Blok 42

by Debrianna Obara

Aniela Majewska, beautiful daughter of one of Kraków's most respected families, is ready to marry her dashing childhood sweetheart, Henryk Bartosz. But the Nazi invasion of Poland separates the young lovers, as Henryk chooses to fight for their country's freedom as part of the underground resistance and Aniela uses her beauty, wit, and indomitable spirit to navigate the Reich's brutal occupation centralized in her home city, doing whatever it takes to keep her family and her sanity intact.

Genres: Historical Fiction, World War II, Romance

324 pages, Paperback

Published July 1, 2025

About the author

Debrianna Obara is a writer and former advertising professional. Through her work with the US Holocaust Memorial Museum, she came across a few brief references to Blok 42 or “The Puff” — the brothel of Auschwitz. An informed student of Polish language, history and literature, she had never heard of the brothel and soon discovered there is precious little information about the women who “worked” there. Only one account was published by a first-hand survivor, in German and anonymously, and it was never translated into other languages.
Debrianna earned a degree in journalism at the University of Florida, with a minor in Slavistics. She was an exchange student and later a language instructor at Adam Mickiewicz University. The middle daughter of Polish immigrants, she has always felt a deep connection with the plight of the Polish people and how World War II permanently altered every aspect of cultural and civic life.
Debrianna was raised in New York and currently lives in Southern California. Blok 42 is her first novel and a sequel is in the works, to be released in 2026.

Reviews

[Terry Primrose · Rating 5 out of 5]

A part of WW ll that I didn’t know about. So sad. There is a sequel in the works that would be a good read. Aniela, the main character’s life after the war may be revealed?

[Michael Detto · Rating 5 out of 5]

Blok 42 is a very intense read: love & war, injustice brought upon good people who were torn from their ordinary lives and thrown into unimaginable horrors. Obara tells the story from a female perspective that did not get too much attention until today: how women had to rise to superhuman heroines to save what was left of their families, literally losing everything and everybody. Very moving, emotional and engaging! And maybe a peek into the future what a fascist system will do to you!

[Kathy Gilreath · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am so speechless! I believe this is by far the best book I have read this year.

[Varrick Nunez · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reminded me of "Children of the Arbat," generally well written, a brilliant exposition of how World War II affected Poles. Intimate episodes are done very well. I learned about some new-to-me horrors & atrocities the Nazis committed.

[Pam Chatburn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good book! From the perspective of a polish family during WWII. They were hated almost as much as the Jews. The ending will leave you waiting for the sequel!!

[Sara Gengler · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fascinating historical fiction love story about a Krakow couple and their highly respected families who suffer the horrors of the Nazi occupancy of World War II. Ms. Obara weaves the story of the well-developed characters, Aniela and Henryk, who are separated from one another when Henryk joins the Polish resistance, and Aniela is left to raise their child while navigating the ravages of the Nazi invasion.

Blok 42 introduces us to factors of WWII that went unpublicized and for which little information is available such as a brothel and forced prostitution at Auschwitz and the persecution of not only Jews, but also many others including Catholic Poles. Ms. Obara conducted an enormous amount of research, including obtaining memoirs on multiple trips to Poland and visits to multiple concentration camps, before penning this mindful novel about love, loss, and resilience of the human spirit.

I waited for Blok 42 to be published as an audio book, and I’m so glad I did. The author is the narrator, and she really brings the characters to life and made me feel like I was there with them through the good times and every trial and tribulation. I loved this book and didn’t want it to end, but the good news is that a sequel is on its way!

[Jennifer Tishman · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a big fan of historical fiction and an avid reader of Philippa Gregory and Tatiana De Rosnay, I loved BLOK 42. It was such a page turner that I stayed up all night and read it in one day! I was invested in the fate of the couple at the heart of the story - and their entire family - as they struggled to keep their family safe and be reunited while living in Poland in WWII.

I feel like so many historical fiction love stories focus on similar time frames, locations and experiences--but this one opened my eyes to a whole new world during the Nazi occupation. I was transported to a place I've never been or read about before--and loved 'seeing' places like Krakow, the Polish countryside and even unique 'wonders of the world' (which I won't spoil for you). While it reminded me of the sweeping romance between Claire & Jamie from Diana Gabaldon's Outlander series, I learned so much, while enjoying every moment of their touching love story. While I'm rooting for them as a couple, I do have a bit of a crush on Henryk (don't tell Aniela!).

[Coleman Bigelow · Rating 5 out of 5]

This historical novel is a remarkable feat and a riveting read. What begins as an innocent romance is quickly overcome by the shadow of war. Obara has given us rich characters in Aniela and Henryk, who we are rooting for from the first pages. I imagine many readers like myself will not be aware of the child kidnapping that occurred during the war or of the brothels that existed alongside the prison camps of WW2. The details of this period in the book are unsettling but the way the author pulls all the plot lines together is incredibly well done. The book reads like a movie and I could easily see this being made into a great film.

[Maggie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Blok 42 is a beautifully written historical novel that takes place during German occupation in Poland. It tells the realistic story of a young Polish woman Aniela Majewska and her life which begins with innocence and bliss then painfully alters to that of loss and survival. Obara depicts rich characters and harrowing events both representative of that time yet rarely explored. The crimes committed by the Nazi's encompassed so many non-Jewish Poles who were incarcerated in concentration camps including Auschwitz. Also we see the shallow ideology of ethnic discrimination by the Germans giving Aniela preferential yet horridly sexist treatment for her beauty. Even her baby is cruelly removed from her custody for having resembling Aryan features which would support the Nazi's Lebensprogram to build up the German race. Aniela is committed to working in a brothel Blok 42 forced as a sex slave. The story tells of her strength and survival as she holds onto the life and love of her child and husband.

[Ann · Rating 4 out of 5]

What was

This book tells the story of a young, Catholic, Polish couple who meet as children and find love as adults. It tells the story of how they fall in love, marry, and have a child. What was once a life of hopes and dreams, becomes a life of darkness and pain as Germany takes over Europe. It tells the sad story of loss and survival under nazi occupation. This book can be read on its own, or you can buy book 2 to find out what happens.

[Lori Weinstein · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm a fan of historical fiction and this book is a page turner. It covers a dark time in history from a new and interesting perspective. It's both a love story of a young couple and an education on an important topic - women forced into brothels during WWII. This first time author's book was a great discovery. I hope she writes a sequel.

[JJ · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a man, I don't read a lot of novels but I was recommended this book due to my interest in WWII history. I was surprisingly moved to tears reading this book, and found myself very drawn to the characters. I highly recommend this book.

[Irene Pisarczyk · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very enjoyable read. There’s a lot of historical fiction set during WWII, and this one addresses issues many of us are unaware of. Very interesting. I wonder if there’ll be a sequel. I hope so!

[Evelyn Young · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was captivated from the very first page of Blok 42. The characters are so well-developed, and the historical backdrop is vividly portrayed. It's a story that stays with you long after you've turned the final page.

[Samuel King · Rating 5 out of 5]

Blok 42 is a masterpiece of historical fiction. The author's attention to detail and thorough research bring the era to life, making you feel as though you're right there alongside Aniela as she navigates the horrors of war.

[Grace Scott · Rating 4 out of 5]

I couldn't put Blok 42 down! Aniela's strength and determination are truly admirable, and her love story with Henryk is both heartbreaking and uplifting. This is a must-read for anyone interested in World War II fiction."

[Avery Nguyen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Blok 42 is a gripping and emotional rollercoaster. From the first page to the last, I was on the edge of my seat, rooting for Aniela and Henryk as they faced one obstacle after another. It's a testament to the human spirit.

[Harper Nguyen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I devoured Blok 42 in just a couple of sittings. The author's prose is so evocative, and the storyline is both powerful and poignant. This book is a reminder of the resilience of the human spirit in the darkest of times.

[Abigail Taylor · Rating 5 out of 5]

Blok 42 is a gripping and emotional read that had me hooked from start to finish. Aniela's courage and resilience are truly inspiring, and her love story with Henryk is both heartwarming and heart-wrenching.

[Elijah Nguyen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Blok 42 is a tour de force of storytelling. The author's ability to transport the reader to wartime Kraków is nothing short of remarkable, and Aniela's journey is one that will resonate with readers long after they've finished the book. A must-read for fans of historical fiction.

[William Campbell]

From the moment I picked up Blok 42, I was transported to another time and place. The author's vivid descriptions and compelling characters kept me turning the pages late into the night. An unforgettable read.

[Sophia Cook · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was deeply moved by Blok 42 and Aniela's journey through the darkest days of World War II. The author's attention to historical detail and compelling storytelling kept me captivated until the very end.

[Liam Bailey]

Blok 42 is a gripping and emotional read that shines a light on a lesser-known aspect of World War II history. Aniela's resilience in the face of unimaginable adversity is both inspiring and humbling."

[James Nguyen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Blok 42 is a powerful and thought-provoking novel that offers a glimpse into the lives of those who lived through the horrors of Nazi occupation. Aniela's courage and determination are a testament to the strength of the human spirit

[Michael Rosen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Blok 42 stood out for me by capturing the raw and emotional events in Poland leading up to and during WWII and the Holocaust. I would not have known this was the authors first novel give the story arc and the character development.

Can't wait to read book to which continues Aniela's story.

[Benjamin Gonzalez · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was completely swept away by BLOK 42. Aniela's journey is one of bravery and defiance in the face of tyranny, and her love for Henryk is a beacon of light amidst the darkness of war. This book will stay with me for a long time.

[Mia Young · Rating 5 out of 5]

BLOK 42 is a gripping and emotional read that had me hooked from start to finish. Aniela's courage and resilience are truly inspiring, and her love story with Henryk is both heartwarming and heart-wrenching.

[Oliver Edwards · Rating 5 out of 5]

BLOK 42 is a tour de force of storytelling. The author's ability to transport the reader to wartime Kraków is nothing short of remarkable, and Aniela's journey is one that will resonate with readers long after they've finished the book. A must-read for fans of historical fiction.

[Emma Howard · Rating 5 out of 5]

BLOK 42 is a poignant reminder of the sacrifices made during World War II. Aniela's story is one of strength, love, and survival, and it's impossible not to be moved by her resilience in the face of unimaginable hardship.

[Mia Martin · Rating 4 out of 5]

There are such occasions where it explores the complexities of morality in wartime. Joachim's actions are portrayed as both self-serving and motivated by a desire to protect Aniela. This ambiguity will spark discussion and debate.