This debut novel by Lawrence Kaplan has a clever, fresh premise and such well drawn characters that as the people of different ethnicities,upbringing and young potentials meet and intersect from chapter to chapter, there is a sense of an interesting and satisfying conclusion to come. The author does not disappoint and the ending,as a great puzzle comes together,is brilliant and perfect. This historical fiction is an important lesson in history, a searching lesson in ethics, and a fresh look at the deceit behind the abandonment of the European Jews. As Kaplan,s characters rub shoulders with the real personalities and politicians of pre-war America, the temper of the times becomes vibrant and real. This is a must read. I enjoyed this book more than many of the bestsellers that stay on the top ten booklists for months.

I.H. Lewis,M.D.