What Is Left of the Night Review

About the Book

 Based on a true story

The Nazi regime's bloody wake in Europe persists as they brutally send "undesirables" to their deaths in concentration camps. As a young Jew, Hannah leaves behind her mother and sister as she flees certain death, arriving in Le Chambon in search of refuge.

Driven by their deeply rooted faith in God, Protestant pastor André Trocmé and his formidable wife, Magda, have turned the unassuming community in the foothills of the French Alps into a quiet resistance—a haven where they shelter escapees from Hitler's ever-tightening fist. It’s here that an author pens his Nobel Prize-winning novel and finds answers to his questions about God; and just outside the village borders, a one-legged female American spy sets up an operation to organize the French Resistance.

But a sadistic crew is on the rise. Under the supervision of the Butcher of Lyon, Gestapo officer Herr Lauer pursues the Jewish girl. Hannah was in his sights, but when she evaded him, his explosive rage and thirst for revenge set him on a spiraling mission to track her down—leading him straight to Le Chambon.

With lyrical prose and historical accuracy, Mark Buchanan weaves together a thrilling narrative from the real-life stories of a pastor, refugee, spy, and author, tangled together in a plot against the Reich. (Goodreads)


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My Thoughts

Oh my goodness this story. It is one that (for me) needs read slowly so as not to miss the pieces of wisdom thrown in. I loved reading from the standpoint of a pacifist but also just the view of a pastor. There are multiple perspectives that go back and forth throughout the novel and Hannah and the pastor's storylines are my favorite. This book will really make you think and it is different from other WWII books that I have read. There is some humor sprinkled in and also details of a terrible war. This book has a lot of grit and some of it portrays the darkness. It isn't gory and explicit but still tough to read at times. There is family and fear and joy and life and death. The marriage between André and Magda is so well written. The people in this story are not written to be perfect and that made me love it all the more. This is based on a true story and I really appreciated the author explaining details based on what is fact and fiction. This is a fiction read but incredibly based on a true story. I had no idea Le Chambon existed or that this village saved thousands of Jewish refugees! It is a fascinating read and I highly recommend it! 

Five Stars. 

"I received a complimentary copy from the publisher. All opinions are my own and I was not required to write a positive review."