Briar Rose Essay, Research Paper

In a nutshell: Briar Rose is the story of the Holocaust intertwined with the fairy tale of Sleeping Beauty.

The story begins with the death of the “Gemma,” the grandmother of Becca. Through out Becca?s life

Gemma told the story of Sleeping Beauty many times to her. Now, however, after making a promise to her

grandmother, to find her past, the once insignificant fairy tale might be a clue to her actual past.

Before her grandmother’s death Becca had vowed to fulfill her grandmothers promise, which was

to rediscover her origin. After the grandmother’s death, Becca became intrigued in what she had found in a

box Gemma left behind. In the box there were only vague clues about Gemma?s past. Drawn to the mystery

of her grandmothers past, Becca continued to search for clues.

After finding out what could be a lead to Gemma?s past, Becca decides to go to Poland were

everything began. Once in Poland Becca tries to solve the mystery. When Becca goes to Joseph Potocki, a

once close friend of Gemma, this is all answered There in Joseph Potocki’s house Becca finds the shocking

conclusion to her grandmother’s past. Gemma’s fairy tales were not all so make believe in the end.

The story Joseph told was shocking. Gemma’s past was darker than Becca thought. As Joseph told

his story, Becca began to realize not only the significance of the story; but also what Gemma actually went

through. The story explained Joseph?s and Gemma?s escape from the Holocaust. Joseph goes on to explain

how he had saved Gemma by bringing her back to life, the escape from the concentration camps, and

finally, freedom. After finding the truth Becca returns home content, knowing she has fulfilled her vow.

What’s so special: The book has a rich and intriguing story line. It uses the fairy tale of Sleeping Beauty

intertwined with the Holocaust to make an all most life like story, that keeps you reading for more. The

book is set-up with two stories, both being told side by side, with one exception: Becca’s retelling of

Joseph’s story. One story retells certain memories Becca had with her grandmother, and the second story is

about what is presently going on in Becca’s life.

Should I care: This is certainly one book to look into. Using two stories intertwined, the book is intriguing

and makes you read for more. It’s one book you won’t want to put down until you’re done.