October 2011: Sarah's Key

Well, ladies - we did it! Our first book club meeting was a success. Six of us met at Debbie's house this past Monday for some tasty treats and good conversation.

First off, I want to just reiterate the changes to the rules that were decided on. Our original plan was to have everyone bring a bottle of wine. We have now decided that this would be a bit too much, considering not everyone wants to drink that much on a weeknight; and six bottles of wine is...ambitious, to say the least. Although, I'm pretty sure we could finish them off if we really wanted to, am I right?

So in the future, we all can just contribute to the snacks, instead of the host providing. If I remember that wrong, someone let me know, but I'm pretty sure that's what we decided. Thanks to Nicole for bringing Treatza Pizza (!!) and Steph for bringing wine. Maybe if you're planning to bring something, just let us know in the comments, or let the host know directly.

Also, based on the concerted effort it took to pick a book for November - the next month's book choice will be made by the current month's host. At some point in the next week or so, I will try to put together a contact sheet for those who have committed to the group, so that we all know where we're going each month and whatnot. Now - on to Sarah's Key.
 I think it was a unanimous consensus that we all really enjoyed the book. It was a serious topic, and at times the content was hard to read, but it was an important topic as well. I think we all learned a little bit more about what went on during the Holocaust, and agreed that it was a vital dialogue for current and future generations to continue talking about, pushing through the uneasiness that comes when we think of the atrocities that happened. We discussed the nonchalant way that the French citizens in the novel seemed to react when hearing about what went on in Paris in 1942, and what we as humans do within ourselves to cope in unimaginable circumstances.

I read a bit online about the author, Tatiana de Rosnay. She was quoted as saying that she had grown up in France, but was never taught about the French involvement in the Vel' D'Hiv' roundup. When she uncovered the facts of the event, she felt compelled to tell this story as a tribute to the 4,000 children who were victims of this tragedy.

The book was written in two timelines - that of Sarah Starzynski, a child who was taken in the roundup; and that of Julia Jarmond, a reporter in modern times who learned the details of the event, and was compelled to pursue Sarah's story and find closure for herself and for Sarah's son. We enjoyed the way the two stories were woven together, and it kept us constantly interested in what was going to happen next with each story. I think we all were able to appreciate Sarah's story a bit better than Julia's. Sarah's was a true tragedy, while Julia's storyline, while sad in its own way, was less likely to inspire sympathy. Her decisions in regards to her daughter, her search for Sarah, and her interactions with William seemed selfish at best. We had mixed views on Bertrand, Julia's husband.

All in all, I think it was a great choice for our first book, and a lot of inspiring thoughts were brought to the table. I'm looking forward to many great nights in the future!

Next month we will be reading The Help, by Kathryn Stockett. We will be meeting on Monday, November 28 @ 7pm at Steph's house. Happy reading!