T4: A Novel in Verse by Ann Clare LeZotte
Reviewed by: Rhonda Hudson, Children’s Department Assistant
Genre: Historical Fiction
Suggested Age: Teens, Tweens
What is the book about?: It is 1939. Thirteen-year-old Paula Becker is deaf, living in Germany under the leadership of Adolf Hitler. One night her family’s priest came to her home and told stories of dear disabled and handicapped people who went missing from hospitals, simply because they were not perfect. That was the night that changed her life forever. Paula learned of Program T4, also known as Hitler’s Tiergartenstrasse 4, sought to rid the German nation of imperfect people. Using the poetic style of free verse and written in first person, author Ann Clare LeZotte, who is also deaf, vividly describes Paula’s late night escape guided by a caring priest and the frightening, unstable months that followed as she lived the life of a fugitive trying to stay alive.
My Review: As a reluctant reader of poetry, I must say this was a rare treasure for me. Even though it is considered poetry, it is a smooth, easy read. In fact, I was able to read it from beginning to end in one full hour. The only real difference to me from reading prose is that these words are visually formatted in verses like a tragic ballad. However the ending is surprisingly sweet. If you love history, you will not regret reading this coming of age story told through the sharp eyes of a courageous young girl. You will be able to feel yourself in the middle of this war-torn country as LeZotte writes with such clear, distinct imagery. As a fan of historical romance, I was pleasantly surprised by a hint of mystery and love, yet disappointed that there was only a hint of such strong emotions. I wanted to connect more emotionally with the characters in order to fully enjoy the blossoming relationship, in which they had most certainly experienced. Yet maybe due to the tragic nature of that historical time, our modern warm, fuzzy romances cannot compare to the deeper love of commitment.
Rating: 4/5
About FDL Reads
Welcome to FDL Reads, weekly book reviews from Fondulac District Library. Librarians (and possibly some other guest reviewers) review all types of books, from children’s picture books, young adult favorites, to the latest adult thriller, and share their thoughts each week at fondulaclibrary.org. If the book is owned by Fondulac District Library (or another local library), you’ll see a direct link to the catalog entry and whether or not it is available. If it is checked out or at another local library, you will be able to place a hold as long as you have your library card and PIN numbers. As with any book review, these are our opinions…we disagree amongst ourselves about books frequently. We all have different likes and dislikes, which is what makes the world an interesting place. Please enjoy, and keep on reading!