Sachs, Marilyn. Lost in
Among
the plethora of series literature for young people that is so prevalent
nowadays, it is refreshing to read the sequel to A Pocket Full of Seeds published in 1973.
In
this historical fiction novel, Marilyn Sachs continues the story of Nicole, a
French Jewish orphan. Seventeen-year-old Nicole has lost her parents and
younger sister to the horrors of
Nicole
enjoys the same things other teenagers do—pretty clothes, delicious food, going
to movies or the beach. But always she is haunted by the memory of her family.
Nicole grows in maturity and independence as the novel progresses. At the end
of the book, she comes to the realization that “I could not bring them back,
but I could try to live my life in a way he [Nicole’s father] and my mother
would approve of.” (p.144) At last she finds some contentment and hope for the
future.
The
author’s style of writing is clear and evocative. With just a sentence or two,
she manages to convey a whole scene. Furthermore, Sachs helps the reader follow
the many changes in time and place by labeling each chapter, such as “
Nicole’s
character, based on the life of a real person, is a fully realized individual.
However, most of the secondary characters are one dimensional and even
stereotyped: Cousin Harriet is lazy and complains all the time; friend Rose is
generous and loyal; boyfriend Alan is an insecure intellectual. The author could
have explored places and relationships more fully, such as life in
Nevertheless,
this book contains enough action to impel the reader forward—from Nicole’s
harrowing escape from the Gestapo to her return home in Aix-les-Bains to her challenges in
For
those who have read A Pocket Full of
Seeds, as well as for those who have not, the continuing adventures of this
plucky survivor are an enjoyable read.
Recommended for school and synagogue
libraries.
Grade range: 5-9
©
Anne Dublin.
Originally published in AJL Newsletter, May/June 2005.
All rights reserved.