Sarah's Key Blog #1

In the book Sarah’s Key written by Tatiana de Rosnay, the author creates a somber story revolving around the lives of Sarah Starzinsky and Julia (last name unknown). Character, Sarah is forced away from her home along with her mother and father. When the French policemen take her and her family she is forced to keep her brother safe and lock him in a small cupboard. Sarah reassures herself throughout the entire beginning of the book that her brother will be okay with enough air, water, and a flashlight. She is determined to escape from the French who’ve captured her, and soon enough be back to retrieve her brother.

                Another element of the story is second protagonist, Julia. Julia moved from America to France with her husband and daughter. Her husband’s family grew up in the apartment that Julia is going to be living in. Julia is not yet sure if she will enjoy the alternate lifestyle in store for her, but with the reassurance of her husband she finds that maybe it will not be so difficult after all. So far, the story has also told the reader about Julia’s daughter. Her daughter, Zoe is an intriguing and mature young girl who is so far not anxious to living in the part of France where the apartment is located. Julia’s husband, Betrand grew up in France and when he and Julia met and eventually got married they had lived in a different part of the area. The change from place to place has been difficult for everyone- not including Betrand. We are not yet sure of what the connection between Julia and Sarah is yet, but because of the long history in Julia’s newly found home there is bound to be some sort of link.

Annexed Blog #2

In my book, Annexed peter finds himself longing to have his girlfriend, Liese back and safe. She was captured and most likely brought to a Nazi death or concentration camp. I think Peter will keep thinking about Liese and how he wishes he could help, but I don’t think he will ever have the courage to go and save her. Which leads me to wonder, does Peter’s lack of bravery to go and save Liese make him a coward, or does it make him intelligent?

            Peter and Anne Frank’s relationship so far has been a rocky rollercoaster. Peter refuses to believe that even though she is a child, and at times makes him happier, that she could ever be the wonderful person he believes Liese to be. Though they play together, and often times find themselves laughing and smiling, Peter thinks Anne is annoying and childish. I think Peter will find himself in the situation of getting to know her, and also drawn to her optimistic behavior. The reader is forced to guess when and how Peter will fall in love with Anne. I’m wondering the same thing, but from a different perspective. I wonder when Anne fall in love with Peter? She is obviously intelligent, jubilant, and filled with anxiousness. Though she shows great interest in Peter, I’m not yet sure that she is ready to fully trust him, or anyone.

Annexed Blog #1

In the book, Annexed by author, Sharon Dogar, the main character, Peter finds himself lost in his contradictory thoughts about people. The story is introduced with an opening scene of Liese, (Peter’s girlfriend) being captured by the Nazi soldiers. Peter was frantic, trying to find some way to fight against the Nazi’s and to save Liese. Peter of course knew that any action taken against the Nazi’s would potentially result in his death, or lifetime torture. Annexed takes place in Amsterdam where Peter finds himself in an office of Jews also hiding from being captured and sent to concentration, death, or labor camps. The office where Peter and others are hiding is also the home of Anne Frank. Anne Frank is a young, foolish, optimistic girl who chooses to see the glass half full as opposed to half empty. Peter doesn’t exactly know his thoughts about Anne, but in the book proves to the reader that his emotions are mixed with desire, and hatred. He says, “She makes me smile sometimes, even though she’s so irritating…” As Anne takes control of the fun and roughness in the “office,” Peter learns to have fun with her.