For Such a Time by Kate Breslin

The story of Esther has always been one of my favorites.  Whoever thinks the Bible is boring has not read this story!  So when I heard of this fictional book that follows a similar story line, I was intrigued.

 For Such a Time takes place during another historical period when Jews were being targeted for annihilation...during the reign of Hitler.  While the characters and events of this story are fictional, the concentration camp conditions and plight of the Jews was very much real. Once I got into the book it was very hard to put down!  Even though I had a faint idea of how the story would unfold, it was not predictable and kept me guessing. 

The only thing I didn't like was the frequent use of German and Jewish words in the text.  Many times the words could not be defined by context clues alone, so I just learned to skim over them.  There is a glossary of terms in the back of the book, but who wants to keep flipping to the back to look things up?  And then it was frustrating to do so and not find the word listed!  I understand the use of these words for historical value, but it decreased the ease of reading.  I would have preferred words be defined by footnotes or within the text.

This would be a wonderful book to read this summer by the pool or while on vacation.  Not only will you be forced to ponder what the Jews had to endure during the time of Esther and at the concentration camps, but there is also enough excitement and romance to keep the pages turning.  You may even find yourself gaining courage to stand up for what is right in our world today.

*I received a complimentary copy of this book from Bethany House in exchange for an honest review.