Simon and the Oaks

I thought about this book rather a lot when I wasn't actually reading it. The setting is rural Sweden and follows two families whose lives intertwine from about the 1930's onward. Each family has a Jewish connection during WW2, but that's not really what the book is about. The families live in a neutral country and, as such, are observers to the atrocities of war, but that's not really what the book is about. One family is poor, hardworking and, eventually, successful, the other rich, but that's not really what this book is about. Each family has a son about the same age - one who is adopted the other whose mother is committed to a mental illness facility, but that's not really what this book is about either.

Rather, the book is about show more each person's reactions to and feelings about themselves, the people around them and the situations life deals.

I would definitely recommend this book. show less

I read this one in its German translation in a bid to improve my German. The story of a half-Jewish boy growing up in Sweden during/after World War II was surprisingly gripping: there was so much human interest; so many opportunities for drama. Not to mention what I think of as the 'filth chapter' which contributed countless words to my vocabulary that I would never have learned in a classroom. There were frequent forays into the surreal, or into the realms of Nordic folklore, which were tough to read and understand, but the remaining 'real life' sections were excellent. Its range is astonishing - farming, boatbuilding, concentration camps, national service, archaeology. I was never quite sure where it was going to go next. I suppose show more it's a natural reaction after nearly five months in its company, but this book's characters now feel like members of my own family. show less

A too well plotted soap opera. Every character has "issues" which are magically sorted out leaving them stronger and more grounded without changing them. The setting and incorporated details of daily Swedish life before, during, and after WWII was interesting, though.

Again I've read a great book from one of my favorite authors. Simon is interesting, intriguing, good at keeping my thoughts with the book's characters.
The life of a boy is followed, with all its ups and downs, hopes and fears, joys and pains. That was great to read. But, for me the most interesting part was the description of his extended 'family'. The relations he has with all the people that surround him.
There is a paranormal/supernatural(?) hint also, but that's not disturbing, it is even triggering me, provoking thought.

Interesting 'story of a childhood and early life' book set in Sweden before during and after ww2. Insight in to experiences of a young man in a neutral country who had Jewish connections ( in both sense). Also portrays some the long term psychological damage experienced by holocaust survivors.
Good read

Follow this saga of how various characters react to the curve balls life throws at them. No one is immune.

to be read