Maybe even 4.5 stars.

I have read many novels set during the Holocaust, but I learn different things from each one. They are heart-wrenching, to be sure, and this one is no different, but there is also so much hope, so much incredible strength of human spirit. There is also an epic love story here, one based on a supposed true story. While far-fetched, I do hope that it really happened, because it is heartbreakingly beautiful.

I was delighted to learn about the underground art movement in the camps that provided beauty and solace and depicted their unbelievable circumstances to the outside world. I would be thrilled to visit the museum in Prague that displays children's artwork from the camps.

Highly recommended.