Review of "The Warsaw Sisters" by Amanda Barratt

 

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 turns her worry into action and becomes a key figure in a daring network of women risking their lives to shelter Jewish children. 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 the sisters apart--and the cost of resistance proves greater than either ever imagined.

Shining a light on the oft-forgotten history of Poland during WWII and inspired by true stories of ordinary individuals who fought to preserve freedom and humanity in the darkest of times, The Warsaw Sisters is a richly rendered portrait of courage, sacrifice, and the resilience of our deepest ties.

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About the Author

Amanda Barratt is the bestselling author of numerous historical novels and novellas including THE WARSAW SISTERS, WITHIN THESE WALLS OF SORROW, and THE WHITE ROSE RESISTS. Her work has been the recipient of the Christy Award and the Carol Award, as well as an Honorable Mention in the Foreword INDIES Book of the Year Awards.

Amanda is passionate about illuminating oft-forgotten facets of history through a fictional narrative. She lives in Michigan and can often be found researching her next novel, catching up on her to-be-read stack, or savoring a slice of her favorite lemon cake.

To connect with Amanda, visit: www.amandabarratt.net.

My Review

If I could give this historical novel a 5+ I would. This is by far one of the best-researched and written historical novels I've read.

Although, heartwrenching at times and emotional, it was balanced out with hope. Two sisters, Antonina and Helena, each chose their own path working for the resistance when the Germans occupied Poland. They risked their lives many times for others.

The storyline is filled with heroism, courage, and the cruelty of war. At times, tears filled my eyes, soon to be replaced with pride at the sisters' heroic actions. The book left me thinking about the impact on Warsaw's citizens, the Jewish people living among them, and the drastic changes in their lives. Highly recommended. I couldn't put it down.

I received a complimentary copy from the publisher, Revell, and chose to review it. A positive review is not required and all opinions are my own.