All The Broken Places

 

All The Broken Places by John Boyne- Historical literary fiction

This is the sequel from the author of The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas. The story of Gretel both in the past and present day. In the 1950’s Gretel lived in Paris hiding an accent, before that in Poland. Today she is in her nineties and lives in a grand apartment in London still trying to forget what happened. Alternate chapters take us back to after the war and to the present day where she has some new neighbours in the apartment below her, their nine year old son Henry brings back memories Gretel would rather forget. When she sees Henry and his parents in the garden, things take a different turn from just being neighbours. Can she protect Henry and his mother whilst keeping things close to her chest?

There is something wonderful about this book that draws you slowly in. I found myself being drawn to Gretel and making assumptions as she was only young at the time of the war. She is sharp as a tack and wiley, having spent her life keeping secrets. Slowly the past is revealed a little at a time, some of which is rather harrowing (but short) whilst at the same time knowing that she wishes things could have been different and how much she misses a very special someone.

Could this be read if you’ve not read or seen The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas? For me yes possibly, but why miss out on another stunning read or film? Do people feel guilty for what has gone almost a lifetime before even if they were not personally culpable? I believe there are exceptions (narcissists for example) but most people are good and kind, or at least I wish to believe so, so yes I think in twilight years the past may loom and they wish to try and at least amend or atone in some small way if possible. As the author points out even in recent times it's not just the monsters but those who knew and turned a blind eye who are just as guilty.

A wonderful story that I found  captivating. Of guilt and complicity, of thought and happiness. One I will most certainly remember. 

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