Summary
Sarah’s Key by Tatiana de Rosnay is a heart-wrenching novel that follows the parallel stories of Sarah, a young Jewish girl during the 1942 Vel’ d’Hiv Roundup in Paris, and Julia, an American journalist living in 2002 who uncovers the horrifying truth about the event.
Book Genre
Historical fiction and suspense
Main Topic of the Book
The persecution and deportation of French Jews during World War II, specifically the lesser-known Vel’ d’Hiv Roundup.
Key Ideas
- The lasting impact of historical events on individuals and families
- The importance of remembering and acknowledging the past
- The search for identity and belonging
- The consequences of guilt
- The power of resilience and hope
Main Parts of the Book and Summary
- Part One: Sarah’s Story – This part takes place in 1942 and follows the story of ten-year-old Sarah Starzynski, a Jewish girl living in Paris. After the police arrest her family, Sarah locks her little brother in a hidden closet, promising to return and save him.
- Part Two: Julia’s Story – This part is set in 2002 and introduces Julia Jarmond, a journalist married to a French man. She is given the assignment of writing an article about the round-up, which leads her to discover Sarah’s story and the impact it has had on a family in modern-day.
- Part Three: Family and Lies – Julia continues her search for the truth behind Sarah’s disappearance, while also dealing with her own personal struggles in her marriage and her guilt towards the French people’s involvement in the rounding up of Jews.
- Part Four: Consequences – As Julia unravels Sarah’s story, she must come to terms with the harsh reality of her past and decide what to do with the information she has uncovered.
- Part Five: Home – This part brings Sarah’s and Julia’s stories together as they both come to terms with their identities and find a sense of belonging.
Key Takeaways
- The treatment of Jews in France during World War II
- The emotional trauma and lasting impact of historical events
- The power of forgiveness and understanding
Author’s Background and Qualifications
Tatiana de Rosnay is a French and British writer known for her novels, including Sarah’s Key. She has a degree in English literature from the University of East Anglia and has lived in Paris since 1984. Rosnay has a deep personal connection to the events of the Vel’ d’Hiv Roundup, as her French husband’s family was involved in the deportation of Jews.
Target Audience
The book is suitable for young adults and adults who are interested in historical fiction and emotional dramas. It is also recommended for readers who enjoy stories with intertwined timelines and perspectives.
Publisher and First Publication Date
Sarah’s Key was published by St. Martin’s Press in 2007.