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Children of the Stars
From international bestselling author Mario Escobar comes a story of escape, sacrifice, and hope amid the perils of the second World War.
August 1942. Jacob and Moses Stein, two young Jewish brothers, are staying with their aunt in Paris amid the Nazi occupation. The boys’ parents, well-known German playwrights, have left the brothers in their aunt’s care until they can find safe harbor for their family. But before the Steins can reunite, a great and terrifying roundup occurs. The French gendarmes, under Nazi order, arrest the boys and take them to the Vélodrome d’Hiver—a massive, bleak structure in Paris where thousands of France’s Jews are being forcibly detained.
Jacob and Moses know they must flee in order to survive, but they only have a set of letters sent from the south of France to guide them to their parents. Danger lurks around every corner as the boys, with nothing but each other, trek across the occupied country. Along their remarkable journey, they meet strangers and brave souls who put themselves at risk to protect the children—some of whom pay the ultimate price for helping these young refugees of war.
This inspiring novel, now available for the first time in English, demonstrates the power of family and the endurance of the human spirit—even through the darkest moments of human history.
368 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 25, 2017
480 people are currently reading
6714 people want to read
About the author
Mario Escobar
292 books1,312 followersMario Escobar Golderos has a degree in History, with an advanced studies diploma in Modern History. He has written numerous books and articles about the Inquisition, the Protestant Reformation, and religious sects. He is the executive director of an NGO and directs the magazine Nueva historia para el debate, in addition to being a contributing columnist in various publications. Passionate about history and its mysteries, Escobar has delved into the depths of church history, the different sectarian groups that have struggled therein, and the discovery and colonization of the Americas. He specializes in the lives of unorthodox Spaniards and Americans. Books
Autor Betseller con miles de libros vendidos en todo el mundo. Sus obras han sido traducidas al chino, japonés, inglés, ruso, portugués, danés, francés, italiano, checo, polaco, serbio, entre otros idiomas. Novelista, ensayista y conferenciante. Licenciado en Historia y Diplomado en Estudios Avanzados en la especialidad de Historia Moderna, ha escrito numerosos artículos y libros sobre la Inquisición, la Reforma Protestante y las sectas religiosas.
Publica asiduamente en las revistas Más Allá y National Geographic Historia
Apasionado por la historia y sus enigmas ha estudiado en produndidad la Historia de la Iglesia, los distintos grupos sectarios que han luchado en su seno, el descubrimiento y colonizacíón de América; especializándose en la vida de personajes heterodoxos españoles y americanos.
Su primera obra, Conspiración Maine 2006, fue un éxito. Le siguieron El mesías Ario (2007), El secreto de los Assassini (2008) y la Profecía de Aztlán (2009). Todas ellas parte de la saga protagonizada por Hércules Guzmán Fox, George Lincoln y Alicia Mantorella.
Su libro Francisco. El primer papa latinoamericano ha sido traducido a 12 idiomas, entre ellos el chino, inglés, francés, italiano, portugues, japonés, danés, etc.
Sol rojo sobre Hiroshima (2009) y El País de las lágrimas (2010) son sus obras más intimistas. También ha publicado ensayos como Martín Luther King (2006) e Historia de la Masonería en Estados Unidos (2009). Los doce legados de Steve Jobs (2012). La biografía del papa Francisco. El primer papa latinoamericano (2013). La Saga Ione (2013) o la Serie Apocalipsis (2012).Saga Misión Verne (2013)
www.marioescobar.es
http://www.amazon.com/Mario-Escobar/e...
http://www.sagamisionverne.es/
Autor Betseller con miles de libros vendidos en todo el mundo. Sus obras han sido traducidas al chino, japonés, inglés, ruso, portugués, danés, francés, italiano, checo, polaco, serbio, entre otros idiomas. Novelista, ensayista y conferenciante. Licenciado en Historia y Diplomado en Estudios Avanzados en la especialidad de Historia Moderna, ha escrito numerosos artículos y libros sobre la Inquisición, la Reforma Protestante y las sectas religiosas.
Publica asiduamente en las revistas Más Allá y National Geographic Historia
Apasionado por la historia y sus enigmas ha estudiado en produndidad la Historia de la Iglesia, los distintos grupos sectarios que han luchado en su seno, el descubrimiento y colonizacíón de América; especializándose en la vida de personajes heterodoxos españoles y americanos.
Su primera obra, Conspiración Maine 2006, fue un éxito. Le siguieron El mesías Ario (2007), El secreto de los Assassini (2008) y la Profecía de Aztlán (2009). Todas ellas parte de la saga protagonizada por Hércules Guzmán Fox, George Lincoln y Alicia Mantorella.
Su libro Francisco. El primer papa latinoamericano ha sido traducido a 12 idiomas, entre ellos el chino, inglés, francés, italiano, portugues, japonés, danés, etc.
Sol rojo sobre Hiroshima (2009) y El País de las lágrimas (2010) son sus obras más intimistas. También ha publicado ensayos como Martín Luther King (2006) e Historia de la Masonería en Estados Unidos (2009). Los doce legados de Steve Jobs (2012). La biografía del papa Francisco. El primer papa latinoamericano (2013). La Saga Ione (2013) o la Serie Apocalipsis (2012).Saga Misión Verne (2013)
www.marioescobar.es
http://www.amazon.com/Mario-Escobar/e...
http://www.sagamisionverne.es/
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 482 reviews
March 10, 2020
2.5 stars. A light, hopeful wartime story.
Moses and Jacob Stein are two young Jewish brothers who flee their aunts’ home in war-torn Paris in search of their parents who left to find safety. Moses and Jacob encounter many strangers along their journey.
My biggest issue with this novel was how unrealistic the boys journey seemed. For me, there were far too many close calls and coincidental opportunities. While I do believe there were countless situations where people were saved by the kindness of strangers during these devastating times, this felt over the top. Additionally, although I generally love stories revolving around children, I did not feel a connection or investment in Moses and Jacob. The story lacked emotional depth.
I believe my high expectations also negatively affected my enjoyment of this novel. After loving the authors heart-wrenching, powerful previous WWII novel, The Auschwitz Lullaby, I expected the same caliber of emotional connection and intensity with this. For me, this didn’t even come close. This was more of an easy, light, hopeful, feel-good exploration into wartimes.
Overall, this novel wasn’t for me. I would recommend it to anyone wanting to read a lighter, feel-good wartime story without getting into the true devastation and reality of war.
Thank you to NetGalley for my review copy!
Moses and Jacob Stein are two young Jewish brothers who flee their aunts’ home in war-torn Paris in search of their parents who left to find safety. Moses and Jacob encounter many strangers along their journey.
My biggest issue with this novel was how unrealistic the boys journey seemed. For me, there were far too many close calls and coincidental opportunities. While I do believe there were countless situations where people were saved by the kindness of strangers during these devastating times, this felt over the top. Additionally, although I generally love stories revolving around children, I did not feel a connection or investment in Moses and Jacob. The story lacked emotional depth.
I believe my high expectations also negatively affected my enjoyment of this novel. After loving the authors heart-wrenching, powerful previous WWII novel, The Auschwitz Lullaby, I expected the same caliber of emotional connection and intensity with this. For me, this didn’t even come close. This was more of an easy, light, hopeful, feel-good exploration into wartimes.
Overall, this novel wasn’t for me. I would recommend it to anyone wanting to read a lighter, feel-good wartime story without getting into the true devastation and reality of war.
Thank you to NetGalley for my review copy!
October 3, 2019
Falling somewhere between an odyssey and a saga, this is a tale of exile reminding us that kindness and humanity will radiate in the season of sorrow.
1942: The parents of Jacob and Moses have sent the boys to live with their aunt in Paris since the war is getting worse. On the streets, the boys get swept away in the Velodrome d’Hiver roundup in Paris. Choosing to escape, Jacob and Moses return to their aunt’s home, discover old letters from their parents, and decide to go find them.
Through Jacob and Moses’ journey to reunite with their parents, we see an assortment of people with their own ethnicity, history, ideals, and stories. The variety of people they encounter leave you seeing the variations of WWII through an array of lenses.
I really enjoyed that it centered around the viewpoint of children; two boys holding on to what remains of childhood. The relationship between Jacob and Moses is so sweet and childlike though war attempts to blockade their innocence.
“Observing the happiness of others always makes the world make a little more sense all of a sudden, makes suffering a little more bearable, makes grief a little less suffocating.”
“When you’re young, you dream about making the world a better place, overturning injustice and inequality. But within time you just settle for getting by.”
“Don’t ever change. Sometimes the world can turn us into something we shouldn’t be.”
“Humans are nothing more than the sum of their affections and the connections they make in life. When those ties break, loneliness destroys what little is left in an uninhabited heart.”
The author confirms the brothers, Jacob and Moses, are fictitious. However, they represent the real children who traveled across Europe as refugees during WWII. Historically, Mario Escobar gracefully blends facts with fiction. He addresses areas in Europe that are commonly suppressed amid a defying WWII history. Several authentic historical characters are involved that include Andre Trocme, Daniel Trome, and Edouard Theis.
Rating explained: While tender and touching, there were some implausible situations and cliché conditions. Also, their voyage to find their parents continued relentlessly, so I always knew what to expect to happen…they would keep going to find their parents.
Overall, it is a feel-good novel that takes you across Europe with two children during war. There is a lot of historical content and I found myself Googling a lot of the names and places. There is mild violence, no vulgar language, and no sex. I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
More on this topic:
Andre and Magda Trocme
Le Chambon-sur-Lignon
Phillipe Petain and the Vichy puppets
Jewish children hidden in Le Chambon:
Jewish and non-Jewish refugee children sheltered in Le Chambon:
1942: The parents of Jacob and Moses have sent the boys to live with their aunt in Paris since the war is getting worse. On the streets, the boys get swept away in the Velodrome d’Hiver roundup in Paris. Choosing to escape, Jacob and Moses return to their aunt’s home, discover old letters from their parents, and decide to go find them.
Through Jacob and Moses’ journey to reunite with their parents, we see an assortment of people with their own ethnicity, history, ideals, and stories. The variety of people they encounter leave you seeing the variations of WWII through an array of lenses.
I really enjoyed that it centered around the viewpoint of children; two boys holding on to what remains of childhood. The relationship between Jacob and Moses is so sweet and childlike though war attempts to blockade their innocence.
“Observing the happiness of others always makes the world make a little more sense all of a sudden, makes suffering a little more bearable, makes grief a little less suffocating.”
“When you’re young, you dream about making the world a better place, overturning injustice and inequality. But within time you just settle for getting by.”
“Don’t ever change. Sometimes the world can turn us into something we shouldn’t be.”
“Humans are nothing more than the sum of their affections and the connections they make in life. When those ties break, loneliness destroys what little is left in an uninhabited heart.”
The author confirms the brothers, Jacob and Moses, are fictitious. However, they represent the real children who traveled across Europe as refugees during WWII. Historically, Mario Escobar gracefully blends facts with fiction. He addresses areas in Europe that are commonly suppressed amid a defying WWII history. Several authentic historical characters are involved that include Andre Trocme, Daniel Trome, and Edouard Theis.
Rating explained: While tender and touching, there were some implausible situations and cliché conditions. Also, their voyage to find their parents continued relentlessly, so I always knew what to expect to happen…they would keep going to find their parents.
Overall, it is a feel-good novel that takes you across Europe with two children during war. There is a lot of historical content and I found myself Googling a lot of the names and places. There is mild violence, no vulgar language, and no sex. I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
Andre and Magda Trocme
Le Chambon-sur-Lignon
Phillipe Petain and the Vichy puppets
Jewish children hidden in Le Chambon:
Jewish and non-Jewish refugee children sheltered in Le Chambon:
January 29, 2024
Why I chose to listen to this audiobook:
1. I really can't remember why I added this book to my WTR list, except I do like historical fiction, and it was probably recommended by Goodreads; and,
2. January 2024 is my "Celestial Titles" Month!
Praises:
1. once again, author Mario Escobar writes an enlightening Author's Note. Although I knew about the roundup of Jews by French gendarmes in the Vélodrome d'Hiver of Paris (I read Sarah's Key by Tatiana de Rosnay several years ago), I was unaware of the role that the French village of Le Chambon-sur-Lignon, and specifically of Pastor André Trocmé and his wife, Magda, played by saving hundreds of Jewish children refugees. Escobar highlighted these people in this story; and,
2. although I wasn't too keen about his narration on the The Teacher of Warsaw audiobook, Zachary Hoffman is a little more believable with this story; however, he's still not very expressive when it is warranted.
Niggles:
1. although Escobar tries to highlight the goodness of strangers from all walks of life during WW2 towards our two fictional main characters, Jewish brothers Jacob (12) and Moses (8), the whole concept of these children escaping the Vélodrome, crossing occupied France, making their way across hostile Spain, to eventually sailing across the Atlantic Ocean and landing in Argentina to find their parents is a little farfetched. Specific examples include:
- which parents would leave their young children behind in order to find safe passage for the family? I could buy one parent leaving, but not both!
- too many convenient circumstances! Just when the boys find themselves in a major pickle, someone/something saves the day;
- I thought the French had to use ration cards for food, and even then, what they received was mediocre, yet these hungry boys are fed chocolate, cake, real coffee, beef, bread, etc. - everything that would have been unavailable during this time;
- which loving mother signs letters to her kids by her first name?
2. I've noticed that Escobar really seems to have difficulty giving characters credible voices. Often, Jacob sounds too mature and philosophical for his age group;
3. Escobar also gives way too much background information about bit players; and,
4. I had some issues with the editing. For example:
- Jacob's name was sometimes interchanged with "Joseph"
- France uses the metric system, not the Imperial system.
Overall Thoughts:
Okay. I've learned my lesson. Third time with this author is NOT the charm!
I've already listened to Auschwitz Lullaby and The Teacher of Warsaw, and I haven't been able to give more than 3 stars for either of these stories. I had two other books by Escobar on my WTR list. Needless to say, they have been removed.
2 stars = okay read, if you like "light" WW2 historical fiction.
1. I really can't remember why I added this book to my WTR list, except I do like historical fiction, and it was probably recommended by Goodreads; and,
2. January 2024 is my "Celestial Titles" Month!
Praises:
1. once again, author Mario Escobar writes an enlightening Author's Note. Although I knew about the roundup of Jews by French gendarmes in the Vélodrome d'Hiver of Paris (I read Sarah's Key by Tatiana de Rosnay several years ago), I was unaware of the role that the French village of Le Chambon-sur-Lignon, and specifically of Pastor André Trocmé and his wife, Magda, played by saving hundreds of Jewish children refugees. Escobar highlighted these people in this story; and,
2. although I wasn't too keen about his narration on the The Teacher of Warsaw audiobook, Zachary Hoffman is a little more believable with this story; however, he's still not very expressive when it is warranted.
Niggles:
1. although Escobar tries to highlight the goodness of strangers from all walks of life during WW2 towards our two fictional main characters, Jewish brothers Jacob (12) and Moses (8), the whole concept of these children escaping the Vélodrome, crossing occupied France, making their way across hostile Spain, to eventually sailing across the Atlantic Ocean and landing in Argentina to find their parents is a little farfetched. Specific examples include:
- which parents would leave their young children behind in order to find safe passage for the family? I could buy one parent leaving, but not both!
- too many convenient circumstances! Just when the boys find themselves in a major pickle, someone/something saves the day;
- I thought the French had to use ration cards for food, and even then, what they received was mediocre, yet these hungry boys are fed chocolate, cake, real coffee, beef, bread, etc. - everything that would have been unavailable during this time;
- which loving mother signs letters to her kids by her first name?
2. I've noticed that Escobar really seems to have difficulty giving characters credible voices. Often, Jacob sounds too mature and philosophical for his age group;
3. Escobar also gives way too much background information about bit players; and,
4. I had some issues with the editing. For example:
- Jacob's name was sometimes interchanged with "Joseph"
- France uses the metric system, not the Imperial system.
Overall Thoughts:
Okay. I've learned my lesson. Third time with this author is NOT the charm!
I've already listened to Auschwitz Lullaby and The Teacher of Warsaw, and I haven't been able to give more than 3 stars for either of these stories. I had two other books by Escobar on my WTR list. Needless to say, they have been removed.
2 stars = okay read, if you like "light" WW2 historical fiction.
June 18, 2021
1942, Jacob and Moses Stein, two young Jewish brothers are staying with their Aunt Judith in Paris during the Nazi occupation and are trying to keep a low profile. Eleazar and Jana Stein are the boys parents, the German actors they have left the boys with Judith, while they try to find somewhere safe for the whole family to live. On the first morning of summer school holidays, the boys have a early breakfast, decide to leave the shelter of the tiny apartment and visit the local synagogue.
The Nazi's have ordered the local police to round up Jewish citizens and take them to the Velodrome d'Hiver. The boys are spotted leaving the apartment building, they try to get away and are eventually caught. The conditions inside the Velodrome are terrible, it's over crowded, hot, stuffy, and full of desperate people trying to find their family members who they had been separated from during the chaos of being loaded onto buses.
Jacob and Moses manage to escape the Velodrome, they return to their aunts apartment, she's missing, while searching the apartment for any clues as to what happened to their aunt, the boys find letters from their parents and they notice the envelopes have a return address, it's in the south of France. The brothers decide to try to find their parents and the boys flight from Paris begins! They travel through France by van, train, truck and they also have to walk through the dangerous French countryside. They need to be one step ahead of the authorities, stay hidden, keep calm, pass undetected through check points, not slip up, it's very hard to know who they can trust and they have a few close calls.
Along their journey, they meet members of the French resistance and complete strangers who are willing to help the boys, they provide shelter, food, a hot bath, clean clothes and a safe place for them to hide. They put themselves at risk of being arrested to protect the boys and some do pay the ultimate price for helping them. The boys eventually make it to the village of Le Chambon-sur-Ligon, here Pastor Andre Trocme finds homes for them, they go to school, Jacob has his first crush on a girl called Anna and life in the village is peaceful for a few months.
But the threat of the Nazi's return, they know Jewish people are being hidden in the small valley and they start looking for them and arrests begin. The boys are on the run again, they have no choice but to take the risk of trying to get to safety in Spain and eventually try to be reunited with their parents and they hope have made it to South America?
I enjoyed reading Children Of The Stars, its a story about the strong bond between two loving brothers, how families had to make the difficult choices during WW II, parents would do anything to keep their children safe during such a dangerous time in history and about how two boys manage to go on a long crazy journey through war torn Europe, how they try to find their parents who are desperately fleeing the Nazi's and being sent to a concentration camp.
I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review, fours stars from me and I have read Mario's previous book Auschwitz Lullaby and I loved it.
https://karrenreadsbooks.blogspot.com
The Nazi's have ordered the local police to round up Jewish citizens and take them to the Velodrome d'Hiver. The boys are spotted leaving the apartment building, they try to get away and are eventually caught. The conditions inside the Velodrome are terrible, it's over crowded, hot, stuffy, and full of desperate people trying to find their family members who they had been separated from during the chaos of being loaded onto buses.
Jacob and Moses manage to escape the Velodrome, they return to their aunts apartment, she's missing, while searching the apartment for any clues as to what happened to their aunt, the boys find letters from their parents and they notice the envelopes have a return address, it's in the south of France. The brothers decide to try to find their parents and the boys flight from Paris begins! They travel through France by van, train, truck and they also have to walk through the dangerous French countryside. They need to be one step ahead of the authorities, stay hidden, keep calm, pass undetected through check points, not slip up, it's very hard to know who they can trust and they have a few close calls.
Along their journey, they meet members of the French resistance and complete strangers who are willing to help the boys, they provide shelter, food, a hot bath, clean clothes and a safe place for them to hide. They put themselves at risk of being arrested to protect the boys and some do pay the ultimate price for helping them. The boys eventually make it to the village of Le Chambon-sur-Ligon, here Pastor Andre Trocme finds homes for them, they go to school, Jacob has his first crush on a girl called Anna and life in the village is peaceful for a few months.
But the threat of the Nazi's return, they know Jewish people are being hidden in the small valley and they start looking for them and arrests begin. The boys are on the run again, they have no choice but to take the risk of trying to get to safety in Spain and eventually try to be reunited with their parents and they hope have made it to South America?
I enjoyed reading Children Of The Stars, its a story about the strong bond between two loving brothers, how families had to make the difficult choices during WW II, parents would do anything to keep their children safe during such a dangerous time in history and about how two boys manage to go on a long crazy journey through war torn Europe, how they try to find their parents who are desperately fleeing the Nazi's and being sent to a concentration camp.
I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review, fours stars from me and I have read Mario's previous book Auschwitz Lullaby and I loved it.
https://karrenreadsbooks.blogspot.com
April 17, 2020
Children of the Stars is a lighter read that didn't really pull me into the story and I struggled with keeping my focus while reading this. I had a hard time connecting with the characters here. I think would make a great read for someone looking for a lighter hopeful read.
I received a copy from the publisher on NetGalley
I received a copy from the publisher on NetGalley
September 8, 2020
Thanks to NetGalley, Thomas Nelson Fiction, and Mario Escobar for my advanced copy of his new book: Children of The Stars.
1942, Jacob and Moses Stein, two young Jewish brothers are staying with their Aunt Judith in Paris during the Nazi occupation and are trying to keep a low profile. Eleazar and Jana Stein the boy’s parents are German actors they have left the brothers with Judith while they try to find somewhere safe for the whole family to live. On the first morning of summer school holidays, the boys have an early breakfast, decide to leave the shelter of the tiny apartment and visit the synagogue.
The boys have no idea the Nazi's have ordered the local police to round up Jewish citizens and take them to the Velodrome d'Hiver. The Boys are spotted leaving the apartment building; they try to get away and are eventually caught.
Jacob and Moses manage to escape the Velodrome, they return to their aunt’s apartment, she has gone missing, while searching the apartment for any clues as to what happened to their aunt, the boys find letters from their parents and they notice the envelopes have a return address is in the South of France.
The brothers decide to try to find their parents and the boy’s flight from Paris begins! They travel through France by van, train, truck and they also have to walk through the dangerous French countryside.
Along their journey, they meet members of the French resistance and complete strangers who are willing to help the boys; they provide shelter, food, a hot bath, clean clothes and a safe place for them to hide. They put themselves at risk of being arrested to protect the boys and some do pay the ultimate price for helping them.
The boys eventually make it to the village of Le Chambon-sur-Ligon, here Pastor Andre Trocme finds homes for them, they go to school, Jacob has his first crush on a girl called Anna and life in the village is peaceful for a few months.
But the threat of the Nazi's return, they know Jewish people are being hidden in the small valley and they start looking for them and arrests begin.
The boys are on the runs again, they have no choice but to take the risk of trying to get to safety in Spain and eventually try to be reunited with their parents who they hope have made it to South America!
I enjoyed reading Children Of The Stars, it’s a story about the strong bond between two loving brothers, how families had to make the difficult choices during WW II, parents would do anything to keep their children safe during such a dangerous time in history and about two boys who manage to go on a long crazy journey through war torn Europe, how they try to find their parents who are desperately fleeing the Nazi's and being sent to a concentration camp.
I gave the book four stars, I have read Mario's previous book Auschwitz Lullaby and I loved it.
1942, Jacob and Moses Stein, two young Jewish brothers are staying with their Aunt Judith in Paris during the Nazi occupation and are trying to keep a low profile. Eleazar and Jana Stein the boy’s parents are German actors they have left the brothers with Judith while they try to find somewhere safe for the whole family to live. On the first morning of summer school holidays, the boys have an early breakfast, decide to leave the shelter of the tiny apartment and visit the synagogue.
The boys have no idea the Nazi's have ordered the local police to round up Jewish citizens and take them to the Velodrome d'Hiver. The Boys are spotted leaving the apartment building; they try to get away and are eventually caught.
Jacob and Moses manage to escape the Velodrome, they return to their aunt’s apartment, she has gone missing, while searching the apartment for any clues as to what happened to their aunt, the boys find letters from their parents and they notice the envelopes have a return address is in the South of France.
The brothers decide to try to find their parents and the boy’s flight from Paris begins! They travel through France by van, train, truck and they also have to walk through the dangerous French countryside.
Along their journey, they meet members of the French resistance and complete strangers who are willing to help the boys; they provide shelter, food, a hot bath, clean clothes and a safe place for them to hide. They put themselves at risk of being arrested to protect the boys and some do pay the ultimate price for helping them.
The boys eventually make it to the village of Le Chambon-sur-Ligon, here Pastor Andre Trocme finds homes for them, they go to school, Jacob has his first crush on a girl called Anna and life in the village is peaceful for a few months.
But the threat of the Nazi's return, they know Jewish people are being hidden in the small valley and they start looking for them and arrests begin.
The boys are on the runs again, they have no choice but to take the risk of trying to get to safety in Spain and eventually try to be reunited with their parents who they hope have made it to South America!
I enjoyed reading Children Of The Stars, it’s a story about the strong bond between two loving brothers, how families had to make the difficult choices during WW II, parents would do anything to keep their children safe during such a dangerous time in history and about two boys who manage to go on a long crazy journey through war torn Europe, how they try to find their parents who are desperately fleeing the Nazi's and being sent to a concentration camp.
I gave the book four stars, I have read Mario's previous book Auschwitz Lullaby and I loved it.
November 20, 2019
This book of the holocaust, is an important historical fiction story told by author Mario Escobar. It is about the struggles of two brothers who have been separated from their parents, and the journey through war times to find them.
It takes them through many counties, and in and out of many families lives and homes
All books about this topic are very important, and must be read. I have read a great many books about the holocaust, and feel many of them were more enjoyable of a read for me. The story was just not believable, and I think it lost a bit in the translation.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own."
I thank NetGalley, the author and publisher for my advanced copy to review
It takes them through many counties, and in and out of many families lives and homes
All books about this topic are very important, and must be read. I have read a great many books about the holocaust, and feel many of them were more enjoyable of a read for me. The story was just not believable, and I think it lost a bit in the translation.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own."
I thank NetGalley, the author and publisher for my advanced copy to review
July 19, 2020
Though fictional this book is actually based upon factual historical events happening in the character's lives.
Jacob and Moses are brothers and the children of famous well-known German playwrights.
Sent by their parents for their safety into their aunts care the children are taken captive by a roundup and arrested before they are able to escape and reunite with their parents.
The French gendarmes, under direct Nazi order take the boys to Vélodrome d’Hive, a structure in Paris where thousands of France’s Jews are being forcibly detained.
Knowing they must escape and fearing for their lives, knowing if they don't they may never see their parents again the story follows the harrowing trek the boys make trying to find their parents when they have very little to go on besides a set of letters sent from the South of France.
These brothers have only each other to rely on as they face the grim reality of not knowing who they can trust and who will turn them in .
Faced with hunger,desperation,fear and uncertainty is it really feasible to continue this journey to find their parents? You will meet the people who go out of their way putting their own lives in danger to help these young brothers, some paying the ultimate price.
Though tragic the human spirit shines through the darkness as we come into the light of human goodness once again.
Highly recommended for historical fiction loves who enjoy learning something from what they are reading.
Pub Date 25 Feb 2020
I was given a complimentary copy of this book. Thank you.
All opinions expressed are my own.
Jacob and Moses are brothers and the children of famous well-known German playwrights.
Sent by their parents for their safety into their aunts care the children are taken captive by a roundup and arrested before they are able to escape and reunite with their parents.
The French gendarmes, under direct Nazi order take the boys to Vélodrome d’Hive, a structure in Paris where thousands of France’s Jews are being forcibly detained.
Knowing they must escape and fearing for their lives, knowing if they don't they may never see their parents again the story follows the harrowing trek the boys make trying to find their parents when they have very little to go on besides a set of letters sent from the South of France.
These brothers have only each other to rely on as they face the grim reality of not knowing who they can trust and who will turn them in .
Faced with hunger,desperation,fear and uncertainty is it really feasible to continue this journey to find their parents? You will meet the people who go out of their way putting their own lives in danger to help these young brothers, some paying the ultimate price.
Though tragic the human spirit shines through the darkness as we come into the light of human goodness once again.
Highly recommended for historical fiction loves who enjoy learning something from what they are reading.
Pub Date 25 Feb 2020
I was given a complimentary copy of this book. Thank you.
All opinions expressed are my own.
February 19, 2020
5 ☆ Mario Escobar has written a touching story from the perspective of two Jewish brothers’ harrowing escape during WWll from France to Spain on the quest to find their parents. The kindness and encouragement of the people they meet along their journey tugged at my heartstrings, with good triumphing over evil time and time again. Children of the Stars is a story of bravery, love of family, and the endurance of human spirit. I was completely absorbed in this book staying up late to finish. This is a keeper, one you don’t want to miss.
This story was inspired by a trip to Le Chambon-sur-Lignon, France where the author took his family to visit.
Excerpt from https://encyclopedia.ushmm.org/conten... "Nobody asked who was Jewish and who was not. Nobody asked where you were from. Nobody asked who your father was or if you could pay. They just accepted each of us, taking us in with warmth, sheltering children, often without their parents—children who cried in the night from nightmares."
—Elizabeth Koenig-Kaufman, a former child refugee in Le Chambon
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
This story was inspired by a trip to Le Chambon-sur-Lignon, France where the author took his family to visit.
Excerpt from https://encyclopedia.ushmm.org/conten... "Nobody asked who was Jewish and who was not. Nobody asked where you were from. Nobody asked who your father was or if you could pay. They just accepted each of us, taking us in with warmth, sheltering children, often without their parents—children who cried in the night from nightmares."
—Elizabeth Koenig-Kaufman, a former child refugee in Le Chambon
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
February 6, 2020
Children of the Stars is an important tale of two Jewish brothers and their journey across Europe and later across the Atlantic Ocean in a search of their parents. It is a heartbreaking but full of hope story of survival, love, and sacrifice during the harrowing times of WW2 and Holocaust.
I think any story about Holocaust is an important story to know. Even though both main characters, Jacob and Moses, are fictional, their courageous journey tells a story of many children during WW2 and their struggle to survive and reunite with their families. However, reading this book I found myself a little distracted and not as emotionally affected, as I would hope so. Yes, I rooted for Jacob and Moses, but I did not feel emotionally connected to them. Something was missing it the way both characters where presented in this story, and maybe if the author spend more time on developing his characters than on the plot itself, which was moving quite fast in my opinion, I would have been able to “feel” more and to build an emotional attachment to them.
This is my second book by Mario Escobar, and I am definitely looking forward to reading more books by him.
Thank you NetGalley, Thomas Nelson publisher, and the author for providing me with an ARC copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.
I think any story about Holocaust is an important story to know. Even though both main characters, Jacob and Moses, are fictional, their courageous journey tells a story of many children during WW2 and their struggle to survive and reunite with their families. However, reading this book I found myself a little distracted and not as emotionally affected, as I would hope so. Yes, I rooted for Jacob and Moses, but I did not feel emotionally connected to them. Something was missing it the way both characters where presented in this story, and maybe if the author spend more time on developing his characters than on the plot itself, which was moving quite fast in my opinion, I would have been able to “feel” more and to build an emotional attachment to them.
This is my second book by Mario Escobar, and I am definitely looking forward to reading more books by him.
Thank you NetGalley, Thomas Nelson publisher, and the author for providing me with an ARC copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.
March 16, 2020
This. is The story about two Young jewish Boys during Ww2 and their Journey to reunite with their parents. It was. an ok book for me. Just ok. why? compared to fiction books from this era it was tame. It. did not touch my heart. with that being said I did appreciate that The book showed us that Even under The darkest times there are heroesthat Will stand up for you. There are always sunrays shining through Even in The darkest time. and the book reminds us. to always fight evil. never let evil win. Thank you to Netgalley for this digital copy in exchange for an honest review
February 6, 2020
Children of the Stars is an important tale of two Jewish brothers and their journey across Europe and later across the Atlantic Ocean in a search of their parents. It is a heartbreaking but full of hope story of survival, love, and sacrifice during the harrowing times of WW2 and Holocaust.
I think any story about Holocaust is an important story to know. Even though both main characters, Jacob and Moses, are fictional, their courageous journey tells a story of many children during WW2 and their struggle to survive and reunite with their families. However, reading this book I found myself a little distracted and not as emotionally affected, as I would hope so. Yes, I rooted for Jacob and Moses, but I did not feel emotionally connected to them. Something was missing it the way both characters where presented in this story, and maybe if the author spend more time on developing his characters than on the plot itself, which was moving quite fast in my opinion, I would have been able to “feel” more and to build an emotional attachment to them.
This is my second book by Mario Escobar, and I am definitely looking forward to reading more books by him.
Thank you NetGalley, Thomas Nelson publisher, and the author for providing me with an ARC copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.
I think any story about Holocaust is an important story to know. Even though both main characters, Jacob and Moses, are fictional, their courageous journey tells a story of many children during WW2 and their struggle to survive and reunite with their families. However, reading this book I found myself a little distracted and not as emotionally affected, as I would hope so. Yes, I rooted for Jacob and Moses, but I did not feel emotionally connected to them. Something was missing it the way both characters where presented in this story, and maybe if the author spend more time on developing his characters than on the plot itself, which was moving quite fast in my opinion, I would have been able to “feel” more and to build an emotional attachment to them.
This is my second book by Mario Escobar, and I am definitely looking forward to reading more books by him.
Thank you NetGalley, Thomas Nelson publisher, and the author for providing me with an ARC copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.
January 14, 2025
4.75 ⭐️
Ugh! What an inspiring book! I did keep it on the back burner for a bit because of other books that caught my fancy (*cough*James Herriot*cough*), but it did not disappoint at all.
Two brothers, Jacob and Moses Stein, are in Paris, France where the Nazis have occupied their beautiful country. With their parents gone and due to dire circumstances that forced them out of their home, their city, and alone, the two brave lads set out to find their parents and be a family again. Betrayal, love, and hope find the Stein brothers as they meet all sort of people who are willing to sacrifice their lives for the hated, the belittled, and the targeted because of the unconditional love and compassion within their hearts for their fellow man, or in this case, two Jewish boys who want normalcy in the chaotic world of war.
I was on the edge of my seat (more like my bed, but you get the point) while I read this book, especially the middle to end part. I cheered them on and wanted to chuck the book across the room when there was a setback or the Germans were near and thwarted the Stein brother's plans. I highly recommend this book if you're a fan of WWII fiction, sibling relationships, and a whole lot of tear-jerking moments of goodness.
Happy Reading!✨
Ugh! What an inspiring book! I did keep it on the back burner for a bit because of other books that caught my fancy (*cough*James Herriot*cough*), but it did not disappoint at all.
Two brothers, Jacob and Moses Stein, are in Paris, France where the Nazis have occupied their beautiful country. With their parents gone and due to dire circumstances that forced them out of their home, their city, and alone, the two brave lads set out to find their parents and be a family again. Betrayal, love, and hope find the Stein brothers as they meet all sort of people who are willing to sacrifice their lives for the hated, the belittled, and the targeted because of the unconditional love and compassion within their hearts for their fellow man, or in this case, two Jewish boys who want normalcy in the chaotic world of war.
I was on the edge of my seat (more like my bed, but you get the point) while I read this book, especially the middle to end part. I cheered them on and wanted to chuck the book across the room when there was a setback or the Germans were near and thwarted the Stein brother's plans. I highly recommend this book if you're a fan of WWII fiction, sibling relationships, and a whole lot of tear-jerking moments of goodness.
Happy Reading!✨
March 10, 2020
This is an extraordinary novel. The story features two young brothers, Jacob and Moses Stein, as they search for their parents in 1942.
The brothers’ parents left them in the care of their aunt about a year ago while they went looking for a safe place to move their family. The boys’ parents are somewhere, maybe in France, looking for a safe place for their family to wait out the war, as they were German playwrights and Jewish. One day, the French law enforcement begins rounding up all of the local Jews, and they are transported to Velodrome d’Hiver for detainment. The boys are also captured but soon realize that the only way to reunite with their parents is if they escape and try to find them on their own. So that’s what they do.
I can’t really remember reading a WWII story quite like this one. The perspectives of the young boys is quite different than that of the leads in most of the other wartime stories. Moses is just 8 years old, and his brother Jacob is only a few years older. For the boys to have the fortitude and grit to make such a huge decision-to escape and look for their mom and dad-is tremendous. They’re so brave. And their ability to persevere along the way then things get really hard for them is astounding. They’re also just children, so I love that I was able to see their vulnerability and their exhaustion throughout this story. I felt so deeply for them because they just don’t fully understand all that is happening around them.
The boys come across people on their journey that are kind and willing to help, but they also cross paths with some Nazi sympathizers and people that treat them as less-than because they are Jewish. They are encouraged by the people that are risking their own lives to help move them toward their parents, and they are aware that getting caught probably means the worst for them.
Mario Escobar writes beautifully. There are some beautiful turns-of-phrase in here and quite a few sentences and paragraphs that I want to make sure to remember. Readers that enjoy WWII novels will likely enjoy this one, and I also think that teens and some younger readers can pick it up and enjoy it. It’s a hopeful story, which is not always the case with stories about WWII-era novels.
I received this book for free from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review. Thank you, Thomas Nelson Books!
Find this review and more like it on my blog, Into the Hall of Books!
The brothers’ parents left them in the care of their aunt about a year ago while they went looking for a safe place to move their family. The boys’ parents are somewhere, maybe in France, looking for a safe place for their family to wait out the war, as they were German playwrights and Jewish. One day, the French law enforcement begins rounding up all of the local Jews, and they are transported to Velodrome d’Hiver for detainment. The boys are also captured but soon realize that the only way to reunite with their parents is if they escape and try to find them on their own. So that’s what they do.
I can’t really remember reading a WWII story quite like this one. The perspectives of the young boys is quite different than that of the leads in most of the other wartime stories. Moses is just 8 years old, and his brother Jacob is only a few years older. For the boys to have the fortitude and grit to make such a huge decision-to escape and look for their mom and dad-is tremendous. They’re so brave. And their ability to persevere along the way then things get really hard for them is astounding. They’re also just children, so I love that I was able to see their vulnerability and their exhaustion throughout this story. I felt so deeply for them because they just don’t fully understand all that is happening around them.
The boys come across people on their journey that are kind and willing to help, but they also cross paths with some Nazi sympathizers and people that treat them as less-than because they are Jewish. They are encouraged by the people that are risking their own lives to help move them toward their parents, and they are aware that getting caught probably means the worst for them.
Mario Escobar writes beautifully. There are some beautiful turns-of-phrase in here and quite a few sentences and paragraphs that I want to make sure to remember. Readers that enjoy WWII novels will likely enjoy this one, and I also think that teens and some younger readers can pick it up and enjoy it. It’s a hopeful story, which is not always the case with stories about WWII-era novels.
I received this book for free from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review. Thank you, Thomas Nelson Books!
Find this review and more like it on my blog, Into the Hall of Books!
February 25, 2020
I’m compelled to read books about WWII. There are so many stories written about this horrible time in history and I continue to seek books where I can find something new to learn and told from a new perspective. It is so important to never forget. I was heartbroken by Mario Escobar’s last book Auschwitz Lullaby which made Children of the Stars a must-read.
It is 1942 and we meet Moses and Jacob Stein, two brothers ages eight and twelve, separated from their parents. They are living with their aunt in Paris while their parents seek a safe place for the family to live as the world around them is falling apart. Under a false sense of security, the boys decide to walk to synagogue one day unaware that the Nazi's have started to round up and deport all Jews.
The brothers find themselves alone and on the run as they try to reunite with their family. They leave Paris with clues as to where they might find their parents. By now, their aunt is missing. They undertake a dangerous journey meeting brave members of the French Resistance who risk their lives to help the brothers. The brothers reach the town of Le Chambon-sur-Lignon where they discover that they are not the only Jews being hidden and protected. It will only be a matter of time before the Nazis discover what is occurring.
The book is a work of fiction but the brave people of Le Chambon-sur-Lignon, who helped refugees and hid Jews during the war, were real. The author includes some of the actual heroes as characters in the book. You'll want to learn more about them.
This is a story about love, hope and courage.
Many thanks to Edelweiss, Thomas Nelson Publishers and Mario Escobar for an advance copy of this moving book which will be published February 25, 2020.
Review posted at MicheleReader.com
It is 1942 and we meet Moses and Jacob Stein, two brothers ages eight and twelve, separated from their parents. They are living with their aunt in Paris while their parents seek a safe place for the family to live as the world around them is falling apart. Under a false sense of security, the boys decide to walk to synagogue one day unaware that the Nazi's have started to round up and deport all Jews.
The brothers find themselves alone and on the run as they try to reunite with their family. They leave Paris with clues as to where they might find their parents. By now, their aunt is missing. They undertake a dangerous journey meeting brave members of the French Resistance who risk their lives to help the brothers. The brothers reach the town of Le Chambon-sur-Lignon where they discover that they are not the only Jews being hidden and protected. It will only be a matter of time before the Nazis discover what is occurring.
The book is a work of fiction but the brave people of Le Chambon-sur-Lignon, who helped refugees and hid Jews during the war, were real. The author includes some of the actual heroes as characters in the book. You'll want to learn more about them.
This is a story about love, hope and courage.
Many thanks to Edelweiss, Thomas Nelson Publishers and Mario Escobar for an advance copy of this moving book which will be published February 25, 2020.
Review posted at MicheleReader.com
March 20, 2020
I enjoyed this amazing heart wrenching story of brotherhood, family, hope and resilience in the midst of the horrors and perils of the second World War.
It is the summer of 1942 when brothers Jacob and Moses Stein are with their aunt in Paris during the Nazi occupation. Their parents in Germany are famous playwrights who are trying to reunite the family. The children end up forcible detained at the Vélodrome d’Hiver. They escaped the harrowing conditions of that place and returns to their aunts apartment but she is no longer there. With only a postmarked letter with an address for the south of France, the boys’ determination and strength are tested as they struggle to survive through their journey.
The story of their ordeal through their journey in hopes of reconciling with their parents was both intense and also inspiring to see how people will go to lengths of helping others.
This was a powerful read that tests the human spirit through the darkest of times. This novel truly inspired me and brought hope in this must read, heart warming story
It is the summer of 1942 when brothers Jacob and Moses Stein are with their aunt in Paris during the Nazi occupation. Their parents in Germany are famous playwrights who are trying to reunite the family. The children end up forcible detained at the Vélodrome d’Hiver. They escaped the harrowing conditions of that place and returns to their aunts apartment but she is no longer there. With only a postmarked letter with an address for the south of France, the boys’ determination and strength are tested as they struggle to survive through their journey.
The story of their ordeal through their journey in hopes of reconciling with their parents was both intense and also inspiring to see how people will go to lengths of helping others.
This was a powerful read that tests the human spirit through the darkest of times. This novel truly inspired me and brought hope in this must read, heart warming story
February 28, 2018
4.5⭐
Encontramos situações divertidas, de pânico, mas acima de tudo deparamos-nos com pessoas de coração grande, que irão fazer com que a nossa crença e esperança no ser humano não seja toda generalizada de que são só maus a prosperar neste Mundo louco.
Opinião completa aqui: http://baudatanocas.blogs.sapo.pt/os-...
Encontramos situações divertidas, de pânico, mas acima de tudo deparamos-nos com pessoas de coração grande, que irão fazer com que a nossa crença e esperança no ser humano não seja toda generalizada de que são só maus a prosperar neste Mundo louco.
Opinião completa aqui: http://baudatanocas.blogs.sapo.pt/os-...
June 14, 2024
This has been on my shelf forever, and I'm glad I finally had the opportunity to read it. I enjoyed the unique perspective on WW2, which was that of two Jewish boys (12 and 8 at the start of the book) who are abandoned and searching for their parents. Their journey to find their parents has just enough adventure and misadventure and tragedy nearly missed to keep you reading but it's not too heavy.
While I enjoyed their journey, I did find the narration very stilted and the dialogue unnatural. Philosophizing was inserted into otherwise normal conversations between the boys and the adults who came in and out of their lives, and seemed jarringly out of place. I think the stilted narration was due in part to the fact that it is translated, which I understand, but still detracted from the reading experience for me personally.
I also couldn't get past the fact that their parents abandoned them but were still portrayed as being good and loving parents. I get that it was war time and all, but if I was separated from my kids - even at their older ages of 15 and 13 - during a time of war, I would move heaven and earth to be with them, even if it meant certain death for me. These boys' parents seemed perfectly happy to leave their kids in the hands of other adults and hope for the best.
While I enjoyed their journey, I did find the narration very stilted and the dialogue unnatural. Philosophizing was inserted into otherwise normal conversations between the boys and the adults who came in and out of their lives, and seemed jarringly out of place. I think the stilted narration was due in part to the fact that it is translated, which I understand, but still detracted from the reading experience for me personally.
I also couldn't get past the fact that their parents abandoned them but were still portrayed as being good and loving parents. I get that it was war time and all, but if I was separated from my kids - even at their older ages of 15 and 13 - during a time of war, I would move heaven and earth to be with them, even if it meant certain death for me. These boys' parents seemed perfectly happy to leave their kids in the hands of other adults and hope for the best.
April 2, 2020
Set in France during the Holocaust of World War 2, starring Jacob and Moses Stein, young Jewish brothers age 12 and 8. They are unforgettable protagonists in this incredibly well written story. Living with their aunt in Paris after their parents move to Vichy France to avoid the round up of Jewish adults, they are left as orphans when their aunt commits suicide during her capture by the Nazis. Narrowly escaping, the boys immediately set off in search of their parents with an address found on the last letter their aunt had received. Their journey takes them throughout France, across to Spain, and finally across the Atlantic to Argentina.
The trials and tribulations these boys underwent along with the heroic and amazing heroes and heroines they encountered along their trek that kept them safe, provided food and money, and transport when needed could only bring tears to my eyes. Based on factual historical records with immense research, Escobar creates a story that vividly paints the horrors and atrocities that young children were exposed to in Europe throughout World War 2. This is a novel that will warm your heart at the same time that it breaks it.
Top notch World War 2 fiction.
**I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley. Opinions are mine alone. I was not compensated for this review
The trials and tribulations these boys underwent along with the heroic and amazing heroes and heroines they encountered along their trek that kept them safe, provided food and money, and transport when needed could only bring tears to my eyes. Based on factual historical records with immense research, Escobar creates a story that vividly paints the horrors and atrocities that young children were exposed to in Europe throughout World War 2. This is a novel that will warm your heart at the same time that it breaks it.
Top notch World War 2 fiction.
**I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley. Opinions are mine alone. I was not compensated for this review
April 14, 2017
No deja de sorprenderme todo lo que se aprende con las historias de Mario Escobar (solo he leído dos), a pesar de que no he leído todo lo que ha escrito, me queda claro que te hace entrar en conciencia, sus palabras, sus personajes, sus historias te tocan de muchas maneras y es algo que muy pocos escritores logran hacer, este libro es hermoso y doloroso. Lo disfrute de principio a fin.
February 4, 2024
Baseado em factos reais, é um livro que não permite parar facilmente de ler. Cinco estrelas, sem dúvida!
January 31, 2020
I received a complimentary copy of this book from #NetGalley and #ThomasNelsonFiction. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
I was interested in reading this book for a number of reasons. I knew that story centred around WW2 which is always of interest to me and the cover captivated me. My congratulations go out to the artist who captured the idea of two young boys on the run. Lastly, I have read another book by this author Auschwitz Lullaby and very much enjoyed it. The author is from Spain and the version that I have read is a translation. I believe that Gretchen Abernathy did an excellent job in her translation.
For some reason when I started reading this book I did not immediately make the connection that the stars referred to in the title were the yellow stars that all Jewish people living under Nazi control were forced to wear. Apparently, they were called “children of the yellow star”. The following quote stood out to me: “ To Moses, stars were the lights that God had created so that night would not swallow everything up. Yet the world now seemed orphaned of stars, dark and cold like the wardrobe where he would hide to trick his parents and from which he always jumped out as soon as possible so the immense blackness did not devour him completely.”
This particular story was set in France for a good part of the novel and was inspired by a trip that the author took with is family to the town of Le Chambon-sur-Lignon. This town was known as one that did all that it could to rescue refugees and to hide the Jewish people who came to their doorsteps. The trip impressed upon the author the value of human life and the importance of never giving up. As I write this, I can’t help but think of all the refugees currently on the road to somewhere and wonder if people today would be willing to do what the people of this town chose to do during the war.
Many of the people mentioned in the book from this area did indeed exist and documentation supports the actions described in the story. The two main characters, brothers Jacob and Moses Stein, were fictional but represent the experiences of real children who were forced to fend for themselves in travels across wartime Europe in order to survive.
The story begins as Eleazar and Jana Stein bid a tearful farewell to their two young sons Jacob and Moses leaving them in the care of their aunt Judith. Judith was too old to leave and Eleazar and Jana believed that they needed to seek out a safe place for the boys before taking them on the road. They thought that Paris would be safe. They were wrong.
Jacob was the elder, ready to be studying for his bar-mitzvah although his family had not been religious until they arrived in Paris and began living with their aunt. Moses was only eight years old and still very dependant on his mother’s care. Jacob took on the role of caregiver in her absence and always did his best to look out for his brother. In July of 1942, buses arrived at their apartment building with the local French gendarmes to round up all the Jewish people and transport them to the Vel D’hiv, a velodrome well known to the people of Paris. Thus begins the journey of these two boys.
Their journey was not an easy one, with multiple challenges along the way as the boys did their best to find and reach their parents. There were moments though when I felt it was easier than what people would have actually faced at the time. It does though show that there were many people who defied the laws of the time to assist those in need in making their way to safety. It also points out the importance of family and the desire that each individual faces to be with their own people – even if it means going with them to face inevitable death. My hope would be that this book would capture the interest of readers and lead them to do some more research to learn the stories of the real people in this book and others like them. There are so many refugees in the world today. They may be fleeing from different evils than these boys faced but it still seems so hard for many of them to achieve a place of safety in the arms of their families.
I was interested in reading this book for a number of reasons. I knew that story centred around WW2 which is always of interest to me and the cover captivated me. My congratulations go out to the artist who captured the idea of two young boys on the run. Lastly, I have read another book by this author Auschwitz Lullaby and very much enjoyed it. The author is from Spain and the version that I have read is a translation. I believe that Gretchen Abernathy did an excellent job in her translation.
For some reason when I started reading this book I did not immediately make the connection that the stars referred to in the title were the yellow stars that all Jewish people living under Nazi control were forced to wear. Apparently, they were called “children of the yellow star”. The following quote stood out to me: “ To Moses, stars were the lights that God had created so that night would not swallow everything up. Yet the world now seemed orphaned of stars, dark and cold like the wardrobe where he would hide to trick his parents and from which he always jumped out as soon as possible so the immense blackness did not devour him completely.”
This particular story was set in France for a good part of the novel and was inspired by a trip that the author took with is family to the town of Le Chambon-sur-Lignon. This town was known as one that did all that it could to rescue refugees and to hide the Jewish people who came to their doorsteps. The trip impressed upon the author the value of human life and the importance of never giving up. As I write this, I can’t help but think of all the refugees currently on the road to somewhere and wonder if people today would be willing to do what the people of this town chose to do during the war.
Many of the people mentioned in the book from this area did indeed exist and documentation supports the actions described in the story. The two main characters, brothers Jacob and Moses Stein, were fictional but represent the experiences of real children who were forced to fend for themselves in travels across wartime Europe in order to survive.
The story begins as Eleazar and Jana Stein bid a tearful farewell to their two young sons Jacob and Moses leaving them in the care of their aunt Judith. Judith was too old to leave and Eleazar and Jana believed that they needed to seek out a safe place for the boys before taking them on the road. They thought that Paris would be safe. They were wrong.
Jacob was the elder, ready to be studying for his bar-mitzvah although his family had not been religious until they arrived in Paris and began living with their aunt. Moses was only eight years old and still very dependant on his mother’s care. Jacob took on the role of caregiver in her absence and always did his best to look out for his brother. In July of 1942, buses arrived at their apartment building with the local French gendarmes to round up all the Jewish people and transport them to the Vel D’hiv, a velodrome well known to the people of Paris. Thus begins the journey of these two boys.
Their journey was not an easy one, with multiple challenges along the way as the boys did their best to find and reach their parents. There were moments though when I felt it was easier than what people would have actually faced at the time. It does though show that there were many people who defied the laws of the time to assist those in need in making their way to safety. It also points out the importance of family and the desire that each individual faces to be with their own people – even if it means going with them to face inevitable death. My hope would be that this book would capture the interest of readers and lead them to do some more research to learn the stories of the real people in this book and others like them. There are so many refugees in the world today. They may be fleeing from different evils than these boys faced but it still seems so hard for many of them to achieve a place of safety in the arms of their families.
May 26, 2020
This story was a disappointment to me. The narrative was clunky and uneven—I couldn’t tell if the writing or the translation or both was the issue. It would go from choppy to lyrical with a suddenness that left me frequently dizzied. The voice wasn’t consistent throughout. The narration is in an omniscient POV that can’t seem to focus on the same characters very long. I generally really enjoy omniscient narrations but this was the most jarring I’ve ever read as we’d get deep into one character’s thoughts and then be surprised by something another character was thinking in the same paragraph.
Another thing that really bugged me was that the author’s philosophical wanderings were most likely to occur in the thoughts of the twelve-year-old boy. Had it been presented as a truism from the narrator at all times, I’d not have found it jarring, but to think of a boy on the run stopping to think these transcendent thoughts felt very unlikely and made it harder for me to connect with Jacob as a character.
The story is mainly clean, with bad language mostly limited to vulgarities, but does include some episodes of graphic violence. It is marketed as Christian fiction but it isn’t; the MCs are Jewish.
Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for a free reading copy. A favorable review was not required.
Another thing that really bugged me was that the author’s philosophical wanderings were most likely to occur in the thoughts of the twelve-year-old boy. Had it been presented as a truism from the narrator at all times, I’d not have found it jarring, but to think of a boy on the run stopping to think these transcendent thoughts felt very unlikely and made it harder for me to connect with Jacob as a character.
The story is mainly clean, with bad language mostly limited to vulgarities, but does include some episodes of graphic violence. It is marketed as Christian fiction but it isn’t; the MCs are Jewish.
Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for a free reading copy. A favorable review was not required.
January 1, 2019
Una historia tierna y triste pero a la vez poco real.Jacob era un niño y pensaba como un adulto,creo que si escribes con protagonistas niños debes pensar como un niño.Otra cosa que me ha parecido inverosímil es la base del libro,la decisión de los padres,no hay por donde cogerla.Se lee rápido y personajes tiernos con un mensaje claro sobre el valor de la solidaridad.
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March 9, 2020A good story about 2 brothers that escape the Nazis. The story was a good story and that's pretty much all it was. No fact checked history to be found here and not even a believable story. Every time the boys get in trouble or need help someone magically appears to help them on their way. It's a read in a day book that does flow quickly. Nice poolside read.
August 19, 2019
Mario Escobar, usted me rompió el corazón por segunda vez este año.
January 4, 2021
Jacob and Moses are two brothers searching for their parents.
That wouldn't be a big thing if they weren't 8 and 11 year old Jews, living in Paris in 1942.
Their parents, famous German dramatists, left them with their aunt Judith until they could find a safe haven. But before they have the chance to get them, the boys are arrested and taken to the Vélodrome d'Hiver.
They knew that they couldn't stay there so they manage to flee and initiate a dangerous and scary journey to be reunited with their parents once more.
Although their characters are fictional, they represent real Jewish children who travelled all cross Europe as refugees during the WWII.
In my opinion the author successfully managed to combine historical facts with fiction. He also used some of the authentic historical characters such as the amazing Andre Trocme and Edouard Theis.
For me this was a story about courage, perseverance, family and above all Love 💜
That wouldn't be a big thing if they weren't 8 and 11 year old Jews, living in Paris in 1942.
Their parents, famous German dramatists, left them with their aunt Judith until they could find a safe haven. But before they have the chance to get them, the boys are arrested and taken to the Vélodrome d'Hiver.
They knew that they couldn't stay there so they manage to flee and initiate a dangerous and scary journey to be reunited with their parents once more.
Although their characters are fictional, they represent real Jewish children who travelled all cross Europe as refugees during the WWII.
In my opinion the author successfully managed to combine historical facts with fiction. He also used some of the authentic historical characters such as the amazing Andre Trocme and Edouard Theis.
For me this was a story about courage, perseverance, family and above all Love 💜
October 26, 2019
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Thomas Nelson through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
I could not stop crying after I read this book! The heartwarming relationship between Jacob and Moses was so kind to see that it brought tears to my eyes. I have read a lot of Holocaust Historical Fiction and have loved every one of them but this one really does a number on you mostly because it focuses on the relationship between the two brothers and the strong relationship and sense of family. The bond they had to survive this terrible event was so inspiring and really opened my eyes how strong and powerful that can be. This book definitely made me count my blessings and be thankful for the love I have for my family and how that can help me get through anything.
We will consider adding this title to our Historical Fiction collection at our library. That is why we give this book 5 stars.
I could not stop crying after I read this book! The heartwarming relationship between Jacob and Moses was so kind to see that it brought tears to my eyes. I have read a lot of Holocaust Historical Fiction and have loved every one of them but this one really does a number on you mostly because it focuses on the relationship between the two brothers and the strong relationship and sense of family. The bond they had to survive this terrible event was so inspiring and really opened my eyes how strong and powerful that can be. This book definitely made me count my blessings and be thankful for the love I have for my family and how that can help me get through anything.
We will consider adding this title to our Historical Fiction collection at our library. That is why we give this book 5 stars.
September 9, 2020
An affecting story about two Jewish brothers,Jacob & Moses Stein,who are living in Paris w/their aunt until their parents can get them out of Nazi-occupied northern part of the country into the "Vichy"(unoccupied southern part of France).When their aunt suddenly disappears & the boys are rounded up & sent to Paris' Velodrome w/thousands of other Jewish emigrants(the brothers are originally from Germany)They somehow escape & then decide to head south in hope of finding their parents. Along the way,They are assisted by many kind people who are against the Gestapo's reign of terror.The writing is a bit heavy-handed at times(it was originally translated from Spanish) however,it's heart is in the right place & leaves you feeling hopeful that good people & things can be found even in the darkest of times.
May 25, 2021
Dos niños que tuvieron que madurar antes de tiempo a golpe de decepciones, de pérdida, de horror, pero que a la vez conocieron la gente buena, el amor, la solidaridad… me ha encantado viajar con Jacob y Moisés.
De este libro también me han gustado las frases reflexivas que introduce el autor. He copiado más de una, siempre citándolo claro.
De este libro también me han gustado las frases reflexivas que introduce el autor. He copiado más de una, siempre citándolo claro.
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