Happy Monday, all! Today I have a review of The Girl They Left Behind, a new historical fiction publication from Atria Books, and out tomorrow!
My Thoughts:
The Girl They Left Behind is an enchanting story of family based on the author’s mother’s early life.
In Bucharest, Romania, in 1941, a three-year-old girl is found alone on the steps of an apartment building. She is Jewish, and Romania has recently aligned with the Nazis, so all the Jews are risking peril if they cannot escape.
She is taken in at an orphanage and eventually adopted by a couple, Anton and Despina, who name her Natalia. Romania then falls into the hands of the Soviets and life changes for everyone all over again. The family faces bombings, starvation, and threats to their health thanks to a deadly infection. Through all of this, they are steadfast as a family.
Natalia grows up in this dismal and sad world under the Communist regime, and she occasionally gets peeks at her own identity, one she does not fully understand since being separated from her biological parents. She later falls in love with Victor, who works for the Communists. He is determined to help her escape when she has the chance, even though he cannot go with her. She would also be leaving her loving adoptive parents if she goes.
My favorites aspect of this book involved the love for family. Anton and Despina strongly desired to have a child, and in a time when they were feeling hopeless, Natalia enters their lives. Natalia was cherished, and it seems they lived their lives making up for all she had lost. Another wonderful facet is that we hear from Natalia’s birth parents. They are always searching for her. I also appreciated the Romanian setting. I have not read a book set in Romania before, and I found the history enlightening and the cultural aspects were fascinating.
The Girl They Left Behind is a deeply emotional, fully immersive tale of the sheer will to survive and how intense love defines a family whether they are close in physical space or solely in the heart.
Thank you to Atria for the ARC to read and review. All opinions are my own.
Synopsis:
A sweeping family saga and love story that offers a vivid and unique portrayal of life in war-torn 1941 Bucharest and life behind the Iron Curtain during the Soviet Union occupation—perfect for fans of Lilac Girls and Sarah’s Key.
On a freezing night in January 1941, a little Jewish girl is found on the steps of an apartment building in Bucharest. With Romania recently allied with the Nazis, the Jewish population is in grave danger, undergoing increasingly violent persecution. The girl is placed in an orphanage and eventually adopted by a wealthy childless couple who name her Natalia. As she assimilates into her new life, she all but forgets the parents who were forced to leave her behind. They are even further from her mind when Romania falls under Soviet occupation.
Yet, as Natalia comes of age in a bleak and hopeless world, traces of her identity pierce the surface of her everyday life, leading gradually to a discovery that will change her destiny. She has a secret crush on Victor, an intense young man who as an impoverished student befriended her family long ago. Years later, when Natalia is in her early twenties and working at a warehouse packing fruit, she and Victor, now an important official in the Communist regime, cross paths again. This time they are fatefully drawn into a passionate affair despite the obstacles swirling around them and Victor’s dark secrets.
When Natalia is suddenly offered a one-time chance at freedom, Victor is determined to help her escape, even if it means losing her. Natalia must make an agonizing decision: remain in Bucharest with her beloved adoptive parents and the man she has come to love, or seize the chance to finally live life on her own terms, and to confront the painful enigma of her past.
Have you read The Girl They Left Behind, or do you plan to? Have you read any other books set in Romania? Happy Reading! ~ Jennifer THR
This book sounds really good, Jennifer. I love books that are set in places that I’m not familiar with. I’ve never read a book set in Romania. Excellent review of this one.
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Thanks, Laurie! I learned so much about Romania’s history and culture during this time; I really had no idea prior. This is a beautifully written book. Happy week ahead! ♥️
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This sounds really interesting. I’ve read a lot of WWII book but not one set in Romania. Adding this to my TBR. Great review, Jen! 😀
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Thanks, Rach! The setting added quite a bit of interest for me because it was new for me, too. Also, that it was based on the author’s mother’s life really had an impact. A beautifully written story! 💜
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I never read it before, but i’ve read fantasy books set in Romania and surrounding lands.
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Fantasies set in Romania sound very interesting, too, Jina!
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Yes, though i think i’ve grown out of vampire stories for now… the new ones, i mean. i keep up with the series i read though, and maybe if a new one comes up…. well, maybe I’m still interested in them.
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Great review and amazing novel! I am a sucker for historical fiction! I added this to my reading list.
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Thank you, Ink! This book is exceptional, and I hope you think so too! I can’t wait to see how the book inspires you! ♥️
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Wonderful review. I have not read any books about Romania. I plan to read this one. Happy Monday. 💕📚🌺🌻
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Thanks, Virginia! I hope you enjoy this one, too, and I hope you’ve had a fantastic Monday! 💗 xo
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Another book sitting on my virtual shelf. Glad to see it is a good one.
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I hope you love it, Marialyce! Quite the story!
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Thus sounds so good! I’ve never read any books set in Romania!
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It was a fantastic read, LP! Learning about Romania was an added perk!
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Another lovely review, Jennifer! I’ve never read a story set in Romania, or least I don’t have a memory of one.
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Thank you, Jonetta! I can’t think of another one either!
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This is another one I had to tell myself no to because I just didn’t have time to read it. But I will when I get time. It’s definitely my kind of book! You’re review was lovely! 😊😘
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Thanks, Steph! Yes, it’s your type of book, and I predict you’ll love it, too! It was a lovely, emotional read. ♥️ xo
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It’s on my TBR! I just know I will! Sigh…I just need a clone to read all these books, LOL. ❤
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Great review! It’s on my TBR this month. Looks like I messed up, I thought it was being published in November. If I had realized I would have picked it up sooner. Oops! 😔
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Thanks, Tina! You’ve had a lot on your plate – no worries about the date. I hope you enjoy this one when you get to it. I’ll be watching for your thoughts! 😘
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Ive never read a story set in Romania too! Now I’m curious…! Another great review, Jennifer!
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Thanks, Jee! The unique setting added so much interest to the story! ♥️
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Great review!
I read only one book that was partially set in romania. Wasn’t a historical fiction though.
I showed your review to my friend, she likes this kind of books 🙂 ❤
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Thanks, Norrie! Oh, good! I hope your friend likes it, too, and how fun that you’ve read another book partially set in Romania. Was it a thriller by chance? ♥️
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Oh yes 😀 It’s called Follow You Home by Mark Edwards
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Perfect- I wanted to read another Mark Edwards book! Thanks, Norrie!
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Yet a mother one you have me wanting to read. Your blog is terrible for my TBR!!!! Beautiful review.
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Thank you, Nina! You and your espresso shots get to me, too! I think we’re even! ♥️
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Hahahaha. Fair enough then.
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Nice review! Adding it to my TBR.
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Thank you, Carol! Based on our common reads, I think you’d enjoy this one!
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Wow awesome review Jen! I know nothing of Romania……55 and I still have so much to learn!😊🎃💕
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I know just a peck now, and I want to know more! Thanks, Sus! I’m always learning! Every day, I just soak it up! It keeps us young! ♥️ I can’t remember if you told me about the 🐒??? 😂
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I did! On my Netgalley post!
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This does sound like a really emotional read. Well written review, Jennifer!
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Thank you, Chrissi! I enjoyed it and it definitely pulled on my heartstrings!
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And so my reading wish list is growing. Thank you, I can’t wait to read this.
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You’re welcome, Teri! I look forward to your thoughts on it! Take a look here- something special! ♥️ https://jennifertarheelreader.com/2018/09/22/end-of-the-week-mishmash-1-mishmashthr-ff-followfriday-linksilovedthr-bookmail-bookgiveaway/
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Fantastic review! Sounds like an emotional read.
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Thank you, Darinda! It was definitely an emotional one, which I love!
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I’m a huge fan of historical fiction, especially books that deal with WWII, so thanks for putting this book on my radar. This sounds like a powerful read in many ways.
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You’re welcome! I’m drawn to WWII fiction, too! It definitely is a powerful read!
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Sounds really interesting. And lovely review.
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Thank you, Justine! I really enjoyed it! ♥️
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An interesting review. Sounds like a good book!
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Thank you, Cynthia! I enjoyed it!
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Yes, Jennifer. I could tell. I like your kind of review.
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I have read a lot of WWII books, but not one set in Romania. This sounds like one I should check out. Wonderful review Jennifer.
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Thanks, Carla! I frequently read WWII books also and felt the same about the setting. It added quite a bit of interest for me.
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Definitely does sound quite emotional and I love the theme of love for family. Beautiful review, Jenn. Glad you enjoyed this one.
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Thanks, Diana! Yes, it has that emotion in it we both love. Quite a rewarding read!
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I loved this book! I dang near cried at the end…so emotional. Your review nailed it!
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Aw, thanks, Reeca! I’m so happy you loved it too! Off to read your thoughts!
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Beautiful review as always 😍 I’d be intrigued to read a book set in Romania too!
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Thanks, Beth! Yes, the setting added so much, and I know you enjoy WWII books! 😘
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Lovely review Jennifer! 🙂
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Hey stranger! Thanks so much, Carrie! ♥️
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You’re quite welcome! Sorry I haven’t been around much but I haven’t been on my PC much trying to spend more family time.
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