Those Who Are Saved

Book excerpt: A sweeping, powerful story about a mother's love for her child that will take you through a world war and across a continent... **** On the cusp of World War II, a young mother is faced with an impossible choice. Vera is a Russian Jewish émigré to France, newly wed - but her marriage cannot protect her or her four-year-old-daughter, Lucie, once the Nazis occupy the country. After receiving notice that all foreigners must report to an internment camp, Vera must decide: does she subject Lucie to the horrid conditions of the camp, or put Lucie into hiding with her beloved and trusted governess, safe until Vera can retrieve her? Surely the war will end soon... And so begins a heartbreaking journey and separation . . . and an unpredictable fate for a mother and her daughter. **** Praise for Those Who Are Saved: 'A profound and engaging story... I loved it' Paulette Jiles, author of National Book Award finalist News of the World 'With poetic, mesmerizing prose, Alexis Landau creates a heartrending story of the unbreakable bond of maternal love...This gripping and compassionate novel continues to haunt me' Lauren Belfer, New York Times bestselling author of And After the Fire, recipient of the National Jewish Book Award 'Those Who Are Saved is an achingly beautiful epic about love's endurance... Alexis Landau is an amazing storyteller and her novel will whisper to you long after you finish' Devin Murphy, author of The Boat Runner 'Those Who Are Saved is a gorgeously written, emotional novel about the unshakable bonds of mothers and daughters, even in the darkest times... An unforgettable story of heartbreak, but ultimately of hope, resilience, and love - I could not put this book down!' Jillian Cantor, USA Today bestselling author of In Another Time and Half Life 'A stunning tale of indestructible love, of sacrifice and faith, and of one woman's fierce determination... this gem of a novel has everything that I love in historical fiction, and it is one of the best I've read this year.' Roxanne Veletzos, bestselling author of The Girl They Left Behind **** Praise for Alexis Landau's first novel, Empire of the Senses: 'A fresh and moving perspective on a piece of history we thought we already knew.' Christina Baker Kline, author of Orphan Train 'Stunning... Elegantly crafted and psychologically astute.' San Francisco Chronicle 'A sweeping family epic. . . Internal dramas mirror the turbulent cultural landscape of 1920s Germany.' Los Angeles Magazine