The Things We Cherished
By
Grade : B

There are times when I run across a heroine to whom I simply cannot relate. This novel held two such women - people whose every choice made me question them, whose every action made me wonder why this and not that. In the hands of the right author that experience can actually be very enlightening; it can open doors to new thoughts and new places. Fortunately, Ms. Jenoff is the right author.

Charlotte Gold has never gotten over her law school romance. So when he comes back into her life, looking for her help, it spins her world upside down. Dare she hope? It takes only nanoseconds to realize that his interest in her is strictly professional. His promotion revolves around his ability to get his defendant off on war crimes charges. And Charlotte, with her numerous European contacts and experience with this in the past, is the only hope he has of getting that done. As Charlotte heads to Europe, knowing only that she has a case with man who refuses to speak in his defense and damning paperwork which shows his guilt, she can't help but wonder just what awaits her in the next several weeks.

Jack Harrington had fallen for Charlotte hard while she was with his brother. Now he gets to work with her on the Roger Dykmans case and his old feelings for her rush right back to the surface. This case is too vital to not get 100% of his time and interest. And yet how can he ignore this second chance to impress - and perhaps win -the woman he loves?

For Roger Dykmans time is running out. He is an old man, on his death bed, about to face heinous charges which he can not deny. The evidence is solid, the witnesses in his favor all dead. How can telling these two young people his tale of love found and then brutally lost, of betrayal and death and hope, possibly be of any value to him? Or is it them the story is meant to help?

For those fascinated by Nazi war crimes, this novel is a gift. Lyrical and heartfelt, it captures the personal side of war and the things people do to survive when no one is looking.

My greatest struggle, as mentioned, was that I could not relate to the characters. I wanted to shake Charlotte for not being able to get over her college romance - most of us have those, break up, and move on. She allows it to affect the way she lives her whole life. Once she got to Europe and began to live again we could see just why she was so perfect for this job. Her dedication and tenacity enabled a case which was completely stuck to move forward again. At that point, I found her a touch more likable.

Jack we don't ever really get to know, aside from the fact that he truly is interested in Charlotte. He has lived a full life away from her - had relationships, found several satisfying career paths - but that old interest has always been present. He is thrilled now to be working with her and renewing their acquaintance when both are free. He understands the law aspect of their case quite well but is less able at the historical research and working with the client and witnesses. He and Charlotte make an excellent team. She feels the law and uses it to work for her clients. He is more analytical with it, using it as a tool to help him win. It will take both to free a client so unwilling to work toward his own freedom.

I loved the history. Following the clock on its journey was utterly fascinating. While I didn't really care for Roger's romance and found it difficult to empathize with the decision he made, even that portion of the tale gave us intriguing glimpses into the past. I loved the research aspect as well. Going with Charlotte and Jack as they worked their way through a path of tiny bread crumbs toward the truth was one of the strengths of the novel. It gave us a dual perspective on what we saw and heard - seeing it first from Roger and second from those who investigated it. Because that was such a beautiful part of the story for me, I am not going to ruin your reading experience by giving too much of it away. I will say Jenoff did an excellent job with her pacing, giving us each piece right when we needed it and taking us back and forth between the past and present seamlessly.

While this book contains two love stories - one of them the very heart of the mystery - this is not a romance so the HEA's are not really there. Just a warning for those who may be looking for something else.

If this period of time fascinates you at all, if you are interested in a novel that looks at what happens when we find ourselves pressed against the wall during dark times, I am happy to recommend this tale to you.

Reviewed by Maggie Boyd
Grade : B
Book Type: Women's Fiction

Sensuality: Subtle

Review Date : August 20, 2011

Publication Date: 2011/07

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Maggie Boyd

I've been an avid reader since 2nd grade and discovered romance when my cousin lent me Lord of La Pampa by Kay Thorpe in 7th grade. I currently read approximately 150 books a year, comprised of a mix of Young Adult, romance, mystery, women's fiction, and science fiction/fantasy.
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