The Vanishing by David Slater

Set during the Holocaust David Slater brings this book to life in a brutal yet beautiful way. Sophie and her family are used to moving from place to place when things begin to get unsafe. More and more the places they can go to stay safe from the Nazi's is dwindling. One morning as Sophie is going to school she finds her mother sewing stars on all of their clothing, so all of the Jews can be easily identified. While at school a Nazi soldier comes in and collects all of the Jewish children and thus begins the end. Sophie and her best friend Giddy love stories and hide in the library to listen to the Jewish council. While in the library they learn of the Golem which can be created to protect Jews. Amongst all the pandemonium that begins to break out Sophie finds herself promising to be Giddy's Golem to protect him no matter what.

She didn't expect that vow to take on a life of its own. In a moment of brutal desecration Sophie finds that no one can see or hear her. So starts her journey with Giddy protecting him as much as possible while being faced with the horrible brutalities that the Jews had to face.

The book takes you through several ups and down and will take your breath away at points. I had to set the book down more than once to process what I had read. It is beautiful in the way it shows The Jewish people, the love and faith that got them through horrific situations. The ending was absolutely beautiful and very touching.

I am so happy I got to read this and it is easily one of my favorite books of the year!