A compelling read, The Forest of Vanishing Stars is an amalgamation of a World War II adventure story, historical saga, and survival tale. Based loosely on the true stories of the Jewish refugees and partisans who hid in the forests of Poland, Harmel weaves additional details of forest life and other historical details with Yona's story. Yona is a singular main character. She is both the guide and sometime leader of the refugees, and her story is the mystery at the center of the novel. Be sure to read the author's notes at the end of the book.