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The Secret Orphan Sisters: A WWII historical fiction novel based on a true story
The secret of their identities is the only thing keeping them safe.
Czechoslovakia, 1944. Hilda and Sheindy’s quiet lives are overturned the day the Nazis march them out of their village home and onto a train bound for the unknown. Separated from their parents and five older siblings, the girls cling to each other for survival in their new reality – between the cold, lonely walls of Auschwitz.
Hilda knows that if they want to live, they will have to escape. So, when an opportunity presents itself, she makes a daring decision, risking both her life and her sister’s in a bold move that will take them out of the Nazis’ hands… and directly into the German countryside.
The sisters find themselves stranded in a foreign, enemy land, with no money to their name, no papers, and even worse – with incriminating Auschwitz tattoos prominent on their arms. Hilda and Sheindy know they will have to muster their every wit and ounce of courage if they ever want to live through the war and see their home again. The identities they take on as German orphans seeking shelter are the only thing keeping them safe – and the very thing that could send them straight back into the Nazis’ deadly hands.
This heart-wrenching true story of two sisters’ unbelievable survival against the odds speaks to the courage of the human heart and the unbreakable bond between sisters. Readers who love Kelly Rimmer and Ellie Midwood will not be able to resist The Secret Orphan Sisters.
Czechoslovakia, 1944. Hilda and Sheindy’s quiet lives are overturned the day the Nazis march them out of their village home and onto a train bound for the unknown. Separated from their parents and five older siblings, the girls cling to each other for survival in their new reality – between the cold, lonely walls of Auschwitz.
Hilda knows that if they want to live, they will have to escape. So, when an opportunity presents itself, she makes a daring decision, risking both her life and her sister’s in a bold move that will take them out of the Nazis’ hands… and directly into the German countryside.
The sisters find themselves stranded in a foreign, enemy land, with no money to their name, no papers, and even worse – with incriminating Auschwitz tattoos prominent on their arms. Hilda and Sheindy know they will have to muster their every wit and ounce of courage if they ever want to live through the war and see their home again. The identities they take on as German orphans seeking shelter are the only thing keeping them safe – and the very thing that could send them straight back into the Nazis’ deadly hands.
This heart-wrenching true story of two sisters’ unbelievable survival against the odds speaks to the courage of the human heart and the unbreakable bond between sisters. Readers who love Kelly Rimmer and Ellie Midwood will not be able to resist The Secret Orphan Sisters.
225 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 19, 2025
674 people are currently reading
674 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 62 reviews
February 6, 2025
Very moving
This book is one of the most moving and well written books I've read on the holocaust. The fact that it is written by a survivor of this horrible time in history, makes it so real. Found myself crying in so many places .
This book is one of the most moving and well written books I've read on the holocaust. The fact that it is written by a survivor of this horrible time in history, makes it so real. Found myself crying in so many places .
February 15, 2025
never again
Man’s inhumanity to man is never more obvious as when we read books like this one. Millions of people’s property, their identities, their lives were taken from them. Those who lived still suffered physical, emotional, and psychological trauma. The book is in the historical fiction genre but is written as biography. That confuses me. Be that as it may, Rivka’s story is a compelling one. It’s as if I were listening to my grandmother tell stories of her youth. From one concentration camp to another, escaping and living a lie until the end of the war, we follow a teenager do whatever she has to to stay alive. The book is easy to read. A few missing words do not terribly distract. I recommend this story.
Man’s inhumanity to man is never more obvious as when we read books like this one. Millions of people’s property, their identities, their lives were taken from them. Those who lived still suffered physical, emotional, and psychological trauma. The book is in the historical fiction genre but is written as biography. That confuses me. Be that as it may, Rivka’s story is a compelling one. It’s as if I were listening to my grandmother tell stories of her youth. From one concentration camp to another, escaping and living a lie until the end of the war, we follow a teenager do whatever she has to to stay alive. The book is easy to read. A few missing words do not terribly distract. I recommend this story.
February 23, 2025
Such a great book - written by a holocaust survivor. It amazes me every time I read a book like this what people had to do to survive - it’s hard to even imagine. In her particular situation, she escaped a train going from one concentration camp to another and ends up being adopted as a “German” refugee. She then had a hard time convincing people that she was Jewish after the war ended.
February 19, 2025
A very powerful book. An autobiography in all but title. It was a hard read. It is so difficult for an outsider like me to understand what the holocaust survivors endured. This book makes it plain.
April 19, 2025
Amazing Determination & Resilience!!
Based on a true story, but reading like a novel, except for some gruesome details, this book is an easy and rewarding read! Some parts are breathtaking as the girls make their escape, also their living in Germany under a shroud of lies until liberation, then more waiting in a refugee camp, until they can leave for Israel. Not even safe there, their own war of independence sees missiles landing in Rivka's city. The real fascinating part is the final 2 short chapters by her son and her g.daughter about the legacy left them through their g. mother's experiences and how it has shaped their lives and values. A very worthwhile read!
Based on a true story, but reading like a novel, except for some gruesome details, this book is an easy and rewarding read! Some parts are breathtaking as the girls make their escape, also their living in Germany under a shroud of lies until liberation, then more waiting in a refugee camp, until they can leave for Israel. Not even safe there, their own war of independence sees missiles landing in Rivka's city. The real fascinating part is the final 2 short chapters by her son and her g.daughter about the legacy left them through their g. mother's experiences and how it has shaped their lives and values. A very worthwhile read!
March 22, 2025
Excellent story of survival!
This true story tells us about the journey of a young girl as she is forced into the concentration camps of Auschwitz and Krakow-Plasnow. The story of bravery as she figures out repeatedly how to survive in such harsh conditions is inspiring, but also seeing the resourcefulness she used to escape, not only herself, but also her sister and cousin, was amazing. It is hard to imagine the constant need to be alert that she and her sister experienced. This book was a good read, as the story moved along well and it was easy to follow. I appreciate the level of detail, but the lack of graphic detail for the most part. This would be a book I can easily recommend for anyone at any age. If you’ve loved other WW2 stories of survival, you will enjoy this one, too!
This true story tells us about the journey of a young girl as she is forced into the concentration camps of Auschwitz and Krakow-Plasnow. The story of bravery as she figures out repeatedly how to survive in such harsh conditions is inspiring, but also seeing the resourcefulness she used to escape, not only herself, but also her sister and cousin, was amazing. It is hard to imagine the constant need to be alert that she and her sister experienced. This book was a good read, as the story moved along well and it was easy to follow. I appreciate the level of detail, but the lack of graphic detail for the most part. This would be a book I can easily recommend for anyone at any age. If you’ve loved other WW2 stories of survival, you will enjoy this one, too!
May 18, 2025
A Survivor’s Story of Courage and Resilience
Stranger in many ways than fiction, is the survival of 2 Jewish teenagers during the Holocaust. Orphaned after the murder of their parents and siblings, sent to Auschwitz, they managed to survive and escaped during the death march. Posing as German orphans, they survived by their wits and through sheer grit until the Americans arrived. The story is so well narrated, bringing the fear, difficulties and sheer will to survive to the reader. The second part of the book is equally compelling with a return visit fifty years later with the survivor’s children.
Stranger in many ways than fiction, is the survival of 2 Jewish teenagers during the Holocaust. Orphaned after the murder of their parents and siblings, sent to Auschwitz, they managed to survive and escaped during the death march. Posing as German orphans, they survived by their wits and through sheer grit until the Americans arrived. The story is so well narrated, bringing the fear, difficulties and sheer will to survive to the reader. The second part of the book is equally compelling with a return visit fifty years later with the survivor’s children.
March 10, 2025
A Must Read
I love sitting to hear elders tell stories from their youth. This book is written as if you are sitting on a porch on a Sunday afternoon listening to your own grandmother tell a story. Sadly, it's a horrific tale of real life events lived by two adolescent children in the 1940s. Beautifully written and carefully detailed, the story comes to life and the reader is quickly caught up in the events as they unfold. I read this over one day unable to put it down once I started.
I love sitting to hear elders tell stories from their youth. This book is written as if you are sitting on a porch on a Sunday afternoon listening to your own grandmother tell a story. Sadly, it's a horrific tale of real life events lived by two adolescent children in the 1940s. Beautifully written and carefully detailed, the story comes to life and the reader is quickly caught up in the events as they unfold. I read this over one day unable to put it down once I started.
April 14, 2025
Although labeled as historical fiction, this book is a first-person memoir and packs a powerful punch. Even though I've read many books on this subject and have taught the Holocaust, I learned details that were brand new to me. Although some of the sisters' experiences read like fiction, they are all true. I read this in one sitting because I couldn't put it down. I highly recommend this extraordinary book.
February 18, 2025
Save us from this nonsense.
The writer would have us believe she and her sister, cousin, and friend walked across a river in the dead of winter, sat outside in the snow for hours, and no one died from hyperthermia?
Then, she and her family moved to another continent after massacreing the folk that were already there. (I noticed the author didn't mention this.)
I don't believe this woman's story.
The writer would have us believe she and her sister, cousin, and friend walked across a river in the dead of winter, sat outside in the snow for hours, and no one died from hyperthermia?
Then, she and her family moved to another continent after massacreing the folk that were already there. (I noticed the author didn't mention this.)
I don't believe this woman's story.
May 18, 2025
A Deeply Moving Story
This story, this life happening, is so impactful to me. It shows the determination of a young Jewish girl forced into the Nazi death camps, and the determination she has to survive. She makes split second decisions, and rolls with whatever happens. I stand amazed by her spirit. She helps her sister, as well as herself, to escape death in the death camps.
It’s a very interesting read.
This story, this life happening, is so impactful to me. It shows the determination of a young Jewish girl forced into the Nazi death camps, and the determination she has to survive. She makes split second decisions, and rolls with whatever happens. I stand amazed by her spirit. She helps her sister, as well as herself, to escape death in the death camps.
It’s a very interesting read.
December 9, 2024
Sisters, Survival, and Stolen Identities: A Remarkable Holocaust Story...
In this powerful memoir-turned-historical fiction, Kan Tor recounts the extraordinary tale of two Jewish sisters who outmaneuvered death through cunning and courage during World War II. Torn from their large Czechoslovakian family and thrust into Auschwitz, Hilda and Sheindy make a daring escape while being transported to another camp. What sets this account apart is their remarkable survival strategy - hiding in plain sight within Nazi Germany itself by posing as German orphans, despite their telltale concentration camp tattoos.
Kan Tor's writing achieves a delicate balance between emotional impact and historical precision. The sisterly bond at the heart of the story illuminates both the darkest and most inspiring aspects of human nature, while offering a unique perspective on surviving behind enemy lines. This deeply moving tale will resonate with readers interested in lesser-known aspects of Holocaust survival stories, particularly those exploring the complex choices people made to stay alive in extraordinary circumstances. Highly recommended. I freely evaluated a complimentary copy of the book.
In this powerful memoir-turned-historical fiction, Kan Tor recounts the extraordinary tale of two Jewish sisters who outmaneuvered death through cunning and courage during World War II. Torn from their large Czechoslovakian family and thrust into Auschwitz, Hilda and Sheindy make a daring escape while being transported to another camp. What sets this account apart is their remarkable survival strategy - hiding in plain sight within Nazi Germany itself by posing as German orphans, despite their telltale concentration camp tattoos.
Kan Tor's writing achieves a delicate balance between emotional impact and historical precision. The sisterly bond at the heart of the story illuminates both the darkest and most inspiring aspects of human nature, while offering a unique perspective on surviving behind enemy lines. This deeply moving tale will resonate with readers interested in lesser-known aspects of Holocaust survival stories, particularly those exploring the complex choices people made to stay alive in extraordinary circumstances. Highly recommended. I freely evaluated a complimentary copy of the book.
February 8, 2025
A story of a Jewish family in Czechoslovakia who are torn apart following the German occupancy during WWII. Hilda and her younger sister with their parents are taken to Auschwitz - the last time they saw them with the promise by Hilda to care for her younger sister. Separated twice, they manage to miraculously find one another; one being on a cattle train to Bergen, another death camp. Making a daring escape with a cousin and her friend, they head for the forest during a stop, where they manage to escape. Wandering for days, they come across a small town where they are taken in as German war displacements, being provided homes, the last at adjoining farms for the two sisters. Skilled in several languages, Hilda manages to play the part of a German girl, doing so convincingly that the US troops and others don't believe she's Jewish. Desiring to find their family at the end of the war, the girls are again separated, making hazardous journeys to Israel where they find one another once again and other family members. Mesmerizing story of insurmountable odds of survival of two teen girls reiterated 50 years later, their bravery and resilience never to forget.
February 28, 2025
I felt connected with the characters truly a 5/5 book. I felt like the story was being told to me personally. It’s truly sad what happened back then and how many people had to fend for their lives whichever way they seemed deemable. What’s even sadder to think about and those who escaped prior to freedom had to win back trust of other Jews to claim their life again. Those who did take the time to take care of them once they escaped regardless if they knew or not once freedom and liberation were given had to prove that they treated them right during their stay. Even though they had to lie to live I loved how the family was receptive to them once finding out the truth and invited them to come back “home” if ever given the chance to visit! Another sad thing to think of is even though the war ended the inner ear with Jews and other displaced never truly end many of them fought to rise up again and of course the war of PTSD never truly ended either! I thoroughly enjoyed the book.
June 26, 2025
I hate to rate this book low as the authors life and story deserve respect. However, the story reads as a chronological account with fictional story lines to piece it together (I'm assuming) more than a fictional novel. I was never quite sure what was the real story and what were the fictional parts, and so was a little confused. I went into it thinking it was a fictional story and would read similar to that of other WWII fiction books, but it doesn't. If I had known that I would have enjoyed it more, reading it as more of a memoir. So know that going in, so you can fully appreciate and honor this woman's story ❤️
March 10, 2025
Written like a memoire where the author obviously worked to maintain memories without being overcome with overwhelming emotion. I have read many novels of WWII , the ghettos, and the concentration camps which were presented with more gut wrenching details. It was very hard to picture two young girls, aged 16 and 13, who were able to persevere through these difficult circumstances and to survive through sheer determination and courage. A very sad time of history and a frightening look at the best and the worst of mankind.
February 11, 2025
Heartbreaking yet joyful
Such strength perseverance and courage for two early teenage girls. I read of the horrors she endured especially the death march. I marveled, I was saddened. What really brought me to tears was her visit back to the camps, to the old homestead. This book is deep, it is touching. Blessings to this author and her sister. Surely they've earned their place in the higher realms
Such strength perseverance and courage for two early teenage girls. I read of the horrors she endured especially the death march. I marveled, I was saddened. What really brought me to tears was her visit back to the camps, to the old homestead. This book is deep, it is touching. Blessings to this author and her sister. Surely they've earned their place in the higher realms
March 5, 2025
I don’t want to say I “enjoyed” this book, because it’s a very difficult life story but glad it had a happy ending. Very well written and very descriptive of the people and places involved with her life’s journey.
Based on ancestry DNA, I recently found that my paternal grandmother was born of one Ashkenazi Jew parent in 1906 in America. I think they came from Ukraine/ Russia. I’ve wondered about her line and how affected by Holocaust. Unbelievable.
Based on ancestry DNA, I recently found that my paternal grandmother was born of one Ashkenazi Jew parent in 1906 in America. I think they came from Ukraine/ Russia. I’ve wondered about her line and how affected by Holocaust. Unbelievable.
March 19, 2025
This book is presented as a novel, but is not fiction—it is, I am guessing, a memoir presented as a coherent story.
No matter what the category, this book is a very moving account of astounding courage and perseverance amidst the horrors of the Holocaust. If I were a high school or college teacher, I’d recommend this book as a must read, so that experiences of that time are ever refreshed in peoples minds.
No matter what the category, this book is a very moving account of astounding courage and perseverance amidst the horrors of the Holocaust. If I were a high school or college teacher, I’d recommend this book as a must read, so that experiences of that time are ever refreshed in peoples minds.
March 26, 2025
This is a riveting story that includes part of the Holocaust not usually written about: the death marches near the end of the war. The detail is impressive, and readers cannot help but be absorbed into the story of how two sisters survived against all odds, constantly fearing for their lives.
The latter part of the book could have had a little more detail about the descendants, but that is not the thrust of the book.
The latter part of the book could have had a little more detail about the descendants, but that is not the thrust of the book.
May 4, 2025
A story of the courage and ingenuity of a teen girl in her quest to save herself and her sister from the horrors of the Holocaust is written as if one is sitting with the narrator. The author is a Holocaust survivor and though catalogued as historical fiction, this is her story. Anyone who doubts the existence of the Holocaust should be required to read this book. The horrors inflicted by the German military during WWII are real. The book is easy to read, though emotional. Highly recommend.
February 17, 2025
Every time I read a book about what people experienced during the Holocaust, I realize how important it is to pass these stories on to younger generations.
What was experienced was horrific and I am amazed at the will and resilience of the sisters. I did find myself skimming at certain parts, but highly recommend this book.
What was experienced was horrific and I am amazed at the will and resilience of the sisters. I did find myself skimming at certain parts, but highly recommend this book.
February 17, 2025
Holocaust
This was a story of life. My Uncle survived Auschwitz the another one. I had a hard time putting it down but it was also heart wrenching. To think this child made it out of hell and so did get younger sister. My Uncle was born and raised in Hungary where my grandparents were from. Excellently written.
This was a story of life. My Uncle survived Auschwitz the another one. I had a hard time putting it down but it was also heart wrenching. To think this child made it out of hell and so did get younger sister. My Uncle was born and raised in Hungary where my grandparents were from. Excellently written.
February 18, 2025
A true account of teenaged girl taken from her home. Separated from her family. Finding and saving her little sister. Her fight to live, to escape. Finding refuge with a German family and waiting out the war. Waiting to be liberated. Waiting to be free.
An unforgettable and truly unimaginable story.
An unforgettable and truly unimaginable story.
February 21, 2025
Tough book to read regarding survivors of the holocaust but it was beautifully written. The author really gives you a in depth perspective of what was happening IN the camps, what it took to survive, and the outcomes. Everyone was changed forever, as well as the future generations ❤️ SO MUCH bravery and resilience.
February 23, 2025
Stumbled upon this book on Books Unlimited. Read it in one day.
The true stories written by survivors of the Holocaust are the most riveting books.
I wish everyone in America would read this.
We think we know what " hitler" did. But we have no clue what it is really like to live under Nazi rule.
A must read.
The true stories written by survivors of the Holocaust are the most riveting books.
I wish everyone in America would read this.
We think we know what " hitler" did. But we have no clue what it is really like to live under Nazi rule.
A must read.
February 24, 2025
If you’re interested in the events of the Holocaust, then this is a very good book to read. It’s hard to imagine what these girls went through and the real fear they had. Some of the names and places were hard for me to pronounce (not sure I did correctly) since I’m not familiar with the several languages this girl spoke. Or the areas they were located. But a very interesting true story. Also very sad. But there was nothing good about the Holocaust.
March 4, 2025
Amazing trip through the Holocaust; Must Read!!
I couldn't put this down once I started it. I've read many accounts of the Holocaust and some gave me nightmares, not this one. I was in the cheering
section, and with her family on the trip back50 years later. I'm not Jewish but my heart will never forget. American people in 2025 must read it and prevent it from happening again!
I couldn't put this down once I started it. I've read many accounts of the Holocaust and some gave me nightmares, not this one. I was in the cheering
section, and with her family on the trip back50 years later. I'm not Jewish but my heart will never forget. American people in 2025 must read it and prevent it from happening again!
March 13, 2025
A poignant story of valor
A heartwarming story of tragedy, unbelievable cruelty, kindness and courage. How anyone could survive the atrocities committed against humanity is beyond me. But the bonds and strength of love and determination are of equal value to the inhumane treatment. A must read story .
A heartwarming story of tragedy, unbelievable cruelty, kindness and courage. How anyone could survive the atrocities committed against humanity is beyond me. But the bonds and strength of love and determination are of equal value to the inhumane treatment. A must read story .
March 15, 2025
Tough read. Enlightening. The power of endurance
The story is very well told, holding one's attention from beginning to end. Descriptive and therefore enlightening of the horrors visited upon humans by fellow humans, and the places where this dark part of human history unravelled. Much pain, but also much hope.
The story is very well told, holding one's attention from beginning to end. Descriptive and therefore enlightening of the horrors visited upon humans by fellow humans, and the places where this dark part of human history unravelled. Much pain, but also much hope.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 62 reviews