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I Am Sasha - Book Review

Hello everyone! Yes, I am back! I took a small break because I needed to focus on a bunch of schoolwork. But, due to COVID -19, school is cancelled. (which means more reading and more reviewing!) I hope you are all are safe and well. So, from that note, this blog post is about a new book review on, "I Am Sasha" by Anita Selzer. Read along to read about my review, and a synopsis.

General Information
Page Length: "I Am Sasha" is told within 323 pages, including a glossary, timeline and "The Story Behind The Story" section.
Genre: History, Non-fiction, World War II.
Themes: World War II, Family, Romace, Friendship.
Age Recommendation: This book is suitable for any age group, Minimum, 15+.

Synopsis
I Am Sasha by Anita Selzer - Penguin Books Australia
I Am Sasha book
"I Am Sasha" is based on the true story of mother Larissa, and her son, Sasha/Sala during World War II. It is about the struggles of the war, and the remarkable story of what a mother does to protect her childand, even if that means turning them from a boy, to a girl. Sasha is a young Jewish boy living through the horrific events of World War II. A risk to protect his life, he must change his identify from a boy, to a girl. Meaning, Sasha becomes Sala; his must change his identitiy, wear a dress, grow his hair long, speak like a girl, walk like a girl. Sala must learn these characteristics in order to have an  increased chance of surviving.

My Review
Wow. This book was outstanding. Retold by the daughter of Sasha, (Anita Selzer) the story cannot be more pure. You may think that this is similiar to any other Jewish, Nazi, World War II story. But, it's not. I feel like when we read those type of books, we expect that the characters will end up in a concentration camp, but that did not happen in this story, which is why I liked it more than others. It shows more of behind the scenes of what daily life was like for some people in the time, but it explores an element not many people may have realised, transforming and convincing people you are a different gender, in the hope that you will survive. The book was heart-warming, as well as quite sad to read. Mostly, because there was a sense of hope throughout the book, as well as people who you can trust; lifelong friends and family that stuck together throughout the inhuman events. Sasha's story truely is an incredible story to read. Written by the daughter of Sasha, Anita Selzer, she did an amazing job re-writing the story.

"A beautifully written story that focuses on protecting your family through the hard times. 'I Am Sasha' shows to never forget hope, and friendship and family are important in your life." Book Reviews By Sophie McC

Overall Rating
Overall, I rate "I Am Sasha"
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
There really is nothing negative to comment on as it's simply a pure story. It was written extremely well and even though there were some sad parts, definitely more of a "happier" WW2 book to read. It does not focus on life in the camps, it focuses more on daily life and protecting your family.

Thank you so much for reading my book reivew! Please comment below your thoughts. Happy reading and stay safe! ❤
Anita Selzer

Sophie x


To learn more about the author and her books, click the link here

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(Photos from Penguin Books Australia)

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