Title: The Baker’s Daughter
Author: Sarah McCoy
First published January 24, 2012
279 pages, Hardcover
ISBN: 9780307460202 (ISBN10: 0307460207)
Rating: 3.97
Overview
In the winter of 1944 in Garmisch, Germany, Elsie’s life seems to be taking a turn for the better as she receives an engagement ring from a Nazi officer. She dreams of a life filled with the scent of gingerbread and peace, but fate has other plans.
A Jewish child shows up at her doorstep, begging for her help, and Elsie chooses to risk everything to save him. In present-day El Paso, Texas, Reba is struggling with her own demons and fears, unable to wear the engagement ring given to her by the man who loves her unconditionally.
When Elsie and Reba’s paths cross, their vastly different lives become intertwined. For Elsie, sharing her story with Reba means reliving the brutal memories of war and coming to terms with her past.
For Reba, confiding in Elsie means facing the truth and finding hope in the most unexpected places. With the power of their friendship, they confront their ghosts and find the courage to overcome their fears.
About the Author
Sarah McCoy is a bestselling author with a following that spans the globe. Her novels are beloved by readers everywhere, including MUSTIQUE ISLAND, MARILLA OF GREEN GABLES, THE MAPMAKER’S CHILDREN, THE BAKER’S DAUGHTER, THE TIME IT SNOWED IN PUERTO RICO, and “The Branch of Hazel,” a novella in GRAND CENTRAL.
Critics have praised her work as “heartbreakingly beautiful” (Tatiana de Rosnay) and “thoughtful and engaging” (Chris Bohjalian). In 2012, her novel was selected as a Choice Award Nominee for Best Historical Fiction.
Sarah is not only an accomplished author, but also a talented teacher. She has taught writing at both Old Dominion University and the University of Texas at El Paso.
Her childhood was spent in Germany, where her family was stationed due to her father’s career in the army. Today, she lives in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, with her husband, an orthopedic sports surgeon, and their dog, Gilbert.
To learn more about Sarah and her writing, please visit her website.
Editoral Review
Sarah McCoy’s The Baker’s Daughter is a historical fiction novel that explores the themes of family, love, and identity amid the backdrop of some of the most tumultuous times in modern history. Published on January 24, 2012, the book revolves around two women, Elsie Schmidt in 1945 Germany and Reba Adams in modern-day El Paso, Texas, whose lives intersect as they grapple with their respective identities, families, and relationships.
In McCoy’s deft hands, the reader is transported to Germany during the height of World War II, where we meet Elsie Schmidt, a young girl working in her family’s bakery. Despite growing up in Nazi Germany, Elsie is a non-conformist who is fiercely protective of her family and is determined to help those around her.
She is also hiding a secret that has the potential to destroy her and her family, and as the war comes to an end, Elsie must make a decision that will impact her life and the lives of those around her forever. Fast forward to present-day Texas, where we meet Reba Adams, an investigative journalist who is struggling to come to terms with her own family and identity.
Reba’s life takes an unexpected turn when she meets Elsie, now an elderly woman, who is keeping secrets of her own. As Reba delves deeper into Elsie’s past, she must also confront her own demons and come to terms with her own understanding of family and love.
The Baker’s Daughter is a beautifully crafted novel that seamlessly blends historical fiction and contemporary themes. McCoy’s writing is both evocative and powerful, with descriptions that transport the reader to the heart of both 1945 Germany and modern-day Texas.
Her characters are equally compelling, with Elsie and Reba both multidimensional and complex, allowing the reader to connect with them on an emotional level. One of the strengths of The Baker’s Daughter is its exploration of identity and family, which are universal themes that continue to resonate with readers today.
McCoy’s treatment of these themes is nuanced and thought-provoking, leaving the reader with much to reflect upon long after they have finished reading the book. However, at times the pacing of the novel can feel uneven, as McCoy weaves between the past and present while simultaneously exploring the lives of multiple characters.
While this can be confusing at times, the payoff is worth it, as the reader is left with a sense of understanding and closure. Overall, The Baker’s Daughter is a must-read for fans of historical fiction and those who enjoy exploring the complexities of family and identity.
With its evocative writing, compelling characters, and universal themes, The Baker’s Daughter is a book that will resonate with readers long after they have turned the final page. Rating: 4 out of 5 stars.
