Our February Book of the Month is The Postcard by Anne Berest, which Sally heralds as ‘a family story, a mystery and a memorable portrait of Europe before, during and after the Holocaust.’

Impeccably written and deeply researched, straddling genres of history, fiction and memoir, it is a family story, a mystery and a memorable portrait of Europe before, during and after the Holocaust. It visits upon tragedy but is not a grim book.

Berest’s grandmother Miriyam narrowly escaped the fate dealt to her family, married the son of avant-garde painter Francis Picabia and was hidden in the alps by resistance fighters before becoming one herself. But the story of her life became a family taboo, strictly off limits.

Berest is a wonderful writer, and a curious and sensitive investigator. Highly recommend.

In her review for The Guardian, Rachael Seiffert called it ‘a work of rare grace and importance’, while in the New York Times Julie Orringer lauded The Postcard as a ‘powerful, meticulously imagined book’.

Closer to home, one of our Bookoccino Bookclub members writes;

“I’ve already read more than half since you lent me your copy of The Postcard – can’t put it down. It’s of double interest to me: my work with holocaust survivors in Canada and having lived in France around the time of the present day part of the family’s story. Besides it being well written/translated. The fact that it’s Noemie’s photo on the cover is heart wrenching. Thank you for suggesting the book!”

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