Those of you who follow my blog know that I recently reviewed Tatiana de Rosnay’s compelling book, Sarah’s Key, not only once, but on two different occasions. You can find my updated review here.

Photograph by John Foley/Opale

I had the pleasure of interviewing Tatiana de Rosnay on September 18, 2008, via email. She describes the reactions of Sarah’s Key readers, her writing format, her interviews/research, and her upcoming U.S. tour.

Jew Wishes: Have readers been positive in telling you how Sarah’s Key has affected them…making them want to do research and learn more about the roundup? Or, is it a matter of indifference vs need to know?

Tatiana de Rosnay: I get about 20 per day wonderful emails/messages on my blog from my readers around the world. They are incredibly positive. Most of them want to know more about the Vel d’Hiv and tell me about the books they have read or the links they have found on the internet. Some emails are so touching they bring tears to my eyes.

Jew Wishes: Sarah’s Key takes place over several decades, and in an alternating format (for most of the book). Did you have difficulty incorporating time and place into your writing?

Tatiana dey Rosnay: No, in fact I found that having two different time lines helped me construct the book. Switching from Sarah to Julia each time fueled my writing.

Jew Wishes: Did you interview several people in order to gain perspective on the events? If so, are you planning on making a documentary out of those interviews?

Tatiana de Rosnay: Yes I did interview some people, although most of my research came from going to Drancy and Beaune, and thorough reading. No, there are no plans for a documentary as of yet. Interestingly enough, it was through the publication of SK that I was contacted by several Vel d’Hiv survivors whom I then met.

Jew Wishes: Will you be on tour in the U.S, and if so, is there a schedule?

Tatiana dey Rosnay: Yes I will be touring for the Jewish Book Council in November and my schedule is here (with more details to come of course).

Jew Wishes: Thank you so much for your time, and thank you for your reply.

Tatiana de Rosnay: Thank you! – TR
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Jew Wishes thoughts to the reader: Sarah’s Key has touched the very core of me, and I keep referring back to it. I was stunned to learn of the events, and to learn about the children…the dear children who suffered so. I have sent a copy of the book to my adult daughter. Her name is Sarah, and she is interested in WWII. I was overwhelmed by the haunting contents of Sarah’s Key. It is difficult to let go of, and has evoked me to do further research on the events of the Vél d’Hiv roundup.

I personally own and have read this book.
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Jew Wishes…Peace to you all.
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