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The Secret Resistance #2
The Resistance Wife
Germany, 1934. Surrounded by beautiful wedding china, we share our first dinner alone as husband and wife. But, instead of sharing affections, all he talks of is his admiration for Hitler. I force a smile, but my blood runs cold. How can I stay with him, now I know what he truly is?
Six years later. When Anna is approached by the Polish resistance while sheltering in Warsaw, she is eager for the chance to fight against German occupation. Managing a network of spies behind the façade of a café for enemy soldiers will mean risking everything. But, after fleeing her fanatical Nazi husband only for war to follow close behind, Anna can’t run any more.
Every conversation she overhears between the unsuspecting officers at the café brings back awful memories of the Nazi her husband became and makes her more determined to do what is right. Spending more time with the resistance behind the scenes, she grows close to them all—especially a brilliant young doctor with deep hazel eyes called Mateusz, who shows her a kindness she has never known.
As they work together, Anna can’t help imagining what life would be like with him, instead of the man she is tied to. But one day her dreams of a future with Mateusz, and freedom for her country, are shattered. Her husband has tracked her down.
Terrified, Anna knows that living as his wife again is her chance to gather information that could help end the war. But can she keep her nerve long enough to spy on her own husband? And with such a high-ranking enemy officer watching her every move, can she protect Mateusz, the man truly she loves, from the firing line?
This is a totally inspiring and gripping page-turner that you will not be able to put down. Fans of The Alice Network, The Tattooist of Auschwitz, and My Name is Eva will fall in love with this heartbreaking tale.
Previously titled The Polish Wife.
Six years later. When Anna is approached by the Polish resistance while sheltering in Warsaw, she is eager for the chance to fight against German occupation. Managing a network of spies behind the façade of a café for enemy soldiers will mean risking everything. But, after fleeing her fanatical Nazi husband only for war to follow close behind, Anna can’t run any more.
Every conversation she overhears between the unsuspecting officers at the café brings back awful memories of the Nazi her husband became and makes her more determined to do what is right. Spending more time with the resistance behind the scenes, she grows close to them all—especially a brilliant young doctor with deep hazel eyes called Mateusz, who shows her a kindness she has never known.
As they work together, Anna can’t help imagining what life would be like with him, instead of the man she is tied to. But one day her dreams of a future with Mateusz, and freedom for her country, are shattered. Her husband has tracked her down.
Terrified, Anna knows that living as his wife again is her chance to gather information that could help end the war. But can she keep her nerve long enough to spy on her own husband? And with such a high-ranking enemy officer watching her every move, can she protect Mateusz, the man truly she loves, from the firing line?
This is a totally inspiring and gripping page-turner that you will not be able to put down. Fans of The Alice Network, The Tattooist of Auschwitz, and My Name is Eva will fall in love with this heartbreaking tale.
Previously titled The Polish Wife.
270 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 28, 2023
1136 people are currently reading
743 people want to read
About the author
Gosia Nealon
6 books119 followersWhile Gosia Nealon is a proud New Yorker, she was born and raised in Poland. Her journey to the Big Apple revealed a wealth of cultural differences, but also the values that connect us all. Like the fierce desire to protect family, find love, and ultimately, discover who we are and why we’re here.
Gosia’s award-winning short stories have always delved into life’s biggest questions, but it was the drama, sacrifice, and tragedy of WWII that led her to pen her debut novel, "The Last Sketch."
Growing up in Poland, Gosia heard many firsthand accounts of the war, told from a perspective rarely captured in mainstream literature. She was compelled to breathe life into Wanda and Finn, two young people falling in love in the midst of the most terrifying conflict of our time.
When Gosia isn’t tapping away at her laptop, she’s often walking the streets of New York. With her husband and three young sons in tow, they search for the most succulent pierogi, transporting them back to the cobbled streets of her childhood.
Gosia’s award-winning short stories have always delved into life’s biggest questions, but it was the drama, sacrifice, and tragedy of WWII that led her to pen her debut novel, "The Last Sketch."
Growing up in Poland, Gosia heard many firsthand accounts of the war, told from a perspective rarely captured in mainstream literature. She was compelled to breathe life into Wanda and Finn, two young people falling in love in the midst of the most terrifying conflict of our time.
When Gosia isn’t tapping away at her laptop, she’s often walking the streets of New York. With her husband and three young sons in tow, they search for the most succulent pierogi, transporting them back to the cobbled streets of her childhood.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 64 reviews
March 28, 2023
Fleeing her cruel and brutal husband, Helmut, of only twelve months with the help of her Mutti, Anna left Berlin for Warsaw, knowing both Helmut and her father wouldn't find her. But with war on their doorstep, Anna was forced to make a hard decision. Entering the resistance with her new cafe - Cafe Anna - as her cover, she saw, and heard, much from the Germans who visited her cafe, easily passing on important information to the resistance.
Mateusz was a doctor, had followed in his father's footsteps, but when he was approached by the Nazis to be their doctor, he closed his practice, disappearing into the folds of his fellow Poles. He hated everything the Nazis stood for, their cold brutality as they killed with no other thought but their enjoyment. Soon Mateusz was in the resistance, working alongside some special people, including Anna. But when Helmut found Anna once again, in her cafe, the six years that had passed seemed like nothing. He hadn't changed, but he wanted her back. She couldn't do it - could she?
The Polish Wife is the 2nd in the Secret Resistance series by Gosia Nealon and I enjoyed learning about Anna's life in the resistance, with the caring, kind and gentle Mateusz struggling in the occupation. There were many special characters in this book, with only a couple who I wouldn't miss if they died ;) Recommended.
With thanks to NetGalley and Bookouture for my digital ARC to read in exchange for an honest review.
Mateusz was a doctor, had followed in his father's footsteps, but when he was approached by the Nazis to be their doctor, he closed his practice, disappearing into the folds of his fellow Poles. He hated everything the Nazis stood for, their cold brutality as they killed with no other thought but their enjoyment. Soon Mateusz was in the resistance, working alongside some special people, including Anna. But when Helmut found Anna once again, in her cafe, the six years that had passed seemed like nothing. He hadn't changed, but he wanted her back. She couldn't do it - could she?
The Polish Wife is the 2nd in the Secret Resistance series by Gosia Nealon and I enjoyed learning about Anna's life in the resistance, with the caring, kind and gentle Mateusz struggling in the occupation. There were many special characters in this book, with only a couple who I wouldn't miss if they died ;) Recommended.
With thanks to NetGalley and Bookouture for my digital ARC to read in exchange for an honest review.
March 1, 2023
“I wonder if love is not the most powerful weapon against all the hate.”
I was in awe of author Gosnia Nealon’s ability to pull me into a story and hold my attention when I read book one of The Secret Resistance Series, ‘The Polish Girl’ and was really looking forward to experiencing another fantastic historical fiction set in war-torn Poland in the second installment.
Nealon did NOT disappoint.
Running from a present and future that Anna did not choose for herself, she leaves her family and her zealous new Nazi husband and flees to Poland.
As she settles into running a cafe and living a life in hiding, Anna is determined to join the Polish resistance and fight against the German occupation. Not only does this provide an avenue for her to fight for what’s right (one she was previously denied), but it also opens up the way for her to have a second chance at a life she has more control over and a second chance at love.
Taking readers back to the cobbled streets of Warsaw, Nealon explores trust, secrets, revenge and romance. Her crescendoing tension mixed with compelling prose sprinkled with a few unexpected twists, make this a 5-star read.
The highlight of Nealon’s writing, for me, is her character development. I read a lot of wartime historical fiction, yet I’ve never (1) had an author who has opened up the Warsaw resistance so completely as she did nor (2) had an author who has crafted such a varied and detailed cast of characters. I felt like I’d met her characters before, they seemed so real! Many characters appear interesting because of the plot, but not Nealon’s characters. Furthermore, she develops them through various methods, giving readers a chance to do some work themselves. I teared up with Anna’s journey, feared her husband finding her, strongly disliked those who sought revenge and continued to hope for those, like Rutka and Halina, who just wanted to be safe and together.
I could continue gushing about this newly found author, but I’ll spare you and highly suggest you discover this author for yourself. Her books are standalone, but you’ll appreciate a fuller picture if you read them in order. Her tales of drama, sacrifice and tragedy stand above many wartime fiction novels.
I was gifted this copy by Bookouture and NetGalley and was under no obligation to provide a review.
I was in awe of author Gosnia Nealon’s ability to pull me into a story and hold my attention when I read book one of The Secret Resistance Series, ‘The Polish Girl’ and was really looking forward to experiencing another fantastic historical fiction set in war-torn Poland in the second installment.
Nealon did NOT disappoint.
Running from a present and future that Anna did not choose for herself, she leaves her family and her zealous new Nazi husband and flees to Poland.
As she settles into running a cafe and living a life in hiding, Anna is determined to join the Polish resistance and fight against the German occupation. Not only does this provide an avenue for her to fight for what’s right (one she was previously denied), but it also opens up the way for her to have a second chance at a life she has more control over and a second chance at love.
Taking readers back to the cobbled streets of Warsaw, Nealon explores trust, secrets, revenge and romance. Her crescendoing tension mixed with compelling prose sprinkled with a few unexpected twists, make this a 5-star read.
The highlight of Nealon’s writing, for me, is her character development. I read a lot of wartime historical fiction, yet I’ve never (1) had an author who has opened up the Warsaw resistance so completely as she did nor (2) had an author who has crafted such a varied and detailed cast of characters. I felt like I’d met her characters before, they seemed so real! Many characters appear interesting because of the plot, but not Nealon’s characters. Furthermore, she develops them through various methods, giving readers a chance to do some work themselves. I teared up with Anna’s journey, feared her husband finding her, strongly disliked those who sought revenge and continued to hope for those, like Rutka and Halina, who just wanted to be safe and together.
I could continue gushing about this newly found author, but I’ll spare you and highly suggest you discover this author for yourself. Her books are standalone, but you’ll appreciate a fuller picture if you read them in order. Her tales of drama, sacrifice and tragedy stand above many wartime fiction novels.
I was gifted this copy by Bookouture and NetGalley and was under no obligation to provide a review.
April 3, 2023
Anna did her best to leave her husband. His growing devotion to Hitler was far more than she could bear. When an opportunity presents itself to fight against the German occupation, Anna takes on a pivotal role. Anna hopes to always stay a step ahead of her husband, so she finds more than one challenge facing her.
Strong and determined, Anna refuses to let up, and her crafty nature really helps her to not only avoid her husband, but also to further her efforts to thwart the Germans. Anna finds something - or someone - that lifts her even more. That person is in the name of Mateusz, a young doctor to whom she can’t help but grow to close to.
While married, Anna experienced unspeakable abuse, so facing her husband again would no doubt be more than daunting. As if their marriage problems were not enough, they were indeed enemies on an entirely different level. Working for and with spies is dangerous indeed, but Anna soldiers on.
I loved Anna in this book. Her strength, her character, and the measures she takes makes her someone to admire, no matter the danger that was always on her heel. Having dealt with heartbreak for so long, I was rooting for Anna every step of the way. This book was a remarkable read and was impossible to put down.
Many thanks to Bookouture and to NetGalley for this ARC for review. This is my honest opinion.
Strong and determined, Anna refuses to let up, and her crafty nature really helps her to not only avoid her husband, but also to further her efforts to thwart the Germans. Anna finds something - or someone - that lifts her even more. That person is in the name of Mateusz, a young doctor to whom she can’t help but grow to close to.
While married, Anna experienced unspeakable abuse, so facing her husband again would no doubt be more than daunting. As if their marriage problems were not enough, they were indeed enemies on an entirely different level. Working for and with spies is dangerous indeed, but Anna soldiers on.
I loved Anna in this book. Her strength, her character, and the measures she takes makes her someone to admire, no matter the danger that was always on her heel. Having dealt with heartbreak for so long, I was rooting for Anna every step of the way. This book was a remarkable read and was impossible to put down.
Many thanks to Bookouture and to NetGalley for this ARC for review. This is my honest opinion.
April 1, 2023
The Polish Wife
By: Gosia Nealon
5⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
An incredible story about love, loss and redemption during the war. After reading The Polish Girl I knew I had to read this authors follow-up. She has incredible way of captivating us by her storytelling and characters. I hope she continues this series.
Germany, 1934-This one follows Anna who marries a man who ends up brutally beating her and supports the Nazis. She flees one night with the help of her mother to Warsaw.
After several years she becomes part of the resistance and works at cafe that entertains Germans, while hiding in plain sight. She meets Mateusz whom thinks Anna is a traitor. Anna is friends with his sister and he tries to warn her.
Over the next few years as Mateusz, who is a doctor and Anna an Actress work tirelessly with the resistance develop feelings for each other. They run into Anna’s former husband and things do not go well. Anna also has to deal with her father who has high connections as an engineer with Hitler.
Thank you Netgalley, Bookouture and author Gosia Nealon for this advanced copy. This beautiful novel is available March 31, 2023.
#gosianelaon, #bookouture, #netgalley, #bookreview, #booksconnectus, #bookstagram, #stamperlady50, #polishresistance, #historicalfiction
By: Gosia Nealon
5⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
An incredible story about love, loss and redemption during the war. After reading The Polish Girl I knew I had to read this authors follow-up. She has incredible way of captivating us by her storytelling and characters. I hope she continues this series.
Germany, 1934-This one follows Anna who marries a man who ends up brutally beating her and supports the Nazis. She flees one night with the help of her mother to Warsaw.
After several years she becomes part of the resistance and works at cafe that entertains Germans, while hiding in plain sight. She meets Mateusz whom thinks Anna is a traitor. Anna is friends with his sister and he tries to warn her.
Over the next few years as Mateusz, who is a doctor and Anna an Actress work tirelessly with the resistance develop feelings for each other. They run into Anna’s former husband and things do not go well. Anna also has to deal with her father who has high connections as an engineer with Hitler.
Thank you Netgalley, Bookouture and author Gosia Nealon for this advanced copy. This beautiful novel is available March 31, 2023.
#gosianelaon, #bookouture, #netgalley, #bookreview, #booksconnectus, #bookstagram, #stamperlady50, #polishresistance, #historicalfiction
March 9, 2023
This is that kind of a book where you Will get caught up in the story . You Will feel you are a part of the story. You Will fall in love with the Main characters. They are so easy to love. And their strength and belief Shines through on every Page. Some parts felt a little bit rushed, but other than that chefs kiss
Thank you to netgalley for letting me read this e arc in exchange for an honest opinion
Thank you to netgalley for letting me read this e arc in exchange for an honest opinion
June 24, 2023
After reading The Secret Resistance (the last sketch), I must say this is another incredible, fast moving, thrilling, actions that involve a love story is called “The Resistance Wife” written by Goisa Nealon. This is a second trilogy book. I was hooked with the story because this book relates to the first book about Wanda which is an old friend of Anna. This time it’s about Anna. She hates Nazis ideology, she also hated her father for devotion to the fatherland and married a cruel and brutal husband, Helmut. She is desperate to flee with the help of her mother from Berlin to Poland, Warsaw, where her father and Helmut wouldn’t find her. She meets a man who is a family lawyer and works for the resistance to fight against German occupation. She had to open her business cafe for enemy soldiers. Meanwhile a young and brilliant doctor Mateusz who had followed the footsteps of his father who happens to be a doctor. When the Nazis approached his business, he had no choice to close his practice and joins the resistance and meets Anna. As a result, did Anna have her dream come true? Did they all survive? What happened ? You can decide.
June 5, 2023
4.5
Actress, cafe, take a chance…
Book 2 - The Polish Wife
Book 2 features Anna, her husband Helmut, and her true love Mateusz. What happens when Anna is approached by the Resistance in 1940? The Resistance wants actress Anna to open her cafe to German officers to listen to them and report her findings. The goal is to hopefully collect information that can be used by the Resistance.
"War is like a clinical trial lining us up and checking our responses. It flashes out our true characters and differences; it defines us as human beings."
This is a trio of books about wartime Poland and the actions of the Resistance.
*Many recurring characters in the three books. I chose to read the three books back-to-back.
*Painted a vivid picture of the hardships and ordeals of wartime life.
*Beautifully written. I would read future books by this author.
*Book 3 covers the Warsaw Uprising. More info is available online.
*Also a story about love, fearlessness, betrayal, and endurance.
* I liked the quote “Always take the chance to live even if you have to pay a high price. It’s worth it in the end.”
Actress, cafe, take a chance…
Book 2 - The Polish Wife
Book 2 features Anna, her husband Helmut, and her true love Mateusz. What happens when Anna is approached by the Resistance in 1940? The Resistance wants actress Anna to open her cafe to German officers to listen to them and report her findings. The goal is to hopefully collect information that can be used by the Resistance.
"War is like a clinical trial lining us up and checking our responses. It flashes out our true characters and differences; it defines us as human beings."
This is a trio of books about wartime Poland and the actions of the Resistance.
*Many recurring characters in the three books. I chose to read the three books back-to-back.
*Painted a vivid picture of the hardships and ordeals of wartime life.
*Beautifully written. I would read future books by this author.
*Book 3 covers the Warsaw Uprising. More info is available online.
*Also a story about love, fearlessness, betrayal, and endurance.
* I liked the quote “Always take the chance to live even if you have to pay a high price. It’s worth it in the end.”
May 8, 2023
Another historical fiction during WWII. Sad, but another glimpse of how people bonded together to help out others.
April 3, 2023
Loved the Polish Wife! Anna is introduced as a young woman who finds herself in a marriage that she thought was going to be amazing to trying to figure out how to get away from the monster she married. Her husband is brutal and is following Hitler. Her mom helps her escape and move to where she can’t be found. Through her move she becomes part of the resistance aiding those in Poland against the Nazi forces.
April 1, 2023
Beautiful! I am loving the books in this series! They are World War 2 fiction and while they shed light on the atrocities that took place during this brutal time in history, they also show the resilience of the human spirit. While all the evil is happening, people are carrying on with their lives. After all, this is their one life to live. Will they live it to the full, working with what they have, or bow over in grief?
The Polish Wife is a love story amid the darkness of Nazi infiltration. Having fled to Poland to escape an abusive husband, Anna, not only takes up with the resistance but she finds a doctor with a gentle spirit who loves her. The book follows their lives with the brutal backdrop of war and political upheaval. There are losses, there are victories.
One thing that I absolutely love about these books is how immersive they are. The characters feel real, and I experience the gamut of emotion as I keep eagerly flipping the pages. I strongly recommend this book if you're looking for a book to pull you in and propel you to another time and place. This novel takes readers on a powerful, moving journey.
Thank you to Bookouture and NetGalley for an advanced reading copy.
The Polish Wife is a love story amid the darkness of Nazi infiltration. Having fled to Poland to escape an abusive husband, Anna, not only takes up with the resistance but she finds a doctor with a gentle spirit who loves her. The book follows their lives with the brutal backdrop of war and political upheaval. There are losses, there are victories.
One thing that I absolutely love about these books is how immersive they are. The characters feel real, and I experience the gamut of emotion as I keep eagerly flipping the pages. I strongly recommend this book if you're looking for a book to pull you in and propel you to another time and place. This novel takes readers on a powerful, moving journey.
Thank you to Bookouture and NetGalley for an advanced reading copy.
April 3, 2023
The Polish Wife is the second book in The Secret Resistance series by Gosia Nealon. It follows the same events as detailed in the first book The Polish Girl, although this time around the focus is on a different character - Anna. I was happy to discover that Anna would feature heavily this time around as I had found her to be an intriguing character from book one who seemed to have a very important and vital role to play in the work of the Polish resistance in and around Warsaw. We also learn much more of Mateusz, the brother of Wanda, the prominent character from book one. He had been very much on the periphery and more or less absent from the previous story. Reading of the same events that have already been explored in much detail can become repetitive but thankfully this wasn’t the case here as gaining a new perspective through the eyes of different characters meant it made the plot and the events that occurred feel fresh and new. This book can easily be read as a standalone and in fact if you haven’t read the first book it will make you want to go back and read it and then you will be all set for the next instalment, The Polish Daughter.
Germany, 1934, Anna has been married to Helmut for a year. Her father is a famous engineer who will in future years go on to work for the Nazi party. Anna,had believed her life would be a fairy-tale but rather the opposite has occurred. Helmut beats her and treats her with contempt, disdain and hostility. Her father knows what is going on but stands firm in that she is not allowed to get divorced and she must be respectable in the eyes of German society. Anna is miserable and her mother can see this and although she herself can’t escape her husband she sets in motion a plan for Anna to escape. Her mother has inherited a dwelling in Warsaw and the lawyer Witek will help Anna once she makes it to the city. Anna promises herself never again to be vulnerable. She will be strong, independent and will never let anyone hurt or bring her down. She stands true to these qualities for the majority of the book but time and time again she is tested beyond measure.
Between chapters, although not every chapter, the plot moves forward in years and it was initially disconcerting but then I became used to this pattern. With the outbreak of the war, Anna is willing to do her bit and she joins the Polish resistance with Witek as their chef. She is willing to risk her life fighting Hitler as the rules enforced to degrade human beings most notably the Jewish population are abhorrent to her and she will not stand by and let innocent people lose their lives needlessly. The threat of Helmut discovering where she is hangs over her but I admired how she put herself in dangerous situations repeatedly alongside her fellow resistance members.Their unity and strength to join together with one common aim is inspirational. The café she operates in the dwelling provided by her mother is the perfect place for her to play on the fact she is German. People may believe her to be a traitor as she entertains Germans officials and soldiers but really Anna is playing a very clever game. One where she is in a constant state of peril but at the same time she can glean important information which will aid the resistance effort.
I loved Anna as a character. She was brave and tenacious and used her German heritage to her advantage and in particular when she literally goes back into the lions den on a certain mission. I thought it was fascinating the dynamics that played out around the midway point between herself and her father. It could have all been so different and one sided, but the alternative aspect presented to the reader certainly gave plenty of food for thought. Alongside, the main strand of the book was Anna’s blossoming feelings for Resistance fighter Mateusz. Again, as with other aspects of the book, I felt at times that more exploration of this was needed. It seemed as if they were very much connected at some stages and then so far apart both physically, mentally and emotionally at others that to get a real sense of their feelings evaded me at times. But in the second part of the book which focused on the Warsaw uprising things became much clearer and I felt the love and devotion they had for each other even if everything was conspiring against them. To me that was mostly Mateusz’ political viewpoints and that he was quite stubborn even towards the end of the book.
Mateusz is the brother of Wanda, who was very much an enigma in book one so it was a relief in some ways to learn much more about him now. Mateusz can no longer run his doctor’s office anymore as the Gestapo wish him to work exclusively for them which he is certainly not comfortable with. Mateusz joins the resistance and throughout the development of his strand of the story which slowly but surely intertwines with Anna’s the reader can see fire in his belly and soul. He is dogged and determined to engage with as much resistance activity as possible in order to bring down the fall of the Germans. The unimaginable things occurring to the Jewish population leave him full of revulsion and anger and as he gets to know Anna he feels even more strong willed and tenacious in his efforts. There was a slightly sinister slant to his story that was randomly and intriguingly scattered throughout the main book. I was on alert as to what was going on and I could sense that this would climax in something either really positive or on the opposite end of the spectrum it would end in pure disaster. I felt it mixed in well with the overall themes and added a little spice and excitement to at times what was a difficult read in terms of what was happening during the war. If I had to choose I think I preferred the character of Anna over Mateusz as at times I found his personality traits and some of his actions frustrating.
The Polish Wife was another very good read from Gosia Nealon. Yes, as with book one I did find it took its time to get going and there were quite several lulls at certain points. Yet, once it found its rhythm the ante of the plot was really upped and you become deeply invested in the eventual fate of the characters in particular Anna and Mateusz. I would say I would have loved even more exploration of the dynamics between Anna and Helmut. I did sense the danger, threats and manipulation that existed between them but I wanted even more. I thought, despite how things panned out regarding that situation, that even more twists would have been great and a lengthier sense of wondering what would happen and even more elements of danger and suspense were needed. The Polish Wife is a heart-breaking tale of sacrifice, devotion, courage, bravery and fighting in the face of evil and seemingly unstoppable forces. It explores its themes well and is a worthy addition to the World War Two genre and reminds us the work and dedication of so many shall never be forgotten.
Germany, 1934, Anna has been married to Helmut for a year. Her father is a famous engineer who will in future years go on to work for the Nazi party. Anna,had believed her life would be a fairy-tale but rather the opposite has occurred. Helmut beats her and treats her with contempt, disdain and hostility. Her father knows what is going on but stands firm in that she is not allowed to get divorced and she must be respectable in the eyes of German society. Anna is miserable and her mother can see this and although she herself can’t escape her husband she sets in motion a plan for Anna to escape. Her mother has inherited a dwelling in Warsaw and the lawyer Witek will help Anna once she makes it to the city. Anna promises herself never again to be vulnerable. She will be strong, independent and will never let anyone hurt or bring her down. She stands true to these qualities for the majority of the book but time and time again she is tested beyond measure.
Between chapters, although not every chapter, the plot moves forward in years and it was initially disconcerting but then I became used to this pattern. With the outbreak of the war, Anna is willing to do her bit and she joins the Polish resistance with Witek as their chef. She is willing to risk her life fighting Hitler as the rules enforced to degrade human beings most notably the Jewish population are abhorrent to her and she will not stand by and let innocent people lose their lives needlessly. The threat of Helmut discovering where she is hangs over her but I admired how she put herself in dangerous situations repeatedly alongside her fellow resistance members.Their unity and strength to join together with one common aim is inspirational. The café she operates in the dwelling provided by her mother is the perfect place for her to play on the fact she is German. People may believe her to be a traitor as she entertains Germans officials and soldiers but really Anna is playing a very clever game. One where she is in a constant state of peril but at the same time she can glean important information which will aid the resistance effort.
I loved Anna as a character. She was brave and tenacious and used her German heritage to her advantage and in particular when she literally goes back into the lions den on a certain mission. I thought it was fascinating the dynamics that played out around the midway point between herself and her father. It could have all been so different and one sided, but the alternative aspect presented to the reader certainly gave plenty of food for thought. Alongside, the main strand of the book was Anna’s blossoming feelings for Resistance fighter Mateusz. Again, as with other aspects of the book, I felt at times that more exploration of this was needed. It seemed as if they were very much connected at some stages and then so far apart both physically, mentally and emotionally at others that to get a real sense of their feelings evaded me at times. But in the second part of the book which focused on the Warsaw uprising things became much clearer and I felt the love and devotion they had for each other even if everything was conspiring against them. To me that was mostly Mateusz’ political viewpoints and that he was quite stubborn even towards the end of the book.
Mateusz is the brother of Wanda, who was very much an enigma in book one so it was a relief in some ways to learn much more about him now. Mateusz can no longer run his doctor’s office anymore as the Gestapo wish him to work exclusively for them which he is certainly not comfortable with. Mateusz joins the resistance and throughout the development of his strand of the story which slowly but surely intertwines with Anna’s the reader can see fire in his belly and soul. He is dogged and determined to engage with as much resistance activity as possible in order to bring down the fall of the Germans. The unimaginable things occurring to the Jewish population leave him full of revulsion and anger and as he gets to know Anna he feels even more strong willed and tenacious in his efforts. There was a slightly sinister slant to his story that was randomly and intriguingly scattered throughout the main book. I was on alert as to what was going on and I could sense that this would climax in something either really positive or on the opposite end of the spectrum it would end in pure disaster. I felt it mixed in well with the overall themes and added a little spice and excitement to at times what was a difficult read in terms of what was happening during the war. If I had to choose I think I preferred the character of Anna over Mateusz as at times I found his personality traits and some of his actions frustrating.
The Polish Wife was another very good read from Gosia Nealon. Yes, as with book one I did find it took its time to get going and there were quite several lulls at certain points. Yet, once it found its rhythm the ante of the plot was really upped and you become deeply invested in the eventual fate of the characters in particular Anna and Mateusz. I would say I would have loved even more exploration of the dynamics between Anna and Helmut. I did sense the danger, threats and manipulation that existed between them but I wanted even more. I thought, despite how things panned out regarding that situation, that even more twists would have been great and a lengthier sense of wondering what would happen and even more elements of danger and suspense were needed. The Polish Wife is a heart-breaking tale of sacrifice, devotion, courage, bravery and fighting in the face of evil and seemingly unstoppable forces. It explores its themes well and is a worthy addition to the World War Two genre and reminds us the work and dedication of so many shall never be forgotten.
April 3, 2023
The Polish Wife by Goshia Nealon, takes place in Germany in 1934. Anna is hiding in Warsaw and she wants to fight against the German occupation. Anna is willing to risk everything, including her own life, in order to accomplish her mission. She runs a network of spies out of what appears as a café for enemy soldiers. She left her husband as soon as she found out he was a Nazi. Anna has a new found love for her country and the people that need her now more than ever for their freedom and survival.
This is a heartwarming story of love, loss and survival. It was inspiring to read of the courageous people that would do anything and everything to help others survive a terrible time. This heartfelt read was a rapid story that kept my attention at the flip of every page. This amazing read hit all the emotions and left me heartbroken. This is the second installment in The Secret Resistance Series. It can be read as standalone or as part of this fabulous series. Thank you Goshis Nealon for such a wonderful read. I highly recommend it.
This is a heartwarming story of love, loss and survival. It was inspiring to read of the courageous people that would do anything and everything to help others survive a terrible time. This heartfelt read was a rapid story that kept my attention at the flip of every page. This amazing read hit all the emotions and left me heartbroken. This is the second installment in The Secret Resistance Series. It can be read as standalone or as part of this fabulous series. Thank you Goshis Nealon for such a wonderful read. I highly recommend it.
March 24, 2023
So much of WWII focuses on Poland so it’s about time more historical fiction is centered there.
Anna is hiding in Poland but agrees to work for the resistance. She meets Mateuz and they have a complicated relationship, especially when Anna’s estranged husband reappears.
It’s an emotional read with loss, heartache, danger, suspense, and aftermath.
It also gives a glimpse at what wartime experience was like in one of the most troubled countries in Eastern Europe.
Thanks to Bookouture and NetGalley for the digital copy.
Anna is hiding in Poland but agrees to work for the resistance. She meets Mateuz and they have a complicated relationship, especially when Anna’s estranged husband reappears.
It’s an emotional read with loss, heartache, danger, suspense, and aftermath.
It also gives a glimpse at what wartime experience was like in one of the most troubled countries in Eastern Europe.
Thanks to Bookouture and NetGalley for the digital copy.
April 10, 2023
The Polish Wife is the second book in Gosia Nealon’s Secret Resistance Series and, after reading The Polish Girl earlier this year, I was eagerly awaiting its publication and it did not disappoint. Gosia Nealon has a captivating writing style which really pulls you into the story and makes it impossible to put it down and The Polish Wife is no exception. I was hooked from the prologue and thoroughly enjoyed the fast-paced exploration of themes such as revenge, secrets and romance.
There is an overlap of both events and characters between The Polish Wife and The Polish Girl, with operations such as the Warsaw Uprising featuring in both. Many of the characters featured in The Polish Wife had been introduced during the events of The Polish Girl and it was fantastic to have an opportunity to return to them and experience their perspectives on the events from the previous book.
Despite being a work of fiction, there is a lot of historical accuracy in the book and it was impeccably researched. In a similar format to The Polish Girl, The Polish Wife doesn’t end at the end of WW2 and we get an insight into life after the occupation of Poland by Soviet troops following Nazi Germany’s surrender. I do think this exploration of the experiences of the characters beyond VE Day really sets the Secret Resistance series apart from other historical fiction works of a similar nature.
The characters in The Polish Wife were beautifully complex and we have another really strong female protagonist in Anna who demonstrated such strength, bravery and tenacity throughout the story. Anna’s escape from domestic abuse was superbly and emotively explored and the blossoming romance between Anna and Mateusz was beautiful and well-developed as the story progressed and their connection grew.
The chapters are short and snappy, quickly taking us on a fast-paced journey through Anna’s life over twelve years. In order to fully explore this extended time period, we do have frequent jumps forward in time by months or even years at a time. A fantastic well-crafted epilogue brings the story to a close and it was a nice choice to give a little nod to Wanda and Finn as well as Anna and Mateusz as it brought the story of the four of them to a satisfying close.
I found The Polish Wife to be a 4* read overall as although we do have a really strong story, there was simply not enough page space to explore all of the different aspects of the story in the depth I craved. I would have loved the book to be a couple hundred pages longer to accommodate this. It is also worth noting that the plot point surrounding Leszek’s revenge plan seemed underdeveloped and we were given very little context for what Mateusz had supposedly done in order to warrant it. This made it harder to engage with and I do honestly think the story wouldn’t have lost much had this aspect of the plot been removed.
Overall, The Polish Wife is another incredible historical fiction work from Gosia Nealon which fans of the genre are guaranteed to love.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
I have posted an extended review on my blog www.yourschloe.co.uk
*I received a copy of this book in eBook format via NetGalley in return for this review. All reviews published are completely honest and my own, and are in now way influenced by the gifting opportunity.
There is an overlap of both events and characters between The Polish Wife and The Polish Girl, with operations such as the Warsaw Uprising featuring in both. Many of the characters featured in The Polish Wife had been introduced during the events of The Polish Girl and it was fantastic to have an opportunity to return to them and experience their perspectives on the events from the previous book.
Despite being a work of fiction, there is a lot of historical accuracy in the book and it was impeccably researched. In a similar format to The Polish Girl, The Polish Wife doesn’t end at the end of WW2 and we get an insight into life after the occupation of Poland by Soviet troops following Nazi Germany’s surrender. I do think this exploration of the experiences of the characters beyond VE Day really sets the Secret Resistance series apart from other historical fiction works of a similar nature.
The characters in The Polish Wife were beautifully complex and we have another really strong female protagonist in Anna who demonstrated such strength, bravery and tenacity throughout the story. Anna’s escape from domestic abuse was superbly and emotively explored and the blossoming romance between Anna and Mateusz was beautiful and well-developed as the story progressed and their connection grew.
The chapters are short and snappy, quickly taking us on a fast-paced journey through Anna’s life over twelve years. In order to fully explore this extended time period, we do have frequent jumps forward in time by months or even years at a time. A fantastic well-crafted epilogue brings the story to a close and it was a nice choice to give a little nod to Wanda and Finn as well as Anna and Mateusz as it brought the story of the four of them to a satisfying close.
I found The Polish Wife to be a 4* read overall as although we do have a really strong story, there was simply not enough page space to explore all of the different aspects of the story in the depth I craved. I would have loved the book to be a couple hundred pages longer to accommodate this. It is also worth noting that the plot point surrounding Leszek’s revenge plan seemed underdeveloped and we were given very little context for what Mateusz had supposedly done in order to warrant it. This made it harder to engage with and I do honestly think the story wouldn’t have lost much had this aspect of the plot been removed.
Overall, The Polish Wife is another incredible historical fiction work from Gosia Nealon which fans of the genre are guaranteed to love.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
I have posted an extended review on my blog www.yourschloe.co.uk
*I received a copy of this book in eBook format via NetGalley in return for this review. All reviews published are completely honest and my own, and are in now way influenced by the gifting opportunity.
April 4, 2023
Reading Stuff 'n' Things
I am gradually getting into reading historical fiction and it is through excellent writers like Gosia Nealon that has kept me seeking out something I wouldn't normally consider.
The Polish Wife is part of The Secret Resistance series but the first I have read; I will say that I think it worked as a standalone very successfully.
Although this is a work of fiction, it feels realistic and I can imagine many of the experiences and events written about in this book are similar to what actually happened at various times throughout World War II. What I do know is that any member of the resistance, be they Polish, French, British, etc., were extremely brave individuals and I think Gosia captured that courage very well.
The Polish Wife is, however, more than a story about the fight against the Nazi regime, it's also about love, honour, freedom, survival and hope. The characters Gosia has created are strong and believable and the story if easy to follow but with twists that will have you holding your breath waiting for the outcome which was definitely not a foregone conclusion.
The Polish Wife is one of the top books of this genre I have read so far; I became totally invested and engrossed from the start and I wouldn't hesitate to recommend it and my thanks must go to Bookouture and NetGalley for enabling me to read and share my thoughts of this great read.
I am gradually getting into reading historical fiction and it is through excellent writers like Gosia Nealon that has kept me seeking out something I wouldn't normally consider.
The Polish Wife is part of The Secret Resistance series but the first I have read; I will say that I think it worked as a standalone very successfully.
Although this is a work of fiction, it feels realistic and I can imagine many of the experiences and events written about in this book are similar to what actually happened at various times throughout World War II. What I do know is that any member of the resistance, be they Polish, French, British, etc., were extremely brave individuals and I think Gosia captured that courage very well.
The Polish Wife is, however, more than a story about the fight against the Nazi regime, it's also about love, honour, freedom, survival and hope. The characters Gosia has created are strong and believable and the story if easy to follow but with twists that will have you holding your breath waiting for the outcome which was definitely not a foregone conclusion.
The Polish Wife is one of the top books of this genre I have read so far; I became totally invested and engrossed from the start and I wouldn't hesitate to recommend it and my thanks must go to Bookouture and NetGalley for enabling me to read and share my thoughts of this great read.
April 27, 2023
Anna escapes her brutal husband and hides away in Warsaw. During the Nazi occupation, she works secretly to aid the resistance and meets Mateusz, a doctor. Can they survive the war and make a future together?
The Polish Wife is the second book in the series of books about the resisitance in Poland during WW2. I have previously reviewed the first book in the series, The Polish Girl.
We met Anna and Mateusz in the previous book but this book focuses on their story. Anna's mother gives her the chance to escape her violent Nazi husband and she makes a new life in Warsaw. During the war she is appalled by the Nazi regime and, although outwardly conforming, assists the resistance.
The majority of the book is written from the first person perspectives of Anna and Mateusz to show the misunderstandings and emotions of the main characters. There are some chapters written from Lescek's viewpoint which shows his animosity towards the pair. This adds to the creation of the tension as we wait for him to exact his revenge.
I enjoyed the development of the main characters and their relationships. Both of them have huge personal issues to deal with alongside the trauma of war. However, I found some of the plot a little clunky as events occur 'off stage' and then we don't see a proper reaction, such as Mateusz responding to the deaths of his friend and his father.
The Polish Wife is an historically detailed yet emotional novel about the resistance in Poland during WW2.
The Polish Wife is the second book in the series of books about the resisitance in Poland during WW2. I have previously reviewed the first book in the series, The Polish Girl.
We met Anna and Mateusz in the previous book but this book focuses on their story. Anna's mother gives her the chance to escape her violent Nazi husband and she makes a new life in Warsaw. During the war she is appalled by the Nazi regime and, although outwardly conforming, assists the resistance.
The majority of the book is written from the first person perspectives of Anna and Mateusz to show the misunderstandings and emotions of the main characters. There are some chapters written from Lescek's viewpoint which shows his animosity towards the pair. This adds to the creation of the tension as we wait for him to exact his revenge.
I enjoyed the development of the main characters and their relationships. Both of them have huge personal issues to deal with alongside the trauma of war. However, I found some of the plot a little clunky as events occur 'off stage' and then we don't see a proper reaction, such as Mateusz responding to the deaths of his friend and his father.
The Polish Wife is an historically detailed yet emotional novel about the resistance in Poland during WW2.
March 31, 2023
The Polish Wife (The Secret Resistance Series) - by Gosia Nealon
Oh wow! Although this is another historical fiction about WW2, the perspective and the story plots are so different from the others. The Polish wife is a story about courage, bravery, love and hope.
In 1934, Anna married a man who admired Hitler. In their wedding ceremony, her husband shared lots of his supportive viewpoints which made Anna felt disgusted. Apart from this, Anna was beaten by her husband. She lost hope and she escaped from Germany to Poland by her mother's help.
After spending few years in Poland, she was recruited to the Polish resistance to fight against the Nazis. What a page-turning in this part! She had to manage the spies and kept everyone safe. Until the man she tried to escape from appeared in front of her....her husband..
This is one of the best WW2 stories I have ever read. The characters and story plot are easy to follow. This is the kind of story that you will feel you are one of the characters.
Many thanks to Netgalley, Bookouture and Gosia for the copy.
Kindle: 293 pages
Pub date: March 31, 2023
Oh wow! Although this is another historical fiction about WW2, the perspective and the story plots are so different from the others. The Polish wife is a story about courage, bravery, love and hope.
In 1934, Anna married a man who admired Hitler. In their wedding ceremony, her husband shared lots of his supportive viewpoints which made Anna felt disgusted. Apart from this, Anna was beaten by her husband. She lost hope and she escaped from Germany to Poland by her mother's help.
After spending few years in Poland, she was recruited to the Polish resistance to fight against the Nazis. What a page-turning in this part! She had to manage the spies and kept everyone safe. Until the man she tried to escape from appeared in front of her....her husband..
This is one of the best WW2 stories I have ever read. The characters and story plot are easy to follow. This is the kind of story that you will feel you are one of the characters.
Many thanks to Netgalley, Bookouture and Gosia for the copy.
Kindle: 293 pages
Pub date: March 31, 2023
April 1, 2023
The Polish Wife is the second book in the Secret Resistance series by Gosia Nealon. The author writes a realistic book that draws you into the characters life, making you care what the outcome will be.
Main character Anna escapes pre-war Nazi Germany, with the help of her mother to get away from an abusive husband who supports the Nazis. Her mother understands her situation because her husband also supports the Nazis, and she doesn't want her daughter to experience the same things she has.
Escaping to Warsaw she joins the resistance and opens a cafe as a front while hiding in plain sight hearing all the Germans are saying. When she falls in love with a kind doctor, he goes on the run to avoid going against his beliefs. In the face of danger, she shows incredible bravery.
Fraught with danger, and a realistic story line I once again could not put down this book by one of my new favorite historical authors.
Pub Date 31 Mar 2023
I was given a complimentary copy of this book.
All opinions expressed are my own.
Main character Anna escapes pre-war Nazi Germany, with the help of her mother to get away from an abusive husband who supports the Nazis. Her mother understands her situation because her husband also supports the Nazis, and she doesn't want her daughter to experience the same things she has.
Escaping to Warsaw she joins the resistance and opens a cafe as a front while hiding in plain sight hearing all the Germans are saying. When she falls in love with a kind doctor, he goes on the run to avoid going against his beliefs. In the face of danger, she shows incredible bravery.
Fraught with danger, and a realistic story line I once again could not put down this book by one of my new favorite historical authors.
Pub Date 31 Mar 2023
I was given a complimentary copy of this book.
All opinions expressed are my own.
April 3, 2023
I’ll admit I am not a huge historical fiction reader, unless you count what is now HF that was actually in my lifetime. LOL But I don’t think I’ve read anything about the Polish Resistance, so this was a treat. The author has deep characterization that made me really like and root for the characters. Everything was so vivid and crisp in my mind as I read. Beautiful writing and beautiful descriptions.
It encompasses courage, love, loss and even suspense as we follow Anna and Mateuz tries to overcome. If you are looking to read a WWII book from a new angle, I highly recommend this one. I read it in a day and added her first book to my TBR.
It encompasses courage, love, loss and even suspense as we follow Anna and Mateuz tries to overcome. If you are looking to read a WWII book from a new angle, I highly recommend this one. I read it in a day and added her first book to my TBR.
August 11, 2025
Another beautiful tale from Nealon, where we follow Anna, the anti-Nazi German through her journey in hiding to Poland and her work with the resistance.
It’s always interesting to read Nealon’s books as they make it very clear the Polish were not liberated by Hilter’s defeat. They merely moved from one despot to another. A raw truth many Westerners (and most books and films) seem to have forgotten.
For Poland, what started in 1939 actually did not end until 1989.
This tale of defiance, courage and finding love in the bleakest of times is another delightful offering.
Any fan of WW2 fiction will enjoy any Nealon offering.
It’s always interesting to read Nealon’s books as they make it very clear the Polish were not liberated by Hilter’s defeat. They merely moved from one despot to another. A raw truth many Westerners (and most books and films) seem to have forgotten.
For Poland, what started in 1939 actually did not end until 1989.
This tale of defiance, courage and finding love in the bleakest of times is another delightful offering.
Any fan of WW2 fiction will enjoy any Nealon offering.
February 22, 2023
This was my first book from this author and it will not be the last.
She told this story in such a way that you were there, living this life. The plot was incredible, the word building was on point and the characters were well developed.
The story did feel a little rush, while at the same time there seemed to be times in the story that felt unnecessary and came off as needed to met a word count.
Overall, beautifully told and a wonderful story.
Thank you NetGalley for sending me this book. This review is entirely my own.
She told this story in such a way that you were there, living this life. The plot was incredible, the word building was on point and the characters were well developed.
The story did feel a little rush, while at the same time there seemed to be times in the story that felt unnecessary and came off as needed to met a word count.
Overall, beautifully told and a wonderful story.
Thank you NetGalley for sending me this book. This review is entirely my own.
April 18, 2023
5/5 SPECTACULAR STARS!
A truly MESMERIZING escape!
Gosia Nealon delivers a REMARKABLE and REMEMBERABLE read! Her characters are so captivating AND fascinating. I was on the EDGE of my seat truly enjoying each and EVERY page.
The Polish Wife is a HEARTFELT and POWERFUL read. With impeccable writing, this story was SO easy to get lost in. These words captured my heart as I completely DEVOURED this story.
This is an absolute MUST READ! I can not wait to dive into the next in series!!!
A truly MESMERIZING escape!
Gosia Nealon delivers a REMARKABLE and REMEMBERABLE read! Her characters are so captivating AND fascinating. I was on the EDGE of my seat truly enjoying each and EVERY page.
The Polish Wife is a HEARTFELT and POWERFUL read. With impeccable writing, this story was SO easy to get lost in. These words captured my heart as I completely DEVOURED this story.
This is an absolute MUST READ! I can not wait to dive into the next in series!!!
December 12, 2023
Great story! New author to me, but want to read more by her.
These true stories just blow me away because of all the risks very ordinary people took to resist Hitler and Stalin. Their bravery is astounding, to put it mildly. You can’t wait to find out what happens, and if the people will survive. Some do, some don’t.
I highly recommend this book, you learn so much about patriotism, love of country, love of others.
These true stories just blow me away because of all the risks very ordinary people took to resist Hitler and Stalin. Their bravery is astounding, to put it mildly. You can’t wait to find out what happens, and if the people will survive. Some do, some don’t.
I highly recommend this book, you learn so much about patriotism, love of country, love of others.
February 8, 2024
Oh wow! Could not put this book down! I really got transported into the story of Anna and Mateusz and their part in the resistance fight for the freedom of their homeland and their feelings for each other. My blood boiled at the actions of Helmut and Leszek, I so wanted for them to disappear.
It’s another fantastic read and I really hope that the series will be on our screens one day. Thank you Gosia.
It’s another fantastic read and I really hope that the series will be on our screens one day. Thank you Gosia.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 23, 2024
I really loved this book! I read the second book first so I need to go back to the first so maybe I’ll understand it a little better. I love ww2 fiction stories so this was not a disappointment. Even though the book was sad it was a very interesting story and I’m glad that Anna moved on even though she had a lot of hardships she had to go through. I’m excited to read the other two this series is very in so far.
March 17, 2023
MUST READ!
After reading The Polish Girl by Gosia Nealon, I couldn't wait to read The Polish Wife. I couldn't put this book down! Fantastic read from start to finish. The author did an amazing job of developing the characters and getting you to connect with them. I highly recommend this book!
Thank you, NetGalley and author Gosia Nealon for this advanced copy.
After reading The Polish Girl by Gosia Nealon, I couldn't wait to read The Polish Wife. I couldn't put this book down! Fantastic read from start to finish. The author did an amazing job of developing the characters and getting you to connect with them. I highly recommend this book!
Thank you, NetGalley and author Gosia Nealon for this advanced copy.
May 17, 2023
Wonderful book
This is a very good story told from a different perspective than the first book that fills in so much more. The characters are so warm and courageous. They fight so hard in a very difficult time and just as the war is ending then they have a new fight with a different enemy. So sad!
This is a very good story told from a different perspective than the first book that fills in so much more. The characters are so warm and courageous. They fight so hard in a very difficult time and just as the war is ending then they have a new fight with a different enemy. So sad!
November 22, 2023
This is a story about WWII and takes place mostly in Warsaw. Anna is German but with some Polish roots - married to a Nazi who abuses her she escapes and hides in Warsaw where she helps the Resistance and falls in love. But her path is not easy and she faces hardship and loss in the midst of the war.
May 9, 2024
You have a couple who gets married instead of him offering aff3ction all he talks about is Hilter. You grow to feat him and live separate lives. Now, for his advancement, he tells you that you have to move in with him tomorrow. You can commute to your job but will now live with him to stop gossip. This is a compelling book on resistance. I enjoyed this book
May 10, 2025
Another Great Book by Gosia Nealon
A book of trials faced by the Polish Resistance but also the personal stories of those heroes who were devoted to their cause. At times when you can actually get so caught up in the story that you feel as if you are there to feeling heartbroken over their loss. I highly recommend this book.
A book of trials faced by the Polish Resistance but also the personal stories of those heroes who were devoted to their cause. At times when you can actually get so caught up in the story that you feel as if you are there to feeling heartbroken over their loss. I highly recommend this book.
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