Welcome to Litsy!

Ilka Weissnix, a Jewish refugee from Vienna, meets in a Nevada rail Station Carter Bayoux, an African American, twice her age. Carter + Ilka begin a loving relationship as Carter, a journalist at the centre of NY society but with an alcohol problem, introduces Ilka to a new life. A remarkable book that explores race, the nature of love, the trauma of the war, being an immigrant with humour and depth. If you do read listen to the Baclisted episode.

Simon‘s Family had the ingredients I usually love—family saga, multiple POVs—but the jumps in time and murky relationships left me more confused than compelled. Many readers adore its sparse style, but I just couldn‘t connect. A miss for me. ⭐️💫 1.5/5 ❤️📚

I couldn‘t sleep last night so I pulled out my kindle and read this short novella. It was a perfect choice as it is a gentle and touching story of a Jewish child who is hidden in Belgium during World War II. Despite its subject matter, it was neither saccharine nor overly sentimental, nor filled with horror. Instead it is a book about hope and sacrifice and the goodness of many everyday people. It was a perfect read for the current climate.