Well I see the reviews are split on this book, and frankly I'm surprised. I mean it's a novel so yeah there were some shocking character actions, (however even Ariel like many second generation Shoah survivors have repercussions that affected his personality and his life moreso than many bc his father was SOOO bitter and obsessed and unlike many survivors who don't talk much of that time he did nothing BUT obsess on and retell his version of events to his only child and this whole family was deeply affected of course and so very bitter not even just to the actual Nazis but to those friends they think turned on them ) and I gather according to other reviewers more familiar with the history of the Dutch that there are some historical inaccuracies but I don't feel they affected the story. I read with interest from page one (and I have had trouble finding books to keep my interest let alone grab me at page one and not let go lately ) and finished quickly. Regarding errors I did feel the editing could've been more perfect but really all I noticed was a passage I'd seen picked apart in another review (which I don't think was meant to be contradictory but probably couldvd been better with the words "AT FIRST it seemed" added to the beginning (a part about how nothing was changed and it brought back memories and a few sentences later there are a couple of new things noticed after all; ) and in one part tho I was up reading super late I believe Nora meant Abrham when she refers to her grandfather and so she meant her father. Or maybe in the light of day if I check she'll have been talking about ROSE's grandfather. I know there are some very picky reviewers that include minute details n pick things apart so that these things are mentioned didn't shock me but the anger and bitterness with which they are imparted really floored me. The author includes a lot of details about traveling in the areas in the book incl in remote areas and since the choice was made to fill us in on who did what early on I felt like letting us be part of the travels and be privy to some of the diary entries was a good thing. I was so glad that Nico ended up a support for Nora who despite finding new family was really so alone. The only thing I'm not SURE about is Nora's decision at the end re Amaris's and Ariels punishment bc family or not (not to mention the lack of treating her as such, )but bc what's to stop them from doing this again would be my concern. Nevertheless I enjoyed the read and found it fairly fast paced and very informative. this is the second book by this author I've read and liked. I'll take some poetic license and originality in an engaging story over perfect historical accuracy in a fictional novel any day. While this book is a work of fiction, the facts dating back to the Dutch occupation by the Nazi's is not. This book starts in Houston, Texas with a mother, a daughter and a grandmother. By the end of the book, they are in Holland. The answers the mother looks for to find her daughter will shake her to her core. Was her mother a Nazi? Was she part of the NSB in Holland? Was her father a murderer? And was the reason for her own mother's revenge for a 30 year old crime? This is a fast paced book that makes you think and tears at your heart strings. I would highly recommend it.
What do You think about La Disparue D'Amsterdam (2014)?
A gift from a friend because I am of Dutch heritage and I loved the history and the mystery
—Neki
SUPER! One of the best books I have read in a long time.
—cyshade
Kept me engaged during a transcontinental flight!
—shayla
