She was named Inge by her German parents, but her name was changed to Yona by the woman who kidnapped her when she was two years old in 1922. They lived in a forest in Poland for the next twenty years. Her upbringing was anything but conventional. She was taught to survive and she was educated. She could read and spoke several languages, but what she didn't learn was how to live amongst others. Her captor knew her destiny, but kept this to herself. In 1941 Yona discovered a group of Jews who had escaped from a ghetto. Knowing they would not survive on their own, she made it her mission to teach them how to survive and in doing so, she finally had a family. This came with a high price.
I found the book to be a masterpiece and I found the Author's Note to be filled with imprtant information. Skillfully told, the author brings to life a dark part of history. The narrative is profound and thought provoking. Yona is a fascinating character who faced many challenges and conflicts. She was a deep thinker whose sheltered life did not prevent her from knowing right from wrong. Her accomplishments were many.
THE FORSET OF VANISHING STARS is an engrossing and memorable story of courage and strength. Highly recommended.
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