For anyone who's been through the life changing consequences of dealing with a mental illness diagnosis in a family member, there is a lot to relate to in Zig Zag Boy. Tanya Frank has, in an easy to read style, given an intimate and honest account of the fear, guilt, sadness and exasperation she experiences in her search for answers in a "trial and error" health care system.

For anyone coping with any adversity, you'll find lessons here in the value of perseverance and of acceptance. You'll discover the benefits of being open to the support of a larger community. You'll also be reminded of the importance of nurturing close relationships and the necessity of finding peace and balance in your own life.

I enjoy reading historical fiction and this fact based novel was particularly interesting to me because I wasn't that familiar with this aspect of WWII. There is a lot written about the legacy of death and destruction but not so much about the survivors. It inspires more research.

Ultimately, it's about the importance of identity and the need for belonging. It's told primarily through the eyes of four main characters over the course of many post war years. The narrative switches back and forth between time and place telling multiple stories, but Rosner does a wonderful job of making it easy to follow. I really love the way she depicts the various ways individuals adapt and adjust to ever changing situations and to each other.

There are also numerous secondary characters I think equally as compelling. You can feel the anguish of decisions made with good intentions and later regretted, or the self-righteousness in others.

This book was full of lovely imagery an metaphor. I will be recommending this to our patrons.