Stolen Lives

Book Overview: "Stolen Lives" by Joyce Yarrow

Plot Summary: "Stolen Lives" is the second book in Joyce Yarrow's Zahara series, following "Zahara and the Lost Books of Light." The novel centers around Alienor Crespo, a Seattle-based journalist who has moved to Spain to document her Sephardic family's past after Spain offers citizenship to those wrongfully dispossessed. In "Stolen Lives," Alienor becomes involved in another family-related mystery involving cases of stolen children during Franco's Fascist regime in Spain. The regime discovered a "gene" that supposedly caused people to become degenerates and join the communists, leading to the theft of children from these families to be placed with "good" families to eradicate the gene.

Alienor, along with her new love, Mico, uncovers Rightist political intrigues and plots to destroy evidence of these atrocities. Their investigation also involves a search for a hidden cache of gold coins related to a lost shipment during the Spanish Civil War. The novel intertwines historical fiction with thriller elements, exploring themes of family, identity, and the impact of historical injustices on contemporary lives.

Key Themes:

1. Historical Injustice: The novel delves into the dark history of Spain under Franco's regime, particularly the practice of stealing children from families deemed undesirable by the regime.
2. Family and Identity: Alienor's journey is deeply rooted in her family's past, exploring themes of identity, heritage, and the interconnectedness of family histories.
3. Women's Empowerment: The book features strong female characters who play crucial roles in uncovering the truth and fighting against historical injustices.
4. Magical Realism: Alienor's unique ability to tap into the past experiences of her female ancestors adds a mystical element to the story, highlighting the enduring impact of historical events on present-day lives.

Critical Reception:

1. Positive Reviews:

   • Suanne Schafer's Review: Describes the book as a "novel of strong women, blending women’s fiction with elements of thrillers." The review praises Yarrow's ability to weave past and present into a cohesive narrative, reflecting historical injustices not only in Spain but also in the United States, such as the placement of Native American children in government schools and the Baby Scoop Era.
   • Goodreads Reviews: Many reviewers have praised the book for its engaging storyline, well-researched historical context, and the unique magical realism element. Mae, a Goodreads reviewer, noted the book's attention to detail and its ability to shine a light on lesser-known historical facts about babies being stolen from single mothers during Franco's reign.
   • Midwest Book Review: The review highlights the book's ability to blend historical fiction with thriller elements, making it a compelling read. It also notes that the characters serve the narrative, creating a fictionalized piece of actual history that is both sweeping and impactful.

2. Critical Points:

   • Abrupt Ending: Some reviewers have noted that the book ends rather abruptly, leaving some readers wanting more resolution.
   • Character Focus: While the book is praised for its strong narrative, some critics have mentioned that the characters exist primarily to serve the story, rather than being deeply developed as individuals.

Overall, "Stolen Lives" by Joyce Yarrow is a historical thriller that explores the dark history of Spain under Franco's regime, blending elements of women's fiction and magical realism. The book has received positive reviews for its engaging storyline, well-researched historical context, and strong female characters. However, some critics have noted that the ending feels abrupt and that the characters are somewhat one-dimensional.