The Marcel Network: How One French Couple Saved 527 Children from the Holocaust

by Fred Coleman

Syrian immigrant Moussa Abadi was only 33, and his future wife, Odette Rosenstock, 28, when they found themselves trapped in Nazi-occupied France. This young Jewish couple—he a graduate student in theater, and she a doctor—was poor but resolute. Risking their own lives and relying on false papers, the Abadis hid Jewish children in Catholic schools and convents and with Protestant families. In 1943, their clandestine organization—the Marcel Network—became one of the most successful operations of Jewish resistance in Europe. By the end of the war, 527 children owed their survival to the Abadis. Yet their improbable success came with almost unspeakable sacrifice. As an example of what just two people of good will can accomplish in the face of crimes against humanity, the Abadis' story is a lesson in moral and physical courage. Drawn from a multitude of sources, including hundreds of documents in the Abadis' archives and dozens of interviews with the now grown children they rescued, Fred Coleman tells the Abadis' full story for the first time. The Marcel Network also breaks historic ground, and reveals how the Catholic Church, French Christians, and Jews themselves did far more to save Jewish lives than is generally known.

Genres: Nonfiction, History, World War II, Holocaust, France

256 pages, Hardcover

First published October 1, 2012

Reviews

[Alice Kwok · Rating 4 out of 5]

An incredible true story of heroism under the Vichy regime. The post-Liberation section drags a little, but the first two thirds of the book are absolutely riveting. I definitely cried multiple times.

[Julia · Rating 3 out of 5]

Young Jewish couple Moussa Abadi & his future wife, Odette Rosenstock find themselves trapped in occupied France. Risking their own lives, they hid 527 Jewish children from German Nazis and Vichy French.

Considering the subject matter, I don't think "enjoy" is the correct word to describe this book, but it was a very gripping and compelling read.

[Shelby Fuller · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very good book
Makes you realize how brutal the German Gestapo was.

[Michele · Rating 5 out of 5]

Unbelievably AMAZING. The fact that people of all religions went to such great lengths and endangered their own lives and their families lives to risk hiding children that ultimately saved 527 French Jewish children during the holocaust. All because a young Jewish couple started the Marcel network to protect Jewish children from disaster and death. It makes you think about the threatened children all over the world and would people do the same now, are people doing enough to help save endangered children? Because of the saved French Jewish children, France currently has the highest Jewish population of all countries in Europe. I was unaware of this fact. While the book is a hard read, it has a heartwarming message with a lesson for all people.

[Allyson · Rating 5 out of 5]

While this had more of a reportage feel, it was an amazing read. I am so curious why the author chose this story but am very grateful he did even without his reasons revealed. He cited his sources, but sometimes so clumsily crafted the story from those various pieces in such a patchwork fashion, I wanted more while reading. Obviously his narrative was better than a compilation of letters, book excerpts, and interviews and so the facts alone in this format merit the 5-stars. Moussa Abadi seemed a complex person, but what seems clear was that had he not been, none of what he achieved or those he saved would have existed. And he could not have done it without the equally complex, but more sympathetic Odette Rosenstock. This felt a partial story, but all that was possible given the situation.
Simply incredible and moving.

[Amanda · Rating 3 out of 5]

Beautiful story, but the writing left a lot to be desired.

[Stephanie Phipps · Rating 4 out of 5]

Short enough for youthful readers

This chronicles the horror story of how, two ppl Jews themselves, worked for the greater good in saving lives of Jewish children during WWII. I understand why they waited to tell their story, until closer to end of their lives, then only to leave testament to refute holocaust deniers. History must be told, to save others by not being repeated.

[Johanna Tomlin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful book. Perfect to read in tandem with the nightingale

Wonderful book. Perfect to read in tandem with the nightingale

A story that's amazing in the bravery and heroism of two people who were also targets of the Nazis

Also especially good given the ignorant statements of Trump. A good reminder of what is right and where we never want to go again.

[Anna Finer · Rating 5 out of 5]

A must read of the saving of 527 children during the Holocaust by an incredible couple, Odette and Moussa Abadi. Two members of my family, Julien and George Engel, were saved through The Marcel Network and it was empowering to have read more about their story.

[Kathleen · Rating 4 out of 5]

A true story of incredible bravery to save Jewish children in occupied France during WWII. It adds another piece to the history of the time.

[Katie Stark · Rating 3 out of 5]

Extremely important book, read as nonfiction background to inspire The Nightingale. I could tell which parts made great impressions on the author.

[Elizabeth Childress · Rating 4 out of 5]

Inspiring story. I would have edited it differently.

[Christine Cap · Rating 4 out of 5]

Technically a dry read. But an amazing true story of a couple that saved hundreds of Jewish children along with a network of very brave people.
Interesting study of human nature too

[Stelly · Rating 4 out of 5]

5 stars for the story, 3 stars for the writing. Moussa and Odette lived a private but immensely impressive life, saving the lives of 527 Jewish children during the Holocaust in France. Jewish themselves, they took great personal risks and worked with many people in the Catholic and Protestant churches to give these children a chance of survival. Many of the children they saved had no idea who to thank until somewhat recently. I so wish the writing was stronger because the story was fantastic. I read a lot of books about this time period, both fiction and non-fiction, and this one probably had the most unfilled potential. It's a great story and a definitely worthy addition to the works about this subject matter, but the writing really dragged. It read too much like a first attempt at a book report; everything felt like conjecture and the writing was overly emotional. Some of this is personal taste (honestly, just tell me the facts and be committed to your conclusion; stop trying to argue every side) but a lot could have been done to improve the presentation. But credit to the author for bringing this incredible couple's story to light and for not being afraid to show how human they were. I am very glad I now know about the Marcel network.

[Betsy · Rating 3 out of 5]

The story of this brave couple is very compelling. Their humility and heroism is a rare combination in the current time. Their story deserves to be told and their actions deserve to be honored and held as an example to the current generations. Their story compels the reader to DO something and not stand by idle as injustice continues in the world.
That being said, I am not sure the author did his subject matter justice. The way the book was written could have been much stronger, less heavy-handed. Their story, the facts, speak for themselves.
Still, everyone should read this- to remember that in the face of great evil, ordinary individuals can achieve great things to help each other.

[Judith · Rating 4 out of 5]

I had to read it, it falls into the type of books I read essential to finding puzzle pieces to this tragic time in history (why, who, where...). When I find a book as this that shows hope in humanity in an inhuman time I am renewed though disturbed that such courage had to be required because of the powerful forces against those whose lives were in danger due to Nazism and its grip. This was a courageous couple whose lives saved lives - the righteous among us.

[Jessica · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book tells a compelling story of people who fought for what they believed was right, risked everything, and paid a high price. It's well written, although it doesn't quite have the finesse of some of the best non fiction writers out there. Definitely worth a read - a perspective of WWII that I haven't heard much of.

[Emma Julia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fascinating book about a courageous couple and their efforts in saving hundred of Jewish children during the occupation of France by the Nazis. Shows the cooperation of Catholic and Protestant clergy who assisted the couple in this selfless humanitarian effort

[Voracious · Rating 4 out of 5]

Just when it feels as though human beings suck, you encounter something to remind you that they are also marvellous. I like the story of the Abadis particularly because they are not flawless angels, but real humans, doing their (very fine) best.

[Library Shelf · Rating 5 out of 5]

Started reading it as I try to understand Occupied and unoccupied France. Read about rescuers like Odette and Moussaka Abadi and Bishop Redmond who helped rescue 257 children from the Nazis. What makes some take courage to rescue and others to commit crimes against others.

[Victoria Shepherd · Rating 4 out of 5]

Extraordinary bravery of ordinary people, and the previously unsung heroes of WWII. Inspirational, powerful,and humbling.

[Karen · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 and a half stars! Extraordinary accounting of the exceptional courage, cooperation and bravery of a young married couple determined to save the lives of Jewish children from the Holocaust.

[Marcia]

Loved it. One of my favorite subjects is reading about the Holocaust. Reading actual accounts of struggle and survival are truly heart felt.