The Polish Nurse: A WW2 Historical Fiction Novel

Berlin Butterfly #4

by Leah Moyes

She has a secret. Keeping it will mean the difference between life and death. 1941, Poland. Though war rages around her and occupying German forces march steadily onward, 16-year-old Aleksandra has lived her life sheltered from danger. Until one day, she goes to school - never to return. Pushed roughly into a truck with other schoolgirls like her, a single ominous word tells her all she needs to know about her Lebensborn . Lebensborn, the infamous German "voluntary reproduction" program - rumored to involve the abduction of blond-haired, blue-eyed girls and forcing them to bear the children of Nazi soldiers. But when their convoy is bombed en route to Berlin, Aleksandra and the girls see their chance to escape. In a foreign land, far from home, they know their survival depends on keeping their identities a secret. Resourceful and determined not to be discovered, Aleksandra takes a job as a nurse in the German city of Dresden. Just as she starts to think she might live to see the end of the war, her carefully crafted secret begins to unravel. Aleksandra knows that if she ever wants to see her home and family again, she will have to risk it all - on her own.

Genres: Historical Fiction

264 pages, Hardcover

First published June 12, 2022

About the author

Leah Moyes is a wife and a mother, a former teacher and coach with a background in Anthropology and History. Between writing and archaeological digs, the world is her playground.
She loves popcorn and seafood (though not together) and is slowly checking off her very long bucket list.

Reviews

[Glen · Rating 3 out of 5]

I won this book in a goodreads drawing.

A young Polish girl is taken by the Nazis to be in one of their forced breeding programs. After the horrors, she is freed by the allies and becomes a nurse, where she has a romance.

I kept expecting Ilsa to show up, but she never did.

[Ronald · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great exciting story

Before Berlin is one of the best stories I have read in World War II historical fiction. It is very balanced in drama, romance, action, friendship. The main character, Aleksandra, experiences so many hardships, yet somehow manages to rise above them, in spite of the hurt, pain and suffering and tragedy. She is surrounded by good friends, "family," who have endured much of the same trauma as she did. She finds romance, only to lose it; but then, with seemingly no hope and no future, a small village becomes her destination. For more, you will have to read the story. And a good story it is. I highly recommend Before Berlin.

[Robyn Echols · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent Story

I enjoyed this story that covered the days of Lebens in Germany as a Polish girl with German ancestry is pulled into the program after Germany conquered that nation during World War Two. The plot included a series of difficulties, the making of close relationships, and a heartwarming conclusion.

[Kristin Zimmerman · Rating 5 out of 5]

hard to put down

I found it very hard to put this book down! I can’t wait to read the rest of this series! Sad but an amazing read!

[Willie. Van Den Hoek · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very interesting story

This book held my attention right from tge start. It is full of love heartbreak and things happening in war time. The characters are so real and lovable and well chosen and very strong people. There is a lot of sadness in it and through the whole tale many wonderful bits of love and compassion and courage. A very interesting read.

[Elizabeth Fellows · Rating 5 out of 5]

Before Berlin
Berlin Butterfly Series by Leah Moses
Another heartbreaking story about life during WWII when Germany was in turmoil and their values were completely convoluted. This book is the prequel to the other books in the series.
In 1935 the Lebensborn program was developed by Himmler. As the war progressed the German Army decided to abduct some beautiful blue eyed blooded girls from Łódź in Poland, so they would participate in the Lebensborn program. 17 girls were chosen for transport, some as young as 11.
On transportation from Poland to Germany their transport was hit by British bombs. What transpired was phenomenal. The most unbelievable things happened. The author explains in detail what the 17 young ladies went through. The storyline is extremely clever with truism for the time during WWII and what transpired to people under the Nazi’s. The author holds the readers interest from start to finish with this book. A marvellous book that is hard to put down. The story makes you weep with all the challenges that the ladies handled.
This book is beyond any doubt a profound story.

[Susan Matthews · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was planning on reading the first book of the Berlin Butterfly Series when I read there was a prequel. Although it is a stand alone novel, I felt it would give me important background. It took 5 minutes of reading to be so engrossed in the plot that I finished it in one day! This book is about a group of girls kidnapped by the Reich to be Lebensborn women who, through set of tumultuous circumstances, have to band together to survive. The main protagonist, Alexandra, becomes the strong leader of the group and the main character in the story. No spoilers here but, if you want to immerse yourself in a really good WWII story, this one is for you!.

[wendi c duncan · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was a little hard for me to read as both my grandparents were in camps, but so much of that is a mystery to me these kind of books always make me wonder about all the family rumors,from being paid to have a baby for hitler to how they even met most of thier lives will remain a mystery to me, that I find obsessive and fascinating. Obviously this was a great book.

[Ashley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow

I am in shock all 4 books were absolutely incredible!! I'll definitely be looking for more books by this author!

[Julia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Before Berlin by Leah Moyes is a heartbreaking and awe-inspiring historical novel that totally consumed me. It is the prequel to the Berlin Butterfly series.
The novel is set in the World War II years and up to 1947 as we follow the lead character, a teen from Lodz in Poland.
We see the courage it takes to survive and how one had to be adaptable. A good heart, full of compassion for many, is admirable in times of war. “We attended church enough for me to know God would not want me to hate my enemies. But where was God now?” It is easy to believe that God has abandoned us in the bad times, but we have to trust that God is there, helping us. And that He sees us. “The only logical explanation for my good fortune had to be the hand of God… Maybe He hadn’t completely turned His back on us.”
A character steps up to lead, declaring. “If not me… who?” This reminded me of in the Bible where God asks “Who shall I send?” and the reply is “Here I am, send me.” (Isaiah 6:8). We have to do what we can, when we can and trust God to do the rest.
Not all Germans were Nazis. “There is at least one good German in the world.” We had to be careful when trust was in short supply, but there were still good people out there.
We see the importance of our responses to situations. “Sometimes you can’t stop the bad things from happening.” Life happens and we cannot control it, but we can choose our attitudes and our actions.
The reader hears about the Lebensborn program and is horrified to see the selection process outside Germany.
Within the novel, the action is set in various places including Lodz, Dresden and Leipzig. My heart sank as we moved to Dresden as I knew just what was coming. Leah Moyes has perfectly captured the horrors of the bombing raids with her words.
The black American soldiers who fought and did their bit, still faced much prejudice, both from their fellow countrymen and the local German population. It was good to see a character respond to the heart that beats beneath the skin.
All the characters were well drawn, likable and realistic. Leah Moyes has described the horrors of war both within Germany and without. We see courage, strength of character and kind hearts that help where they can.
Before Berlin will educate you as you read. As a historian, passionate about World War II, I found it a unique and comprehensive account through the eyes of a Polish teen.
I thoroughly enjoyed Before Berlin and look forward to reading much more by Leah Moyes.
I received a free copy from the author. A favourable review was not required. All opinions are my own.

[Susan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Before Berlin is a precursor to the Berlin Butterfly series and tells the story of Ella Kuhn’s mother, Aleksandra Jaworski. I found this book to be well written and engaging. You can’t help but feel for Aleksandra and her unwitting companions. Aleksandra is a brave, thoughtful young woman. She’s a survivor. Having previously read the Berlin Butterfly series, it was easy to see a lot of Ella’s traits and compassion in Aleksandra. I found myself thinking about Aleksandra, and her story long after the last page. Highly recommended.

[Navysquid · Rating 5 out of 5]

Finished this amazing read by author Moyes. She tells of where her main character from the Berlin Butterfly series, Ella, comes from...Before Berlin is Ella's Mom's story during WWII. This is a very moving and captivating read. I was unaware of the Nazi's program of taking young, blonde girls from families to produce Hitler's perfect race. You NEED to read this book and the whole series - fantastic storyteller is Moyes.

[Donna McCown · Rating 5 out of 5]

To be a teen

Reading this, and knowing my ancestors came from Poland, makes my heart hurt knowing some of my family could have experienced this. Although my grandfather came to USA right before WWI, were there cousins who didn’t come? His parents were killed and he came with the clothes in his back. I know that all who suffered went home to a loving Father in Heaven who healed there physical and emotional wounds. I know I’ll meet them when it is my turn.

[Holly · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not a bad story, but some of it didn’t make sense. I think if you are going to write about such a serious topic, you should at least endeavour to be mostly accurate. For example, when the girls initially were being transported, Aleksandra had to translate German to Polish for them. Yet when they arrived in Dresden all the girls could not only speak German, they could speak so well, they could take on German identities! Also Aleksandra becomes a nursing assistant with no experience. The nurse who was supposed to train her doesn’t and just throws her in. But with a patient’s guidance is able to change a burn wound dressing! Honestly I could go on and on.
The last part was also ridiculous, with how they dealt with after the war and what happened to them.
Sorry, I know I’m in the minority here.

[Betty B · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this prequel! I had read the Berlin Butterfly series a couple of years ago but so glad Moyes came out with the story of how Ella ended up in an orphanage in the first place. This novel about her mom is a roller coaster of emotion with it being during the war, but I learned things I didn't know and as always enjoy her style of writing!

[Kristin Breaux · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow

I couldn't put this book down. The characters and events were expertly crafted and so realistic, my heart truly ached by the end. At the same time, i didn't want it to end. I won't easily forget this book.

[Judi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very moving

When I started the book I didn't think I would be able to finish it. It was going in a direction I wasn't sure about. But it very much free me in and I am glad I read it.

[Margaret Wray · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting story from start to finish. The story of a young girl removed from her family during WW11 and her journey through the war years. Finding love, forgiveness and understanding. To me the story was a bit like reading a diary but still a good read.

[Steve Boiteux · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely AMAZING

Leah is such an incredible writer! All of her books grab my attention and I can’t put them down. Her attention to detail and tribute to history is astonishing. You’re incredible Leah!

[Suzanne Koczon-Shipley · Rating 3 out of 5]

It started out interesting but seems as though it's written for middle school students/ things worked out a bit too easily. A lot of editing errors through out. It is an OK read but not very believeable for the time period. Nothing I would recommend.

[Kathleen A. Sloniker · Rating 5 out of 5]

Historical fiction

Very interesting novel and an interesting time period of WWII. Nazis and the innocent people caught up in a dangerous time.

[Kerry · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting novel but I never settled into the writing style. Shame because the storyline was good

[Lewis Whitehead · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great great book,!

I really liked the story because it about a time in history that I studied about all my adult life. In k





Loop

[Jean Hansen · Rating 5 out of 5]

https://www.goodreads.com/review/edit...#

[Oleta S. Kadleck · Rating 5 out of 5]

Many twists and turns

Very interesting storyline and characters. Worth reading. Very educational and informative for the reader Good subject matter that teaches the reader