Finding Rebecca by Eoin Dempsey

Author : Eoin Dempsey
Title : Finding Rebecca
Published : 2012
Publisher : Lake Union Publishing
Pages : 320
Genre : Historical Fiction

     Nothing could keep Christopher and Rebecca apart: not her abusive parents, or even the fiancé she brought home after running away to England. But when World War II finally strikes the island of Jersey, the Nazi invaders ship Rebecca to Europe as part of Hitler’s Final Solution against the Jewish population. After Christopher and his family are deported back to their native Germany, he volunteers for the Nazi SS, desperate to save the woman he loves. He is posted to Auschwitz and finds himself put in control of the money stolen from the victims of the gas chambers. As Christopher searches for Rebecca, he struggles to not only maintain his cover, but also the grip on his soul. Managing the river of tainted money flowing through the horrific world of Auschwitz may give him unexpected opportunities. But will it give him the strength to accept a brave new fate that could change his life—and others’ lives—forever?

     In coming to Finding Rebecca this was not my first time with this author, having read White Rose, Black Forest not so long ago. I had not intended to back to the topic of world war two so quickly, so what may you ask drew me in. Whilst in part this deal with topics we have all seen in books of this genre there was one sight difference. For at least the first part of this book deals with the invasion of the only part of the British isle the Nazi's set foot on and occupied. For many, I suppose it is a footnote in the greater crimes of the Nazis. What does it really matter in the grand scheme of things? But I would hazard a guess that to the people of jersey it means a great deal. And although put into fiction it for me at least makes those who read this book aware that just like everywhere else the touched, the Nazi's did there fair share of damage here. 

     There are times early on in this book where there is a true sweetness in the lead characters. Those first brush of romance and the endless possibilities that can spring forth from such an encounter. We get to see this all love that will defy everyone around them, but the stakes are small. What happens when there very choice to be together can mean life and death. This is a book that looks at what we are willing to risk for those we love. We all like to think there is no length we would not go to for them. Dempsey asks his hero's if the would go right into the jaws of the lion. With no way of knowing if there would be any success. This brings out not only desperation in Christopher but also a true obsession. He ever strives to get closer to Rebecca, chasing on the marks left as she is taken across Europe. He is a man who is prepared to die in his hunt for the one he loves. All the while Rebecca is Fighting with just as much furry just to stay alive. They both bring a deal of depth and an amazing sense of longing and melancholy to the reader. It is hard at times to see whether this book would have a happy ending. 

     Eoin has worked his magic on yet another story of the second world war and the Holocaust. In both this one and his previous book, the bases are set in parts of the narrative of this war that doesn't often get much spotlight. In some ways he educates us the reader, delving into parts most forgotten. All the while he also spins a yarn of great loves the are nearly lost to time. He shows what the human soul is willing to go through for those we hold dear. Even to the point of wearing the same mask as our deepest enemies. For some people, the word enough never even crosses there minds. Does this, in fact, make them the foolish one? Or are they the best of what humanity has to offer. But while love may blind our leads as the reader we are all too aware of the horrors that took place in such an infamous place. The author shows us once again the twisted acts that took place. And much like any other, they are always hard to read. It is in part why I started to spread such books out through the year. You can only read so much before it becomes too much. Dempsey has done his best to treat it with care and respect within the framework of his story. 

     Finding Rebecca told an interesting story about the bond of love and the lengths we will go to. It is a book that will no doubt cause you to shed a tear or two. Dempsey finds his footing quickly and guides us through a story that at times is hard to read as you would expect. But if you are looking for a boost in your faith in humanity and the good it can sometimes create this might just be the book for you.