67 pages • 2 hours read
Anne BerestThe Postcard
Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 2023A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.
Before You Read
Super Short Summary
The Postcard by Anne Berest is a historical fiction novel that follows Anne, who discovers a mysterious postcard bearing the names of her Holocaust-murdered ancestors. As Anne delves into her family's tragic past spanning from Russia to France and Palestine, she uncovers deep-seated traumas and questions of identity and survival during WWII. The narrative intertwines history, memoir, and fiction, exploring themes of inherited trauma, Jewish identity, antisemitism, and survival. The novel discusses graphic violence, torture, death, and sexual assault.
Reviews & Readership
Review Roundup
Anne Berest's The Postcard is praised for its evocative prose and emotional depth, offering a compelling exploration of family history and identity. Critics highlight its rich narrative and meticulous research. However, some find its pacing uneven and occasional digressions distracting. Overall, readers appreciate its poignant storytelling and historical significance.
Who Should Read The Postcard?
A reader who would enjoy Anne Berest’s The Postcard is interested in historical fiction, family sagas, and explorations of personal and collective identity. Similar to fans of Kristin Hannah's The Nightingale or Anthony Doerr's All the Light We Cannot See, they appreciate deeply researched, emotional narratives that connect past and present.