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42 pages 1 hour read

Kristin Harmel

The Forest of Vanishing Stars

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 2021

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Before You Read

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Super Short Summary

The Forest of Vanishing Stars by Kristin Harmel follows Yona, who is abducted as a child and raised in the forests of Poland during WWII. She grows up isolated and learns survival skills. As the war rages, Yona discovers her identity and destiny, aiding Jewish refugees fleeing the Nazis. The story explores themes of belonging, identity, and resilience amidst the harshness of war. Note: The book involves antisemitic violence.

Reviews & Readership

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Review Roundup

The Forest of Vanishing Stars by Kristin Harmel captivated readers with its vivid portrayal of survival and resilience set in WWII. Reviewers praised Harmel's emotional storytelling and rich historical detail, though some found the pacing uneven. The novel’s character development resonated deeply, despite occasional predictability in the plot. Overall, an evocative and gripping read.

Who should read this

Who Should Read The Forest of Vanishing Stars?

A reader who enjoys The Nightingale by Kristin Hannah or All the Light We Cannot See by Anthony Doerr will be captivated by The Forest of Vanishing Stars by Kristin Harmel. This historical fiction, teeming with resilience, survival, and WWII settings, appeals to those who appreciate emotionally rich, character-driven narratives.

Book Details
Pages

416

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

Eastern Europe • 1940s

Publication Year

2021

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

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