" And who knows but that you have come to your royal position for such a time as this?" - Esther 4:14
Title: For Such a Time
Author: Kate Breslin
Publisher: Bethany House
Release Date: April 1, 2014
ABOUT THE BOOK
In 1944, Hadassah
Benjamin feels abandoned by God when she is saved from a firing squad only to
be handed over to a new enemy. Pressed into service by SS Kommandant Colonel
Aric von Schmidt at the transit camp of Theresienstadt in Czechoslovakia, she
is able to hide behind the false identity of Stella Muller. However, to maintain
her cover as von Schmidt's secretary, she is forced to stand by as her own
people are sent to Auschwitz.
Suspecting her employer is a man of hidden depths, Stella appeals to him on behalf of those in the camp. Aric's indulgence gives her hope even as she risks discovery with every attempt to help the prisoners. When her bravery brings her to the point of ultimate sacrifice, she faces an excruciating choice. God may have brought her to the camp for such a time as this, but how can she save her people when she cannot save herself?
Suspecting her employer is a man of hidden depths, Stella appeals to him on behalf of those in the camp. Aric's indulgence gives her hope even as she risks discovery with every attempt to help the prisoners. When her bravery brings her to the point of ultimate sacrifice, she faces an excruciating choice. God may have brought her to the camp for such a time as this, but how can she save her people when she cannot save herself?
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MY THOUGHTS
What a novel! Prior to reading For Such a Time, I did not read the book's description, but I've heard many fellow avid readers recommend this novel. Even after I have the book in my hands, I did not want to spoil any preconceptions about the story, so I purposely avoided any talks, reviews or excerpts online or on the back cover of the book. I went in not knowing what this book is about, even remotely. And boy, was I in for a shock. It was a shock of the tender emotions that it evokes from me. I grieved and pained for the sufferings and trauma Stella went through, and what many of the prisoners were going through.
Let me let you in on a little secret - a little back story about me. I avoid books about Nazi concentration camps related to the Holocaust and its events during the WWII era. Many stories/books, movies and personal visits to Holocaust and Jewish museums had created a sense of desolation that takes a very long time to get over. So with that said, if I had read the book description of For Such a Time, I would not have picked it up or want to read it. So that was a bit of a surprise as I began reading it. Even for my obvious aversion to such books, For Such a Time landed on my radar and in my hands. The verdict? I am glad it did.
A beautifully well-crafted story reminiscent of the Biblical story of Esther. Is it a full re-telling? That's for you to decide. For me, I am reminded simply by the initial message of how God puts us in situations for the purpose of good. What the outcome is, is up to your decision to follow His words or not. The choices of those such as SS Kommandant Colonel Aric towards those imprisoned, as well as with Stella may be less than desirable. At one point, I even felt a strong dislike towards his treatment of Stella, but in all, both are complex characters that developed into strong characters that carries this story. The romance part is downplayed to fully embody the progression of the plot. Survival in the absolute sense - physically, emotionally and spiritually - is what this powerful story expressed.
A story about love and hope among times of loss and suffering. It is about forgiveness and redemption, recovering from tragedy. It is the need to strive, not only for life, but for hope and faith to find beauty in humans and the world again.
NOTE: I won a copy of this book through a giveaway hosted by Soul Inspirationz. I was NOT required to submit a review.
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ABOUT THE AUTHOR
A Florida girl who migrated to the Pacific
Northwest, Kate Breslin was a bookseller for many years. She is the author of For Such a Time and Not by Sight. For Such a Time recently won the ACFW 2015 Carol Award for Debut Novel. Kate lives with her husband in Seattle, Washington.
Annie, thank you so much for your lovely and thoughtful review! Writing For Such A Time was my passion for years, and not only an emotional journey, but a spiritual one, too. I am very pleased that the story resonated with you as well. God bless!
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