All the Courage We Have Found

by Carly Schabowski

She checked her watch–she had just three minutes. Then came the beep of Morse code in her headset. With quick fingers she tapped out the message, her heart beating fast in her chest, sweat collecting at the nape of her neck....

France, 1942: When Kasia is told she will be smuggled out of Poland to work as a radio operator with a French Resistance group, she plans to make the dangerous journey across the border alone. But when she meets a mute girl who she names Elodie, in a ghetto in Warsaw on the eve of her departure, she reminds Kasia so strongly of someone she loved–with one brown eye, and one green–that she knows she can’t leave her behind, no matter the risk....

Arriving in France, Kasia and Elodie are housed in a farmhouse with Hugo, an unwilling member of the Resistance. But as they share whispered candlelit conversations, Hugo begins to realize how brave and courageous Kasia’s work is, and the pair grows closer.

But Kasia’s work as a radio operator is becoming more dangerous by the day as the Germans get closer to locating her signal. And as she creeps out of the farmhouse in the dead of night to send an urgent message, she knows the radio might bring the Germans terrifyingly close, perhaps even to the front door of her new home, to Hugo and Elodie....

A heartbreaking and gripping wartime novel about one woman’s brave decision to risk everything to save as many people as she can from the Nazis. An incredibly emotional and moving story, perfect for fans of The Tattooist of Auschwitz , When We Were Yours , and The Alice Network .

Genres: Historical Fiction, World War II, Fiction, Historical

Audible Audio

Published November 18, 2022

About the author

Carly 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

Reviews

[MarilynW · Rating 4 out of 5]

All the Courage We Have Found by Carly Schabowski
Narrated by Daphne Kouma and Philippe Spall

When Kasia, working for the French Resistance in Poland, gets her chance to travel to France to work as a radio operator, she is ready to leave immediately. But she has a last minute companion, a little mute Polish girl who needs to be smuggled out of the Warsaw Ghetto. Elodie is the fake name given to the little girl and her new identity will be as Kasia's daughter.

In France, Kasia and Elodie are to live in a farmhouse with Hugo, a writer who has lost his will to write. Hugo has practically lost his will to live and along with drinking to excess, barely takes care of himself or his property. But he does help the French Resistance, with much grumbling and complaining. He is not happy to have Kasia and Elodie in his midst but he owes a debt that he must pay.

This is a story about finding one's voice and it's also a story about how we must eventually face our greatest pain. It's about the need to forgive ourselves and others and the need to remember so that we can move forward. Often what we think about ourselves and the way we think others see us isn't reality.

Kasia's new work as a radio operator is so dangerous that her lifespan is measured in weeks. She comes to care for Hugo and loves little Elodie and must make choices that will protect them even if it means she might never see them again. I am touched by these characters and didn't want to leave them when the story ends. It's a heartbreaking but beautiful story.

This is my second book by this author and I plan to read more of her stories. The narrators of this book are very good. I've listened to other books narrated by Daphne Kouma and will listen to more in the future. Philippe Spall is new to me and I hope to listen to more of his work if it comes along. I feel like they fit the story very well.

Pub Nov 18, 2022

Thank you to Bookouture Audio and NetGalley for this ARC.

[Natalie "Curling up with a Coffee and a Kindle" Laird · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a good read, and a solid addition to the saturated WWII genre. I was swept along by the courage and bravery of the characters and felt gripped by the story. There are some tough scenes as you would expect, and these are powerful and poignant.
I enjoyed the book and would recommend it to fans of historical fiction.

[Shirley McAllister · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Polish Pianist

In 1942 the Nazi's have taken over Poland and France. Kasia has been working with the resistance in Poland. She has found out she will be smuggled to France to be a radio operator or Pianist as they were called in the resistance. At the last minute in the ghetto she meets a girl with one brown eye and one green eye, which are eyes like her sisters. She does not speak. Kasia takes her to France with her as she cannot leave her behind.

In France Kasia begins her job operating the radio for the resistance. She meets Hugo who reluctantly takes them in . I love how the story around Hugo, Kasia and Elodie evolves. Such a beautiful story.

This is an exciting book filled with adventure, courage and heartbreak. It is a story of love lost and love found and of some fantastic people you will meet along the way. I love the characters of Kasia and Hugo and Elodie. I loved it all the way through but I especially loved the ending.

It is a book about the resistance and the people that risked their lives and those that lost their lives to fight against the Nazi's. The fight for freedom was worth risking everything.

I enjoyed this story, the narrator on the audio book was very good. The pronunciation was awesome and the voice was pleasant to listen to. I would recommend this story.

Thanks to Carly Schabowski for writing a great story, to Bookouture Audio for publishing it and to NetGalley for providing me with a copy to read and review.

[theliterateleprechaun · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Cyanide in underwear! Whatever next?”

Ever seen those cat toys where a toy is attached to a string on a stick? As the cat gets close to pouncing on the toy, the owner can tug on the stick and pull the toy slightly out of reach again. Schabowski does that with this story about a Polish girl who was smuggled out to work as a radio operator for the French Resistance. Each time I collected a fact that helped my understanding, the author would tug on the plot string and I’d need to keep reading to get more facts. Loved it!

Carly Schabowski extends an invitation into experiencing the past that is richer and more textured than straightforward wartime history because she strays a little from the norm and blends many stories of female spies and resistance members into her protagonist. In doing so, she’s able to shed light on the courage and sacrifice of the members as a whole. She managed to spotlight both the ghetto and those who were willing to help, as well as the courageous radio operators who were willing to spy behind enemy lines.

Carly Schabowski’s newest novel takes readers across WW2 Europe and highlights both the atrocities of the conflict and the resilience of the ordinary people. It’s rich and immersive. In fact, it’s excellent historical fiction because she’s crafted the protagonist such that she’s close enough to touch. I could see myself beside her in the scenes. It was phenomenal; a gratifying immersion in the life of a resistance fighter.

One of the most difficult roles which members of the SOE undertook was that of a wireless operator. Kasia is under no illusion as to the importance and danger of what she is committing to do. She does it anyways. I loved this girl’s quiet bravery in the face of danger. Her character revealed that it doesn’t always take brute strength to be a hero. Furthermore, her willingness to help the mute with differently coloured eyes proved that she truly was willing to risk everything to save as many people as she could. As you’d expect from this line of work, the story is steeped in secrets and we see them played out between Hugo, Kasia and Elodie.

Schabowski’s commitment to producing a unique read is evident in this story. It’s a breath of fresh air for wartime fiction featuring the resistance.

I was gifted this copy by Bookouture and NetGalley and was under no obligation to provide a review.

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

All the Courage we Have Found
By: Carly Schabowski

5⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

France 1942: Kasia is about to be smuggled out of Poland to work as a radio operator for the French Resistance when she spots a little girl on her journey. The little girl is in Warsaw ghetto and has witnessed her parents death.

The little girl becomes mute and Kasia cannot leave the little girl. She renamed her Elodie. The little girl has unique eyes which remind her of someone dear to her.

Once they arrive in France they arrive at a farmhouse, whose owner Hugo is not very hospitable as he had lived on his own for a long time. As Kasia travels to transmit codes on the radio, Eloide is with Hugo and they bond. Hugo has also lost people close to him.

As they navigate their relationship between food ratios, Nazis, and finding a balance Eloide, Kasia and Hugo find their way to grieve and move forward.

I adored these characters and was invested in their lives. I will be reading more by this author.

Thank you NetGalley, Bookouture and the author for this advanced copy. This book is available November 18, 2022.

[Maria · Rating 3 out of 5]

I read a lot of WWII historical fiction and find the circumstances the characters are in heartbreaking. Each one has a different story to tell and I learn something new every time. However, with the numbers of books I read in this genre, to stand out the book really has to grab you; it's not enough to have a great premise, which this book does, but I have to fall in love with the characters, which I could not do. I felt for them and understood their motivations but they seemed cold, not really connected to each other so I couldn't really connect with them either. It doesn't make it a bad story; it was good but not great.

I received a copy from #NetGalley and #Bookouture for an honest review.

[Abigail Allen · Rating 4 out of 5]

While set in WWII, this storyline very much involves French relationships. Not always moral, but an accurate look at the fallout.
This story bears out the communist beliefs that were big in many countries at the time even though communist ideology is as deadly as Nazism.
The main theme though is how many women were communication “spies”. Traveling around, sending messages, risking their lives to benefit their side of the war. A six week survival rate is frightening to think about. The underground tried to keep each member cloaked in secrecy so that if captured they could not reveal their co-workers.

[Kelly · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book sparked my interest, as just recently, I have enjoyed reading historical novels set around the same period, so I was happy to be approved to read this and write a review.

I thought this was an excellent historical WWII novel. From the first page, I was drawn into the atmosphere of the story, and I felt it was a story that I could escape into as a reader. That's something that I always hope for when reading - I want to forget about my life and read about someone else's for a while.

I found the characters very likeable, and throughout the story, I appreciated the bonds that the characters formed with each other. Initially, when I began reading, I wondered if this would turn out to be a sad story, but in fact, I found it heart-warming and fulfilling.

Thank you to Netgalley and the publishers for my opportunity to read and review this book.

[linda hole · Rating 3 out of 5]

In this book we follow mainly polish resiststance fighter kasia, frenchman Hugo and their "foster daughter" elodie. And of course many bi characters.
What I liked about the book. It was easy to Connect with the Main characters. The Snarky Hugo, with a heart of gold. And all his big losses. Kasia the courageous fighter, and elodie who lost so much .
Even though the book had some heartfelt moments, it did not pull on my heartstrings. The ending felt a little bit rushed, and left me wanting more. But still the book is really Worth reading.
Thank you to netgalley for letting me read this e arc in exchange for an honest opinion

[Vanessa · Rating 3 out of 5]

All the Courage We Have Found by Carly Schabowski Narrated by: Daphne Kouma, Philippe Spall was a good audio book however, sadly it did not have the sparkle of Carly's other books I have read in the past. I read a lot of WWII historical fiction this storyline was good and the characters were good but did not draw me in.

[Nilo0 · Rating 4 out of 5]

یه عاشقانه جنگی که تقریبا پایانش هم قابل حدسه و زیاد پیچیده نیست.
در کل روون و قشنگ بود اما زیاد وارد عمق جنگ و تلخی‌هاش نشده بود.
کل داستان در جنگ‌جهانی دوم بود اما تم عاشقانه‌ش از تم جنگیش پررنگ‌تر بود.

[Emma Crowley · Rating 3 out of 5]

As with several of Carly Schabowski’s previous books, initially I found All The Courage We Have Found at times slow to get going but once it founds its rhythm it transformed into a marvellous, emotional and heart-breaking read. Given the subject matter and the role the lead female character, Kasia plays during the war, I presumed it would be heavily centred on specific details regarding events of the war, her movements and some sort of mystery that she must uncover or a major task she would engage in. Instead and I think this is what made me enjoy it all the more, it was more character driven and we really got to know the various personalities. The war at times and in a positive way became more of a backdrop for the passionate and touching story that unfolded.

The book is split into three distinct parts beginning in Vannes in France in 1942 and ending as the Americans arrive in the country in 1944. We are first introduced to Hugo who the residents of the town believe to be mad. He comes across as eccentric and lost in his own world. He has resisted taking in any refugees who fled to the village from Paris and to all intents and purposes he doesn’t care a jot about what is happening regarding the horrific events unfolding around him. Deep down he knows he should do more to help the resistance which operates within the village with the doctor Maurice at its centre working to help so many in need. He ensure the resistance network is kept going and that vital work is not disrupted where at all possible. But Hugo is lost in a word of his own, he has erected a shell around him that is very tough to crack. Yes Hugo does a little bit in terms of the black market but as for anything more detailed and extremely dangerous he has preferred to remain as if he knows nothing.

Hugo has let himself go but still likes to engage with a lady or two. He has lived on his own for ten years since his return from Paris preferring solitude and to let his mind stray to areas to where it shouldn’t venture as it causes him upset and anguish rather than finding some sort of resolution. The solitude within the walls he has erected for himself calm him and he prefers to spend his days in his farmhouse indulging in the wine created from his harvest. Politics or the war hold no interest for him as he curries favour with the Germans as his father was German but all that is about to change with the arrival of Kasia and a young girl they name Elodie. Hugo’s world is turned upside down and he is forced to face the realities of what led him to the point at which he exists today. The story becomes very personal with multiple layers rather than as with other books being superficial and barely scratching the surface. The author gets deep into the hearts and minds of her characters and this enables the reader to really engage with them too in a most meaningful way.

Kasia is a fantastic character whom we first meet as she works with a small group in Warsaw trying to get supplies into the ghetto. She is an absolute genius but I found her to be modest yet hardworking. Kasia has such a clever mind and is so resourceful and this superb qualities that she possesses will aid so many. She may be a small cog in a very big wheel but her contributions are worthy none the less. She is dedicated to the cause and would do anything to save those in peril and any actions she takes she always has others at the centre of everything she does. I could sense deep down there was something deeply motivating her to be so ardent in her quest to work with the resistance. Her brilliance at speaking many languages, cracking codes and taking risks for others has not gone unnoticed and soon she has caught the attention of the Special Operations Resistance Group. She is transferred to France and ends up in Hugo’s house who has reluctantly agreed to harbour here. She changes her name to Delphine and begins working alongside Maurice as his ‘nurse’ but really she is engaging in resistance work namely radio operations.

But Kasia has come with some extra baggage in the form of a young girl who has witnessed such terrors in Warsaw that has left her mute and without any family. Kasia gives her the name of Elodie and I loved how every so often there were chapters from Elodie’s perspective. Piece by piece her story is unravelled with the reader knowing things that elude both Hugo and Kasia. Elodie becomes the catalyst that inspires change within Hugo and in turn his backstory is revealed. This allows for heart-breaking and emotional moments to transpire and the story that transpired was beautiful, emotional and heartrending in equal measure. The connection/relationship that Hugo establishes with Elodie was so raw and beautiful. They were both suffering and needed each other in order to try and heal in any way shape or form. Be it big or small.

There were numerous twists and turns that emerged the further I delved into the story and the motivations of certain characters became clear. I admired Kasia’s resilience in the face of adversity. But all along I wanted to know what her driving force was and through delving back into the past these reasons become evident. She has her share of danger, anger and fear. Yet nothing seems to phase her and she puts others needs before hers and makes many sacrifices. I enjoyed how her story progressed and that some romance became apparent although it seemed so far from reach. Everything in the later half regarding the characters as the story weaved its way towards the climax was just perfect and you are constantly guessing as to what the eventual outcome will be and I love when that happens with a story.

Despite what I felt to be a slow first half or so the first chapter or two did bring us straight to the story with no unnecessary preamble I just felt after this juncture things moved at a slow pace before the real heart of the book began to emerge. But pushing this issue aside, overall All The Courage We Have Found is a very good read. I found to different from the vast range of World War Two historical fiction books that are currently out there. It was brilliant that the story was told from three different viewpoints as it also allowed the reader to analyse situations, actions and emotions from various perspectives. It meant I didn’t come down firmly or judge too quickly one character over another.

Carly keeps her readers guessing until the last possible moment with a very much unexpected plot twist although I did find it slightly abrupt and the ending seemed rushed. I would have loved one or two more chapters but perhaps that’s me being selfish and it shows how invested I had come to be in Kasia, Hugo and Elodie. This is a story highlighting bravery in the face of differing adversities. It sheds light upon so much courage and the many sacrifices brave and admirable people made during the war and it is certainly well worth a read.

[Robin Loves Reading · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kasia is about to leave Poland to work as a radio operator in France. Her work for the Resistance is top secret and crossing the border will be no easy task. The night before Kasia is to leave, she meets a little girl who apparently is mute and so she calls her Elodie. This beautiful little girl has an unusual characteristic that reminds Kasia of someone from her past, and she feels compelled to bring Elodie with her.

They are secreted in a farmhouse with a man named Hugo who is very resistant to the plan, but he does help Kasia and Elodie keep hidden. Hugo is a tough character and is actually someone who does not appear very likable from the start. However he does find strength in Kasia in the work that she does but he also grows quite fond of Elodie.

Meanwhile, Kasia’s work is very tenuous and with a real threat of being exposed, she is forced to make a very difficult decision. While doing her best to continue her work, Kasia’s thoughts of her past relationship with a man that she once thought she would marry as well as her broken relationship with her sister never remain far from her. She is torn between her loyalty to the Resistance as well as mending fences from her past. Meanwhile, there is the question is what will happen with Hugo and Elodie.

What a remarkable story from an author who is new to me. The story touched me on many levels, as it was both heartbreaking and heartwarming at a time when strength, courage, love and forgiveness all played into the story. With danger never being far behind for Kasia, all while the bonds of love were forming, this story brought yet another satisfying read during a difficult time in history.

Many thanks to Bookouture and to NetGalley for this ARC for review. This is my honest opinion.

Please enjoy my YouTube video review - https://youtu.be/evTPWXtSihA

[Jayne · Rating 4 out of 5]

As a reader of a fair amount of WWII historical fiction, I particularly appreciated this book for its points of difference. Of course, we followed a brave female main character who had to keep her secrets of her war work to protect those around her. But the main secrets are those being kept in relationships and the courage that is found is the courage to rebuild relationships even after tragedy has struck. A very character driven book, with the war almost being secondary to the story of each character's guilt and heartbreak.

Thank you to Net Galley and Bookouture for an eARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.

[Melissa * bookedwithmel · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was lucky enough to get an audio copy of this book through Bookoutoure Audio.
I was a little lost at the beginning of this one. Hugo’s opening chapter was long winded and confusing. But once I got into the story and got used to the multiple POVs and multiple voices I really enjoyed the story.
Kasia is devoted the the French Resistance and risks her life to protect a young Polish girl. Hugo gets saddled with Kasia living with him because of a friend and he has no idea what she’s involved in and what he’s getting himself into. But even through the dangers and the struggles of war, they protect each other and form quite a unique family of sorts.
I ended up really enjoying Carly’s writing style and look forward to checking out more of her books.

[Catherine Craig (Angelic Light) · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved this historical World War Two novel, which was so interesting and enjoyable. The book is set mainly in France, and we see the lives of Kasia, Elodie and Hugo, and how they come together to help people get through the war. The three of them have had hard lives, where they have lost loved ones, so they are grieving, but they are strong people who work together to bring light to others.

The book is exciting, thrilling, engrossing, heartbreaking, heartwarming and full of suspense. It will draw you in and keep you on edge, until the very last page.

The narrator of the book is amazing, and she did a great job.

I recommend this book highly!

I really like reading books like this, as they are eye opening, and they help me to appreciate my own life more, the people in my life, and all the things that I have.

Many thanks to the author, publisher and NetGalley for a copy of this book.

[Shreedevi Gurumurty · Rating 5 out of 5]

France, 1942:
As Kasia creeps out of the farmhouse in the dead of night to transmit an urgent message, her heart pounds in her chest. Gripping her radio tightly in her hand, she feels a terrible sense of dread. She knows that this message could be the one that finally leads the Nazis to her…
Crouching in the shadows, with trembling fingers, she turns the dial on her radio and hears the familiar crackle of static. Shaking, she quickly taps out her message and, holding her breath, she waits in the darkness.
Suddenly, she sees a quick flash of light out at sea. Her message has been received by the Allied boats; now they know it’s not safe to come ashore tonight.
As she looks back towards the little farmhouse, her heart catches in her throat. Inside, the two people she loves most in this world are sleeping soundly. While Kasia knows her messages might save thousands of soldiers, she also knows that her radio signal could bring the Germans terrifyingly close, perhaps even straight to Hugo and Elodie.
The Cipher Bureau(Biuro Szyfrow) was the interwar Polish General Staff's Second Department's unit responsible for both cryptography and cryptanalysis.
Five weeks before the outbreak of WWII,on 25 July 1939,at a conference held in Warsaw,the Polish Cipher Bureau revealed its Engima decryption techniques and equipment to representatives of French and British military intelligence,which had been unable to make any headway against Enigma.This Polish intelligence-and-technology transfer would give the Allies an unprecedented advantage(Ultra) in their ultimately victorious prosecution of WWII.
Polish mathematician-cryptologists Marian Adam Rejewski,Jerzy Rozycki, and Henryk Zygalski developed and used techniques and equipment to decrypt the German machine ciphers,even as the Germans introduced modifications to both their equipment and encryption procedures.
SOE wireless operators were known as "pianists."New poem codes were made up that were not in the standard textbooks.The poems needed to be clear,concise,and memorable.The SOE Signals Department was the mainstay of Intelligent Gentlewomen,who were young,attractive and highly educated.

[Rebecca · Rating 4 out of 5]

All The Courage We Have Found grabbed my attention from page one. I read a lot of Historical Fiction set in WWI and WWII to learn more about the history of these years, especially the roles women played as members of the Resistance. This book did not disappoint in either instance.

Kasia, the major character in this novel, is an exceptional code breaker, a woman sought for her mathematical genius in breaking German codes, working in a field dominated by men.

Able to enter the Warsaw ghetto by bribing a guard, Kasia is asked to take a young girl, who does not speak, out of the Ghetto when she leaves. Reluctant as she is to take on this responsibility as it is not part of her mission, Kasia bribes the guard and leaves with the girl. Thus begins the story of Kasia, Hugo, Maurice, a young girl they name Elodie and the complicated story of her relationship with her sister, Maja.

I enjoyed this book very much. Reading All The Courage We Have Found added to my knowledge of how the women of the resistance movement in Poland and France operated; how many risks they were willing to take against the Germans who invaded their countries; how they loved and lost, yet kept going determined to succeed in their missions. Of course, there is more than one romance in this novel but the love stories are not overdone and not the principle focus of most of this novel.

I would have rated this five stars but I felt the book ended somewhat abruptly. The outcomes were pretty much as I expected, with a twist. I wanted to turn another page to see what happened next but the story was over. I hoped for more information on what was “real” as opposed to fiction in the Author’s Notes and was disappointed to find just a few paragraphs.

Thank you to NetGalley and Bookouture for an advanced copy of All The Courage We Have Found.

[Caroline|Page~Turners · Rating 5 out of 5]

France, 1942: Kasia is leaving Poland to work as a radio operator in France during World War II. She is working for the Resistance and is taking her life into her hands crossing the border. But right before Kasia is to leave Poland she meets a little girl, Elodie who doesn’t speak. Kasia can’t just leave her to fend for herself, so she decides to take Elodie with her to France to take care of her. Once they arrive in France, she meets a man named Hugo that owns a farmhouse. He knows the danger, but allows Kasia and Elodie to stay there. Kasia sneaks around in the dead of night sending radio transmissions. She knows that her mission is one, that if she is discovered, would surely get her killed. Kasia’s mission will save countless lives of the soldiers, but she must consider the lives of those that she loves the most.

This phenomenal story of love, friendship, courage, and survival was both heart-warming and heartbreaking. I loved the message of forgiveness, trust and strength in such a difficult time in history. The characters were very likable and I felt emotionally attached to them. My heartbeat quickened as this story came alive and the words leaped off the page. This unputdownable story had me reading faster and faster as I felt the brisk night air on my face. I felt every possible emotion within the pages of this story. I wish I could give ten stars because five isn’t enough to express how fantastic this book is. I highly recommend this book.

Thank you Carly Schabowski for another wonderful story. This book was absolutely phenomenal. I loved it and highly recommend it.

[loopyloulaura · Rating 4 out of 5]

1942 Kasia rescues a mute Polish girl from a ghetto and escapes to France with her. They stay with winemaker Hugo but Kasia has a secret role to send radio messages to the Allies which puts them all in danger...
All the Courage We Have Found is an historical novel set during the Nazi occupation of France in the Second World War.
The main three characters are thrown together unexpectedly. They need to negotiate their relationships as well as contend with their own painful memories of the past. Hope for the future is tempered by the fear of the present and sorrow from the past.
A palpable tension exists from the start of the book and danger is never far away from any of the characters. Kasia has a mission to code and transmit messages, actively defying the Nazis by being part of the resistance. Hugo has attempted to outwardly conform but now his guests put him at risk.
There is a lot of emotion in the book which the characters try to block out in order to function and survive. We are shown Kasia, Hugo and the girl's perspectives and I found the latter utterly heartbreaking due to the childlike quality the author adopts. The presence of the girl allows Hugo to confront his past and show Kasia his vulnerable side.
All the Courage We Have Found is a tense and emotional historical novel.

[Kayla Lambert · Rating 3 out of 5]

All The Courage We Have Found by Carly Schabowski centers around Polish Resistance fighter Kasia and Frenchman Hugo. Their worlds collide when Kasia arrives to continue her resistance work as a radio operator in Occupied-France. She shows up on Hugo's doorstep with a beautiful young child, but the bitter and snarky man is less then pleased with the surprise. The story goes on to tell their past stories and the roads that led them to where they are in life today.

From the first page, I was instantly drawn into the snarky and sarcastic banter that emanates from Hugo. His quick one-liners and his snarky remarks and comebacks brought a smile to my face and a laugh escaped from my lips more than a few times while reading conversations with Hugo. Kasia is a brave, courageous and admirable woman. She risks her life for those in Poland and France to help the Resistance.

I give a three rating because although the characters were intriguing and wonderful, the story line did not fully draw me in. I felt the ending was rather abrupt and somewhat rushed. The book started off strong but sort of dwindled off near the end. I will still read future books by this author and if you are into WW2 historical fiction then I think the book is still definitely worth reading.

[Weezy · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book wasn’t what I expected. From the synopsis I expected it to be more about the resistance fighters and the dangers the radio operators where up against as they avoided the nazis. But it was actually more of a family drama/love story?
Main character, Kasia, is a French resistance radio operator. She comes upon Elodie, an orphan from the Warsaw ghetto, and decides to keep her. Hugo reluctantly agrees to take in a French resistance worker for a night and it’s Kasia and Elodie that shows up. Hugo wasn’t happy about it because he had recently lost his wife and daughter. He ends up raising Elodie and this book is the touching story of their transitioning life and bond. Hugo and Kasia fall in love, although I don’t feel a chemistry between them. I gave the book 4 stars because it’s well written and the characters are likable and well developed. It just wasn’t my thing because I don’t care much for drama/love stories. Maybe it needs a new synopsis. I really was expecting a thrilling on the edge of my seat story about a French resistance worker.

[Don · Rating 3 out of 5]

Honestly, I kept waiting for something to happen. And it didn't. The characters are interesting, and the situations are as well, but there is little to know it was really happening g during WW2, ie, no action, no tense situations needing to be worked through and resolved. I also found geographical errors that made the story a bit fake because it felt like the author did not do enough research to situate the story correctly. Vannes is cited as the town where the story takes place in France, and is described as being on the English Channel, but it is on the south side of Brittany, not the northside of the peninsula. The essential elements of historical fiction are factionalized as well. Not good. At least for those of us who know the geography of France. The story is okay. It is more about the relationships between the various characters than about how they lived through WW2 and what they did in the war. There are some things mentioned, but not enough.

[Janilyn Kocher · Rating 4 out of 5]

War makes strange bedfellows but it also provides opportunities for people to shine in ways they never would have otherwise.
That description fits Hugo who has been wallowing in the past when Kasia and a young mute girl come into his life.
The book displays how the resistance played integral roles during WWII in aspects that ares till being discovered.
I liked Kasia immediately, I was a bit slower to warm to Hugo.
There was one character I detested and admired the characters who tolerated this person because I would not have.
The story also illustrates how families were made without bloodlines connecting them.
It’s a compelling read.
Thanks to NetGalley and Bookouture for the early read.

[Deviant Quill Reviews · Rating 5 out of 5]

https://www.deviantquill.com/post/all...

In a sea of World War II fiction, Carly Schabowski's novel didn't only manage to poke its head out of the water but get the attention of readers through its fantastic and believable storytelling. The story of Kasia, Elodie, and Hugo is heartbreaking and relatable, even though most readers didn't experience those times. The author's skill will make you vividly visualize the background, and the characters, and even feel their pain. An outstanding blend of drama and suspense in a historical setting.

My review is based on the audiobook version of the book, flawlessly narrated by Daphne Kouma and Philippe Spall.

Review copy provided by Bookouture @ Net Galley

[Nancy Mazgajewski · Rating 5 out of 5]

First of all my heartfelt thanks to NetGalley for giving me the privilege of reading Carly Schabowski's novel, All the Courage We have Found. It was a heartbreaking and thrilling look at women of the resistance during Germany's occupation of Poland and France.

Although I have read many books dealing with the Holocaust this book totally gripped me as the page turner that it was. The book was told from three different viewpoints - all trying to survive dangerous times with broken hearts.

The ending was very unexpected with a plot twist that surprised me. I will be recommending this book to all friends who thirst for this genre as well.

[Eala · Rating 2 out of 5]

I read a lot of WW2 historical fiction but there's got to be something different or special to stand out. Unfortunately I felt this novel just did not have that something special. I felt it was stilted and I couldn't connect to the characters. It was also very predictable, so no surprise outcomes to keep the reader gripped. I listened to this on audiobook and the female narrator was awful. She had a very jolly voice, which didn't fit with a lot of the narrative. The male narrator was good. On the whole this was a fairly bland colourless story. My sincere thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the advance copy in exchange for an honest unbiased review.

[Sonja · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley and Bookouture Audio for the audio version of this book. Everything I write is of my own person thoughts feelings and opinions. I am not compensated for my review in any way. I always go into books without reading the information blurb on them. I really enjoyed this book. I enjoyed how even in the hurt of the war good things still came about. This book had a few different stories/lives they followed but they all intertwined and came together to form a beautiful story of love-life- loss- tragedy to triumph.

[Kacey/Kris · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is amazing story with so many angles from the war. I loved the personal feel to the story and how it realistically it involved the characters. There are so many parts of war that one really doesn’t hear about unless you speak to a person who was lived in that time. I know this is fiction but it does give you a dose of reality of how things happened during a war. I highly recommend this book.

[Marie Sontag · Rating 4 out of 5]

makes you feel as if you’re there

Carly Schabowski is an excellent historical fictional writer. She thoroughly researches her subject, yet writes a compelling novel that is hard to put down. She had a purpose for writing each novel. They aren’t just sappy love stories wrapped in a disguise of historical fiction. Congrats!