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4.25 AVERAGE
4.25 AVERAGE
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
mysterious
reflective
sad
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
informative
inspiring
sad
medium-paced
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Based on the true love story of Mala Zimetbaum and Edward Galinski in Auschwitz. This was such an amazing way to tell their story. Have a box of kleenex handy.
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
informative
inspiring
reflective
sad
tense
fast-paced
dark
emotional
inspiring
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
Absolutely incredible read. I found it a little slow starting but it didn't take long for me to be hanging on every page, waiting to see what would happen next. Obviously being about Auschwitz it was always going to be pretty awful but the writing was amazing, with so many delightful characters.
The novel showed that even in the darkest of times love can still shine through.
Based on a true story, I definitely want to read more about some of the other inmates stories.
The novel showed that even in the darkest of times love can still shine through.
Based on a true story, I definitely want to read more about some of the other inmates stories.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Violence, War
Beautifully written. I felt like I highlighted many passages. The ending was unexpected. I’d probably give it 4.5 out of 5 stars!
The only struggle I had was differentiating everyone’s names. I sometimes mixed up certain characters.
The only struggle I had was differentiating everyone’s names. I sometimes mixed up certain characters.
Trigger Warning: Physical abuse and violence
This novel is set in Auschwitz and Birkenau and is based on real life story of Mala and Edek. This story is certainly not for faint hearted and I would not recommend it especially for readers who are not prepared to read the horrors of Nazi brutality. Though I have read many historical fiction novels of this period this novel is so raw and exposes so many horrors and crimes committed in those camps and how the world was so blind to them. The small amount of humanity that some SS commanders show in these camps is heartening to read about. A very emotional and gripping story. Be prepared with a box full of tissues next to you because all throughout the book you won't have a dry eye.
This novel is set in Auschwitz and Birkenau and is based on real life story of Mala and Edek. This story is certainly not for faint hearted and I would not recommend it especially for readers who are not prepared to read the horrors of Nazi brutality. Though I have read many historical fiction novels of this period this novel is so raw and exposes so many horrors and crimes committed in those camps and how the world was so blind to them. The small amount of humanity that some SS commanders show in these camps is heartening to read about. A very emotional and gripping story. Be prepared with a box full of tissues next to you because all throughout the book you won't have a dry eye.
challenging
dark
emotional
sad
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
This book tells the story of the first Jewish woman to ever escape from Auschwitz, Mala Zimetbaum. Fluent in several languages she had earned a favoured position as a secretary and runner within the death camp and used her privileges to help others. Surrounded by death and suffering she falls in love with Edek Galinski and their feelings for each other bring light, and even humour, in to this hostile and terrifying environment. Although the author does not shy away from describing the terrors and suffering that went on in Auschwitz there is a love story at the centre of this book. Mala and Edek were absolute heroes, so incredibly brave and I was in awe whilst reading about them. The book is a fictionalised account of their plan to escape, although they were real people and the events detailed in the book really did happen.
I’ve read so many books about this time period, and even visited Auschwitz a few years ago. I think it is hugely important that as many stories from that hateful place are told and shared so that something like this can never happen again. I do think that Edek and Mala’s story is incredible and expertly written by Ellie Midwood. I would recommend this book, a hard but important read.
I’ve read so many books about this time period, and even visited Auschwitz a few years ago. I think it is hugely important that as many stories from that hateful place are told and shared so that something like this can never happen again. I do think that Edek and Mala’s story is incredible and expertly written by Ellie Midwood. I would recommend this book, a hard but important read.
Wow. One of the best books I have read in a very long time. I recommend this to everyone. This books is historical fiction based on the real lives of Mala Zimetbaum and Edward "Edek" Galiński and their stay in Auschwitz-Birkenau, their escape, recapture and being put to death as hero’s.
emotional
informative
inspiring
reflective
sad
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No