The Shape of Mercy by Susan Meissner

The Shape of Mercy by Susan Meissner is a beautifully crafted novel that weaves together themes of love, loss, and the redemptive power of forgiveness. The story alternates between two timelines: one set in the present day, where a college student named Lauren is hired to transcribe the diary of a Holocaust survivor, and the other in the past, revealing the life of the survivor, Mercy, who endured unimaginable hardship. As Lauren uncovers the emotional weight of Mercys past, she finds her own life profoundly impacted by the discovery of the untold stories of survival, pain, and resilience. The Shape of Mercy is a powerful testament to the bonds that form through shared experiences of suffering and the healing power of understanding and compassion.

Susan Meissner, historical fiction, Holocaust, forgiveness, love story, transcribing history, generational trauma, resilience, emotional journey, compassion, survival, coming-of-age, historical novel.