By Tilar J. Mazzea
This book touched me on several levels. It is a very well written story about a time in history that I am sure many wish never happened. With the uncertain times that we are currently embroiled, this book really opens ones eyes to the reality of racism, the danger of letting those in power go unchecked and how even the smallest defiance can make a world of change.
One is introduced to Irena, a student in Warsaw Poland at the beginning of World War II. She has befriended many people at the University, including many Jews. The encroaching German's have many concerned but no worried for their lives. The small steps that the Gestapo utilized to immobilize the Jews, the ghetto and the erosion of their rights and humanity are frightening. Many Jews planned on just making it through, never dreaming the depth of hatred that would fall upon their shoulders. Irena is Christian, but since she works for the Welfare Department, she is enabled to enter the ghetto and move about freely. She takes it upon herself to free as many children as possible from their German captors.
Irena manages a large network of resistance workers that help her move children to safety, whether it be orphanages, christian homes or into the countryside. What is remarkable about her journey is that she maintained a very dangerous list, so that after the war, Jewish families may be reunited. Irena did everything at great peril to herself and her loved ones, but she felt that she was not a hero, she was just doing what had to be done, for humanity. Even when Irena is captured, she maintains her list and does everything she can to keep the children safely hidden. She entrusts her list with a compatriot, and maintains silence through months of beating and threat of execution. Zegota, another underground organization that helped Irena, finally manages to get free Irena and she goes into hiding. Much of what she accomplished was through blatant disregard to the Germans, hiding in plain sight. It is estimated that her network of helpers hid and saved over 2500 children. This is incredible!
I know the aspect that really resonated in my heart is the constant lesson of doing what needs to be done, when a crime against humanity is occurring. Not to sit idly and let something happen when you know it is not right. To give a voice to those that can not speak or are afraid to speak. All of the hatred that abounds in today's world, needs to be checked we need to be more accepting of each other, we do not want to relive another atrocity, let's learn from the past.
I love historical novels just for the lessons that be learned from the past, the are unapologetic and in your face. I am giving this book a 4.5 out of 5 stars, I loved it, but I know over time, some of the details have been forgotten, and I missed those. I loved the harrowing tales of how some of the children escaped and wished for more! I think that this book is appropriate for all students in fifth grade and up. Happy reading!
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