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The Last Orphan
Would you save a child in a warzone? Marcin is just hoping to keep himself safe during the Nazi invasion. But once he befriends his Jewish neighbors, his fate is sealed, and when their building is raided by the Nazis, Marcin finds himself hiding their son, Adam.
Marcin vows to keep Adam safe at all costs. But as he starts an impossible journey across the borders of wartorn Europe towards safety, he begins to realize Adam isn’t the only child who needs his help. And when they encounter more orphaned children in hiding, Marcin becomes determined to save as many as possible. Even if that will put his own life—and Adam’s—at terrible risk.
What Adam and the other orphans don’t know, is that Marcin has a secret. He did something terrible in Poland. Something he can never forgive himself for. Until many years later, where he’s living his life peacefully in rural Washington, USA, and he answers a call from another mother in distress. Marcin is needed again. But this time, it’s Adam’s daughter who needs him...
An impossible journey, a secret that spans generations, and a story about loss, bravery and healing that you’ll never forget!
Marcin vows to keep Adam safe at all costs. But as he starts an impossible journey across the borders of wartorn Europe towards safety, he begins to realize Adam isn’t the only child who needs his help. And when they encounter more orphaned children in hiding, Marcin becomes determined to save as many as possible. Even if that will put his own life—and Adam’s—at terrible risk.
What Adam and the other orphans don’t know, is that Marcin has a secret. He did something terrible in Poland. Something he can never forgive himself for. Until many years later, where he’s living his life peacefully in rural Washington, USA, and he answers a call from another mother in distress. Marcin is needed again. But this time, it’s Adam’s daughter who needs him...
An impossible journey, a secret that spans generations, and a story about loss, bravery and healing that you’ll never forget!
- GenresHistorical Fiction
284 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 1, 2025
63 people are currently reading
84 people want to read
About the author
Carly Schabowski
15 books190 followersCarly Schabowski worked as a journalist in both North Cyprus and Australia before returning to Oxford, where she studied for an MA and then a PhD in creative writing at Oxford Brookes University.
Carly now teaches at Oxford Brookes University as an associate lecturer in Creative Writing for first and second-year English literature students.
The Ringmaster’s Daughter is Carly’s debut novel and will be published by Bookouture in July 2020, with her second novel, The Watchmaker of Dachau coming out later that year. These texts are both true, epic, moving historical novels centred around survival, human suffering, and the finding of love within the backdrop of the desperate and uncertain times of 1940s Europe
Carly now teaches at Oxford Brookes University as an associate lecturer in Creative Writing for first and second-year English literature students.
The Ringmaster’s Daughter is Carly’s debut novel and will be published by Bookouture in July 2020, with her second novel, The Watchmaker of Dachau coming out later that year. These texts are both true, epic, moving historical novels centred around survival, human suffering, and the finding of love within the backdrop of the desperate and uncertain times of 1940s Europe
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 46 reviews
November 25, 2025
In 1942, when Marcin left Poland for Hungary, taking a young Adam with him to save him from the Germans, Marcin had no idea what was ahead. Hungary was relatively safe from the Germans, and staying with Marcin's uncle, Czeslaw saw them content. But when Marcin realised Czeslaw was working with the resistance, and Adam refused not to become involved, their lives changed. The danger they put themselves into to save the children who were suffering, took courage. There were the children who were thrown from trains; the ones going to Auschwitz. The starved and orphaned children in the ghettos needed help - Marcin, Adam and other resistance workers continued night after night. Until the Germans caught on to what was happening. The children who were in the churches were safe; the ones in the orphanages as well...
When Marcin was called to Clara's side, it was 1982 in America, and he knew he had to help her. Her father had died and her mother was sick - she moved to her uncle's cabin in the rugged outdoors by the lake, hopefully to heal. But the past was edging its way into their thoughts and Clara wanted to know details. But would knowing, help?
The Last Orphan is an outstanding historical novel by Carly Schabowski which sees at its core, grief, guilt, blame, forgiveness and love. The author's notes at the end explain her thoughts during the book's creation, which was interesting but sad. The during, focussing little on the actual war itself, and the after, which focusses on recovery and how to move on and away from the guilt which has lived within for years. My first by this author, but it won't be my last. Highly recommended.
With thanks to NetGalley & Boldwood Books for my digital ARC to read and review.
When Marcin was called to Clara's side, it was 1982 in America, and he knew he had to help her. Her father had died and her mother was sick - she moved to her uncle's cabin in the rugged outdoors by the lake, hopefully to heal. But the past was edging its way into their thoughts and Clara wanted to know details. But would knowing, help?
The Last Orphan is an outstanding historical novel by Carly Schabowski which sees at its core, grief, guilt, blame, forgiveness and love. The author's notes at the end explain her thoughts during the book's creation, which was interesting but sad. The during, focussing little on the actual war itself, and the after, which focusses on recovery and how to move on and away from the guilt which has lived within for years. My first by this author, but it won't be my last. Highly recommended.
With thanks to NetGalley & Boldwood Books for my digital ARC to read and review.
December 8, 2025
Thank you Net Galley for the advanced review copy of The Last Orphan. I am honoured to have had the privilege to read this heart warming and yet heart wrenching novel.
In 1982, Clara, daughter of Adam and Jane, is in hospital after an accidental overdose. Jane calls on Marcin for help and he takes Clara to his cabin by the lake. The water is soothing his grandmother told him. And, Clara is away from temptations.
Clara finds Marcin’s journal and asked to hear more about his experiences in World War 2 as a man in Poland who is asked by a Jewish couple to hide their son, Adam. The reader learns about Marcin and Adam’s experiences in Poland and Hungary. Also, their quest to help others.
This story is well written and I was rooting for the characters. I imagined their confusion and their hopelessness. The ending had me in tears. I loved how a time period often written about in fiction had a bit of a fresher take. An examination of how past trauma can affect future generations. Individuals are hiding their true selves, they experience guilt even when the wronged party has forgiven them and yet they must try to move forward.
I truly enjoyed the story and would recommend.
In 1982, Clara, daughter of Adam and Jane, is in hospital after an accidental overdose. Jane calls on Marcin for help and he takes Clara to his cabin by the lake. The water is soothing his grandmother told him. And, Clara is away from temptations.
Clara finds Marcin’s journal and asked to hear more about his experiences in World War 2 as a man in Poland who is asked by a Jewish couple to hide their son, Adam. The reader learns about Marcin and Adam’s experiences in Poland and Hungary. Also, their quest to help others.
This story is well written and I was rooting for the characters. I imagined their confusion and their hopelessness. The ending had me in tears. I loved how a time period often written about in fiction had a bit of a fresher take. An examination of how past trauma can affect future generations. Individuals are hiding their true selves, they experience guilt even when the wronged party has forgiven them and yet they must try to move forward.
I truly enjoyed the story and would recommend.
January 18, 2026
This is a Historical Fiction. This book covers some really hard to read stuff, and there are a lot of things in this book that could trigger readers. There are two time lines in this book 1942 and 1982, and there are a lot of characters. I found one of the time lines better than the other one. I really did not like the jumping around the time lines, and it was hard to follow at times. I received an ARC of this book. This review is my own honest opinion about the book like all my reviews are.
October 31, 2025
This book explores the effects of trauma. Set in 1982, we meet Marcin and Clara. Clara found her father’s body after he committed suicide. Marcin and Clara's father had a shared history from the war, when Marcin saved Adam from the Gestapo. However, Marcin carried a lot of guilt over some his actions at the time. Although these are dark topics, this book is about redemption, understanding and forgiving yourself and trying to make the best of life, especially in hard and uncertain times. I particularly enjoyed Clara's journey and the portrayal of guilt and the realisation that what you thought was true may not have been what happened. Thanks to NetGalley and Boldwood Books for bringing this author to my attention.
January 10, 2026
The Last Orphan was a powerful read and told through a dual timeline.
The story is about a young man who rescues an orphan boy and how they work with a network to rescue/hide other many Jewish children during the war. their experiences and guilt never leave them.
Then we read about Clara the daughter of the young boy and how she is suffering with alcohol and drug addiction.
I felt the historical elements were well researched and the topics such as homosexuality, suicide, mental health, illness, alcoholism and loss where talked about sensitivitely.
This book is definitely worth reading even if it is hard in parts. The ending is worth it.
The story is about a young man who rescues an orphan boy and how they work with a network to rescue/hide other many Jewish children during the war. their experiences and guilt never leave them.
Then we read about Clara the daughter of the young boy and how she is suffering with alcohol and drug addiction.
I felt the historical elements were well researched and the topics such as homosexuality, suicide, mental health, illness, alcoholism and loss where talked about sensitivitely.
This book is definitely worth reading even if it is hard in parts. The ending is worth it.
October 15, 2025
Wow! A very emotional, realistic (psychologically speaking), informative and suspenseful novel ! Even though we know from the beginning that Marcin and Adam survive, the plot remained full of tension and suspense. I loved it all! All the characters were convincing and relatable. For once (as I am not keen on them!) to me , the dual timelines felt necessary and did not follow the usual pattern (old letters, romance). Indeed, both dual timelines were relevant.
What I found particularly interesting was the solid psychological awareness shown by the author. A bit like nature versus nurture, the novel cleverly illustrates the questions arising from trauma and its consequences: what makes a personality? Are we only defined by trauma, or could there be some genetic blueprint nevertheless? Meaning, can traum change you completely? Other difficult topics are also approached often linked to trauma and depression. The concept of guilt, the real Me, shame are thought provoking and fundamental. I have enjoyed the author's other novels, but this is clearly my favourite!
I received a digital copy of this novel from NetGalley and I have voluntarily written an honest review.
What I found particularly interesting was the solid psychological awareness shown by the author. A bit like nature versus nurture, the novel cleverly illustrates the questions arising from trauma and its consequences: what makes a personality? Are we only defined by trauma, or could there be some genetic blueprint nevertheless? Meaning, can traum change you completely? Other difficult topics are also approached often linked to trauma and depression. The concept of guilt, the real Me, shame are thought provoking and fundamental. I have enjoyed the author's other novels, but this is clearly my favourite!
I received a digital copy of this novel from NetGalley and I have voluntarily written an honest review.
January 11, 2026
It was interesting at the end of the book to read what the author had to say about trauma, grief, guilt, and the effect of alcoholism on many of those who had survived the war. My Romanian-Jewish mother, diagnosed with agoraphobia and chronic anxiety, I now believe was suffering from PTSD following her escape from the Nazis in Vienna in 1938.
My father on the other hand, was Polish. He lived in the countryside, not in the city, and by the time the Germans had taken Warsaw, he had joined the army and was taken to a prisoner-of-war camp north of Siberia. Like some of the orphans in the book, he ended up in the UK, where he remained.
In spite of her mental illness, my mother never drank alcohol, but was addicted to prescription barbiturates. My father drank a bit, but not to excess. I have no experience of trauma-induced alcoholism, or heavy drinking, as we see with Clara, her father or Marcin. Clara also uses recreational drugs – again I have no experience.
I can, however, see why alcohol and drugs would provide an escape from the reality and horror of war. But in Marcin’s case, we are seeing his guilt as well.
Clara also witnessed something no child should ever see. I can imagine how it must have affected her, but I still found her behaviour a bit self-indulgent many years later when her mother is ill and undergoing chemotherapy. My sons would probably accuse me of a lack of empathy because I am a ‘boomer’ and we don’t get it. So forgive me if I come across as judgmental, but I really wanted her to put her mother first before it was too late.
The individual stories of the rescued children like Sara, Zophia, Anna and the others were beautifully written and very emotional. How can we even begin to imagine being thrown from a train while our parents were taken away to be gassed in a concentration camp? It doesn’t bear thinking about and I hope it never happens again. We can live in hope.
Many thanks to @lovebookstours for inviting me to be part of #TheLastOrphan blog tour.
My father on the other hand, was Polish. He lived in the countryside, not in the city, and by the time the Germans had taken Warsaw, he had joined the army and was taken to a prisoner-of-war camp north of Siberia. Like some of the orphans in the book, he ended up in the UK, where he remained.
In spite of her mental illness, my mother never drank alcohol, but was addicted to prescription barbiturates. My father drank a bit, but not to excess. I have no experience of trauma-induced alcoholism, or heavy drinking, as we see with Clara, her father or Marcin. Clara also uses recreational drugs – again I have no experience.
I can, however, see why alcohol and drugs would provide an escape from the reality and horror of war. But in Marcin’s case, we are seeing his guilt as well.
Clara also witnessed something no child should ever see. I can imagine how it must have affected her, but I still found her behaviour a bit self-indulgent many years later when her mother is ill and undergoing chemotherapy. My sons would probably accuse me of a lack of empathy because I am a ‘boomer’ and we don’t get it. So forgive me if I come across as judgmental, but I really wanted her to put her mother first before it was too late.
The individual stories of the rescued children like Sara, Zophia, Anna and the others were beautifully written and very emotional. How can we even begin to imagine being thrown from a train while our parents were taken away to be gassed in a concentration camp? It doesn’t bear thinking about and I hope it never happens again. We can live in hope.
Many thanks to @lovebookstours for inviting me to be part of #TheLastOrphan blog tour.
November 16, 2025
The Last Orphan by Carly Schabowski found its way into my heart and stayed there. This is no ordinary dual timeline historical fiction story but one filled with deep characterization, palpable atmosphere and heart rending emotion at every bend. All realistic and believable. This novel is an excellent example of generational trauma and its far-reaching repercussions. Other themes include self loathing and self acceptance, hope, connection and the human spirit.
Clara suffered from trauma and medicated herself in the best way she knew how and had all but given up. After her hospital stay (not the first time), she went to live with her "uncle" Marcin who was her father Adam's brother. The cabin and lake offered peace and calm and Clara and Marcin got reacquainted. They both learned about each other and their pasts. Marcin carried guilt from years ago and couldn't come to terms with it. During World War II in Poland, he and others in the network risked their lives to rescue the innocents, especially children, from the enemy's clutches. Though he saved many, he didn't save himself. He talked about sage advice from his father about breaking and mending and strength.
Many parts of the story are gripping and captivating but one in particular stands out to me days after reading which is the brave mother instructing children how to roll into a ball when jumping from the train. Marcin and the others whisk the bodies, dead and alive, from the train tracks. My heart turned in on itself in those moments of anguish for the characters...because this happened to flesh and blood. The mothers faced unbearable choices.
The Last Orphan has that something special which elevates it to a 5 star read. It's dark, deep, tragic and tremendously powerful and brought me to tears more than once. A beautiful, beautiful story.
Clara suffered from trauma and medicated herself in the best way she knew how and had all but given up. After her hospital stay (not the first time), she went to live with her "uncle" Marcin who was her father Adam's brother. The cabin and lake offered peace and calm and Clara and Marcin got reacquainted. They both learned about each other and their pasts. Marcin carried guilt from years ago and couldn't come to terms with it. During World War II in Poland, he and others in the network risked their lives to rescue the innocents, especially children, from the enemy's clutches. Though he saved many, he didn't save himself. He talked about sage advice from his father about breaking and mending and strength.
Many parts of the story are gripping and captivating but one in particular stands out to me days after reading which is the brave mother instructing children how to roll into a ball when jumping from the train. Marcin and the others whisk the bodies, dead and alive, from the train tracks. My heart turned in on itself in those moments of anguish for the characters...because this happened to flesh and blood. The mothers faced unbearable choices.
The Last Orphan has that something special which elevates it to a 5 star read. It's dark, deep, tragic and tremendously powerful and brought me to tears more than once. A beautiful, beautiful story.
January 26, 2026
The Last Orphan by Carly Schabowski is both heartwarming and heart wrenching, a deeply emotional dual timeline novel that explores survival, guilt, and the long shadow of war.
Set first during World War II and later in 1982, the story follows Marcin, a man haunted by what he witnessed and endured during the Nazi occupation of Poland. When his Jewish neighbors ask him to protect their young son Adam, knowing they are about to be taken away, Marcin makes a choice that will shape the rest of his life. What begins as an act of protection becomes a dangerous journey as Marcin and Adam attempt to escape to safety, encountering countless other orphaned children and a covert network risking everything to save them. The scenes involving rescued children, false papers, and desperate parents are devastating and unforgettable.
Unknown to those around him, Marcin carries a secret born out of fear, survival, and impossible choices. This guilt defines his adulthood and follows him decades later into the second timeline, where the emotional consequences of the past resurface through Adam’s daughter. The novel powerfully illustrates how trauma does not end with survival, but ripples across generations.
Schabowski writes with sensitivity and care, never shying away from the harsh realities of war while also highlighting compassion, bravery, and quiet heroism. Some scenes are difficult to read and may be triggering for some readers, but they are handled thoughtfully and with purpose.
The Last Orphan is a moving story about love, sacrifice, and the burden of memory. It is heartbreaking at times, but ultimately hopeful, reminding us that healing and forgiveness, especially self forgiveness, are possible even after unimaginable loss. A powerful and memorable read for fans of emotionally driven historical fiction.
Set first during World War II and later in 1982, the story follows Marcin, a man haunted by what he witnessed and endured during the Nazi occupation of Poland. When his Jewish neighbors ask him to protect their young son Adam, knowing they are about to be taken away, Marcin makes a choice that will shape the rest of his life. What begins as an act of protection becomes a dangerous journey as Marcin and Adam attempt to escape to safety, encountering countless other orphaned children and a covert network risking everything to save them. The scenes involving rescued children, false papers, and desperate parents are devastating and unforgettable.
Unknown to those around him, Marcin carries a secret born out of fear, survival, and impossible choices. This guilt defines his adulthood and follows him decades later into the second timeline, where the emotional consequences of the past resurface through Adam’s daughter. The novel powerfully illustrates how trauma does not end with survival, but ripples across generations.
Schabowski writes with sensitivity and care, never shying away from the harsh realities of war while also highlighting compassion, bravery, and quiet heroism. Some scenes are difficult to read and may be triggering for some readers, but they are handled thoughtfully and with purpose.
The Last Orphan is a moving story about love, sacrifice, and the burden of memory. It is heartbreaking at times, but ultimately hopeful, reminding us that healing and forgiveness, especially self forgiveness, are possible even after unimaginable loss. A powerful and memorable read for fans of emotionally driven historical fiction.
November 29, 2025
Grab the tissues. Block out a period of time where you won't be disturbed. Get ready to experience the horrors of World War 2. Carhly Schabowski takes the reader back in time to a period that many would like to forget, but must never be forgotten. I cried my way through The Last Orphan, promising never to forget the sacrifices. None of us should ever forget.
The Last Orphan is written with dual timelines. It begins in 1982 when a phone wakes him from a deep sleep. His past needs him. He can no longer pretend that the past has not happened. It is happening again.
His story of the past transports the reader to 1939 as the Nazis take control of Poland. The citizens are cowering, living in fear. Desperate to survive, many do the unthinkable just to breathe another day. Marcin is one of those people and now he must make amends. As the Nazis are rounding up the Jewish people he will hide Adam, the son of his landlord. Poland is no longer safe for him or for Adam.
Marcin and Adam flee to Hungary looking for safety, for peace. Peace is subjective. Marcin and Adam will soon find themselves in frequent danger. There are many more like Adam. There are many desparate parents willing to do anything to save their children. For years Marcin and Adam do what they can until they can no longer save the children. They must save themselves.
The reader soon learns that a person can change their surrounding. A person can look to the future. Unfortunately, a person can not out run the past, they can only pretend it doesn't matter. The Last Orphan shows up that the horror of wars doesn't just disappear. It will continue to affect the victims of war and those that come after them.
The Last Orphan is written with dual timelines. It begins in 1982 when a phone wakes him from a deep sleep. His past needs him. He can no longer pretend that the past has not happened. It is happening again.
His story of the past transports the reader to 1939 as the Nazis take control of Poland. The citizens are cowering, living in fear. Desperate to survive, many do the unthinkable just to breathe another day. Marcin is one of those people and now he must make amends. As the Nazis are rounding up the Jewish people he will hide Adam, the son of his landlord. Poland is no longer safe for him or for Adam.
Marcin and Adam flee to Hungary looking for safety, for peace. Peace is subjective. Marcin and Adam will soon find themselves in frequent danger. There are many more like Adam. There are many desparate parents willing to do anything to save their children. For years Marcin and Adam do what they can until they can no longer save the children. They must save themselves.
The reader soon learns that a person can change their surrounding. A person can look to the future. Unfortunately, a person can not out run the past, they can only pretend it doesn't matter. The Last Orphan shows up that the horror of wars doesn't just disappear. It will continue to affect the victims of war and those that come after them.
November 29, 2025
Carly Schabowski's The Last Orphan is emotional and intriguing. Its themes include grief, blame, and forgiveness. Reading it, I thought I knew what would happen and to a certain extent, it went as I expected. What I didn't expect was the skillful handling of trauma and PTSD. The author clearly has some knowledge of how the trauma affects people, no matter how much they are loved or how well they are able to continue living after surviving significant trauma. Many historical fiction novels explore the horrors of war, including living in an occupied country during WWII, being part of a resistance movement, having to hide your true identity, restarting your life in a new country, and losing your family. In this one, we see the toll it can take to be a hero--even if you do so voluntarily and passionately--and the ongoing cost. We see characters working to overcome the symptoms of PTSD with love and compassion, but no magic wands. While Jewish targets of Nazi Germany are frequently the focus of WWII historical fiction, there were so many others who were othered and who were persecuted for that otherness, including members of the LGBTQ+ community, Catholics, and Resistance members. I recommend this book to anyone who enjoys historical fiction, or stories full of heart and courageous characters. My thanks to Boldwood Books and NetGalley for an eARC of The Last Orphan; all opinions are my own.
December 3, 2025
The book was a really heartbreaking read. It is about Marcin, Jane and Clara. Clara has a hard time to cope and Marcin has to take care of her as Jane is unable to cope. Clara has been in a psychiatric ward because she had taken too many pills and they couldn't really help her. Marcin her uncle takes her to his isolated cabin where, she needs to get off drugs and the problems related to that. The story is told in two timelines the one in 1939 during WWII and then 1982. As the storytelling unfolds it takes the reader back partly to WWII and, what happened to her father Adam, and her uncle Marcin. The story is about how Marcin and Adam go to Hungary to get help from Marcin's uncle Czeslaw. The paths. are very hard and during the war also extremely dangerous. They so wanted to save the children that were orphans from getting killed. It was their mission to do as much as possible. The story is told with a lot of emotional heartbreaks and, where these selfless life savers go through so much in their lives. The traumatic experiences they had lived and how to deal with them. The jewish children, who were orphaned that they couldn't save and those that they needed to get to another place. It is a long journey of resilience, suffering and finally trying to get past the emotional traumas. The hope of new beginnings and finally find a way of peace.
The book was an amazing story that will be difficult to forget.
I'm grateful to have read this book.
Charlotte N
The book was an amazing story that will be difficult to forget.
I'm grateful to have read this book.
Charlotte N
November 13, 2025
The Last Orphan by Carl Schabowski is a powerful dual timeline novel that consumed me from the start.
The action is set in 1982 and during World War II. Nazi-occupied Europe was a dangerous place to be. We follow a young man and a Jewish boy as together, and with a support network, they try to rescue and hide as many Jewish children as they could. The action is grounded in facts. Their wartime experiences never leave them. They are forever haunted by guilt over what they did and didn’t do.
In 1982 we meet the daughter of the young boy who is also suffering over things she couldn’t change. Alcohol and drug misuse have been her way of coping as she tries to escape her memories. She needs to face the past before substance abuse kills her.
People had different moral codes during World War II. Actions done in order to save the self, would forever haunt a life.
Carl Schabowski has captured the fear of the children and the desperation of the parents with her dialogue and description. There were some hard to read scenes.
All the characters were well drawn and believable. The reader can perfectly understand why some souls were forever haunted by their war years.
The Last Orphan is a powerful read in memory of those who perished and those who survived.
I received a free copy. A favourable review was not required. All opinions are my own.
The action is set in 1982 and during World War II. Nazi-occupied Europe was a dangerous place to be. We follow a young man and a Jewish boy as together, and with a support network, they try to rescue and hide as many Jewish children as they could. The action is grounded in facts. Their wartime experiences never leave them. They are forever haunted by guilt over what they did and didn’t do.
In 1982 we meet the daughter of the young boy who is also suffering over things she couldn’t change. Alcohol and drug misuse have been her way of coping as she tries to escape her memories. She needs to face the past before substance abuse kills her.
People had different moral codes during World War II. Actions done in order to save the self, would forever haunt a life.
Carl Schabowski has captured the fear of the children and the desperation of the parents with her dialogue and description. There were some hard to read scenes.
All the characters were well drawn and believable. The reader can perfectly understand why some souls were forever haunted by their war years.
The Last Orphan is a powerful read in memory of those who perished and those who survived.
I received a free copy. A favourable review was not required. All opinions are my own.
January 20, 2026
Both a heartwarming and heart wrenching novel set during a dual timezone - starting in the 1940’s with World War 2 and continuing into 1982 involving triggers which some reading may find difficult to read.
The storyline follows a man called Marcin who is haunted by his past and the general horror of what he heard and witness at the forefront of the war with events happening in his local town. He is given the task of looking after a young Jewish boy after his parents have reason to believe they will be taken away in the very near future but want their son to stay safe. After the fateful encounter where Adam’s parents are taken by those in charge, Marcin has the uneasy task of trying to escape with Adam to his relatives in another country which has not yet been taken over but during this stressful and uncertain time he comes across many many more orphans trying to get to safety and a team of people carrying out rescue missions back to the ‘homeland’ to try and rescue as many children and then set them up with false papers to try and protect them.
Unknown to Adam and the other rescuers he is withholding a deep secret which he feels he cannot forgive himself for nor does he deserve it from others. This secret is what shapes his future into adulthood and suffers the guilt he holds inside.
The storyline follows a man called Marcin who is haunted by his past and the general horror of what he heard and witness at the forefront of the war with events happening in his local town. He is given the task of looking after a young Jewish boy after his parents have reason to believe they will be taken away in the very near future but want their son to stay safe. After the fateful encounter where Adam’s parents are taken by those in charge, Marcin has the uneasy task of trying to escape with Adam to his relatives in another country which has not yet been taken over but during this stressful and uncertain time he comes across many many more orphans trying to get to safety and a team of people carrying out rescue missions back to the ‘homeland’ to try and rescue as many children and then set them up with false papers to try and protect them.
Unknown to Adam and the other rescuers he is withholding a deep secret which he feels he cannot forgive himself for nor does he deserve it from others. This secret is what shapes his future into adulthood and suffers the guilt he holds inside.
November 30, 2025
If you're looking for a World War II historical fiction novel that doesn't just focus on the horrors of the war but the long, devastating aftermath on those who survived it, this one is for you.
The dual timeline (1942 Poland/Hungary and 1982 rural Washington) works brilliantly to explore the repercussions of trauma. We follow Marcin as he makes impossible choices to save Adam, his young Jewish neighbour, joining a resistance network to save orphans. The suspense is palpable, particularly with the heartbreaking scenes of children having to jump from trains.
Marcin is a fascinating character, weighed down by crippling guilt over a secret. This makes the 1982 story line compelling when he connects with Clara, Adam's daughter, who is struggling with her own trauma. It’s a dark story of generational suffering but also by hope and self-forgiveness.
Overall, this is a compelling story with rich characters and a strong sense of place. If you appreciate historical fiction that focuses on the emotional consequences of survival, this book is definitely worth picking up.
Many thanks to the author, Boldwood Books and NetGalley for enabling me to read and share my thoughts of this powerful read that had me hooked from the very first page.
The dual timeline (1942 Poland/Hungary and 1982 rural Washington) works brilliantly to explore the repercussions of trauma. We follow Marcin as he makes impossible choices to save Adam, his young Jewish neighbour, joining a resistance network to save orphans. The suspense is palpable, particularly with the heartbreaking scenes of children having to jump from trains.
Marcin is a fascinating character, weighed down by crippling guilt over a secret. This makes the 1982 story line compelling when he connects with Clara, Adam's daughter, who is struggling with her own trauma. It’s a dark story of generational suffering but also by hope and self-forgiveness.
Overall, this is a compelling story with rich characters and a strong sense of place. If you appreciate historical fiction that focuses on the emotional consequences of survival, this book is definitely worth picking up.
Many thanks to the author, Boldwood Books and NetGalley for enabling me to read and share my thoughts of this powerful read that had me hooked from the very first page.
December 2, 2025
Thank you LBT for having me on this book review tour and for my gifted copy of this epub.
This book oh my goodness !! So good. This is a read that will I’ll be thinking about for a little while now.
We follow Marcin and Clara and it’s 1982. Clara finds her dad’s body after he commits suicide I mean can you imagine how traumatic that has to be ? I know it was hard for me when I lost my mom. We watched her take her last breath so I can only imagine how hard that had to be for Clara.
I really liked how Marcin and Clara's father had a shared history together from the war. Especially when Marcin saved Adam from Gestapo I felt for Marcin though cause I felt she carried a lot of guilt and so much darker things. This book was dark but it also was about redemption understanding especially forgiving. This is a really hard one. I know I don’t forgive myself for not being there like I should for my mom. I know I need to but I just can’t I try and am still trying and also trying to make the best of life. What this book was about and it really has stuck with me and I loved Clara’s journey too and this book in general was so so good and I feel like I learned something from it. The writing was so so good. Like seriously I couldn’t get enough !!!
This book oh my goodness !! So good. This is a read that will I’ll be thinking about for a little while now.
We follow Marcin and Clara and it’s 1982. Clara finds her dad’s body after he commits suicide I mean can you imagine how traumatic that has to be ? I know it was hard for me when I lost my mom. We watched her take her last breath so I can only imagine how hard that had to be for Clara.
I really liked how Marcin and Clara's father had a shared history together from the war. Especially when Marcin saved Adam from Gestapo I felt for Marcin though cause I felt she carried a lot of guilt and so much darker things. This book was dark but it also was about redemption understanding especially forgiving. This is a really hard one. I know I don’t forgive myself for not being there like I should for my mom. I know I need to but I just can’t I try and am still trying and also trying to make the best of life. What this book was about and it really has stuck with me and I loved Clara’s journey too and this book in general was so so good and I feel like I learned something from it. The writing was so so good. Like seriously I couldn’t get enough !!!
November 3, 2025
I received an eARC of this book from NetGalley and the publisher, for which I thank them.
“The Last Orphan” is a WWII historical fiction book by Carly Schabowski. This book was interesting in that it didn’t only deal with survival behind enemy lines, but also the aftermath of that survival. Having grown up with people who did survive the horrors of WWII in Europe - evading people, surviving the concentration camps, striving the horrors of POW camps - the mental trauma has been so rarely addressed (it’s getting more addressed in these days thanks to awareness of mental health and PTSD being taken more seriously). In that aspect, I liked that this book brought that to the forefront because it was horrible and difficult to rise above … yet, in some ways I found this book rather dark and slow moving. This was, of course, a stylistic choice for the author, but it didn’t always work for me. A lot of topics are addressed - trauma, survivor’s guilt, mental illness - and a few that would give part of the storyline away - and they were not light topics. The dual timeline works well, I feel I should note.
“The Last Orphan” is a WWII historical fiction book by Carly Schabowski. This book was interesting in that it didn’t only deal with survival behind enemy lines, but also the aftermath of that survival. Having grown up with people who did survive the horrors of WWII in Europe - evading people, surviving the concentration camps, striving the horrors of POW camps - the mental trauma has been so rarely addressed (it’s getting more addressed in these days thanks to awareness of mental health and PTSD being taken more seriously). In that aspect, I liked that this book brought that to the forefront because it was horrible and difficult to rise above … yet, in some ways I found this book rather dark and slow moving. This was, of course, a stylistic choice for the author, but it didn’t always work for me. A lot of topics are addressed - trauma, survivor’s guilt, mental illness - and a few that would give part of the storyline away - and they were not light topics. The dual timeline works well, I feel I should note.
November 4, 2025
This book offers a moving exploration of trauma, guilt, and redemption, set against the lingering shadows of war. The story alternates between the past and 1982, introducing Marcin and Clara—two people connected through the secrets of their fathers and the choices made decades earlier.
I usually don’t enjoy books that shift between past and present, but in this case, the transitions felt natural and added important depth to the characters’ stories. That said, I found some parts of Adam’s storyline didn’t flow as smoothly as the rest of the book, and the ending felt a bit rushed after such strong emotional buildup.
Even with these moments, the author handles difficult themes with compassion and honesty. The book ultimately speaks to forgiveness—of others and of oneself—and the courage it takes to face painful truths. It’s a reflective and heartfelt read that stays with you after the final page.
I usually don’t enjoy books that shift between past and present, but in this case, the transitions felt natural and added important depth to the characters’ stories. That said, I found some parts of Adam’s storyline didn’t flow as smoothly as the rest of the book, and the ending felt a bit rushed after such strong emotional buildup.
Even with these moments, the author handles difficult themes with compassion and honesty. The book ultimately speaks to forgiveness—of others and of oneself—and the courage it takes to face painful truths. It’s a reflective and heartfelt read that stays with you after the final page.
November 4, 2025
Thank you NetGalley for the ARC! The Last Orphan by Carly Schabowski is a novel about pain, distrust, love and forgiveness. When Marvin does the unthinkable in order to survive, he just can’t forgive himself. Through years of heroism, he learns to trust his instincts but has never developed the confidence to be his true self. Adam, fearful and sad, learns to blindly trust Marcin as they make their way out of Poland. He, also, learns to be a true hero while letting his light brighten some orphans darkest days. Over the years, they both drift apart neither one being able to reconcile with the past. However, through Clara, Adam’s daughter, Marcin learns to love himself, accept the things he cannot change and have the courage to embrace life to its fullest. Being tru to oneself is never an easy road and forgiveness takes time. Overall, a good story about survival, addiction and hope that I would recommend to others.
December 2, 2025
I’ve loved all of Carly’s books that I’ve read, and this book was no exception. There are two timelines to this story. The early timeline is of Marcin and Adam and the second timeline is Adam’s daughter, Carla. Carla is struggling with addiction after losing her dad, and Marcin takes her in to help her. While she lives there, Marcin fills her in on his life with her dad and their life during the war.
I found myself getting teary a few times while reading. Marcin’s life wasn’t easy because of his sexual preferences. He thought that made him weak, but he really was a strong man. He was determined to protect Adam and other orphaned children. And then, years later, he’s willing to put his life on pause to help Clara too.
The author’s note at the end had some great insight. I always love reading an author’s note that makes the story even more meaningful.
Thank you NetGalley, Boldwood Books and LoveBooksTours for my copy of this book.
I found myself getting teary a few times while reading. Marcin’s life wasn’t easy because of his sexual preferences. He thought that made him weak, but he really was a strong man. He was determined to protect Adam and other orphaned children. And then, years later, he’s willing to put his life on pause to help Clara too.
The author’s note at the end had some great insight. I always love reading an author’s note that makes the story even more meaningful.
Thank you NetGalley, Boldwood Books and LoveBooksTours for my copy of this book.
November 28, 2025
This book was incredible at times it had me wanting to sob and at others in had me on the edge of my seat with tension and angst. I haven't stopped thinking about it since I finished it.
The writing is engaging and drew me in right from the beginning. The story line is full of hope and resilience but is also so heartbreaking and the characters are so well developed and I became so invested, I have taken some of them to my heart where they will stay forever.
What I liked most about this book is that yes this book deals with some dark themes due to the very nature of the story and the time that it is set in, but, with a lot of the historical novels set in this time, it doesn't focus on the guilt that many people suffered after the war and their journeys into forgiving themselves. It was partly this that made for such an emotive read.
I can't recommend reading this book enough
The writing is engaging and drew me in right from the beginning. The story line is full of hope and resilience but is also so heartbreaking and the characters are so well developed and I became so invested, I have taken some of them to my heart where they will stay forever.
What I liked most about this book is that yes this book deals with some dark themes due to the very nature of the story and the time that it is set in, but, with a lot of the historical novels set in this time, it doesn't focus on the guilt that many people suffered after the war and their journeys into forgiving themselves. It was partly this that made for such an emotive read.
I can't recommend reading this book enough
November 12, 2025
An interesting historical fiction novel exploring intergenerational trauma. Told over a dual timeline and dual points of view. I found myself very drawn to Clara’s story and how the impact of her father’s past has shaped her life. Marcin was an intriguing character and his story fascinating and you felt for him as he had to make hard choices. The historical elements were well researched and you got a good feel for the era. It covered a lot of difficult topics such as alcoholism, drug use, homosexuality, mental health, suicide and trauma. I found it interesting to see how events of WWII were still impacting people and the role of memories in shaping lives. An equal mix of heartbreaks and hope. Another emotional historical fiction from Schabowski.
November 27, 2025
Gosh. I've been thinking about this book since I finished reading. There is so much to say, but the words are hard to come by.
A dual timeline line historical novel, with WWII and the mid-1980s in play. Things that happened during the war still are in the minds of those involved. Being able to discuss what happened back then is helping make things more clear for everyone.
This was a very emotional read for me. 'Hearing' parents telling their children how to fall from a moving locomotive so they might be saved, instead of staying with them and facing almost certain death, was a killer. The descriptions of the travails that all of the characters went through had me tearing up multiple times. I was a mess after reading this, but it was a good mess.
Five very enthusiastic stars for this novel.
A dual timeline line historical novel, with WWII and the mid-1980s in play. Things that happened during the war still are in the minds of those involved. Being able to discuss what happened back then is helping make things more clear for everyone.
This was a very emotional read for me. 'Hearing' parents telling their children how to fall from a moving locomotive so they might be saved, instead of staying with them and facing almost certain death, was a killer. The descriptions of the travails that all of the characters went through had me tearing up multiple times. I was a mess after reading this, but it was a good mess.
Five very enthusiastic stars for this novel.
November 28, 2025
The Last Orphan is a powerful and emotional read about the Nazi occupation and its aftermath.
It is 1942 and Marcin and Adam are fleeing the Nazis. Marcin is set on saving Adam and other children who are headed to the concentration camps. 1982, Clara reaches out to Marcin after her father Adam has died. She feels like Marcin can help her have a clearer picture of her father and do some healing of her own.
What a heartbreaking novel. Hard at times to read but necessary so that we all never forget. This story is about love, redemption, forgiveness and healing past trauma. A beautiful story about an atrocious time in history. May is never happen again!
Thank you Netgalley and Boldwood Books for this eARC. All opinions are entirely my own.
It is 1942 and Marcin and Adam are fleeing the Nazis. Marcin is set on saving Adam and other children who are headed to the concentration camps. 1982, Clara reaches out to Marcin after her father Adam has died. She feels like Marcin can help her have a clearer picture of her father and do some healing of her own.
What a heartbreaking novel. Hard at times to read but necessary so that we all never forget. This story is about love, redemption, forgiveness and healing past trauma. A beautiful story about an atrocious time in history. May is never happen again!
Thank you Netgalley and Boldwood Books for this eARC. All opinions are entirely my own.
December 1, 2025
A dual timeline, between 1940s Hungary and 1980s America; often I find I’m less invested in the modern day storyline and in this case I did occasionally wish we could just speed through the present and get back to the past, but it was still interesting and for the most part linked enough!
Marcin is a young Polish man who saves his Jewish neighbours’ son and they flee to Hungary, where they can live a much safer life - even while aiding in the rescue of children thrown from trains and smuggled out of the ghettoes. That was a fascinating chapter of the resistance to read about!
The reveal of what Marcin did during the war actually shocked me, but of course all is not so black and white as it first seems.
Marcin is a young Polish man who saves his Jewish neighbours’ son and they flee to Hungary, where they can live a much safer life - even while aiding in the rescue of children thrown from trains and smuggled out of the ghettoes. That was a fascinating chapter of the resistance to read about!
The reveal of what Marcin did during the war actually shocked me, but of course all is not so black and white as it first seems.
December 4, 2025
A beautiful historical fiction that gives a bit of a fresh take on WW2 and how it affected two families whose lives and emotions intertwined. It goes from WW2 to present day at it follows Marcin and a Jewish boy (Adam) he rescued in one timeline to Marcin and Adam's family in the present day. When Adam's daughter Clara turns to drugs, Marcin realizes he may need to help rescue her as well.
The story really touched my heart and the writing was terrific. I never felt as though one timeline overshadowed another and I was interested in both. The substance abuse was also shown in a very thoughtful way that wasn't punitive or naive. Overall, a 5 star read for me. Thank you to NetGalley, the author and publisher for the gift of an advance copy.
The story really touched my heart and the writing was terrific. I never felt as though one timeline overshadowed another and I was interested in both. The substance abuse was also shown in a very thoughtful way that wasn't punitive or naive. Overall, a 5 star read for me. Thank you to NetGalley, the author and publisher for the gift of an advance copy.
December 1, 2025
This is a wonderful book about personal struggles of some of the people during WWII. A man ends up hiding and becoming the father to a little Jewish boy when his parents ask him to hide him when they know the Nazis are coming for them.
He and the boy later become part of a large organization to save many, many children. You really don't learn the whole truth of why Marcin is so distraught over his part of what happened until later in the book when the daughter of the boy he saved is sent to him, because she also needs saving from things in her life.
A very well written emotional story.
Thanks to Boldwood Books for the copy via NetGalley. All thoughts are my own.
He and the boy later become part of a large organization to save many, many children. You really don't learn the whole truth of why Marcin is so distraught over his part of what happened until later in the book when the daughter of the boy he saved is sent to him, because she also needs saving from things in her life.
A very well written emotional story.
Thanks to Boldwood Books for the copy via NetGalley. All thoughts are my own.
December 3, 2025
Wow. What a story. It’s one that once I started reading, I couldn’t stop because I needed to know what happened. I have read many stories about the Nazis and their mission to rid the world of Jews as well as anyone else they deemed “undesirable”, and they all have touched my heart. In this story, yes, it was about the children who were saved. The men and women who kept these children safe were so brave and selfless. But, in this story, my heart was especially touched by the story of Marcin and Clara in the more recent present.
It’s definitely an unputdownable story of loss, fear, grief, generational trauma, and addiction, but also of redemption and healing.
It’s definitely an unputdownable story of loss, fear, grief, generational trauma, and addiction, but also of redemption and healing.
December 3, 2025
I was lucky enough to join the tour for this book, and it was truly a heartfelt, emotional, and deeply moving read. Some parts were difficult to get through and even brought tears to my eyes.
Told across a dual timeline-Nazi-occupied
Europe during the war and 1982—the story is beautifully crafted. The author captures human nature, trauma, addiction, and the lasting impact of unimaginable events with incredible sensitivity.
The horrors and torment endured during war are things most of us can only imagine, yet Carly Schabowski brings them to life with such vivid realism. The resilience and courage of those who risked everything to save children shine through.
A powerful and memorable read.
Told across a dual timeline-Nazi-occupied
Europe during the war and 1982—the story is beautifully crafted. The author captures human nature, trauma, addiction, and the lasting impact of unimaginable events with incredible sensitivity.
The horrors and torment endured during war are things most of us can only imagine, yet Carly Schabowski brings them to life with such vivid realism. The resilience and courage of those who risked everything to save children shine through.
A powerful and memorable read.
December 4, 2025
As long-held family secrets come to light, this dual-timeline story reveals not only the courage and sacrifice of heroes but also the lasting weight they carry long after the war ends. Featuring a Jewish boy in hiding and a man still coming to terms with his sexuality The Last Orphan takes readers on a post-war journey where blame and PTSD surface, and the path to healing and forgiveness slowly emerges. Carly Schabowski delivers a moving and thought-provoking novel that spans generations. 4 stars
I would like to thank the author, Boldwood Books and NetGalley for my copy of this novel, in exchange for my honest review.
#TheLastOrphan #NetGalley
I would like to thank the author, Boldwood Books and NetGalley for my copy of this novel, in exchange for my honest review.
#TheLastOrphan #NetGalley
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