53 pages • 1 hour read
They Went Left
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Book Brief
400
Novel • Fiction
Germany • 1940s
2020
YA
13-17 years
HL730L
Super Short Summary
They Went Left by Monica Hesse follows 18-year-old Zofia Lederman, a Polish Jew liberated from a Nazi concentration camp, as she travels through post-war Europe in 1945 searching for her younger brother, Abek, while grappling with the trauma of her past and encountering various individuals who impact her journey. The novel addresses themes of antisemitism, displacement, and the redemptive power of love. Content includes antisemitic violence and genocide.
Melancholic
Mysterious
Emotional
Contemplative
Bittersweet
Reviews & Readership
15,703 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
Monica Hesse's They Went Left has been widely praised for its poignant depiction of post-World War II recovery and deeply emotional storytelling. Readers have appreciated the well-developed characters and historical accuracy. However, some felt the pacing was uneven and certain plot points were predictable. Overall, it’s a compelling, heartfelt read marked by resilience and hope.
Who Should Read They Went Left?
A reader who enjoys They Went Left by Monica Hesse is often captivated by historical fiction, particularly set during or post-World War II. Fans of The Book Thief by Markus Zusak and All the Light We Cannot See by Anthony Doerr will appreciate this poignant narrative of survival and healing. Suitable for YA and adult readers seeking emotional depth and historical insight.
15,703 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
400
Novel • Fiction
Germany • 1940s
2020
YA
13-17 years
HL730L
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