France, 1930s

Part 1, Chapter 1, begins in France in the 1930s, which was prior to the German occupation. Sara enjoyed a happy childhood in her family's apartment and in their frequent excursions to the woods and flower fields.

The Beaumiers' Barn

Sara spent most of her time in the book hiding in the hayloft of the Beaumiers' barn. The barn also housed an old, decrepit automobile and several bats.

France, During the Nazi Occupation

In 1940, the Nazis occupied France. This changed life for Sara. She endured anti-Semitism and, eventually, she needed to go into hiding.

Sara's School

Sara had appreciated her school, the Ecole Lafayette. It was founded on Enlightenment principles. It was diverse. It included a bell tower.

The Mermuit

The Mermuit was a forest that surrounded the village that Sara grew up in: the Aubervilliers-aux-Bois. In the winter, the Mermuit had scary wolves. But in the spring, the...