Through the pain of her family and an unquenchable thirst for truth, Julie Brill opens up the forgotten page in Holocaust history.

HIDDEN IN PLAIN SIGHT: A FAMILY MEMOIR AND THE UNTOLD STORY OF THE HOLOCAUST IN SERBIA is Julie Brill's quest to uncover her family's roots. How could her father Haim, his mother, and sister survive while almost all Jews of Serbia were killed? Why did her grandmother leave after the war? With the help of Jewish organizations in Serbia, she obtained documents related to her ancestors. Her discoveries and the subsequent two trips to Belgrade helped her deepen her understanding of herself. Some of the discoveries were hard to accept. The author could achieve the almost impossible task of erecting the first Stolperstein in Belgrade commemorating her grandfather, Alexander Brill.

Part historical record, part memoir, HIDDEN IN PLAN SIGHT resonates today as anti-semitism again rises its ugly head around the world. Out of thousands of Jewish men, women, and children of the Sajmište concentration camp, only one infant, who was smuggled to safety, survived. If we don't know history, it tends to repeat itself.

I received an advanced review copy through Netgalley, and I'm leaving this review voluntarily.

I was grabbed into this book so quickly. A true story of the authors father and how she brought to life his story of the Holocaust. It is a wonderful story even in a tragic time.

Hidden in Plain Sight is the true story of the author's Jewish family history in Serbia, before, during and after World War II. Julie Brill's father was a small child living in Belgrade during the war before emigrating to Israel in 1948. He often told his daughter stories about his experiences, unlike many survivors. His father was murdered, though not at a camp he had to travel to. Nazis regularly shot Jewish men in Belgrade and bragged that the city was the first to be Jew free. Not only does the author have inherited memories but also the experience of three visits to find out more about her family. There she and her father had a Croatian guide who took them to various locations. She discusses how her history is confusing as nearly all Jews in Belgrade were exterminated and as such, very few have (had) stories to recount. I live part time in Croatia and recognized many such places including parks and monuments. I appreciate the personal touch of the photographs.

Amongst the stories which stand out most to me are the details including the birthday cake chocolate, food distribution containers, the fascinating restitution fund process, the concept of inherited memories, delicious traditional Serbian meals with newly-found family (I can relate!), and Sephardic history. Memories Julie has of her childhood evoke nostalgia, too, like playing a special game with her grandfather which involved cereal boxes and the fridge.

Books like this are crucial and should be required reading. Writing one's family history with little to go on must take nerves of steel and resolve. I am grateful to World War II survivors who have told their stories and passed them down to family members who painstakingly research and investigate every nook and cranny. It is understandable Julie is eager for her descendants to learn as much as they can.

An excellent read for any and all readers! Author comes at you with both barrels and knocks you out of your shoes! Great job fleshing out all the characters. I give this book FIVE stars! Definitely recommend!

An excellent read for any and all readers! Author comes at you with both barrels and knocks you out of your shoes! Great job fleshing out all the characters. I give this book FIVE stars! Definitely recommend!

This is very well written and shows incredible insight into the power of memory, including second hand memories. It is also very well researched and I was fascinated to learn about the impact of the Holocaust in Yugoslavia which, as the author says, is not as well documented as some other countries impacted by the tragedy. The author’s personal connection to the story adds power and conviction to the story they are telling but they do not drift into self indulgence or sentimentality in relating it. A terrific addition to the suite of books which must continue to be shared, read and discussed as we seek to learn from history.