Book Review - The Lost Wife

The Lost Wife is a really sad and really beautiful book.  The chapters alternate between Josef and Lenka, and between WWII Prague and modern day New York.  As with anything to do with the Holocaust, it is hauntingly sad to read about what was happening.  As I read, I almost questioned some of the hopeful moments that the author had mixed in, so I was surprised and happy to read in the author's note that most of those pieces were based on truth.  Even in the worst of situations, there were people trying to help each other and trying to make something beautiful.

This isn't really a spoiler, since the title kind of gives it away, but the story revolves around a couple who are separated during WWII.  In the first few pages, they meet again at the wedding of their respective grandchildren.  Again, I felt like this was a bit of a stretch, but the author's note at the end says this is also based on a true story.

My only complaint is that the book focuses so much on their time apart, and we barely get to see them together.  But I suppose that's the whole point.  I just wish there were a few more chapters at the end.

If you like historical fiction, you should probably read this.