The Warsaw Sisters by Amanda Barratt Book Review

About the Book:

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.

You can read an excerpt here.

My Review:

We are coming to the era where those who personally experienced WW II will no longer be alive to share their stories. That's why novels like Barratt's are important. Well researched, it tells the human drama, the pain, the senseless death of civilians, and the heartbreaking effect on relationships.

This is not a light novel nor a feel good one. It took me a while to get through it. Perhaps that is what war is about, the continuous sad news and ongoing struggle to help those in need. I was overwhelmed by the devastating hurt some endured. Yet, in the end, there is hope in the midst of the destruction.

I really appreciate the Historical Note Barratt provides at the end. The facts from the Polish invasion and occupation reinforce the fictional tragedy she created for the novel. How encouraging to read of real people who were willing to face danger to save others.

My rating: 4/5 stars.

About the Author:

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 history through a fictional narrative. Amanda lives in Michigan. Learn more at AmandaBarratt.net. Photo Credit: Emerson Kloostra

Revell, 384 pages.

I received a complimentary egalley of this book from the publisher. My comments are an independent and honest review.

(My star ratings: 5-I love it, 4-I like it, 3-It's OK, 2-I don't like it, 1-I hate it.)