Marilyn Sachs (1927–2016)

I thought I'd learned plenty about WWII but to learn that there were French Jews embarrassed me, as I should have known that already. And it was also fascinating to see what could happen to a survivor who was without a good support network.

The blurb says 'funny and poignant' but it's also got horrifying bits. I would not recommend the book for sensitive readers under 14 (the age of the girl at the beginning). Otoh, anyone who is aware of all the horror in the world, and wants a short novel that addresses how to move forward from trauma and forge a new life, that also has humor in it, is likely to feel enriched, satisfied, and even delighted by this mostly true story.

(I need to reiterate how wonderful it is to find historical fiction with humor. Not only does it make the themes more palatable, but it's accurate: people will find opportunities to smile and chuckle even in the bleakest times.)

No need to read the first in the series; I didn't know until I read the author's note that there was another, and I'm not interested in it now.

Btw, the cover is fascinating.… (more)

I can't tell by Litzinger's illustrations if the cats are actually ugly or not; I wish I had seen the other edition. But of course the primary theme is that the cats are beautiful in the eyes of their respective beholders, especially so, even to observers, when they are loved. Just like people can be.

I was afraid that the thorough jacket blurb would give so much away that I'd be disappointed in the book, but it was ok. The details are worth reading through for. For example the little bit of inter-generational friendship, and the little bit about the cats themselves, and the interesting setting (in a small apartment building in San Francisco) that means that this child is latch-key very young and it's ok.

Well-done little story; there's a reason Sachs is popular (besides simply that she's prolific).… (more)