57 pages 1 hour read

Kristin Harmel

The Book of Lost Names

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 2020

A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.

Before You Read

Roundup icon

Super Short Summary

The Book of Lost Names by Kristin Harmel alternates between World War II France and modern-day America, following Eva Traube Abrams, an 86-year-old former forger who helped Jewish children escape to Switzerland. After seeing a Nazi-stolen book from her past, she heads to Berlin to reclaim it, triggering memories of her work with the French resistance and the powerful relationships she formed.

Reviews & Readership

Roundup icon

Review Roundup

Kristin Harmel's The Book of Lost Names captivates readers with its blend of historical fiction and emotional depth. Critics praise its compelling characters and well-researched backdrop of World War II. Some found the plot predictable and pacing uneven at times. Overall, it's a touching story of heroism and identity preservation.

Who should read this

Who Should Read The Book of Lost Names?

Readers who enjoy The Book Thief by Markus Zusak or All the Light We Cannot See by Anthony Doerr will be captivated by Kristin Harmel's The Book of Lost Names. These readers appreciate historical fiction rich with emotional depth, complex characters, and stories of resilience during World War II.

RecommendedReading Age

18+years

Book Details

Genre

Historical Fiction

Period

WWII / World War II

Holocaust

Topics

Love / Sexuality

History: European

Themes

Society: War

Values/Ideas: Good & Evil

Values/Ideas: Loyalty & Betrayal