This is an exquisite novel. When Gemma returns to grandfather’s house to dispose of his ashes and possessions, she walks into the the history of the incredible life he lead and secrets that reveal the agonizing periods he survived. She also meets people very close to her grandfather, young tech mogul Sam and the older actress, Isabella Ginori. And thereby hangs a tale!

As a reader I was enthralled as Gran’s life story unfolded. He was known as Chazan, and the story of his taking his name was revealed. The novel also unfurls the story of the struggling young actress, Isabella. The echoes of their friendship resonate through the lives of Gemma and their neighbor Sam. The exploration and consequence of that relationship linger into the current relationships between the characters.

In essence, this marvel of a novel ties together living through the Holocaust, HUAC blacklist and the ME TOO movement. Even with all of these forces, the author manages to braid them together seamlessly.

I highly recommend this book. It is a wonderful novel as well as a social history of the period. I believe that this novel will provide a basis for rich discussion in book groups and modern history seminars. Meg Waite Clayton has written a novel which should appear on the BEST of 2025 lists.

Thank you Netgalley for allowing me to read, review and enjoy this novel.