I received an ARC through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

I find it difficult to read and review Holocaust stories, because while that particular story might be fiction, it is based on countless real families who went through very similar things. In fact, the author's note makes it clear that much of this book is based on a memoir by a real Jewish family.

I will say my real name to you for the first time. Hanna Slivka. Don't be scared. I am still your mother.

My Real Name is Hanna immediately drew me in - with that haunting but beautiful cover, with the title itself, and with the first line.

This book is about the survival of a Jewish family in what is now Ukraine, and the things they had to do for that survival, the ways they had to live is extraordinary. I especially enjoyed reading about the ways they survived in the caves and the forest, although, as I said, knowing that this is based on a real story I feel strange even writing the word "enjoy". Regardless, My Real Name is Hanna is a haunting, skillfully written novel.

I also appreciated the author's note at the end that described a lot of the research and real stories this book is based on, as well as reflecting on the current rise of anti-semitism and racism in the US and the world.