42 pages • 1 hour read
Kristin HarmelThe Forest of Vanishing Stars
Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 2021A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.
Before You Read
Super Short Summary
The Forest of Vanishing Stars by Kristin Harmel follows Yona, who is abducted as a child and raised in the forests of Poland during WWII. She grows up isolated and learns survival skills. As the war rages, Yona discovers her identity and destiny, aiding Jewish refugees fleeing the Nazis. The story explores themes of belonging, identity, and resilience amidst the harshness of war. Note: The book involves antisemitic violence.
Reviews & Readership
Review Roundup
The Forest of Vanishing Stars by Kristin Harmel captivated readers with its vivid portrayal of survival and resilience set in WWII. Reviewers praised Harmel's emotional storytelling and rich historical detail, though some found the pacing uneven. The novel’s character development resonated deeply, despite occasional predictability in the plot. Overall, an evocative and gripping read.
Who Should Read The Forest of Vanishing Stars?
A reader who enjoys The Nightingale by Kristin Hannah or All the Light We Cannot See by Anthony Doerr will be captivated by The Forest of Vanishing Stars by Kristin Harmel. This historical fiction, teeming with resilience, survival, and WWII settings, appeals to those who appreciate emotionally rich, character-driven narratives.
RecommendedReading Age
18+yearsBook Details
Historical Fiction
Survival Fiction
Romance
WWII / World War II
Holocaust
Natural World: Nurture v. Nature
Self Discovery
Values/Ideas: Religion & Spirituality
Military / War
History: World