I won't take the time just yet for the full review this book reserves, but let me say: 
 Wow. 
 This book was magnificent. The reader was hypnotizing; the philosophical look at languages was compelling; the World War II setting all over Europe was harrowing; the fundamental questions about reality and how we deal with other people, and what "truth" means, were genuine treasure. Unlike other excellent books I've read lately - The Light Between Oceans comes to mind - it isn't the prose that shines in this book (though there's nothing wrong with it). Instead it's the substance of what those plain words are communicating. The story itself is a strange thing, covering many years with little scenes in between them; but somehow Gavriel Savit connects them all with a thread that keeps it from feeling disjointed. Almost all the book consists of just two names - Anna, and The Swallow Man. You never learn the true name of the latter character, though you may come, like me, to question what "true name" means. 
 There is one criticism I understand from various readers and critics: it's hard to pin down just who this book is intended to be read by. There is a case for it being aimed at teen-agers like Anna by the end, but those will need to be thoughtful readers. This book is rich enough, in content and in presentation, for the most high-minded readers. Finally, think seriously about seeking the audio version. I'll conclude with a snippet from publishersweekly which I fully agree with: 
 Corduner's gentle tone of voice makes young Anna come alive without resorting to high-pitched breathiness. His Swallow Man is mysterious but also comforting, setting up great tension in the story. ... Corduner handles the story deftly, simply letting Savit's words do the work and never hamming it up in his performance. This book is more than simple historical fiction; it is almost a fable about how to live in hard times. Corduner's performance is also more than simple narration--it is remarkable.