The Cut Out Girl by Bart van Es

"Lien can keep her own name and her surname, de Jong, but she must not say anything about Mamma or Papa or family."

Definitely a slow burner this 2018 winner of the Costa Book of the Year is an intriguing read. A young jewish girl in Holland in World War Two must live a double life fostered by other families, hiding the real story of her family to survive. The author's grandparents had taken her in at some point and then something had happened. Bart van Es sets out to discover what happened and it makes for a fascinating exploration of uncertain times.

While it took me a while to get into the rhythm of the story, the intriguing premise ultimately kicked in and had me furiously reading.

5 out of 5, separation from those we love is a burden for the ages.