Boats Against the Current

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I had high hopes for Sarah's Key, and was eagerly anticipating reading this novel after hearing such rave reviews. However, these hopes were dashed once I actually started reading the book. Before delving into my reasons for rating the novel 3 stars, I would like to say how happy I am that De Rosnay has chosen the Vel' D'hiv as a subject for a novel. This particular event seems to have been ignored, both by the french and by the world. However, I felt that de Rosnay did not do a very good job of presenting the subject.My first issue with this novel is the dual storey line. Sarah's section was not developed enough, and was cut short about midway through the novel. I believe that the book would have benefited from more of Sarah's story, and less of Julia's. The sections detailing Julia's story were not as compelling as Sarah's. In addition, Julia's story is rife with clichés, and stereotypical characters that lacked real depth. Apart from Julia`s relationship with Edouard, I did not sense any true development on the part of the characters. I could go on with the issues I have with Julia`s sections, but I do not want to get carried away. Needless to say, It was a big dissapointment when Sarah`s narrative ended.My second, major, issue with the novel was the writing itself. From word choice, to syntax, I was shocked at how this novel lacked editing. A big problem was the use of fragments. No doubt, de Rosney used fragments with a purpose, but they fell flat and felt stilted. Furthermore, many word choices were bizare. I acknowledge that de Rosnay is most comfortable writing in french. However, a good editor could have worked through these issues, leading to a more polished and well-written novel. All in all, I was dissapointed in this novel. I would have given it two stars had I not been so pleased that the author even chose to write about Vel` D`Hiv.

4 and 1/2 stars.