ONCE WE WERE SISTERS


The war rages relentlessly across Europe, with no end in sight. Shops stand lifeless and closed, while buses brimming with Jewish children are whisked away to unknown destinations. Elise harbors deep resentment towards her father for collaborating with the Nazis. How could he? Her father has forbidden her from seeing or spending any time with her two closest friends, Myriam and Salomé.


Jeanne clutches an old photograph, recognizing her mother in the center of two girls. The other two girls remain a mystery to her. Driven by a quest to uncover the truth, Jeanne embarks on a journey to find these other girls, seeking answers to the questions that have haunted her for years. With an impending pregnancy, Jeanne yearns to reunite with her mother before giving birth.


Ann Bennett’s “Once We Were Sisters” is a remarkable story.  From the very first page, she captivates me, drawing me into the story with such depth that I couldn’t put it down until the very last page. The book unfolds in my mind like a moving picture, with Bennett’s vivid descriptions of war-torn streets and the cries of young children immersing me in the story’s world.


This heart-wrenching and unputdownable tale explores the trials and tribulations of the past. War has an indelible impact on individuals and families, forever altering their lives. Amidst the darkness, the story emerges as a beacon of hope, inspiring readers with its message of friendship transcending boundaries and the bonds that become family. Tears streamed down my cheeks as I reached for the Kleenex box with every tear that fell, so be sure to keep them handy. I thoroughly enjoyed every aspect of this story and highly recommend it to anyone seeking a poignant and uplifting read.


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