Super Short Summary

Briar Rose by Jane Yolen is a 1992 young adult novel that intertwines the classic fairy tale of Sleeping Beauty with Jewish history and the author's own life. After the death of her grandmother Gemma, Rebecca Berlin suspects a real memory behind Gemma's repeated bedtime story. Investigations lead Rebecca to Poland, where she uncovers Gemma's Holocaust survival story and the heroic act of Josef Potocki, linking Gemma's tale with historical truths. The narrative shifts between present-day Massachusetts, World War II Poland at Chelmno concentration camp, and Rebecca's search, ultimately showing the power of storytelling in facing and overcoming past trauma. This book addresses sensitive topics including the Holocaust and persecution based on identity.