Genre Fiction
![Kristin Harmel - [object Object] author](https://res.cloudinary.com/readsomnia/image/upload/authors/a_B001IR3MH2.jpg)
The Forest of Vanishing Stars: A Novel
Parade "Best Books of Summer" pick * Real Simple pick * She Reads "Best WWII Fiction of Summer 2021" pick
The New York Times bestselling author of the "heart-stopping tale of survival and heroism" (People) The Book of Lost Names returns with an evocative coming-of-age World War II story about a young woman who uses her knowledge of the wilderness to help Jewish refugees escape the Nazis-until a secret from her past threatens everything.
After being stolen from her wealthy German parents and raised in the unforgiving wilderness of eastern Europe, a young woman finds herself alone in 1941 after her kidnapper dies. Her solitary existence is interrupted, however, when she happens upon a group of Jews fleeing the Nazi terror. Stunned to learn what's happening in the outside world, she vows to teach the group all she can about surviving in the forest-and in turn, they teach her some surprising lessons about opening her heart after years of isolation. But when she is betrayed and escapes into a German-occupied village, her past and present come together in a shocking collision that could change everything.
Inspired by incredible true stories of survival against staggering odds, and suffused with the journey-from-the-wilderness elements that made Where the Crawdads Sing a worldwide phenomenon, The Forest of Vanishing Stars is a heart-wrenching and suspenseful novel from the #1 internationally bestselling author whose writing has been hailed as "sweeping and magnificent" (Fiona Davis, New York Times bestselling author), "immersive and evocative" (Publishers Weekly), and "gripping" (Tampa Bay Times).
The New York Times bestselling author of the "heart-stopping tale of survival and heroism" (People) The Book of Lost Names returns with an evocative coming-of-age World War II story about a young woman who uses her knowledge of the wilderness to help Jewish refugees escape the Nazis-until a secret from her past threatens everything.
After being stolen from her wealthy German parents and raised in the unforgiving wilderness of eastern Europe, a young woman finds herself alone in 1941 after her kidnapper dies. Her solitary existence is interrupted, however, when she happens upon a group of Jews fleeing the Nazi terror. Stunned to learn what's happening in the outside world, she vows to teach the group all she can about surviving in the forest-and in turn, they teach her some surprising lessons about opening her heart after years of isolation. But when she is betrayed and escapes into a German-occupied village, her past and present come together in a shocking collision that could change everything.
Inspired by incredible true stories of survival against staggering odds, and suffused with the journey-from-the-wilderness elements that made Where the Crawdads Sing a worldwide phenomenon, The Forest of Vanishing Stars is a heart-wrenching and suspenseful novel from the #1 internationally bestselling author whose writing has been hailed as "sweeping and magnificent" (Fiona Davis, New York Times bestselling author), "immersive and evocative" (Publishers Weekly), and "gripping" (Tampa Bay Times).
Editorial Reviews
"Fascinating, meticulously researched, and utterly unique." -- Kelly Rimmer, New York Times bestselling author of THE WARSAW ORPHAN
"Kristin Harmel is a master at spectacularly immersive historical fiction. With stunning lines you will want to savor and share, The Forest of Vanishing Stars is a powerful and compelling masterpiece, a significant story for our present time." -- Patti Callahan, NYT Bestselling author of Becoming Mrs. Lewis and Surviving Savannah
"Inspiring and gripping." -- New York Times bestselling author Marie Benedict
"What a triumph! Not since Alice Hoffman's The Dovekeepers, have I read such a spellbinding and immersive tale of a people's will to survive." -- Stephanie Dray, NYT Bestselling author of The Women of Chateau Lafayette
"Unforgettable characters, nail-biting drama and deep emotion that endures long after the final words are forgotten....The Forest of Vanishing Stars is a story that will touch, educate, transform and uplift." -- Santa Montefiore
"Kristin Harmel is a master at spectacularly immersive historical fiction. With stunning lines you will want to savor and share, The Forest of Vanishing Stars is a powerful and compelling masterpiece, a significant story for our present time." -- Patti Callahan, NYT Bestselling author of Becoming Mrs. Lewis and Surviving Savannah
"Inspiring and gripping." -- New York Times bestselling author Marie Benedict
"What a triumph! Not since Alice Hoffman's The Dovekeepers, have I read such a spellbinding and immersive tale of a people's will to survive." -- Stephanie Dray, NYT Bestselling author of The Women of Chateau Lafayette
"Unforgettable characters, nail-biting drama and deep emotion that endures long after the final words are forgotten....The Forest of Vanishing Stars is a story that will touch, educate, transform and uplift." -- Santa Montefiore
Readers Top Reviews
Ginger RussellLor
This is a good story that is sometimes hard to read. It would make a better movie than a book, because there are lots of exciting parts that would be better seen. The beginning is sort of creepy, and I guess I would say if you are tempted to stop reading, stick with it, because it gets better. There are some unforeseen twists.
JbkGinger Russell
What sounded like a wonderfully interesting and inspiring story turned out to be mostly a romance novel. It started off fairly well, if a little farfetched, then just got sappy. Ending was just silly. I’m surprised At myself for reading the whole thing.
RWilsonJbkGinger
Beautifully written historical fiction of the fight to survive the German occupation of Poland during the Holocaust in the country’s vast forests . Details of surviving in the forests — from food gathering and hunting, fishing, to sheltering in the harsh winters, to group and family dynamics — are such an integral part of the story. It’s obvious I am not a reviewer, but an avid reader. If you read one book this year, read this! The storytelling is incredible. The characters are unforgettable. Having read all of Harmel’s books, this is my favorite by far. She never disappoints!
Sheremy27RWilsonJ
The Forest of Vanishing Stars is a mesmerizing tale told with a unique voice that draws you in from the first pages. Set during World War Two, the sense of fear and horror that the Jewish people feel is real. The invading Germans send many fleeing to the forest of Poland for refuge. Having been raised in the forests, Yona, who has lived a sheltered and isolated life shares her knowledge and learns what it means to belong. This book is fIlled with beautiful imagery allowing the reader to feel the magic of Yona's forrest. This was my first Kristin Harmel book. I was drawn to this one by the stunning cover and the intriguing description and I was not disappointed. Kristin Harmel is a new favorite.
RTMPBBubba Wilson
During WW2, a substantial number of Polish Jews escaped the Nazis by hiding and surviving (and fighting when necessary) in an extensive forest and swamp area. This remarkable and heroic story was depicted in the movie "Defiance" starring Daniel Craig. The author uses this event as the framework for her novel about a young woman, kidnapped as a child, who is raised in this forest, and taught survival skills. When the Germans invade, she helps fleeing Jews to learn how to survive. Although well written, I found the plot unconvincing and contrived. I did not think the main character was believable.
