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Paris, July 1942: Before ten year-old Sarah is arrested in the Vel' d'Hiv' roundup, she locks her younger brother in a cupboard, thinking she will be back quickly.

Paris, May 2002: Journalist Julia Jarmond is asked to write an article for the Vel’ d’Hiv’s 60th anniversary and stumbles onto a trail of long-hidden family secrets that connect her to Sarah. As she probes into Sarah's past, she begins to question her own place in France, and to reevaluate her marriage and her life.

A magnificent and haunting novel, Sarah’s Key—once read—is impossible to forget. Tatiana de Rosnay offers up a brilliantly subtle, compelling portrait of WWII France and reveals the taboos and silence that surround the painful events of the V’el D’hiv—a historical tragedy of which few people today are aware. This portrait is interwoven with the modern-day story of Julia Jarmond—an American journalist in Paris—whose struggles with her marriage and relationships with her teenage daughter and exacting French in-laws resonate with readers everywhere.

Paris, July 1942

The girl was the first to hear the loud pounding on the door. Her room was closest to the entrance of the apartment. At first, dazed with sleep, she thought it was her father, coming up from his hiding place in the cellar. He’d forgotten his keys, and was impatient because nobody had heard his first, timid knock. But then came the voices, strong and brutal in the silence of the night. Nothing to do with her father. “Police! Open up ! Now !” The pounding took up again, louder. It echoed to the marrow of her bones. Her younger brother, asleep in the next bed, stirred. “Police ! Open up ! Open up !” What time was it ? She peered through the curtains. It was still dark outside. ...view entire excerpt...

1. What did you know about France’s role in World War II—and the Vél d’Hiv round-up in particular—before reading Sarah’s Key? How did this book teach you about, or change your impression of, this important chapter in French history?

2. Sarah’s Key is composed of two interweaving story lines: Sarah’s, in the past, and Julia’s quest in the present day. Discuss the structure and prose-style of each narrative. Did you enjoy the alternating stories and time-frames? What are the strengths or drawbacks of this format?

3. Per above: Which “voice” did you prefer: Sarah’s or Julia’s? Why? Is one more or less authentic than the other? If you could meet either of the two characters, which one would you choose?

4. How does the apartment on la rue de Saintonge unite the past and present action—and all the characters—in Sarah’s Key? In what ways is the apartment a character all its own in?

5. What are the major themes of Sarah’s Key?

6. de Rosnay’s novel is built around several “key” secrets which Julia will unearth. Discuss the element of mystery in these pages. What types of narrative devices did the author use to keep the keep the reader guessing?

7. Were you surprised by what you learned about Sarah’s history? Take a moment to discuss your individual expectations in reading Sarah’s Key. You may wish to ask the group for a show of hands. Who was satisfied by the end of the book? Who still wants to know—or read—more?

8. How do you imagine what happens after the end of the novel? What do you think Julia’s life will be like now that she knows the truth about Sarah? What truths do you think she’ll learn about her self?

9. Among modern Jews, there is a familiar mantra about the Holocaust; they are taught, from a very young age, that they must “remember and never forget” (as the inscription on the Rafle du Vél d’Hiv) Discuss the events of Sarah’s Key in this context. Who are the characters doing the remembering? Who are the ones who choose to forget?

10. What does it take for a novelist to bring a “real” historical event to life? To what extent do you think de Rosnay took artistic liberties with this work?

11. Why do modern readers enjoy novels about the past? How and when can a powerful piece of fiction be a history lesson in itself ?

12. We are taught, as young readers, that every story has a “moral”. Is there a moral to Sarah’s Key? What can we learn about our world—and our selves—from Sarah’s story?

Suggested by Members

»	Publisher's Book Info
»	Author Tatiana de Rosnay's web site
»	Tatiana de Rosnay's Twitter Page
»	Tatiana de Rosnay's Facebook Page

A special note from Tatiana de Rosnay to BookMovement club members:

As a French woman born in France, I discovered the taboo of the Vel d'Hiv round up and the scars it has left. When I started to research how the round-up took place exactly and the precise role played by the French police, I was devastated. I felt I had to write about it in order to share my emotions.

I've always been interested in the history of my city, Paris. I was writing a previous book about how a house can harbor memories, good or bad ones, and that book took me to the rue Nélaton, where the Vel d'Hiv used to stand. I went to see that street, and the sadness of it struck me deeply.

Overall rating:
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Member ratings:

"Paris during 1942"
by cdebusk (see profile) 03/11/09
Overall one of the best books.

"Great Historical Fiction!"
by jbohall (see profile) 03/20/09
I love when I can read a book and learn something from it. Although the story itself is historical fiction, the factual information regarding the Vel d'Hiv roundup is a disturbing truth in French history.... (read more)

"Great Historical Fiction"
by psbbk (see profile) 04/12/09
This book is very sad but it is also a great story. It made me cry.

"Brilliant!"
by crysrae23 (see profile) 04/23/09
This is a brilliant emotionally charged book that will immediately secure your interest. It brings up so many questions about the world we live in and the truth and fiction that surround us.

"Sarah's Key"
by marybpe (see profile) 05/14/09
This book was well written, addictive and gave us information about the round up of Jews in France during the war that most of us said we did not know about. It was a fast read, partly because it was... (read more)

"We loved this book!"
by ShanaM (see profile) 05/14/09
Not one member disliked this book...we all loved it. I highly recommend this to other groups as it invites a great discussion. The style of this book really keeps you reading! Found it difficult to... (read more)

" Sarah"s Key by Rosnay"
by april35 (see profile) 05/14/09
Very well written book. Great use of history and very enlighting.

"Sarah's Key"
by DaniCaraveo (see profile) 05/14/09

"Sarah's Key"
by dwfranke (see profile) 05/16/09
This book will touch your heart.

"a bit of ww2 history I wasn't aware of...very well done."
by gaeta17 (see profile) 05/16/09

"Loved it!!"
by jiviro (see profile) 05/22/09
This was a great book. Though depressing at times, I didn't have much knowledge on the subject, I couldn't put this book down. The struggles that Sarah went through as such a small child were incredible... (read more)

"Excellent historical fiction"
by rcolonna (see profile) 07/05/09
I loved this book. I am an avid reader of historical fiction and this was a part of history I knew nothing about. I could not put it down. I chose this book as my Book Club selection. Much to discuss... (read more)

"Sarah's Key"
by KristiK (see profile) 08/09/09
This book has become one of my all-time favorites. I could not put it down as I was simply riveted to the pages. Beautifully written with a story that will touch the hearts of all who read it. A MUST read!... (read more)

"One of my new favorite books!"
by rachcel (see profile) 08/17/09

"Sarah's Key"
by tedro (see profile) 09/09/09
Although the beginning is emotionally difficult to read as a mother, it is a historical fiction that is not only informative but also paints the picture of life in 1942.

"Life changing"
by redowl23 (see profile) 09/10/09
This book is great. I think the way the author sets up the beginning part of the novel with Sarah and Julia is fantastic and sets up the rest of the book for what is to come. I highly recommend reading... (read more)

"Great Book"
by SherryK (see profile) 09/13/09
This book is not a pick for my book club at this time. It's possible I'll recommend it next year. This is a wonderful book. It was very informative. I had no idea such a thing had taken place in France.... (read more)

"Sarah's Key"
by jtailele (see profile) 10/07/09
Most of us loved the writer's style of switching between characters, Sarah and Julia. A couple ladies found it confusing but most felt that Julia was a welcome relief from Sarah which you had to take a... (read more)

"Sarah's Key"
by maggiemann (see profile) 10/16/09
I thought the book was great, and so did our book club. We loved the way we followed the two characters every other chapter. The book left us wanting more. None of us were aware of the French police... (read more)

"Sarah's key"
by sychung (see profile) 10/26/09
I could not put this book down!! Awesome!!

"Sarah's Key"
by Jackiewl (see profile) 10/27/09

"Sarah's Key"
by mptravis (see profile) 10/28/09
We thought this book was very addictive and profoundly sad. We never knew about the Vel'd'Hiv roundup in Paris in 1942. Sarah's journey through hell and Julia's obsession with finding out about Sarah's... (read more)

"Sarah's Key"
by bmonster (see profile) 10/28/09
I thought the book was very good. It was tough to put down and VERY informative in reference to historical events that we may not have realized took place. I do recommend this book for book clubs. Lots... (read more)

"Started out very interesting but became uncovincing"
by lasuhe (see profile) 11/02/09
I really enjoyed the first half of this book as the story went back and forth between the characters but once Sarah dropped out of the story it became less interesting. When the lady ( I forget her name)... (read more)

"Sarah's Key"
by WendersReads (see profile) 11/02/09
A very quick read with the potential to raise interesting questions around why people choose to by-standers to horrible events.

"Sarah's Key"
by Gingepep (see profile) 11/04/09

"Sarah's Key"
by groshons (see profile) 11/05/09
I loved this book. Having been to Paris twice and seen plaques on the sides of buildings in rememberance of the Jewish people and children, I wondered about the history. This book told me so much more... (read more)

"Sarah's Key"
by dkwhite (see profile) 11/09/09
Interesting historical fiction. A tragic part of WWII I had never heard of before, but will never forget.

"Kay's Choice"
by kllkll (see profile) 11/11/09
When I ready thed summary on the back of the book I didn't think I'd like it. When I finally got it and started reading it, it was one of the best books I had read in a long time. Very sad and hard... (read more)

"Sarah's Key"
by storme (see profile) 11/16/09
Awesome. We all thought it was a wonderful book, a great read and worth every one of the 5 stars we gave it. We highly recommend this book to everyone. It is a relatively a quick read, but there was... (read more)

"An eye opener!"
by mgendron (see profile) 11/17/09
I've been to France and have always been interested in the Holocaust, but I was never aware of the Vel D'Hiv tragedy. This book was SO moving, I couldn't put it down. I felt truly sad, but I wanted to... (read more)

"Haunting Story"
by Mo7818 (see profile) 11/18/09

"Sarah's Key"
by margaretmann2000 (see profile) 11/19/09
We all liked learning about a part of France's history that we were unaware of. Everyone loved the first part of the book but didn't find the ending or the portrayal of Julia as appealing as Sarah. We... (read more)

"Sarah's Key"
by j1a1n1 (see profile) 11/20/09
Sarah's Key is not an easy read because of the subject. It will, however stay with you for a long time, it's beautifully written and ultimately courageous and inspiring on several levels.