The Last Innocent Hour

I read this book when it first came out, bought a paperback copy and read it till it fell apart. The complex relationship between Sally and her father, Sally and Christians family, Sally and Christian, just drew me in and enthralled me. Her naivete at times was maddening, until you remember that this was a young woman sheltered, American, out of her depth and unaware of what had been happening to these people over the years, that she loved but only saw sporadically. When she becomes the one turned to, to look at photographs, to 'see' what is actually being said in the picture, I found her descriptions heartbreaking, intuitive and sadly beautiful and eye opening. The German soldier lifting his hands to cradle a Jewish baby as the cattle car door is closed upon the mother moved me to tears every time. It is one of many moving scenes. Please forgive my misspelling but Reinhardt Heidrich, so sorry!, was a true chilling, realistically conscienceless individual. To know he existed is an awareness to keep in mind today. Loved this book and happy to find it in hardcover.

I read this book over five years ago-still the best book I have ever read. Complex, sad, romantic, epic. I can not give it enough stars.

I have never before been so captivated by a book. I could not put it down. I lived every moment of this book while reading. I felt as though I knew the characters personally. I recommend this book frequently to friends and coworkers.

I read the book years ago and recently read it again, it brings so much clarity. The romance and the horrible things people do during war rings so true in Abbott tale. I love it and will read it again as soon as my friend returns it. I want more from Abbott.

I just have to say this: I read this book in 1993 on a holiday in a tropical island. It so captivated me I was the only passenger on the tour bus who did not get to sightsee that day as I remember sitting there reading with tears rolling down my face. please write again

This book was unbelievably good--I can't get it out of my mind. The characters, the story, that period of time all blend together to make an incredibly haunting book.