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A Promise to My Sister
Auschwitz, 1943. I cradle my little sister’s feverish body and weep silently in the darkness. “I love you,” I whisper, “Remember, tomorrow we’re free.” And I know in my heart that whatever it takes, I will find a way out of here—for me, and for my sister…
At the imposing iron gates of Auschwitz, twenty-one-year-old Hodaya clings to her mama and papa, her little sister Bayla’s arms around her waist. But when Hodaya is sent one way and her parents the other, a plea to keep her sister safe is the last thing in her mother’s eyes. Hodaya makes a silent promise in return.
But Auschwitz is no place for a little girl, and keeping Bayla safe takes every ounce of Hodaya’s strength. She hates watching the spark in her little sister’s eyes dull, and as she hands over her daily rations of watery soup and stale bread to keep Bayla fed, she feels herself weakening by the second. But she vows to find a way out, even if it means sacrificing the young woman she once was.
Admiring the bravery of other prisoners’ revolts and imagining a world in which she joins in, Hodaya battles between her determination to save Bayla and mounting despair. But in the end, it’s the most unlikely person who reminds her to dare to Alaric, a German soldier. As desperate hunger closes in, Alaric draws a parcel of warm food from a satchel and offers it to Hodaya—his expression guarded, blue eyes troubled, but his hand steady.
But can Hodaya trust a stranger, particularly a German? And as sickness takes hold of Bayla, is it already too late to keep her promise to keep Bayla safe—or will the last ounce of hope in her heart lead to an escape from the darkest of places?
A breath-taking, gut-wrenching World War Two page-turner which will tear your heart apart at the same time it restores your faith in the power of love, family and sisterhood to triumph over evil. Perfect for fans of The Midwife of Auschwitz, The Choice and The Tattooist of Auschwitz.
At the imposing iron gates of Auschwitz, twenty-one-year-old Hodaya clings to her mama and papa, her little sister Bayla’s arms around her waist. But when Hodaya is sent one way and her parents the other, a plea to keep her sister safe is the last thing in her mother’s eyes. Hodaya makes a silent promise in return.
But Auschwitz is no place for a little girl, and keeping Bayla safe takes every ounce of Hodaya’s strength. She hates watching the spark in her little sister’s eyes dull, and as she hands over her daily rations of watery soup and stale bread to keep Bayla fed, she feels herself weakening by the second. But she vows to find a way out, even if it means sacrificing the young woman she once was.
Admiring the bravery of other prisoners’ revolts and imagining a world in which she joins in, Hodaya battles between her determination to save Bayla and mounting despair. But in the end, it’s the most unlikely person who reminds her to dare to Alaric, a German soldier. As desperate hunger closes in, Alaric draws a parcel of warm food from a satchel and offers it to Hodaya—his expression guarded, blue eyes troubled, but his hand steady.
But can Hodaya trust a stranger, particularly a German? And as sickness takes hold of Bayla, is it already too late to keep her promise to keep Bayla safe—or will the last ounce of hope in her heart lead to an escape from the darkest of places?
A breath-taking, gut-wrenching World War Two page-turner which will tear your heart apart at the same time it restores your faith in the power of love, family and sisterhood to triumph over evil. Perfect for fans of The Midwife of Auschwitz, The Choice and The Tattooist of Auschwitz.
346 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 29, 2024
651 people are currently reading
459 people want to read
About the author
S.E. Rutledge
4 books27 followersSavannah Rutledge was born and raised in Mariposa, California – a rural, historical town at the gateway of Yosemite, USA. Her passion lies in writing historical fiction and romance. Even as a little girl, she loved telling stories and bringing her imagination to life through words and art. She wrote her first story when she was seven. Her debut novel, a World War Two story that follows two sisters to the gates of Auschwitz, A Promise to My Sister, was published in August of 2024. Her second novel, another World War Two story of love and resistance in Paris, The Girl Who Saved Them, was published in February of 2025.
When not immersed in a book or her writing, she enjoys the flute, beadwork, portrait drawing, and baking. She draws much of her inspiration from music and a longtime fascination with history.
When not immersed in a book or her writing, she enjoys the flute, beadwork, portrait drawing, and baking. She draws much of her inspiration from music and a longtime fascination with history.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 53 reviews
August 29, 2024
Thank you to NetGalley and Bookouture for the ARC (Advance Reader Copy) of A Promise to My Sister By S.E. Rutledge. This is my first book by this author. It was an enjoyable read that was well written and researched. The story was an emotional one, one of bravery, courage, determination and love, torture, sacrifice, and the will to live. Such a powerful book that should be read by everyone. I did find the chapters to jump around a bit too much for my liking, but it was a good book even with that criticism. I gave it a 4 star rating.
August 25, 2024
I wish I could give this book more than 5 stars. A Promise to My Sister deserves far beyond 5 stars. Often times on the covers of WWII novels, you see the term unputdownable, and often times, those books are. But this. . . This book is the true definition of unputdownable. It is the book that kept me up into the late hours of the night and the book that I found myself picking up to read at every chance of free time I got.
In the autumn of 1943, twenty year old Hodaya and her family are crammed into cattle trains from their hometown of Bochnia ,Poland and shipped off to Auschwitz. Upon arrival, Hodaya's family is split up, her parents to the left, and she and her 10 year old sister Bayla to the right. As Hodaya's family is ripped apart, she realizes she has one goal: to keep Bayla alive no matter what. Hodaya and Bayla face unfathomable atrocities in Auschwitz and in the darkest of places, a small, sliver of hope appears in the form of a man, Alaric, with deep blue eyes that wears a uniform as gray as the darkest thunderstorm. Hodaya finds herself at a crossroad: trust this strange man, or risk imminent death for herself and Bayla.
I was shocked to find out that this is S.E Rutledge's debut novel - because the writing was impeccable, flawless, and utterly captivating on every single page of this book. I was certain I was reading a novel written by someone who has spent an entire career writing novels like this. I am very eager to read more work from S.E. Rutledge in the future. Rutledge grabbed the attention of my mind and heart as she told the story of Hodaya and Bayla. She described each emotion, situation, and feeling felt by Hodaya so brilliantly that I felt the emotion through the pages of the book. I also think that Rutledge did a phenomenal job at showcasing the psychological aspect of what the prisoners of Auschwitz went through during the war and for decades after in this novel. This book will pull at your heartstrings, use up an enormous amount of tissues, and show you a different side of WWII that is not often shared.
I felt like I was transported back in time while reading this book. As the author describes each thing Hodaya saw, smelt, touched, experienced, and felt - it was as if I was there, too. She truly brought the story alive in every way possible - and gave a beautiful tribute to those who were victims of Auschwitz. She showcased their grit, determination, bravery, heroism, love, and spirit to never give up and to fight for those they loved.
In the autumn of 1943, twenty year old Hodaya and her family are crammed into cattle trains from their hometown of Bochnia ,Poland and shipped off to Auschwitz. Upon arrival, Hodaya's family is split up, her parents to the left, and she and her 10 year old sister Bayla to the right. As Hodaya's family is ripped apart, she realizes she has one goal: to keep Bayla alive no matter what. Hodaya and Bayla face unfathomable atrocities in Auschwitz and in the darkest of places, a small, sliver of hope appears in the form of a man, Alaric, with deep blue eyes that wears a uniform as gray as the darkest thunderstorm. Hodaya finds herself at a crossroad: trust this strange man, or risk imminent death for herself and Bayla.
I was shocked to find out that this is S.E Rutledge's debut novel - because the writing was impeccable, flawless, and utterly captivating on every single page of this book. I was certain I was reading a novel written by someone who has spent an entire career writing novels like this. I am very eager to read more work from S.E. Rutledge in the future. Rutledge grabbed the attention of my mind and heart as she told the story of Hodaya and Bayla. She described each emotion, situation, and feeling felt by Hodaya so brilliantly that I felt the emotion through the pages of the book. I also think that Rutledge did a phenomenal job at showcasing the psychological aspect of what the prisoners of Auschwitz went through during the war and for decades after in this novel. This book will pull at your heartstrings, use up an enormous amount of tissues, and show you a different side of WWII that is not often shared.
I felt like I was transported back in time while reading this book. As the author describes each thing Hodaya saw, smelt, touched, experienced, and felt - it was as if I was there, too. She truly brought the story alive in every way possible - and gave a beautiful tribute to those who were victims of Auschwitz. She showcased their grit, determination, bravery, heroism, love, and spirit to never give up and to fight for those they loved.
August 28, 2024
Hodaya is only twenty one and she and her family are shoved into cattle cars from their hometown of Bochina, Poland and headed to Auschwitz. She clings to her parents for life while her little sister Bayla holds on tight to her. Once they arrive at the horrible place of Auschwitz, Hodaya and Bayla are immediately separated from their parents. Hodaya promises her sister that no matter what, no matter what the cost, she will always protect her and keep her safe. When Alaric, a German soldier offers Hodaya food from his satchel, she wonders if she can trust him. Bayla becomes ill and Hodaya feels as if she has failed her little sister. Can they escape or is it too late?
A Promise to My Sister, written by author S.E. Rutledge is a phenomenal story of sacrifice for your family, determination to survive and never losing faith. I was completely engrossed in this story from the very first page. There wasn’t a page that was turned that didn’t leave a tear fall down my cheek. I loved everything about this book from cover to cover. It broke my heart but then put it back together again. This unputdownable book is a favorite read on my list this year. I am stunned that this is a debut book for this author. Rutledge writes well beyond her years and the research and facts she wrote into her story is phenomenal. This author is automatically on my auto buy list. I look forward to reading many more stories from her. Don’t pass up this wonderful book, but keep your Kleenex box close because you will need it for sure. Definitely one of the best books I have ever read. If I could give a ten star rating, it wouldn’t be enough. I highly recommend this book.
A Promise to My Sister, written by author S.E. Rutledge is a phenomenal story of sacrifice for your family, determination to survive and never losing faith. I was completely engrossed in this story from the very first page. There wasn’t a page that was turned that didn’t leave a tear fall down my cheek. I loved everything about this book from cover to cover. It broke my heart but then put it back together again. This unputdownable book is a favorite read on my list this year. I am stunned that this is a debut book for this author. Rutledge writes well beyond her years and the research and facts she wrote into her story is phenomenal. This author is automatically on my auto buy list. I look forward to reading many more stories from her. Don’t pass up this wonderful book, but keep your Kleenex box close because you will need it for sure. Definitely one of the best books I have ever read. If I could give a ten star rating, it wouldn’t be enough. I highly recommend this book.
June 30, 2024
Thank you to NetGalley and Bookouture for providing this book, with my honest review below.
A Promise to My Sister looks at the loss of faith and desire to live when humans are put through the worst kind of torture - applied by others - but with it how the will to live can be sustained by our love of family and the conflicting kindness of those we should hate.
Hodaya and Balya are two sisters, starting out as 17 and 6, respectively, when the series of events in the book starts. As Jews in Poland the book describes their lives just before Nazi occupation, through their time in the Bochnia Ghetto, to their final destination during occupation, Auschwitz-Birkenau. Separated from their family and trying desperately to survive with their friends, Hodaya makes a promise to herself to keep Balya alive at all costs. That promise is tested time and again as their friends perish and they experience untenable horror. Hodaya is somewhat sustained by the kindness of a German soldier with demons, Alric, and the majority of this book describes her time in the concentration camp and her certain death, with only chance and Alric at times helping her live another day.
This was a heartbreaking story that was well written and researched. I don’t know how Hodaya was able to survive each day when giving up and giving her sister the mercy of death sometimes seemed so much simpler and easier. Words can’t describe the terror and lack of humanity the sisters and their family and friends faced, but I encourage young adult readers especially to pick this up to understand a dark chapter of history through the eyes of those who were forced to grow up in ways no one should have to. While you don’t need to believe in a higher power to appreciate this book, the questioning of how or why a God may turn his back on his or her people and how a single person can survive the horror of memory are concepts I think are important to reflect on when thinking about the holocaust and other atrocities and realizing what people have undergone.
My only criticism in the story, though it’s a big one, is that at times I felt manipulated. Yes this isn’t the first book to play with the idea of kindness amongst those who commit the worst crimes (or are complicit to them) but Alric’s character, though explained, was hard to believe against the gut wrenching descriptions of Hodaya and Balya’s lives in the camp. The ending especially, while bringing closure, was especially representative of this in the lifting of burdens amongst other things.
I recommend this book for the well researched and vivid writing of a horrible and painful event and the study of what it does to the victims.
A Promise to My Sister looks at the loss of faith and desire to live when humans are put through the worst kind of torture - applied by others - but with it how the will to live can be sustained by our love of family and the conflicting kindness of those we should hate.
Hodaya and Balya are two sisters, starting out as 17 and 6, respectively, when the series of events in the book starts. As Jews in Poland the book describes their lives just before Nazi occupation, through their time in the Bochnia Ghetto, to their final destination during occupation, Auschwitz-Birkenau. Separated from their family and trying desperately to survive with their friends, Hodaya makes a promise to herself to keep Balya alive at all costs. That promise is tested time and again as their friends perish and they experience untenable horror. Hodaya is somewhat sustained by the kindness of a German soldier with demons, Alric, and the majority of this book describes her time in the concentration camp and her certain death, with only chance and Alric at times helping her live another day.
This was a heartbreaking story that was well written and researched. I don’t know how Hodaya was able to survive each day when giving up and giving her sister the mercy of death sometimes seemed so much simpler and easier. Words can’t describe the terror and lack of humanity the sisters and their family and friends faced, but I encourage young adult readers especially to pick this up to understand a dark chapter of history through the eyes of those who were forced to grow up in ways no one should have to. While you don’t need to believe in a higher power to appreciate this book, the questioning of how or why a God may turn his back on his or her people and how a single person can survive the horror of memory are concepts I think are important to reflect on when thinking about the holocaust and other atrocities and realizing what people have undergone.
My only criticism in the story, though it’s a big one, is that at times I felt manipulated. Yes this isn’t the first book to play with the idea of kindness amongst those who commit the worst crimes (or are complicit to them) but Alric’s character, though explained, was hard to believe against the gut wrenching descriptions of Hodaya and Balya’s lives in the camp. The ending especially, while bringing closure, was especially representative of this in the lifting of burdens amongst other things.
I recommend this book for the well researched and vivid writing of a horrible and painful event and the study of what it does to the victims.
August 16, 2025
Beveik vieną po kitos ėmiau Sofoklio naujienas antrojo pasaulinio karo tema ir man ši patiko labiau nei Ellie Midwood knyga. Tai istorija apie Hodają ir jos šeimą, kilusią iš Bochnios Lenkijoje. Ir apie jų "kelionę" iki Aušvico.
Siužetas tikrai nėra išskirtinis - žydų šeima, Lenkijos getas, Aušvicas su visais baisumais ir išsigelbėjimas, kuris nebūtų įvykęs be vokiečių karininko, nukentėjusio nuo karo ir nekenčiančio Vokietijos. Skaitant daug vietų tikrai buvo girdėtos, gal todėl ir žiaurumai taip nebetrikdė kaip pirmaisiais kartais.
Tačiau pavadinimas išduoda, kad tai istorija apie seseris. Hodajos pasiryžimas kovoti dėl sesės ir saugoti ją taip lyg būtų dukra buvo tikrai išskirtinis. Atvykus į Aušvicą ir netekus abiejų tėvų, sesės tarsi sulipo į vieną ir Hodaja aršiai skynė abiem kelią iki išsilaivinimo. Beribė meilė ir žmonių gerumas šioje pragaru vadinamoje vietoje - vieninteliai dalykai padėję išgyventi.
Nors iki maximumo ir pritrūko, tikiu, kad mažiau knygų skaitantys šia tema be abejonės mėgausis puikiu kūriniu. Aš taip pat mėgavausi.
Siužetas tikrai nėra išskirtinis - žydų šeima, Lenkijos getas, Aušvicas su visais baisumais ir išsigelbėjimas, kuris nebūtų įvykęs be vokiečių karininko, nukentėjusio nuo karo ir nekenčiančio Vokietijos. Skaitant daug vietų tikrai buvo girdėtos, gal todėl ir žiaurumai taip nebetrikdė kaip pirmaisiais kartais.
Tačiau pavadinimas išduoda, kad tai istorija apie seseris. Hodajos pasiryžimas kovoti dėl sesės ir saugoti ją taip lyg būtų dukra buvo tikrai išskirtinis. Atvykus į Aušvicą ir netekus abiejų tėvų, sesės tarsi sulipo į vieną ir Hodaja aršiai skynė abiem kelią iki išsilaivinimo. Beribė meilė ir žmonių gerumas šioje pragaru vadinamoje vietoje - vieninteliai dalykai padėję išgyventi.
Nors iki maximumo ir pritrūko, tikiu, kad mažiau knygų skaitantys šia tema be abejonės mėgausis puikiu kūriniu. Aš taip pat mėgavausi.
January 28, 2026
S.E. Rutledge "Pažadas seseriai" S.E. Rutledge "Pažadas seseriai" 🤎koncentracijos stovykla, dvi seserys ir neišsenkanti viltis išgyventi.
Apie Aušvicą išgyvenusius esu skaičiusi nemažai istorijų, kiekviena jų mane paliečia, sujaudina ir įkvepia.
Kiekvieną kartą stebiuosi, kiek žmonės gali pakelti. Ši istorija apie dvi seseris: dvidešimt dvejų Hodają ir dešimtmetę Beilą. Joms kaip ir kitiems, teko išgyventi netektis, sunkų ir kankinantį darbą, šaltį, ligas ir kovą dėl menkiausių dalykų, kaip batai ar antklodė.
Ši knyga parodo, kiek daug galime padaryti dėl artimųjų, Hodaja darė viską, ką reikėjo, kad jos jaunesnioji sesutė išgyventų. Bet be pagalbos neapsėjo, jas nuo pat pradžių, kiek galėjo, globojo esesisininkas - Alarikas. Ar gali užgimti draugystė tarp priešų?
Rekomenduoju tiems, kas mėgsta Aušvico tematiką ir istoriją
Apie Aušvicą išgyvenusius esu skaičiusi nemažai istorijų, kiekviena jų mane paliečia, sujaudina ir įkvepia.
Kiekvieną kartą stebiuosi, kiek žmonės gali pakelti. Ši istorija apie dvi seseris: dvidešimt dvejų Hodają ir dešimtmetę Beilą. Joms kaip ir kitiems, teko išgyventi netektis, sunkų ir kankinantį darbą, šaltį, ligas ir kovą dėl menkiausių dalykų, kaip batai ar antklodė.
Ši knyga parodo, kiek daug galime padaryti dėl artimųjų, Hodaja darė viską, ką reikėjo, kad jos jaunesnioji sesutė išgyventų. Bet be pagalbos neapsėjo, jas nuo pat pradžių, kiek galėjo, globojo esesisininkas - Alarikas. Ar gali užgimti draugystė tarp priešų?
Rekomenduoju tiems, kas mėgsta Aušvico tematiką ir istoriją
September 23, 2024
Thank you @bookouture for my stop on the book tour of A Promise to My Sister by S.E. Rutledge.
I am a huge fan of historical fiction and A Promise to my Sister is definitely one of the best HF books I’ve read. It is a story that deeply touched me and soon won’t forget.
A Promise To My Sister follows the journey of Hodaya and her Jewish family living in Poland during World War 2. They are deported to Auschwitz where upon arrival the family is separated. Two sisters are now alone in Auschwitz without the protection and safety of their parents. Clinging to her little sister, 21 year old Hodaya makes a promise that she will do whatever it takes to ensure Bayla survives. The sisters endure unspeakable horrors, hardships, pain and suffering yet Hodaya never gives up. She makes huge sacrifices to try and honour her promise. But is it enough? Will they both survive? Will they escape the evil that is Auschwitz and be reunited with their family again? No spoilers from me. You absolutely have to read this book.
Of note, A Promise to my Sister is S.E. Rutledge’s debut novel. I was shocked that a first time author can write a book of this calibre. The book was full of vivid descriptions, raw emotion and well researched facts and details. A heartbreaking yet triumphant novel that I will never forget.
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Publish Date: aug 29
I am a huge fan of historical fiction and A Promise to my Sister is definitely one of the best HF books I’ve read. It is a story that deeply touched me and soon won’t forget.
A Promise To My Sister follows the journey of Hodaya and her Jewish family living in Poland during World War 2. They are deported to Auschwitz where upon arrival the family is separated. Two sisters are now alone in Auschwitz without the protection and safety of their parents. Clinging to her little sister, 21 year old Hodaya makes a promise that she will do whatever it takes to ensure Bayla survives. The sisters endure unspeakable horrors, hardships, pain and suffering yet Hodaya never gives up. She makes huge sacrifices to try and honour her promise. But is it enough? Will they both survive? Will they escape the evil that is Auschwitz and be reunited with their family again? No spoilers from me. You absolutely have to read this book.
Of note, A Promise to my Sister is S.E. Rutledge’s debut novel. I was shocked that a first time author can write a book of this calibre. The book was full of vivid descriptions, raw emotion and well researched facts and details. A heartbreaking yet triumphant novel that I will never forget.
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Publish Date: aug 29
December 6, 2025
Kažkaip šiaip sau… Vėl eilinį sykį visas įdomumas likus 50 puslapių… Turbūt jau tiek to Aušvico skaičiusi, kad niekas nebenustebina…
September 3, 2024
A Promise to my Sister is the very impressive debut novel from S.E. Rutledge. No matter how many historical fiction books that I read set during World War Two they never fail to have a deep and lasting impact on me. As they say, they may be gone but they will never be forgotten and this story is testament to this. This is a powerful, heart-breaking and emotive read. The heroine Hodaya becomes a character full of strength, resilience and courage despite her faith and trust in God wavering and being severely tested for all the degradation, humiliation and torture that she is put through.
A brief prologue set in Bochina, Poland, introduces us to a woman who has never spoken of the hardships that she has endured. All her memories and the events of the war have been smothered and she is desperate to move on and forget but she can’t. Who is this woman and what has happened to her? Even from the brief page or two of the prologue there is a dark and depressing atmosphere and a sense of so much that occurred that can’t be repaired or erased from memory. It entices the reader to read on and get stuck into the story proper.
The story then goes back in time to August 1939 and we meet Hodaya and her young sister Bayla and her parents who live in Poland. The family are Jewish and have struggled to get by but they are united by their strong love for one another. We gain an insight into life before the invasion of Poland by the Germans. We learn that Hodaya loves to paint but has quit school to work in a diner to earn some money for the family. Here is where she meets Naomi who becomes like a second sister to her. But the Germans are drawing ever near and when they reach the city and war is declared the lives of Hodaya and her family are irreplaceably changed forever. Bayla is only 11 when the order to leave the ghetto arrives and after enduring several years of rules and regulations all because of their religion the family are packed away along with Naomi on cattle trains bound for Auschwitz.
As a reader you know the unspeakable horrors that occurred there but for the characters it’s all new and you feel desperation, sadness and anger at what you know will be in store for them. Men and women are segregated and her parents are sent to the side that no one wishes to go to. Hodaya has to take on a new role as mother to Bayala who should not be with her in this particular section of the camp but as the title suggest she makes a promise to her sister and to those she could not save that she will do everything in her power to protect Bayla until she no longer has the chance to.
Throughout her experiences and the more suffering that ensues and the depths the human soul and physical body are plunged to the more Hodaya believes God has turned away from them. Who would let this happen to them? You wonder this yourself as this still happens today. This aspect of the book would make a great debate for a book club. You feel every bit of the misery, anguish, resentment and despondence that builds within Hodaya but she must battle on. Her ingenuity is to be admired despite her broken soul being tormented. The character of Alaric as mentioned in the blurb is a divisive one. Can one person fighting on behalf of Hitler view Jews as human as his leader does not? I would have loved even more exploration of his character as I felt we barely scratched the surface. But on reflection there couldn’t have been too much of a focus on him as he was a guard and Hodaya a prisoner and if he was found doing what he did to aid people than the worst fate would befall everyone despite all that they had already endured.
The first few chapters I found to be a bit all over the place in that the timeline jumped around as there were chapters detailing their lives in the weeks pre war, then chapters regarding the family’s transport to Auschwitz and amidst that chapters concerning the families incarceration in the ghetto. I would have preferred a straightforward timeline from the get-go rather from a point further on in the book as it made things feel disjointed and difficult for me to settle into the book. But when the timeline followed a more regular pattern this is where the book really took off for me. The writing just got better and better and rarely if ever does a book bring me to tears but towards the end I was fighting them back.
The imagery, the words used to convey sentiments and feelings regarding the situation were all excellent and so profound at times. I would have stopped and reread passages and taken further time to absorb them only for the fact that I was eager to keep reading to see what was going to happen. The author doesn’t just describe what Hodaya and Bayala went through at the camp she lives and breathes every moment of their time trapped behind the walls and brutal of a prison that should never have been established. It’s a real sensory read at times. The themes of ones faith and the capacity for survival when amidst excruciating conditions are hammered home through fantastic writing and the reader questions everything in the same manner as Hodaya.
With A Promise to my Sister I was expecting a typical read in the WW2 genre. I say typical because I read so much in this genre and at times I feel I have read it all can there be anything new brought to a genre that can become over saturated? But here the author has excelled herself and Hodaya and her bravery, determination and defiance shine through. Those many victims of Auschwitz and so many other camps will not be forgotten with storytelling and writing the likes of this and if this is what the author is writing for a debut I can only imagine what she will write in the future. A compelling, thought provoking read that I would highly recommend.
A brief prologue set in Bochina, Poland, introduces us to a woman who has never spoken of the hardships that she has endured. All her memories and the events of the war have been smothered and she is desperate to move on and forget but she can’t. Who is this woman and what has happened to her? Even from the brief page or two of the prologue there is a dark and depressing atmosphere and a sense of so much that occurred that can’t be repaired or erased from memory. It entices the reader to read on and get stuck into the story proper.
The story then goes back in time to August 1939 and we meet Hodaya and her young sister Bayla and her parents who live in Poland. The family are Jewish and have struggled to get by but they are united by their strong love for one another. We gain an insight into life before the invasion of Poland by the Germans. We learn that Hodaya loves to paint but has quit school to work in a diner to earn some money for the family. Here is where she meets Naomi who becomes like a second sister to her. But the Germans are drawing ever near and when they reach the city and war is declared the lives of Hodaya and her family are irreplaceably changed forever. Bayla is only 11 when the order to leave the ghetto arrives and after enduring several years of rules and regulations all because of their religion the family are packed away along with Naomi on cattle trains bound for Auschwitz.
As a reader you know the unspeakable horrors that occurred there but for the characters it’s all new and you feel desperation, sadness and anger at what you know will be in store for them. Men and women are segregated and her parents are sent to the side that no one wishes to go to. Hodaya has to take on a new role as mother to Bayala who should not be with her in this particular section of the camp but as the title suggest she makes a promise to her sister and to those she could not save that she will do everything in her power to protect Bayla until she no longer has the chance to.
Throughout her experiences and the more suffering that ensues and the depths the human soul and physical body are plunged to the more Hodaya believes God has turned away from them. Who would let this happen to them? You wonder this yourself as this still happens today. This aspect of the book would make a great debate for a book club. You feel every bit of the misery, anguish, resentment and despondence that builds within Hodaya but she must battle on. Her ingenuity is to be admired despite her broken soul being tormented. The character of Alaric as mentioned in the blurb is a divisive one. Can one person fighting on behalf of Hitler view Jews as human as his leader does not? I would have loved even more exploration of his character as I felt we barely scratched the surface. But on reflection there couldn’t have been too much of a focus on him as he was a guard and Hodaya a prisoner and if he was found doing what he did to aid people than the worst fate would befall everyone despite all that they had already endured.
The first few chapters I found to be a bit all over the place in that the timeline jumped around as there were chapters detailing their lives in the weeks pre war, then chapters regarding the family’s transport to Auschwitz and amidst that chapters concerning the families incarceration in the ghetto. I would have preferred a straightforward timeline from the get-go rather from a point further on in the book as it made things feel disjointed and difficult for me to settle into the book. But when the timeline followed a more regular pattern this is where the book really took off for me. The writing just got better and better and rarely if ever does a book bring me to tears but towards the end I was fighting them back.
The imagery, the words used to convey sentiments and feelings regarding the situation were all excellent and so profound at times. I would have stopped and reread passages and taken further time to absorb them only for the fact that I was eager to keep reading to see what was going to happen. The author doesn’t just describe what Hodaya and Bayala went through at the camp she lives and breathes every moment of their time trapped behind the walls and brutal of a prison that should never have been established. It’s a real sensory read at times. The themes of ones faith and the capacity for survival when amidst excruciating conditions are hammered home through fantastic writing and the reader questions everything in the same manner as Hodaya.
With A Promise to my Sister I was expecting a typical read in the WW2 genre. I say typical because I read so much in this genre and at times I feel I have read it all can there be anything new brought to a genre that can become over saturated? But here the author has excelled herself and Hodaya and her bravery, determination and defiance shine through. Those many victims of Auschwitz and so many other camps will not be forgotten with storytelling and writing the likes of this and if this is what the author is writing for a debut I can only imagine what she will write in the future. A compelling, thought provoking read that I would highly recommend.
September 11, 2024
A powerful and emotional read
I want to start off by saying that I apologize for my late review. I didn’t want to rush through this book. Historical fiction is one of my favorite genre to read. This is by far a favorite and the characters I will never forget and hold close to my heart. I knew that I wanted to read this book based on the cover and the title alone. I went in to this book not wanting to know anything. I know this is the author first debut book. I do plan on reading and auto buying her books. I did end up buying my own ebook copy because I love this book and these characters so much. Yes this book came out August 29,2024 I highly recommend this book over and over again.
I respect and love Hodaya a 21 year old with her strength on protecting her sister. During the hardest time in the world during WWII. I can’t relate but I understand her feeling about God and the whys. The anger that she carried with her during those times in the camps. Watching her loved ones that she card about disappear. Hodaya is trying to hide everything about and where people are going from her sister. To keep her mind free and innocents. When one young SS solder is fighting his own battles and trying to make things right by himself and god. He is determined to keep these safe. Because he has change his ways of believing what he was taught for fight for.
If you are like me and love hearing and reading about the those hard times back then I highly recommend this book.
I want to end with that I felt at times when Hodaya was alone or fighting herself I was there wanting to dry her eyes. This didn’t feel like any other book I have read. It felt like a movie. And people I wanted to help. My reviews will be up everyone. Thank you to the author and netgalley from this opportunity to read again. A powerful and tearful book.
I want to start off by saying that I apologize for my late review. I didn’t want to rush through this book. Historical fiction is one of my favorite genre to read. This is by far a favorite and the characters I will never forget and hold close to my heart. I knew that I wanted to read this book based on the cover and the title alone. I went in to this book not wanting to know anything. I know this is the author first debut book. I do plan on reading and auto buying her books. I did end up buying my own ebook copy because I love this book and these characters so much. Yes this book came out August 29,2024 I highly recommend this book over and over again.
I respect and love Hodaya a 21 year old with her strength on protecting her sister. During the hardest time in the world during WWII. I can’t relate but I understand her feeling about God and the whys. The anger that she carried with her during those times in the camps. Watching her loved ones that she card about disappear. Hodaya is trying to hide everything about and where people are going from her sister. To keep her mind free and innocents. When one young SS solder is fighting his own battles and trying to make things right by himself and god. He is determined to keep these safe. Because he has change his ways of believing what he was taught for fight for.
If you are like me and love hearing and reading about the those hard times back then I highly recommend this book.
I want to end with that I felt at times when Hodaya was alone or fighting herself I was there wanting to dry her eyes. This didn’t feel like any other book I have read. It felt like a movie. And people I wanted to help. My reviews will be up everyone. Thank you to the author and netgalley from this opportunity to read again. A powerful and tearful book.
August 11, 2024
A Promise To My Sister by S E Rutledge is a powerful, heart breaking historical novel that was all consuming.
The novel begins in Poland in 1961 before going backwards to 1939. Along with the leading characters we ‘experience’ Nazi occupied Poland from the ghetto to Auschwitz. We ‘hear’ of the horrendous evil and wonder how anyone could survive hell on earth.
The leading characters are two sisters who mascaraed as mother and daughter. They need luck to survive, as well as finding little pockets of kindness amongst the depravity as we see that not all Germans were evil Nazis.
Hope is needed – a hope for a brighter tomorrow. “If we survive today, we will be free tomorrow” was uttered on a daily basis. Without hope, the people will perish.
Strength of character is seen. Remaining alive to tell the world of the great evil is a goal of some.
For others, clinging to God helped them to survive (and luck). “Why God saw fit to save our lives when so many hundreds of others were senselessly lost, I will never know.”
There were times when it felt like God had abandoned them. “Every whispered prayer to God has gone unanswered, and now, here, God has vanished.” God never leaves us alone, but in the terrible times of man’s inhumanity to man, we sometimes lose sight of Him but He never loses sight of us. “God if You are listening.” God heard and God wept.
There is a beautiful bond between the sisters. They have to survive for the sake of the other.
Even with the war ending, some minds never left the confines of Auschwitz. In order to move towards tomorrow, yesterday must be let go of.
This is such a powerful read that needs to be read in memory of the six million innocents who perished, and of those who survived.
I received a free copy from the publishers. A favourable review was not required. All opinions are my own.
The novel begins in Poland in 1961 before going backwards to 1939. Along with the leading characters we ‘experience’ Nazi occupied Poland from the ghetto to Auschwitz. We ‘hear’ of the horrendous evil and wonder how anyone could survive hell on earth.
The leading characters are two sisters who mascaraed as mother and daughter. They need luck to survive, as well as finding little pockets of kindness amongst the depravity as we see that not all Germans were evil Nazis.
Hope is needed – a hope for a brighter tomorrow. “If we survive today, we will be free tomorrow” was uttered on a daily basis. Without hope, the people will perish.
Strength of character is seen. Remaining alive to tell the world of the great evil is a goal of some.
For others, clinging to God helped them to survive (and luck). “Why God saw fit to save our lives when so many hundreds of others were senselessly lost, I will never know.”
There were times when it felt like God had abandoned them. “Every whispered prayer to God has gone unanswered, and now, here, God has vanished.” God never leaves us alone, but in the terrible times of man’s inhumanity to man, we sometimes lose sight of Him but He never loses sight of us. “God if You are listening.” God heard and God wept.
There is a beautiful bond between the sisters. They have to survive for the sake of the other.
Even with the war ending, some minds never left the confines of Auschwitz. In order to move towards tomorrow, yesterday must be let go of.
This is such a powerful read that needs to be read in memory of the six million innocents who perished, and of those who survived.
I received a free copy from the publishers. A favourable review was not required. All opinions are my own.
February 1, 2025
Hadoya has a happy life in Poland. Her mama and papa are loving, and she adores her little sister Bayla, seven years younger than she. Even though they can't afford luxuries or even extras, she dreams of a happy future.
Then, Germany invades Poland. Being a Jew, Hadoya's family escapes for a little while. They had to put up with three German soldiers taking up residence in their home, but they are nice soldiers, and because all of them, except Bayla, speak German, they are able to fool the soldiers. Then one day, Bayla gets excited and comes running into the room yelling something to her mom--in Yiddish. Suddenly, the soldiers realize they have been tricked. They tear apart the home and force Hadoya's family into the ghetto where they survive a bit over two years before being herded on a cattle train and sent to Auschwitz.
Immediately, mama, papa and Bayla are instructed to go to the left. They were too old and too young respectively to be of any use to the Nazi's. Hadoya fights for her sister's life by claiming to be her mother and insisting they be allowed to stay together. A kinder German officer comes over and lets them both go to the right. Hadoya watches as her mam and papa go left. She never saw them again.
Through sheer will and determination Hadoya makes a promise to Bayla that they will survive this ordeal. Can that happen without the help of the German officer who allowed them to stay together? Why would he want to do anything for Jews?
The story is gripping as Hadoya shares with readers gritty details of life in the Auschwitz camp. Her story will make you cry and cheer and hope that humanity will never again stoop so low.
Then, Germany invades Poland. Being a Jew, Hadoya's family escapes for a little while. They had to put up with three German soldiers taking up residence in their home, but they are nice soldiers, and because all of them, except Bayla, speak German, they are able to fool the soldiers. Then one day, Bayla gets excited and comes running into the room yelling something to her mom--in Yiddish. Suddenly, the soldiers realize they have been tricked. They tear apart the home and force Hadoya's family into the ghetto where they survive a bit over two years before being herded on a cattle train and sent to Auschwitz.
Immediately, mama, papa and Bayla are instructed to go to the left. They were too old and too young respectively to be of any use to the Nazi's. Hadoya fights for her sister's life by claiming to be her mother and insisting they be allowed to stay together. A kinder German officer comes over and lets them both go to the right. Hadoya watches as her mam and papa go left. She never saw them again.
Through sheer will and determination Hadoya makes a promise to Bayla that they will survive this ordeal. Can that happen without the help of the German officer who allowed them to stay together? Why would he want to do anything for Jews?
The story is gripping as Hadoya shares with readers gritty details of life in the Auschwitz camp. Her story will make you cry and cheer and hope that humanity will never again stoop so low.
August 13, 2024
A Promise to My Sister is a fantastic debut novel by S.E. Rutledge. The narrative follows Hodaya, who, along with her parents and her little sister Bayla, arrives at Auschwitz. In the sorting line, Hodaya is separated from her parents and is acutely aware that her sister's survival depends on her.. Determined to protect Bayla, it is at that moment she makes a promise to keep watch over her sister throughout the ordeal. The hardest thing that Hodaya has ever done is trying to keep her sister safe in the camp, but it is devastating to lose friends and family all while watching her sister quickly succumb to the camp's brutality.
The novel's portrayal of Hodaya's struggle is poignant and powerful, but it takes a hopeful turn with the introduction of Alaric, whose unexpected assistance becomes crucial to their survival.
It is remarkable that this is Rutledge's debut novel given the depth and complexity of the characters. This story evoked a full spectrum of emotions from laughter and tears to despair and hope. For readers seeking a historical fiction narrative that is both devastating and ultimately uplifting, A Promise to My Sister is a compelling choice. Just be sure to have a box of tissues nearby.
Thank you to NetGalley and Bookouture for the opportunity to read and review this advance review copy.
The novel's portrayal of Hodaya's struggle is poignant and powerful, but it takes a hopeful turn with the introduction of Alaric, whose unexpected assistance becomes crucial to their survival.
It is remarkable that this is Rutledge's debut novel given the depth and complexity of the characters. This story evoked a full spectrum of emotions from laughter and tears to despair and hope. For readers seeking a historical fiction narrative that is both devastating and ultimately uplifting, A Promise to My Sister is a compelling choice. Just be sure to have a box of tissues nearby.
Thank you to NetGalley and Bookouture for the opportunity to read and review this advance review copy.
September 6, 2024
In this heartbreaking yet heartwarming World War II historical fiction novel, readers follow sisters Hodaya and Bayla from the days of the German occupation and invasion of Poland to their imprisonment in Auschwitz. When they are separated from their parents, Hodaya promises to keep Bayla alive and safe (or as safe as she can) in the camp, even if it means she weakens over time. When help comes from an unlikely place (a German soldier named Alaric), Hodaya must grapple with how she will keep Bayla alive and if trusting someone else is worth it. With a powerful sisterly bond at the center of the narrative, these two characters are a force to be reckoned with as the heart of the story. Bayla is adorable, and Hodaya’s fierce protection of and devotion to her engages the reader with the narrative. With brutal details and a backdrop of Auschwitz, their relationship contrasts with the grimness of their setting in a way that highlights both aspects of the narrative. A powerful historical fiction novel with incredible characters, a haunting setting, and an emotional rollercoaster at its center, Rutledge’s latest book is incredibly moving, emotional and vibrant, and fans of the genre are sure to enjoy this book and Bayla and Hodaya’s bond.
Thanks to NetGalley and Bookouture for the advance copy.
Thanks to NetGalley and Bookouture for the advance copy.
July 17, 2025
"Juk galų gale - tik tai, kuo tikime, suteikia mūsų gyvenimui prasmės, tik tai nukreipia Dievą ir žmoniją doros arba niekšybės keliu."
Paskutiniu metu nemažai buvo mano skaitomų istorijų apie Aušvicą. Ir jau jaučiau, kad reikia jau stabdyti, nes darosi per daug šios temos. Tačiau dar ši sugundė, kad nauja autorė ir debiutinis kūrinys.
Istorija iškart įtraukė ir buvo sunku padėti knygą, nes rūpėjo sužinoti ar pavyko Hodajai ištesėti pažadą, t.y. išsaugoti sesę Aušvice. Tai istorija apie Hodają, kuriai netikėtai iš sesės teko tapti ir mama bei didžiulė atsakomybė.
Kartu istorija ir apie Aušvico žmones bei jų patirtus žiaurumus būnant ten, bandymus išlikti gyviems ir gauti kažką nors kažkiek geresnio, jei tik išeina. O kur dar ir pagalba kitiems, jei tik ir jie tau kažkuo padeda. O kur dar kartu paliktas "randas" po visko, po išvadavimo...
Ši istorija tokia gyva, kad rodos kas vyksta, ką jaučia, mato ir t.t. veikėjai, tai kartu ir tu pats tame dalyvauji, gyveni. Tai viena iš tų istorijų, kuriose puikiai parodomas Aušvicas bei kartu apie žmonių ryžtą, drąsą, pasiaukojimą bei stiprybę, o kur dar ir visas žiaurumas...
Šis kūrinys mane tiesiog pagavo ir nebepaleido. O tas eilėraštukas/dainelė mamos dainuojama vaikams, kurį laiką vis skambėjo...
Labai nekantriai lauksiu naujo kūrinio šios autorės.
Paskutiniu metu nemažai buvo mano skaitomų istorijų apie Aušvicą. Ir jau jaučiau, kad reikia jau stabdyti, nes darosi per daug šios temos. Tačiau dar ši sugundė, kad nauja autorė ir debiutinis kūrinys.
Istorija iškart įtraukė ir buvo sunku padėti knygą, nes rūpėjo sužinoti ar pavyko Hodajai ištesėti pažadą, t.y. išsaugoti sesę Aušvice. Tai istorija apie Hodają, kuriai netikėtai iš sesės teko tapti ir mama bei didžiulė atsakomybė.
Kartu istorija ir apie Aušvico žmones bei jų patirtus žiaurumus būnant ten, bandymus išlikti gyviems ir gauti kažką nors kažkiek geresnio, jei tik išeina. O kur dar ir pagalba kitiems, jei tik ir jie tau kažkuo padeda. O kur dar kartu paliktas "randas" po visko, po išvadavimo...
Ši istorija tokia gyva, kad rodos kas vyksta, ką jaučia, mato ir t.t. veikėjai, tai kartu ir tu pats tame dalyvauji, gyveni. Tai viena iš tų istorijų, kuriose puikiai parodomas Aušvicas bei kartu apie žmonių ryžtą, drąsą, pasiaukojimą bei stiprybę, o kur dar ir visas žiaurumas...
Šis kūrinys mane tiesiog pagavo ir nebepaleido. O tas eilėraštukas/dainelė mamos dainuojama vaikams, kurį laiką vis skambėjo...
Labai nekantriai lauksiu naujo kūrinio šios autorės.
August 30, 2024
A Promise to My Sister by S.E. Rutledge is a highly emotive, exceptional debut novel. As a reader, you would not believe that this is Rutledges irst novel, such is the excellent narrative, structure and flow. Rutledge has a profound ability to place you inside the story, experiencing every nuance, emotion and sensation. This book broke me, it had me in floods of tears by the end and as such, it is a story that must be shared
Hodaya and Bayla were separated from their parents at the entrance to Auschwitz. Hodaya catches a glimpse from her mothers eyes and she knew exactly what she was saying; "Take care of your little sister, I love you both". Auschwitz was no place for any human, let alone two children, yet Hodaya is determined to take care of her little sister, even as hope fades along with their descimation due to extreme starvation
This story is not just an account of the horrors of Auschwitz, it is a celebration of the hope, bravery and tenacity of the prisoners and those who would try to help them
Absolutely recommend
Thank you to Bookouture and S.E. Rutledge for this incredible ARC. My review is left voluntarily and all opinions are my own
Hodaya and Bayla were separated from their parents at the entrance to Auschwitz. Hodaya catches a glimpse from her mothers eyes and she knew exactly what she was saying; "Take care of your little sister, I love you both". Auschwitz was no place for any human, let alone two children, yet Hodaya is determined to take care of her little sister, even as hope fades along with their descimation due to extreme starvation
This story is not just an account of the horrors of Auschwitz, it is a celebration of the hope, bravery and tenacity of the prisoners and those who would try to help them
Absolutely recommend
Thank you to Bookouture and S.E. Rutledge for this incredible ARC. My review is left voluntarily and all opinions are my own
August 28, 2024
Wow. I can’t believe this is a debut novel. I enjoy historical fiction and this one didn’t disappoint. I absolutely loved it.
A heartbreaking WWII story set Poland 1943 following Hodaya and her sister Bayla as they are sent to Auschwitz. Separated from their parents Hodaya promises to keep her sister safe.
I was completely engrossed from the first page. I couldn’t put this book down. It’s an emotional rollercoaster of a read.
The writing is brilliantly captivating, poignant and powerful. The story really comes to life on the pages as the author describes every detail and you can feel yourself right there. With well written characters and a beautiful bond between the two sisters. Just brilliant.
Overall, an engaging, moving story. I definitely recommend this book. Fans of historical fiction will enjoy this.
I look forward to reading more from @s.e.rutledge in the future.
With thanks to #NetGallery and @bookouture for an arc of #APromiseToMySister in exchange for a honest review.
Book publishes 29 August 2024.
A heartbreaking WWII story set Poland 1943 following Hodaya and her sister Bayla as they are sent to Auschwitz. Separated from their parents Hodaya promises to keep her sister safe.
I was completely engrossed from the first page. I couldn’t put this book down. It’s an emotional rollercoaster of a read.
The writing is brilliantly captivating, poignant and powerful. The story really comes to life on the pages as the author describes every detail and you can feel yourself right there. With well written characters and a beautiful bond between the two sisters. Just brilliant.
Overall, an engaging, moving story. I definitely recommend this book. Fans of historical fiction will enjoy this.
I look forward to reading more from @s.e.rutledge in the future.
With thanks to #NetGallery and @bookouture for an arc of #APromiseToMySister in exchange for a honest review.
Book publishes 29 August 2024.
September 10, 2024
VERY powerful story! As soon as I started this book, I could not put it down. It's all I could think about. And I think I will continue to, and what all these people suffered it is so, so heartbreaking. Every page in this book is written with such description I could picture every moment as if I were watching a movie. I have never read a book that made me feel so many emotions. What a heartwrenching story of two sisters surviving the most unimaginable horrors. Hodaya, the oldest sister has so much strength and courage throughout to care for her little sister Bayla. She is what keeps her strength to push on another day, and another day. She has some help from someone you would least expect it from. I was on the edge of my seat alot. I found myself shouting with joy outloud a few times and many crys of sadness. This story is a scenario that very well could have happened in this horrific time in history. It really pulls on your heartstrings. I look forward to reading another book from this author.
August 9, 2024
A Promise to My Sister is a piece of historical fiction narrating the life of Hoday, her sister, Bayla, and their family (both by blood and found) as their lives change on the lead up to WW2, as it continues, and later on, decades after the war ends. Hodaya lives her life doing anything and everything she can to save her sister - her turmoil in undertaking this task becomes the focus of the story as they are taken to Auschwitz.
I was wary of this not sharing the true story of a prisoner but I feel as though the author did enough research to (mostly) portray an experience of the holocaust without romanticising it or making it unrealistic. It was a heartbreaking read and the writing itself was excellent.
An aspect of the book I respected was the reflection of the presence of a god or higher with everything the Nazis put innocent people through. The only qualm I have is the ending which made me feel uneasy.
ARC was provided by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
I was wary of this not sharing the true story of a prisoner but I feel as though the author did enough research to (mostly) portray an experience of the holocaust without romanticising it or making it unrealistic. It was a heartbreaking read and the writing itself was excellent.
An aspect of the book I respected was the reflection of the presence of a god or higher with everything the Nazis put innocent people through. The only qualm I have is the ending which made me feel uneasy.
ARC was provided by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
August 31, 2024
This story follows Hodaya and Bayla, and their family from Poland, who are Jewish, as things slowly change there after WWII. It takes us from their time in their homes, later on in the ghetto and their family is eventually sent to Auschwitz. Her parents are sent one way and she and her sister another as she works to save her sister and get her through hell on earth. She has a little help from one of the most unlikely of places.
The writer did an excellent job of drawing us into life in the camp. It was a very descriptive book of the darkest of times, with beautifully drawn characters. It did jump around in timelines a bit before they ended up in Auschwitz which was a little confusing for me. However, I thought the writer did a great job of writing a beautifully told story and I look forward to reading more from them.
Thanks to @bookouture, @netgalley and the author for this ARC
The writer did an excellent job of drawing us into life in the camp. It was a very descriptive book of the darkest of times, with beautifully drawn characters. It did jump around in timelines a bit before they ended up in Auschwitz which was a little confusing for me. However, I thought the writer did a great job of writing a beautifully told story and I look forward to reading more from them.
Thanks to @bookouture, @netgalley and the author for this ARC
August 30, 2024
This is my absolute favourite genre of book. World War II, and the Holocaust in particular is a special interest of mine. Added to that I know that Bookouture books are always worth a read. Now the downside to that is that I judge books set in this period extremely harshly, and it's almost impossible to get 5 stars from me. So my rating is a real testimony to how good this book was.
A Promise to my Sister tells the heartbreaking story of Hodaya and Bayla, Polish Jewish sisters who, along with their parents and an unimaginable number of others were sent to Auschwitz. Their exact story is fictional, but it so easily could have been real.
Set at various points from 1939 up until 1961, the author has done an amazing job at captured just how confusing and terrifying those times must have been.
A Promise to my Sister tells the heartbreaking story of Hodaya and Bayla, Polish Jewish sisters who, along with their parents and an unimaginable number of others were sent to Auschwitz. Their exact story is fictional, but it so easily could have been real.
Set at various points from 1939 up until 1961, the author has done an amazing job at captured just how confusing and terrifying those times must have been.
October 1, 2024
A remarkable story!
I highly recommend A Promise to My Sister. It is an amazing story about a terrible time under Nazi rule. If you read books about World War II, then this has to be on your reading list. It is a very gut wrenching story of two sisters imprisoned in Nazi concentration camps. There are no holds barred in the descriptions of what they and others went through. It is graphic what humans can do to one another, yet the story also shows the strengths people have to endure whatever tortures, pain, hunger, cold, disease and loss they face. Two young women, sisters, years apart in age, suffer the loss of parents and friends, finding hope and comfort in each other. It is not a pleasant story, but one we need to read and face up to a dark time in history lest history repeat.
I highly recommend A Promise to My Sister. It is an amazing story about a terrible time under Nazi rule. If you read books about World War II, then this has to be on your reading list. It is a very gut wrenching story of two sisters imprisoned in Nazi concentration camps. There are no holds barred in the descriptions of what they and others went through. It is graphic what humans can do to one another, yet the story also shows the strengths people have to endure whatever tortures, pain, hunger, cold, disease and loss they face. Two young women, sisters, years apart in age, suffer the loss of parents and friends, finding hope and comfort in each other. It is not a pleasant story, but one we need to read and face up to a dark time in history lest history repeat.
August 29, 2024
4.5 stars rounded down to 4 stars.
This book was one of the most powerful and heart-wrenching books I've ever read. It's utterly devastating to read about what people were put through in concentration camps during WWII, but the strength and courage of the main character, Hodaya, was inspiring. I liked the dual POV in this book that alternated between the time leading up to them being taken to the concentration camp and their time in Auschwitz.
I don't typically cry during books, but this one brought me to tears several times. I also did not realize until I finished the book that this is a debut novel. The research that obviously went into this book and the level of detail make me so excited to see what she writes next!!
This book was one of the most powerful and heart-wrenching books I've ever read. It's utterly devastating to read about what people were put through in concentration camps during WWII, but the strength and courage of the main character, Hodaya, was inspiring. I liked the dual POV in this book that alternated between the time leading up to them being taken to the concentration camp and their time in Auschwitz.
I don't typically cry during books, but this one brought me to tears several times. I also did not realize until I finished the book that this is a debut novel. The research that obviously went into this book and the level of detail make me so excited to see what she writes next!!
June 15, 2025
Gut wrenching & emotional page turner
I had to put this down a few times but couldn't stay away. The description of the camps is so vivid that you can feel the anguish, the fear, the hunger and the desire to live or just die.
It was hard to read Hodaya questioning her faith and God but I can understand why she would. How can anyone believe that God was present in this Hell? It is gut wrenching to believe that people can treat other humans this way and believe that it's okay. I still can't wrap my mind around it.
The authors words towards the end resonate: "For if we forget that this kind of evil can happen once, who is there to say that it could not happen again?"
I look forward to more books by S.E. Rutledge. This one was just as good as The Girl That Saved Them.
I had to put this down a few times but couldn't stay away. The description of the camps is so vivid that you can feel the anguish, the fear, the hunger and the desire to live or just die.
It was hard to read Hodaya questioning her faith and God but I can understand why she would. How can anyone believe that God was present in this Hell? It is gut wrenching to believe that people can treat other humans this way and believe that it's okay. I still can't wrap my mind around it.
The authors words towards the end resonate: "For if we forget that this kind of evil can happen once, who is there to say that it could not happen again?"
I look forward to more books by S.E. Rutledge. This one was just as good as The Girl That Saved Them.
July 21, 2024
This was a really great read. I love Historical Fiction and this one did not disappoint. I love the way this book gives a glimpse of the beginning of the war and how the characters lived before. Then, as heavy as it was, I liked how we got the view of the main characters in the midst of the war and the challenges they faced. I also loved that we got to see the after effects the war had on the characters and the struggles they faced to get to a new normal. AND....ROMANCE to boot! Loved it!
Thank you Netgalley and Bookouture for the ARC and allowing me to read and review this book!
#APromisetoMySister #Netgalley
Thank you Netgalley and Bookouture for the ARC and allowing me to read and review this book!
#APromisetoMySister #Netgalley
August 19, 2024
Such a heart-wrenching yet beautiful story about the love one sister has for another. Hodaya does everything in her power to protect her younger sister and keep her alive while living in concentration camps.
While imprisoned, Hodaya finds an ally in an unexpected person. Ultimately, this person's surprising kindness helps Hodaya and her little sister survive.
I can't even imagine the torturous nightmares that the survivors must have endured.
While the writing was almost lyrical at times, I did find the ending to be a little far-fetched.
Thank you to NetGalley for the opportunity to read this ARC in exchange for my honest opinion/review.
While imprisoned, Hodaya finds an ally in an unexpected person. Ultimately, this person's surprising kindness helps Hodaya and her little sister survive.
I can't even imagine the torturous nightmares that the survivors must have endured.
While the writing was almost lyrical at times, I did find the ending to be a little far-fetched.
Thank you to NetGalley for the opportunity to read this ARC in exchange for my honest opinion/review.
August 25, 2024
A Promise to My Sister has torn my heart to shreds whilst quietly reminding of the kindness that humanity can provide. The author has done a stellar job of allowing you to imagine yourself in the characters shoes by smelling what they smelt and eating what they ate while gagging. I don't think I could have done it but if you have no choice you do what you need to survive. Her love for her little sister shines high above everything else happening and I don't think there is a single thing she wouldn't do to protect her. The horrors of the war are atrocious but it also brings to life the strength and durability of the characters. A thought provoking read!
May 14, 2025
In 1943, Hodaya and her family are sent from their home in Poland, to Auschwitz. On arrival, the family is split up - Hodaya and Bayla, her ten year old sister to the right, and their parents to the left. Hodaya makes a promise to herself that no matter what, she will keep her sister alive.
This is the most powerful, horrific and emotional Auschwitz novel that I have ever read. It is a story of love and loss, determination, courage and sacrifice.
Praise to S.E. Rutledge for such a well written and researched debut novel. A real page turner.
Thank you to Netgalley, the publisher and author for letting me read a copy of this book in return for my honest review.
This is the most powerful, horrific and emotional Auschwitz novel that I have ever read. It is a story of love and loss, determination, courage and sacrifice.
Praise to S.E. Rutledge for such a well written and researched debut novel. A real page turner.
Thank you to Netgalley, the publisher and author for letting me read a copy of this book in return for my honest review.
August 26, 2024
This book was a lot emotionally. WWII fiction always pulls me in since the atrocities that were carried out against so many people are just mind boggling, but this one has a special twist at the end. While I saw it coming from a mile away, it did nothing to detract from the amazing piece of work that this book was. I flew through the pages in 3 days during an extremely busy time, simply because I couldn't put it down. I highly, highly recommend this book. Thank you so much to NetGalley and the publisher for a chance to read this.
September 3, 2024
Thank you to Bookouture and S.E. Rutledge for the e-arc!!
Books written about the victims of the Holocaust can’t help but bring you to the valley of despair, horror & heartbreak … but when those same books leave you with renewed feelings of hope, inspiration & the reminder that the strongest weapon we will ever possess in life & surviving it’s difficulties is the power of love … then that book is worth reading.
And this one does just that!
A book that moved me to tears of sorrow & joy … and one that will stay with me for a long time!
Books written about the victims of the Holocaust can’t help but bring you to the valley of despair, horror & heartbreak … but when those same books leave you with renewed feelings of hope, inspiration & the reminder that the strongest weapon we will ever possess in life & surviving it’s difficulties is the power of love … then that book is worth reading.
And this one does just that!
A book that moved me to tears of sorrow & joy … and one that will stay with me for a long time!
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