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The Warsaw Sisters: A Novel of WWII Poland
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.
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.
622 pages, Library Binding
First published November 7, 2023
168 people are currently reading
9208 people want to read
About the author
Amanda Barratt
18 books393 followersLibrarian Note: There is more than one author in the Goodreads database with this name.
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.
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.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 387 reviews
October 3, 2023
In August in 1939, twin sisters Antonina and Helena Dąbrowska wave goodbye to all the able bodied men who leave to defend Poland against the threat of German invasion and their father is one of them. The next day, the Germans start bombing Warsaw, sitting in basements around the city, with very little food and water, people pray and worry about loved ones fighting.
The German army is unstoppable and a month later the sisters hear a strange sound and it’s stomping of thousands of boots as the German march into Warsaw and they have no idea what's happened to their father.
Antonina is a music student and she's a pianist, she knows Marek Eisenberg a Jewish violinist, they hear rumors about the German's building a wall and creating a ghetto. In October 1940, all Jewish people living in Warsaw have to move into the designated area in the overcrowded ghetto and it's later sealed off. Antonina decides to help and she becomes a member of network of women who risk their lives to shelter Jewish children and move them onto the next safe house.
Helena works as a secretary for a German official and he’s an accountant and tax examiner for his government. Helena decides to join the Polish underground army, as the Soviet’s get closer to Warsaw, they are preparing to fight to free their homeland from the German occupation, they form battalions, gather what weapons they can scavenge, make petrol bombs and wait for the signal.
Both sisters are involved in the Polish resistance, if discovered they would be killed or sent to a concentration camp, so for the first time ever they keep secrets from each other and this drives a wedge between them.
I received a copy of The Warsaw Sisters by Amanda Barratt from Revell Publishing and NetGalley in exchange for an unbiased review. I knew Poland was invaded by the Germans during The Second World War and I had no idea how bad it was and this is a well written and extremely powerful story.
Ms. Barratt’s narrative looks at the war from the two sisters points of view and it highlights the major and tragic events that happened during the German occupation of Poland. Inspired by ordinary people who endured terrible hardship and what took place over five years, the building of the Warsaw ghetto, the Katyn massacre, the Warsaw ghetto uprising, the battle of Warsaw, the terrible repercussions for the innocent civilians at Wola and Ochta. The Germans destroyed over 80% of Warsaw’s buildings, almost the entire city was reduced to rubble and it was a smelly wasteland.
A story about courage, sacrifice, resilience, survival, urban guerilla warfare, everyday Polish men and women taking up arms and it was the largest nonmilitary fight by an European resistance during the Second World War. Five stars from me, this is one of the best historical fiction books I have read, I will never forget what happened in Poland and I highly recommend.
The German army is unstoppable and a month later the sisters hear a strange sound and it’s stomping of thousands of boots as the German march into Warsaw and they have no idea what's happened to their father.
Antonina is a music student and she's a pianist, she knows Marek Eisenberg a Jewish violinist, they hear rumors about the German's building a wall and creating a ghetto. In October 1940, all Jewish people living in Warsaw have to move into the designated area in the overcrowded ghetto and it's later sealed off. Antonina decides to help and she becomes a member of network of women who risk their lives to shelter Jewish children and move them onto the next safe house.
Helena works as a secretary for a German official and he’s an accountant and tax examiner for his government. Helena decides to join the Polish underground army, as the Soviet’s get closer to Warsaw, they are preparing to fight to free their homeland from the German occupation, they form battalions, gather what weapons they can scavenge, make petrol bombs and wait for the signal.
Both sisters are involved in the Polish resistance, if discovered they would be killed or sent to a concentration camp, so for the first time ever they keep secrets from each other and this drives a wedge between them.
I received a copy of The Warsaw Sisters by Amanda Barratt from Revell Publishing and NetGalley in exchange for an unbiased review. I knew Poland was invaded by the Germans during The Second World War and I had no idea how bad it was and this is a well written and extremely powerful story.
Ms. Barratt’s narrative looks at the war from the two sisters points of view and it highlights the major and tragic events that happened during the German occupation of Poland. Inspired by ordinary people who endured terrible hardship and what took place over five years, the building of the Warsaw ghetto, the Katyn massacre, the Warsaw ghetto uprising, the battle of Warsaw, the terrible repercussions for the innocent civilians at Wola and Ochta. The Germans destroyed over 80% of Warsaw’s buildings, almost the entire city was reduced to rubble and it was a smelly wasteland.
A story about courage, sacrifice, resilience, survival, urban guerilla warfare, everyday Polish men and women taking up arms and it was the largest nonmilitary fight by an European resistance during the Second World War. Five stars from me, this is one of the best historical fiction books I have read, I will never forget what happened in Poland and I highly recommend.
November 7, 2023
I always enjoy reading WWII Fiction because my Father served in this war and my mother worked at an ammunitions Factory. This book was about the German invasion of Warsaw Poland. I have read a few books about occupied Poland and how it effected the polish citizens. These books have been very well researched about the Jewish ghetto, the invasion and the secret resistant forces. This was my first time reading a book written by Amanda Barratt. This book focuses on how ordinary citizens voluntarily worked under cover to help save Jewish children from the termination camps and also serving in the secret resistance armed forces . I was immediately drawn into the book and found it to be so realistic that I could visualize the characters in my mind as I read the story. It was unpredictable and had me on the edge of my seat a time or two. I’m glad I got the opportunity to read this book.
The main characters are twin sisters, Antonina and Helena Dabrowska. The story begins in 1939 and ends after the war. Though the Jewish people suffered terribly in this war the Polish people also suffered too. The twins got involved in serving underground to help the Jewish citizens of Poland. Each served differently and they knew going in that if the German Soldiers caught them they would be put to death. Will Antonina and Helena survive this terrible war and be able to help restore their country to what it once was?
I recommend this book to readers of Christian Fiction and Women’s Fiction. It can be read as a standalone book. This book will be released on 11/7/23.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced readers copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions expressed here in this review are entirely my own.
#TheWarsawSisters #NetGalley
The main characters are twin sisters, Antonina and Helena Dabrowska. The story begins in 1939 and ends after the war. Though the Jewish people suffered terribly in this war the Polish people also suffered too. The twins got involved in serving underground to help the Jewish citizens of Poland. Each served differently and they knew going in that if the German Soldiers caught them they would be put to death. Will Antonina and Helena survive this terrible war and be able to help restore their country to what it once was?
I recommend this book to readers of Christian Fiction and Women’s Fiction. It can be read as a standalone book. This book will be released on 11/7/23.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced readers copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions expressed here in this review are entirely my own.
#TheWarsawSisters #NetGalley
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May 12, 2023With her signature attention to detail and commitment to historical integrity, Amanda Barratt gives us a story not to be forgotten. When two sisters choose their own paths of resistance under German occupation, both are irrevocably changed. The Warsaw Sisters is a wide-eyed, unflinching look at the heartbreaking plight of a people grasping courage even when they can’t find hope. For fans of Martha Hall Kelly and Amy Harmon.
November 5, 2023
1939-1945 Warsaw, Poland
What a beautiful novel! The Warsaw Sisters spotlights what is was like for Christians living in Warsaw during WWII. Through the two sisters readers get a view of ways to resist, support Polish independence and aid Jews. I imagine individual contributions felt like a drop in the bucket, but for each life saved, it meant everything and collectively they definitely made a difference.
The story unfolds through the voice of the two sisters: Antonina and Helena.
So much heartbreak, but hope as well. These two quotes stood out:
"...I told myself things could not possibly become worse than all we had already borne. Each time I was proven wrong."
"There is hope in us yet."
What a beautiful novel! The Warsaw Sisters spotlights what is was like for Christians living in Warsaw during WWII. Through the two sisters readers get a view of ways to resist, support Polish independence and aid Jews. I imagine individual contributions felt like a drop in the bucket, but for each life saved, it meant everything and collectively they definitely made a difference.
The story unfolds through the voice of the two sisters: Antonina and Helena.
So much heartbreak, but hope as well. These two quotes stood out:
"...I told myself things could not possibly become worse than all we had already borne. Each time I was proven wrong."
"There is hope in us yet."
November 8, 2023
The Warsaw Sisters is an emotional, heart-wrenching, and inspiring read. I've read each of the author's novels, and I can say that this one is my absolute favorite. The author has a way with words that allows the story to unfold in such a vivid way that it feels as if you're right there with the characters, journeying through each high and low right alongside them.
Initially, I was worried that the two sisters' POVs would be confusing because, as family, of course, they talk and think similarly. However, the author did a good job of keeping their voices and character distinct enough that I didn't have trouble remembering whose POV I was reading, which I so appreciated. I loved Helen and Antonia's characters so much. They were real--they had struggles, they doubted their faith and God's goodness in the midst of atrocity and war, they were human and made mistakes.
I loved how the love interests of each of the sisters and their romances were a plot thread and not the focal point of the story. Can I just say that Helen's love story had my heart, broke it, and then mended it back together? It was so, so beautifully and tastefully done.
When reading the last page of this book, a comparable title that came to mind was Kristin Hannah's "The Nightingale." It's got that emotional depth, that mesmerizing writing, the gripping storyline, and an amazing cast of characters. If you read TN and loved it as much as I did, then The Warsaw Sisters will be right up your alley.
The Warsaw Sisters is a masterpiece, and I can't wait for it to be released so I can display this beauty on my shelf. Thank you to NetGalley and the author for an eARC of The Warsaw Sisters. A positive review was not required, only my honest opinion. All thoughts are expressly my own.
Initially, I was worried that the two sisters' POVs would be confusing because, as family, of course, they talk and think similarly. However, the author did a good job of keeping their voices and character distinct enough that I didn't have trouble remembering whose POV I was reading, which I so appreciated. I loved Helen and Antonia's characters so much. They were real--they had struggles, they doubted their faith and God's goodness in the midst of atrocity and war, they were human and made mistakes.
I loved how the love interests of each of the sisters and their romances were a plot thread and not the focal point of the story. Can I just say that Helen's love story had my heart, broke it, and then mended it back together? It was so, so beautifully and tastefully done.
When reading the last page of this book, a comparable title that came to mind was Kristin Hannah's "The Nightingale." It's got that emotional depth, that mesmerizing writing, the gripping storyline, and an amazing cast of characters. If you read TN and loved it as much as I did, then The Warsaw Sisters will be right up your alley.
The Warsaw Sisters is a masterpiece, and I can't wait for it to be released so I can display this beauty on my shelf. Thank you to NetGalley and the author for an eARC of The Warsaw Sisters. A positive review was not required, only my honest opinion. All thoughts are expressly my own.
November 2, 2023
One of my top reads of 2023!
It is difficult to put in just a few short sentences an all encompassing impression of this book.
I found this to be a hard read, its gut-wrenching power in the fact that although this is a novel, it realistically portrays the life of the Varsovians during the years of 1939-1945. The power of Amanda Barratt's novel is that it tells the story of the unsung heroes and victims of this period.
There is a beauty in her prose. A strong sense of place, one that describes the horrific devastation and hardships of a people who fought to survive the occupation of the German army and the strength and resilience that outlasted the destruction to rebuild once the war was over.
What kept me reading was the incredible humanity she portrayed in realistic characters that will remain sharply etched into my memory. The emotional rollercoaster displayed by the characters, their different motivations and fears tore at my heart. Making me wonder what strength of character I would display in similar circumstances.
Amanda Barratt is, in my opinion, one of the most talented authors of this historical genre. Her research and signature attention to historical detail is stellar. While this is a masterful story of the Warsaw Uprising, it is also a story more personal, one of family, one of sisters. It is a story of faith, when all seems lost. One of my favorite quotes : "for in the moments when it seems no heart could bear the emptiness, I had learned God is nearest in our shattered places."
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author/publisher thorough Netgalley and was not required to write a review. All opinions expressed are my own.
It is difficult to put in just a few short sentences an all encompassing impression of this book.
I found this to be a hard read, its gut-wrenching power in the fact that although this is a novel, it realistically portrays the life of the Varsovians during the years of 1939-1945. The power of Amanda Barratt's novel is that it tells the story of the unsung heroes and victims of this period.
There is a beauty in her prose. A strong sense of place, one that describes the horrific devastation and hardships of a people who fought to survive the occupation of the German army and the strength and resilience that outlasted the destruction to rebuild once the war was over.
What kept me reading was the incredible humanity she portrayed in realistic characters that will remain sharply etched into my memory. The emotional rollercoaster displayed by the characters, their different motivations and fears tore at my heart. Making me wonder what strength of character I would display in similar circumstances.
Amanda Barratt is, in my opinion, one of the most talented authors of this historical genre. Her research and signature attention to historical detail is stellar. While this is a masterful story of the Warsaw Uprising, it is also a story more personal, one of family, one of sisters. It is a story of faith, when all seems lost. One of my favorite quotes : "for in the moments when it seems no heart could bear the emptiness, I had learned God is nearest in our shattered places."
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author/publisher thorough Netgalley and was not required to write a review. All opinions expressed are my own.
January 21, 2025
The Warsaw Sisters by Amanda Barratt - 4 Stars
Blog Review: https://bookloveramanda.blogspot.com/...
This book an emotional one - telling the story of 2 sisters in the backdrop of WWII in Poland during the Nazi occupation. We see Antonina and Helena as their family and the city of Warsaw face imminent devastation. The sisters are separated on their own paths, determined to resist the oppression they face.
Antonina's journey leads her to helping shelter Jewish children and her deep love for Marek, who is now confined behind ghetto walls, adds a layer of personal stakes to her mission. Her sister, Helena, has a role within Poland's secret army and many resistance movements.
We see the sisters face many struggles in their retrospective journeys, from survival to freedom, during a time of unimaginable hardship.
While the story itself was good and I enjoyed the writing style, I would say I didn't fully connect with the characters as much as I hoped to. However, it was certainly a good story that I am glad I read. We had emotional depth, celebrating unsung heroes and the author captured the fear, hope and courage of citizens during WWII. I was more connected with Antonina's story I believe - leading me to wanting a bit more in the ending between the sisters as well.
Overall, if you like Christian historical fiction and a sister story, check this out.
Content: events of war but not too detailed compared to other books I have read.
Blog Review: https://bookloveramanda.blogspot.com/...
This book an emotional one - telling the story of 2 sisters in the backdrop of WWII in Poland during the Nazi occupation. We see Antonina and Helena as their family and the city of Warsaw face imminent devastation. The sisters are separated on their own paths, determined to resist the oppression they face.
Antonina's journey leads her to helping shelter Jewish children and her deep love for Marek, who is now confined behind ghetto walls, adds a layer of personal stakes to her mission. Her sister, Helena, has a role within Poland's secret army and many resistance movements.
We see the sisters face many struggles in their retrospective journeys, from survival to freedom, during a time of unimaginable hardship.
While the story itself was good and I enjoyed the writing style, I would say I didn't fully connect with the characters as much as I hoped to. However, it was certainly a good story that I am glad I read. We had emotional depth, celebrating unsung heroes and the author captured the fear, hope and courage of citizens during WWII. I was more connected with Antonina's story I believe - leading me to wanting a bit more in the ending between the sisters as well.
Overall, if you like Christian historical fiction and a sister story, check this out.
Content: events of war but not too detailed compared to other books I have read.
Read
September 8, 2023"The Warsaw Sisters: A Novel of WWII Poland" by Amanda Barratt is a well-researched and sober account of the harrowing events during World War II, focusing on the experiences of two sisters, Antonina and Helena Dąbrowska. It is evident that the author has meticulously researched the historical backdrop, and this shines through in the authenticity of the narrative.
One of the strengths of this novel is its portrayal of human resilience, vividly showcasing the bravery and sacrifice of ordinary individuals in the face of unimaginable adversity. The story is a testament to the indomitable spirit of those who fought for freedom and humanity during one of the darkest periods in history.
However, I must admit that I didn't engage emotionally with this story as deeply as I have with the author's past works. Part of the reason for this is that the central relationship between Antonina and Marek didn't resonate with me, and I found it challenging to invest in their connection. Additionally, the rift between the sisters, while adding complexity to the plot, left me somewhat disconnected from their characters.
Furthermore, I found it somewhat surprising that the personal faith of the characters played only a minimal role in the story. Given that this is classified as Christian fiction, I expected a more pronounced exploration of faith and its impact on the characters' lives.
In conclusion, "The Warsaw Sisters" is a well-researched and historically grounded novel that sheds light on this period of Polish history. While I didn't connect with the characters as deeply as I had hoped and found the faith element somewhat understated, it remains a compelling read for those interested in the human stories of resilience and sacrifice during this tumultuous period in history.
3.5/5 stars
One of the strengths of this novel is its portrayal of human resilience, vividly showcasing the bravery and sacrifice of ordinary individuals in the face of unimaginable adversity. The story is a testament to the indomitable spirit of those who fought for freedom and humanity during one of the darkest periods in history.
However, I must admit that I didn't engage emotionally with this story as deeply as I have with the author's past works. Part of the reason for this is that the central relationship between Antonina and Marek didn't resonate with me, and I found it challenging to invest in their connection. Additionally, the rift between the sisters, while adding complexity to the plot, left me somewhat disconnected from their characters.
Furthermore, I found it somewhat surprising that the personal faith of the characters played only a minimal role in the story. Given that this is classified as Christian fiction, I expected a more pronounced exploration of faith and its impact on the characters' lives.
In conclusion, "The Warsaw Sisters" is a well-researched and historically grounded novel that sheds light on this period of Polish history. While I didn't connect with the characters as deeply as I had hoped and found the faith element somewhat understated, it remains a compelling read for those interested in the human stories of resilience and sacrifice during this tumultuous period in history.
3.5/5 stars
February 17, 2024
Heartbreaking, impactful, and a difficult read.
On one hand, for history buffs, this is a 5 star book. The writing style is like poetry: deep and moving. The descriptions so real I ‘bout cried multiple times. The characters determined and realistic, with faults and character flaws.
On the other hand, for sensitive readers, this is a 0 star book. History must be remembered but this book is too painful for those with soft hearts like mine.
These characters faced things that I would have never imagined… yet to think that stuff like this was real, it breaks my heart.
I enjoy reading about those dedicated to fight for freedom in WW2, yet I have never read a book so raw and sad. Revealing such heartbreaks and trials of those in Poland. Despite this, the bravery of those who tried to stand for freedom, it’s inspiring. These fictional characters stood in place of real people that lived, fought, and died for a cause.
Truthfully, I almost did not finish this book. But I had to know how it ended. I had to know what happened and if there was hope. The last couple chapters did offer a sliver of hope in them. But the ending was bittersweet and solemn.
This was not a light read. It was heavy. The plot itself was complicated, with a timeline of about 5 years worth. It was well-planned and plotted. The writing style was amazing. Deep, insightful, and poetic. It was a story of sisterhood, loss, and human resilience. A story of love and the loss of loved ones.
Unfortunately, I cannot recommend this to my friends. The descriptions were too real for me to want to share this story. However, I do think that this book was good for what it was advertised as. It’s just not for the sensitive heart.
On one hand, for history buffs, this is a 5 star book. The writing style is like poetry: deep and moving. The descriptions so real I ‘bout cried multiple times. The characters determined and realistic, with faults and character flaws.
On the other hand, for sensitive readers, this is a 0 star book. History must be remembered but this book is too painful for those with soft hearts like mine.
These characters faced things that I would have never imagined… yet to think that stuff like this was real, it breaks my heart.
I enjoy reading about those dedicated to fight for freedom in WW2, yet I have never read a book so raw and sad. Revealing such heartbreaks and trials of those in Poland. Despite this, the bravery of those who tried to stand for freedom, it’s inspiring. These fictional characters stood in place of real people that lived, fought, and died for a cause.
Truthfully, I almost did not finish this book. But I had to know how it ended. I had to know what happened and if there was hope. The last couple chapters did offer a sliver of hope in them. But the ending was bittersweet and solemn.
This was not a light read. It was heavy. The plot itself was complicated, with a timeline of about 5 years worth. It was well-planned and plotted. The writing style was amazing. Deep, insightful, and poetic. It was a story of sisterhood, loss, and human resilience. A story of love and the loss of loved ones.
Unfortunately, I cannot recommend this to my friends. The descriptions were too real for me to want to share this story. However, I do think that this book was good for what it was advertised as. It’s just not for the sensitive heart.
October 22, 2023
4.75 Stars!
Excuse me while I wipe away my tears. Oh, my goodness. This book is very difficult to read without getting emotional. That being said it also is wonderfully written. The author is very talented at storytelling. She does an excellent job of telling what the Polish people endured during WWII through the characters of Helena and Antonina. These two brave sisters, do everything in their power to help the Jewish people and fight for their country against the Germans. Both sisters suffer through loss of loved ones and other tragedies. The suspense in this book is very strong, anytime the Germans came I was so tensed up with anticipation of what would happen. The sisters go different routes in this book, but both are important and brave roles. Please note this is a wartime novel and it includes everything that would be involved in a war and during WWII specifically. The last half of the book I couldn’t put it down, I had to know what happened. Overall, this book is such a well-done book about what happened in Poland. I definitely recommend.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.75
Content: murder/killing, some graphic war images, talk of gas chambers (and other horrors that were done to the Jewish people), children and women are injured and killed, implied nonmarital sex (no details), pregnancy out of wedlock
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the author and netgalley. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.
Excuse me while I wipe away my tears. Oh, my goodness. This book is very difficult to read without getting emotional. That being said it also is wonderfully written. The author is very talented at storytelling. She does an excellent job of telling what the Polish people endured during WWII through the characters of Helena and Antonina. These two brave sisters, do everything in their power to help the Jewish people and fight for their country against the Germans. Both sisters suffer through loss of loved ones and other tragedies. The suspense in this book is very strong, anytime the Germans came I was so tensed up with anticipation of what would happen. The sisters go different routes in this book, but both are important and brave roles. Please note this is a wartime novel and it includes everything that would be involved in a war and during WWII specifically. The last half of the book I couldn’t put it down, I had to know what happened. Overall, this book is such a well-done book about what happened in Poland. I definitely recommend.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.75
Content: murder/killing, some graphic war images, talk of gas chambers (and other horrors that were done to the Jewish people), children and women are injured and killed, implied nonmarital sex (no details), pregnancy out of wedlock
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the author and netgalley. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.
August 27, 2023
Amazing storytelling, compelling, heartbreaking, and hopeful, this story is about the fight for Poland's freedom during World War II, and the many forms that fight for freedom took. War is hell, and the reader encounters the brutal horrors of occupation and the extensive repression of the Polish people, most especially the Jewish people.
"To live without hope of freedom is not to live at all. "
"Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil for the art with me. For thou art with me, how could He be here?"
Historical fiction is one of my favorite genres, and I frequently dig into the history more after I finish the story. Author Amanda Barrett is an amazingly gifted storyteller. Her meticulous research places the reader right in Warsaw during the war, the experiences her characters have are drawn from real people and events. I cannot recommend her stories enough. In The Warsaw Sisters, I felt like I was there, and felt all the emotions from the beautiful dedication to the last page.
I am looking forward to an upcoming family trip to Poland, and Warsaw is on our travel agenda. This story gripped me from the start, and I now have a much better understanding of both Warsaw Uprisings. The Ghetto Uprising (April 19, 1943, where Jewish fighters fought the Germans for 28 days), and the Warsaw Uprising by the Polish resistance fighters in the Home Army, (where a staggering number of soldiers fought and died for an independent Poland for 63 days between Aug 1-Oct 2, 1944).
I could not put this story down. The horrors and the heroism are on full display in The Warsaw Sisters. Those willing to help the Jewish people, and those organizing the fight for freedom risked everything.
Don't miss the all the details in the Historical Notes at the end of the book. The quote by Irena Sendler is from there.
Irena Sendler, a Polish social worker, and her colleagues are credited for saving up to 2500 Jewish children from the Warsaw Ghetto. She is mentioned in the story by her nom de guerre Jolanta. Her quote embodies the reason many fought. “I was taught by my father that when someone is drowning you give them your hand. I simply tried to extend my hand to the Jewish people.”
I highly recommend The Warsaw Sisters.
Thank you to the publisher and Net Galley for allowing me to read an early copy. All opinions are my own. I cannot wait for my own copy to have its place on my keeper bookshelf.
"To live without hope of freedom is not to live at all. "
"Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil for the art with me. For thou art with me, how could He be here?"
Historical fiction is one of my favorite genres, and I frequently dig into the history more after I finish the story. Author Amanda Barrett is an amazingly gifted storyteller. Her meticulous research places the reader right in Warsaw during the war, the experiences her characters have are drawn from real people and events. I cannot recommend her stories enough. In The Warsaw Sisters, I felt like I was there, and felt all the emotions from the beautiful dedication to the last page.
I am looking forward to an upcoming family trip to Poland, and Warsaw is on our travel agenda. This story gripped me from the start, and I now have a much better understanding of both Warsaw Uprisings. The Ghetto Uprising (April 19, 1943, where Jewish fighters fought the Germans for 28 days), and the Warsaw Uprising by the Polish resistance fighters in the Home Army, (where a staggering number of soldiers fought and died for an independent Poland for 63 days between Aug 1-Oct 2, 1944).
I could not put this story down. The horrors and the heroism are on full display in The Warsaw Sisters. Those willing to help the Jewish people, and those organizing the fight for freedom risked everything.
Don't miss the all the details in the Historical Notes at the end of the book. The quote by Irena Sendler is from there.
Irena Sendler, a Polish social worker, and her colleagues are credited for saving up to 2500 Jewish children from the Warsaw Ghetto. She is mentioned in the story by her nom de guerre Jolanta. Her quote embodies the reason many fought. “I was taught by my father that when someone is drowning you give them your hand. I simply tried to extend my hand to the Jewish people.”
I highly recommend The Warsaw Sisters.
Thank you to the publisher and Net Galley for allowing me to read an early copy. All opinions are my own. I cannot wait for my own copy to have its place on my keeper bookshelf.
December 1, 2023
This. This book. This book will leave you breathless. Speechless. Bruised from the devastation wrought by WW2 upon Warsaw, Poland but thankful for the seeds of hope and love that lived on. If you open your heart to the pain, this is a book you will experience and live, not just read. That’s how masterfully written this story by Amanda Barratt is. In fact, it’s quite possibly her best work yet. But then again, her other books have been absolutely amazing too so it’s almost impossible to name one as the best.
Bottom line, the Warsaw Sisters is a very serious, dramatic historical fiction story based on horrific real events in history. It’s raw, it’s real, and heartbreaking, but not without hope and love. I highly recommend it.
Bottom line, the Warsaw Sisters is a very serious, dramatic historical fiction story based on horrific real events in history. It’s raw, it’s real, and heartbreaking, but not without hope and love. I highly recommend it.
December 3, 2023
first reviewed here: https://belovedgraceful-carissasbooks...
Title: The Warsaw Sisters
Author: Amanda Barratt
Ch: 37
Pg: 384
Genre: Historical fiction WWII fiction
Rating: 4.5 stars
Publisher: Revell
I’m not going to lie The Warsaw Sisters by Amanda Barratt is one of the most emotional WWII fiction novels I’ve read. And it’s the first one I’ve read set in Poland. As well as the first one that touches on the polish resistance and smuggling Jewish children out of the ghetto.
The book is told from the points of view of sisters Antonina and Helena. It’s emotional as the war does it’s best to tear them apart. But even apart the reader can tell the bond of sisterhood is still there.
While I don’t agree with choices both sisters made in their personal lives. I love the choices they make in regards to helping the Jews Antonina and Poland Helena. This one is worth reading. But have your tissues handy. Even though the sister’s faith isn’t on every page you can see God working throughout the story.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher through netgalley. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are mine alone.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher as part of a blog tour I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are mine alone.
Title: The Warsaw Sisters
Author: Amanda Barratt
Ch: 37
Pg: 384
Genre: Historical fiction WWII fiction
Rating: 4.5 stars
Publisher: Revell
I’m not going to lie The Warsaw Sisters by Amanda Barratt is one of the most emotional WWII fiction novels I’ve read. And it’s the first one I’ve read set in Poland. As well as the first one that touches on the polish resistance and smuggling Jewish children out of the ghetto.
The book is told from the points of view of sisters Antonina and Helena. It’s emotional as the war does it’s best to tear them apart. But even apart the reader can tell the bond of sisterhood is still there.
While I don’t agree with choices both sisters made in their personal lives. I love the choices they make in regards to helping the Jews Antonina and Poland Helena. This one is worth reading. But have your tissues handy. Even though the sister’s faith isn’t on every page you can see God working throughout the story.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher through netgalley. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are mine alone.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher as part of a blog tour I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are mine alone.
November 14, 2023
For fans of The Nightingale and Book of Lost Names. A book that should come with a warning label: *may cause tearing and snot, make sure to have tissues handy.
Amanda Barratt did an incredible job with telling the story of two sisters torn apart by war and finding their way back through trials and loss.
This book grabbed me right from the beginning and wouldn't let me go, it was heart pounding, emotional and full of historical raw emotions and setting. I didn't think that the author was going to go as far as she did, but her attention to detail and the characters had me feeling every emotion possible. Feeling the loss, hope, love and strength of these characters as I turned every page was a truly life altering experience to feel along with these characters. This book is now forever at the top of my ww2 favorites.
*thank you to Baker Publishing for a copy of this book to read and review. All thoughts are my own.
Amanda Barratt did an incredible job with telling the story of two sisters torn apart by war and finding their way back through trials and loss.
This book grabbed me right from the beginning and wouldn't let me go, it was heart pounding, emotional and full of historical raw emotions and setting. I didn't think that the author was going to go as far as she did, but her attention to detail and the characters had me feeling every emotion possible. Feeling the loss, hope, love and strength of these characters as I turned every page was a truly life altering experience to feel along with these characters. This book is now forever at the top of my ww2 favorites.
*thank you to Baker Publishing for a copy of this book to read and review. All thoughts are my own.
Read
November 3, 2023I just finished this heart-wrenching, poignant read. The history I have learned through this book is much. Reading about such horrid times during these times in which we live is eery. The writing here takes one inside those that endured so much and fought so hard. The readers senses are all engaged as the words are so well written. It writes of the human struggle-the good and the bad. For me, this book started a bit slow. I highly encourage everyone to finish if you can. This is not an easy read, but history isn’t always easy. I would have liked more of a faith theme through this book, but I do understand the difficulties in that in a historical book such as this. Do not miss reading the author’s notes at the end either. This is a powerful story of the human spirit and the bonds of love and family.
I received this book from the publisher. All opinions are my own.
I received this book from the publisher. All opinions are my own.
Read
April 3, 2023from endorsement:
The Warsaw Sisters is a profound and deeply researched novel that deftly exhumes themes of hope, resistance and the familial bonds that withstand the most harrowing of circumstances. Barratt is one of the most exceptionally talented writers of historical fiction I have ever read and with this recent offering proves she’s at the height of the game. Certain to enthral readers of Patti Callahan Henry and Mario Escobar, The Warsaw Sisters is a story whose pages I foresee turning again and again.
The Warsaw Sisters is a profound and deeply researched novel that deftly exhumes themes of hope, resistance and the familial bonds that withstand the most harrowing of circumstances. Barratt is one of the most exceptionally talented writers of historical fiction I have ever read and with this recent offering proves she’s at the height of the game. Certain to enthral readers of Patti Callahan Henry and Mario Escobar, The Warsaw Sisters is a story whose pages I foresee turning again and again.
September 30, 2023
World War 2 was thrust upon Warsaw residents with brutality and terror for all who lived there. Amanda Barratt has again shown us inhumaneness met with heroism. Women who risked all for others, wearing no uniform, yet deserving medals, who went forth to face the war in different roles. Two sisters who answered with steady resolve how they could make a difference. I could hardly wait to get to the author’s notes at the end to discover all the deep research and how these characters reflected the roles actual women took on during the five years Warsaw was under attack. This is not a happy Hallmark book, this is the character that develops when the worst of life happens, and yet faith remains a factor. I love the way Amanda writes in a descriptive manner that takes you there, and leaves you examining your own life, and asking how much you would sacrifice for strangers in desperate need. It is a love story, but not a romance. It is courage in in the face of devastation on all sides. It is love of family against uncertain outcomes. Warsaw Sisters is beyond 5 stars for me but have your tissues handy. Write on Amanda, bring history alive again.
#NetGalley #Amanda Barratt # Revell
#NetGalley #Amanda Barratt # Revell
November 6, 2023
The Warsaw Sisters by Amanda Barratt is a heart wrenching taste of reality. Set during the occupation of Poland in 1939 through April 1945, Barratt follows the lives of twin sisters who fight individually against the Germans. Every time I read a World War II novel; I want to fight against the horrible Nazi’s. Makes me angry all that they had gotten away with. Reminds me slightly of what Biden tried to pull with his Covid vaccines in 2022. Not legal. I understand Hitler was worse, but if Americans did not stand up, I’m afraid the same thing will happen here one day. Anyways, as for the plot, Barratt did a good job of tugging at my heart a couple of times. I cringed. I wanted to cry. I was happy. The Teacher of Warsaw by Mario Escobar features inside the Ghetto that Barratt features in her story, but this time Barratt shows what the Polish people were doing to survive and fight on the outside. While the plot was nicely handled, Barratt has a skill at crafting characters that are three dimensional with pain, hurt, love, and strength. I wanted to see the girls succeed. Also, the setting was as much a character as the people moving through the story. Barratt showed the horror and destruction caused to the city and the buildings. Overall, The Warsaw Sisters by Amanda Barratt is a wonderful, yet haunting tale of Poland during World War II. I can’t wait to own this book in my library.
I received a complimentary copy of The Warsaw Sisters by Amanda Barratt from Revell Publishing, but the opinions stated are all my own.
I received a complimentary copy of The Warsaw Sisters by Amanda Barratt from Revell Publishing, but the opinions stated are all my own.
December 3, 2023
Wow, this book wrecked me!😭
This is a hard-hitting book, but it’s written so beautifully! Historical fiction is my absolute favorite genre, and I really love it when an author writes a story from a historical event that is not as well known or talked about often, and that's what this book did. The writing is so good that I could feel the pain and emotions of the characters, I also cried several times throughout this book. (It takes a lot for a book to make me cry.)
This is one of those books that will definitely stay with me for a long time. It was just SO good!
This is a hard-hitting book, but it’s written so beautifully! Historical fiction is my absolute favorite genre, and I really love it when an author writes a story from a historical event that is not as well known or talked about often, and that's what this book did. The writing is so good that I could feel the pain and emotions of the characters, I also cried several times throughout this book. (It takes a lot for a book to make me cry.)
This is one of those books that will definitely stay with me for a long time. It was just SO good!
January 12, 2024
Such a wonderful touching story of two sisters trying to survive WW2 in Warsaw Poland. One sister in love with a Jewish man, the other sister fighting against the Nazi. This book takes you in the mist of war. Both fighting to survive to get back to each other. Heartbreaking. I am so glad I had the opportunity to read this wonderful book. Highly recommend to all!!
January 15, 2024
This book almost made me cry several times. This is a favorite. This book is about sisters Antonina and Helena Dabrowska who send their father off to War in WWII against the Germans. The sisters also fight for the causes of their beloved Warsaw. This book is about love, war and the bravery of two sisters.
November 17, 2023
The Warsaw Sisters: A Novel of WWII Poland
by Amanda Barratt
Publisher: Revel
Series: None
Rated: 5
Obtain: Borrow or buy
Back of 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 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.”
Impressions: I enjoyed learning more about Poland's involvement in WW2. The sisters portrayed different views and ideas initially but as time went on, they became more alike, deciding to fight back. They each fought based on their own convictions where they were able. It was interesting to see how many roles were played by the average citizen during this time. I feel like the author tried to use the characters to represent too many historical figures' experiences, making the characters seem unreal. The characters brought good thoughts to humanity and the war experience. I also enjoyed the ending notes describing the real inspiration for the story.
Quotes: “Did he believe in his country and why they fought? Could a person believe in one and not the other?”
“’ It is a crime to offer shelter or aid to any Jewish person,’ Marysia said in an even tone. ‘Yes.’ I kept my gaze level. ‘But perhaps there is yet a greater crime. One of which we are all guilty.’” - I appreciated this line of truth. It is easy to go along with the crowd sometimes, but we need to be held accountable for our words and actions even if it is against the grain. Standing up for what is right rather than going along with the humdrum is also something Christians must face. Christians are called to reject the world and live to different standards.
“The secrets war had forced between us, kept to protect the other.”
“’ Perhaps courage is to be afraid, but to hold on still until the end.’”
“’ When we love, it is only natural we fear. For the ones dearest to us, for ourselves, how we will endure their loss. But no matter what we are asked to bear on earth, our days are in the hands of God. So too is the hour when we pass into eternity, and He receives us to Himself as a father would a child who has come home after a long and weary day.’”
I received an ARC of this book via the publisher through NetGalley in exchange for my honest review shared here.
by Amanda Barratt
Publisher: Revel
Series: None
Rated: 5
Obtain: Borrow or buy
Back of 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 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.”
Impressions: I enjoyed learning more about Poland's involvement in WW2. The sisters portrayed different views and ideas initially but as time went on, they became more alike, deciding to fight back. They each fought based on their own convictions where they were able. It was interesting to see how many roles were played by the average citizen during this time. I feel like the author tried to use the characters to represent too many historical figures' experiences, making the characters seem unreal. The characters brought good thoughts to humanity and the war experience. I also enjoyed the ending notes describing the real inspiration for the story.
Quotes: “Did he believe in his country and why they fought? Could a person believe in one and not the other?”
“’ It is a crime to offer shelter or aid to any Jewish person,’ Marysia said in an even tone. ‘Yes.’ I kept my gaze level. ‘But perhaps there is yet a greater crime. One of which we are all guilty.’” - I appreciated this line of truth. It is easy to go along with the crowd sometimes, but we need to be held accountable for our words and actions even if it is against the grain. Standing up for what is right rather than going along with the humdrum is also something Christians must face. Christians are called to reject the world and live to different standards.
“The secrets war had forced between us, kept to protect the other.”
“’ Perhaps courage is to be afraid, but to hold on still until the end.’”
“’ When we love, it is only natural we fear. For the ones dearest to us, for ourselves, how we will endure their loss. But no matter what we are asked to bear on earth, our days are in the hands of God. So too is the hour when we pass into eternity, and He receives us to Himself as a father would a child who has come home after a long and weary day.’”
I received an ARC of this book via the publisher through NetGalley in exchange for my honest review shared here.
September 27, 2023
Amanda Barratt delivers another engrossing WWII story that does not hold back on the horrors of war.
In this riveting, intense, and emotionally driven story, we meet two sisters, Antonina and Helena Dąbrowska, who have just sent their father off to defend Poland against Hitler's forces. The next day, Warsaw is bombed, and the two women are thrust into a fight for not only their lives but also the lives of their neighbours, their faith, and their values.
The author's exquisite writing provides spellbinding and sensory overload to readers that will leave them breathless. In fact, this novel is not for the faint of heart. If not for the subject matter, this book would have been removed from our database due to the violence. But Barratt has taken an engrossing story—two sisters with secrets that tear them apart—and dropped them into the most brutal world war in history. I am still reeling! I feel like I have just watched a movie, and like most good movies, it won't let me go.
The brutality inflicted on the Jewish people, the senselessness of war, and the desperation that it leads to are all depicted in a way that is both realistic and necessary. While God is rarely mentioned, when He is, it is with honesty from the characters, given the situation they found themselves in.
Hope is the underlying theme in this book. Hope for a better tomorrow, for peace, for love, and for two sisters who do the right thing in the face of inexplicable evil.
I love to be entertained and enlightened while I'm reading. Barratt's research into the Warsaw Ghetto, the uprising there, and what Poland went through during the war gave this reader much to think about. I highly recommend it.
I received a complimentary copy courtesy of Revell through NetGalley for my honest opinion.
In this riveting, intense, and emotionally driven story, we meet two sisters, Antonina and Helena Dąbrowska, who have just sent their father off to defend Poland against Hitler's forces. The next day, Warsaw is bombed, and the two women are thrust into a fight for not only their lives but also the lives of their neighbours, their faith, and their values.
The author's exquisite writing provides spellbinding and sensory overload to readers that will leave them breathless. In fact, this novel is not for the faint of heart. If not for the subject matter, this book would have been removed from our database due to the violence. But Barratt has taken an engrossing story—two sisters with secrets that tear them apart—and dropped them into the most brutal world war in history. I am still reeling! I feel like I have just watched a movie, and like most good movies, it won't let me go.
The brutality inflicted on the Jewish people, the senselessness of war, and the desperation that it leads to are all depicted in a way that is both realistic and necessary. While God is rarely mentioned, when He is, it is with honesty from the characters, given the situation they found themselves in.
Hope is the underlying theme in this book. Hope for a better tomorrow, for peace, for love, and for two sisters who do the right thing in the face of inexplicable evil.
I love to be entertained and enlightened while I'm reading. Barratt's research into the Warsaw Ghetto, the uprising there, and what Poland went through during the war gave this reader much to think about. I highly recommend it.
I received a complimentary copy courtesy of Revell through NetGalley for my honest opinion.
September 15, 2023
Whew! What a rollercoaster! As a new-to-me author, I wasn’t sure what to expect from Barratt’s pen, but I was not disappointed. Historical fiction has long been one of my favorite genres, and this book reminded me why. The characters were deep and well-rounded; the plot was gripping, and the history…oh, it broke my heart, but at the same time, I admired how much detail Barratt was able to include without weighing the story down.
Having hardly read any books about Poland during World War II, I didn’t really know what to expect from this story. Going into it, then, I was almost a blank slate, so a lot of what this book contained was new to me. From that perspective, I found some scenes incredibly difficult to read. The history contained in this book is heavy, and I came away wondering how in the world people could be so evil as to do the things depicted on these pages. At the same time, Barratt did an excellent job of not overdoing the description—in my opinion, she struck the perfect balance between letting us know what was going on and not wallowing in the more awful details.
The Warsaw Sisters was not an easy read, but I’m thankful to have had the chance to read it. A well-written, unforgettable story, this book highlights some of history’s heroes—both known and unknown. If you enjoy historical fiction with depth of story and character, you’d likely enjoy this.
CW: Battle scenes, some gore, a massacre.
I was given a complimentary copy of this book, and this is my honest opinion of it.
Having hardly read any books about Poland during World War II, I didn’t really know what to expect from this story. Going into it, then, I was almost a blank slate, so a lot of what this book contained was new to me. From that perspective, I found some scenes incredibly difficult to read. The history contained in this book is heavy, and I came away wondering how in the world people could be so evil as to do the things depicted on these pages. At the same time, Barratt did an excellent job of not overdoing the description—in my opinion, she struck the perfect balance between letting us know what was going on and not wallowing in the more awful details.
The Warsaw Sisters was not an easy read, but I’m thankful to have had the chance to read it. A well-written, unforgettable story, this book highlights some of history’s heroes—both known and unknown. If you enjoy historical fiction with depth of story and character, you’d likely enjoy this.
CW: Battle scenes, some gore, a massacre.
I was given a complimentary copy of this book, and this is my honest opinion of it.
October 19, 2023
I have many mixed emotions about this novel. Mostly sad and horrifying.
I can't imagine or even want to think about what those poor people especially the Jews went through! What a scary feeling for all involved.
This book had me in tears and never has a book ever done that.
My heart hurt for these two sisters that were thrown into this war through no choice of their own but I did admire how each one did their part.
I liked how Barrett has done her research for this book to make it real and believable. I could picture all the action taking place within these pages. Even the bombs falling into Warsaw.
I found myself praying for all that was involved in this horrible war.
I admired the courage, faith and Hope
Resilience and the determination for survival.
I was also pleased to see that God was mentioned throughout the book.
I love the reminder that God is Hope and Light even when days of darkness surround us in times of trouble.
A very powerful and emotional read that will not let you go until the sister's story is finished.
I learned much about the events that took place that I've never heard of before.
5 stars for a well written book. I highly recommend it.
My thanks for a copy of this book. I was NOT required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are my own.
I can't imagine or even want to think about what those poor people especially the Jews went through! What a scary feeling for all involved.
This book had me in tears and never has a book ever done that.
My heart hurt for these two sisters that were thrown into this war through no choice of their own but I did admire how each one did their part.
I liked how Barrett has done her research for this book to make it real and believable. I could picture all the action taking place within these pages. Even the bombs falling into Warsaw.
I found myself praying for all that was involved in this horrible war.
I admired the courage, faith and Hope
Resilience and the determination for survival.
I was also pleased to see that God was mentioned throughout the book.
I love the reminder that God is Hope and Light even when days of darkness surround us in times of trouble.
A very powerful and emotional read that will not let you go until the sister's story is finished.
I learned much about the events that took place that I've never heard of before.
5 stars for a well written book. I highly recommend it.
My thanks for a copy of this book. I was NOT required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are my own.
August 29, 2023
I wish I could give this book more than 5 stars. I have read countless novels based in/around WWII and this is among the top. The glimpse into Warsaw during occupation is something I (embarrassingly) knew little about and is what made the entire novel all the more fascinating, and heartbreaking. Some of the passages in this book are some of the most moving passages I've encountered. I'm not someone who usually highlights, clips or takes notes while reading, but multiple times I found myself highlighting sections to revisit. As for the characters, somehow even with the myriad of people we met along the way, I was able to connect to all of them and mourn their losses or hope they would return later in the book.The storytelling and imagery was absolutely fantastic. Parts of this book had me holding my breath waiting to see how it ended and feeling like I was watching the story unfold next to me. I wish I had more words to convey how much I adored this novel. I didn't want their story to end!
Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for the ARC!
Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for the ARC!
November 25, 2023
“Perhaps courage is to be afraid, but to hold on still until the end.”
Amanda Barratt’s writing is stellar - thoroughly heart-breaking but hopeful, historically accurate with fictional flair, and lyrical and poetic yet honest, raw, and gripping. I love her writing and I love her books. But this one was a difficult one for me to read. Antonina and Helena’s heart-shattering and terrifying journey from the beginning to the end of WWII in Warsaw was eye-opening and emotional. The fact that I became so entangled in the sisters’ lives as they suffered and rose up to fight for justice is a testament to the author’s incredible mastery at her art. I needed breathers between chapters because the grief, loss, and pain overwhelmed me at times. But I am richer for having read this story and for remembering those who died, fought, and survived.
I received a complimentary copy courtesy of Revell via NetGalley and was under no obligation to post a positive comment. All opinions are my own.
Amanda Barratt’s writing is stellar - thoroughly heart-breaking but hopeful, historically accurate with fictional flair, and lyrical and poetic yet honest, raw, and gripping. I love her writing and I love her books. But this one was a difficult one for me to read. Antonina and Helena’s heart-shattering and terrifying journey from the beginning to the end of WWII in Warsaw was eye-opening and emotional. The fact that I became so entangled in the sisters’ lives as they suffered and rose up to fight for justice is a testament to the author’s incredible mastery at her art. I needed breathers between chapters because the grief, loss, and pain overwhelmed me at times. But I am richer for having read this story and for remembering those who died, fought, and survived.
I received a complimentary copy courtesy of Revell via NetGalley and was under no obligation to post a positive comment. All opinions are my own.
November 26, 2023
4.5 stars
“War left everything in fragments. Even bonds that should be unbreakable.”
From the opening words of The Warsaw Sisters, I found myself immersed in this story of twin sisters whose once-immutable bond will be tested by the unmerciful ravages of war. Most especially, I was drawn by the author’s poignant way with words and her ability to put the reader into the shoes of her characters, living the story through Antonina and Helena’s eyes as we experience every agonizing, beautiful, tragic, and triumphant moment with them. Knowing that what we’re reading about is based on real people and real events makes it all the more meaningful.
I don’t remember learning much about Poland’s role in World War 2, an unfortunate educational oversight as the stories I’ve read on the pages of fiction by authors like Amanda Barratt teach me about brave and resilient people who chose to stand up for what was right at great personal cost. Like Antonina and Helena in The Warsaw Sisters, these are ordinary people who became extraordinary heroes. I have read about people who sheltered Jewish children in a few books, and I’ve read about the Home Army in a couple of other novels. But this was the most immersed I have been behind the lines with this grassroots resistance movement – including many women – that fought valiantly against the cruelty of the German forces and saved countless lives. Barratt’s compelling narrative in this novel made me want to learn even more about the Polish people and their response during WW2.
One thing I appreciated about Antonina and Helena is that they are simultaneously flawed and heroic. I think too often we feel like we can’t make a difference because we haven’t quite got our own act together yet, but these two young women are just like us in all the ways that truly matter. They grieve, they fall in love, they fight with each other, they cherish happy memories, they jump to conclusions, they love poetry, they love music, they give in to temptation, they act on emotion, they react in fear or anger, they want to help those who need it, they care about their friends, they lose hope, they doubt God, they grow up, they forgive. In seeing ourselves in these two sisters, we appreciate the story on deeper levels, and this author is exceptionally talented at helping us do so.
The spiritual threads in this story, while subtle, are touching and heartfelt and relatable. There are so many quotes I could share as proof (my Kindle copy is highlighted to the hilt), but perhaps this one sums it up most perfectly:
"For in the moments when it seemed no heart could bear such emptiness, I had learned God is nearest in our shattered places."
The reminder that, even when everything else falls apart, God remains is a beacon of hope for readers in the middle of their own battles, be they emotional, mental, spiritual, relational, or physical.
Bottom Line: The Warsaw Sisters is another profoundly emotional novel by Amanda Barratt, in which she highlights unsung heroes who dared to step up rather than look away. As we are given snapshots of Helena and Antonina’s respective journeys over a period of several years, we get a front row seat to their lives during war. The characters are layered and complex – no cardboard cutouts here! – and, while the story doesn’t sugarcoat the atrocities that happened in Poland, the author keeps hope lurking between the lines, kept alive by weary souls who refused to give up. Subplots of romance, friendship, and faith bring moments of light to the heavier history being told, balancing the narrative with just the right amounts of each. A must-read for fans of Pam Jenoff or Cathy Gohlke.
(I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book)
first reviewed at Reading Is My SuperPower
“War left everything in fragments. Even bonds that should be unbreakable.”
From the opening words of The Warsaw Sisters, I found myself immersed in this story of twin sisters whose once-immutable bond will be tested by the unmerciful ravages of war. Most especially, I was drawn by the author’s poignant way with words and her ability to put the reader into the shoes of her characters, living the story through Antonina and Helena’s eyes as we experience every agonizing, beautiful, tragic, and triumphant moment with them. Knowing that what we’re reading about is based on real people and real events makes it all the more meaningful.
I don’t remember learning much about Poland’s role in World War 2, an unfortunate educational oversight as the stories I’ve read on the pages of fiction by authors like Amanda Barratt teach me about brave and resilient people who chose to stand up for what was right at great personal cost. Like Antonina and Helena in The Warsaw Sisters, these are ordinary people who became extraordinary heroes. I have read about people who sheltered Jewish children in a few books, and I’ve read about the Home Army in a couple of other novels. But this was the most immersed I have been behind the lines with this grassroots resistance movement – including many women – that fought valiantly against the cruelty of the German forces and saved countless lives. Barratt’s compelling narrative in this novel made me want to learn even more about the Polish people and their response during WW2.
One thing I appreciated about Antonina and Helena is that they are simultaneously flawed and heroic. I think too often we feel like we can’t make a difference because we haven’t quite got our own act together yet, but these two young women are just like us in all the ways that truly matter. They grieve, they fall in love, they fight with each other, they cherish happy memories, they jump to conclusions, they love poetry, they love music, they give in to temptation, they act on emotion, they react in fear or anger, they want to help those who need it, they care about their friends, they lose hope, they doubt God, they grow up, they forgive. In seeing ourselves in these two sisters, we appreciate the story on deeper levels, and this author is exceptionally talented at helping us do so.
The spiritual threads in this story, while subtle, are touching and heartfelt and relatable. There are so many quotes I could share as proof (my Kindle copy is highlighted to the hilt), but perhaps this one sums it up most perfectly:
"For in the moments when it seemed no heart could bear such emptiness, I had learned God is nearest in our shattered places."
The reminder that, even when everything else falls apart, God remains is a beacon of hope for readers in the middle of their own battles, be they emotional, mental, spiritual, relational, or physical.
Bottom Line: The Warsaw Sisters is another profoundly emotional novel by Amanda Barratt, in which she highlights unsung heroes who dared to step up rather than look away. As we are given snapshots of Helena and Antonina’s respective journeys over a period of several years, we get a front row seat to their lives during war. The characters are layered and complex – no cardboard cutouts here! – and, while the story doesn’t sugarcoat the atrocities that happened in Poland, the author keeps hope lurking between the lines, kept alive by weary souls who refused to give up. Subplots of romance, friendship, and faith bring moments of light to the heavier history being told, balancing the narrative with just the right amounts of each. A must-read for fans of Pam Jenoff or Cathy Gohlke.
(I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book)
first reviewed at Reading Is My SuperPower
December 12, 2023
Phew! This book left me gutted and bruised, experiencing an emotional aftershock that still lingers. Barratt is an incredibly gifted writer — both in the mechanics of the art and in her ability to make her reader’s feel. And think. Honestly, you can’t come away from this book without thoughts and opinions and a heart hurting for these characters – especially when you are reminded that they represent millions of real people throughout this earth’s messy history.
I think what really upped the emotional angst for me is that I read ‘The Warsaw Sisters ‘in a world that is very nearly at the brink of what Hitler started back in the 1930s. The categorizing groups of people as evil, the heavy-handed use of propaganda, the racial slurs, intolerance of those classified as ‘other’…and so many other things that make up global politics these days. Barratt shows how all of that swayed ‘decent’ people and contributed to the persecution of the Jews, the Warsaw Ghetto, the death camps. And it breaks my heart, because I really don’t see that we have learned very much from the past.
So, is this a heavy book? Yes. Did it emotionally wreck me? Yes (and I’d be worried if it didn’t.) But does it also offer a thread of hope — slim though it may be, but strong nevertheless? Yes! But it’s also left me with the conviction that heroines like Antonia and Helena aren’t just part of our distant past; they are alive and fighting the good fight all around the world. And that has left me humbled.
I haven’t said anything about the plot — it reads as you might expect a WWII novel to — hardship and suffering buoyed up by brief flashes of joy. And that all important flicker of hope that keeps the characters moving forward during impossible times.
A stunning page-turner.
Book provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications Inc.
https://kavsbestreads.ca/2023/12/12/t...
I think what really upped the emotional angst for me is that I read ‘The Warsaw Sisters ‘in a world that is very nearly at the brink of what Hitler started back in the 1930s. The categorizing groups of people as evil, the heavy-handed use of propaganda, the racial slurs, intolerance of those classified as ‘other’…and so many other things that make up global politics these days. Barratt shows how all of that swayed ‘decent’ people and contributed to the persecution of the Jews, the Warsaw Ghetto, the death camps. And it breaks my heart, because I really don’t see that we have learned very much from the past.
So, is this a heavy book? Yes. Did it emotionally wreck me? Yes (and I’d be worried if it didn’t.) But does it also offer a thread of hope — slim though it may be, but strong nevertheless? Yes! But it’s also left me with the conviction that heroines like Antonia and Helena aren’t just part of our distant past; they are alive and fighting the good fight all around the world. And that has left me humbled.
I haven’t said anything about the plot — it reads as you might expect a WWII novel to — hardship and suffering buoyed up by brief flashes of joy. And that all important flicker of hope that keeps the characters moving forward during impossible times.
A stunning page-turner.
Book provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications Inc.
https://kavsbestreads.ca/2023/12/12/t...
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