Rochelle Wisoff-Fields has written a rich and descriptive account of a dark time in history. While the story focuses on the Jews and the pogroms of the late 1800s and early twentieth century, the visceral horrors of this history reflect the same horrors that continue for so many throughout history. The author draws the reader in with rich character driven plot, and great story telling. As we travel through time with Havah (who has lost her entire family) and Arel (the son of a Rabbi), the reader is swept up in all the twists and turns the experience in love and survival, during a dark time in history. The author has done excellent research and the historical details make the story all the more compelling for that.