What I have grasped from this compelling novel is difficult to articulate. I don’t want to write too much and give the majority of the story line away, and/or spoil it for others. Suffice it to say that child abuse is a prevalent theme within the novel, not only physical abuse, but emotional abuse also. Within the confines of the abusive situation that Rachel Sarai was forced into is the fact that she was used (after her father’s death), beginning at the age of five, as a messenger, guide, and smuggler during WWII for the Dutch Resistance. That she was given tasks to do that many adults would refuse enhances the fact that her childhood was lacking in the ethical and moral structure that every child deserves. She had no childhood, she was trained in thievery, lying/deceit, and smuggling, and was manipulated into situations beyond belief.
Her “commanding officer” was the woman who seemingly was her mother. She was a belittling, coarse, brutal woman, who thought little, if anything, of the child she molded to suit her own needs and agenda. Rachel Sarai’s formative years were less than happy and desirable, and included not only extreme situations, such as being dragged to witness scenarios that would make adults feel nauseous, and bring chills up and down their spines, but also the demeaning and degrading abuse of the mind and emotions.
Rachel Sarai’s life was controlled insidiously, manipulated to the extreme by the woman she knew as her mother. She was put into situations at a tender young age, situations such as guiding others to a safe spot during WWII. She delivered messages for the Dutch Resistance, taking over where her deceased father left off. She did this under extremely adverse conditions, risking her own life in order to fulfill the desires of a desperate woman seeking power and recognition.
Did Rachel Sarai truly understand what she was ordered to do? Did she comprehend the inner workings of the Dutch Resistance? Was her youthful naivete an asset? How did she manage to survive the emotional and physical abuse she was thrust into? Question upon question entered my mind while reading Rachel Sarai’s Vineyard.
The novel depicts a strong Rachel Sarai, and how she was able to conquer the evil forces within her life, and overcome the devastation, horrors and abuse. For a short period of time, she had a mentor, a mother figure and person who treated her with love and respect.
Rachel Sarai’s Vineyard is not a pretty story, not a sugar-coated story, and not one to read if you are prone to having a weak stomach and/or dislike harsh language. But, for those who can persevere through the emotional content, you will finish the story with an education of how some children were abused and misused during World War II, to suit the goals of adults. You will come away appalled at how children could be forced into the workings and hold of the Resistance. Deborah Rey’s writing is vivid and compelling, and she paints pictures that boggle the mind.
Will you understand the reasoning behind the abuse, or the abuse, period? I didn’t. For the life of me I can’t fathom anyone treating a child with such moral, emotional and physical debasement. Will you cry for Rachel Sarai? Possibly. Will you become angry at the way she is treated? Yes. Will you be appalled at the circumstances she is forced to deal with? Yes. Will you be inspired by her will to survive and stamina? Yes!
Thank you, Deborah, for the gift copy you sent me of Rachel Sarai’s Vineyard.
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Tuesday December 8, 2009 – 21st of Kislev, 5770
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