Oh I really loved this book - it was a slow burner to begin with, as the author laid the foundations of all of the interpersonal relationships. However, when I finished the book I just sat with it for a little while to gather my thoughts and feelings.

The first section is pre-Second World War and it deals with the wealthy Oderfelt family, and the events after they hire a young artist, Jozef, to do a painting of their youngest daughter Alicia. Alicia is somewhat spoiled and her older sister Karolina is hidden in the shade of her younger sister. While Jozef paints Alicia, he is privvy to the goings on in the Oderfelt household as tensions across Europe rise and the Jewish Oderfelts begin to understand the danger that they may be in. How Jozef reacts to different situations is interesting, and some of the things he overhears or sees, in terms of Anti-Semitism, are truly shocking and disgusting.

The next part of the book follows members of the family, and Jozef, as they flee, spend time in concentration camps and lose their loved ones.

What really pulled at my emotions was the fact that we are omniscient readers and can see when there are missed opportunities for the family to reunite, or for Jozef to find Karolina again.

The whole plot just reminded me that, not only was the war itself tragic, but the impact afterwards was felt for many years and generations. I felt this deep sadness at the end as things could have gone so much better for our characters had events been even just slightly different.

I agree with some reviewers in that a lot of time was spent on the initial section of the book but, for me, this is what contributed to my emotional reaction to subsequent events.

I look forward to reading more by this author.