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Parade “Best Books of Summer” pick * Real Simple summer reading pick * SheReads “Best WWII Fiction of Summer 2021” pick The New York Times bestselling author of the “heart-stopping tale of survival and heroism” (People) The Book of Lost Names returns with an evocative coming-of-age World War II story about a young woman who uses her knowledge of the wilderness to help Jewish refugees escape the Nazis—until a secret from her past threatens everything.After being stolen from her wealthy German parents and raised in the unforgiving wilderness of eastern Europe, a young woman finds herself alone in 1941 after her kidnapper dies. Her solitary existence is interrupted, however, when she happens upon a group of Jews fleeing the Nazi terror. Stunned to learn what’s happening in the outside world, she vows to teach the group all she can about surviving in the forest—and in turn, they teach her some surprising lessons about opening her heart after years of isolation. But when she is betrayed and escapes into a German-occupied village, her past and present come together in a shocking collision that could change everything. Inspired by incredible true stories of survival against staggering odds, and suffused with the journey-from-the-wilderness elements that made Where the Crawdads Sing a worldwide phenomenon, The Forest of Vanishing Stars is a heart-wrenching and suspenseful novel from the #1 internationally bestselling author whose writing has been hailed as “sweeping and magnificent” (Fiona Davis, New York Times bestselling author), “immersive and evocative” (Publishers Weekly), and “gripping” (Tampa Bay Times).

In "The Forest of Vanishing Stars: A Novel" by Kristin Harmel, the year is 1944 and the world is on the brink of a devastating war. In the remote wilderness of Poland, a group of Jewish refugees find refuge in a hidden forest, desperately hoping to escape the horrors of the Holocaust. Among them is a young woman named Anya, a talented artist whose passion for life shines brightly even in the darkest of times.

Anya's artistic talents soon catch the eye of a German soldier, Anton, who is stationed nearby. Despite their vastly different backgrounds and circumstances, Anya and Anton find themselves drawn to each other, forming a bond that defies the hatred and division that surrounds them. As they navigate the dangerous realities of war, their connection offers a flicker of hope amidst the darkness.

As the war rages on, Anya and Anton must confront their own demons and the harsh realities of survival. With each passing day, their bond deepens, but they know that their love is forbidden and dangerous. They must find a way to escape the forest and the encroaching shadows of war before it consumes them.

"The Forest of Vanishing Stars" is a poignant and beautifully written novel that explores the power of art, the strength of the human spirit, and the enduring hope that can bloom even in the most desolate of places. Kristin Harmel's vivid storytelling and unforgettable characters bring this historical tale to life, immersing readers in a world where love and resilience triumph over darkness.