A Review: Number the Stars

I enjoyed reading the historical fiction book Number the Stars by Lois Lowry. This book revolves around Jewish people in Denmark, during World War II, trying to escape the Nazis. There was one particular part in the book that really stood out to me. In this part, the Johansen family and Uncle Henrick risk their lives to smuggle Jews out of Denmark. 

 
The Jews of Denmark were suffering from German persecution and were trying to escape to Sweden. Many people, including the Johansens, were helping the Jews depart. One night, many Jews secretly arrived at Uncle Henrick’s home to mourn for the loss of Great Aunt Birte. Everything is quiet when there is a sudden knock at the door. It is the Nazis demanding to know why all these people are gathered in the middle of the night. They reach to open the casket when Mrs. Johansen boldly steps forward. She tells them the doctor suggests it would not be a good idea to open the casket because Great Aunt Birte died of typhus and it may still be contagious. After much argument, the Nazis end up leaving, and then the casket is opened. There is no Great Aunt Birte, but instead there are coats and blankets for the Jews in the room. They all bundle up and head out to Uncle Henrick’s boat to make their escape.

Their escape to safety made me feel like I was actually there with the characters. I was worried these Jews would not make it to safety. The details of their escape were suspenseful and adventuresome. Even though these were only fictional characters, events like this really happened. This helped me understand more about World War II and the how difficult the life was of the Jews going through it.

I recommend this book to people who like to learn more about the history of Danish Jews of World War II. The author of this book makes you feel like you are there with the characters experiencing the struggles of persecution by the Nazis of World War II. I hope you enjoy the book as much as I enjoyed it.

– By Kate Wetherall