Jacob's Oath

Yes, another Holocaust book.  I had read Martin Fletcher’s book The List when it had first come out   Jacob’s Oath takes place at the end of World War II. 

and loved it, so I was excited to learn that he had completed another novel.

Jacob survived the death camp he had been in, but the rest of his family’s fate was unknown except for his younger brother who had been in the camp with him.  His brother had died in Jacob’s arms and Jacob’s oath to his brother was that when the war ended he would hunt down and kill the man who had caused the brother’s death. It was a man known to them, from their hometown.

Sarah survived the war hiding in a basement in Germany, dependent on others for her survival, while she waited for the return of her fiance who had disappeared.

As the war came to an end, Jacob returned to his home town in Heidelberg to seek his revenge.  Sarah traveled to Heidelberg hoping to meet her fiance there as that had been their plan if they had become separated.  Jacob and Sarah met in Heidelberg and fell in love. 

So now, Jacob had a future to look forward to with Sarah.  What would become of him if he murdered his brother’s killer?   Jacob faced the ultimate decision…love or revenge?  Past or future?

This is a very simplified summary of the story.  It is a well-written book, with many interesting details and facts woven into it. I do, however, have to admit that I liked The List much more.  

***Side note: if you don’t realize this…the author Martin Fletcher is the newsman who we have watched for years on television.  Brilliant man.  His parents survived the Holocaust.