't think the translation came across as a beautiful story like it probably was written in its original language. Now, I'm not saying that this book was poorly translated or anything, I just feel like the writing didn't pull me in like it should have. However, this book was a very quick read. I enjoyed that the chapters were so short, and as I mentioned above, I thought the topic was interesting. I'm not sure if I'd recommend this or not, but if you want to learn more about Jewish children and how someone went to learn their true names and stories, then you might want to check this one out.

This book was fantastic and heart wrenching. Mario Escobar did a wonderful job of bringing mothers’ heartbreaking decisions to life, as well as highlighting the beautiful souls who saved the children. I think that these stories being told through the lens of someone in the 1990s was a brilliant choice, as it brought perspective to the story that otherwise would not be there.

I definitely recommend this book to historical fiction lovers.

The Forgotten Names by Mario Escobar is a heart bruising and poignant story about those who courageously risked everything during World War II France to save the lives of 108 children. Many channels in the astonishing rescue team which hid the children and transported them included clergy, ordinary (yet extraordinary) citizens and Resistance members. While reading I reflected on the fact that those precious lives have since impacted many others including their own families. Had they not been heartbreakingly signed over to freedom fraught with danger along the way by selfless parents, they would surely have perished. Nazi Klaus Barbie was instrumental in the torment and deaths of thousands of innocent people. Every life saved was a miracle and victory and needs to be celebrated.

Decades later, Valérie Portheret, who researched the discovered list of 108 names and included her findings in her thesis, painstakingly identified them and visited as many as she could in person. What a challenging and rewarding twenty-five-year task!

It is unimaginable to be faced with saying goodbye to your children, knowing it would be for the last time. Reading of the screams of children and parents is haunting and moving. Every day after would be a living nightmare wondering where they were and what became of them. The "Righteous Among the Nations" are true heroes.

Not only is the story gripping and gut wrenching, the writing is powerful in its simplicity. This is a very important book, clearly well researched, and should be required reading. It reads like a Nonfiction more than a novel and is based on factual events and people.

My sincere thank you to Harper Muse for providing me with a digital copy of this outstanding book in exchange for an honest review.

I received a copy for review purposes; all opinions are honest and mine alone.


In the midst of researching Klaus Barbie for her thesis, law student, Valerie Portheret, discovers a list of 108 children that were smuggled away from the Nazi’s by a tiny group of very determined resistance workers in Lyon, France. After convincing her professor that THIS is where she needs to focus her research efforts, Valerie spends 25 years uncovering the details, locating the children, now in their 70’s, and remembering THE FORGOTTEN NAMES.

Altho’ this book is classified as historical fiction, the fictional aspect is minimal, IMO. Author, Mario Escobar, adds dialogue between characters and rearranges events, (within a very reasonable timeline), in order to make the historical facts more interesting and readable.

A few other reviewers have not enjoyed the format for this book but I found it added to the veracity. Can you imagine what it would be like to find a list of 108 names that was 50 years old and with almost nothing to go on, try to locate the people? The world is a big place, 50 years is a literal lifetime and names get changed. For these children, names were changed on purpose and later on, marriage for women, new countries for others and on and on. As the research happens, the contemporary timeline pops into the book with updates as to Valerie’s progress. In the past timeline, events occur chronologically. Both timelines are written in short chapters. The translation is flawless.

Escobar is able to tell a story about horrific events without resorting to gratuitous and graphic language. It’s one of the elements I most admire about his writing. Given the current events in our world today, THE FORGOTTEN NAMES is a book that should be read by many📚

Read and reviewed from a NetGalley eARC, with thanks

Set in two time lines, this important and interesting piece of historical fiction is based on the life’s work of Valerie Portheret, a French doctoral student whose research was on the Jewish children of Lyon that were saved from the gas chambers by French resistance in 1942 Vichy France. Valerie’s hope was to examine historical evidence and then identify rescued children, then find them as adults in order restore their identities . Although I’ve read much about the Holocaust and the Nazi final solution, I was previously unaware of this mission.

When Jewish refugees were being rounded up as foreigners with no rights under the French constitution, by order of Petain, puppet of the villainous Nazis rulers, and Klaus Barbie, the notorious Butcher of Lyon. there were brave French non Jewish citizens, one a Catholic priest with Jewish ancestry, who devised a plan to save the children of doomed adult Jews. Parents had to relinquish their rights in order for the children to be hidden in new homes. Heart rending stories were told of parents tearfully signing away rights to their beloved sons daughters, as the older generation was led to their death.

Written more like non fiction, or news reporting, the book told a riveting tale of humanity’s attempt to avert evil. There are many individual stories told but not all were followed though. It would have been good to have a chart summary of the children and their journey to adulthood. Although I would have preferred a more focused in depth characterization, the story is extremely relevant in today’s world , where levels of antisemitism are at a new high, where Holocaust deniers abound and the world turns a blind eye to Jewish deaths.

Four twinkling stars for a book that must be read by all who seek the truth and would like to acknowledge real heroes. My thanks to NetGalley’ and Harper Muse for an ARC in exchange for an honest review Publication date is very soon, June 11,2024. Order it now.

Courtesy of Netgalley and Harper Muse, I received the ARC of The Forgotten Names by Mario Escobar. This well researched historical novel introduced me to the plight of the French Jews incarcerated at the Vénissieux camp in Lyons, before their deportation to German concentration camps. Emotionally recreated in this story, the brave French clergy, Resistance members, civilians and social service organization personnel resisted the Nazis and saved 108 Jewish children in August 1942. Valérie Portheret was later drawn to research the identity of these children, for 25 years, completing her doctoral thesis with this information. A compelling tribute to the resilience of the children and their saviors!

The story of the many children who's parents had to decide to abandon them or watch them perish during was intriguing to our main character during her studies and ultimately helping match names to loved ones.
I did really enjoy the subject matter, as I love historical fiction based in WWII especially.
I felt the dialogue included a lot of information dumping both of historical events and character development statements as well as other full pages of paragraphs that read like a textbook to me.