For Such a Time

For Such a Time, by Kate Breslin

Back Cover

In 1944, Hadassah Benjamin feels abandoned by God when she is saved from a firing squad only to be handed over to a new enemy.  Pressed into service by SS Kommandant Colonel Aric von Schmidt at the transit camp of Theresienstadt in Czechoslovakia, her Aryan-like looks allow her to hide behind the false identity of Stella Muller.  However, to maintain her cover as von Schmidt’s secretary, she is forced to stand by as her own people are sent to Auschwitz.

Suspecting her employer is a man of hidden depths, Stella appeals to him on behalf of those in the camp.  Aric’s indulgence gives her hope even as she risks discovery with every attempt to help the prisoners.  When her bravery brings her to the point of ultimate sacrifice, she faces an excruciating choice.  God may have brought her to the camp for such a time as this, but how can she save her people when she cannot save herself?

Review

I had such a hard time putting this book down!  With every life precariously hung in the balance and the tension thick and taut through each sentence, it kept me riveted to the pages, devouring each and every chapter until the final, dramatic end. 

My heart broke along with Hadassah, through every trial she had to go through, and the pain she had to endure.  While this is a fictional story, it is placed during World War II, so the circumstances the Jews faced were very real.  It is hard to imagine having your family torn away from you, and watching your friends, neighbours, and fellow human beings treated no better than a disease that had to be eradicated.  And as my heart was breaking, I also felt the righteous anger that rose up within Hadassah.  She could not, would not, stand by and allow these innocent people being led like sheep to the slaughter.  She had to do everything she could to save them. 

A moving and heart-pounding story, For Such a Time is certainly not forgettable.  And it is one that should not be missed.


Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc.  Available at your favourite bookseller from BakerBooks, a division of Baker Publishing Group.