A great first novel, this historical fiction, based partly on the life of the author's father, looks at the plight of Jews in France as WWII unfolds. Gustave and his parents leave Paris, business, friends, and family behind to move to a rural French locale as the Nazis gain strength and position in France. Even in their small town Gustave faces prejudice and fear, but also receives needed help and makes friends. A good choice for that historical fiction report. WW2, worst times in the 40's, especially for the Jewish. This book is historical fiction. This book was just wonderful! Have you ever wondered how life was for the Jewish during the Holocaust? For Gustave his life changed! He was forced to move in the countryside with his family while his cousins stay in Paris. He's lonely and doesn't have anyfriends until he meets Nicole. She is part of the French Rebellion, who help Jewish out of the occupied zones and into the demarcation line so they can leave to America. They become bestfriends and they work together to help the escapies. Nicole helps Gustaves cousin cross the demarcation line. Gustave's father smuggles goods such as food,clothing, etc. for his family. They try to help smuggle their cousins but they need a miracle and that miracle is Gustave. This book was amazing! It was quite similar to Number the Stars because both the protagonist are trying to help their friends/family leave an occupied zone by the Nazis. Also they both use witty but very creative ways to save their butts. I like the way the author created Gustave because we dont expect someone as scared as he is to be the hero. I predicted that Gustave was going to help by maybe shooting a guard when i read the summary but it turns out it wasnt quite as what you think. I wish she could have maybe put action packed ending instead of the ending that is in the story now because i love action and i believe the readers would like to read this. The promblem Gustave has is he needs a way to distract the guards from seeing his smuggled family. This book, just amazing. I rate this novel a 9 because everything was in detail the feelings of the character and the setting is on point. I recommend this book to young adults who want to learn about the halocaust and someone who loves hystorical fiction. They were the worst times for the Jews like Gustave.
What do You think about Black Radishes (2010)?
Another WW2 story from viewpoint of an 11 year old, not as niave and sad as Boy in Striped PJs.
—shell
Interesting perspective of WWII but it was too slow moving for me.
—Stella
