A Sparrow in Terezin by Kristy Cambron

A Sparrow in Terezin (Thomas Nelson, April 2015)

   I don't read much fiction, but I have a fondness for historical fiction and especially world war two historical fiction. (and of course in the adult realm of recent literature, I stick to Christian fiction/historical fiction)

  I was intrigued by A Sparrow in Terezin on account of the world war two setting. When I began reading this novel, I was surprised by the unusual method the author has of coordinating two different stories in one volume; as you read the book you will jump back and forth from a story set in present-day California to the afore-mentioned world war two adventure. This at first may seem confusing yet the author, Kristy Cambron reveals exceptional writing skills in her melodious manner of conducting the two different tales. 

A Sparrow in Terezin is the indeed the sequel to Kristy Cambron's first novel, The Butterfly and the Violin in which you met the characters Sera and William Hanover. A Sparrow in Terezin was my first read from this author yet I had no difficulty keeping up with the tale. It did indeed have a confusing beginning but so exciting was it that it couldn't deter me from continuing to read just to uncover all the secrets. 

  I thought the author wrote with wonderful style and skill. It is rare to find a Christian fiction book written in such a classic manner. I believe that is the crowning glory of this book. The characters (particularly the world war two side in this book) are interesting and realistic. I did find that the plot twist, the storyline of this book wasn't worth the time I gave to reading the book. However on the other hand any time spent reading this book wasn't necessarily a waste since it was so well-written. But I did feel disappointment during the concluding chapters of the book. I was left with the feeling that everything wrapped up too easily and quickly.
Lastly, I did not feel much Spiritual depth in this novel. Surprisingly, the romance contained within was sane and beautiful; not overdone. But the faith aspect lacked strongly. There are some courageous moments of human grace and mercy which are wonderful. But other than that nothing life-changing. 

I received this book from the publisher in exchange for my honest review. Thank you!


Bound together across time, two women will discover a powerful connection through one survivor's story of hope in the darkest days of a war-torn world.

Present Day---With the grand opening of her new art gallery and a fairytale wedding just around the corner, Sera James feels she's stumbled into a charmed life---until a brutal legal battle against fiancé William Hanover threatens to destroy the perfectly planned future she's planned before it even begins. Now, after an eleventh-hour wedding ceremony and a callous arrest, William faces a decade in prison for a crime he never committed, and Sera must battle the scathing accusations that threaten her family and any hope for a future.

1942---Kája Makovsky narrowly escaped occupied Prague in 1939, and was forced to leave her half-Jewish family behind. Now a reporter for the Daily Telegraph in England, Kája discovers the terror has followed her across the Channel in the shadowy form of the London Blitz. When she learns Jews are being exterminated by the thousands on the continent, Kája has no choice but to return to her mother city, risking her life to smuggle her family to freedom and peace.

Connecting across a century through one little girl, a Holocaust survivor with a foot in each world, these two women will discover a kinship that springs even in the darkest of times. In this tale of hope and survival, Sera and Kája must cling to the faith that sustains and fight to protect all they hold dear---even if it means placing their own futures on the line.