A review by sams_fireside
The Orphan's Mother by Marion Kummerow

dark emotional informative inspiring sad tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

5.0

Marion Kummerow never fails to deliver, and I loved The Orphan’s Mother. I don’t think I have read a WWII book before that is told from the points of view from characters on opposing sides of the war, but it was a real eye-opener. 

Emma is German and Irena is Polish and both have a huge mistrust of each other’s countries, but for the welfare of a little boy, Irena has to put all that to one side to keep him safe. I was obsessed with reading about the risks some of the community took to protect an innocent child, regardless of the danger they may have been putting themselves in.

I’m from Britain, and it hadn’t really crossed my mind that it must have been just as traumatic for those on the other side too, and in particular the children. They wouldn’t have understood why they suddenly had to up-sticks and move from probably the only homes they had ever known.

Once again, a historical fiction novel taught me something new, and hats off to the Red Cross who worked tirelessly after the war to reunite lost children with parents, some, even many years later and even after the Iron Curtain went up.

Based on true events, The Orphan’s Mother is a brilliantly told story and I would encourage anyone with an interest in WWII to grab themselves a copy right now.

I am lucky enough to be a part of Books on Tour for this book, so thank you to NetGalley and Bookouture for the opportunity to read and review an ARC of The Orphan’s Mother by Marion Kummerow.