"Those Who Save Us" is a historical fiction novel written by Jenna Blum, published in 2004. The novel weaves together two timelines, one set during World War II and the other in the present day, to tell a story of love, survival, and the enduring impact of the past on the present.
The book primarily focuses on the experiences of Anna Schlemmer, a young German woman living in Weimar, Germany, during the Nazi regime. Anna becomes involved with a high-ranking Nazi officer, and in order to protect her daughter Trudy, she makes difficult choices that shape their lives. As the war unfolds, Anna is forced to navigate the complexities of loyalty, morality, and survival in a time of extreme oppression and danger.
In the present day storyline, Trudy, now an adult and a professor of German history, seeks to uncover her mother's past and the truth about her actions during the war. Trudy's journey leads her to confront her own identity and the legacy of her family's history.
"Those Who Save Us" delves into the moral dilemmas faced by individuals living in a time of great turmoil and the long-lasting consequences of their choices. The novel explores themes of guilt, forgiveness, the complexities of human relationships, and the impact of trauma across generations.
Jenna Blum's storytelling intertwines the historical and contemporary threads to create a poignant narrative that resonates with readers. The book is known for its well-researched portrayal of life during World War II and its exploration of the grey areas of morality in the face of extreme circumstances.
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