Overall I enjoyed to story, but the format was not to my taste. It jumps around between story lines and I found that frustrating. I think there are better books out there. ( )

While this story jumps around a lot and has a slightly unsatisfying ending, it offers a unique perspective on World War II. What happens to the descendants of people who changed their identity to survive? This book shows just how literally the devastating effects of the Holocaust reach later, current generations. ( )

I put aside this book after reading the first chapter; it was a difficult read in many ways and along with the subject matter I thought I would try it again later. I finally made another attempt and was glad I did. I agree with many of the other reviewers that the translating of the story from Hebrew to English created a rather awkward storyline. I found that by treating the storyline as a series of "vignettes" I was able to put the puzzle of this story together and enjoy it. I truly enjoyed visualizing Moniek, what a wonderful picture of this real flesh and blood man the author paints for us! I think this story would be of particular interest to genealogists, the process of research outlined in this book is truly wonderful. I was however disappointed that the question of the character of Carl was never completely answered. ( )

This is a book that has great potential. It could have been a wonderful book, as the author does have some nice uses of language and some very good counterpoints going between her childhood and adulthood. Unfortunately, I found it much too fragmented between her childhood, her parents' stories, and her search for her father. Some of this could be the translation as well, but the book could have been much improved by judicious editing and restructuring. ( )

I tried, really tried to read this book and enjoy it, three times. After three honest tries at getting into the story I have thrown in the towel. I read a lot of Holocaust based books and this one sounded like it would be a good read. A young girl, now a woman, in search of the father she was separated from during that awful period in history. The problem is, she found a random man and began to pretend he was that father she so rightfully missed. I'm sorry but this isn't one I'll recommend to friends. ( )