Eleanor Wasserberg

This novel is set in the historical setting of Krakow, Poland. The book is about an affluent Jewish family who are about to have their lives totally transformed by the invasion of Poland by Hitler’s Germany. The Oderfelt family have lived their lives in Krakow, and even though Jewish, they have lived quite separately from their inherited Jewish faith. The start of the book focuses on two young girls who even though siblings are quite the world apart, one is spoiled and self centered and the other older sister is more reserved and simplistic, even her clothing matches her similar demeanour. We are introduced to their parents, Anna and Adam. Anna seems quite warm at first, and quite a social butterfly but demure at the same time, yet her character is interesting enough to stay connected to her story. I have found the development of her character slightly intriguing because I feel there is something about her just below the surface that warrants further exploring. You feel that at the same time there is a disconnect between her and her daughters, especially her husband where there seems a facade of warmth there is actually a detachment. Where social manners and adherence to etiquette have passed off as personal connections in her relationships. Adam Oderfeldt has a strong and personal connection to his cherished younger daughter that seems genuine, and at the same time puzzling. The story progresses in quite a suspenseful way yet uncomfortable at times for the reader. It feels as though when you think you start to familiarise yourself with each character, you realise, you’re not quite there. With the background of WWII it can make for a harrowing read in a sense that you want your protagonists to do well. While not a easy read, emotionally for myself at least, it was interesting and intriguing and well worth it.… (más)

In part 1 the story is told by Green, a young girl who has been raised at Foxlowe, a commune at a dilapidated manor home in England adjacent to the moors. It is modern (70s/80s) so it doesn't have the gothic feel, but it is still plenty creepy. The problem with communes is someone always wants to be in charge and when everything is shared in common (including people), feelings are volatile. Since this was all the normal Green ever knew, she has a matter-of-fact understanding and acceptance of how Foxlowe operates. The mythos of the place is re-told and embraced by all the members -- there are about a dozen. They measure time in solstices and they have the requisite gardens, goats, chickens, alcohol and pot. It is a place to repel The Bad which lurks outside in the darkness, and sometimes interiorly in Green and her younger "sister" Blue who comes to Foxlowe as an infant and whose origins are not explained. (stolen? foundling?) The nominal leader and owner is Richard, but the de facto leader is Freya whose belief in Foxlowe and her running of it include fanaticism and sadism. When Richard becomes a Leaver, chasing after Freya's rival Libby, the commune tips toward cult and Freya exacts loyalty but Blue and Green bear the brunt of her rage. Part 2 is told from Green's young adulthood (25) about 10 years later. She is now Jess and her life is so damaged that she is incapable of living in the "real world" without heavy drugs and bizarre coping mechanisms. She has contact with a few former members -- Richard has taken responsibility for her, but she can't shake the past or move on. Part 3 has her returning to Foxlowe and letting us in on the implosion and how it all disastrously ended. Reminded me of Room where children who are raised in a horrible reality have such a warped sense of normalcy. That part of the book is well done. The sequence of events and the unreliable narrator made things a little cloudy at points. I prefer more clarity even if it is horrendous.… (más)

Mediocre books are sometimes harder to read than bad books - this one was a fine Room-style take on cult indoctrination, but not great. There were so many moments it could have been a great read, but ultimately the child protagonist's voice wasn't convincing, the plot points around child abuse were telegraphed and cliche or even gratuitous, the closing pages a misstep in the direction of something that might have been chilling by a more experienced writer.

I'm not sure who I would recommend this to.… (más)