They Went Left by Monica Hesse is a powerful historical fiction novel set in the aftermath of World War II. The story follows Zofia, a young Holocaust survivor searching for her younger brother, Abek, who got separated from her during the liberation of Auschwitz. As she navigates through the ruins of war-torn Europe, Zofia grapples with the trauma of her past and the uncertainty of her future. The novel is an exploration of love, loss, and resilience, as Zofia confronts the devastating truths of her experiences and tries to rebuild her life amidst the devastation left by the war.
One of the most compelling aspects of Monica Hesse's They Went Left is its raw portrayal of the aftermath of the Holocaust. The novel doesn't shy away from depicting the emotional and psychological impact of the war on its survivors. Zofia's journey is provoking, as she tries to find her brother while grappling with the haunting memories of the concentration camp. Monica Hesse's writing shows a sense of empathy and urgency, making people deeply connect with the characters and the historical events. I wasn’t disappointed a lot during the book. The only thing that slightly disappointed me was that Zofia had not had much character development and also she didn’t meet that many new characters, that possibly could have also gone through the holocaust. However it is still a good book. I would recommend this book to historical fiction enthusiasts, especially those interested in World War II and Holocaust narratives. It's also recommended for people who appreciate stories that explore themes of family, love, trauma, and the process of healing. It is somewhat distressing, because of the Holocaust topics. However, it is still a good book to learn from.