Lauren asked this question about
The Book of Lost Names:
Is this book an appropriate read for a reasonably mature 14 year old?
Kenna
I would say that it is age appropriate for teenagers 14+
MY REVIEW **may include small spoilers**
The Book of Lost Names by Kristin Harmel
Read June 2024…moreI would say that it is age appropriate for teenagers 14+
MY REVIEW **may include small spoilers**
The Book of Lost Names by Kristin Harmel
Read June 2024
4/5 Stars
The Book of Lost Names was a truly captivating read; lifegiving and made me cry and laugh within a few pages of one another. The characters’ stories weave their way into your heart until they become real.
“‘I just meant, well, it’s always nice when children love books. Books change the world, I think.’” (Harmel p. 165 HARDCOVER)
Positive messages: 4/5
Lots of characters lose loved ones and their own lives as a result of courage and fighting for their country. The importance of resilience, courage, friendship, and family are shown in many ways. Characters cling to hope even when everyone else tells them it is hopeless. Through trials of many kinds, they are grateful and find strength in themselves and in God.
Positive role models: 4.5/5
Eva is positive and bold even when Germany invades her city and war tears her life apart. She clings onto what little hope she has while also trying to support and encourage her hurting mother. Readers will be inspired by her fierce determination and the way that she always looks on the bright side of situations.
Remy is flirtatious and bright and has a really sweet personality. I instantly loved him! He is brave and honest and always keeps his promises. As he puts others before himself and puts his life at stake many many times, you can see his courageous heart.
Anne, at only six years old, is very wise and has a love for reading. She is a very small side character in the book but is an important one and explains to Eva that it’s hard to believe the best but it’s better than believing the worst.
Erich puts his life at stake to help others and recognizes that everyone should be valued no matter what their race.
Genevieve is a great friend to Eva throughout their time working together. She has been through a lot and lost many loved ones, but she still wears a smile and works her hardest, always thinking of others before herself.
Many characters are helpful and kind toward Eva and her mother, supporting them along their journey. Some of these people include Pere Clement, Madame Noriot, Madame Barbier, and many others.
Drinking, Drugs, and Smoking: 1/5
Some German guards smoke cigarettes. There is little mention of drinking and smuggling cigarettes.
Language: 1/5
‘Damned’ and ‘bastard’ are used.
Violence, Gore, and Scariness: 3/5
When entering a prison, the smell of dead bodies and soiled children is described. A young woman is found bleeding badly in her stomach from a bullet wound, almost dead. There is some shooting and in order to save Eva, another man is shot and killed. A character commits suicide by shooting himself in the head. Most of the violence only occurs toward the end of the novel.
Sex, Romance, and Nudity: 3.5/5
Characters kiss in order to convince the guard that they are husband and wife. Flirting between characters is also common. Some kissing between characters, one scene where characters are kissing passionately and one breaks it off when they are ‘fully clothed.’ Toward the end of the novel, characters make love but it is not described in detail.
What Parents Should Know:
This novel was beautifully written and inspiring, along with providing lots of educational value for older teens AND adults. Set in WWll when Germany invades Paris, it brings up many discussion topics about the Underground and the persecution of Jews. You will travel all throughout France on an exciting journey full of friendship, sorrow, hope, and a hint of love.
Some mature topics include suicide, loss of loved ones, and sex (see above for more information). The drinking, drugs, and smoking content, along with language, was very little. If you are letting a younger teen read the novel, however, I would recommend talking to them about some of the topics. It is SAD — let me warn you! You most likely will be crying by the end…I was…
But it was really good. Reminded me of the Nightingale in some ways, to be honest. So if you enjoyed this book, PLEASE go read the Nightingale by Kristin Hannah. Overall, super good and I would recommend it to mature teens and all adults looking for a sweet historical mystery mixed with a little romance.
Age Range Recommendation: 14+ YA/Adult Fiction
Reading Level (by grade): 8th-12th
**if you enjoyed this review I have tons more like it! View my profile for more honest reviews**
💗🥳(less)
MY REVIEW **may include small spoilers**
The Book of Lost Names by Kristin Harmel
Read June 2024…moreI would say that it is age appropriate for teenagers 14+
MY REVIEW **may include small spoilers**
The Book of Lost Names by Kristin Harmel
Read June 2024
4/5 Stars
The Book of Lost Names was a truly captivating read; lifegiving and made me cry and laugh within a few pages of one another. The characters’ stories weave their way into your heart until they become real.
“‘I just meant, well, it’s always nice when children love books. Books change the world, I think.’” (Harmel p. 165 HARDCOVER)
Positive messages: 4/5
Lots of characters lose loved ones and their own lives as a result of courage and fighting for their country. The importance of resilience, courage, friendship, and family are shown in many ways. Characters cling to hope even when everyone else tells them it is hopeless. Through trials of many kinds, they are grateful and find strength in themselves and in God.
Positive role models: 4.5/5
Eva is positive and bold even when Germany invades her city and war tears her life apart. She clings onto what little hope she has while also trying to support and encourage her hurting mother. Readers will be inspired by her fierce determination and the way that she always looks on the bright side of situations.
Remy is flirtatious and bright and has a really sweet personality. I instantly loved him! He is brave and honest and always keeps his promises. As he puts others before himself and puts his life at stake many many times, you can see his courageous heart.
Anne, at only six years old, is very wise and has a love for reading. She is a very small side character in the book but is an important one and explains to Eva that it’s hard to believe the best but it’s better than believing the worst.
Erich puts his life at stake to help others and recognizes that everyone should be valued no matter what their race.
Genevieve is a great friend to Eva throughout their time working together. She has been through a lot and lost many loved ones, but she still wears a smile and works her hardest, always thinking of others before herself.
Many characters are helpful and kind toward Eva and her mother, supporting them along their journey. Some of these people include Pere Clement, Madame Noriot, Madame Barbier, and many others.
Drinking, Drugs, and Smoking: 1/5
Some German guards smoke cigarettes. There is little mention of drinking and smuggling cigarettes.
Language: 1/5
‘Damned’ and ‘bastard’ are used.
Violence, Gore, and Scariness: 3/5
When entering a prison, the smell of dead bodies and soiled children is described. A young woman is found bleeding badly in her stomach from a bullet wound, almost dead. There is some shooting and in order to save Eva, another man is shot and killed. A character commits suicide by shooting himself in the head. Most of the violence only occurs toward the end of the novel.
Sex, Romance, and Nudity: 3.5/5
Characters kiss in order to convince the guard that they are husband and wife. Flirting between characters is also common. Some kissing between characters, one scene where characters are kissing passionately and one breaks it off when they are ‘fully clothed.’ Toward the end of the novel, characters make love but it is not described in detail.
What Parents Should Know:
This novel was beautifully written and inspiring, along with providing lots of educational value for older teens AND adults. Set in WWll when Germany invades Paris, it brings up many discussion topics about the Underground and the persecution of Jews. You will travel all throughout France on an exciting journey full of friendship, sorrow, hope, and a hint of love.
Some mature topics include suicide, loss of loved ones, and sex (see above for more information). The drinking, drugs, and smoking content, along with language, was very little. If you are letting a younger teen read the novel, however, I would recommend talking to them about some of the topics. It is SAD — let me warn you! You most likely will be crying by the end…I was…
But it was really good. Reminded me of the Nightingale in some ways, to be honest. So if you enjoyed this book, PLEASE go read the Nightingale by Kristin Hannah. Overall, super good and I would recommend it to mature teens and all adults looking for a sweet historical mystery mixed with a little romance.
Age Range Recommendation: 14+ YA/Adult Fiction
Reading Level (by grade): 8th-12th
**if you enjoyed this review I have tons more like it! View my profile for more honest reviews**
💗🥳(less)
by
Kristin Harmel (Goodreads Author)
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Jun 07, 2025 01:50PM · flag