The year we escaped by Suzanne Leal

The Year We Escaped by Suzanne Leal is a powerful and moving historical fiction novel, that will appeal to those interested in uncovering more about the perils experienced in Europe during the reign of the Nazi Regime. At its heart are two unforgettable young protagonists: Klara, a Jewish girl from Germany, and Lucien, a Jewish boy from France. Their parallel journeys reveal how ordinary children were swept up in extraordinary, terrifying times.

The story shares the daily lives of both characters in their home countries, describing the growing fear and persecution that was endured as the Nazi threat spreads. When both children are forced from their homes, they ultimately find themselves interned in the Gurs detention camp in the southwest of France.

Leal’s sensitive writing excels at conveying this period through a child’s eyes: the confusion, and fear, entwined with small moments of hope and laughter, all within the desperate longing for safety. Balancing danger and suspense with empathy and humanity, the reader is immersed in the lives of Klara and Lucien. The atmosphere of the camp is described vividly but appropriately for the age group, showing poor conditions, hunger and fear while also highlighting camaraderie among detainees and small acts of kindness that sustain hope.

Beyond its compelling narrative, The Year We Escaped is also an excellent resource. The back of the book contains detailed historical notes on the Gurs camp, the persecution of Jews under Hitler, and important statistics that give readers real-world context for Klara and Lucien’s fictional experiences.

Filled with adventure, danger and emotional truth, Suzanne Leal’s novel is a beautifully written and important work that gives young readers a real sense of history through two resilient, relatable characters. It is a valuable tool for fostering empathy and understanding while honouring the memory of those who suffered during this dark time.

This middle grade novel will certainly appeal to those readers who have enjoyed We Are Wolves by Katrina Nannestad and The War That Saved My Life by Kimberly Brubaker Bradley.

Themes: World War II, Friendship, Empathy, History.

Michelle O'Connell