It's an intense, yet uplifting tale of hope, courage, and the resilience of the human spirit. Valérie's journey is a reminder of the power one person has to honor the past, even in the face of denial and opposition. This book is a powerful tribute to those who refused to let history bury these children's names.

Told in alternating time frames, The Forgotten Names tells the history of part of the French Resistance not often written about - saving the lives of Jewish children in France as their families were being sent to camps. As Valerie Portheret works on her thesis, she discovers a list of 108 names, all children whose parents had signed off on guardianship in a last-ditch effort to save their lives. She begins to investigate and is determined to find each of the 108 now-grown adults. The story, told with strong narration, goes back and forth between current day and the time of WWII. Readers who enjoy historical fiction of this time period, as I do, will be fascinated by this story. With the large number of characters and alternating time frames, reading the text would have been a better option for me than an audiobook.

Narrated by Saskia Maarleveld


<B> “Human beings aren’t naturally good, but neither are we irrationally evil. It’s just that our hearts house evil and selfishness. I’ve heard some say that the Nazis are cruel because they aren’t human. But turning them into wild animals or beasts doesn’t help undo the horror they cause. That’s what the Nazis have done against the Jews: attributed to one nation the ills of the entire world. The truth is that all of us are prisoners of egocentrism and all of us are capable of horrible wickedness.”</B>


The Forgotten Names is the story of a heroic act without precedent in Nazi-occupied Europe. A network of institutions and people of different ideologies and beliefs came together to carry out one of the largest rescue operations organized during World War II.

In Mario Escobar's own words —Writing a historical novel implies describing a part of the world that no longer exists, a part that has disappeared little by little and given way to something else. Someday the impetuous winds of time will buffet us until we, too, are history. The images engraved on our pupils, the sum of emotions and experiences that we all represent, will disappear forever. That futility of life makes us simultaneously giants and pygmies, believing the only way to prolong our existence is to perch atop the shoulders of the next generation and whisper a few phrases into their ears.

Today, some four thousand French men and women are recognized by the international community as Righteous Among the Nations. Thanks to these Righteous, three-fourths of the Jews in occupied France did not die. The majority of these were children.

At the peak of world war II , Germany had ordered France to hand over all the Jews which counted to about 60000 people including kids in that group too. When it didn't feel right, a group of people came together to rescue these kids, because rescuing others was not an option but they had found an exemption that could help them save these kids.

<B> The danger was constant, death was around every corner, and it was enough to know that the primary interest of the other was survival. Yet no one could pull it off without other people’s help. The individualism from before the war—that sense that a person’s life mattered to only the one who lived it—was a daydream from the past. The only way to survive in the world they now lived in was, simply, to trust others.</B>

At the age of twenty-three, Valérie began her riveting research into the rescue of the children of Vénissieux. After discovering a box with the children’s files, her research became a twenty-five-year journey to find those lost children and give them back their true identities.

The story of the forgotten names alternates between the main story of how a group of people saved 108 children from the clutches of death and Valerie's journey of finding out how did it happen and who these children were.

<B> The hundreds of exemption requests on the table were much more than paper forms for him. They were people’s lives, families who would disappear forever if they crossed the Rhine and reached Germany.</B>

What Hitler did to jews is unfathomable... No matter how many books I have read about holocaust, every time I read a new one I experience the horrors again. <I> Jews were like rats. They could outlast almost anything. So they had to be treated like the infectious animals that they were. There could be no mercy or compassion. Though the Nazis’ victims at times could look like innocent women, children, and older people, in actuality they were a dangerous plague that corrupted entire nations.</I>

<b> Genocidal tyrants like Adolf Hitler had always existed, but they only triumphed when an entire people became willing accomplices to their crimes. The world I grew up in was kinder than this one. We fought in the Great War and faced crises and plagues, but human beings still had souls. I’ve seen so much, madame. I wish I could drive it all out of my mind and heart. These people don’t know the hell they’re about to be taken to. The Nazis are devils with no souls.”</B>

The forgotten names had my attention from the first page and it didn't let it waver till the end. The narration is too good, enjoyed every bit of it.

Thank you Harper Muse| HarperCollins and Netgalley for this wonderful Audiobook which I highly recommend to everyone.

This book is sure gonna stay with me for a very long time.

Audiobook rating : 5 stars
Book rating : 4.5 stars

Dual timeline usually doesn't bother me, but this one was a bit hard to follow. Well written overall.

Title: The Forgotten Names
By: Mario Escobar

Genre:
Adult, Historical Fiction, WWII

Summary:
August 1942 - It’s the middle of the war, and Jewish mothers from Vénissieux are placed in a terrible situation, either send their children off to the concentration camps where they will likely die, or abandon their children all together, cut them off completely, in hopes that their babies lives would be saved. What is the right decision? How can a mother choose?

1990’s - Valérie Portheret is a law student with interest in researching “Butcher of Lyon” Klaus Barbie when she discovers a list of children’s names. With a reluctant advisor, Valérie stays persistent in her desire to figure out the story behind the list of children’s names. How far can Valérie go without getting her own emotions involved? Will she find the truth behind the names?

Review: This novel is a dual timeline novel told in two different timeframes, with two different main characters. I struggled in the middle of the book with the transitions between timelines. I enjoyed the present more than the past. Many characters in this part of the storyline needed additional depth, I struggled remembering who was who. The author did a wonderful job creating emotion, very sad moments as well as built up suspense. I became hooked about 75% into the book. So for me I struggled with this review. I love the premise and had really high hopes! Overall, I give this three stars.

I should also note that I listened to the audio of this book, and I did feel the choice of the narrator played a larger role than normal for me on the overall rating of this book.

Thank you Mario Escobar, Harper Collins Focus, and NetGalley for the Advanced Reader Copy for free. I am leaving this review voluntarily.

#Theforgottennames
#marioescobar
#Hapercollinsfocus
#reluctantreaderreads
#advancedreadercopies
#netgalleyreviews

⭐️⭐️💫

I’m a sucker for books about the Holocaust, and this one was very nice but it wasn’t my favorite. With a dual timeline of an event at the end of August 1942 in which a group representing a variety of different religions came together to rescue 100 Jewish children from deportation from Lyon and the modern day researcher whose study was to give the children back their original identities.

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This is a difficult read - but one reminding you light dispels darkness. . . .but it can take so long to get that light sometimes.

Venissieux, France. . .can you imagine knowing you were bound for certain death, you are holding your children close when you are presented with an opportunity for your child to live. to LIVE. All you have to do is sign the paper that pronounces them without parents, without a past. Then you must turn your back and head toward your own dark future, without a sure promise, with only a sliver of possibility. It was a difficult read. Had to put the book down often.

Then there is that monster, Klaus Barbie. The second storyline in this book has a student who is working through his atrocities, and begins uncovering the stories of those children of brave parents who did indeed walk into oblivion on the hope of their children's tomorrows. Every reveal had two sides - someone's escape and KB horrors.

I learned about sacrifices I'd never been taught, braveness that I can barely imagine, and wonder at the magnificence that can spring up at the intersections of crisis.

*A sincere thank you to Mario Escobar, HarperCollins Focus, and NetGalley for an ARC to read and review independently.*

This book gave me goosebumps. It is based on true events where mothers of 108 children had to make the decision to give up their children.

Thank you NetGalley, Mario Escobar for granting me this ARC.

*This novel is focused heavily the Holocaust and involves topics of family separation, death, sexual assault, racism, torture, and many more. Novels regarding such topics can be highly triggering and anyone considering reading this book should be advised to take into account the effects it could have on their mental health.*
A historical fiction masterpiece based upon true events “The Forgotten Names” written by Mario Escobar highlights a determined young law student Valèrie Portheret. Valèrie who at the age of twenty-three was working on her thesis in France the year 1992, came upon a list of unexplained names during her research on Klaus Barbie, also known as ‘The Butcher of Lyon”. She looked further into this list and found all one hindered and eight names were a list of Jewish children who were smuggled out of Venissieux Interment camp in August of 1942. Valèrie took it upon herself to make an attempt at reuniting all of these survivors with their original identities. Despite the challenges she faced due to the number of names, lack of records, as well as societies will to leave the past in the past, she was determined to give these survivors a sliver of peace.
A tragic, heartbreaking story with a beautiful ending and well written though I do have some critiques. I understand that the time frame had to be shuffled due to protecting the safety of others, however doing so was not executed all that well. I still found the writing done magnificently compared to a number of novels I have read but the order of these events made little sense in a few areas of the book. The tidbit of romance also took away from the story in my opinion. I know it brings a spark of hope, but for me I just found it to be unnecessary and instead of giving, it was taking. These kids had their identities stripped from them after being ripped away from their families, and yes the people who helped them survive are important but I can’t help but feel these survivors deserved to have the whole spotlight in this novel. Not to mention is just seemed out of place…
Besides that I really enjoyed this book and learned from it as well. Mario does an excellent job at taking a difficult topic adjusting it to make it easier to learn about while still showing how destructive and devastating the Holocaust was. Mario made sure to touch on a number of topics that need to be discussed more often while keeping the details minimal which makes this novel perfect for the older side of the young adult community. I even think it should be included in the reading list for history classes within the highschool curriculum.
I definitely recommend this novel and look forward to reading more from this author. Thank you to NetGalley, the author, and Harper Collins for providing me an audio copy of this novel in exchange for an honest review.

I recently had the pleasure of immersing myself in the world of WWII novels once again with "The Forgotten Names", and it was an incredibly enriching experience.

The story centers around the unwavering strength and determination of Jewish people to not only ensure their own survival but also protect their beloved children during the challenging times of WWII. The book eloquently portrays the tireless efforts of the French resistance as they embark on the perilous mission of rescuing young lives. Upon completing the book, I found myself deeply moved and profoundly affected by the heartbreak experienced by both parents and children separated by the circumstances of war.

The author's expressive and evocative writing held me captivated and often left me breathless with its emotional depth. The diverse and well-developed characters and the noble cause they pursued further enhanced the compelling narrative and made "The Forgotten Names" one of my all-time favorite WWII novels. I extend my sincere gratitude to NetGalley for providing me with the opportunity to read this exceptional book ahead of its official release.

Mario Escobar writing is so beautiful. It’s a story about true life events and the ultimate sacrifices that Jewish families made to save their children and the people who saved them. The story is told in dual timelines 25 years apart, when graduate student Valerie makes it her mission to tell the story of the 108 children. The story is heartbreaking and heartwarming. The narration by Saskia Maarleveld is done so well.

Thank you #NetGalley, #HarperMusePublishing, #MarioEscobar, #SaskiaMaarleveld and #TheForgottenNames for the advance audio version for my honest review.

Imagine waking up one day as yourself, only to vanish into oblivion the next. For hundreds of children during the Holocaust, this terrifying reality became a desperate survival tactic. Mario Escobar's The Forgotten Names brings these heart-wrenching stories to light.

Focusing on 108 French children, the book unfolds in dual timelines. Through the lens of law student Valérie Portheret's thesis, we follow these children's journeys from idyllic childhoods to the horrors of Nazi occupation. Originally seeking information on the notorious Klaus Barbie, Portheret becomes captivated by the children's plight, making it her mission to restore their identities.

Escobar masterfully weaves together the children's experiences, from the initial shock of separation from their families to the precarious existence under assumed names. Readers will be profoundly moved by the courage of parents who made the unimaginable sacrifice of relinquishing their children, the unwavering dedication of clergy who risked their lives to protect innocent lives, and the selfless acts of ordinary people who sheltered these children.

The Forgotten Names is more than a historical account; it's a testament to the enduring power of hope and resilience. Escobar's meticulous research and compassionate storytelling create a powerful narrative that lingers long after the final page. This book is a must-read for anyone seeking a deeper understanding of the Holocaust's devastating impact on children and the extraordinary efforts to save them.

An Unforgettable Journey through History - A Must-Read!

Mario Escobar’s Forgotten Names is a masterpiece that truly stands out in historical fiction. From the very first page, I was transported into the world he meticulously crafted. The narrator’s skillful storytelling made me feel like I was right there with the characters, experiencing their joys, sorrows, and triumphs.

The depth of research and attention to historical detail is evident throughout the book. Escobar has a unique talent for bringing history to life, making complex events and emotions accessible and engaging. The characters are richly developed and their stories are woven together in a way that keeps you hooked until the very end.

What sets this book apart is the narrator’s ability to immerse the reader in the story. Every scene is vividly described, every emotion is palpable, and every moment feels real. It’s as if you’re not just reading about the past, but living it alongside the characters.

Forgotten Names is not just a book; it’s an experience. It’s a poignant reminder of the resilience of the human spirit and the importance of remembering our history. I can’t recommend it highly enough. This is a book that will stay with you long after you’ve turned the last page. Ten stars!

As an audiobook, this book earned a 3/5 stars. As a well written story, this book earned a 5/5 stars. Due to the garbling of character names, no matter how hard I tried, I could not follow the audiobook. the pronunciation of the character names should have been done in ENGLISH, not FRENCH! I could not distinguish who was who because their names were not memorable to me. I was completely lost until I purchased the eBook. In effect, I read the book 2x and thoroughly enjoyed this gripping true story. It was unputdownable! Thank you so much for this grand opportunity.

I have long wondered why more WWII books are not set in Lyon. I lived there during a study abroad summer session in law school, and found it fascinating. I also found this novel fascinating. I normally would be put-off by this structure, attempting to highlight so many stories, but it’s right in this book. Right, and amazing. These children, these parents, oh my heart. Well done.

Thank you for the audiobook in exchange for an honest review.

This is for sure not a light read or an easy one. It will tear out your heart and stomp on it with all the pain, fury, unrighteousness, and sadness that is contained within these pages. Then, at the end, it will pick you up, dust you off, and leave you filled with relief and gratitude for the ones who were saved, and the knowledge that, despite the tragedies of war, there is still some good in this world.

I listened to this six-hour book on audio in one sitting. The narrator is decent and brings the heroes and victims of this harrowing novel to life beautifully. The story takes place in a duel timeline alternating between 1942 and 1992.

I found some of the chapters a little tedious with all the behind-the-scenes details about the courageous citizens of France, their local resistance groups, clergy members, the Red Cross, and others during 1942 in Vichy, France. But overall this is a really well-written and comprehensive novel.

I admit that I found the chapters featuring Klaus Barbie, nicknamed “The Butcher of Lyon”, quite fascinating. I’ve never heard of him before, so this was very interesting to me as this monster was evil personified.

Some of the most painful moments in this book for me were the times mothers had to sign their children away to save them from deportation. Even though it was to save their children’s lives, their anguish is so vividly described, it broke my heart. Mario Escobar expertly delves into the conflict felt by these mothers, and the unfairness of it all, giving new meaning to “between a rock and a hard place”.

Not only is The Forgotten Names a book about some of the Jewish children in France who were spared a terrible fate by the hands of the Germans in WWII, it’s also about Valérie Portheret and others, then and now, whose brave and selfless acts will go down in history as the ones who saved them from permanent eradication.

Many thanks to Netgalley and HarperCollins for an audiobook ARC in exchange for an honest review.

This historical fiction novel brings to life an important, but obscure, event from history which took place in the midst of WWII in German-occupied France. When foreign-born Jews were being sent east to interment camps, a team of people came up with a way to save over 100 children from that fate.

While this book didn't feel as emotional as similar ones I've read, it was an interesting enough story to keep my attention. The writing was concise and not overly descriptive, which I appreciated because it made for a quick read/listen. The narrator was excellent. She did an impressive job with the male voices. However, I did have to listen at a much slower speed than I normally do.

Thank you NetGalley and HarperCollins Focus for allowing me early access to the ARC audiobook edition of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.

The Forgotten Names by Mario Escobar


This is a historical fiction read set during nazi occupied Europe and the rescue operations during WWII for the children.

In France, a law student is researching her thesis and runs into a list of names. She finds out these were children who were smuggled out by getting new identities. She is determined to find out the true identities of these children. Over the course of twenty five years, Valerie locates these children who are now adults to share with them their true origins.

This is a heartbreaking story about strangers who risked their lives to save Jewish children. It is based off a true story of a heroic act and those with different beliefs and ideologies who were determined to help save lives from the horrific atrocities happening during WWII.
It is compelling, insightful, and a great reminder how one person can make a big
difference to help another human being.

The book is a huge reminder about doing our part to help children who are experiencing the devastating loss from their parents during war. In a way, this book is timely and poignant because of children currently being separated and forced to flee and continue to see injustices during war.

This is my second Mario Escobar novel and think he does a phenomenal job researching and bringing unique Historical fiction books to light. His writing is easy to follow, moving, and atmospheric. I look forward to reading more by this author.

The narration did a job on keeping me engaged and feeling the ranges of emotions throughout the story. It was a quick listen, but the narrator did a powerful job conveying the bravery, courage, and resilience carried out by these heroes.

"The Forgotten Names" by Mario Escobar is a historical fiction novel. The book tells the true story of Jewish children in Lyon who were abandoned during World War II. The book breaks your heart, it talks about parents who prepare themselves to go to death and abandon their children in the hope that they will stay alive.
An excellent book and audiobook that I will surely recommend. Thank you NetGalley for the ARC/Audiobook!

The book had short chapters which made it feel like the pace was fast and moving forward at a steady pace, but I found the writing to be a little stiff. I only found out after finishing the book that it was translated, so maybe it wasn’t translated well or the writing itself wasn’t good. I found it hard to keep track of the many characters mentioned in the book with very little of them being highlighted in the story to show importance. There was no reference to changes of the POV so that made it a little tricky to figure out when the next chapter started and needed to adjust to characters and timeline. The story was interesting and I usually love reading books about the past and reading more about the subject through other resources. I’m not into books with plots that focus extremely on politics or religion and the latter was prominent and lost me a bit with the story. Had I known this before picking the book, I most probably wouldn’t have picked this book.