The Plum Tree by Ellen Marie Wiseman

Christina and her family are average Germans, living in a rural village.  A wealthy Jewish family employs both Christina, 17, and her mother.  Slowly Hitler’s rules encroach upon their lives. They are no longer allowed to work, visit, or contact the Jewish family. This important income is lost and  Dad’s construction jobs are sporadic as all efforts for the country are aimed at Hitler’s planned war.  Isaac, the son of their former employee, has just made known his loving feelings for Christina and now they can’t see each other.  More Hitler rules are forced on all German citizens, food rationing begins, youngsters are required to join Hitler youth groups, and even if the common citizens didn’t agree with anti-Jewish feelings they are forced to comply or be jailed or killed.  Christina’s father if forced to join the army, an air base is built near by, frequent bombing force people to air raid shelters, many die and Jewish people “disappear.”  Including Isaac and his family.  The plot is detailed and well told.  A story of deprivation and oppression.  But Christina and Isaac’s story continues.  I was disappointed by two areas in the last 20-30 pages when the finite details are omitted and events skip around to the end leaving me asking, “How were they able to get this activity arranged?”  It was like there was a ghost writer, who hadn’t studied the rest of the novel, was quickly trying to tie up loose ends.  8.5 out of 10.  
Would have been a 10 if the ending had been as good as the preceding 350 pages.