In Defiance of Hitler: The Secret Mission of Varian Fry (2008)

A great book for older students, 5th grade and above learning about Hitler and the Nazi movement. The book is about an American who tries to free Jewish refugees. It deals with quite a heavy topic, and the reader would need adequate reading skills to learn all of the information. However, the book has interesting photos and poems that help to break up the story. A really great book.

Wow basically the underground railroad of WWII. For some reason I thought this story was about something else and I was pleasantly surprised. I had never heard any of this informations. Super interesting. ( )

Having read a few books regarding the holocaust, Fry was a person that I had not heard of before. Varian Fry is an "un-song" hero in the history books. This book portrayed a magnitude version of Schindler's list.
The middle of the road rating does not take away the importance of the content of the book because it is a much needed story to tell.
The strengths of the book came from the real black and white photos, well-documented text, and historical significance. This book would make an excellent source to supplement other fiction or non fiction.
reading about the holocaust.
Where I saw some weaknesses, was that it was hard to follow the characters or the refugees. Of course this was due to so many that were involved. I also think that the element of danger, risk, and unknown was kind of watered down. There was mention of crossing the mountains, raids, and close calls. However, I had a hard time really getting into the emotional aspect of constant fear and courage.
Even though the author writes in clear readable language, it sometimes seems flat and confusing.
Even though the sequence of events was appropriate, it was difficult to follow the groups of refugees, workers, and Fry's own points of views and happenings. ( )

Excellent telling of the story of Varian Fry, an unexpected hero in the rescue of 2,000 Jews fleeing the Nazis in Marseilles, France, in 1940. It's informative, flows well and opens the door to a part of World War II history of which many people are unaware. ( )

Check the next issue of The Alan Review for a review of this book! ( )