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4.42 AVERAGE

emotional informative inspiring 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: Complicated

_emmmaa01's review

5.0
challenging emotional hopeful medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven: A mix
Strong character development: Yes
Loveable characters: Yes
Diverse cast of characters: Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus: No
challenging dark emotional informative reflective sad tense medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven: A mix
Strong character development: Yes
Loveable characters: Yes
Diverse cast of characters: Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus: No

steph42984's review

4.25
dark emotional inspiring 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

This is yet another book that I think will really sit with me for a few days. I think I will get a book hangover. It is such a sad story that is clearly well researched but with so much hope, love and undoubtedly shows humanities worst and best. To think that these people risked their lives for others when they knew how quickly their own could be snuffed. A fantastic read that had me hooked the entire time

A heart wrenching but incredible story, one I knew was going to be a 5 star from a few pages in. This was a hard read and at times I had to pause but the author has captured the tragic events against a story of courage, hope and love.

I loved learning more about the women of Auschwitz and the way they supported one another.  The characters in this book were so well developed I feel like I know them all.  I love how this book came full circle.

lpadgett's review

5.0
challenging dark emotional reflective sad medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven: Plot
Strong character development: Yes
Loveable characters: Yes
Diverse cast of characters: Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus: N/A

elliejefford's review

4.0

This was a fantastic book - I just felt though like I had read it before but perhaps that means I need to read less war books… I was very attached to many of the characters in this book and couldn’t put it down. It was such a harrowing read but it told some amazing stories I had no idea about
dreeves88's profile picture

dreeves88's review

4.0

Soraya M. Lane’s book “The Secret Midwife” tells the fictional story (inspired by history) of Emilia, a Polish midwife imprisoned in the Auschwitz concentration camp.

Soraya's sensitivity surrounding the topic and her writing were incredible. It truly immersed the reader in the characters shoes, painting a vivid picture of the devastating events during this time while also highlighting the strength of those who tried to survive. You can feel the pain, the hunger, and the constant fear. But even in the darkest of moments, there’s that flicker of hope that keeps you engaged.

The story is a dual timeline perspective, with current Emilia telling the story of her past and those of Lena and Aleksey. Each person's voice is so unique, and you can't help but connect with them all on a personal level. I listened to the audiobook version of this and couldn't stop listening—I just had to know if they would make it.

This is one of those books that sticks with you long after you finish it. You feel like you've been through this journey with the characters, and you celebrate their victories just as hard as you feel their losses. It's a powerful reminder of the horrors of war, but also of the incredible strength we have inside us. If you're looking for a historical fiction novel that will grab you by the heart and not let go, this is it! 

This is a must-read for anyone who loves a well-written story and a good dose of history. I can't recommend it highly enough.