All the Broken Places

In "All the Broken Places," bestselling author John Boyne tells the poignant story of ninety-one-year-old Gretel Fernsby, whose seemingly tranquil life in London is disrupted when a new family moves in below her. Haunted by her traumatic past as the daughter of a Nazi commandant, Gretel grapples with memories she has long buried, especially as she forms a reluctant bond with a young boy named Henry. As unsettling events unfold, she faces a critical decision: confront her guilt and secrets to possibly save Henry, or continue to protect herself by remaining silent. This powerful narrative shifts between Gretel's childhood in Germany and her present-day struggles, exploring themes of bravery, remorse, and the enduring impact of the past.