About the book:
A richly rendered portrait of courage, sacrifice, and resilience
On a golden August morning in 1939, sisters Antonina and Helena Dąbrowska send their father off to defend Poland against the looming threat of German invasion. The next day, the first bombs fall on Warsaw, decimating their beloved city and shattering the world of their youth.
When Antonina's beloved Marek is forced behind ghetto walls, along with the rest of Warsaw's Jewish population, Antonina knows she cannot stand by and soon becomes a key figure in a daring network of women risking their lives to shelter Jewish children. Meanwhile, Helena finds herself drawn into the ranks of Poland's secret army, joining the fight to free her homeland from occupation.
But the secrets both are forced to keep threaten to tear them apart--and the cost of resistance may prove greater than either ever imagined.
On a golden August morning in 1939, sisters Antonina and Helena Dąbrowska send their father off to defend Poland against the looming threat of German invasion. The next day, the first bombs fall on Warsaw, decimating their beloved city and shattering the world of their youth.
When Antonina's beloved Marek is forced behind ghetto walls, along with the rest of Warsaw's Jewish population, Antonina knows she cannot stand by and soon becomes a key figure in a daring network of women risking their lives to shelter Jewish children. Meanwhile, Helena finds herself drawn into the ranks of Poland's secret army, joining the fight to free her homeland from occupation.
But the secrets both are forced to keep threaten to tear them apart--and the cost of resistance may prove greater than either ever imagined.
My review:
I could not put this book down. Even in this season of wanting to watch happy Christmas movies, I did not want to tear myself away. The writing was so well done; I could feel the sisters' emotions so deeply as they dealt with loss and yet kept moving forward. There were happy times, too, as they fell in love and hoped for what their futures would be. Their determination to do the right thing, along with so many others who risked their lives, was inspiring. I learned so much about what the Polish people endured during the Nazi occupation; it was so much more than I had thought. Their resilience and fighting spirit were something to behold. I loved the historical note where we learn more of the facts and especially about Irena Sendler, an amazing woman whose story you should read or watch and who makes a cameo in this book! This story showed the beautiful bond sisters share, even if they keep secrets, or misunderstandings push them apart for a while. It also shows the strength of the Polish people, especially the Jews, as they fought for survival and a better tomorrow. Amanda Barratt is a must-read for me! I highly recommend this book!
I received this book free from Revell. I was not compensated for this review. All opinions are my own.
The Author
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Emerson Kloostra Amanda Barratt
Amanda Barratt is the bestselling author of numerous historical novels and novellas, including The White Rose Resists (a 2021 Christy Award winner) and Within These Walls of Sorrow. She is passionate about illuminating oft-forgotten facets of...
Continue reading about Amanda Barratt
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