Where David Threw Stones
Rating: 5 out of 5
"I think he was mad because getting hurt is one thing, but being forced to smile when everything hurts is even worse."
West Germany, 1968: When ten year old David Saidel's parents are murdered, he is sent to live with his grandfather in an anti-Semitic village. Miserable and lonely, David finds comfort in his kindly Grandpa Ernst, who has only one strict rule: Never go out after midnight. When David breaks curfew to search for his missing dog, he discovers why Ernst is so serious about his curfew: Brennenbach is cursed. At midnight, the town is thrown back to 1943 at the height of Hitler's reign. The Nazi ghosts in the village are just as dangerous as they were in life. And they are hunting for David, thinking he is the last member of a family they've been ordered to destroy. With the help of a little girl named Maria Rahm, David sets out to end the Curse before it claims more victims.
This book sounded like an amazing read from the moment I read the summary and it did not disappoint. I was hooked from the opening line to the final line. This is a book that can be enjoyed no matter your age. The lessons that can be found in this book are universal: love, courage, and redemption. Ten year old Jewish David finds himself surrounded by Nazi's trying to capture and kill him in the past and a fierce hatred in the present. All because he is Jewish. I mean David even has some self-loathing going on himself. The most heartbreaking thing: he feels like he deserves the hatred and punishment of people.
When I tell you this book left me with chills multiple times, I mean I was emotionally wrecked by this book. I loved every second of it, because it wasn't just a story... it meant something. Hoffman is a master storyteller and you find yourself drawn into the world that is created. The book is a really great example of finding redemption and forgiveness. It is obvious the town has a big secret they are trying to hide, and David's time in the past helps him to uncover the sins of the town. In the process he opens the eyes of those in the present. I think the curse aspect was a cool dynamic, my only wish is that I could have known a little bit more about it. I don't want to give any spoilers so I'll leave it at that. GO READ THIS BOOK!!!