Hallie Reads: Remember Me | Book Review + Giveaway

ABOUT THE BOOK

Amid the shadows of war, one family faces an impossible choice that will change their lives forever.

Madrid, 1934. Though the Spanish Civil War has not yet begun, the streets of Madrid have become dangerous for thirteen-year-old Marco Alcalde and his younger sisters, Isabel and Ana. When Marco’s parents align themselves against General Franco and his fascist regime, they have no inkling that their ideals will endanger them and everyone they love—nor do they predict the violence that is to come.

When the Mexican government promises protection to the imperiled children of Spain, the Alcaldes do what they believe is best: send their children, unaccompanied, across the ocean to the city of Morelia—a place they’ve never seen or imagined. Marco promises to look after his sisters in Mexico until their family can be reunited in Spain, but what ensues is a harrowing journey and a series of heartbreaking events. As the growing children work to care for themselves and each other, they feel their sense of home, family, and identity slipping further and further away. And as their memories of Spain fade and the news from abroad grows more grim, they begin to wonder if they will ever see their parents again or the glittering streets of the home they once loved.

Based upon the true stories of the Children of Morelia, Mario Escobar’s Remember Me—now available for the first time in English—explores the agony of war and paints a poignant portrait of one family’s sacrificial love and endurance.

Publisher: Thomas Nelson

Release Date: September 15, 2020

MY REVIEW

As war looms over Spain, Mexico offers a safe haven for imperiled children. With his parents opposed to General Franco and his fascist regime, Marco Alcalde and his sisters temporarily seek safety across the ocean, becoming part of the Children of Morelia—but of course, this adventure changes their lives in ways they never could have anticipated.

Mario Escobar’s Remember Me takes a look at this intriguing history surrounding the Spanish Civil War, the heartbreaking choice so many families made, and the impact of that choice. I had not heard of the Children of Morelia before opening this book, and I always appreciate the opportunity to learn something new (especially from this era of Spanish history).

I did not love Remember Me as much as I had hoped, unfortunately, because there are times that the pacing and storytelling drag and bog down the story (I had a similar issue with Children of the Stars), making it a challenge to remain emotionally invested in the plight of the Alcaldes. Still, I did enjoy experiencing their story overall—with its challenges of ideals and politics, family and displacement and belonging—and if you love to discover different parts of history, as I do, this could be just the book for you.

★★★.5

I received a complimentary copy of this book and the opportunity to provide an honest review. I was not required to write a positive review, and all the opinions I have expressed are my own.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Mario Escobar Golderos has a degree in History, with an advanced studies diploma in Modern History. He has written numerous books and articles about the Inquisition, the Protestant Reformation, and religious sects. He is the executive director of an NGO and directs the magazine Nueva historia para el debate, in addition to being a contributing columnist in various publications. Passionate about history and its mysteries, Escobar has delved into the depths of church history, the different sectarian groups that have struggled therein, and the discovery and colonization of the Americas. He specializes in the lives of unorthodox Spaniards and Americans.

Website | Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads

GIVEAWAY

During the blog tour, we are giving away five copies of Remember Me by Mario Escobar! To enter, please use the Gleam form below.

The giveaway is open to US residents only and ends on September 29th. You must be 18 or older to enter.

TOUR SCHEDULE