Jena Henry's Reviews > The Forest of Vanishing Stars

Reviews for “The Forest of Vanishing Stars” by Kristin Harmel are universally 5 stars. I agree- this was a creative, lyrical and profound book that I will always remember.

With an aura of a fairytale or folktale, filled with gritty characters and experiences, this book will haunt you with its beauty and wisdom. “Once up on a time” there was a mysterious young woman who lived in the forest and spoke to nature and nature spoke back to her. Yona is the main character and she lived in the isolated forest in Poland, with an old crone from age two until the start of World War II. The crone has prepared her with many skills, from how to build a shelter, survive on the flora and fauna, even how to kill a man. But why has the crone taken her and educated her? When the war begins, Yona meets her destiny.

World War II is shown through the eyes of Yona, who knows nothing of politics or governments. But she does know the beauty of the first spring, day, snow falling from stars, and the need to love and connect with others. She becomes a guide for Jews escaping into the forest.

Finding one’s purpose, through the filter of love, caring and honesty is the heart of this historical fiction book. I commend the author for creating a story that is filled with the details of a life in the woods, the hearts of people, and the source of it all.

Thanks to NetGalley and Gallery Books for an advance review copy. This is my honest review.