Saving Amelie by Cathy Gohlke ~ Review

My Review: 

Rachel Kramer has been raised with every outward advantage.But when her father a controversial scientist takes her with him to Germany, she meets the passionate journalist, Jason Young and uncovers the horrible secret of her past, and unlocks a whole new reality in the face of Nazi Germany as she fights to save the life of the daughter of her friend, a deaf girl named Amelie who is deemed by the Fuhrer unfit to live.

Lea Hartman and her husband long for a child to fill their empty arms, but when Friederich is called away to do his duty to his country, Lea finds her place directing the children's choir for the annual Passion Play in Oberammergau.

Lea and Rachel are two sides of a coin, bound together despite their drastically different upbringings brought together in this heart-stoppingly, compelling novel from Award-winning author, Cathy Gohlke.

From the very beginning I was drawn into this novel and captivated by its brave heroines Rachel and Lea. My heart immediately went out to Lea and her husband Friederich as they tried to make sense of the senseless cruelty that Lea was subjected to, yet they were strong throughout as they never wavered in their unconditional love for each other.

Though this book is very close to 450 pages I never felt like it dragged or slowed down. Ms. Gohlke took such care with this story, I could immediately tell that she'd researched the topic meticulously, with special attention to detail to make this story possible. There was so much heart and faith woven into this story, tugging at my heart and making me fall in love with the many brave men, women, and children who gave all to live God's word.

This book deals with the very real and horrific things that happened in the name of race purification during WWII, such as in voluntary sterilization, euthanization, and eugenics. But the author deals with these subjects well, conveying the gravity of these situations while not being overly graphic.

Overall, this is a thrilling and compelling historical novel that celebrates the brave men, women, and children who gave much in a fight that was not just for freedom, but for the basic human right of life. Cathy Gohlke has hit it out of the park with this powerful novel, filled with faith, and heroes that I will never forget!


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