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4.27 AVERAGE
4.27 AVERAGE
I've been interested in the Warsaw Ghetto uprising and the Polish Resistance Warsaw uprising since I first learned about them when I visited Warsaw (which seems crazy that I didn't know about them before, but anyway). I think this is the first historical fiction book I've read that covers both of them, and even though I read a lot of information at museums, it's different to "experience" them as part of a story. I'd like to do some more in-depth reading about both.
medium-paced
This book was recommended to me by mother. This story was heart breaking and made me cry. I had to take breaks and call my mother asking her, "why would you recommend this story, I don't know if my soul can handle this." She told me that it is an important story that needs to be heard about the love of family and to not give up hope. After the story was finished I cried again and then reflected on the fact that my mother was absolutely right.
4.5 stars!! Kelly Rimmer has done it once again. What a tragic story that was so well written. The characters were so complex and made my heart break for them chapter after chapter. I didn't give it 5 stars just because this book was so depressing, it made it hard to read at times.
She is one of my favorite Authors, after reading The things we cannot say and The German wife i definitely wanted to read this book. Well written and also a piece of reality that we are hooping it will never happen again.
The story and characters are so inspiring . You need to read this book if you love historical fiction!!
The story and characters are so inspiring . You need to read this book if you love historical fiction!!
Kelly Rimmer is one of my go to authors for historical fiction and I was excited to read her newest. Soon after I started reading this, I realized that Emilia, who is one of the main characters in this book, is the sister of Tomasz from The Things We Cannot Say. I was excited that the two books were tied together in this way. Emilia is now called Elzbieta and is living in Warsaw with her adoptive parents. When she discovers that her neighbor Sara is helping Jewish children escape the ghetto, she feels the need to help too. In helping in the ghetto, Elzbieta meets Roman, whose newborn sister needs help. Roman gets involved with the uprising and faces harm and violence while trying to fight back. The book takes us through the Nazi occupation and into the Soviet regime in Poland and contains the reality that those living at the time had to face. There is violence and hurt in this book but also a look at those who did good and helped others during the Holocaust.
Well written and does read as quite accurate. I did learn a few things from the story regarding history and events, and I appreciate that in the author’s note she mentions that she hopes the events inspire her readers to do some research on their own and seek to learn more. My only complaint is that I just didn’t like Emilia’s choice with the baby, but it does help other conflicts resolve.
dark
emotional
sad
tense
medium-paced