The Storyteller of Krakow

by Carly Schabowski

A BRAND NEW captivating dual-timeline novel from the bestselling author of The Watchmaker of Dachau. 🌹 Perfect for fans of Kristin Hannah, Fiona Valpy and All the Light We Cannot See. 📚It takes courage to tell your story…

Kraków, 1994. When an elderly woman named Lena meets a young girl, the child is carrying a toy bear, who she has named Wojtek. She quietly tells Lena it’s named after a bear who was famous in the second world war. This is a name Lena hasn’t heard in many years. And so she begins her story…

Kraków, 1940. When Lena was young, she loved to tell stories – about the places she would go, the battles she would fight, the great loves she might have – imagining herself the heroine in every tale. But when the Soviet forces invade her town, and take her to a Siberian gulag, leaving her with no family, no home, no strength to fight… her dreams feel further away than ever.

Until the Soviets change sides in the war, and Lena finds herself being rescued, and on an unexpected journey – one that runs in parallel with a tame bear named Wojtek. As their journey takes them across the Middle East, to Africa, and finally to war-torn Italy, she realized there might be a chance for her to live the life she always told stories about – fighting the hated Nazis.

But there is one thing missing… a great love. Lena knows she doesn’t need saving by a man. But when Wojtek the bear leads her to an injured stranger, she realises perhaps it’s not her who needs rescue. The only problem is that the man she’s led to is a German soldier, on the other side of the war from her…

Can love conquer all in wartime? Don’t miss this unforgettable story!

Readers love Carly Schabowski’s powerful historical “A stunningly, different WW2 story… Emotional and raw… Will stay with me for a long time.” Helen Parusel, author

“A powerful and moving story… I was both intrigued and touched… Highly recommended.” Kate Hewitt, author

“Never have I read a story told in such a poignant manner… Absorbing with a beautifully-drawn cast of characters. An exquisite gift to the reader that wraps around your heart.” Jina Bacarr, author

“Oh my gosh I don’t know where to start, this book broke me… it will stay with me for a very long time... Heartbreaking, poignant, gripping and compelling, I felt every emotion… I read this book in one sitting.” Fiction Vixen Reads ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

“Will rip your heart out… It has heartache, pain, loss, joy, and sorrow. It’s great WWII historical fiction… Heartbreaking.” Books Read By Prairie Girl ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

“Left me speechless and had me wanting to roll up in a ball and cry hysterically… Heartbreaking… Had me in tears and kept me hooked until the final page… I could not stop thinking about the characters.” Reader Review ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

“I was captivated by this powerful and emotional WWII novel… I found myself hanging onto every word, and it felt almost as though I had become part of the story… Heart-rending… left me close to tears.” Reader Review ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Genres: Historical Fiction, World War II

282 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 3, 2026

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

[theliterateleprechaun]

4⭐

Another great historical fiction novel from a trusted author.

I enjoyed learning about Wojtek and appreciated the reminder that love and happiness don’t often arrive in the ways we expect.

I did miss the magical realism of her previous historical fiction and perhaps this was why I wasn’t pulled into this story as quickly as I expected.

I'll continue to watch out for Schabowski's next novel!

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

[Ryan · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Storyteller of Krakow is an absorbing and beautifully told historical novel inspired by the remarkable true story of Wojtek, the bear who served alongside Polish soldiers during the Second World War.

Set between Kraków in 1994 and the wartime years of the 1940s, the story follows Lena as she looks back on an extraordinary journey that took her from the horrors of a Siberian gulag across the Middle East and Africa, and eventually into war-torn Italy. Along the way, her life becomes intertwined with Wojtek, a tame bear whose presence brings warmth, humour and something truly unforgettable to an otherwise devastating period of history.

I really enjoyed this book. Carly Schabowski's writing drew me into Lena's world, and the storytelling kept me invested throughout. Lena is a wonderfully developed character, and watching her grow from the young girl who dreams of adventure and great love into someone forced to confront the brutal realities of war made her journey particularly compelling.

What stood out most for me was the combination of historical detail and deeply personal storytelling. The novel doesn't just focus on the larger events of the war, but on the people caught up in them—their losses, resilience, friendships and hopes for a future when so much has been taken from them.

And, of course, Wojtek is at the heart of what makes this story so memorable. Knowing that his character was inspired by a real bear who accompanied Polish soldiers during the war adds an extra layer of fascination and emotional weight to the novel.

A moving, immersive and engaging piece of historical fiction with strong character development, compelling storytelling and a remarkable true-life inspiration at its heart.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the advanced copy.

#TheStorytellerofKrakow #NetGalley

[Trina Dixon · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love historical fiction novels and this one certainly didn't disappoint. It follows the life of Lena, a woman in her 90's living in a care home, who shares her memories of the 2nd World War with Hana, a carers daughter.
What makes this novel more special is we also read about Wojtek the bear who was made a corporal in the Polish Army. I hadn't heard about Wojtek before so this made it slightly different to any other WW2 novel I've read..

[Papergirl · Rating 2 out of 5]

Thank you to Carly Schabowski, the publishers, netgalley for what was originally an ARC to read and review at no cost to myself. Here are my honest thoughts about the title.

I can't say I was a fan of this book. For the length, it took me far longer to read than it should have done. I started the book, felt it was alittle slow, and stepped away from it. It was only when I realised that the bear, Wojtek, actually existed that I decided to give the book ago. However, I feel like the blurb was deceiving. The book hangs on the premise that a little gil with a stuff bear named after Wojtek jerks Lena's memory and so she starts her story about how she survived and travelled during the war following the loss of those dear to her. And sure, Wojte features, but I was more interested in him, than Lena's sorrowful life. I also didn't like that we needed to meet a young girl with a teddy, we could have cut that out and gone straight to reliving Lena's past.

I felt the book was slow and didn't really go anywhere. Overall, there was not a lot of anything that made an impact. I didn't feel people got their comeuppance or happy endings, nor was i historical enough, all of which isn't essential, but I guess I missed the point of this account.

[Hana · Rating 3 out of 5]

​This book didn't disappoint, and I’m so glad I got to read the ARC. It’s a beautifully heartbreaking story spanning from roughly 1934 to 1954, framed by a present-day timeline where an older Lena recounts her life. I loved following the historical timeline and watching Lena’s determination to become a strong "warrior" who could survive and help others. The writing was engaging and perfectly paced, and Lena's fierce, protective bond with Wojtek and Anka during the terrifying uncertainties of war was a major highlight.

​A few frustrating elements lowered my rating, though. I immediately disliked Janek; he was genuinely awful, and I kept wishing Lena would escape his orbit sooner or just kill him! 😂 It was also maddening to watch Zosia blindly believe Janek's lies and freeze Lena out, despite knowing her first. Finally, while the ending fit the narrative, my heart wanted a definitively happy conclusion where Lena finds a great love and peace after everything she endured.

​Overall, it's a wonderful, deeply emotional read that I highly recommend if the premise catches your eye.

​Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

[Stephanie Dana · Rating 4 out of 5]

I picked up The Storyteller of Krakow because Kraków is one of my favourite cities I’ve visited, and I love historical fiction set around World War II. What I wasn’t expecting was just how far this story would take me.

Lena’s journey takes us from Poland to a Siberian gulag and then through Uzbekistan, Iraq, Egypt and eventually Italy. I really enjoyed experiencing so many different places within one story, particularly because it explored aspects of wartime history that I haven’t encountered as often in historical fiction.

There is so much hardship throughout Lena’s story of loss, displacement, survival and grief, but there are also moments of friendship, kindness and hope. I especially liked the idea of finding comfort and connection in unexpected places, with Wojtek becoming such a memorable part of that.

I did struggle with Janek. I really disliked his abusive behaviour toward Lena, and I found those parts difficult and frustrating to read. At the same time, Lena’s resilience and the historical elements kept me invested in her journey.

One of my favourite things about historical fiction is when a book leaves me wanting to learn more about the real history behind it, and this definitely did that.

Make sure you read the author’s note. I loved the discussion of the history and legend surrounding Wojtek and how stories like his are remembered. It added another layer to the novel and immediately made me want to learn more about the real Wojtek.

Overall, this was a sweeping and emotional WWII story that took me far beyond Kraków and introduced me to parts of wartime history I knew much less about. I went into it because of my love of Kraków and historical fiction and came away fascinated by the extraordinary journey behind the story.

[Vanessa · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Storyteller of Krakow by Carly Schabowski was a beautifully written historical fiction from start to finish. Every book I have read from this author has been written from her heart and this one was no different, and the research and history Carly must have done was amazing, which made this a wonderful book. But, you will need tissues when you read it. It was amazing and you felt you were there in Kraków in 1940 to 1994. Lena is the main character and when she was young, she loved to tell stories, about the places she would go, the battles she would fight, the great loves she might have, she would imagining herself the heroine in every tale she told. But when the Soviet forces invade her town, and took her to a Siberian gulag. Which left her with no family, no home, no strength to fight. . . . . . But, her dreams feel further away than ever and she never stopped dreaming!

Years went by and we are now in 1994, Lena is an elderly woman who meets a young girl, and the child is carrying a toy bear, who she has named "Wojtek" She quietly tells Lena it’s named after a bear, who was famous in the second world war and this is a name Lena hasn’t heard in many years.

"Wojtek" has a strong meaning to Lena and a memory from her past she can never forget.

And so she begins to tell her story. . . . . WoW . . . . .❤️

I highly recommend this book and The Storyteller of Krakow by Carly Schabowski will stay with me for a long time.

Big Thank you to NetGalley and Boldwood Books for my ARC.

[Laura N · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received a complimentary copy of this book from NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

The plight of the polish people during World War II has been well documented in both fiction and non-fiction alike. This book wasn't really a war novel, it was about a woman Lena who lived through that time and how she retreated into herself to cope with tragedy and loss. She used stories - those that she made up herself and those that she listened to from other to create a world for herself.

This would be a great book club book as there are multiple themes to discuss - helplessness, emotional abuse, death of loved ones, sticking up for others, gulag experience, military camps, helping enemies, etc. The author is unique in that she mentions the bear Wojtek that traveled around with the Polish "army" while in the Middle East and Italy. She weaves him into the story seamlessly. I also really enjoyed how she explored that one can fall in love with an idea or idealized version of events and that isn't the reality.

The one thing I didn't like was the title of the book, It feels like there are so many books out there with a similar title sequence "The Storyteller of..." She could have just called it The Storyteller or something else. I feel like it may get overlooked with that title. I also wish there was a pronunciation guide with the Polish places and names.

[Helen O · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is not an easy book to review. It encompasses so much of life in such a charming way, but that sounds ridiculous because war, death, suffering, the ageing and dying process are not normally considered charming. It’s beautifully written, you are brought right into Lena’s experience throughout her life. The impending ending of it in her 90s, and her earlier life through her stories. It seems improbable that Wojtek the bear is so central, so important to her, her relationship with him more deep and pure than many of her human relationships. He seems to have more humanity than the humans, and while there are elements of anthropomorphism, it feels entirely convincing.

For anyone whose family has had to endure the atrocities of war, and the second hand memories and consequences that are passed down through generations, this book will be highly relatable. The loss of autonomy, choice and power, the experience of being a pawn, of being shunted around, of being secondary, of loss, of the fear of what may happen, and those who would take advantage is all laid out here. Yet also of courage, growth and endurance. It’s about love, yet there is little explicit love, which makes it more interesting and engaging. There is nothing obvious or cliched at all. Exploring also the process of decline, of your last years playing out, what that might look and feel like is fascinating and touching. I’m glad I was able to read this, and would highly recommend it.

[Brenda · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Storyteller of Krakow is really a beautiful story with two timelines. Reading is difficult in places as World War II atrocities are detailed such a hunger, witnessing the murder of loved ones, bone-chilling cold, and unspeakable sorrow. Lena suffered tremendously, mentally and physically, especially when in a Siberian gulag. Family members had been shot and she was left on her own. When shown attention and given extra rations by a man, she felt something was not quite right but hunger drove her to desperation. Her friend Zosia was cast under his spell, too. Choices were made and protection became obsession.

In 2014, elderly Lena met a little girl clutching a bear called Wojtek, a name which startled Lena as she had known the real-life Wojtek during her time serving in the Polish army. The bear was a mascot of sorts who traveled with the army and was even designated as a corporal to avoid detection. He lifted spirits and stole hearts, including Lena's. I had never heard of Wojtek until I read the book synopsis so dove headfirst into a fascinating rabbit hole. The author did an outstanding job with blending the true story with fiction, spots of happiness and comfort in the midst of horror. Her prose gripped me as well.

Do read the author's notes which describe her inspiration about memory, what's real and what's shadowy, storytelling, and the importance of human connection.

[Julia · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Storyteller Of Krakow by Carly Schabowski is a powerful historical tale that consumed me from the start. It is a blend of fact and fiction, educating the reader as we go.
The tale follows lead character Lena, who is Polish. We follow her through her war – first the Russians over-ran Poland and Lena and her parents ended up in the Gulag. Then Russia swapped sides, freed everyone in the Gulag and recommended that the Poles make their way to Uzbekistan as that was where the Polish army was in exile.
The army included a mascot of an orphaned Syrian brown bear called Wojtek. We see that bond he forms with Lena and how he recues her on more than one occasion. Their bond is beautiful.
Lena’s war sees her travel through Egypt and ends up in the blood-bath of Monte Cassino.
I thoroughly enjoyed The Storyteller Of Krakow. It is told in two time periods – the second World War and 1994 as we drop in on Lena. She is still feisty and out to protect the under-dog.
This tale will educate you as you read. I certainly did not know about the war from the Polish viewpoint. And I did not realise that Wojtek was real. The author tells us that there are statues to Wojtek in Krakow and in Edinburgh as he ended up in Edinburgh Zoo after the war.
I received a free copy. A favourable review was not required. All opinions are my own.

[Dawn Lawrence Read_with_Lola · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this WWII fiction book, it was so different to anything else I have read. It’s not so much about the war, although this features heavily, it’s more about loss, survival, isolation, friendship and healing.

It’s a dual timeline story, Lena is a cranky 90 year old that keeps herself to herself and doesn’t mix well with others. She lives in the past with her stories from Krakow during the war, I. Particular her stories of Wojtek the bear. She becomes close with a mother and daughter and found the family she didn’t know she needed.

The other timeline in the story is Lena during the war, the loss of people she loved and how she navigates the war moving from camp,to camp working with the Polish army and of course Wojtek the bear!

A very sad but engrossing read, it certainly makes you think about war, friends and family. Highly recommend it’s a really sensitively written book.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC. Publication date 3 October 2026.

[Jane · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was pleased when NetGalley asked me to review this novel. I have read a great deal about World War 2 and Natzi occupied Poland. My dear friend Mitetek's parents fled Poland and so I always think of them and others during this dreadful time.

This was really well researched and the story told in both truth and non fiction.

Lena lives through this time and it is how she manages to cope with this shocking time and loss. Lena uses stories some she has made up and those stories she has heard.

This is about this shocking time, loss, love, family and so much more. As Lena moves from camp to camp she befriends a bear named Wojtek the extraordinary Syrian brown bear adopted by Polish soldiers during World War II. (true story) even more interesting but not part of this story Wojtek died in my home town in a zoo a year before I was born.

A novel that will have lasting memories long after this book is read.

Due for publication October 3rd 2026- so ideal read for October half term.

So recommended

[Marti · Rating 4.5 out of 5]

The Storyteller of Krakow by Carly Schabowski while set partially during WWII is not just a book about war. It is a book about surviving what is thrown at you and finding a life. It is a story about strength. It is a story about a bear.

The story is told in a dual time line with part occurring during WWII and part happening more recently. The main character Lena, tells her story about her life up and until the end of WWII. The other part of the story, while still being told by Lena, is about her life as an older woman in a nursing home. Lena is a strong willed independent woman. She has worked hard through brutal conditions and learned to rely only on herself, first as a prisoner, then as a soldier, then as a displaced person.

I found the story of Lena (and the bear) fascinating. It contains a view of WWII that I was not expecting, nor had I heard about it before. I was not expecting to connect with Lena, but I did. Her journey and her kindness will touch your heart. The Storyteller of Krakow by Carly Schabowski was a good read.

[Gee · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story was quite hard to read, for the storyline goes through so much, as does the main character, Lena. We initially see in Krakow as a grouchy 90 year old, living in a home. She’s obstinate, brave, tetchy and forthright.
We then go back to her survival, if that’s what it can be called, in 1940s Krakow, where she and her family lived, as part of their community, helping others, her father a doctor, her mother a nurse. Everthing changes as WWII comes into their lives.

It’s a story of survival, the depths of despair and a bear called Wojtek. Lena has bottled things up for so long, her way of coping, but a child makes her break her decades long silence to relive her survival and her friendship with the bear.

Moving, it’s so readable, if not exactly enjoyable, it’s a definite must read.

Thanks to NetGalley, the publishers and the author for allowing me to read and review this book.

[Sara (BandSBookClub · Rating 3.75 out of 5]

There were parts of this book that were incredible - the research and history were fascinating. I truly enjoyed learning about Wojtek, the bear that served with Polish soldiers in WWII. I thought the story of Poland, time spent in the Middle East and WWII experiences were very well done. The story is a dual timeline, which I think is done very well. It is great flashing back to learn a person's history and learning about them in a more present day as an old lady. I also really liked hearing about a woman's experience during the 40s. I really enjoyed learning about the relationships and experiences along the way. There was a wonderful human aspect alongside the history. I will say that parts of the book moved very slowly. I found myself skimming through some chapters to find a more interesting part of the book. That being said, a fascinating read! Thank you netgalley for my advanced reader copy.

[Colleen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Definitely a great story. Would love to know what was real and what was embellished; but at some point you just enjoy the story and it doesn't matter.

This book makes you want to learn more about Wojtek, the Syrian bear that was adopted by Polish soldiers in WWII and promoted to corporal.

Between 4 & 5 stars; rounding up to 5 stars because it looks like the ebook is around $5 and I think that is pretty great value for this story.

I had never heard the phrase, "Bob's your uncle" before. Meaning "and there you have it", or "it's that easy". Loved learning that!

Many thanks to author Carly Schabowski for weaving this story. Thank you to NetGalley and Boldwood books for providing the advance review copy in exchange for an honest review.

Approx 280 pages. Anticipated release is Oct 3, 2026.

[Lyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thoroughly enjoyed this book for so many reasons. The main character, Lena , survived so many different experiences yet remained true to herself and at ninety, was still looking out for other people. Her interactions with Wojtek, the bear were wonderful to read about, and all the more so because he was a real character from history. This book covers a lot of themes, including the reliability of memory, coercive control, friendship, morality and kindness. This was another way of telling a war story, by having the main character looking back at her experiences and recounting them. If you like historical fiction, I recommend this book to you. Thanks to NetGalley and Boldwood Books for a complimentary copy and the chance to express my thoughts.

[Danni · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thankyou to NetGalley and Boldwood books for this ARC.

This is a beautiful and heartbreaking WWII historical fiction that I genuinely loved.

Lena’s story takes us through the horrors of war, the gulag in Siberia, unimaginable loss and her fight for survival. It doesn’t shy away from the brutality of war, but alongside the darkness there is friendship, kindness, courage and love.

I particularly loved Lena’s bond with Wojtek, the young bear ( I had no idea of this bears true life tale) who brings comfort during some of the darkest moments of her life. 🐻❤️

Told across two timelines, this is a story about survival, memories and the importance of stories — and yes, there were tears, but not all of them were from sadness.

A beautiful, emotional read that will stay with me.
4.25 stars.

[Khadija · Rating 4 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 4/5

The Storyteller of Krakow was a really good historical fiction read. The story follows Lena, a woman in her 90s living in a care home, who shares her memories of World War II with Hana, the daughter of one of her carers.
I really enjoyed learning about Wojtek and his story. His part in the book was one of the things I found most interesting and memorable.
I also loved the reminder that love and happiness don’t always come to us in the way we expect. The story was emotional and made me think about how the past can stay with us and shape our lives.
Overall, this was a beautiful and emotional read, and I would definitely recommend it if the story sounds interesting to you. ❤️
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

[Maddie · Rating 4 out of 5]

A lovely historical fiction story told from the point of view of Lena, a WW2 survivor and warrior. I loved the transitions between modern day with Lena in her 90s and the flashbacks to WW2. Telling the story of a bear named Wojtek who was a brown bear adopted by the Polish soldiers during the war was a novelty I haven’t seen in historical fiction before and it brought some lightheartedness into an overall sad and emotional story of a young girl just trying to survive the war with her entire family gone. I would highly recommend it to anyone who loves historical fiction.

Thank you to the author, the publisher and NetGalley for providing me with a free electronic copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.

[Lisa A. · Rating 4.5 out of 5]

I didn't even read the blurb properly before requesting this book on Netgalley, i just knew I had to read this book as Carly Schabowski is a must-read author for me. She certainly didn't disappoint! I love Carly's writing style and, as always, my attention was captured from the very first page.

What a wonderful educational journey this was. Perfectly paced with great characters and some wonderful history woven into the story. I especially enjoyed learning about Wojtek the bear, another part of history I was unaware of. Be sure to read the author's notes at the end. This will definitely be a reread for me one day!

Thank you to NetGalley, Boldwood Books and Carly Schabowski for a complimentary digital ARC. My review is voluntary, and all opinions are my own.

[Cynthia Thomas · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just finished reading The Storyteller of Krakow, and I read it in only two days! This was such a sad, but also beautiful, story.

The story follows a woman looking back on a life filled with so much—war, death, loss, and the heartbreak of losing people she loved. Yet even after everything she had been through, she found herself drawing closer to a family she never knew she needed.

I loved the characters and how the story unfolded. It was beautifully written, emotional, and really made me think about how the things we experience shape who we become.

I definitely give this one 5 stars for the likable characters, beautiful writing, and well-thought-out plot. ❤️📚

[Heather Howarth · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the first book I have read by this author but I suspect it will not be the last!

This story centres around Lena - as a 90 year old woman remembering her past triggered by the mention of the bear, Wojtek. As she befriends, Hana, the daughter of one of the care home staff, the story of her life before, during and after the war is told.

She endures the gulag, losing her parents, joins the free Polish army and serves in Italy as an ambulance driver. She tells of her relationship with Wojtek, her defining friendships and her first love - with an enemy soldier.

She suffered, learnt to rely only on herself and stayed alone. She worked as a doctor and made an impact particularly on the health and welfare of women. Even in her 90s she protects Hana and her mother. A brave woman shaped by her sufferings.

A heartbreaking tale - one which will stay with me.

[Miruna · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Storyteller of Krakow by Carly Schabowski is a moving and emotional historical fiction read. I really liked the Krakow setting and the way the story brings such a difficult period in history to life through its characters.

There is a lot of sadness and heartbreak in the story, but also courage, kindness and hope. The characters were easy to care about, and I found myself wanting to know what would happen to them. Some parts felt a little predictable, but overall it was an engaging and touching read.

[Linda Ann Foster · Rating 4 out of 5]

I had never heard the story of Wojtek the World War Two bear who helped the Polish army in exile. This is a dual timeline story that follows the life of Lena. In 2014 she’s looking back at her World War Two experiences, and forming relationships where she currently lives. The main events take place between 1940-1947 as Poles are transported to Siberia, then Uzbekistan, Iran and Italy. Lena is just a teenager when her life is turned upside down. A story of courage and resilience in dire circumstances. A tough read.

[Su Thor · Rating 5 out of 5]

Some books tell a story, but this one stays with you long after the final page.
The Storyteller of Krakow is a beautifully written and emotional historical novel that completely drew me in. Carly Schabowski brings wartime Krakow to life through memorable characters and a moving story of hope, courage, and resilience. It’s heartbreaking at times, but also uplifting, and I found myself thinking about it long after I finished. A powerful read that I’d highly recommend to fans of historical fiction.

[Yonah Stephens · Rating 5 out of 5]

In 1940 After Russian forces invade Krakow and send Lena to a Siberian gulag. She is eventually released by the Soviets. Her life seems to stay in sync to Wojtek a Syrian brown bear as they cross Europe into North Eastern Africa. The bear Wojtek travels with the army and is made a soldier. Wojtek is loved by all and he becomes close to Lena. The war will try to ruin everyone and everything including their friendship. This was a great book. #historicalfiction #wwii #worldwartwobooks #kindle #readersofinstagram

[Mrs P · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book from beginning to end. The characters were strong especially Lena. It was a compelling read always wanting me to keep going see what happens next. At the same time it was very emotional and thought provoking. How would I have ever coped in some of the situations Lena and Co found themselves in!
It's the sort of book that draws you in makes you feel like your part of her story. Great writing by this author. I look forward to reading more of her books. Overall I would definitely recommend this book but be prepared to be shocked by some of the scenes that unfold within its chapters.

[Marybeth Buskirk · Rating 4.5 out of 5]

The title of this book is perfection for what lies between the pages! I felt like I was around someone’s grandma recounting her life as a child and young adult finding her way through the Second World War! I also really loved how they explored Russia, Italy, Poland, and some of Germany with the soldiers that passed through, it gave an aspect of humanity! I also of course loved that how much the bear who was based on a real life one who got recognized by the Red Army and how much he was interwoven with the story too!