Thank you Harper Collins for the #gifted copy to read and review.

For me, if I can’t escape to a fantasy world, I want to read about the hero’s from WW2. This time period always resonates with me, especially if you take me to France.

The Forgotten Names is an incredible, based-on-true-events story of how 108 children were rescued from a concentration camp in 1942.

This story is both heart-warming and devastating. There are so many characters and perspectives. From the clergy to the nazi, the children to the rescuers. Everyone has a story and I was immediately drawn into this book.

The narrator, Saskia Maarleveld, did an incredible job.

4.5 sad but worthy stars! The Forgotten Names was the fourth book that I had the privilege of reading by Mario Escobar. As in his prior books, I learned more about what had occurred during the Holocaust that I had not known about before I read The Forgotten Names. As hard as it was to read about these heart wrenching facts that actually occurred, it is so important. The acts of antisemitism and the determination to permanently eradicate the Jewish people from the face of the earth must never be forgotten or taken lightly. In The Forgotten Names, Mario Escobar, detailed the unselfish acts of the brave citizens of France, local resistance groups, clergy members, social workers and the Red Cross in Vichy, France in August of 1942. Klaus Barbie, better known as the “Butcher of Lyon” was intent on eliminating France of all its Jews regardless of age, gender or any health factors. Barbie was a ruthless German officer of the Gestapo that was in charge of Vichy, France from 1942-1944. No one, not children or the elderly, were safe from his unscrupulous and merciless actions. He was feared by all and for good reasons. Forgotten Names was written in a duel time line alternating between 1942 and 1992. I listened to the audiobook that was narrated by one of my favorite narrators, Saskia Maarleveld. Her performance was amazing and she easily distinguished between the many character's voices.

In 1992, twenty-three year old law student, Valerie Potheret, was trying to decide on her topic for her doctoral thesis. Initially, Valerie settled on researching all the evil that Klaus Barbie inflicted upon the Jewish people that resided in France during World War II. While Valerie was researching all the atrocities that Klaus Barbie inflicted upon the Jews, she discovered a list in a box that contained 108 names. That list piqued Valerie’s curiosity. After seeking out source after source, Valerie finally realized that the list of names belonged to the 108 Jewish children that had simply vanished from the Venissieux internment camp in August of 1942. The French government had kept the names of those innocent children who had been saved from deportation and most probably death hidden for years in the confines of the Chateau de Petrins. They tried to hide those heinous crimes from the world. When Valerie was told whose names were on the list, she knew that she had found the topic for her thesis. Valerie pledged that she would not stop until she located every person on that list. She worked relentlessly for twenty-five years to discover, identify, learn each child’s story and in some instances, give the child back their given name and learn what had become of each of the 108 children who were spared from deportation and most probably death. Valerie traveled tirelessly throughout Europe, Israel and the Americas to locate all of the 108 children.

Back in August 1942, the Jews that remained in Lyon, France had been rounded up and placed in the Venissieux Internment Camp. Klaus Barbie, better known as the “Butcher of Lyon” was intent on deporting all remaining Jews to a camp where they would be exterminated. Klaus Barbie was known to shoot Jews to their deaths and never showed an ounce of remorse. When a group of social workers, members of the local clergy and resistance members found out that the French gendarmes supervised by Klaus Barbie and the Nazis were planning on emptying the internment camp at Venissieux and sending all its prisoners to their death they discovered some “legally recognized exemptions “. The Nazi were not allowed to deport any Jews who were “old, disabled, pregnant, unaccompanied minors and war heroes who had fought in the French army.” Since almost all of the exemptions were being ignored by the French gendarmes, except for unaccompanied children, this brave group of people concentrated on obtaining legal documents for the unaccompanied minors in the hope of getting them out of the internment camp before the deportations started. Social workers tirelessly went from parent to parent begging them to sign documents that would release their rights as parents to their children. Their anguish they must have experienced in doing this must have been the hardest thing they were ever asked to do. There was only two days to accomplish all this. The volunteers designed a document that would legally allow parents to relinquish all their paternal rights and they would plead for the parents to sign it so their child could be saved from a sure death if deported. The children were entrusted to the members of Amitie Chretienne. In all, the volunteers were able to save 108 children.

I can’t even imagine how gut wrenching an act this must have been for each parent as they lost their children that day. When I read some of the exchanges between parent and child as they were about to part from one another, I cried like a baby. That was by far the ultimate sacrifice of a parent. They had to loose their child to save them from death. There were so many brave and courageous people who put their own lives on the line to help save those Jewish children. I admire all that they risked and did to save the lives of those children. Thank goodness that there were kind, loving and brave people who were willing to sacrifice their own safety to take these children into their homes and protect them and grow to love them. The Forgotten Names by Mario Escobar was about hope, resilience, determination, loss of identity, courage and “of the great humanitarian effort” of many. Most of the people mentioned in The Forgotten Names were real. Valerie Portheret really existed and dedicated twenty five years of her life trying to find the children who had vanished from Venissieux. She presented her doctoral thesis after she learned what had happened to all 108 of the children through her research, listening to the stories of the children she found and documenting everything that she learned. What a gift to mankind to have accomplished all that and to have shared her findings with others. Every time I think that I have learned all there is to learn about the Holocaust, a masterful author like Mario Escobar uncovered another atrocity that occurred. The Holocaust was such a tragic time in the history of the world. Stories like The Forgotten Names reminds us that we must remember so that history will never be repeated. I highly recommend The Forgotten Names by Mario Escobar.

Thank you to Harper Muse for allowing me to listen to the audiobook of The Forgotten Names by Mario Escobar through Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

1992: Valerie Portheret is working on her thesis and intends to write about “The Butcher of Lyon” Klaus Barbie, who was head of the Gestapo in Vichy, France during their occupation in WWII. Though she knows, his story is morbid and filled with terror and worth remembering if only to insure it never repeats itself, she finds herself drawn the stories of 108 innocent Jewish children who were saved from deportation to Germany one fateful night instead. These children were all given new names and identities and in a matter of hours saved from certain death in concentration camps. Across twenty-five years, one by one, Valerie finds the children to hear their stories, and in some cases inform them of their true identities.

Told in a series of flashbacks to the French resistance members who helped save these children and Klaus Barbie’s own memories as he hunted them across France, we learn about the dangers these men and women encountered to save innocent lives. The details of Barbie’s horrendous acts are hard to hear, but as this story is based on truth, it it’s important to listen. Escobar obviously took great care in his research for this novel, and after several chapters I finally had a handle on the many characters he includes. I’m unsure if it’s because of translation, or if he simply likes to jump right into a story, but I felt there could have been a bit more background on the resistance members to help keep them straight. Once again Saskia Maarleveld does an outstanding job narrating; I could listen to her voice all day.

Thank you to NetGalley, Harper Collins Focus, and author Mario Escobar for the advanced copy of the audiobook. The Forgotten Names is out now! All opinions are my own.

In 1942, during WWII, mothers were forced to make the most impossible decision, to give up their children in a hope for their survival. 108 children were smuggled from France by the sheer determination and will power of a select few who wanted to save as many lives as they could from the Nazi regime.
In 1992, Valérie Portheret, a law student working on her thesis, stumbled across the 108+ names written in a documentation at Chateau de Peyrins. This event leads Portheret on a 25 year adventure to find all 108 children to right the wrongs that many would like to forget from the Holocaust.
Overall rating 5/5
The dual timeline is an exquisite way to give voices to the victims of such atrocities. This book is a reminder of how a few who fight for what is right can lead to a lasting impact that can span for decades. Thank you to writers like Escobar who remind us of these historical events and the suh brave individuals.

*Thank you Mario Escobar, Netgalley and HarperCollins Focus | Harper Muse for the ARC copy. I am freely leaving my honest review.

I knew a bit about the topic of hiding Jewish children but not this particular event. Valerie is a law student doing research originally on Klaus Barbie but she stumbles upon a list of 108 names of children that were taken from a prison camp and hidden within plain sight by foster families. She makes it her goal to find all of the children whose lives were saved and hear and record their stories. This is a dual storyline with Valerie in 1992 and France in 1942 as told by those adults who risked their lives to save the Jewish children from extermination. Overall I really enjoyed this one!

*4.25 stars*

Thanks to NetGalley and HarperCollinsFocus and HarperMuse for an ARC of the audiobook.

One thing I know I can count on with a Mario Escobar historical fiction is that it will be thoroughly researched. The Forgotten Names is no exception as Escobar unfolds a story where past characters try to save children born to foreign born Jewish families in France and a present day student tries to locate them under their new names and identities. Based on a real story, The Forgotten Names will leave your heart on the floor on more than one occasion as you can't help but wonder how people could become so cruel.

Narrator Saskia Maarleveld does a fantastic job telling this story with just the right amount of emotional pull in her voice. The accents and characters were masterfully reenacted as she brought The Forgotten Names to life.

Thank you HarperCollins Focus for the gifted ALC.

What a fascinating topic to explore. There is a huge amount of World War II historical fiction out there, and after reading many I've stepped back from the genre somewhat, waiting for something original. I think Mario Escobar has tapped into a fascinating true story of a woman researching what has happened to some of the Jewish children smuggled out of France during the occupation. I loved the fact that many Protestants, Catholics and Jews alike came together united in their efforts to rescue and save these souls. Just more ordinary people doing extraordinary things in the midst of trials and danger. They were truly sacrificial of their own lives and peace.
Other reviewers have mentioned a choppy plot presentation, but I am not sure they realize this is likely due to the translation. I had the opportunity to listen to the audiobook and didn't feel that way at all. It was very well done with a narrator masterful at a French accent and pronunciations as well.
Although I know it must be historical fiction since dialogue was added, I feel this was well-researched and was perhaps mostly nonfiction. Auschwitz Lullaby has been on my TBR list for some time, and now that I've read this Escobar book, I'll head to that one next.
Thanks to NetGalley and Harper Muse for this ARC.

This book was so heartbreaking. As a mother, it's hard to fathom what these families went through and the strength it took to make the hard decisions. As a human, I can't comprehend the cruelty to one's fellow man. The determination and heart of the main players on this book is awe inspiring.

My first ever audiobook. I knew Mario Escobar always writes engrossing historical novels, so I knew I would be easily engaged.
"The Forgotten Names" is based on true events in Lyon during WWII. Jewish families had been removed from their French lives and were all heading off to German extermination camps. In August 1942, these French parents were faced with a horrible choice: watch their children die, or sign them over for safe keeping...probably never seeing them again, but at least giving them hope of salvation.
Fifty years later, it becomes one woman’s mission to match the abandoned names with the people they belong to.
And so we learn the stories of the children, their saviours and their tormentors (Klaus Barbie, the “Butcher of Lyon")
Mario did a great job of capturing the voices and emotions of both the children and the parents.
Told in dual timelines, "The Forgotten Names" is a reimagined account of the true stories of the French men and women who have since been named Righteous Among the Nations and the children they rescued, as researched by the law student Valerie.
Engrossing book told by a single narrator who tells the story well.
Thanks to Harper Collins Muse, Mario Escobar and NetGalley for my copy.

During August of 1942, French parents had to make life altering decisions….watch their children possibly die, or abandon them forever. Although a woman fifty years later decides she is going to make it her life missions to match the names of those abandoned to who they belong to.

Valerie Portheret researched the 108 children who disappeared in her doctoral that escaped deportation and death in the German concentration camps. She was so intrigued with all of the people involved in saving the most innocent victims at this time.

The men and woman who helped with these children are named Righteous Among The Nations. They helped them remember their forgotten names.

This book has pulled on all of the heartstrings, and just played such a big part of history! What a marvelous book! Very well done. Looking forward to finishing this and hearing the beautiful ending. A great audiobook for those who enjoy history. 💛 Thank you @harpercollinsfocus @netgalley @marioescabar

The concept of finding names on a list and working towards their story is an intriguing plot line. You can tell the author did a lot of research on this historical timeline, which is reflected in how it reads. There seems to be little fiction or storyline. Instead it reads very historical textbook. It alternates between past and present- but it was a hard transition to follow between the two perspectives. The present tense was about someone doing research- which I found to be a slow read. The past tense includes lots of characters and locations. A very interesting historical event that is worth learning about.

Thank you NetGalley and Harper Collins Focus for an ARC copy of this audiobook in exchange for an honest review.
Recently Released on June 11, 2024.

This is an impassioned and moving tale involving the disappearance of 108 children during the occupation of France by Germany in 1942. Valérie Portheret, a law student, is researching her doctoral thesis. What she discovers is astonishing. She uncovers how 108 children were saved from the Nazis.

Due to a loophole in the Nazi doctrine, a coordinated effort by clergy, civilians, the French Resistance, and members of other humanitarian organizations risk their lives to save these children. But to do this, the mothers must give up their rights to their children. And to save their children’s lives…these mothers did just that!

Talk about a tough decision with life time consequences. I do not see how these mothers did this. How agonizing and terrifying. I swear, I learn something new every day about this terrible time in history.

No one tells a Holocaust story quite like Mario Escobar! My favorite novel by this author is The Teacher of Warsaw. I highly recommend you read that book as well!

This novel is superbly narrated by Saskia Maarleveld.

Need a good, emotional read…THIS IS IT! Grab your copy today.

I received this novel from the publisher for a honest review.

I enjoyed this audiobook. I knew I liked the author and the narrator is one of my favorites. It is a book that kept my interest and made my commutes fly by. Very well done.

I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this audiobook provided by NetGalley.

As this book began I was worried if I would be able to keep the characters straight. However, I needed’t have worried, it all came together quickly.

This dual timeline, historical fiction book was both fascinating and shared the emotion of the mothers, the people who saved the children and Valerie.

I think my favorite part was that this book didn’t focus on the horrors or those who perpetrated the horrors. Instead the story definitely kept the children and the helpers in the forefront. This was a good reminder that there were people willing to do the right thing and risk themselves in the face of evil.

Advance reader copy provided by Harper Muse and NetGalley but all opinions are my own.

It’s hard to say I enjoyed this audiobook, but I am glad I listened through to the end. The narration was excellent, and the story was heartbreaking, difficult, but ultimately redemptive. Highly recommended.

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Rounded up from 3.5 stars. Thanks to Netgalley I was able to listen to the audiobook. I love historical fiction, especially those based on true events during WWII with very serious topics that are difficult to read but so important to remember and learn from. A powerful illustration that tells of both the best and worst of what human beings can do to and for one another.

This was a very raw and honest story of the World War 2 time with the Nazi rule of 1942. Escobar did an excellent job of character development and keeping the reader engaged throughout the entire story. I found it easy to empathize and imagine what it would be like to be placed in this situation, strictly because of the amazing style of writing. This really put you into the shoes of unimaginable situations. I would recommend this story to everyone, as we can all use a real story about learning to do what is "right" followed up by a heartwarming story through impossible circumstances. 10/10 recommend!!
Thank you to Mario Escobar, NetGalley, and HarperCollins Focus for allowing me to read this book in exchange for an honest review.

Another one not to be missed.
Although I love to read Historical Fiction, I sometimes have a very hard time with the Holocaust and everything related to it…and here we are…

This book has dual timelines and takes place in France, 1942, as well as in 1992 when Valerie, who is studying to be a lawyer, needs to write a thesis. She chooses the topic of Klaus Barbie (I could be wrong with the spelling??) who was the main Gestapo in Vichy, France, and was absolutely ruthless.

The author delves into the lives of the Jewish people who were trying to protect their families, and/or escape, to keep them safe.
Some of the choices that they had to make, well, I’m not sure I’d ever be able to make them….

Going back to 1992, well, Valerie finds that were were over a hundred children who were moved from the camp and protected/taken in by families/ adopted, which means that these families were LITERALLY taking their lives in their hands…because at the time, people were executed for much less.
And she decides that she is going to try to:
1. Find out more information on who these children were and
2. Meet with as many of them as she can to share all that she’s found.

In the end, the author reveals that many of the people in the book were REAL!
As was Valerie and her efforts with these children!

4 1/2 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫 for me, rounded up to 5!

#TheForgottenNames by #MarioEscobar and nicely narrated by #SaskiaMaarleveld.

Thanks to #NetGalley and #HarperCollinsFocus and #HarperMuse for an ARC of the audiobook in exchange for an honest review.
The book was released on 6/11/24.

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Wow! The Forgotten Names is the incredible story of 108 children who escaped being sent to the Nazi concentration camps due to the extraordinary efforts of many. I'd never read anything on this particular WWII topic, and I was engrossed in this story. I did have a little struggle following the significant number of characters and names, and the dual timelines seemed to (minimally) disrupt the flow, it was a solid and interesting read with overall great storytelling coupled with clearly in depth research. This story is difficult and important. I'd recommend this to anyone who loves history - fiction or nonfiction!

Thank you to NetGalley, HarperCollins Focus, and Mario Escobar for an audio ARC in exchange for my honest review.

I enjoyed this book. It was a WWII story I have not heard before. The French people who risked everything to save the children of Lyon was heartbreaking and riveting. The counter plot of Valérie researching what happened to these children then working to reunite them with their true identities was fascinating especially since it’s based on true events, I really enjoyed this story.

The narrator was fabulous & I especially enjoyed that she pronounced the French bits perfectly.

Thanks to NetGalley and HarperCollins Focus for a copy of this audiobook.