Still the Caretaker --- Book Review

an engrossing Rediscovery of memories of a wartime childhood.

Still the Caretaker by Nancy Schwarzkopf Jarmin is the story of Latvia during the Second World War, told through the eyes of a child, as remembered when she was older. Zaiga’s childhood home in Ape, Latvia started to change in 1939. Her best friends, the twins Emily and Amelia, left without saying goodbye, having moved to Germany with many of the other Baltic Germans. Hitler had invaded Poland, and war had begun. Life continues, and the war remains far away, but it creeps closer and closer until their little town is no longer safe. Now living in Seattle, Zaiga has begun to write the story of her childhood at the request of her dying brother, Jānis, and as she rediscovers more of her memories, she writes letters to him about what it feels like to remember and thanking him for encouraging her to. She also shares her stories with her grandchildren, hoping to be the kind of influence for them hat her Vecmāmiņa was for her.

Jarmin’s tale of bucolic Latvian life turned upside down by invading armies is a captivating read that will keep you turning the pages. I read most of it in two sittings, and literally couldn’t put it down. Zaiga is a compelling character and extraordinary storyteller. Her mission in life is to care for all the creatures she comes across, starting with her dog, cats, and guinea pigs. As she grows and experiences life during the war, however, she turns to caring for and protecting her fellow children, especially her younger brother, Jānis. Her journey through heartbreak, abandonment, death, and loss is insightful and engrossing. Her family, her travels, and her memories are all so well-written and well-researched that they read like a memoir. Through her extensive research, Jarmin is able to bring 1940s Latvia to life, and through her storytelling she is able to make her reader feel as if they are right there on the journey with Zaiga. For readers of historical fiction, memoir, and autobiography, this book is a must-read.

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