The power of this book comes from not only the fact that Helen’s family is very relatable, but also through her ability to find beauty in even the most horrific of situations. Through beautiful prose, Paulette Mahurin describes the way Helen has a new appreciation for the beautiful colours of light, or the smell of soup after hiding in a farmhouse cellar for several years. Even amongst the horrors of Auschwitz, Helen finds lasting friendship and many examples of human goodness.
But for all the goodness Helen is able to find, The Seven Year Dress is a harrowing read. It is also a beautiful and important one that is not to be missed.
The Seven Year Dress
I had previously read The Persecution of Mildred Dunlap by Paulette Mahurin. It was one of those books that stuck with you. I can say the same for her newest work, The Seven Year Dress. I bought the Kindle version, and even though I had several library books on my Kindle application that were due back I read The Seven Year Dress instead because after I read a couple of chapters I couldn’t put it down.
The main character, Helen Stein, is painted skillfully with delicate brush strokes in the beginning. They become appropriately harsher as we get into her plight of being in hiding and then in a concentration camp. I don’t think this is a spoiler as the title and picture on the cover gives that bit away.
Even though this is a fictional account, we are told in the Forward that there was a real Helen Stein and that she shared her story. For me that made it even more worth the read. There are so many books on the Holocaust. This one truly stands out. Mahuran is a brilliant storyteller and has a knack for capturing the emotions of her characters.
PURCHASE LINK FOR ALL MY BOOKS: http://www.amazon.com/Paulette-Mahurin/e/B008MMDUGO/ref=dp_byline_cont_ebooks_1
ALL AMAZON REVIEWS FOR THE SEVEN YEAR DRESS: https://www.amazon.com/Seven-Year-Dress-Paulette-Mahurin-ebook/dp/B01FEAX7AU?ie=UTF8&keywords=the%20seven%20year%20dress&qid=1465236292&ref_=sr_1_1&s=digital-text&sr=1-1#customerReviews
Reblogged this on tazziesplace and commented:
Some of the recent reviews for Paulette’s book, The Seven Year Dress.
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Those are really great reviews. Well done!
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This are very good reviews.Congratulations.
Thank you so much, Lou. ❤
Smiling, my friend! 🙂
Smiling with you, my sweet friend ❤
Hey Paulette, Great to be receiving ongoing confirmation of just how truly good your book is, which has me looking forward to reading the one that just recently arrived a few days ago. In the meantime, happy days for more books sold for dogs in need and care, à la Paulette Mahurin!
Jean-Jacques
Thank you so much, JJ. Your support and friendship are a gift I’m grateful for. I’m so happy to have you read my book and looking forward to your take on it. ❤
Fun-tab-U-lous reviews. Well earned. Bravo. ❤ ❤ ❤
Thanks so much, Tess. ❤
Meowsy meow All 5 stars. Dat’s pawsum. Concats to you and da doggies.
Luv ya’
Dezi
Ah, thanks so much for your pawsum words, Dezi. We luv ya right back. ❤
Paulette…..I have started this read. I will finish it within this day that I started it. I am pulled strongly to it. And I am saddened. Of course we know the outcome of this horrid time in history. But it brings to my heart and thoughts…..all of the stories we have lost. All of the stories of each individual. And that horrifies me.
I hear you my friend, Colleen. I’m moved and happy to share this with you, whom I love for your compassion, depth, integrity, and honesty. It was a hard topic to research and write about, a horrific time in history, but unfortunately not the only moment of overwhelming tragedy for massive numbers. Thank goodness for those who survive and to those who helped. I’d love your feedback once you complete the read. ❤
I left a review. Though I am frustrated at the Amazon site. I tried to leave a 5 star rating, but it would not let me go above 4.
I was so pulled into her emotions. I could not stop thinking, and still have not stopped, about the millions of lives who’s stories we will never know. We know these people died. Horrifically. But the babies, and children, and women and men who’s regular lives were torn from this earth. The stories of school. The stories of family meals. The stories of falling in love. The stories of falling out of love. The stories of existing-just obliterated from not just here….but from happening.
Thank you Paulette. We need to know more of their stories.
Ah, thank you so much. I’m sorry it was frustrating. I’m grateful for your time in reading my book and writing a review. Can’t thank you enough. ❤
Such wonderful and kind words from so many people!
Ah, Sarah and Choppy, thank you so much. I feel very lucky and so happy to share with all my cyber pals, like you. ❤
Well deserved praise!
Thank you so much my friend. ❤
I am so delighted to hear the genuine and quite raising the bar recognition – you deserve it and it makes me smile too! Hugs, Harlon
Thank you so much Harlon. That’s so kind of you to say and absolutely made my day. ❤
Congratulations! Much continued success 🙂
Ah, thank you so much. Very appreciated. ❤
Can’t wait to read, Seven Year Dress. 🙂
Thanks so much Kev. I’m really looking forward to your reading it. ❤
It’s getting higher on the list. 😉
🙂