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Keeper of the Lost Diary: An Emotional and Heart-Wrenching WW2 Historical Novel
“I promise to write only what I saw and lived through, not hide anything from you. I’ll tell you even the worst things I experienced, which may seem crazy or impossible... I remember them well. It all happened in the world we left behind.”
1942, Lvov. Bina Krakowski is almost seven when the Nazis decide to liquidate the ghetto and send its inhabitants to Auschwitz. As her family attempts to escape through the sewers, running through gunfire, Bina and her mother separate from her father and are left to fend for themselves. Surviving the war by hiding in forests and traveling from village to village in search of shelter, Bina cannot imagine when the horrors will ever end.
2018, Long Island. Eighty-year-old Bina Solomon has built a quiet life as a respected Holocaust scholar, but now she is facing her final move to a retirement community. Abigail, the granddaughter she practically raised, is about to move off to college and is helping her to pack away her previous life. While clearing the attic, Abigail finds a worn notebook written in a language she does not understand. Bina immediately recognizes her tattered childhood diary, the one she held on to dearly, documenting every painful moment so she would never forget.
As Abigail and Bina dive deeper into her traumatic wartime stories, Bina is flooded by painful memories she thought she would never speak of again. Though it feels like a lifetime ago, is she ready to face the darkness she had locked away deep inside?
Keeper of the Lost Diary is an emotional testament to the courage of a young girl in the face of unspeakable horrors, beautifully weaving the past with the present. This heart-wrenching tale of loss, love, and unimaginable courage will captivate readers of Kristin Harmel, Kelly Rimmer, and Barbara Davis.
1942, Lvov. Bina Krakowski is almost seven when the Nazis decide to liquidate the ghetto and send its inhabitants to Auschwitz. As her family attempts to escape through the sewers, running through gunfire, Bina and her mother separate from her father and are left to fend for themselves. Surviving the war by hiding in forests and traveling from village to village in search of shelter, Bina cannot imagine when the horrors will ever end.
2018, Long Island. Eighty-year-old Bina Solomon has built a quiet life as a respected Holocaust scholar, but now she is facing her final move to a retirement community. Abigail, the granddaughter she practically raised, is about to move off to college and is helping her to pack away her previous life. While clearing the attic, Abigail finds a worn notebook written in a language she does not understand. Bina immediately recognizes her tattered childhood diary, the one she held on to dearly, documenting every painful moment so she would never forget.
As Abigail and Bina dive deeper into her traumatic wartime stories, Bina is flooded by painful memories she thought she would never speak of again. Though it feels like a lifetime ago, is she ready to face the darkness she had locked away deep inside?
Keeper of the Lost Diary is an emotional testament to the courage of a young girl in the face of unspeakable horrors, beautifully weaving the past with the present. This heart-wrenching tale of loss, love, and unimaginable courage will captivate readers of Kristin Harmel, Kelly Rimmer, and Barbara Davis.
302 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 9, 2025
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews
December 2, 2025
Before, During and After
What a sad start of life and ending on a real love. I am a fourth generation of two families. They never said much if anything of Jewish life on Europe. Your story and others like and before WW one is heart warming and scary.. Your writing this deserves a heart felt thanks, Shalom
What a sad start of life and ending on a real love. I am a fourth generation of two families. They never said much if anything of Jewish life on Europe. Your story and others like and before WW one is heart warming and scary.. Your writing this deserves a heart felt thanks, Shalom
March 5, 2026
Keeper of the Lost Diary pulls the heart strings as you understand what happened through the words of an 11 yr. old girl. I love the way the writer introduces the story. It was different than most of the other WW2 historical stories that I've read. There are descriptions of the atrocities of war that will bring tears to your eyes, and then courageous acts of the family to stay alive despite the odds. I couldn't put it down.
A very heart wrenching story but well told based on true events. The countryside and people are well described, and even though a hard subject, it is well done. There are lots of surprises. This is not an ordinary run of the mill war story. The ending was also a surprise and one I didn't see coming.
A very heart wrenching story but well told based on true events. The countryside and people are well described, and even though a hard subject, it is well done. There are lots of surprises. This is not an ordinary run of the mill war story. The ending was also a surprise and one I didn't see coming.
December 23, 2025
Beautiful Love Story
Beautifully written story of the gift of having true love in your life, regardless of the amount of time you are able to share it. Love found at 10 and rekindled 70 years later is still the gift of sharing live with someone willing to live you despite the little things that tend to kill a physical attraction after only a few years time.
It is a well written story taken from factual historical events, a personal diary, and an eye witness participant in the story.
Human survival is a remarkable achievement against the inhuman atrocities rendered against fellow humans because of one man's twisted ideology and a gift in public speaking.
Beautifully written story of the gift of having true love in your life, regardless of the amount of time you are able to share it. Love found at 10 and rekindled 70 years later is still the gift of sharing live with someone willing to live you despite the little things that tend to kill a physical attraction after only a few years time.
It is a well written story taken from factual historical events, a personal diary, and an eye witness participant in the story.
Human survival is a remarkable achievement against the inhuman atrocities rendered against fellow humans because of one man's twisted ideology and a gift in public speaking.
April 21, 2026
Lost Diary
I have read several books written about survivors of the holocaust. This is the first that's subject wasn't the time spent in a concentration camp. This is the first book that told a story of a family that survived , generally only one or two people in a family have survived. I know those stories are few and far between. Many, many, more didn't survive.
I enjoyed the book and unique way of telling the story. I didn't like the ending but you love the people in the story and don't want Bina to lose again. This is an excellent point of view for this story.
I have read several books written about survivors of the holocaust. This is the first that's subject wasn't the time spent in a concentration camp. This is the first book that told a story of a family that survived , generally only one or two people in a family have survived. I know those stories are few and far between. Many, many, more didn't survive.
I enjoyed the book and unique way of telling the story. I didn't like the ending but you love the people in the story and don't want Bina to lose again. This is an excellent point of view for this story.
August 26, 2026
Amazing Read
This novel grabbed me almost from the first the a the reader into that time period. The characters were so well described that the could have stepped off the page. If you enjoy learning from historical novels and you become attached to the characters in a book, I highly recommend you engage with this absolutely excellent novel that will transport you to another time and place!
This novel grabbed me almost from the first the a the reader into that time period. The characters were so well described that the could have stepped off the page. If you enjoy learning from historical novels and you become attached to the characters in a book, I highly recommend you engage with this absolutely excellent novel that will transport you to another time and place!
March 22, 2026
Excellent!
Although not quite the ending I was expecting, it was very fitting and realistic.
Stories and details of the horror of the Holocaust are never easy to hear, but oh so important to continue to tell. We as a society can not afford for this terrible tragedy to be repeated or swept under the carpet.
Although not quite the ending I was expecting, it was very fitting and realistic.
Stories and details of the horror of the Holocaust are never easy to hear, but oh so important to continue to tell. We as a society can not afford for this terrible tragedy to be repeated or swept under the carpet.
April 11, 2026
Keeper of the Lost Diary
What an amazing story. We read of adults who weathered the war but this is the first of the children who came through so much. Children who did what were told to do and not question the why. Of being hungry and no begging for food. Of being tired and keep going. Well worth the read.
What an amazing story. We read of adults who weathered the war but this is the first of the children who came through so much. Children who did what were told to do and not question the why. Of being hungry and no begging for food. Of being tired and keep going. Well worth the read.
November 29, 2025
A truly heartbreaking and heartwarming read. Filled with memories of WWII and the holocaust. Told from one woman's perspective, through a diary she kept as a child. I shed many tears during my read, but it was overall a beautiful story.
January 3, 2026
Great story and very well written!
I would like to see this book as an audio format so my wife can enjoy it as much as I have. She has eye problems but loves reading (or listening to) well-written books such as this one. Thanks for the enjoyment and education. l
Larry Huxell
I would like to see this book as an audio format so my wife can enjoy it as much as I have. She has eye problems but loves reading (or listening to) well-written books such as this one. Thanks for the enjoyment and education. l
Larry Huxell
January 5, 2026
Keeper of the lost diary.
Was not happy that Kuti died. Didn't like that the granddaughter always pushed her grandmother to read from the diary when she was tired. Wished for a happier ending after so much suffering.
Was not happy that Kuti died. Didn't like that the granddaughter always pushed her grandmother to read from the diary when she was tired. Wished for a happier ending after so much suffering.
January 8, 2026
Enjoyable
This is a well written account of a family surviving the Holocaust. The story is told to a granddaughter by the surviving grandmother. The grandmother uses the diary she kept during her ordeal. This is a story of love, survival, sacrifice, and suffering. I recommend.
This is a well written account of a family surviving the Holocaust. The story is told to a granddaughter by the surviving grandmother. The grandmother uses the diary she kept during her ordeal. This is a story of love, survival, sacrifice, and suffering. I recommend.
January 12, 2026
An absolute read for anyone who has an interest in the tragedies and survival miracles of WW2.
Captivating from the start. Shocking ending but so realistic, though unpredictable. A true story of family drama and heartfelt
reconciliation.
Captivating from the start. Shocking ending but so realistic, though unpredictable. A true story of family drama and heartfelt
reconciliation.
February 14, 2026
The Holocaust presented through a loving family
Loved the memories shared between granddaughter and grandmother with the many family connections and struggles between them. Great read. Loved it.
Loved the memories shared between granddaughter and grandmother with the many family connections and struggles between them. Great read. Loved it.
February 21, 2026
Excellent
I couldn’t put this novel down. A sensitively told story that explored generational trauma and relationships. I was hooked from the first page until the end.
Definitely worth reading!
I couldn’t put this novel down. A sensitively told story that explored generational trauma and relationships. I was hooked from the first page until the end.
Definitely worth reading!
February 22, 2026
Superb!
I like how the reading of the diary was broken into one entry.at a time so that I wasn't overwhelmed with too much information at once. The diary entries told of the horrific events of the Holocaust.
I like how the reading of the diary was broken into one entry.at a time so that I wasn't overwhelmed with too much information at once. The diary entries told of the horrific events of the Holocaust.
February 25, 2026
War through a child’s eyes
Such a heart warming story filled with personal stories of pain, history, resilience and love. The story telling made me feel as though I was witnessing the events as told.
Such a heart warming story filled with personal stories of pain, history, resilience and love. The story telling made me feel as though I was witnessing the events as told.
March 8, 2026
outstanding
The diary poses the perfect backdrop for journeys and healing. Delving into the trauma of the flight to live as well as the aftermath of living to advanced age is truly engaging!
The diary poses the perfect backdrop for journeys and healing. Delving into the trauma of the flight to live as well as the aftermath of living to advanced age is truly engaging!
March 16, 2026
Heartbreaking
Seeing the holocaust through the eyes of a survivor made me think of the horrific lives they experienced at the hands of those who sought to destroy the Jewish community! It also reminded me of the faith and hope they had to continue to live and love!
Seeing the holocaust through the eyes of a survivor made me think of the horrific lives they experienced at the hands of those who sought to destroy the Jewish community! It also reminded me of the faith and hope they had to continue to live and love!
March 21, 2026
The ending. Terrible!!!!
I will be recommending this book to my mother. However, I'm very saddened by the ending. I understand, it happens. I was JUST NOT EXPECTING IT right before bed 😭😭😭😭😭😭 everything but the last chapter.....
I will be recommending this book to my mother. However, I'm very saddened by the ending. I understand, it happens. I was JUST NOT EXPECTING IT right before bed 😭😭😭😭😭😭 everything but the last chapter.....
May 9, 2026
Compelling Read
This is the best book I’ve read in a long time. I couldn’t wait to see what happens next.
Amazing story of determination, grit and love of the Jews in the tragic times of World War Two.
This is the best book I’ve read in a long time. I couldn’t wait to see what happens next.
Amazing story of determination, grit and love of the Jews in the tragic times of World War Two.
June 4, 2026
A glimpse of yesteryear!
This book was so well written weaving the past with the present. Complex situations, relationships and acts of forgiveness cemented the characters in the reader’s mind as people with real lives, incredible stories and surprising moments!
This book was so well written weaving the past with the present. Complex situations, relationships and acts of forgiveness cemented the characters in the reader’s mind as people with real lives, incredible stories and surprising moments!
December 15, 2025
loved is book
A very worthwhile read. A lot of history. Emotions. And healing. I am a person that rarely cries. This story brought me to tears.
A very worthwhile read. A lot of history. Emotions. And healing. I am a person that rarely cries. This story brought me to tears.
January 10, 2026
Eternal time
This takes a look at how WWII survivors lives turn always to the past while forging the future. A good book but a fairy tale ending that is unlikely to
This takes a look at how WWII survivors lives turn always to the past while forging the future. A good book but a fairy tale ending that is unlikely to
January 15, 2026
almost unbelievable
Rich was story with survival at the end! Did not see that end coming though.i really enjoyed the whole story.
Rich was story with survival at the end! Did not see that end coming though.i really enjoyed the whole story.
January 18, 2026
What a book l was really enthralled, l didn’t want it to end, amazing
Want to Read
January 24, 2026Finding it hard to get into so put to one side for now
February 5, 2026
A happy/sad book
Very well written... A happy/sad emotional account... People that are real and relatable... Thank you for sharing a very intense picture of history.
Very well written... A happy/sad emotional account... People that are real and relatable... Thank you for sharing a very intense picture of history.
February 9, 2026
everyone should read this book
I couldn’t put the book down, I have always been interested in how people managed to survive the holocaust .
I couldn’t put the book down, I have always been interested in how people managed to survive the holocaust .
February 9, 2026
Solid read. I just didn’t connect with a few of the characters. Also felt underlying political message at times. Maybe just me….i still would recommend.
February 9, 2026
Touching
A beautiful story, but heartbreaking, I wanted a happy ever after ending but maybe it was the right ending anyway
Thank you
A beautiful story, but heartbreaking, I wanted a happy ever after ending but maybe it was the right ending anyway
Thank you
Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews