Searching for My Daughter is astonishingly moving. This book shattered my heart and filled it to overflowing, all within one story. Three stories of extraordinary courage intertwine in the run up, horror of, and chaotic aftermath of World War II.

The story begins with Miriam Kaufmann, freshly released from Auschwitz. Miriam walked a long way to reach a British checkpoint in Germany, desperate for a visa to get to England. Her husband and son both died in the camp, but daughter Rosa got to the UK before war broke out. Miriam has lived only for the day they might be reunited.

She encounters officer Jack, who is reluctant at first to help her. But then Miriam triggers a connection to Jack’s lost love and he becomes her unlikely ally. While Miriam faces indignity after dead end, the story of Rosa’s life before and after she arrived in England, is woven in.

Rosa suffered severe abuse in Germany, and that part of the book is not easy reading. There should be a trigger warning. While not graphic, the brutality of what Rosa suffered is delivered in such a way as to leave the reader in no doubt about what occurred. However, Rosa finds escape in a marriage of convenience to Daniel Levy, a young engineer with tickets to a new life in England.

Bravery and tenacity

Miriam’s tenacity in never stopping her search, despite abuse, anti-German sentiment (despite her own mistreatment at the hands of the Nazi’s) and precious little help or hope, is truly moving. Rosa’s bravery in facing all the exploitation and coldness is little short of remarkable.

Jack’s role in all of it is brave and moving. And the only reason I didn’t give this five stars is because Jack’s story is left unfinished. But make no mistake, this is a beautifully written, powerful story and I highly recommend reading it. However, as I said up top, there are some very difficult themes so be aware there are some parts you may need to skim over.

*I typically only read works of Christian fiction, but the storyline of this one was compelling. I listened to the audiobook and the narrator did a great job.

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