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Roger Dykmans, a university student, is living with his brother Hans, an international emissary who's secretly working against the Nazis. As time goes by, Roger finds himself increasingly drawn to Magda, Hans' Jewish wife. But their secret world is turned upside down when Magda and her young daughter, Anna, are arrested by the Nazis.
The Gestapo make a deal with Roger: if he hands over information about Hans' operations, they'll set Magda and Anna free. Suddenly, Roger is faced with an impossible decision: should he betray his brother to save the woman they both love?
Spanning decades and continents, The Things We Cherished explores the strength of true love under the worst of circumstances.
Roger's story is pieced together in present day by Charlotte and Jack who are working together to represent Roger at his trial. Roger is not being co-operative, but why?
The historical story is sometimes romantic, sometimes harrowing. The author has not favoured either of these emotions making for a very emotional read. The romance flowed at times but then the scenes of most bleak times brought me back to reality that these people were trying to survive.
Pam Jenoff is very knowledgeable in Law, History and Government. This comes across in her fabulous writing.
I did have a little difficulty keeping the pace in this novel and I believe this is down to my lack of knowledge of the subject matter. Maybe I need to try to read this again another time.
I do love Pam's style of writing and will be seeking out her other novels.
This novel will appeal to historical fiction fans and historical romance fans.
3 out of 5 for me.
Thank you to Sphere for a review copy.
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