The Forgotten Names by Mario Escobar is a deeply moving historical novel based on true events. It follows Valérie Portheret, a law student in 1992 France, as she stumbles upon a list of 108 Jewish children who were hidden under false names to escape the Nazi regime during WWII. Valérie’s discovery propels her on a 25-year quest to uncover their real identities and reunite them with their lost heritage.
Escobar weaves together two timelines, capturing the heartbreaking choices Jewish parents faced in 1942 and Valérie’s relentless pursuit to bring their stories to light. The novel dives into the acts of bravery and sacrifice made by ordinary people—clergy, civilians, and members of the French Resistance—who risked everything to save these children.
Blending real historical figures with fictional elements, the author’s meticulous research shines through, creating a story that is both educational and emotionally charged. The horrors faced by the children and their families are hard to digest, but Escobar’s writing ensures their bravery isn’t forgotten. It’s an intense, yet uplifting tale of hope, courage, and the resilience of the human spirit.
Valérie’s journey is a reminder of the power one person has to honor the past, even in the face of denial and opposition. This book is a powerful tribute to those who refused to let history bury these children’s names.
Occasionally, the translation from the original Spanish doesn’t work, but I highly recommended this for readers who appreciate historical fiction with depth and heart. 4 stars.
** Thanks to the publisher for a review copy of this book for an honest review.