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The Winter Child
‘Please don’t do this!’ Irena’s shrill cry pierces the night air, her screams breaking the silence of the falling snow. But the man she calls to does not turn, vanishing into the darkness with a child clasped in his arms…
Poland, 1943: Every day, Irena is terrified as she serves the Nazis who drink in her town’s hotel. But with war raging, she has little choice if she is to support her family. She just prays she won’t catch the eye of any of the officers who have invaded her country. If she does, the consequences are unthinkable…
More than anyone she fears Richter, a member of the Gestapo with a reputation as frightening as his vicious smile. Each time she glimpses him across the room, her blood runs cold. But her family must eat, and so she must face her fears each day.
But when Irena is told she must serve Richter personally, she knows she will no longer be able to hide. Trembling, she approaches his table. And when his cold gaze finally settles on her, she realizes that her fate has already been sealed.
When Irena’s worst fears come true and she bears a child, her baby is a small glimmer of hope in an otherwise dark world. But when the baby is taken from her one winter night, she swears that she will stop at nothing to avenge her child’s life…
But is Irena prepared for revenge to cost her everything? And even if she is, will she recover from the truth she is about to uncover?
This gripping and emotional wartime novel tells a moving story of courage, hope and the endurance of the human spirit, even in the darkness of the World War 2. Perfect for readers of The Tattooist of Auschwitz, The Nightingale and The Alice Network.
Readers love The Winter Child:
‘A phenomenal and heartbreaking story… emotional and unputdownable… Will leave you in tears. Amazing.’ Page Turners ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
‘My heart is breaking but swelling at the same time. What an utterly incredible book!’ @ink.readsalot ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
‘I could not put this book down… An amazing and heart-wrenching tale… an emotional rollercoaster.’ @pageturners247 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
‘An emotional, heart-wrenching read… Made me cry… Had my heart breaking.’ @hannahraereadsxo
‘Heart-wrenching… and beautiful… Wonderful… I could not put the book down.’ Goodreads reviewer ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
‘Kept me on the edge of my seat… I just wanted to keep reading it.’ Goodreads reviewer ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
‘I could not put this well-written, emotional story down… Heart-wrenching.
Poland, 1943: Every day, Irena is terrified as she serves the Nazis who drink in her town’s hotel. But with war raging, she has little choice if she is to support her family. She just prays she won’t catch the eye of any of the officers who have invaded her country. If she does, the consequences are unthinkable…
More than anyone she fears Richter, a member of the Gestapo with a reputation as frightening as his vicious smile. Each time she glimpses him across the room, her blood runs cold. But her family must eat, and so she must face her fears each day.
But when Irena is told she must serve Richter personally, she knows she will no longer be able to hide. Trembling, she approaches his table. And when his cold gaze finally settles on her, she realizes that her fate has already been sealed.
When Irena’s worst fears come true and she bears a child, her baby is a small glimmer of hope in an otherwise dark world. But when the baby is taken from her one winter night, she swears that she will stop at nothing to avenge her child’s life…
But is Irena prepared for revenge to cost her everything? And even if she is, will she recover from the truth she is about to uncover?
This gripping and emotional wartime novel tells a moving story of courage, hope and the endurance of the human spirit, even in the darkness of the World War 2. Perfect for readers of The Tattooist of Auschwitz, The Nightingale and The Alice Network.
Readers love The Winter Child:
‘A phenomenal and heartbreaking story… emotional and unputdownable… Will leave you in tears. Amazing.’ Page Turners ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
‘My heart is breaking but swelling at the same time. What an utterly incredible book!’ @ink.readsalot ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
‘I could not put this book down… An amazing and heart-wrenching tale… an emotional rollercoaster.’ @pageturners247 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
‘An emotional, heart-wrenching read… Made me cry… Had my heart breaking.’ @hannahraereadsxo
‘Heart-wrenching… and beautiful… Wonderful… I could not put the book down.’ Goodreads reviewer ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
‘Kept me on the edge of my seat… I just wanted to keep reading it.’ Goodreads reviewer ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
‘I could not put this well-written, emotional story down… Heart-wrenching.
276 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 16, 2024
662 people are currently reading
482 people want to read
About the author
Carly Schabowski
15 books188 followersCarly Schabowski worked as a journalist in both North Cyprus and Australia before returning to Oxford, where she studied for an MA and then a PhD in creative writing at Oxford Brookes University.
Carly now teaches at Oxford Brookes University as an associate lecturer in Creative Writing for first and second-year English literature students.
The Ringmaster’s Daughter is Carly’s debut novel and will be published by Bookouture in July 2020, with her second novel, The Watchmaker of Dachau coming out later that year. These texts are both true, epic, moving historical novels centred around survival, human suffering, and the finding of love within the backdrop of the desperate and uncertain times of 1940s Europe
Carly now teaches at Oxford Brookes University as an associate lecturer in Creative Writing for first and second-year English literature students.
The Ringmaster’s Daughter is Carly’s debut novel and will be published by Bookouture in July 2020, with her second novel, The Watchmaker of Dachau coming out later that year. These texts are both true, epic, moving historical novels centred around survival, human suffering, and the finding of love within the backdrop of the desperate and uncertain times of 1940s Europe
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 46 reviews
May 16, 2024
Check out all my reviews at: https://www.avonnalovesgenres.com
THE WINTER CHILD by Carly Schabowski is an emotionally intense WWII historical fiction told in dual timelines primarily by the main protagonist who is a young girl in 1940’s occupied Poland and then a grown woman seeking revenge in 1994 Argentina. While this book is difficult to read at times due to the inclusion of scenes of wartime rape and abuse, it is not gratuitous and necessary to the plot.
Poland 1940’s: Irena works in the local hotel in the kitchen to make money to help support her parents, but she is terrified of the Gestapo troops that have taken over the town. When one of the servers drops a plate on the head of the local Gestapo, Irena is forced to replace her. Richter makes her his personal server and more…
Irena has a child, but one winter night her baby is taken, and she vows to stop at nothing to get revenge.
Argentina 1994: Five decades later, after the death of her husband, Irena is searching for the man of her nightmares to finally fulfill her vow.
This is a story that had me on an emotional roller coaster. For the first time, the second portion of the title states “A heartbreaking and unputdownable World War 2 historical novel” was true. Irena is such a strong character that suffers so much loss and trauma during the war and yet it does not destroy her. There are some plot surprises that made this story and ending unique from other WWII historical fiction books I have read.
I highly recommend this WWII historical fiction.
THE WINTER CHILD by Carly Schabowski is an emotionally intense WWII historical fiction told in dual timelines primarily by the main protagonist who is a young girl in 1940’s occupied Poland and then a grown woman seeking revenge in 1994 Argentina. While this book is difficult to read at times due to the inclusion of scenes of wartime rape and abuse, it is not gratuitous and necessary to the plot.
Poland 1940’s: Irena works in the local hotel in the kitchen to make money to help support her parents, but she is terrified of the Gestapo troops that have taken over the town. When one of the servers drops a plate on the head of the local Gestapo, Irena is forced to replace her. Richter makes her his personal server and more…
Irena has a child, but one winter night her baby is taken, and she vows to stop at nothing to get revenge.
Argentina 1994: Five decades later, after the death of her husband, Irena is searching for the man of her nightmares to finally fulfill her vow.
This is a story that had me on an emotional roller coaster. For the first time, the second portion of the title states “A heartbreaking and unputdownable World War 2 historical novel” was true. Irena is such a strong character that suffers so much loss and trauma during the war and yet it does not destroy her. There are some plot surprises that made this story and ending unique from other WWII historical fiction books I have read.
I highly recommend this WWII historical fiction.
May 18, 2024
Thank you to NetGalley and Bookouture for the ARC (Advance Reader Copy) of The Winter Child by Carly Schabowski. This is the first book I have read by this author and I am looking forward to reading more. This historical fiction book kept me on the edge of my seat, anxious to read more. It did invoke some tears from me as well. The story is written in two timelines. Poland in the 1940's and Argentina in 1994. It was very emotional and I just wanted to keep reading it. I highly recommend this book if you like historical fiction. A 5 star rating from me.
May 15, 2024
THE WINTER CHILD is a phenomenal WWll tale, my first by Carly Schabowski. I was completely captivated by this bittersweet story written in yet a whole NEW perspective regarding WWll. This begins in 1942 Poland during the German occupation, with Irena (in her twenties) being targeted by the top gestapo in her town.. she finds herself pregnant, hides, but he finds her and steals her baby. 1994: Present day Argentina, Irena is there to find the ex-Nazi, her hate still festering for revenge. It’s also where she makes a miraculous discovery. Schabowski brings Irena’s life full-circle; -her mindset to be courageous and strong through the trauma of war and loss.. making choices out of necessity.. to right the wrongs.. and her unconditional love that carries onto future generations. Highly recommend. ❥ 4.5 stars — Pub. 5/16/24
I received a copy from the publisher through NetGalley. All opinions are my own.
I received a copy from the publisher through NetGalley. All opinions are my own.
May 18, 2024
The Winter Child
By: Carly Schabowski
5⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Schabowski alway has such moving historical fiction that is well researched and emotional.
The novel alternates between present day and Poland in 1943.
Irena was considered a Nazis property and you can imagine all that she endured at the hands of a powerful man. She suffered many losses including a very personal one.
Fifty years later she has the opportunity to address this horrible man who is now living under another name.
If you are a historical fiction fan I definitely recommend this book and others by this author. Gripping and emotional.
By: Carly Schabowski
5⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Schabowski alway has such moving historical fiction that is well researched and emotional.
The novel alternates between present day and Poland in 1943.
Irena was considered a Nazis property and you can imagine all that she endured at the hands of a powerful man. She suffered many losses including a very personal one.
Fifty years later she has the opportunity to address this horrible man who is now living under another name.
If you are a historical fiction fan I definitely recommend this book and others by this author. Gripping and emotional.
June 12, 2024
4.5 rounded up. Very powerful WWII novel.
May 18, 2024
Poland, 1943, World War II rages on across Europe. People take on horrible jobs so that they can provide for their families. They don’t have a choice. Irena serves cocktails in the local hotel, to the Nazis that visit often. Trying to not get noticed by any of the German’s is not easy. And then when she catches the eye of Richter who is a member of the Gestapo, she knows her life will never be the same. Her worst fear comes true when she becomes pregnant. She goes into hiding and knows she must do everything possible to keep her baby safe. But, Richter is a high ranking officer and it is impossible for Irena to keep her baby a secret. When she gives birth, the baby is taken from her. Argentina, 1994 Irena’s husband passes away and she decides to return to Poland, her mission is to avenge her son that was taken from her all those years ago.
The Winter Child written by Carly Schabowski is a phenomenal and heartbreaking story. There aren’t many storylines like this in the Historical Fiction genre. This amazing story includes a dual timeline which is a favorite of mine. I always love stories of history and present day, because they teach historical events and then at the flip of the page, fast forward you to current events. Schabowski does it again, with a heartfelt, emotional and unputdownable story that will leave you in tears. This is an absolute must read for every historical fiction fan and I highly recommend it.
The Winter Child written by Carly Schabowski is a phenomenal and heartbreaking story. There aren’t many storylines like this in the Historical Fiction genre. This amazing story includes a dual timeline which is a favorite of mine. I always love stories of history and present day, because they teach historical events and then at the flip of the page, fast forward you to current events. Schabowski does it again, with a heartfelt, emotional and unputdownable story that will leave you in tears. This is an absolute must read for every historical fiction fan and I highly recommend it.
August 24, 2024
This is the fourth book by this author I've read so I was prepared for the emotional gut punch her writing always invokes. I chose a quiet day when I wouldn't be interrupted and checked to be sure I had plenty of tissues. That said, this story isn't about a Jewish family or a concentration camp but rather a small town in Poland that became a favorite vacation spot for the Nazis during WW II. The story paints a vivid picture of the horrors the locals faced once the Nazis took over their town. The atrocities and cruel policies are difficult to read, especially the sexual assaults.
This dual timeline was fascinating because we had some of the same characters from the WW II plot. Polish survivors and Nazi criminals come together in Argentina. We know about the famous war criminals that were hunted down in Argentina and brought to justice in the 50s and 60s but this is much later. How would you feel if you knew your tormentor was living and free, never to pay for his crimes? A moral dilemma for anyone and I loved how the author handled it. As always, the historical research is impeccable, and Carly Schabowski opens another chapter of World War II that I never knew existed.
This dual timeline was fascinating because we had some of the same characters from the WW II plot. Polish survivors and Nazi criminals come together in Argentina. We know about the famous war criminals that were hunted down in Argentina and brought to justice in the 50s and 60s but this is much later. How would you feel if you knew your tormentor was living and free, never to pay for his crimes? A moral dilemma for anyone and I loved how the author handled it. As always, the historical research is impeccable, and Carly Schabowski opens another chapter of World War II that I never knew existed.
May 19, 2024
The Winter Child is a heart gripping story of pain, survival, heart break, perseverance, and fate. Irena is faced with unspeakable dilemmas when her beloved country of Poland is invaded by the Nazi’s. Everything from her family, friends, job, and life are turned upside down thanks to the Nazi’s. A brute of a man, a high ranking Nazi, takes a liking for Irena and much to her disdain, he is relentless.
One cold winter day, in the middle of the night during a freezing cold snow storm, Irenas life is changed forever. This story spans between WWII and 1994. Chapters are told from the perspectives of multiple characters but it’s easy to follow.
It’s a great book and I highly recommend.
One cold winter day, in the middle of the night during a freezing cold snow storm, Irenas life is changed forever. This story spans between WWII and 1994. Chapters are told from the perspectives of multiple characters but it’s easy to follow.
It’s a great book and I highly recommend.
May 18, 2024
would like to thank netgalley and the publisher for letting me read this heartbreaking story
oh my word this was heartbreaking to read and experience.... the author wrote it as though you would experience every little thing that happened.... and yes i cried at times....
its not a easy read but read it you must
oh my word this was heartbreaking to read and experience.... the author wrote it as though you would experience every little thing that happened.... and yes i cried at times....
its not a easy read but read it you must
June 9, 2025
It was overall a good story in my favorite genre, but I listened to this one and had a hard time keeping up. It probably would’ve gone better for me had I read it myself.
May 19, 2024
Carly Schabowksi’s new novel, The Winter Child, takes the reader back and forth between Poland during World War Two and Argentina in the 1990’s. It’s a tale of emotional trauma as one woman searches for redemption after unspeakable events were perpetrated on her during the Nazi’s occupation of her hometown in Poland. I found this to be a quick read but it did pack an emotional punch as Irena’s search for her perpetrator allows her to relive her past but there is a grey area which deals with the morality of the situation and both the reader and Irena face a constant battle between what is right and wrong.
The book opens with a brief prologue where a man describes receiving a letter every year on the same date and the words written are always the same - you are going to die. There is never a return address and the stamps could be from a range of countries. These letters inspire memories of a woman and a situation that he was involved in many years ago. But all these years later there is little remorse shown although someone wants him to pay for his cruel and callous deeds. The plot effortlessly moves back and forth between the town of Zakopane in Poland during the war and the seaside of Pinamar in Argentina in 1994. The storyline is easy to follow and easy to get sucked into. Although, I will admit around the halfway point things did start to click with me and I figured out how things were going to work out and what the connections between characters were but this didn’t detract from my enjoyment of the story and my compulsion to keep reading on.
January 1994 and Irena is burying her husband Mateusz on a cold winter’s day. She had needed him to die before her as there is something she has been waiting to do for many years and she knows he would not have allowed her to undertake the journey she is about to embark on. The years and layers of trauma, pain, and worry have been building and she has a strong desire to put things right. Instantly, you can tell that Irena is a woman scorned and she wants revenge no matter what. But what happened to her? Who caused her this pain that has impacted her for so long. The clue is in the title and as the chapters pass by and the story unfolds, I found the image used on the cover had a strong forbearing on the story. In fact, I thought the title and the imagery were absolutely perfect and fitted so well with the overall themes and plot and it’s not often that that can happen.
Irena along with her best friend Anna travels to Argentina. It’s a trip which she has wanted to take for a very long time and she goes there with passion and a fire in her belly. She is edging ever closer to her end goal but she must be calm and patient. For she has waited so long, it wouldn’t do for things to go wrong at the most crucial point. The descriptions of the Argentian city of Pinamar were fantastic and such a stark contrast to her experiences in Poland during the war. You could feel the heat as she explores the streets with the help of Peter who offers guided tours. As Irena seeks the person who has haunted her every waking moment for an endless amount of time the tension increases, and I was rapidly turning the pages to discover who she was seeking and for what reason.
We also gain a deeper insight into Peter and his partner Sara who each have chapters from their viewpoint. Peter too is deeply affected by his past although the answers he seeks he feels are further from his grasp than ever before. I loved how Peter and Sara tied into the story and the author had the perfect balance between what they were learning and trying to deal with and how Irena fitted into the overall picture too. Anna as a character in the present day was a bit of a conundrum. The way she spoke and acted was quite strange and after a while I realised this was because she was deeply affected by her war experiences. She had been scarred and in some way Irena’s quest was also to get redemption for Anna also.
In Zakopane, a town surrounding by mountains and countryside, the Nazi’s have taken over everything and the residents live in fear. Irena lives with her parents and longs for the freedom she once enjoyed. Instead, there is a dark cloud hanging over Zakopane which only grows in intensity. Everyone is stuck in a limbo of uncertainty and forced to do things they never thought possible. Irena works in the Grand Stamary Hotel where the Gestapo have rooms. Her job is in the kitchens, but an incident means she is soon forced to wait tables where one man in particular has become quite taken with her. Christoph Richter is a Nazi and enjoys nothing more than brutality, persecution and instilling pain and fear in those not deemed worthy of existing. Irena becomes his plaything. He is the master pulling the strings and she is the puppet that must dance attendance on him. Whatever he desires she must provide and she is given no choice.
Irena becomes drawn into a cruel game of cat and mouse. Richter is a master manipulator and she knows that if she does not do his bidding then the worst fate could befall herself and her family. But Irena wants to do her bit for the Resistance no matter that it could potentially find her at the Gestapo headquarters facing interrogation. I desperately hoped that things would not come to that but I hated the fact that she had to submit to Richter. He was a cruel bully who degraded her in so many ways and the trauma he goes on to inflict on her will imprint itself on her for many years. I did wonder when Mateusz would feature in the past timeline and when he did I actually wanted more of him. I wanted to know in greater detail his war experiences and the brave and courageous work that he was undertaking. I knew that Irena couldn’t be seen with him but their romance felt a bit quick and fleeting and it was as if they never got to spend any real time together yet there was a real deep connection between the pair. I wished something could have been done to rid Richter from Irena’s life but I felt once she got sucked into his games there was no escaping his evil clutches. He enjoyed ruining people’s lives and as the story progresses and the shrouds of secrecy are pulled back the reader sees the impact of his time in Zakopane had on Irena and her family.
Irena was a fantastic character who was expertly developed throughout the course of the story. She was very driven and focused but wasn’t shouting everything from the roof tops. She had bided her time planning everything to a t. The reader is waiting for a big climax and I knew what I wanted to happen. Instead, it was subtly played out and yes there was a slight element of disappointment for me as I wanted retribution fast and instant. But here is where the grey area of morality came into play and the reader has to pause and go with the way Irena is thinking. Although, I will say one particular thing that occurs towards the end brought a smile to my face and left me deeply satisfied and I’m sure other readers will feel the same too. The Winter Child was a very good, emotional story that raises many questions and will certainly set you thinking about good and bad, right and wrong. If you long for something a little bit different with your historical fiction reads then this is the book for you.
The book opens with a brief prologue where a man describes receiving a letter every year on the same date and the words written are always the same - you are going to die. There is never a return address and the stamps could be from a range of countries. These letters inspire memories of a woman and a situation that he was involved in many years ago. But all these years later there is little remorse shown although someone wants him to pay for his cruel and callous deeds. The plot effortlessly moves back and forth between the town of Zakopane in Poland during the war and the seaside of Pinamar in Argentina in 1994. The storyline is easy to follow and easy to get sucked into. Although, I will admit around the halfway point things did start to click with me and I figured out how things were going to work out and what the connections between characters were but this didn’t detract from my enjoyment of the story and my compulsion to keep reading on.
January 1994 and Irena is burying her husband Mateusz on a cold winter’s day. She had needed him to die before her as there is something she has been waiting to do for many years and she knows he would not have allowed her to undertake the journey she is about to embark on. The years and layers of trauma, pain, and worry have been building and she has a strong desire to put things right. Instantly, you can tell that Irena is a woman scorned and she wants revenge no matter what. But what happened to her? Who caused her this pain that has impacted her for so long. The clue is in the title and as the chapters pass by and the story unfolds, I found the image used on the cover had a strong forbearing on the story. In fact, I thought the title and the imagery were absolutely perfect and fitted so well with the overall themes and plot and it’s not often that that can happen.
Irena along with her best friend Anna travels to Argentina. It’s a trip which she has wanted to take for a very long time and she goes there with passion and a fire in her belly. She is edging ever closer to her end goal but she must be calm and patient. For she has waited so long, it wouldn’t do for things to go wrong at the most crucial point. The descriptions of the Argentian city of Pinamar were fantastic and such a stark contrast to her experiences in Poland during the war. You could feel the heat as she explores the streets with the help of Peter who offers guided tours. As Irena seeks the person who has haunted her every waking moment for an endless amount of time the tension increases, and I was rapidly turning the pages to discover who she was seeking and for what reason.
We also gain a deeper insight into Peter and his partner Sara who each have chapters from their viewpoint. Peter too is deeply affected by his past although the answers he seeks he feels are further from his grasp than ever before. I loved how Peter and Sara tied into the story and the author had the perfect balance between what they were learning and trying to deal with and how Irena fitted into the overall picture too. Anna as a character in the present day was a bit of a conundrum. The way she spoke and acted was quite strange and after a while I realised this was because she was deeply affected by her war experiences. She had been scarred and in some way Irena’s quest was also to get redemption for Anna also.
In Zakopane, a town surrounding by mountains and countryside, the Nazi’s have taken over everything and the residents live in fear. Irena lives with her parents and longs for the freedom she once enjoyed. Instead, there is a dark cloud hanging over Zakopane which only grows in intensity. Everyone is stuck in a limbo of uncertainty and forced to do things they never thought possible. Irena works in the Grand Stamary Hotel where the Gestapo have rooms. Her job is in the kitchens, but an incident means she is soon forced to wait tables where one man in particular has become quite taken with her. Christoph Richter is a Nazi and enjoys nothing more than brutality, persecution and instilling pain and fear in those not deemed worthy of existing. Irena becomes his plaything. He is the master pulling the strings and she is the puppet that must dance attendance on him. Whatever he desires she must provide and she is given no choice.
Irena becomes drawn into a cruel game of cat and mouse. Richter is a master manipulator and she knows that if she does not do his bidding then the worst fate could befall herself and her family. But Irena wants to do her bit for the Resistance no matter that it could potentially find her at the Gestapo headquarters facing interrogation. I desperately hoped that things would not come to that but I hated the fact that she had to submit to Richter. He was a cruel bully who degraded her in so many ways and the trauma he goes on to inflict on her will imprint itself on her for many years. I did wonder when Mateusz would feature in the past timeline and when he did I actually wanted more of him. I wanted to know in greater detail his war experiences and the brave and courageous work that he was undertaking. I knew that Irena couldn’t be seen with him but their romance felt a bit quick and fleeting and it was as if they never got to spend any real time together yet there was a real deep connection between the pair. I wished something could have been done to rid Richter from Irena’s life but I felt once she got sucked into his games there was no escaping his evil clutches. He enjoyed ruining people’s lives and as the story progresses and the shrouds of secrecy are pulled back the reader sees the impact of his time in Zakopane had on Irena and her family.
Irena was a fantastic character who was expertly developed throughout the course of the story. She was very driven and focused but wasn’t shouting everything from the roof tops. She had bided her time planning everything to a t. The reader is waiting for a big climax and I knew what I wanted to happen. Instead, it was subtly played out and yes there was a slight element of disappointment for me as I wanted retribution fast and instant. But here is where the grey area of morality came into play and the reader has to pause and go with the way Irena is thinking. Although, I will say one particular thing that occurs towards the end brought a smile to my face and left me deeply satisfied and I’m sure other readers will feel the same too. The Winter Child was a very good, emotional story that raises many questions and will certainly set you thinking about good and bad, right and wrong. If you long for something a little bit different with your historical fiction reads then this is the book for you.
June 15, 2024
As the woman falls to the snow with a heartbreaking cry her whole world is torn apart. In this moment her fate is determined. She will find him.
In this novel about strength and unimaginable situations we meet Irena. She is a hard worker trying to keep her family afloat during the German Occupation in Poland. Irena is put to the test to see just how far she will go to protect the ones she loves. A German officer becomes interested in her and from that moment forward she must determine what does it take to survive?
When you hear Carly Schabowski is releasing a new book she is one of those authors that you preorder the book right away not even knowing what it’s about. You just know you won’t be disappointed. The Winter Child is one of my favorite books by her and quite possibly one of my favorite books ever. In this novel you’ll feel all of the emotions as you connect with the characters. I felt the anguish, the joyousness and the wrath as I dove into each chapter. I was glued to the pages as I learned more about the strength of the characters and wanted nothing more than to experience their world. From the first sentence I was captivated wanting to know what would happen next. Each character learns to deal with trauma in their own way and we question is there a right or wrong way to deal with the trauma you’ve faced? The main character resonated with me,as will so many others and I wanted nothing more for her to find her “happy ending”. It leaves us to question, do we always get our happy endings? Thank you @netgalley and @carlyschabowskiauthor for allowing me this advanced read.
In this novel about strength and unimaginable situations we meet Irena. She is a hard worker trying to keep her family afloat during the German Occupation in Poland. Irena is put to the test to see just how far she will go to protect the ones she loves. A German officer becomes interested in her and from that moment forward she must determine what does it take to survive?
When you hear Carly Schabowski is releasing a new book she is one of those authors that you preorder the book right away not even knowing what it’s about. You just know you won’t be disappointed. The Winter Child is one of my favorite books by her and quite possibly one of my favorite books ever. In this novel you’ll feel all of the emotions as you connect with the characters. I felt the anguish, the joyousness and the wrath as I dove into each chapter. I was glued to the pages as I learned more about the strength of the characters and wanted nothing more than to experience their world. From the first sentence I was captivated wanting to know what would happen next. Each character learns to deal with trauma in their own way and we question is there a right or wrong way to deal with the trauma you’ve faced? The main character resonated with me,as will so many others and I wanted nothing more for her to find her “happy ending”. It leaves us to question, do we always get our happy endings? Thank you @netgalley and @carlyschabowskiauthor for allowing me this advanced read.
May 24, 2024
This is another of Schabowski’s Nazi occupied Poland stories and the aftermath. The story oscillates between Zakopane in rural Poland during the Occupation and Argentina in the 1990s where the Nazis have fled and their once victims go to exact revenge. Irena starts as a waitress in a Hotel where the Nazis dine. Sturmfuhrer Richter demands Irena serve him exclusively, and from there he cruelly treats her as his sexual toy and victim of his sadism. She has his child but he takes it away and dumps it in an orphanage Meanwhile in Argentina Sara is the lawyer daughter of a man determined to dig out fleeing Nazis and turn them in. Sara sees morality as black and white, but her father tries to get her to see the gray, where doing the “right” thing may require immoral means. This is the underlying theme. Irena and her friend Anna, also maltreated by Richter, arrives in order to Kill him. But morally can she? He find out where Richter is and her boyfriend Peter. You can see what’s coming. Anna is hard to work out, seeming out of it, to say more would give it away. The wiring is good the characterisation the usual: horrible Nazis and their victims, but not as gripping as others of Schabowski. A bit too much coincidence here. My 3 stars may be a bit harsh, due perhaps to my disappointment comparing this to other 5 star jobs of hers.
May 13, 2024
Thank you to Netgalley and Bookouture for my gifted advanced readers copy of this book!
After reading The Note by Schabowski and loving it, I couldn't pass up the opportunity to read this one. Any lover of WWII historical fiction should definately read both of these books. Written with so much heart and emotion The Winter Child is simply another tragic part of WWII that doesn't get discussed.
Told in dual timelines we meet Irena, who in 1942 Poland is a young girl working to support her family. When a high ranking member of the Gestapo sets his eyes on her, she has no choice but to do as he wishes. Eventually, Irena becomes pregnant and goes into hiding. Unfortunately, she cannot hide from Richter and he soon finds her and takes the baby boy from her.
In present day Agentina, 1994, Irena is set to find Richter and set the scales even. But in doing so she finds friends and family she never thought possible.
Any story that revolves around a strong woman, is a good story. Irena is so much stronger than she gives herself credit for. Both as a young teen and a woman in her 70's. All that she had to endure as the property of another person was heartbreaking and brutal. I couldn't tear myself away until the very end. Highly recommend!
After reading The Note by Schabowski and loving it, I couldn't pass up the opportunity to read this one. Any lover of WWII historical fiction should definately read both of these books. Written with so much heart and emotion The Winter Child is simply another tragic part of WWII that doesn't get discussed.
Told in dual timelines we meet Irena, who in 1942 Poland is a young girl working to support her family. When a high ranking member of the Gestapo sets his eyes on her, she has no choice but to do as he wishes. Eventually, Irena becomes pregnant and goes into hiding. Unfortunately, she cannot hide from Richter and he soon finds her and takes the baby boy from her.
In present day Agentina, 1994, Irena is set to find Richter and set the scales even. But in doing so she finds friends and family she never thought possible.
Any story that revolves around a strong woman, is a good story. Irena is so much stronger than she gives herself credit for. Both as a young teen and a woman in her 70's. All that she had to endure as the property of another person was heartbreaking and brutal. I couldn't tear myself away until the very end. Highly recommend!
April 22, 2024
I received an eARC of this book from NetGalley and the publisher, for which I thank them.
“The Winter Child” is a historical fiction book by Carly Schabowski. This book takes place in two timelines - one during WWII in Poland and the other in 1994 in Argentina. It was easy to keep the two storylines separate. My one issue with this book was that there was a lot of set-up but not a lot happens for a long time. It took about 35% of the book to get all the characters together - by then I’d already figured out the main plot of the book. This book moved very slowly for me and I nearly put it down numerous times. While the story is a fine story, I didn’t feel moved by the experiences of the main characters. This book just wasn’t the right one for me, which is sad because I really liked the plot and the cover. BTW, I really dislike giving this book such a low score because I have the feeling that other books by this author are stronger, but this wasn't the right one for me.
“The Winter Child” is a historical fiction book by Carly Schabowski. This book takes place in two timelines - one during WWII in Poland and the other in 1994 in Argentina. It was easy to keep the two storylines separate. My one issue with this book was that there was a lot of set-up but not a lot happens for a long time. It took about 35% of the book to get all the characters together - by then I’d already figured out the main plot of the book. This book moved very slowly for me and I nearly put it down numerous times. While the story is a fine story, I didn’t feel moved by the experiences of the main characters. This book just wasn’t the right one for me, which is sad because I really liked the plot and the cover. BTW, I really dislike giving this book such a low score because I have the feeling that other books by this author are stronger, but this wasn't the right one for me.
May 17, 2024
The Winter Child by Carly Schabowski is an incredible read that captures the darkness of war, but also, the strength, fortitude and endurance in people desparate to survive at all odds
Poland in 1943 was occupied by Nazi's, turning Warsaw into a ghetto, wrenching people from their homes as part of the worst atrocity in 20th century history. The people that remained were under the control of the Gestapo, Herman Gorings secret police, cruel, brutal and unyielding. This is where the story of Irena begins.
Irena is forced to serve the Nazi's as a waitress in order to feed her family. She catches the eye of the evil Richter, who wants her as his personal waitress. An evil man, greedy to abuse his power and everyone around him. Richter takes everything he wants, whether given freely or not. Irena falls pregnant but, Richter tears her baby away from her, never to be seen again.
He did not reckon on the strength of a mothers love and her desire for vengeance.
THis is just the beginning of Irena's story
Oh my life, my heart was in pieces. Carly Schabowski's research is immaculate and knowledge of human nature is extensive. Irena is a force to be reckoned with and her journey is an inspiration to never give up, no matter how dark the night
Thank you to Netgalley, Bookouture and Carly Schabowski for this outstanding ARC. My review is left voluntarily and all opinions are my own
Poland in 1943 was occupied by Nazi's, turning Warsaw into a ghetto, wrenching people from their homes as part of the worst atrocity in 20th century history. The people that remained were under the control of the Gestapo, Herman Gorings secret police, cruel, brutal and unyielding. This is where the story of Irena begins.
Irena is forced to serve the Nazi's as a waitress in order to feed her family. She catches the eye of the evil Richter, who wants her as his personal waitress. An evil man, greedy to abuse his power and everyone around him. Richter takes everything he wants, whether given freely or not. Irena falls pregnant but, Richter tears her baby away from her, never to be seen again.
He did not reckon on the strength of a mothers love and her desire for vengeance.
THis is just the beginning of Irena's story
Oh my life, my heart was in pieces. Carly Schabowski's research is immaculate and knowledge of human nature is extensive. Irena is a force to be reckoned with and her journey is an inspiration to never give up, no matter how dark the night
Thank you to Netgalley, Bookouture and Carly Schabowski for this outstanding ARC. My review is left voluntarily and all opinions are my own
May 16, 2024
The Winter Child
Set in Poland during WWII, Irena becomes the unreluctant recipient of the attention of a high-ranking Gestapo member - Richter. Her fate is sealed when she becomes pregnant and attempts to hide her son from him
In 1994 in Argentina, following the death of her husband, Irena, decides the time has come for her to now find Richter and avenge her child
Firstly, thank you @bookouture & @netgalley for the advanced copy. Historical fiction set in this time period is by far my go to genre. Having not read Carly Shabowski’s work prior I was not sure what to expect.
I found the dual timeline a favourite feature of the book, and enjoyed trying to connect the dots between characters and particularly relished the way that was set up.
I did however, struggle to connect with Irena at times, and while I felt compassion for story and understood her need to retribution, I also failed to connect to her as a character or truly get immersed in her plight. I couldn’t emote to her, even her love for her husband seemed to be conveyed in a very abstract unemotional way.
Overall, 1 enjoyed reading this ARC, but it felt it just did not connect with me like other stories in the same time period do.
Set in Poland during WWII, Irena becomes the unreluctant recipient of the attention of a high-ranking Gestapo member - Richter. Her fate is sealed when she becomes pregnant and attempts to hide her son from him
In 1994 in Argentina, following the death of her husband, Irena, decides the time has come for her to now find Richter and avenge her child
Firstly, thank you @bookouture & @netgalley for the advanced copy. Historical fiction set in this time period is by far my go to genre. Having not read Carly Shabowski’s work prior I was not sure what to expect.
I found the dual timeline a favourite feature of the book, and enjoyed trying to connect the dots between characters and particularly relished the way that was set up.
I did however, struggle to connect with Irena at times, and while I felt compassion for story and understood her need to retribution, I also failed to connect to her as a character or truly get immersed in her plight. I couldn’t emote to her, even her love for her husband seemed to be conveyed in a very abstract unemotional way.
Overall, 1 enjoyed reading this ARC, but it felt it just did not connect with me like other stories in the same time period do.
January 13, 2025
4.5 ⭐️
I loved this book! The characters were so well developed throughout the story, and I could really feel all of their emotions.
This book is a powerful testament to the incredible lengths one would go for the ones they love, showing how far you’d push yourself, sacrificing your own needs, dreams, and desires for their happiness and safety. It’s a raw portrayal of selflessness, a heart-wrenching reminder that love isn’t just about receiving but about putting others first—even when it costs you everything. The journey within these pages takes you on an emotional quest of selfless giving—sacrificing everything without expecting anything in return—and shows how passion and commitment can drive us to do the unimaginable.
While it may not have been a perfect 5-star read for me, I really enjoyed it, and it’s definitely going to stay with me!
I loved this book! The characters were so well developed throughout the story, and I could really feel all of their emotions.
This book is a powerful testament to the incredible lengths one would go for the ones they love, showing how far you’d push yourself, sacrificing your own needs, dreams, and desires for their happiness and safety. It’s a raw portrayal of selflessness, a heart-wrenching reminder that love isn’t just about receiving but about putting others first—even when it costs you everything. The journey within these pages takes you on an emotional quest of selfless giving—sacrificing everything without expecting anything in return—and shows how passion and commitment can drive us to do the unimaginable.
While it may not have been a perfect 5-star read for me, I really enjoyed it, and it’s definitely going to stay with me!
April 10, 2024
The Winter Child is both heartbreaking and beautiful. The story alternates between past and present and the plight of Irena during the Nazi invasion of Poland. She was forced to comply with a Nazi’s demands of sex and brutality in order to save the lives of those she loved. When she became pregnant by this man, her life was forever changed. She was unable to save her child from one last act of cruelty and inhumanity at the hands of this monster, but she never gave up on seeking revenge.
This story will tug at your heartstrings and you will fall in love with Irena, just as I did. I highly recommend this 5-star book to anyone who loves historical fiction. Thank you, NetGalley and Bookouture for the advanced reader copy.
This story will tug at your heartstrings and you will fall in love with Irena, just as I did. I highly recommend this 5-star book to anyone who loves historical fiction. Thank you, NetGalley and Bookouture for the advanced reader copy.
May 7, 2024
A mother’s love story for her missing child is heart wrenching, sad, and beautiful all at the same time. The Winter Child by Carly Schabowski is a historical fiction that takes place during the WW2 time period. Carly did a wonderful job writing Irena’s story as first person point of view. I could not put the book down as I wanted to keep reading Irena’s story to find out if she ever finds her son. The Winter Child takes you on a journey from past to present which I enjoy bouncing back and forth in a storyline.
**Thank you NetGalley, Bookouture, and Carly Schabowski for an eARC of The Winter Child.
**Thank you NetGalley, Bookouture, and Carly Schabowski for an eARC of The Winter Child.
May 16, 2024
I love Carly’s books, and this one was no exception. I read it all in one day while I was working 🤫 This one was quite an emotional read. Granted, most books that have at least one timeline is during WWII are emotional, this one was on a different level. There are lots of TW in this one.
I enjoyed the multiple POVs. I felt so deeply for Irena. Herr Richter spent years tormenting her, both physically and mentally. I can’t imagine the suffering she endured, even after the war. The dual timeline gave us the opportunity to see Irena as an old woman also.
Thank you NetGalley and Bookouture for my ARC of this book.
I enjoyed the multiple POVs. I felt so deeply for Irena. Herr Richter spent years tormenting her, both physically and mentally. I can’t imagine the suffering she endured, even after the war. The dual timeline gave us the opportunity to see Irena as an old woman also.
Thank you NetGalley and Bookouture for my ARC of this book.
May 19, 2024
Thank you NetGalley and Bookouture!
The Winter Child is the story of Irena, a young girl who is forced to become a young woman due to horrific circumstances.
Written in multiple perspectives and dual timelines, it allows us to see the struggle from the beginning. We see Irena as a young girl all the way into Irena in old age, still trying to cope with the atrocities that were committed.
I could not put this book down. I felt I was on a journey with a friend, and I had to stick with her until the end. Carly Schabowski has written an amazing and heart-wrenching tale of family, loyalty, friendship, and strength, which is sure to take you on an emotional roller coaster.
The Winter Child is the story of Irena, a young girl who is forced to become a young woman due to horrific circumstances.
Written in multiple perspectives and dual timelines, it allows us to see the struggle from the beginning. We see Irena as a young girl all the way into Irena in old age, still trying to cope with the atrocities that were committed.
I could not put this book down. I felt I was on a journey with a friend, and I had to stick with her until the end. Carly Schabowski has written an amazing and heart-wrenching tale of family, loyalty, friendship, and strength, which is sure to take you on an emotional roller coaster.
April 24, 2024
What an emotional, heart wrenching read. The story follows Irena and her friends and family and what happened to her during WW2 and now 50 years later. Parts of this nearly made me cry, parts had my heart breaking and parts had my heart so full. Beautifully written and I adored the characters and felt I really knew them and felt their pain and suffering. I would love to know more about Anna and what she went through during the war. If you like the Tattooist of Auschwitz and similar then this is definitely a book you will enjoy 🫶🏻
May 7, 2024
The Winter Child is about Irene, friends and family but it also is about what happened to her during WW2 and then 50 years later. This book was such an emotional read that had me turning pages till the very end. The author wrote this so beautifully and I loved every character in this book. I enjoyed this book a lot and would recommend this book to any reader who loves historical fiction. Thank you to NetGalley and Bookouture for this ARC read in exchange of my honest review of The Winter Child.
May 13, 2024
This is my first time reading Carly Schabowski and it was a great experience. The subject matter is sad but the story is well written. Irena lives in fear of Nazis during the war. She tries to protect her friends and family but the circumstances keep getting worse and worse. The timeframe alternates from Irena's past and present life. If you like historical fiction, The Winter Child is worth reading. Thank you NetGalley and Bookouture for a copy of this book. I was happy to have the chance to read it.
May 16, 2024
From the very first page, Schabowski immerses readers in the chilling atmosphere of a small Polish town under the shadow of war. Irena's struggle to support her family while navigating the dangers of serving Nazi officers at the local hotel is depicted with haunting realism. The palpable tension of living under constant fear, especially of the menacing Gestapo officer Richter, keeps the reader on edge, eagerly turning pages. Such a beautiful, yet heartbreaking, read perfect for anyone who loves stories about courage and resilience.
June 27, 2024
Poland 1943, its people are slaves to the German’s who occupy their country. They have no choice and do anything to survive. The Winter Child, by Carly Schabowski is written in dual timelines it tells a story of loss, revenge, survival, love, friendship and sacrifice. It was a little slow as it built the story, however became unputdownable novel with a beautiful ending. 4 stars
I would like to thank Bookouture, NetGalley and the author for the opportunity to read this complimentary copy for an honest review. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
#TheWinterChild #NetGalley
I would like to thank Bookouture, NetGalley and the author for the opportunity to read this complimentary copy for an honest review. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
#TheWinterChild #NetGalley
July 2, 2024
I was asked to review this book by NetGalley
Wow what an emotional story set in Zakopane,Poland during the second world war, the sadness, the questions why and the monsters who were the Nazis. This book is also about survival. Irena becomes pregnant to a high ranking Gestapo member and then the attempts to hide her son from him.
In dual times the book explore in 1994 in Argentina Irena husband died and she then decides to find the Gestapo member and avenge her child.
I could not put this book down compelling till the end.
Wow what an emotional story set in Zakopane,Poland during the second world war, the sadness, the questions why and the monsters who were the Nazis. This book is also about survival. Irena becomes pregnant to a high ranking Gestapo member and then the attempts to hide her son from him.
In dual times the book explore in 1994 in Argentina Irena husband died and she then decides to find the Gestapo member and avenge her child.
I could not put this book down compelling till the end.
April 22, 2024
A well researched historical fiction novel that will give you many emotional reactions/feelings about WW2.
It took me a while to get drawn into the story, as it alternates between past and present, but once I did, I was trapped. I was drawn to Irena's life story and had to see what her plan was.
4.5⭐️
Thank you, NetGalley and Bookouture, for the ARC.
It took me a while to get drawn into the story, as it alternates between past and present, but once I did, I was trapped. I was drawn to Irena's life story and had to see what her plan was.
4.5⭐️
Thank you, NetGalley and Bookouture, for the ARC.
April 8, 2025
Irena's life in occupied Poland is filled with fear and pain. In the years that follow she has one thought keeping her going: revenge against the vicious Nazi that ruined her life. Fifty years later she tracks him down in Argentina.
A story set in one of the darkest times in history, this was a compelling read.
A story set in one of the darkest times in history, this was a compelling read.
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