This work of historical fiction is a dual-timeline story based on the rescue of 108 children from the Venissieux internment camp on the outskirts of Lyon, in the Free Zone of France in 1942, and the experience of Valerie Portheret, a French historian who, after discovering a box with the children's files, spent more than twenty-five years finding most of those children and giving them back their true identities. The author's notes on the true events at the end of the book are as fascinating as the story he has written. The novel more thoroughly covers the 1942 storyline, and I enjoyed learning more about Ms Portheret. I enjoy Mario Escobar's writing style, and appreciate the work of his translator, Gretchen Abernathy, in making his novels available in English. His writing is crisp and he truly embraces show don't tell in getting the emotions of his characters across to his readers.

I am grateful to have received a complimentary copy of The Forgotten Names from Harper Muse without obligation. All opinions expressed here are my own.

I have enjoyed Mario Escobar's other books for the historical value primarily, but also the character interactions and such. This book was great regarding the history and of utmost importance because of all the lost generation of youth murdered by Nazis. However, I was quite surprised about the Lord's name written in vain, some other curse words including the "b" words among them. Also about the sex between unmarried couple - was that really important? Love happened during that era in that the Jewish people and those who aided didn't know if they would see another day. However, I think that this would have been an excellent book without those graphics and curse words. Because of that, I only base my rating on the historical and important value of remembering the children, their parents in giving up their children in hopes of them living and for the people that aided the Jewish people. Note: I would only recommend after informing of what I noted in review.

IT definitely does not seem christian. its Got the Lords' name in vain and also the 'b' word and some others. i didn't see curse words but definitely not for kids.