daughters of the occupation: a novel of wwii

Daughters of the Occupation: A Novel of WWII

**A gripping tale of sacrifice, trauma, resilience, and survival, inspired by true events in World War II Latvia, as witnessed by three generations of women.**

A World Turned Upside Down

The year is 1940. Miriam Talan, a young Jewish woman living in Riga, Latvia, is about to give birth to her second child, a son named Monya. Her comfortable life is shattered when the Soviets invade, occupying the capital city and stripping her family of their possessions and livelihood. This is just the beginning of their ordeal.

Facing the Brutal Reality

The Nazis arrive, bringing with them unspeakable horrors. Max, Miriam's husband, is murdered, and the threat of extermination hangs over her and her children. In a desperate attempt to protect her newborn son and young daughter, Ilana, Miriam entrusts them to her loyal housekeeper, concealing their Jewish identity and hoping against hope for a safe haven from the escalating savagery.

Unraveling Family Secrets

Three decades later, in Chicago, Sarah Byrne, a young woman grappling with the loss of her mother, Ilana, faces another devastating blow: her estranged grandmother, Miriam, is hospitalized and delirious. Driven by curiosity and a desperate need for answers, Sarah begins to delve into her family's past, unearthing shocking secrets that have haunted Miriam for years.

A Journey of Truth and Reconciliation

Miriam's plea for Sarah to find the son she left behind in Latvia sets Sarah on a life-altering journey. With the help of Roger, a charismatic Russian-speaking professor, Sarah embarks on a search for the truth, venturing into the Soviet satellite state and facing the consequences of a past that refuses to be forgotten.

A Powerful Legacy of Love and Loss

**Daughters of the Occupation** is more than just a historical novel; it is a powerful exploration of the lasting impact of war on families. The story delves into the complexities of trauma, resilience, and the enduring strength of the human spirit. We witness how the weight of the past can be passed down through generations, but also the enduring power of love and hope that can transcend even the darkest of times.

**Review:** This compelling and emotionally charged novel weaves a tapestry of interwoven lives, leaving an indelible mark on the reader. The author masterfully crafts a narrative that is both intimate and epic, exploring universal themes of family, loss, and the enduring search for truth. The characters are deeply engaging, their stories resonating with raw emotion and authenticity. "Daughters of the Occupation" is a testament to the power of storytelling to illuminate the human condition and the indomitable spirit that endures even in the face of unimaginable hardship.