Imagine if you had to give up your children in order to save them from imminent death? Such was the case in 1942 when the Jewish mothers of Vénissieux, signed away their children never to see them again, in order to save their precious children from the Nazis.

Years later a student, Valérie Portheret, decides to do her doctoral thesis on the 108 children who managed to survive due to the heroic efforts of civilians, clergy, and the French Resistance, and others, members of Humanitarian Organizations. who risked so much to save these children. It was the time of Klaus Barbie, commonly referred to as The Butcher of Lyon, whose mission was to wipe every Jew off the face of the earth.

Valerie becomes obsessed with finding the children and returning the only thing she could to them, their true names. In her twenty five years of doing so, she is able to give the children their names and their heritage back.

The story takes place in duel timelines, and many of the things related were factual. The horror of mothers losing their children, children losing their parents was both shocking, sad, and emotional. It's always ever so difficult to imagine how cruel the human character can and will be.

Thank you to Mario Escobar, Harper Muse, and Netgalley for the ability to listen to this tragic story.

The heartbreak that this audiobook shares is unimaginable. Every single time I think I’ve gotten to a place where I can no longer be surprised by the atrocities that occurred, I find another story and my heart breaks once again.

The story told through dual timelines was very well done. The narrator did a wonderful job - especially with using proper annunciation and accents throughout. This was my first book by this author but certainly won’t be my last. There was solid character building, the plot moved along at a pace that kept my attention, the title and cover were well thought out, and the emotional pull was definitely there.

I would absolutely recommend this to those interested in WWII novels or historical fiction in general.

I would like to thank NetGalley, Mario Escobar, and HarperCollins Focus for allowing me access to this novel prior to release in exchange for an honest review.

A moving novel based on true events during WWII. Jewish parents had to make difficult decisions to save their children and this is an important story to know and understand. Truly a wonderful book for fans of WWII historical fiction.
Thank you NetGalley and the publisher for access to this arc.

Many thanks to NetGalley and Harper Collins for the free audiobook in exchange for my honest review. This is narrated by Saskia Maarleveld who does a great job!

This was a different take on a WWII story and I loved that it was based upon a true story. A young woman, Valerie Portheret, is writing her thesis and originally focuses on Klaus Barbie. But the story of the 108 children who lost their parents in order to live is what she decides to focus on. I cannot imagine the heartbreak of these parents being asked to sign away their parental rights of their children knowing its the only way to keep them from certain death. Heartbreaking!

I have heard of the story of the English isle parents who sent their children off but did not realize that there was a group in France who did the same to selflessly give their kids a chance.

Such a captivating tale about selfless love, family, and survival. Highly recommend!

Half a decade after the trial of Klaus Barbie, the “Butcher of Lyon,” law student Valérie Portheret began her doctoral research into the 108 children who disappeared from Vénissieux during World War II. Did the Nazis take them, or were they hidden somewhere? Following the dual timeline allows you to follow the story of the war and while Portheret searches.

I enjoyed this book, which is based on a true story.I absolutely love it when Saskia Maarleveld narrates books!

Thank you for a copy, NetGalley and HarperCollins Focus | Harper Muse.

This historical fiction book is based on true stories of the Jewish children who were given up to save their lives during World War II. An excellent book and highly recommended. Brilliant audio as well. Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC/Audiobook.