Biblioteca secretă din Varșovia

by Madeline Martin, Carmen Ion (translator)

De când se știe, Zofia și-a găsit alinarea în cărți și în prietenia cu Janina. Nimeni nu și-ar fi putut însă imagina ororile ocupației naziste în Varșovia. Bombele distrug orașul, iar soldații lui Hitler îl jefuiesc și ucid oameni nevinovați, prigonindu-i pe evrei.

Zofia are convingerea că și cărțile trebuie protejate, mai ales că lucrează la o bibliotecă importantă. Reușește astfel să salveze multe volume interzise, ascunzându-le într-un depozit secret și înființând un club de lectură clandestin.

Cele două tinere nu renunță la citit nici când Janina este forțată să meargă în ghetou. Ea alină durerea celor de acolo, împrumutându-le cărți dintr-o valiză cu care străbate străzile ghetoului.

Pe măsură ce se apropie ziua eliberării, Zofia se aruncă în luptă alături de Janina. În cele din urmă, ea folosește singura armă care i-a mai rămas pentru a păstra vii cultura și tradițiile unei țări sfâșiate: LITERATURA.

Genres: Historical Fiction, Fiction, Historical, World War II, Books About Books, Audiobook, Book Club

480 pages, Paperback

First published August 1, 2023

About the author

Madeline Martin is a New York Times, USA Today, Publisher's Weekly, and international bestselling author of historical fiction and historical romance with books that have been translated into over twenty-five different languages.

She lives in sunny Florida with her two daughters (known collectively as the minions), two incredibly spoiled cats and a man so wonderful he's been dubbed Mr. Awesome. She is a die-hard history lover who will happily lose herself in research any day. When she's not writing, researching or 'moming', you can find her spending time with her family at Disney or sneaking a couple spoonfuls of Nutella while laughing over cat videos. She also loves research and travel, attributing her fascination with history to having spent most of her childhood as an Army brat in Germany.

Check out her website for book club visits, reader guides for her historical fiction, upcoming events, book news and more: https://madelinemartin.com

Reviews

[Madeline Martin]

Update: The Keeper of Hidden Books is officially a Goodreads Choice FINALIST for Best Historical Fiction 2023!!!!

YOU GUYS! Thank you so much for all the votes and for all the warm congrats and love!!! This is a voting based competition and knowing that so many people went out there to support my book – it just means more to me that I can possibly say.

I worked so immensely hard on this book – not just on the research, but on cultivating a careful list of books for the clandestine book club to read. There were days that the subject matter was more heartbreaking than I could bear, and days that I let my inner-critic creep in. This was not an easy story to write, but you all helped me through it with your messages and reviews about how much you’ve appreciated my books and my research.

I am beyond grateful for all the love and support you’ve given this book – it holds such a special piece of my heart.

Thank you for being such a big part of my life – and thank you for this incredible honor. And if you’re game to vote just one more time, I would so appreciate a vote for the final round – and please make sure to check out all the other amazing finalists!

Vote here (and THANK YOU): https://www.goodreads.com/choiceaward...

*

As it turns out, I have another surprise update on The Keeper of Hidden Books - I'm immensely honored to announce The Keeper of Hidden Books has been nominated for the 2023 Goodreads Choice Awards for Historical Fiction.

I put my heart and soul into this book and totally started crying when I found out about the nomination. I was surprised and honored and just so overcome with gratitude <3

If you would like to vote for The Keeper of Hidden Books (and I would so very appreciate it!), you may do so here: https://www.goodreads.com/choiceaward...

Thank you for all the continued love and support <3

xoxo,
Madeline

Final Update on 08/24/2023 -

The Keeper of Hidden Books has been out for over three weeks now - thank you so much for all the wonderful reviews and for all the love and support. It means so much to me that this story resonates with so many readers. Many of you have reached out to ask me what's next (thank you!) so I figured I'd post here. Coming in September 2024 is my next historical fiction, The Booklover's Library set in Nottingham, England.

People who loved The Last Bookshop in London will enjoy The Booklover's Library - a heartwarming read of a mother and daughter's love and one woman's quest to find herself amid the loving - and sometimes quirky - community within the Booklover's Library. And when a trip takes Emma to London, there just might be a cameo or two from some of your favorite characters from The Last Bookshop in London ;)

I'll be updating The Booklover's Library with periodic updates as I did here with The Keeper of Hidden Books. You can add this to your Want to Read (and receive updates as I add them) here: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/1...

Thank you again for all your immense support through the writing and launching of The Keeper of Hidden Books xoxo

Update on 04/02/2023 -

Attention book reviewers, The Keeper of Hidden Books is officially live on NetGalley for your requesting pleasure: https://www.netgalley.com/catalog/boo...

I hope everyone enjoys this one :) I wrote my heart into this story (as well as tons and tons of research) xoxo

Update on 01/13/2023 -

I HAVE A COVER! It doesn't look like it has updated on Goodreads yet, but you can see it on my website: https://madelinemartin.com/books/the-...

There are SO MANY things I love about this cover:
- The element of hope that is gleaming in
- The book tucked behind her back and at those at her side that she's secreting away
- The Polish Home Army band on her arm
- The fact that this scene is in the book

I am SO immensely happy with this gorgeous cover and hope everyone else loves it too.

If you're looking for it on NetGalley (and thank you :) ) it's not there yet. I am still going through my edits, but once it's on NetGalley, I'll be updating here.

Thank you all for following me on the amazing journey!! :) Happy New Year!!

PS I already have my next book in the works - more to come!

Update on 11/29/2022 -

Psst...did you notice The Keeper of Hidden Books has a blurb up now? :)

Also, I officially turned this in last month and put everything into writing this book!! What you can expect from The Keeper of Hidden Books:
- An unbreakable friendship
- Books (including classic authors you know and maybe some Polish ones you don't)
- A secret book club (oh, yes - I went there)
- Intrepid librarians and true events surrounding the Warsaw public library
- Acts of bravery and kindness and love
- My heart, which I poured into these pages
- To have your tissues handy

Update 08/15/2022 - Because I'm WAY past due for an update!

My trip to Warsaw was so inspiring! I went with my mom who reads all my books and it's so exciting to know that she'll be recalling our amazing trip together as she reads The Keeper of Hidden Books.

With 85% of Warsaw destroyed after the war, it was later rebuilt with as much original detail as possible. Large chunks of buildings were unearthed from the rubble and used with new items for recreation. All through Warsaw, you'll see buildings with parts of the stone damaged and darkened with age amid new materials as a result. There was so much care taken in this endeavor as they pieced the city back together like a massive jigsaw puzzle.

Regarding the book itself, I'm currently in the writing phase. This is the phase that can be magical or frustrating depending on the day and how the words are flowing. While I'm writing, I'm still continuing my research - really that doesn't end until the very last look over of my book is done and I know I officially can't add anything else.

I recently uncovered an incredible amount of information I'd spent the last nine months looking for and I feel like it's completely shifted my entire plot in exactly the direction I'd wanted to go. So, it's a lot of work for me, but in the long run, will make this story all the stronger and will bring a healthy amount of bookish love your way. :)

Thank you so much to all of you for following me on this journey as I write The Keeper of Hidden Books!
xoxo
Madeline

Older Updates:

05/05/2022:
This time next week, I will be in Warsaw, Poland doing research! I have spend the last 6 months buried in nonfiction books, filling up notebooks with details about life in Warsaw during WWII. Most of Warsaw was destroyed after the Uprising in 1944, but some original buildings still stand and museums house remnants of life back then. I also am Polish and have never really explored my heritage, which I'm looking forward to doing while there.
I'll be sharing pictures and information on my trip, so keep posted on my social media accounts - Twitter and Instagram are @MadelineMMartin (or follow #MMinWarsaw on IG) and my FB page is Madeline Martin Author.

03/2022
Thank you to my amazing readers for being as excited for this book as I am!
I'm currently in the research phase of this book, which means the postal delivery people hate me, but all the out-of-print book sellers on Ebay and Abe Books LOVE me. In addition to researching the time period and building characters based on the times, I also was able to book a two week trip to Warsaw for research.
I'll be posting more information on my website and social media as this story begins to flesh out.

[Sujoya - theoverbookedbibliophile · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5⭐️

"Good books were like amazing sunsets or awe inspiring landscapes, better enjoyed with someone else. There was no greater experience in the world than sharing the love of a book, discussing its finer points and reliving the story all over again.”

Meticulously researched and beautifully penned, The Keeper of Hidden Books by Madeline Martin is a remarkable work of historical fiction. Set in Warsaw, Poland between 1939 and 1945, the story is presented from the first-person –perspective of Zofia Nowak, a young girl, a year away from completing her secondary education in 1939 as she lives through the German occupation of Poland. This a story of friendship, loyalty, sacrifice, survival and the power of literature in fostering hope and inspiring courage and selflessness in difficult times.

Zofia’s world revolves around her family, her best friend Janina and her love for books. As WWII rages on, she and her friends start a book club they refer to as the “anti-Hitler” book club (later christened “The Bandit Book Club”) where they read and discuss books that have been banned by the Nazi regime. Zofia and Janina also volunteer at the Warsaw library – a place that becomes a sanctuary for those who lose their home due to the devastation in the aftermath of the bombings and those who find solace in the pages of a book. Zofia’s older brother leaves in the middle of the night to fight in the war, her father is arrested and she and her mother lose their home. Zofia bears witness to the horrors of war – air raids and destruction of their beloved city, persecution of Jews and banning, confiscation and destruction of books not approved by the regime. When Janina and her family along with other Jewish families are moved into a Jewish ghetto and the Nazis begin to take over the libraries and reading rooms around the city, Zofia and her friends take it upon themselves to help as many people as they can, save books from being pulped and develop an underground library system, finding ways for readers to access the books they want.

”But that wasn’t all she realized in poring over those pages. The dire importance of their Bandit Book Club struck her anew. And why Hitler so feared the books he banned. There was power in literature. Brilliant and undeniable. Books inspired free thought and empathy, an overall understanding and acceptance of everyone. In the pages of books that were burned and banned and ripped apart for pulping, Zofia had found herself. These were the parts of her that were human and strong and loving, parts that understood lives she had never led.”

The narrative continues through WWII as the situation in Poland worsens and Zofia and her friends take on a larger role in the Resistance. With elegant prose, compelling characters and masterful storytelling, the author skillfully combines fact and fiction to give us a heart-wrenching, informative and incredibly moving story. I enjoyed the literary references and emotions these books evoke in the hearts and minds of young readers. The brilliantly penned Author’s Note not only provides the historical context for the story but also gives us a glimpse into the real people, resistance movements and the true events that inspired this novel including Intelligenzaktion and genocide, The Polish Underground State and Home Army, the Warsaw Uprising and the people who risked their lives to save the books they loved.

Many thanks to Harlequin Trade Publishing and NetGalley for the digital review copy of this novel. All opinions expressed in this review are my own.

“We cannot let the atrocities and persecution of the Jews slip between the cracks of history. Nor can we let the memory of those brave men and women who fought for freedom and what is right disappear in the turning pages of time. The world also needs to remember to never take for granted what has been gifted to us through the sacrifice of others: the right to an education and learning, the power and luxury of freedom, and the beauty to appreciate the routine of simple, everyday life.”

Connect with me! ✏ Instagram ✏ My Blog ✏ The StoryGraph

[Kellie O'Connor · Rating 5 out of 5]

10✨ rating from me!! Once I collect my thoughts, get a chance to breathe and figure out how to write my review, it'll be posted on Goodreads Monday August 28,2023! I will say this; it was brilliant!!!! You'll need Kleenex for this one 🥲😀 Now time for Dr.Suess!!!

Ok, thank you everyone for your patience with this review. I really appreciate it and really wanted to write it on Monday but it's now Wednesday August 30, 2023. I was unable to write it before today because I was unwell... just out of the blue. A little better today so here goes...

I've never read anything like this book! I have already read two of Madeline Martin's books and both were fantastic! The Last Bookshop In London & The Librarian Spy were great but this one was so much better. I never read a book based in Warsaw, Poland before, during and after WW2. This story is based on true events of The Keeper of Hidden Books, who is a person, by the way.

It begins in August 1939 Warsaw, Poland and ends in November 1989. The main characters are Zofia and Janina who are both 18 years old in the beginning of the book. They've been best friends since childhood, one problem is Zofia is Polish and Janina is Jewish. It's not a problem for them but to the Germans it's a big deal. Zofia and Janina love reading books and form a book club that eventually adds more people and has to be hidden during WW2. They call themselves The Bandit Bookclub because they are reading books that are banned by Hitler. Gotta love it! As the story progresses, Janina is placed in the ghettos along with her parents. Zofia is lost without her life time friend. She finds a way to work in a library and soon smuggles books to the Jewish patrons who are banned from the library in Warsaw. Eventually, she finds a way to sneak letters to Janina in the ghetto. This expands to getting Jewish people to safe houses! Wow, what courage she displays knowing that she could get killed if she is caught!

This is a beautiful story of the love and power of books and the courageous librarians who did everything in their power to hide these books from being banned and burned by Hitler. There's many books mentioned in here that were on the banned list, including The Story Of My Life by Helen Keller who actually gave away the majority of her profits to battle blinded soldiers and The Time Machine by H.G. Wells. Hitler didn't want anyone to read what he did not like or went against his own philosophy. I especially loved how the librarians backdated the publication dates to before the war and hid the books away in a bombed out celler of an old library! What a fantastic, creative and beautiful way to hide books!!

This speaks of the truth that books have power and the need to be read by many people who want to read anything they want. " There is power in literature. Brilliant and undeniable." If you like books with strong female characters, family, bonds, friends and friendships that endure along with courageous acts to protect one another, then you need to read this book!! Be sure to read the Authors Notes and never, ever take going to the library and reading books for granted!

I was so immersed in this incredible story that the world could have blown up and I wouldn't have noticed. Read this incredible story just even for the knowledge you'll receive. It's definitely worth it!!

Enjoy and Happy Reading 💫✨📚📚

[Danielle · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love books about books 😍 Bless the brave librarians and patrons who fought to preserve their history, by saving books during wartime ❤️

[theliterateleprechaun · Rating 5 out of 5]

This unassuming little gem is based on the real-life heroic efforts of Warsaw’s librarians during WW2.

The author reminds readers that although Hitler may have stolen many things from many people, there were those in Warsaw who were determined that Hitler wouldn’t steal their love of reading, their books, or their freedom to read whatever book they wished. By spotlighting these people, those that fought for literature, Martin shows us (1) their resilience and bravery in fighting to preserve history and (2) the power of the written word.

You’ll read about a diverse group of young people who form a book club for the sole purpose of reading books that have been banned by Hitler. Their tenacity will astound you and your heartstrings will be pulled when you read about the hardships they endured and the fight they put up to sustain this little group. You’ll be reminded that resistance comes in many forms and those of us, throughout history, who love books have always found a way to preserve literature so that we humans have something to look forward to in desperate times. There may have been 15M books destroyed or stolen from Poland, but for every one of them, someone was fighting to save and preserve them. Their fight was eye-opening.

I Googled the list of banned books and discovered that I’d read All Quiet On The Western Front for Grade Nine English class. I remember at the time that our teacher defended his choice, telling us and our parents that we’d thank him one day. I’m not sure where you are Mr. Ryan, but THANK YOU.

I was most interested in the ingenuity of the people in the Ghetto and in the Polish Underground in making sure that literature was preserved. Author Madeline Martin has honoured their efforts with this spectacular piece of historical fiction.

This is definitely one to grace your night tables, historical fiction lovers!

I was gifted this copy by Harlequin Trade Publishing, Hanover Square Press and NetGalley and was under no obligation to provide a review.

[Tara · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have a high bar for historical fiction, and this book met that bar. I could not help but be a bit in awe of Martin's ability to do deep research and weave it all into a complex plot that does not feel forced in any way. Loved the many small details, such as using the water in the backs of toilets to put out fires in the home due to incendiary bombs. I'm a history nerd who lives for that kind of info!

Besides being a WWII novel, this is also a timely novel about book banning. It shows the power of books and what they mean to a whole city. Martin's descriptions of the ghetto are especially poignant, and she highlights the historical fact that people used suitcases to secretly transport books, as mobile libraries, to residents. Books served as a lifeline, literally, to the Polish and Jewish community, and it's wonderful to have a book that depicts the bravery of librarians and volunteers who risked their lives to save these books. Martin brings to life in seamless prose their sacrifices and actions so they aren't forgotten, along with the sacrifices made in the Jewish community to save their libraries and the centuries of knowledge contained within the covers.

Underlying the book theme is the greater theme of sacrifice for fellow friends and neighbors, as many in Poland risked their lives and their families lives to save Jewish citizens, and the nation of Poland itself. As important as books are, they pale in comparison to a person's life and their freedom, and Martin takes great pains to remind us of this. I look forward to her next book!

[Michele · Rating 2 out of 5]

I think I need to break from WWII fiction for awhile. Found the story moved very slow. Felt like I had read this story or similar a few times. The characters were not compelling.

[Natasha Lester · Rating 5 out of 5]

THE KEEPER OF HIDDEN BOOKS shows us just why historical fiction is so relevant today – because it touches on universal themes that recur in every century throughout time. As more and more books are banned from our libraries and schools, Madeline Martin's novel gives us a much needed shot of inspiration and hope that stories will always win. Zofia's incredible bravery in doing whatever she can to save books and literature while the world is at war and despite the personal cost makes her a remarkable heroine for the ages. This is a stunning story for booklovers to sink into with all their heart and soul and be rewarded by the ultimate message – reading matters. Yes it does, and bravo to Madeline Martin for reminding us in this wonderful book.

["Avonna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Check out all my reviews at: https://www.avonnalovesgenres.com

THE KEEPER OF HIDDEN BOOKS by Madeline Martin is a tour de force historical fiction novel featuring a group of friends in Warsaw, Poland during WWII inspired by the true story of the public and underground libraries that continued throughout the war. This is a must read for all lovers of books who believe books have the power to uplift, nurture, embolden, and provide escape during the worst of times.

Zofia Nowak and Janina are inseparable best friends bound by the love of books. This novel follows their lives, their families’ lives, and friends during the Nazi occupation of Warsaw during WWII. It is a poignant look at the horrors perpetrated by the Nazi’s in the Warsaw Jewish ghetto and against the general Polish population in general. Hitler looked down on all Poles and wanted them eliminated or used as slave labor.

Zofia not only worked with Polish Resistance, but also worked in the library warehouse to save as many books and historical documents as possible from the Nazi book banning and burning. Janina and her family are Jewish and end up in the ghetto, but both continue to find ways to share books, remain friends and resist.

This story is beautiful and inspirational as well as so hard at times. There is a reason autocrats ban and burn books because the words and ideas are powerful. Books give hope, teach empathy, and spread ideas that can change hearts and minds. This book has an inspiring friendship at its center, mentions wonderful literary novels throughout, and reminds us to be ever vigilant of those who seek to ban and destroy books and history.

I highly recommend this marvelous historical fiction novel!

[Blaine DeSantis · Rating 4 out of 5]

Author Madeline Martin has written a meticulously researched historical fiction book that is set in Poland and begins prior to the Nazi occupation of Warsaw in 1939. The book basically follows the plight of 2 girls, Zofia and Janina and we experience the horrors of Nazi occupation through their eyes, as well as what these teenage girls go through in their attempt to preserve the books and literature of Warsaw. With Janina we also experience her travails since she is Jewish and is eventually relegated to the Jewish ghetto and all the horrors that it entailed. The book is packed with historical detail including the fact that the Germans attempted to rob the Polish people of their culture and their books. They rid their libraries, bookstores and any other location that books could be found of books that were written by Polish authors and made sure that the only books that were available were written by Germans or approved books by English authors. There is a plucky group of women who endeavored to hide books that preserved the Polish language and culture, and Janina was even able to have a Jewish library in the ghetto, right under the noses of the Nazis. This is a book that will educate the reader, as well as giving us a small glimpse of the horrors of World War 2 which were most likely happening in every occupied country during that time. The book is easy to read, the characters are well defined and the plot is based on real events. Martin is a prodigious author and has now focused her attention on historical fiction for her last three books and chooses topics that most of us are unaware of and which are fascinating stories. I must admit that as I read this book I learned so much about the situation in Warsaw and the fact that the library remained open despite all the bombing and all the destruction of the books, and the lengths that people went to in order to maintain and preserve The literary culture of Poland.

[Tracey · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a well-written, entertaining, thoroughly researched, WWII historical fiction novel which is based on actual persons and events. It vividly describes the Nazi occupation of Poland, and has a likable, engaging, courageous female protagonist, supportive family, friends, and community, the healing power of books, the magic of libraries, tragedy, heartbreak, strength, resilience, hope, and a satisfying conclusion. The author's notes are interesting and informative, and are truly appreciated. I listened to the audio version of this novel, and the narrator, Ms. Saskia Maarleveld, has a captivating voice and does an outstanding job depicting the characters and their personalities.

[alexandra osborn · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.25 stars

"There was a power in literature. Brilliant and undeniable. Books inspired free thought and empathy, an overall understanding and acceptance of everyone. In the pages of books that were burned and banned and ripped apart for pulping, Zofia had found herself. These were the parts of her that were human and strong and loving, parts that understood the lives she had never led."

Madeline Martin's "The Keeper of Hidden Books" tells the story of Warsaw's librarians during the German occupation of Poland in WWII. While not actually following the lives of real people, the characters were based off of real historical figures and their efforts in the fight for Poland's freedom.

Our main girl, Zofia, (beautiful name, by the way) was 17-year-old Polish girl when the Nazis invaded in 1938. Her and her best friend, Janina, both began working at Warsaw's libraries after an incident at school involving Janina being Jewish and all. I really appreciated the deeper meaning that Martin wove throughout every aspect of this story, and the value of education was one of them. Without school, Zofia began to attend a secret, underground school which began her journey in the book-smuggling business.

Along with the other members of Zofia and Janina's "Anti-Hitler Book Club" (renamed Bandit Book Club for obvious reasons), Zofia began smuggling banned books out of Warsaw's libraries to save them from destruction. Each day, more and more books were banned and thrown into the fire to prevent the spread of the ideas found inside, sparking this underground movement. The people of Warsaw found comfort and meaning in books and they were a powerful force in the spread of ideas. Once Janina was sent off to the ghetto with her family, Zofia began to take greater action by joining Poland's Gray Ranks and smuggling Jews out of the ghettos into safe houses and later fighting in the underground army for Poland's independence.

This book was so fascinating to me because there were so many modern-world parallels and I think that a lot of people can resonate with Zofia because of the value she finds in literature. In a world of so much WWII fiction (which I love), this was a really original and necessary story told with such beautiful and emotional writing.

The only thing that was a bit off for me was the pacing. Sometimes, there would be abrupt and extreme time jumps (the highest being 16 months) which I thought could have been smoothed out some. I understand why there needed to be these big jumps in order to incorporate the main points of the story, but they were a little harsh at times. I also thought that the beginning was a little slow but I was gripped by the 30% mark.

The Keeper of Hidden Books was such a good read and I would absolutely recommend to anyone who is a fan of WWII fiction. Especially in the context of our world today, Madeline Martin's message is necessary and urgent. 4.25 stars

**Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for granting me this ARC in exchange for my honest review

[Jennifer (not getting notifications) · Rating 5 out of 5]

“If the war could be won on bravery alone, Poland would have been victorious.”

“This is a story about making the choices you know are right, even when the rest of the world feels confusing and disorienting. It’s knowing who you are and choosing kindness and love.”

“I have been so consumed by what I have lost that I have forgotten to pay attention to what I still have.”

“Though war made such things necessary, they were difficult to witness.”

“I hope someday you can have a calico cat again.”

“I think one of the most important aspects of War and Peace is that no matter how successful a leader is, he is still just a man. His armies are subjected to the same circumstances as any of us.”

“But no joy in this broken existence came without cost, and the way they cared for one another would likely exact a heavy toll.”

“The way he said it, she almost believed him... But he wasn’t coming back. She knew better than to expect it.”

“This was how they would rebuild the beauty of Warsaw, through the community, one book at a time in a city of readers with open hearts and learned minds.”

“I should live a life with experiences that honored those I had lost.”

“We cannot allow education to be stifled or cultures to be erased or books to be banned. Nor can we let the memory of those brave men and women who fought for freedom and what is right disappear in the turning pages of time.”

“The world also needs to remember to never take for granted what has been gifted to us through the sacrifice of others: the right to an education and learning, the power and luxury of freedom, and the beauty to appreciate the routine of simple, everyday life.”

[Taury · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Keeper of Hidden Books by Madeline Martin is a well written book inspired by the underground library in Warsaw, Poland. Easy read book about saving books and survival during WW2.

[Elizabeth of Silver's Reviews · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Germans invaded Warsaw - something no one thought would happen.

No one was safe, and neither were the books.

Zofia and her family were safe until her father, a physician, was arrested for just being there.

Zofia worked in the library where they were ordered to take all the books off the shelves that the Germans deemed inappropriate.

Zofia wanted to do something to resist and found a group called The Gray Ranks, an underground resistance group of Boy Scouts and Girl Guides, that worked with the Polish Underground.

Zofia had previously belonged to the Girl Guides so it was a difficult but easy decision to join.

Besides joining this resistance group, Zofia helped hide books from the new German librarian who had taken over for the librarian who was fired.

She did have to worry about not letting her Jewish friend Janina found out about the group because if she were arrested, it would be bad if she knew about the group.

We follow Zofia and Janina as they and the citizens of Poland live under the German occupation.

Zofia is a character you will love. She saves books and people.

Another marvelously researched gem by Madeleine Martin focusing on the love of books, enduring hardships, friendship, and family.

Be sure to read the author’s notes.

Thank you to the publisher for an advanced copy of this book. All opinions are my own.

[Marialyce · Rating 3 out of 5]

Sorry to say as much as I wanted to love this book, i often found my mind drifting away from the task. Perhaps it was the writing style though I tend to think it was me coupled with the holidays.

It is always sad to read of the atrocities other purported onto people which of course is continuing today and it is a book like this that reminds us that humans can be quite cruel, heartless, and evil.

Thank you to Madeline Martin and NetGalley for a copy off this story which has already published.

[Katie · Rating 2 out of 5]

I think on the whole, I am burnt out on WW2 fiction. I was interested in the topic and setting for this book. However, I felt the pace dragged and I never connected with the characters or the story.

[Carol · Rating 5 out of 5]

Zofia Nowak and her friends love to read, but in Warsaw in August 1939, reading has become a radical activity. With a Nazi invasion imminent, Zofia and her friends scramble to read as many Hitler-banned books as they can before they’re confiscated. When the Nazi invasion arrives, Zofia and her father hide the banned books beneath the floor in their apartment, hoping to keep them safe until a time when Poland might be free again. When her father, a physician, is taken off to prison along with so many of Warsaw’s intellectual elite and her best friend, Janina, is confined to the Jewish ghetto, Zofia realizes she herself must join the resistance against the Nazis. The Nazis are trying to control the Polish people by controlling the ideas they have access to; Zofia and a few other librarians find clever ways to continue getting books into hands and education into minds of the people. As the crackdown against the Jewish people gathers strength, Zofia puts her new skills to work hiding away not only the banned books but also the Jewish people she’s helping to smuggle out of the ghetto. Madeline Martin has created a novel that is both heartbreaking and timely. Through Zofia’s eyes, the reader experiences the agonizing separation of families at the hands of the Nazis and the anger that so many Polish people had to tamp down in order to survive. The fear that so many families must have felt as friends and neighbors disappeared and there was no way to know who might be next was so vividly captured. Through it all, Zofia recognizes the hope and love this beloved clutch of hidden books represents and she knows and understands that love in itself is precisely the reason that Hitler wanted the books stamped out in the first place. Zofia reflects, “Books inspired free thought and empathy, an overall understanding and acceptance of everyone". Those of us living in what has always been a "free world" will find parts of this story difficult to read and even more difficult to understand, but may Heaven forbid this ever happen again!

I think this pretty much says it all:
“We cannot let the atrocities and persecution of the Jews slip between the cracks of history. Nor can we let the memory of those brave men and women who fought for freedom and what is right disappear in the turning pages of time. The world also needs to remember to never take for granted what has been gifted to us through the sacrifice of others: the right to an education and learning, the power and luxury of freedom, and the beauty to appreciate the routine of simple, everyday life.”

[Michelle Frank · Rating 1 out of 5]

With the utmost respect for this horrifying chapter of WWII, I hated this book.

The characters have so little depth that they seem almost cartoonish.  I remember one character being introduced—cartoonishly irrepressible and adorable, I guess?—and thinking that he’d surely be killed off as a device for fanning the rage building within the lead character.

Sure enough.

We only meet some characters and learn their back stories after they’ve already been killed. Another pair of characters (of whom we haven’t previously heard) are mid-arrest by the Nazis, and then the narrative abruptly careens to a half-page of ostensibly endearing, slapdash back story before lurching back again to the characters being carted off or killed.

Most of what we know about the main character is fed to us through sanctimonious inner monologues and contrived interactions with equally shallow characters. It’s very difficult to understand or care about these characters and their relationships.

Although I appreciate them at face value, the themes of the book emerge in a manner that is sometimes overbearing and preachy, other times cloying and nonsensical.

As others have noted, the writing seems age-inappropriate and just…bad. There are far too many flowery (sometimes ridiculous) similes to describe the most unimportant of details. The book is marred by bad sentence structure, plot inconsistencies, and outright errors. The most unfortunate of these errors is almost certainly when the main character retells a book to a wounded friend, “recalling it so vividly from her memory that it might well have been real, as it often seemed with books that perfectly written.”

[NARRATOR: this is not one of those books.]

TL/DR: Skip it.

[Morgan · Rating 3 out of 5]

Set in Warsaw during WWII Zofia and her best friend Janina who is Jewish have been best friends forever. Both love books and have jobs at the library. In 1939 when the Nazis begin to have books removed from Poland’s libraries they start a secret book club with a few friends and begin to squirrel away as many of the banned books as they can and have them hidden away in various locations.

Janina and her family are eventually taken off to the Warsaw ghetto and Zofia does what little she can to help until it’s no longer possible for her to go into the ghetto or for anyone to leave. Janina, who has managed to keep some of the books from the library, begins to carry a suitcase full of books to the people who are suffering inside the walls of the nasty ghetto.

The book covers Poland from 1939 to 1944 when Hitler’s idea was not only to rid the world of Jews but he intended to get rid of a major portion of the Polish population as well.

The Warsaw ghetto uprising is described in detail and takes many pages as does the end of the book as Poland fights for its survival while they wait for the Red army to come to their aid.

I found the book dragged in places but I loved the idea of Zofia and Janina’s courage in their efforts to save as many books as they could.

“What might be forever erased from the world’s knowledge with the destruction of just a single book?” (Pg.58)

[Jamie Watkins · Rating 4 out of 5]

3 1/2 ⭐️

[Loren · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Keeper of Hidden Books by Madeline Martin touched me in so many ways. I have read a countless number of historical fiction books about the Nazi occupation period in Europe, but wonderful authors like Madeline Martin see through a fresh lens that offers new insights.

In an attempt to obliterate Polish and Jewish culture the Nazi's closed museums, schools, art galleries and banned music. Polish and Jewish literature were stripped from library shelves and personal collections and sent to pulping mills. Through it all, librarians and young people who fought in the resistance, risked their lives to give the Nazi's the books they demanded while secretly storing a copy of each one. They created an underground lending library system that brought great comfort to the Polish people during this trying period.

These youth also participated in hidden book clubs, reading banned books and discussing them in secret. This quote from one of the girls stays with me: "The dire importance of their Bandit Book Club struck her anew. And why Hitler so feared the books he banned. There was power in literature. Brilliant and undeniable. Books inspired free thought and empathy, an overall understanding and acceptance of everyone."

Madeline Martin ended her Author Note with this thought: "Resistance comes in many ways, whether in a civilian making homemade grenades and flamethrowers in a basement, or an insurgent fighting back against an enemy they know they can’t defeat, or even intrepid librarians smuggling books and fighting bans to offer people something to look forward to in desolate times. It is my hope that The Keeper of Hidden Books sheds light on the desperation faced by the people of Warsaw during the Nazi occupation and displays the amount of bravery shown by the men and women who dared to fight back."

Beautifully said . . . 41/2 stars!

[Christine M in Texas (stamperlady50) · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Keeper of Hidden Books
By: Madeline Martin

I love that this novel was based on the efforts of the Warsaw librarians during WW2. Martin meticulously researched for this novel and the details are rich.

Hitler was known for many horrible things, and I was aware of his reign stealing art, but I knew little about him getting rid of literature or books in Warsaw. Books should be preserved and I strongly feel we should not ban books. This is such a hot topic right now!

When a group form a book club their purpose is to read the banned books that Hitler did not want. I loved this novel so much as an educator as well as an avid reader. Sad to hear that over 15 million books were stolen or burned in Poland, but happy to know there were people trying to preserve them.

Martin always does her research and therefore her author notes are a MUST READ!

[Nursebookie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received this book over the weekend and I dropped everything, I mean everything to read this absolute magnificent gem! I LOVED The Last Bookshop In London and The Librarian Spy so I knew THE KEEPER OF HIDDEN BOOKS is a must read.

TITLE: THE KEEPER OF HIDDEN BOOKS
AUTHOR: Madeline M Martin
PUB DATE: 8/1/2023 Now Available
RATING: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

I love stories about libraries, librarians, and people that love books and reading. I just can’t help myself - it brings me comfort and so much joy.

THE KEEPER OF HIDDEN BOOKS is the perfect story for book lovers and is a heartwarming novel inspired by a true story. Zofia is a woman intent to save lives and in keeping books safe via an underground library during the time of Nazi occupation in Warsaw.

The writing I can tell is one of Martin’s best work and definitely has her heart within the pages, the indelible research rich in details without bogging down the story. I loved how Martin writes with hope, the unbreakable bonds of friendship, bravery, and yes to a clandestine book club - sign me up please, and also the power of literature in preserving our culture and community.

Brava Madeline Martin for this triumphant novel.

[Bryn Turnbull · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Keeper of Hidden Books is a powerful and poignant tour de force chronicling the efforts of Warsaw’s librarians and book-lovers to keep Poland’s culture alive during the dark days of the German Occupation. Impeccably researched and beautifully written, The Keeper of Hidden Books reads as a love letter to family, friendship, and the power of literature to sustain, inspire, and endure. 

[Debbie · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars

[Karen J · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love a story line of books and library’s mix that with the trials and tribulations of war and it completely captures me.

[Carol (Reading Ladies) · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Keeper of Hidden Books is a story about the power of books to offer hope during the most devastating times.

The Keeper of Hidden Books is inspired by the true story of the underground library in Warsaw, Poland during WWII. Zofia has two important things in her life: her books and her best friend, Janina. As Warsaw is occupied during WWII, books are in danger of being banned and/or destroyed. At great risk, Zofia saves what books she can, continues to meet secretly with her book club, and hides books. Lending saved books to readers and sneaking them into the Ghetto for her best friend are dangerous activities and as the situation becomes more dire, she also participates where she can in the Resistance.

Just as the Grinch can’t steal the spirit of Christmas, Hitler can’t steal the love of reading from book lovers. Books might be banned, but readers are gong to read. I thought this morning how fitting it is to review this book about books and libraries on #BookLoversDay !

One important reason to read is for escapism. This is never more true than during war! (How many of you read for escapism during the Pandemic?!) Books about the power of literature to offer hope in devastating times and the importance of libraries are addicting! I’m adding The Keeper of Hidden Books to my growing list of books about books and books set in libraries.

So much loss in war. In addition to the loss of precious life, people caught in the war put everything on hold to focus on survival and resistance. This could mean loss of educational opportunities, loss of careers, loss of romance, loss of friendships, loss of travel, loss of security, loss of family treasures, loss of brilliant minds and artists, …..and the loss goes on. War changes our entire world. The tragedy and sacrifice can’t be measured.

“The world needs to remember to never take for granted what has been gifted to us through the sacrifice of others: the right to education and leaning, the power and luxury of freedom, and the beauty to appreciate the routine of simple, ordinary life.” ~Zofia, The Keeper of Hidden Books

I anticipate a good reading experience when I pick up a book by a trusted author. Even though the content is not easy, Madeline Martin writes well-researched, meaningful, and page-turning historical fiction. Her characters are well-drawn and admirable and her themes are substantial. Themes I appreciate here include friendship, family, sacrifice, taking risks, fighting evil, and the power of books.

Content Consideration: difficult and emotional WWII content

Fans of Madeline Martin will definitely be interested in this new release. Also for fans of WWII historical fiction and stories of brave difference-makers. Book clubs might find thoughtful discussion possibilities.

Thanks #NetGalley @htp_books @Hanover_Square for a complimentary e ARC of #TheKeeperOfHiddenBooks upon my request. All opinions are my own.

For more reviews visit my blog www.ReadingLadies.com where this review was first published.

[Barb in Maryland · Rating 4 out of 5]

Martin presents the reader with another interesting, book-centric story set during WWII. What sets this one apart, and made it so different for me, is that it is set in Warsaw, Poland.
The story opens in the summer of 1939, with everyone wondering if Germany would dare invade Poland. Our main character is young Zofia, who loves books and treasures them just as much as she treasures and loves her best friend Janina. Both girls are filled with Polish pride and hatred of the Nazis. However, there is one big difference: Janina and her family are Jewish.
After the German invasion, the girls find jobs with the Warsaw library, doing their part to help hide library books as the Nazis start removing 'unsuitable' titles from the collection. The author gives us several remarkable librarians (real and fictional) who guide the book rescue effort. The girls even manage to (clandestinely) continue their banned books book club, meeting in one of the library's warehouses.
And then Janina and her family are forced into the ghetto, and eventually the ghetto is walled shut. Through it all Zofia worries about Janina and does her best to help her, no matter where Janina is. Life in occupied Warsaw was one challenge after another for the Polish residents, and the author gives us a good idea of those challenges, ratcheting up the tension and of making this dire situation come alive.
Those readers who know their WWII history generally know about the Warsaw Uprising. I was unfamiliar with the scope of the Polish resistance activities; the author gives us a good look at its operations, with people to care about, to cheer for, and, in some cases, to weep over.
I loved fierce Zofia and staunch Janina. I liked Darek, the young artist, who has a thing for Zofia. And I enjoyed the growth of their relationship. I also enjoyed watching Zofia mature from an impetuous girl to a mature young woman.
The books wraps up all of the major story lines in a very satisfactory (to me, anyway) fashion. Well done, Madeline Martin.
Be sure to read the author's note for all kinds of extra information on who was real, and other historical tidbits.

[Hannah · Rating 1 out of 5]

I struggled to stay engaged. Time moved too fast, but I think that was to compensate for a lack of story. Characters needed more development. I’d argue the most development anything got in the book were the books. Total waste of my time. Failed to learn anything new. Found it hard to empathize with any of the characters.