Last Train to Freedom: An emotional and heart-breaking WW2 historical fiction novel, brand-new for 2025!

by Deborah Swift

To share the truth, she must survive the journey …1940. As Soviet forces storm Lithuania, Zofia and her brother Jacek must flee to survive.

A lifeline appears when Japanese consul Sugihara offers them visas on one they must deliver a parcel to Tokyo. Inside lies intelligence on Nazi atrocities, evidence so explosive that Nazi and Soviet agents will stop at nothing to possess it.

Pursued across Siberia on the Trans-Siberian Express, Zofia faces danger at every turn, racing to expose the truth as Japan edges closer to allying with the Nazis. With the fate of countless lives hanging in the balance, can she complete her mission before time runs out?

Praise for Deborah 'This impeccably researched wartime thriller had me gripped from the opening pages – I loved it. My pulse was racing and at times my heart broke as Nancy's intelligence operation in The Hague grew more dangerous by the day' ELIZA GRAHAM

'A fast-paced, exciting read … kept me reading late on several nights. Will appeal to all lovers of both romance and wartime novels' KATHLEEN McGURL

'Had me gripped from beginning to end … Swift portrays the last desperate months of the war in Holland so vividly I found it hard to put Operation Tulip down' EVA GLYN

'A nail-biting read from start to finish. Edge-of-your-seat action and a desperate romance make this a must for WW2 fiction fans' TESSA HARRIS

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

336 pages, Paperback

First published May 8, 2025

About the author

I am a novelist living in the Lake District in England. I write historical fiction but read widely - contemporary and classic fiction. I choose my books carefully, so I don't read many duds. If I do, they are not reviewed here, as a gesture of respect to other writers.

I blog at my website
www.deborahswift.com

Reviews

[Anna · Rating 5 out of 5]

I seldom give books of this type five stars, but this one fully deserves it for bringing something new and refreshing to the genre.

If you would like to read my full review please visit my blog at:

https://leftontheshelfbookblog.blogsp...

[Jas Stock · Rating 5 out of 5]

Received as an arc from NetGalley. Thanks NetGalley and HQ for this ARC

This was my first book by this author and I am so glad to have had this opportunity to read this book. Whilst based in fiction, the book truly encapsulated some of the true horrors of WW2 particularly for the Jewish population. You can tell the care the author put into writing this book particularly as it is largely based entirely on fiction.

The characters were well rounded and you can see how the author tries to encapsulate a variety of experiences through those characters. You can sympathise with most of them but are reminded of their part in the atrocities explored in the boom. One particular character I was particularly enamoured with was Masha whose arc did not fall into any of the common tropes surrounding her arc which was refreshing.. The protagonist, Zofia, makes you want to fight for her throughout and it is never a sure bet how things will play out and she is not infallible often relying on luck or allies when things do not play out how she wishes they would.

I appreciated the context at the end to signpost both historical accuracies and fictional liberties as well as the resources listed for further study. As someone with a keen interest in WW2 this was a great addition.

I will definitely be checking out other works by this author and can wholeheartedly recommend the book.

[Marie Z Johansen · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Wonderful Story of WWII

I am a fan of books by the talented Deborah Swift and, as always this book does not disappoint!

I very much enjoy reading historical fiction written around WWII events. Deborah Swifts writes masterfully about this period. This book is a story about endurance, desperation, and a bit of hope in the midst of unspeakable losses.

The book takes us on a refugee’s circuitous journey from Poland to Lithuania to Russia and finally, to Japan. It is a tale of Jewish refugees and how some of them traveled long distances to take advantage of the shelter that Japan offered. Once they arrived in Japan they were able to travel on to other safe countries. The book’s characters are wonderfully crafted and grab your attention !

Once you ease into this book it will keep you reading past your usual bedtime!

[Tony Riches · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an epic journey across the Siberian wilderness that will keep you guessing until the end. I've read most of Deborah Swift's books but Zofia is one of her most compelling characters. Tough and resourceful, Zofia's difficult past has made her stronger - which is just as well as she has to contend with harrowing challenges every day.

I particularly liked the way we discover new sides to her fellow travellers through Zofia's eyes, and how this develops into a tale of suspense, courage, and desperation against the backdrop of a world on the brink of collapse. The novel is rich in historical detail, vividly depicting the perilous conditions and the constant fear of the war.

Last Train to Freedom is a compelling narrative that combines elements of a thriller with the poignant reality of wartime struggle and sacrifice. It's a story of resilience, the fight for truth, and the lengths people will go to protect what they hold dear. Readers interested in the less well known events of World War II will find this book captivating and unforgettable.

Tony Riches

[Rowena Kinread · Rating 5 out of 5]

Review of Last Train to Freedom by Deborah Swift
Overview
Last Train to Freedom charts the harrowing 1940 escape of Jewish twins Zofia and Jacek from Lithuania, forced to depart their homeland as Soviet troops close in. Provided visas by the courageous Japanese consul Sugihara, they embark on a perilous journey across Siberia aboard the Trans Siberian Express. Their mission: deliver critical intelligence on Nazi atrocities to Tokyo. From the outset, tension crackles as they race against time, hunted by Soviet and Nazi agents.
Historical Depth & Emotional Resonance
Deborah Swift’s meticulous research brings a lesser-known WWII chapter to light—the plight of refugees fleeing into a tightening pincer between two totalitarian forces. The emotional weight is notable, capturing the desperation, fear, and tenuous hope of the era. The Siberian backdrop feels vivid and immersive, enhancing the backdrop for this heart pounding thriller.
Characterisation & Themes
• Zofia emerges as a compelling heroine—resourceful, determined, and courageous under pressure.
• Jacek, though emotionally driven, provides a telling contrast: his conflicts with Zofia enrich the story’s emotional stakes.

Themes of survival, resilience, moral duty, and the power of bearing witness resonate strongly. The inclusion of real heroism—such as Sugihara’s refugee rescues—grounds the drama in real-world courage
Pacing & Plot
The train journey creates a tight, relentless pace that seldom lets up. A “page turner” with constant suspense, where one cliff-hanger leads to the next . The blend of espionage, peril, and glimpses of hope make for an engaging thriller.

Final Verdict
Overall, Last Train to Freedom is a gripping and emotionally charged historical thriller. Swift excels at marrying real history with compelling fiction, offering readers a visceral glimpse into a dramatic, lesser-known escape during WWII. If you enjoy tense, fast-paced stories grounded in true events—and featuring strong, courageous characters—this novel is a captivating journey worth taking.

[Beatrice Rivers · Rating 5 out of 5]

Zofia and her brother, Jacek, had taken refuge in Lithuania from Poland, but that safety had come to an end. Russian troops moved in and, quickly, Lithuania was no longer safe. With little choice but to hide, Zofia is desperate to leave, to move on away from Lithuania and further from the oppressing fear of both Soviet and Nazi regimes so close.

The Japanese consul, Sugihara, seeing the plight of the Jewish refugees queueing outside in the hopes of safe passage somewhere, anywhere, that wasn’t near the incoming danger, starts to hand out visas, granting passage for countless Jews through Japan. But as he is forced to move on, Zofia finds her own visa hanging in the balance, until a compromise is reached – if Zofia and Jacek can deliver a parcel to Tokyo, their visas will be granted. Without another choice, they agree, moving on to board the Trans-Siberian Express, with eye-witness accounts and photographs of the Nazi atrocities on Jews tucked safely into a parcel in Jacek’s bag to show General Sato the truth about what was happening in Germany before Japan makes the choice to side with them.

This book is a whirlwind of action and emotional turmoil! This is the kind of book that keeps you up until the middle of the night, or that you fall asleep reading, because you just can’t put it down. Travelling to Tokyo from Lithuania, Zofia finds herself in near-constant danger as she passes through borders and checkpoints. A lot of people want to keep the parcel Jacek is carrying from falling into the hands of Japanese, to keep the truth from coming out, and they would do anything to stop Zofia and Jacek from reaching their destination. With Nazi soldiers and the NKVD closely following her every move, Zofia barely manages to keep herself out of their reach – but she is on a train with only one destination, and the stops are pre-determined. If they want to find her, they know exactly where she will be, and when. This is such an intense novel, for there are no moments of respite. The action and fear is constant, reflecting to the reader the terror that Jewish refugees actually making this trip must have felt.

Having different perspectives allows the reader to know who to trust and who to not trust, and knowing who will cause danger for Zofia absolutely tugs at your heartstrings, for you can’t quite tell when things are going to happen, and it is impossible to jump through the pages to warn her. Zofia is a character you can’t help but absolutely love. She is determined, but that doesn’t mean she is not scared, and at every turn when her life is in danger, you end up sat on the edge of your seat, with fingers crossed that this isn’t when she meets her end.

I didn’t previously know anything about Lithuania, or much about Japan, during WWII. Zofia originally fled from Poland, which is a much wider-known place in history, but this book shows just how displaced the Jews who escaped Soviet gulags and the Nazi concentration camps ended up. With both the Soviets and the Nazis a prominent enclosing force in this novel, alongside such brilliant description and historical details about this period of history, this book will absolutely entrance you, while you perch precariously on the edge of your seat waiting for danger to arrive.

For fans of WWII history, who enjoy thrilling stories full of action, danger, spies, and a little bit of a love story, this is absolutely the book to read. Even if not, this book should not be overlooked, for it is absolutely wonderful, and one of the best books I have read this year.

[Linnea Tanner · Rating 5 out of 5]

Last Train to Freedom by Deborah Swift is an riveting WWII historical suspense and thriller set in Lithuania that Hitler concedes to Stalin in a secret pact to divide the region between their countries. A dark cloud looms over Jewish refugees Zofia and her brother Jack, who had barely escaped from Poland to Lithuania when Germans invaded. Yet, their situation becomes dire again as Russian troops storm Lithuania and German forces gather at the Russian border ready to attack. Faced with danger from both Russians and Germans, Zofia and Jack must find a way to escape Lithuania. They jump at a chance to acquire transit visas from a Japanese diplomat, Sugihara Chiune, so they can travel on the Trans-Siberian Express to Japan, then by boat to the USA.

But there is one condition. They must deliver documents and photos of German atrocities to Japanese leaders before they ally with Hitler. Jack and Zofia travel across Siberia, but their train ride is fraught with danger as various factions pursue them to destroy the evidence of German war crimes.     

Though most of the characters are fictional, the story is inspired by the historical accounts of Sugihara Chiune, a Japanese diplomat who saved thousands of Jewish refugees by issuing them transit visas to Japan. Author Deborah Swift has crafted a taut, historical thriller filled with heart-wrenching twists leaving you on the edge of your seat. The suspense builds as passengers on the train are revealed as friend, spy, or deadly agent. The unique storyline rolls out at at a face pace with heart-throbbing action scenes.   

The narrative is told from the viewpoints of various characters to understand their motivations and decisions. Most of the characters are well-developed and engaging. Blinded by love, Jack is impetuous and arrogant. Zofia is a formidable young woman whose decisions are made from the heart. Two men ultimately compete for her affection in a love triangle. One is Otto, a German clerk who works for Sugihara in the embassy, while the other is a Japanese passenger willing to help Zofia navigate Japan to fulfill the mission. The subplot with Otto is the most poignant and heart-breaking as he struggles to find the courage to protect Zofia despite the risks to himself and his mother. Zofia's other romantic interest is not as engaging, but he plays a pivotal role in the ending.

Last Train to Freedom is a compelling WWII historical suspense and thriller about ordinary people finding courage to unveil the truth despite the dangers to them. 

[Elizabeth John · Rating 5 out of 5]

In Last Train to Freedom, Deborah Swift delivers a masterful and emotionally powerful historical novel that brings to light one of the most extraordinary yet overlooked acts of resistance during World War II. At its heart is Zofia, a courageous young woman whose quiet strength and fierce devotion to her younger brother propel the story with unforgettable intensity. Forced to flee Soviet-occupied Lithuania, Zofia secures forged documents and places her trust in Japanese consul Chiune Sugihara—whose real-life defiance in issuing transit visas against his government’s orders becomes the catalyst for their escape. As she travels aboard the Trans-Siberian Express toward an uncertain future, carrying a sealed parcel that could alter the course of the war, Zofia becomes both a refugee and an unwitting courier of truth, caught in the crosshairs of two totalitarian regimes. Her journey is one of sacrifice, resilience, and the moral choices that define us.
Swift’s immersive prose and richly atmospheric world-building bring this gripping tale to life with stunning authenticity. From the icy rail stations of Russia to the tense diplomatic corridors of wartime Japan, every scene is layered with sensory detail that transports the reader entirely. This is my favourite kind of historical fiction—not only was I completely swept into Zofia’s story, but I also discovered an entire chapter of World War II history I had never known. Swift’s storytelling is both enlightening and emotionally resonant, illuminating the lives of those whose bravery shaped history in the shadows. Last Train to Freedom is a deeply human, hauntingly beautiful novel that lingers long after the final page. Highly recommend.

[Su Thor · Rating 5 out of 5]

Spellbinding: once begun it was difficult to put down. An amazing story of heartbreaking sacrifice, resilience and fortitude. The lives of the characters were woven together with the historical accuracy and brought to life by a talented storyteller.
Deborah Swift does an amazing job making the horrendous situation exciting and even manages to bring in a few romances. The story begins just as the mighty Soviet Union prepares to invade Lithuania. Many prepare to leave and seek safety elsewhere. Others who have know life as refugees wait and listen and hope that their salvation will come.
Word comes that the Japanese embassy is prepared to issue visas and travel documents to these Jewish refugees. Many begin to queue. Many have stories to tell of their escape from other places across Europe. It isn’t a good time to be Jewish. One brave man, the ambassador begins to give out visas but the recipients must pay for their own tickets and board the trans-Siberian railway which runs from Moscow to Vladivostok.
Many forces are at work in the background, the NKVD and Nazis. Both these are known for their cruel and violent methods and the wool isn’t pulled over the reader’s eyes. There agents are lurking in the guise of friends. Yet there are a few good people.
This book must be read. The evil of the time must be shared, in the hope of ensuring that these atrocities never happen again.
Thank you to Deborah Swift for writing this story; thank you to HQ Digital and NetGalley for the ARC. The views expressed are all mine, freely given.

[Terry Tyler · Rating 5 out of 5]

After a harrowing escape from the Nazis in their home country of Poland, Zofia, twin brother Jacek and their Uncle Tata have found a home in Lithuania, along with many other Jewish refugees. Alas, here they face a new danger - the Russian army, bulldozing their way through anything they deem to be anti-communist.

Once they realise that resistance is futile, the Japanese consul is their only hope for visas to travel on the Trans-Siberian express, away from imminent danger. As well as escaping, Zofia has another mission to complete - the delivery of a secret package to officials in Tokyo. The problem is that there are others who want to put a spanner in the works; some who appear to be helpful are not what they seem.

I was delighted to find out that Chiune Sugihara, the Japanese consul in Lithuania, was a real person who, against orders from his country, issued thousands of visas to Lithuanians and Polish refugees who would have otherwise been captured by the Russians or the Nazis.

I loved this book from start to finish; it's utterly gripping and I could never guess what might happen next. More than anything else, it illustrates what a dark, dangerous place mainland Europe was during the first half of the 20th Century, and the bravery of so many who fought on the side of good, against the forces of evil that were intent on eliminating their existence. Highly, highly recommended - definitely my favourite of Deborah Swift's novels set in World War II.

[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Last Train to Freedom is another stunning achievement in historical fiction from Deborah Swift. In this book, she explores the plight of thousands of Polish Jews who escaped to Lithuania seeking safe haven from the Nazis, only to lose it to the Soviets in a year's time. Setting the majority of the story on the Trans-Siberian Express, a 15-day journey from Moscow to Vladivostok, heightens the tension of the pursuit by both the Nazis and the NKVD while giving the reader a spectacular view of the wide expanse of Russia.

The author bookends this novel with two quotes that have long been favorites of mine and are perfect for this book. The first is:
"There are decades where nothing happens; and there are weeks where decades happen." Vladimir Lenin

The second quote is:
"The mystery of human existence lies not in just staying alive, but in finding something to live for." Fyodor Dostoevsky

If like me you enjoy historical fiction because it allows you to painlessly absorb new information while allowing you to also feel the impact, I highly recommend this book. If you prefer action, mysteries, or a bit of romance in a plot that moves at the speed of light, you too will love this book.

My thanks to HQ Digital and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this ARC. The review and all opinions are entirely my own.

[Alyson · Rating 3 out of 5]

An interesting setting as thousands of Jewish refugees flee Poland, crossing the border into Lithuania to escape the Nazi purges. They hope for safety but Operation Barbarossa means that Germany will shortly invade Russian territories and the refugees must move on again.
I very much enjoyed the begining of this story as the main character Zofia argues with her brother over whether they should leave or not. He is tempted to stay as he has a Russian girlfriend whom Zofia does not trust.
The majority of the story however, takes place on the Trans Siberian Express as Zofia, Jacek, Masha and Otto, negotiate the problems thrown at them by the Russian and German authorities while they escape to the hoped safety of Japan. Sadly, however, the adventures on the train did not ring as true to me as the earlier part with the queuing for visas and the looting by the Russians. I found Otto's metamorphosis from mummy's boy to protector less than convincing as well, and I was just plain annoyed by the rather tarty stereotype character of Masha.
So all in all I wasn't taken in by the characters but I enjoyed the historical setting and details and events and I would say I enjoyed previous novels by this author more than this one.
With thanks to Netgalley and Harper Collins for an arc copy in return for an honest review.

[Lily · Rating 4 out of 5]

In this exciting and intense new World War II historical fiction novel, readers follow siblings Zofia and Jacek as the Soviet army storms Lithuania in 1940. Desperate to escape the country before the Soviet forces arrive, Japanese consul Sugihara’s offer of visas is too good to be true, even though it requires the siblings to deliver a package of intelligence about the Nazis’ atrocities all the way to Tokyo with both the Nazis and the Soviets on their tails. With Nazi and Soviet agents following them across the Soviet Union on the Trans-Siberian Express, Zofia must be completely on her guard as her journey continues, and she must arrive in Tokyo before the Japanese government allies with Germany. The stakes in this novel are really high and pull readers into the story, and setting the novel on the train and limiting the characters’ movement really increases the tension in the story. Zofia, Jacek, Sugihara, and the other characters are really complicated and have interesting backstories that really flesh out the macro conflicts in the book. Packed with detail, fast-paced, and immersive, readers will absolutely love the complexities of this novel, the unique setting, and the high stakes for Zofia and Jacek’s train journey to Japan.

Thanks to NetGalley, HQ, and HQ Digital for the advance copy.

[Kathryn E Hagen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Some experiences just sound impossible to endure. Deborah Swift’s “Last Train to Freedom” describes Zofia Kowalski’s flight from Lithuania to Japan during WWII. Although Zofia was a ficitonal character, history is filled with accounts of people fleeing the Nazis. The thought of never knowing where it is safe to go, never knowing whom to trust, and never having a single moment to just rest: it’s overwhelming to me.

I read “Last Train to Freedom” in less than two days. I just could not put it down for long. “Operation Tulip,” “The Silk Code,” and “The Shadow Network,” also by this author were the same way. Deborah Swift knows how to write suspenseful novels!

Wondering why Zofia fled all the way to Japan? She was on a mission, entrusted with vital, shocking information about the war. Zofia not only wanted to save herself, but to save others.

I highly recommend “Last Train to Freedom.” Swift’s characters demonstrate the best and the worst in people and she always tells a compelling story.

Thank you to NetGalley for the advance reader’s copy. This is my honest review.

[Amy Leigh Chandler · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to Netgalley and HarperCollins for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.


Deborah Swift has intricately woven a detailed and immersive narrative that balances historical context, fast moving plot and emotion that hooked me from the start. As with Swift’s other WW2 historical fiction, the attention to detail is remarkable and transports the reader into this world of fear and hope that focuses on the ordinary people or voices often lost. What I liked the most was the multiple points of views and how they all weaved the story together showing the different sides and their motives. I wasn’t aware of the Trans-Siberian railway and the context with Japan, so at first this took a while to understand the context. I also enjoyed the way the characters like Zofia and Otto are forced to grow and make decisions that are usually out of character for them.

Overall a book that carefully and sensitively addresses the fear and hope of the ordinary people with a fast paced plot that had me rooting for Zofia’s triumph.

[Jann Alexander · Rating 5 out of 5]

Across the frozen tundra roars the legendary Trans-Siberian Express, carrying twins Zofia and Jacek—two brave Polish Jews—to an out-of-reach freedom from Nazi persecution in 1940. Barely escaping the Soviet forces that storm Lithuania, they are accompanied by ill-fated lovers and a potential spy on board, all of them trailed for thousands of miles by competing Soviet and Nazi assassins in pursuit of the damning parcel the twins carry. Its evidence must be delivered to allies in Japan at all costs, and the cost Zofia endures is increasingly high. As the tension rose in Deborah Swift’s Last Train to Freedom, I was turning the pages faster than the train crossed Siberia. A slow-build romance that’s woven in unexpectedly offers a ray of hope to the determined Zofia, and satisfaction to readers. Last Train to Freedom is gripping and tautly-written, a five-star novel that uncovers a fascinating untold history in the fight to rescue Jews and bring Nazi atrocities to light.

[Suzy Henderson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Last Train to Freedom is a beautifully written, emotionally gripping novel that kept me turning pages late into the night. Deborah Swift delivers a powerful story of escape, resilience, and quiet heroism during one of history’s darkest chapters. The journey across Siberia is tense and atmospheric, and the sense of danger never lets up.

Zofia is a wonderfully complex protagonist—courageous but not invincible—and her bond with her brother adds real emotional depth. I especially appreciated how the characters were nuanced, with Masha standing out as a refreshingly unpredictable figure. The pacing is tight, the setting vividly drawn, and the historical detail impeccably woven in.

This is easily one of Swift’s strongest WWII novels—compelling, heartfelt, and grounded in real events. A must-read for historical fiction lovers.

[Linda C · Rating 3 out of 5]

Polish Jews, twins Jacek and Zofia have escaped from the Nazis in Poland and settled in Lithuania. After a year the Russians are moving into Lithuania. Jews and Lithuanians are disappearing. When the Japanese consul announces he will issue visas to Jews, who can then take the Trans-Siberian Express across Russia and through Japan to Curacao or elsewhere, they join the line. They are the last to get visas as the Russians are shutting the consul. The Japanese Consul offers them visas in exchange for transporting a package filled with testimonies and photographs of the Nazi atrocities to General Sato in Japan. The story follows their harrowing journey across Russia with Russian and Nazis in pursuit of the documents. This was a difficult read. I often found Zofia wishy-washy and easily manipulated. Her brother was reckless. But they were both young and living with constant fear. A part of the war story I was unaware of.

[Jill · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the third novel I have read by this author and it definitely lived up to my expectations. Ms Swift is a talented writer and had I not known the author, the context of this book and the style were more akin to some of the very best historical fiction writers. It was captivating and compulsive reading, being transported from Lithuania to Russia on the Trans Siberian Rail train with five very finely portrayed people. Spies and double agents lie beneath the surface and it falls upon our heroine to seek them out in her quest to deliver evidence to the Japanese Naval chief in Tokyo of German atrocities.

My thanks to NetGalley and the publishers for this ARC in exchange for my independent review.

[Luisa Jones · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Last Train to Freedom is a thrilling ride, keeping me on the edge of my seat throughout. Zofia and her brother have a vital mission thrust upon them, one that could save the lives of thousands of their people. But sinister forces are conspiring against them from every direction. Facing innumerable dangers with remarkable tenacity and courage, Zofia makes a worthy heroine, struggling on in spite of heartbreaking loss.
This brilliantly written book brought to my attention an aspect of WW2 which had been previously unknown to me, and I was fascinated to read the author’s note. Thank you to the author, publisher and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this excellent book in exchange for an honest review.

[peter david mitchell · Rating 5 out of 5]

A harrowing escape.

A very easy five star read. Zofia and Jacek Kowalski are Jewish siblings looking to escape Lithuania after Russian occupation and tyranny. The Japanese consulate is besieged by desperate jews looking for visas. They succeed in getting passage on the trans Siberian express, on which they are accompanied by Jaceks fiance Masha and insulate worker Otto. Jacek has been entrusted with a package containing evidence of atrocities carried out by the Nazis and the NKVD. Agents of both the SS and the NKVD are intent on stopping the package from being taken out of Russia by any means necessary. A fast paced desperate and tense game of cat and mouse ensues. Action packed and gripping, well drawn characters. A thrill journey not to be missed.

[R Evans · Rating 4 out of 5]

I like the fact that this novel deals with the impact on the Baltic states from Russian incursion at the start of WW2. It seems these states were caught in the middle of a power struggle between Germany and Russia, and in particular if you were Jewish, your life became very vulnerable indeed. It seems this episode in history is little known in the West. The book also highlights the diplomatic efforts of a Japanese ambassador to use his privileges to secure safe passage for refugees from Lithuania to Japan and then onwards to places like the USA. The book brought to life the resourcefulness and inner strength of a person when threatened, making this an absorbing, worthwhile read.

[Melissa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Last Train to Freedom is an intriguing and captivating story, enhanced by the elements of danger and uncertainty. Deborah Swift's thorough research into this book made an educational experience, immersing me in Jewish escape during a 15-day journey on the Trans-Siberian Express. The vast landscapes they traversed, the danger faced while fleeing from Nazis and Soviets, the unwavering determination for freedom, and the love discovered all added to make a great read. 3½ stars
I would like to thank the author, HQ and NetGalley for my free copy of this novel, in exchange for my honest review.
#LastTraintoFreedom #NetGalley

[Sharon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Not too many authors delve into the Soviet & German alliance disintegration. Let alone a Japanese diplomat helping Polish and Lithuanian Jewish refugees escape Europe through Russia, China and onto Japan via the Trans-Siberian railway.
The Last train to freedom has it all spy's, secret agents, lies, hero's and heroine's. The way Deborah Swift has woven the story around a strong young woman in Zofia (who is a dab hand when it comes to protecting herself) makes this book a must read and one I highly recommend.

[Ronald · Rating 5 out of 5]

A dramatic story

Last Train to Freedom is a story that will grip you with its action, drama, and feelings of hope and loss. It is a stirring story of a young woman's fight and efforts to bring knowledge and pictures of Nazi crimes against Jews and others to the attention of leaders in Japan. The novel will keep you captivated and wanting to know what happens next. It is a thriller of a story.

[Jan Foster · Rating 5 out of 5]

Deborah Swift has done it again - a wonderful, gripping read with characters you can't help but root for. Transported back in time, every detail is perfection. The plot is tightly woven, dramatic, unexpected in some places but unputdownable. You hurtle from one life-threatening conundrum to the next, uncovering different aspects of the side characters with every page. A triumph with trains (and what a journey!), and a great read - highly recommend!

[Tracy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow, what a fantastic read this was. I was so hooked reading to see if the end goal would be achieved given all the hurdles she encountered. Great characters that you got into, some you’re glad ended up dead! I know this book is fiction , but It does really make you think what went on back then to the Jews. Definitely a book to be read!

[Sherralynne Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

Intriguing story

I loved this intriguing story. I didn't know much about Russia and the activities it undertook during World War Two. A story filled with many unexpected twists and turns. I highly recommend this story. Thanks Deborah, from one of your New Zealand fans.

[Elizabeth Lloyd · Rating 5 out of 5]

Every one of Deborah Swift’s wartime novels have been compelling but this gripping tale of a dangerous train journey to Vladivostok was the best. The main characters are complex, realistic humans with a variety of feelings and motivations and the heroine Zofia is brave and enterprising. Highly recommended.

[patricia o'kearney · Rating 5 out of 5]

great read

Very interesting story with a very different take on the events at the beginning of WW2. The two protagonists of the time Nazis & NKVD flexing their muscles in the most obnoxious way possible is a clear reminder of how small countries and people are at risk from overbearing dictators of all persuasions. History keeps repeating itself right up to 2025!