Berlin 1933
“Library of Forbidden Books”, follows Helene Nathan, one of the first female librarian, as she works at a prestigious German Library to save ahead of the systematic purge of literature the books targeted to public burnings. Helene and her colleagues embark on a perilous mission secretly collecting and hiding the very books slated for destruction…..this is her story.
The book is divided in three sections and an Epilogue.
This story goes from feeling fiction to slightly academic at times, no doubts it is well researched. The first part of the book focuses on Helen’s upcoming marriage to Derek, an Aryan army officer, and the rise of Nazim. The tempo soon picks up as Helen faces consequences for hiding the books. A dangerous act of defiance in a city where neighbors could be an informant and the Gestapo are a constant threat.
The chapters are short and the story is easy to follow and very engaging. I am fond of the author’s writing style: no- nonsense, no filler words and well-said.
Mr. Escobar has penned a gripping tale of courage and the profound power of literature as resistance and delivered this wonderful story with vivid although sad words. Be sure after reaching the end to read the Clarifications From History and the timeline of events.
I enjoy reading this author he is one of my favourites
My thanks to Thomas Nelson Fiction and Netgalley for the opportunity to read and review this book.
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