Far To Go by Alison Pick

[Patrisyam]

Discrimination and attacks reach Jews in Czechoslovakia. Bauers, an affluent Jewish family, realize that the only way to survive is to flee the country. Unfortunately, it is too late for Pavel and Anneliese to escape. Still, their six year-old son Pepik has a chance to get on Kindertransport going to the United Kingdom, where he can find shelter until the War is over.

Pavel, Anneliese and Martha are very well written characters. Pavel is a self- confident businessman who learned his entrepreneurship from his father. He worked hard for what he achieved and for long time did not want to believe that Jews really would be held inside the country against their will... like animals in the cage. Anneliese lives in her luxury world; she never experienced hardship of real life. She does not take care of her son, who is closer to his governess rather than his own mother. However, this was her idea to put Pepik on Kindertransport; she wanted to protect him at any cost. You will be surprised what other choice she made to survive. The most interesting protagonist is Martha though. She comes from pathological family, never had anyone that she could rely on. That is why she makes bad choices regarding men. She attaches to Bauers like to her own family, but when they escape and leave her on her own she does terrible thing, which changes their lives forever… And little Pepik, sweet and innocent boy… symbolizes every child put on Kindertransport.

The connection between narrator and characters is astonishing, which makes the book so special.

Cover of the book is amazing... humble but meaningful.

Far To Go seems innocent but in fact it is very powerful book. It teaches about history and human nature. Very much worth reading.