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The Sisterhood of Ravensbrück: How an Intrepid Band of Frenchwomen Resisted the Nazis in Hitler's All-Female Concentration Camp
A tale of great enterprise and great fortitude, and of wonderful female solidarity and nobility of spirit, in the bleakest of circumstances.
For decades after World War II, histories of the French Resistance were written almost exclusively by men and largely ignored the contributions of women. Many current overviews of the subject continue to underplay the extent and importance of women’s participation in the Resistance, treating the subject, in the words of one historian, as ‘an anonymous background element in an essentially male story’.
The Sisterhood of Ravensbrück corrects that omission, surveying the bond between four women — Germaine Tillion, Anise Girard, Genevieve de Gaulle, and Jacqueline d’Alincourt — who fought valiantly against Nazi oppression. While the women belonged to different Resistance movements and networks, they were united by a common they were arrested by the Gestapo, underwent merciless interrogations and beatings, were jailed — and, most significantly, survived, if just barely, the hell of Ravensbrück, the only concentration camp designed specifically for women. In an institution designed to dehumanise and kill, the sisterhood maintained their sense of self and joined together to face down death.
Remarkably, in the aftermath of World War II, the women once again joined forces to find a way to transcend the horrors of the war and turn it into something good for themselves and the world. The Sisterhood of Ravensbrück is an illuminating, inspiring account.
For decades after World War II, histories of the French Resistance were written almost exclusively by men and largely ignored the contributions of women. Many current overviews of the subject continue to underplay the extent and importance of women’s participation in the Resistance, treating the subject, in the words of one historian, as ‘an anonymous background element in an essentially male story’.
The Sisterhood of Ravensbrück corrects that omission, surveying the bond between four women — Germaine Tillion, Anise Girard, Genevieve de Gaulle, and Jacqueline d’Alincourt — who fought valiantly against Nazi oppression. While the women belonged to different Resistance movements and networks, they were united by a common they were arrested by the Gestapo, underwent merciless interrogations and beatings, were jailed — and, most significantly, survived, if just barely, the hell of Ravensbrück, the only concentration camp designed specifically for women. In an institution designed to dehumanise and kill, the sisterhood maintained their sense of self and joined together to face down death.
Remarkably, in the aftermath of World War II, the women once again joined forces to find a way to transcend the horrors of the war and turn it into something good for themselves and the world. The Sisterhood of Ravensbrück is an illuminating, inspiring account.
373 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 3, 2025
701 people are currently reading
6544 people want to read
About the author
Lynne Olson
17 books710 followers Lynne Olson is a New York Times bestselling author of ten books of history, most of which focus on World War II. Former U.S. Secretary of State Madeleine Albright has called her "our era's foremost chronicler of World War II politics and diplomacy."
Lynne’s latest book, The Sisterhood of Ravensbruck: How an Intrepid Band of Frenchwomen Resisted the Nazis In Hitler’s All-Female Concentration Camp, will be published by Random House on June 3,2025. Three of her previous books — Madame Fourcade's Secret War, Those Angry Days, and Citizens of London were New York Times bestsellers.
Born in Hawaii, Lynne graduated magna cum laude from the University of Arizona. Before becoming a full-time author, she worked as a journalist for ten years, first with the Associated Press as a national feature writer in New York, a foreign correspondent in AP's Moscow bureau, and a political reporter in Washington. She left the AP to join the Washington bureau of the Baltimore Sun, where she covered national politics and eventually the White House.
Lynne lives in Washington, DC with her husband, Stanley Cloud, with whom she co-authored two books. Visit Lynne Olson at http://lynneolson.com.
Lynne’s latest book, The Sisterhood of Ravensbruck: How an Intrepid Band of Frenchwomen Resisted the Nazis In Hitler’s All-Female Concentration Camp, will be published by Random House on June 3,2025. Three of her previous books — Madame Fourcade's Secret War, Those Angry Days, and Citizens of London were New York Times bestsellers.
Born in Hawaii, Lynne graduated magna cum laude from the University of Arizona. Before becoming a full-time author, she worked as a journalist for ten years, first with the Associated Press as a national feature writer in New York, a foreign correspondent in AP's Moscow bureau, and a political reporter in Washington. She left the AP to join the Washington bureau of the Baltimore Sun, where she covered national politics and eventually the White House.
Lynne lives in Washington, DC with her husband, Stanley Cloud, with whom she co-authored two books. Visit Lynne Olson at http://lynneolson.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 149 reviews
July 3, 2025
Any book covering the concentration camps is going to be a tough read. What makes Lynne Olson's newest book, The Sisterhood of Ravensbrück, different is that it is told with a more hopeful tone. I am a huge fan of Olson's and she reliably brings the story of multiple women who ended up in Ravensbrück and how they resisted in their own ways and as a group. Mostly, the book follows members of the French resistance who were betrayed to the Nazis.
The book is broken up into basically three sections. The women before the camps, while they are there, and after. This seems like a "no, duh" statement, but Olson spends more time on the before and after than most books on the subject. The time in the camp takes up a solid chunk, but Olson takes the time to explain these women, so they are characters and not merely victims in the camps.
While I still enjoyed this one, I prefer Olson's previous books because this felt a little rushed and with too many characters. The subject of one of those books, Madame Fourcade, makes a quick cameo appearance in this one and I was reminded how well that told a full story about Fourcade and felt a little bit tighter. Basically, Olson is a slight victim of her own success. This is still quite good, and I recommend it.
(This book was provided as an advance copy by Netgalley and Random House.)
The book is broken up into basically three sections. The women before the camps, while they are there, and after. This seems like a "no, duh" statement, but Olson spends more time on the before and after than most books on the subject. The time in the camp takes up a solid chunk, but Olson takes the time to explain these women, so they are characters and not merely victims in the camps.
While I still enjoyed this one, I prefer Olson's previous books because this felt a little rushed and with too many characters. The subject of one of those books, Madame Fourcade, makes a quick cameo appearance in this one and I was reminded how well that told a full story about Fourcade and felt a little bit tighter. Basically, Olson is a slight victim of her own success. This is still quite good, and I recommend it.
(This book was provided as an advance copy by Netgalley and Random House.)
October 19, 2025
Check out all my reviews at: https://www.avonnalovesgenres.com
THE SISTERHOOD OF RAVENSBRUCK by Lynn Olson is an amazing testament to the lives of the featured French women who survived the infamous women’s concentration camp of Ravensbruck which was in Germany during WWII. I knew nothing about this camp which ended up in the Soviet controlled portion of Germany which is why I feel this book is so important. The infamous camps that are remembered, like Auschwitz and Buchenwald, are important, but there were many others, and they all deserved to be remembered.
This well researched non-fiction book tells the story of many women, but the focus is on a small group of French women who leaned on each other to survive at Ravensbruck after being arrested for their resistance work during WWII. The story tells of their lives before the war, how they became involved in the resistance and were arrested, and then their time in a French jail in Paris before being shipped like cattle to Ravensbruck. Arriving at different times, they were still able to form a bond to help each other survive and even help other women of many nationalities and religions. The liberation of the camp did not occur all at once and the story goes on to tell of the friends varying recuperations and reunions.
The women’s lives after the war are followed as they build families and work to help all survivors of the camp. The work they did to get healthcare and reparations from the French and German governments was inspiring. I also was in awe of the Polish lapins “rabbits” that were experimented on in the camp and the ladies’ determination to help them get reparations.
All non-fiction history books that tell the stories of the WWII concentration camps are heartbreaking and leave you questioning humanity and this one was no different, but it also gave you the ladies’ lives after and demonstrated the resilience and strength they had after the horror. The research is evident. The author immerses you in these women’s journey, avoiding a dry historical account. I will definitly be picking up other history books written by this author.
I highly recommend this incredible non-fiction story of the women of Ravensbruck!
THE SISTERHOOD OF RAVENSBRUCK by Lynn Olson is an amazing testament to the lives of the featured French women who survived the infamous women’s concentration camp of Ravensbruck which was in Germany during WWII. I knew nothing about this camp which ended up in the Soviet controlled portion of Germany which is why I feel this book is so important. The infamous camps that are remembered, like Auschwitz and Buchenwald, are important, but there were many others, and they all deserved to be remembered.
This well researched non-fiction book tells the story of many women, but the focus is on a small group of French women who leaned on each other to survive at Ravensbruck after being arrested for their resistance work during WWII. The story tells of their lives before the war, how they became involved in the resistance and were arrested, and then their time in a French jail in Paris before being shipped like cattle to Ravensbruck. Arriving at different times, they were still able to form a bond to help each other survive and even help other women of many nationalities and religions. The liberation of the camp did not occur all at once and the story goes on to tell of the friends varying recuperations and reunions.
The women’s lives after the war are followed as they build families and work to help all survivors of the camp. The work they did to get healthcare and reparations from the French and German governments was inspiring. I also was in awe of the Polish lapins “rabbits” that were experimented on in the camp and the ladies’ determination to help them get reparations.
All non-fiction history books that tell the stories of the WWII concentration camps are heartbreaking and leave you questioning humanity and this one was no different, but it also gave you the ladies’ lives after and demonstrated the resilience and strength they had after the horror. The research is evident. The author immerses you in these women’s journey, avoiding a dry historical account. I will definitly be picking up other history books written by this author.
I highly recommend this incredible non-fiction story of the women of Ravensbruck!
July 16, 2025
This is a beautifully written, well-researched work of non-fiction. It vividly depicts the horrors and deprivations suffered by the women who were imprisoned at the Ravensbruck concentration camp, and also describes their lives before and after their ordeal. The camaraderie, support and friendship are uplifting, and the message of healing and hope is powerful and moving. I listened to the audio book, and Ms. Lisa Flanagan's narration is outstanding
September 18, 2025
I have to preface all Holocaust-content reviews with a disclaimer regarding my personal connection: I am Hungarian-Jewish (although only practice High Holidays) and my grandfather survived Buchenwald concentration camp with his name forever immortalized in the Holocaust Memorial Museum in Washington, D.C.; and on their online database. As the granddaughter of a Holocaust survivor; I carry psychological generational trauma and PTDS resulting in my second-hand pain from education myself on the events and yet having a desperation to absorb every drop. This is certainly hitting even deeper with the current fascist regime/political state of the affairs of the United States at the time of this review and with worldwide events in 2025.
The atrocities of the Holocaust have been the subject of countless novels, memoirs, documentaries, movies, exhibits, debates, poems, classroom lectures; etc; and will continue on into the indefinite future (as it should: never forget!). Although there are very few Holocaust survivors living today; many left behind their stories using their voices as a weapon and as a means of vindication. Tales and explorations of torture, near-death psychological trauma and the fight for survival have been shared with each being unique and crippling anyone to the core with an ounce of empathy. An important aspect of the Holocaust were the members of the Resistance groups: many of who were NOT Jewish but held steadfast against the evil atrocities which resulted in being sent to concentration camps as prisoners of war. Lesser discussed are the WOMEN that led these groups and their unmatched contribution to the fight against the Nazis. Bestselling author and the consulting Historian to the National WWII Museum in New Orleans and the Holocaust Memorial Museum in D.C., Lynne Olson, explores the women leading the French resistance in, “The Sisterhood of Ravensbruck: How an Intrepid Band of Frenchwomen Resisted the Nazis in Hitler’s All-Female Concentration Camp”.
In “The Sisterhood of Ravensbruck”, Olson introduces readers to a sampling of badass female resistance fighters: Germaine Tillion, Anise Girard, Genevieve de Gaulle and Jacqueline Pery (plus other important figures) who were the guiding posts of the French Resistance groups and went on to not only hold up their peers literally and figuratively in the concentration camps; but document in detail the atrocities of the camps which became some of the main evidence in the post-Holocaust war trials and recovery efforts.
Olson begins “The Sisterhood of Ravensbruck” introducing each woman and their background with the resistance groups also diving into a journalistic expedition into the resistance, overall, creating a micro and macro view of both the women and the subject. This is an instant magnetic narrative offering an exciting and detailed look at the French resistance that is as illustrative and buoyant as any film with visceral reader reaction but stays true to a wholly encompassing scholarly and academic work. Olson’s grip on facts versus any biases but with a beautiful written flourish eschews readers from become overwhelmed and/or bold and being able to fully grasp the content. This is vital as “The Sisterhood of Ravensbruck” covers an enormous scope of history that can run the risk of being “too much”.
Expanding on this “The Sisterhood of Ravensbruck” is a masterpiece in melding difficult subject matter with a readable narrative that encourages page-turning and builds tension similar to the best literary devices. Olson is a master at non-fiction writing and “The Sisterhood of Ravensbruck” is evidence of such claims. Olson brings the history to life and readers come away having learned so much while also being entertained.
As “The Sisterhood of Ravensbruck” transitions into highlighting the lives of the women once inside the concentration camps; the pages continue to enthrall with a deviation from the standard Holocaust pieces which focus only on camp life and the horrors therein. Thanks to Germaine Tillion’s exhaustive record-keeping of Ravensbruck; “The Sisterhood of Ravensbruck” is an insider’s breakdown of the logistics, psychology, social system and even the Nazi/SS administrators of Ravensbruck that is virtually unmatched in other works. Thanks to Tillion; Olson reveals the delicate layers of Ravensbruck shedding a light that readers may be unfamiliar with former pieces. This is somewhat staggering but in the best way.
Olson excels at observing all angles, figures and tangents in relation to the women and subject but without completely steering off course. “The Sisterhood of Ravensbruck” is effortless and concise making the history truly accessible while also encouraging further reading and research on the topic.This is also evident in Olson’s focus on the personal lives of the women bringing an emotional and relatable side to “The Sisterhoos of Ravensbruck” that allows readers to genuinely see that these women were real people and not the garbage Nazis tried to convince the world to believe. It is suggested, however, to take short breaks in between reading in order to fully grasp and marinate on the content.
The latter chapters of “The Sisterhood of Ravensbruck” concludes on an equally enticing journey looking into the lives of the women after surviving the Holocaust, how they impacted their families and the world and their continuing political work to recent times before their deaths. Much of this is new information to readers and is truly mind-blowing in its impact. Olson’s offering of this summation closes “The Sisterhood of Ravensbruck” is a memorable and monumental way.
Olson peppers the entirety of “The Sisterhood of Ravensbruck” with primary resource images and illustrations (black and white/grayscale) while also supplementing with exhaustive Notes and Bibliography pages.
“The Sisterhood of Ravensbruck” is an exemplary body of work bringing to light the French resistance, the women who led these groups and the Holocaust; mixing feminist studies with WWII history in a masterful way that is vital and readable. “The Sisterhood of Ravensbruck” is suggested for all readers interested in these history bullet points.
The atrocities of the Holocaust have been the subject of countless novels, memoirs, documentaries, movies, exhibits, debates, poems, classroom lectures; etc; and will continue on into the indefinite future (as it should: never forget!). Although there are very few Holocaust survivors living today; many left behind their stories using their voices as a weapon and as a means of vindication. Tales and explorations of torture, near-death psychological trauma and the fight for survival have been shared with each being unique and crippling anyone to the core with an ounce of empathy. An important aspect of the Holocaust were the members of the Resistance groups: many of who were NOT Jewish but held steadfast against the evil atrocities which resulted in being sent to concentration camps as prisoners of war. Lesser discussed are the WOMEN that led these groups and their unmatched contribution to the fight against the Nazis. Bestselling author and the consulting Historian to the National WWII Museum in New Orleans and the Holocaust Memorial Museum in D.C., Lynne Olson, explores the women leading the French resistance in, “The Sisterhood of Ravensbruck: How an Intrepid Band of Frenchwomen Resisted the Nazis in Hitler’s All-Female Concentration Camp”.
In “The Sisterhood of Ravensbruck”, Olson introduces readers to a sampling of badass female resistance fighters: Germaine Tillion, Anise Girard, Genevieve de Gaulle and Jacqueline Pery (plus other important figures) who were the guiding posts of the French Resistance groups and went on to not only hold up their peers literally and figuratively in the concentration camps; but document in detail the atrocities of the camps which became some of the main evidence in the post-Holocaust war trials and recovery efforts.
Olson begins “The Sisterhood of Ravensbruck” introducing each woman and their background with the resistance groups also diving into a journalistic expedition into the resistance, overall, creating a micro and macro view of both the women and the subject. This is an instant magnetic narrative offering an exciting and detailed look at the French resistance that is as illustrative and buoyant as any film with visceral reader reaction but stays true to a wholly encompassing scholarly and academic work. Olson’s grip on facts versus any biases but with a beautiful written flourish eschews readers from become overwhelmed and/or bold and being able to fully grasp the content. This is vital as “The Sisterhood of Ravensbruck” covers an enormous scope of history that can run the risk of being “too much”.
Expanding on this “The Sisterhood of Ravensbruck” is a masterpiece in melding difficult subject matter with a readable narrative that encourages page-turning and builds tension similar to the best literary devices. Olson is a master at non-fiction writing and “The Sisterhood of Ravensbruck” is evidence of such claims. Olson brings the history to life and readers come away having learned so much while also being entertained.
As “The Sisterhood of Ravensbruck” transitions into highlighting the lives of the women once inside the concentration camps; the pages continue to enthrall with a deviation from the standard Holocaust pieces which focus only on camp life and the horrors therein. Thanks to Germaine Tillion’s exhaustive record-keeping of Ravensbruck; “The Sisterhood of Ravensbruck” is an insider’s breakdown of the logistics, psychology, social system and even the Nazi/SS administrators of Ravensbruck that is virtually unmatched in other works. Thanks to Tillion; Olson reveals the delicate layers of Ravensbruck shedding a light that readers may be unfamiliar with former pieces. This is somewhat staggering but in the best way.
Olson excels at observing all angles, figures and tangents in relation to the women and subject but without completely steering off course. “The Sisterhood of Ravensbruck” is effortless and concise making the history truly accessible while also encouraging further reading and research on the topic.This is also evident in Olson’s focus on the personal lives of the women bringing an emotional and relatable side to “The Sisterhoos of Ravensbruck” that allows readers to genuinely see that these women were real people and not the garbage Nazis tried to convince the world to believe. It is suggested, however, to take short breaks in between reading in order to fully grasp and marinate on the content.
The latter chapters of “The Sisterhood of Ravensbruck” concludes on an equally enticing journey looking into the lives of the women after surviving the Holocaust, how they impacted their families and the world and their continuing political work to recent times before their deaths. Much of this is new information to readers and is truly mind-blowing in its impact. Olson’s offering of this summation closes “The Sisterhood of Ravensbruck” is a memorable and monumental way.
Olson peppers the entirety of “The Sisterhood of Ravensbruck” with primary resource images and illustrations (black and white/grayscale) while also supplementing with exhaustive Notes and Bibliography pages.
“The Sisterhood of Ravensbruck” is an exemplary body of work bringing to light the French resistance, the women who led these groups and the Holocaust; mixing feminist studies with WWII history in a masterful way that is vital and readable. “The Sisterhood of Ravensbruck” is suggested for all readers interested in these history bullet points.
June 1, 2025
HUGE thanks to NetGalley and Random House Publishing for the eARC copy of this book!!
I think that, when training as a historian, you can't escape WWII. Everyone learns about it, maybe more than they want to know. My focus has always been American history, but WWII takes a very close second! I enjoy learning about it and hearing the first-hand accounts. I think it's an incredibly important (if often times uncomfortable) part of history to learn about and keep at the forefront of people's minds.
The Sisterhood of Ravensbruck is coming at a time when we're getting to learn more stories about other women in the resistance. I recently finished reading a different memoir about a female French spy during WWII named Pippa Latour and it was also phenomenal! See here: The Last Secret Agent: My Life as a Spy Behind Nazi Lines. However, Olson's book gives a new perspective that I haven't had the chance to read much elsewhere. This harrowing story gives us details about the lives of women living in the camps--some were captured Resistance members, others were simply Frenchwomen taken for their nationality, some were Jews. There were so many groups not just represented, but represented WELL. Olson gave each person in this text the spotlight, even if just for a moment, and ensured their stories and memories were recorded and would be seen by the reader.
This book is pretty clearly defined in three parts--before, during, and after. I felt that Olson gave more recognition to the "after" than a lot of other WWII accounts do and it was incredibly special to see how the women's relationships endured and flourished after their time in Ravensbruck ended BECAUSE of the way they tended to and cared for each other while enduring life in the camp. Getting to see that story line all the way through made this so much more powerful! I have to say that was probably my favorite part. I almost didn't want this book to end. I wanted more--more stories, more information, more connection. It didn't take away from the book (for me), it just made me more excited to find some of the texts Olson referenced so I can gain a deeper knowledge and understanding of the women.
I HIGHLY recommend this book to all readers. It's an incredibly important text and very well-written.
I think that, when training as a historian, you can't escape WWII. Everyone learns about it, maybe more than they want to know. My focus has always been American history, but WWII takes a very close second! I enjoy learning about it and hearing the first-hand accounts. I think it's an incredibly important (if often times uncomfortable) part of history to learn about and keep at the forefront of people's minds.
The Sisterhood of Ravensbruck is coming at a time when we're getting to learn more stories about other women in the resistance. I recently finished reading a different memoir about a female French spy during WWII named Pippa Latour and it was also phenomenal! See here: The Last Secret Agent: My Life as a Spy Behind Nazi Lines. However, Olson's book gives a new perspective that I haven't had the chance to read much elsewhere. This harrowing story gives us details about the lives of women living in the camps--some were captured Resistance members, others were simply Frenchwomen taken for their nationality, some were Jews. There were so many groups not just represented, but represented WELL. Olson gave each person in this text the spotlight, even if just for a moment, and ensured their stories and memories were recorded and would be seen by the reader.
This book is pretty clearly defined in three parts--before, during, and after. I felt that Olson gave more recognition to the "after" than a lot of other WWII accounts do and it was incredibly special to see how the women's relationships endured and flourished after their time in Ravensbruck ended BECAUSE of the way they tended to and cared for each other while enduring life in the camp. Getting to see that story line all the way through made this so much more powerful! I have to say that was probably my favorite part. I almost didn't want this book to end. I wanted more--more stories, more information, more connection. It didn't take away from the book (for me), it just made me more excited to find some of the texts Olson referenced so I can gain a deeper knowledge and understanding of the women.
I HIGHLY recommend this book to all readers. It's an incredibly important text and very well-written.
July 30, 2025
Though I’ve read many books about the Holocaust and the concentration camps, this is my first focused look at Ravensbrück — the only major Nazi camp specifically for women. Lynne Olson’s The Sisterhood may rely largely on secondary sources, but that does nothing to diminish its emotional impact or the power of the stories it tells. Through clear and compassionate writing, Olson shines a light on the extraordinary courage, solidarity, and resistance of the women imprisoned there.
The inhumanity and sadism of the camp authorities are, as ever, staggering. But just as staggering is the quiet bravery of those on the other side: women who endured brutal conditions, cruel experiments, and systematic dehumanization — yet still found ways to resist, support one another, and survive.
Olson makes a compelling case that Ravensbrück has been largely overlooked in Holocaust history, especially compared to camps like Auschwitz. Many of the perpetrators responsible for the horrors at Ravensbrück were never held to account. Unfortunately, this was true of nearly all the camps — and indeed, of the Nazi regime itself. Even those who were tried, such as during the Auschwitz and Einsatzgruppen trials, often had their sentences commuted and were released within a few years.
This context doesn’t weaken Olson’s narrative; rather, it strengthens the urgency of her work and underlines how many voices remain unheard in the dominant historical record. While Olson doesn’t directly address the broader issue of antisemitism in Poland — both before, during, and after the war — it remains an essential part of the historical context. Recognizing this reality doesn’t detract from the suffering of Polish victims or the courage of Polish resisters; it adds another layer of complexity to the story and deepens our understanding of the world these women endured.
The Sisterhood is ultimately a tribute — to the women whose names we know, and to the countless others who resisted in ways large and small. It is a moving, meticulously researched reminder that even in history’s darkest chapters, there are stories of extraordinary light.
The inhumanity and sadism of the camp authorities are, as ever, staggering. But just as staggering is the quiet bravery of those on the other side: women who endured brutal conditions, cruel experiments, and systematic dehumanization — yet still found ways to resist, support one another, and survive.
Olson makes a compelling case that Ravensbrück has been largely overlooked in Holocaust history, especially compared to camps like Auschwitz. Many of the perpetrators responsible for the horrors at Ravensbrück were never held to account. Unfortunately, this was true of nearly all the camps — and indeed, of the Nazi regime itself. Even those who were tried, such as during the Auschwitz and Einsatzgruppen trials, often had their sentences commuted and were released within a few years.
This context doesn’t weaken Olson’s narrative; rather, it strengthens the urgency of her work and underlines how many voices remain unheard in the dominant historical record. While Olson doesn’t directly address the broader issue of antisemitism in Poland — both before, during, and after the war — it remains an essential part of the historical context. Recognizing this reality doesn’t detract from the suffering of Polish victims or the courage of Polish resisters; it adds another layer of complexity to the story and deepens our understanding of the world these women endured.
The Sisterhood is ultimately a tribute — to the women whose names we know, and to the countless others who resisted in ways large and small. It is a moving, meticulously researched reminder that even in history’s darkest chapters, there are stories of extraordinary light.
January 8, 2025
It's so hard to put into words how moving this book is. These women go beyond the definition of what the human spirit can do. I am truly struggling with finding the words to describe how powerful this book is. To honor them and many more like them - read this book! Thanks to Netgalley, the author and publishers for an advanced copy in exchange for my honest opinion.
February 12, 2025
Ravenbruck, as concentration camps go, is not as infamous as Dachau, Auschwitz or Colditz. Here thousands of women were sent. French, Polish, Jews. This is the story of the women of the French resistance, their arrests and ending up in Ravenbruck. It is a story about sisterhood in the camp and beyond the camp. Its about the inhumanity of the guards and camp commandant. Shared misery and shared healing. The fight to get their camp personal brought to justice. The fight to be compensated by the West German government, Mostly it is about their stories, ones you won't forget.
July 22, 2025
It is hard to comprehend the atrocities that took place across the camps of the Third Reich. Lynne Olson brings to life the suffering and bravery of a group of French women involved in the resistance and sent to Ravensbrück. Their courage and ingenuity gave them strength to survive during the war and band together after the war to encourage and heal. "The Hiding Place" is my absolute favorite story of Ravensbrück, but Olson did well to shed light on these strong French women.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the advance copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the advance copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
December 31, 2025
This is a powerful book. It brings to life the horror of the camp and the beauty of the sisterhood. These women were hero’s. I was moved to tears many times. The bond they shared was unbreakable and showed a love few will ever know. Hard read but important. This should be talked about more. Excellent author and well researched. The sisters will stay in my heart forever. They continue on!
September 17, 2025
I've read books on WW2, both non-fiction and historical fiction; none was like The Sisterhood of Ravensbruck. Ravensbruck was a concentration camp located north of Berlin for females only. Lynne Olson explores the experience of four fearless French women. All four women were involved in various resistance projects, and as a result were treated with unsparing severity. Their stories are courageous and inspiring. I appreciated the drawings and photos that were included in the book and Olson's elaboration on their activities after the war ended. Her vivid descriptions can be difficult to read at times. On another note, her references to the work of Norman Cousins especially interested me. I met one of his daughters several years ago at a workshop. Like Cousins was, she is an author and journalist.
September 20, 2025
Probably like most readers I was totally unware of the Ravensbruck Concentration Camp. The Camp was used by the Germans to send women, mostly connected to The Resistance, to Ravensbruck.
Ms. Olson relied on accurate, detailed research of the Nazi atrocities at Ravensbruck. The Camp, however, was not a death camp similar to Auschwitz. But hundreds of women, badly nourished and diseased, died at the Camp.
Ms. Olson relied on accurate, detailed research of the Nazi atrocities at Ravensbruck. The Camp, however, was not a death camp similar to Auschwitz. But hundreds of women, badly nourished and diseased, died at the Camp.
June 1, 2025
Review to come
September 27, 2025
This book revolves around the strong bonds that form for women as dissenters during WWII. These French women began as resisters during the war against Germany and continued through their imprisonment at Ravensbruck, the only all-female prison camp. The women continued at the camp to be resisters through their refusal to work and the sabotage of everyday life at the camp itself. They also boosted other women in the camp, especially the Polish “rabbits.”
Lynne Olson highlights how the women found ways to revive each other’s spirits through laughter, stealing from the cruel and beastly officials, and giving up their own meager food to help each other survive. The author also shows what their lives were like as the survivors returned to their homes and families after the war.
This book is full of heart as well as showing the unspeakable behaviors of the sadistic Germans. I have read other books about this all-women prison camp and I appreciated how the author linked information from the book The Lilac Girls to the experiences of these women. For some people, this book, as well as others like it may be very difficult to digest. For me, I understand we must bear witness to the atrocities of the past to make us better people in the present and future.
Lynne Olson highlights how the women found ways to revive each other’s spirits through laughter, stealing from the cruel and beastly officials, and giving up their own meager food to help each other survive. The author also shows what their lives were like as the survivors returned to their homes and families after the war.
This book is full of heart as well as showing the unspeakable behaviors of the sadistic Germans. I have read other books about this all-women prison camp and I appreciated how the author linked information from the book The Lilac Girls to the experiences of these women. For some people, this book, as well as others like it may be very difficult to digest. For me, I understand we must bear witness to the atrocities of the past to make us better people in the present and future.
September 4, 2025
Absolutely horrific and inspiring, important reading for today and always. These women are incredible badasses!
August 17, 2025
Olsen has a real ability to highlight unheralded strong women and bring them to light. Like in Madame Fourcade's Secret War, this book deals with World War II and the resistance movements in France and the largely unsung women who were part of them. The book opens with a small group of gray-haired women sharing tea in a Paris apartment after the end of the war and then reveals the story of how these women came to know each other. They were prisoners of war in the infamous Nazi all-female concentration camp of Ravensbruck and formed a community of resistance to support each other and to survive. Dachau, Auschwitz, Buchenwald and so many other concentration camps are now well-known, but Ravensbruck in a wooded area north of Berlin was not publicized as much after the war because it was in the Soviet Zone. Mengele's horrific experiments are also common knowledge, but the experiments performed on a group of young women in Ravensbruck were just as horrifying. These young women were known as the Lapins or little rabbits and this books tells their story and the fate of these women after the war. The book is inspiring and Olsen is a superb storyteller.
November 25, 2025
Non fictional account of how women sent to Ravensbruck concentration camp in WWII relied on one another for their survival and how even many years after they continued to support one another. As grim as the topic is, this is written in a way that gives hope. I will never cease to be amazed at the fortitude and resilience so many women demonstrated and I continue to wonder what I would do in those circumstances
October 19, 2025
I read several WWII/Holocaust themed books every year, both fiction and nonfiction, and this book rises to the top in content and quality. The focus is on several resistance fighters/prisoners and their covert activities while imprisoned in Ravensbruk. I learned new and interesting information about the Resistance, life in the concentration camp, and especially some of the post-war fallout. If this period of history interests you this book is worth reading - even if you are already well-read on the subject. If this isn’t a favored genre, you may still appreciate the words of wisdom regarding living and surviving under fascism. Rather timely.
September 18, 2025
I have read three other books by this author and enjoyed them tremendously, so I was very much looking forward to this one. The story of the main characters was excellent. Unfortunately there was a great deal of fluff all around. But what was most disconcerting was that a historian would not know some basic facts about the Holocaust.
For example at one point she states that the Soviets liberated several camps in 1944. Three of those camps had been closed in 1943. So they didn't liberate much of anything, except a few empty buildings, and of course, gruesome remains.
At another point in the book she states quite casually that millions of Jews were killed at Auschwitz. That's not true. 6 million Jews were killed in the Holocaust; 1 million of them were killed at Auschwitz.
The saddest part is that the author claims to have been a consulting historian for the US Holocaust Museum. She missed some very basic facts.
If you're looking for a good history book on Ravensbruck, read Sarah Helm's book. It is detailed and heartbreaking and excellent.
For example at one point she states that the Soviets liberated several camps in 1944. Three of those camps had been closed in 1943. So they didn't liberate much of anything, except a few empty buildings, and of course, gruesome remains.
At another point in the book she states quite casually that millions of Jews were killed at Auschwitz. That's not true. 6 million Jews were killed in the Holocaust; 1 million of them were killed at Auschwitz.
The saddest part is that the author claims to have been a consulting historian for the US Holocaust Museum. She missed some very basic facts.
If you're looking for a good history book on Ravensbruck, read Sarah Helm's book. It is detailed and heartbreaking and excellent.
June 18, 2025
I was amazed by the women who were featured in The Sisterhood of Ravensbruck. Lynne Olson has given readers such a well written, comprehensive, readable account of the French women who worked in the resistance and were eventually captured and sent to Ravensbruck.
I have read so much about World War II and because of that, I really connected with the story. Olson mentioned so many people that I have previously read about. One of those women was Caroline Ferriday, who was instrumental in helping the women after the war.
Olson wrote about the hard parts when the women were captured, tortured and what they endured in prison, but she wrote in such a way that there was also hope and a sense of optimism.
I liked how the women’s lives were accounted for even after they left the camp. They faced many difficulties adjusting to their lives after the war. Some had lingering health problems and some would never fully recover. The strongest of the group went to work to help the other women and/or to hold the German war criminals accountable.
Readers longing for a true story about brave, strong women will love this book. Highly recommend!
Many thanks to NetGalley and Random House Publishing Group-Random House for allowing me to read an advance copy. I am happy to offer my honest review and recommend this book to readers.
I have read so much about World War II and because of that, I really connected with the story. Olson mentioned so many people that I have previously read about. One of those women was Caroline Ferriday, who was instrumental in helping the women after the war.
Olson wrote about the hard parts when the women were captured, tortured and what they endured in prison, but she wrote in such a way that there was also hope and a sense of optimism.
I liked how the women’s lives were accounted for even after they left the camp. They faced many difficulties adjusting to their lives after the war. Some had lingering health problems and some would never fully recover. The strongest of the group went to work to help the other women and/or to hold the German war criminals accountable.
Readers longing for a true story about brave, strong women will love this book. Highly recommend!
Many thanks to NetGalley and Random House Publishing Group-Random House for allowing me to read an advance copy. I am happy to offer my honest review and recommend this book to readers.
July 11, 2025
This nonfiction book focuses on the lives of four remarkable French women, all members of different resistance networks, who were imprisoned at Ravensbrück, the German concentration camp for women (mostly political prisoners). It tells of not only their harrowing experiences in the camp, but also the incredible ways they and their fellow prisoners came together to help each other survive. It also covers how they continued to support each other after their release and led the fight for assistance and recognition for all of the women who were held at Ravensbrück. It’s a fascinating story of survival and resilience.
June 10, 2025
I liked how the author focused so much on the before and after of the camp, especially the after and how it so deeply affected these women’s lives, especially the group called the “rabbits.” It was amazing to hear how these women banded together under such difficult circumstances.
September 13, 2025
When I was a child and first learning of the horrors of the Holocaust, I wanted to consume every book, movie, account, etc. possible. When I came across this title through my library’s Libby app, I knew it would be a 5 star, important read.
The Sisterhood of Ravensbruck tells the story of some incredible women who were subjected to the all women Ravensbruck concentration camp in France during WWII. I appreciate Colson’s writing, as this did not “feel” like a nonfiction. This honestly read more like a well paced suspense story that included a much needed account of the “after”. I greatly appreciated this, because as an adult it is difficult to picture rebuilding your life after something so devastatingly, widespread catastrophic. The friendship, support, and loyalty these women had to each other was inspiring and greatly affected their relationships after the war because of their experiences together in Ravensbruck.
I listened to the audiobook, but will be purchasing a hard copy as there were many quotes I want to highlight! I appreciated the women discussed fascism and how a society can succumb to this ideology. It is mind blowing to know people in the years to come after the war, still didn’t believe the cruelty of the camps. I recommend this to anyone who wants to learn a lesser known story of WWII, while still wanting a story of hope and perseverance.
The Sisterhood of Ravensbruck tells the story of some incredible women who were subjected to the all women Ravensbruck concentration camp in France during WWII. I appreciate Colson’s writing, as this did not “feel” like a nonfiction. This honestly read more like a well paced suspense story that included a much needed account of the “after”. I greatly appreciated this, because as an adult it is difficult to picture rebuilding your life after something so devastatingly, widespread catastrophic. The friendship, support, and loyalty these women had to each other was inspiring and greatly affected their relationships after the war because of their experiences together in Ravensbruck.
I listened to the audiobook, but will be purchasing a hard copy as there were many quotes I want to highlight! I appreciated the women discussed fascism and how a society can succumb to this ideology. It is mind blowing to know people in the years to come after the war, still didn’t believe the cruelty of the camps. I recommend this to anyone who wants to learn a lesser known story of WWII, while still wanting a story of hope and perseverance.
November 16, 2025
I could not put this book down. The incredibly inspirational story of French resistance fighters at an all-female concentration camp was so compelling. Lynne Olson describes not only the atrocities they ensured during their imprisonment, but also the continuing fight afterwards to ensure the world knew about it.
So many people think they "know" about the concentration camps. Ravensbruk, having been liberated by the Soviets, was not publicized the way the camps liberated by the British and Americans. You won't know the full history of these camps until you've read this book.
Separate note - I didn't realize how patriarchal France was, even after the war when the women had basically been doing almost everything on the homefront - women still didn't get the right to VOTE until the 1940's!
So many people think they "know" about the concentration camps. Ravensbruk, having been liberated by the Soviets, was not publicized the way the camps liberated by the British and Americans. You won't know the full history of these camps until you've read this book.
Separate note - I didn't realize how patriarchal France was, even after the war when the women had basically been doing almost everything on the homefront - women still didn't get the right to VOTE until the 1940's!
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September 1, 2025Wow. What courage. I learned so much I didn't know about that period of history. What a beautiful book highlighting these women and how they supported each other and survived through this horrible period in history. It's long, but not sure what could be cut out so still giving it 5 stars for all of the research and stories told to remember these women and what they endured by maintaining their friendships.
October 6, 2025
This book shed light on an amazing aspect of the Ravensbruck concentration camp. While it validated and explained in detail how truly barbaric the Nazis who ran Ravensbruck were, it also shared how inspiring a group of French resistance women worked together to get each other through this experience. Their story of survival, recovery, and intense focus on ensuring the barbarism isn’t repeated is humbling and inspiring.
November 1, 2025
Boring. Reads like a history book rather than weaving a story.
November 13, 2025
Interesting story of courageous French women during World War II.
November 18, 2025
The whole book was powerful but the last few chapters were especially emotional for me. Women are amazing creatures and I can't get over how tenacious the group of women were. This is the history we need to be teaching!
September 5, 2025
4.5
I had no background knowledge beforehand of the impact of French resistors of the Naziis in WWII, specifically women. This book is great read. I feel like Auschwitz and certain other camps are talked about, and rightly so, but there has not been a lot of information about other people in these camps. Hitlers hatred for Jews was well known but the French resistors at times were viewed treated the same or worse/less than.
From the play that was written, to the documentary that was made, I am now on another journey to seek more information to the stories of these amazing women.
I felt the beginning started a little slow for me. Granted, you had to give the background history of some of these women to understand who they are and where they come from, etc. Once it got started though, the author helped place you right in those camps and places of resistance.
I had no background knowledge beforehand of the impact of French resistors of the Naziis in WWII, specifically women. This book is great read. I feel like Auschwitz and certain other camps are talked about, and rightly so, but there has not been a lot of information about other people in these camps. Hitlers hatred for Jews was well known but the French resistors at times were viewed treated the same or worse/less than.
From the play that was written, to the documentary that was made, I am now on another journey to seek more information to the stories of these amazing women.
I felt the beginning started a little slow for me. Granted, you had to give the background history of some of these women to understand who they are and where they come from, etc. Once it got started though, the author helped place you right in those camps and places of resistance.
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