499 reviews for:

The Goddess of Warsaw

Lisa Barr

4.24 AVERAGE

ae_kay's profile picture

ae_kay's review

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

this is a contender for my top book of 2024! at first i was scared that it was trying to be the seven husbands of evelyn hugo (there was even a subtle nod to it in the first chapter) since it's about an aging hollywood star being interviewed by a young actress (in this case) that wants to tell their "real life story". thankfully it ended up being it's own unique story with so many moments that literally made my jaw drop! it's obviously a book with many heavy themes as it details bina's life from the warsaw ghetto during WWII, and the way she survived, through her time as a leading lady in hollywood. it's beautifully written and bina is such a powerful main character, i can't recommend this book enough!

cw: sexual assault, heavy themes

thanks to netgalley and harper perennial for my advance copy of the goddess of warsaw by lisa barr. all opinions are my own.

itskerstin's review against another edition

DID NOT FINISH: 18%

Way too many detailed sexual fantasies about her brother in law. I swear at least half of the book is her describing in detail her fantasies. Not interested. 

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jen_kelley's profile picture

jen_kelley's review

5.0
emotional medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven: A mix
Strong character development: Yes
Diverse cast of characters: Complicated

Riveting, powerful WWII novel

allisonf18's review

3.5

3.5/5
emotional medium-paced

I won’t be forgetting this one anytime soon! This incredible historical fiction novel masterfully weaves together modern day with the haunting realities of Nazi Germany. The story is driven by a strong unforgettable female protagonist who is resilience and determination shine throughout. I especially appreciate how all the loose ends were tied up, leaving no lingering questions. This was such a compelling read that I couldn’t put it down. I marathon listened to it in just a few days. Highly recommend! 4.5/5

valribeiro's review

4.0
adventurous dark emotional sad tense medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven: Character
Strong character development: Yes
Loveable characters: Complicated
Diverse cast of characters: No
Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes

After seeing much praise for Lisa Barr’s latest The Goddess of Warsaw…I immediately put it on my TBR… then the wonderful ladies @bookfriendsbookclub picked it as one of their June picks and it got bumped up the list and I’m so happy it did!

This is making my favorite of 2024 list for many reasons.

This was WWII like I’ve never read it before… the layout for starters was perfection starting you off in Hollywood 2005 and getting a glimpse into the femme fatale Lena Browning… and the setup that will propel you backwards to Warsaw 1939 and what unravels leading up to her rise of fame…the twists and turns… secrets and lies… bravery and extreme sadness.

A suspenseful read that I took my time with but could have easily have read so quick due to the fast pace of a well thought out plot.

“My darkest hour and perhaps my greatest performance.”

“…I am not admirable, but I have guts.”

“Once I leave myself behind I can do anything.”

“Sometimes there are moments greater than your small life.”

“He smiles. And there it is. The stars, the moon, the sun, up close.”

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jmaerouser's review

3.0

The love story part was problematic for me. It made this strong woman seem pathetic