For Such a Time by Kate Breslin

Book Description:

In 1944, Hadassah Benjamin feels abandoned by God when she is saved from a firing squad only to be handed over to a new enemy. Pressed into service by SS Kommandant Colonel Aric von Schmidt at the transit camp of Theresienstadt in Czechoslovakia, she is able to hide behind the false identity of Stella Muller. However, to maintain her cover as von Schmidt's secretary, she is forced to stand by as her own people are sent to Auschwitz. 

Suspecting her employer is a man of hidden depths, Stella appeals to him on behalf of those in the camp. Aric's indulgence gives her hope even as she risks discovery with every attempt to help the prisoners. When her bravery brings her to the point of ultimate sacrifice, she faces an excruciating choice. God may have brought her to the camp for such a time as this, but how can she save her people when she cannot save herself? 

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For Such a Time, is a novel based off of the biblical account of Esther (Bible) set during WWII. I noticed several low ratings, actually given by people who did not even read the book but were offended at the concept of the story. I do not believe they grasp the point of the novel, or are not familiar with the Esther story. This novel portrays the brutality of what was done to the Jews and in no way paints a picture that is other that what is true to that. In the Author's notes at the back, Breslin goes into actual historical facts and defines the fiction from the facts.

That said... on to the review. Being familiar with the Esther story, I was so curious to see how Breslin would spin the tale in this novel and work things out. The story held me in suspense. The characters, main and secondary were well done. The situations all to real and knowing history scary. I kept awaiting the transformation of Aric, and awaiting to see how "Stella", aka Hadassah would help to deliver her people out of their death sentence. Breslin did not disappoint. This novel was hard to put down! While showing the ugliness, it also showed hope, love, sacrifice and faith. Well written and worth the read!