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Finding Ida
1930s Warsaw. Two privileged Ida — glamorous and self-assured — and Luiza, the spirited tomboy striving to fulfil the ambitions their German-born father once held for the son he never had.
At just seventeen, Luiza's world is upended when her Polish homeland is occupied. Caught between two identities — raised speaking both German and Polish — she must now decide where her true allegiance lies. Meanwhile, Ida, newly married and expecting her first child, is living under Soviet occupation in the eastern part of Poland. When she vanishes, taking her baby with her, Luiza begins a search that will span decades.
In a cruel irony, the war that destroys Ida brings Luiza both adventure and love. But her life becomes driven by survivor’s guilt — a need to live not only for herself, but for the sister she lost.
Inspired by the life of the author’s mother, Finding Ida is a gripping family saga. It explores themes of faith, loss and forgiveness, and the enduring human drive to survive. At its heart, it is a story about identity and belonging.
At just seventeen, Luiza's world is upended when her Polish homeland is occupied. Caught between two identities — raised speaking both German and Polish — she must now decide where her true allegiance lies. Meanwhile, Ida, newly married and expecting her first child, is living under Soviet occupation in the eastern part of Poland. When she vanishes, taking her baby with her, Luiza begins a search that will span decades.
In a cruel irony, the war that destroys Ida brings Luiza both adventure and love. But her life becomes driven by survivor’s guilt — a need to live not only for herself, but for the sister she lost.
Inspired by the life of the author’s mother, Finding Ida is a gripping family saga. It explores themes of faith, loss and forgiveness, and the enduring human drive to survive. At its heart, it is a story about identity and belonging.
325 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 28, 2025
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 49 reviews
June 5, 2026
Singapore 1955 and Luiza is awaiting the birth of her second child. When a Polish-stamped airmail letter arrives it completely stops her in her tracks. She has been waiting for news of her sister Ida for eight years. Could this be the moment?
As Luiza plucks up the courage to read the letter, memories of her Polish childhood swirl around her thoughts and pervade her dreams. As readers we gradually learn how the family lived and what they had to endure before, during and after the Second World War.
This is not a story about war per se, but of a journey. It is a journey I feel I’ve taken too! It is beautifully and evocatively written by Marya Burgess & although some disturbing events are covered they are presented sympathetically & respectively.
It is hard to believe this is a debut novel. The story is based on the author’s mother’s family story & as the author is a former BBC Women’s Hour reporter it was always in good hands.
Big thanks to The Book Guild, and Marya Burgess, for my copy. It was given with no pressure to write a review. The review & rating is 100% honest opinion.
As Luiza plucks up the courage to read the letter, memories of her Polish childhood swirl around her thoughts and pervade her dreams. As readers we gradually learn how the family lived and what they had to endure before, during and after the Second World War.
This is not a story about war per se, but of a journey. It is a journey I feel I’ve taken too! It is beautifully and evocatively written by Marya Burgess & although some disturbing events are covered they are presented sympathetically & respectively.
It is hard to believe this is a debut novel. The story is based on the author’s mother’s family story & as the author is a former BBC Women’s Hour reporter it was always in good hands.
Big thanks to The Book Guild, and Marya Burgess, for my copy. It was given with no pressure to write a review. The review & rating is 100% honest opinion.
June 10, 2026
I could have placed my late father inside this book. The names, the places, the food, all the things that made him Polish and – forgive me – I had forgotten. He joined the Polish infantry at the start of the war but was taken prisoner-of-war in Northern Russia before escaping and coming to the UK where he joined the RAF Polish Squadron. I was born here in the fifties.
According to the author ‘…In England I had played up the esotericism of my provenance…’. At a convent school in the late sixties I felt the same. I was foreign, other, exotic. I didn’t visit Poland until 1978 after a failed attempt (due to my father’s dual nationality and the government’s inability to protect him as Poland was still behind the Iron Curtain) to see my grandmother before she died in 1966. As with Marya: In Poland I became 100 per cent British…’
But onto the book itself. This is a novel about two sisters, but ‘inspired by the life of the author’s mother’. We follow the girls – Ida and Luiza – from childhood up until the 1960s. It starts in 1955 with Luiza in Singapore reflecting on her early life and opening a letter from Poland. We then go back to the early 1930s, when life was relatively carefree. Ida was obsessed with fashion, socialising and having a good time, while younger sister Luiza wanted to ride horses, shoot, and be an engineer.
But as the threat of both the Nazis and the Bolsheviks increased, with Poland somewhere in the middle, life began to change. The family were born in Germany, but the girls had always lived in Poland, so they were ‘caught between two identities’. They also had Jewish friends, which often made them a target for further discrimination.
When war breaks out, Ida’s husband is missing in action, she leaves her child with her mother-in-law to go to her family, but her child is taken, and she loses her grip on reality. Then she vanishes as well, and Luiza spends decades searching for her.
It’s a brilliant book, for me, also being personal and very emotional. I had a Jewish mother so I understand about conflicted identities.
Many thanks to @lovebookstours for inviting me to be part of the #FindingIda book tour.
According to the author ‘…In England I had played up the esotericism of my provenance…’. At a convent school in the late sixties I felt the same. I was foreign, other, exotic. I didn’t visit Poland until 1978 after a failed attempt (due to my father’s dual nationality and the government’s inability to protect him as Poland was still behind the Iron Curtain) to see my grandmother before she died in 1966. As with Marya: In Poland I became 100 per cent British…’
But onto the book itself. This is a novel about two sisters, but ‘inspired by the life of the author’s mother’. We follow the girls – Ida and Luiza – from childhood up until the 1960s. It starts in 1955 with Luiza in Singapore reflecting on her early life and opening a letter from Poland. We then go back to the early 1930s, when life was relatively carefree. Ida was obsessed with fashion, socialising and having a good time, while younger sister Luiza wanted to ride horses, shoot, and be an engineer.
But as the threat of both the Nazis and the Bolsheviks increased, with Poland somewhere in the middle, life began to change. The family were born in Germany, but the girls had always lived in Poland, so they were ‘caught between two identities’. They also had Jewish friends, which often made them a target for further discrimination.
When war breaks out, Ida’s husband is missing in action, she leaves her child with her mother-in-law to go to her family, but her child is taken, and she loses her grip on reality. Then she vanishes as well, and Luiza spends decades searching for her.
It’s a brilliant book, for me, also being personal and very emotional. I had a Jewish mother so I understand about conflicted identities.
Many thanks to @lovebookstours for inviting me to be part of the #FindingIda book tour.
December 12, 2025
❤️ Blurb -
1930s Warsaw. Two privileged Ida — glamorous and self-assured — and Luiza, the spirited tomboy striving to fulfil the ambitions their German-born father once held for the son he never had.
At just seventeen, Luiza's world is upended when her Polish homeland is occupied. Caught between two identities — raised speaking both German and Polish — she must now decide where her true allegiance lies. Meanwhile, Ida, newly married and expecting her first child, is living under Soviet occupation in the eastern part of Poland. When she vanishes, taking her baby with her, Luiza begins a search that will span decades.
In a cruel irony, the war that destroys Ida brings Luiza both adventure and love. But her life becomes driven by survivor’s guilt — a need to live not only for herself, but for the sister she lost.
Inspired by the life of the author’s mother, Finding Ida is a gripping family saga. It explores themes of faith, loss and forgiveness, and the enduring human drive to survive. At its heart, it is a story about identity and belonging.
💜 Review -
This was such a beautiful and well written novel. The author's writing had me hooked from the very first page and I kept reading until the end as I wanted to know what happened. I found the story brilliantly written, entertaining and heartfelt. Even though there were some sensitive subjects, they were handled with care. Overall, a brilliant novel that I highly recommend to other readers. I look forward to reading more by the author.
💝 Thank you to Zooloobooktours, the author, Marya Burgess and The Book Guild for my copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
1930s Warsaw. Two privileged Ida — glamorous and self-assured — and Luiza, the spirited tomboy striving to fulfil the ambitions their German-born father once held for the son he never had.
At just seventeen, Luiza's world is upended when her Polish homeland is occupied. Caught between two identities — raised speaking both German and Polish — she must now decide where her true allegiance lies. Meanwhile, Ida, newly married and expecting her first child, is living under Soviet occupation in the eastern part of Poland. When she vanishes, taking her baby with her, Luiza begins a search that will span decades.
In a cruel irony, the war that destroys Ida brings Luiza both adventure and love. But her life becomes driven by survivor’s guilt — a need to live not only for herself, but for the sister she lost.
Inspired by the life of the author’s mother, Finding Ida is a gripping family saga. It explores themes of faith, loss and forgiveness, and the enduring human drive to survive. At its heart, it is a story about identity and belonging.
💜 Review -
This was such a beautiful and well written novel. The author's writing had me hooked from the very first page and I kept reading until the end as I wanted to know what happened. I found the story brilliantly written, entertaining and heartfelt. Even though there were some sensitive subjects, they were handled with care. Overall, a brilliant novel that I highly recommend to other readers. I look forward to reading more by the author.
💝 Thank you to Zooloobooktours, the author, Marya Burgess and The Book Guild for my copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
June 9, 2026
This is a beautifully written fictionalised account of the author's mother Luiza, mainly based during the 1930's and early 1940's.
Luiza enjoys an idyllic childhood, securely ensconced in the heart of her family home in Poland, with her beloved parents, her older sister Ida, and various staff, known to her since birth, both at home and at her father's factory. Her life has a familiar, sheltered rhythm.
However, my heart broke time and time again for Luiza. She constantly felt left out of whatever was going on around her; always the last one to be told about anything; never taken too seriously; almost belittled (often because she was the younger child). And quite honestly, her sister Ida (who I found to be extremely self-absorbed) was more often than not, rather nasty to her. In fact, the relationship between the sisters seemed more fraught than not most of the time, due to their many differences, and probably also because of the 4 years between them.
As we follow the seasons, together with the trajectory of political upheaval in Europe at the time, we also follow Luiza and her family through the highs and lows they endure.
It was interesting to see how the trials of her country brought out Luiza's strengths. She is determined to overcome all of her previous weaknesses while struggling with the prejudices that she fails to understand, yet finds herself surrounded by.
Luiza and Ida's bond eventually becomes a lot stronger and closer. And when disaster strikes, Luiza is left bereft, searching for her sister ... a search that spans many years.
This is a wonderful 'story' - and I have put this in inverted commas because really, this is actually history brought to life by a skilful author who is invested in sharing it so that it is not lost.
The great importance of this 'story' for me personally, lies in hearing it told from an angle different to the one I'm so used to reading and hearing about. This one tells us about people who were Upstanders when it was dangerous to be one
Luiza enjoys an idyllic childhood, securely ensconced in the heart of her family home in Poland, with her beloved parents, her older sister Ida, and various staff, known to her since birth, both at home and at her father's factory. Her life has a familiar, sheltered rhythm.
However, my heart broke time and time again for Luiza. She constantly felt left out of whatever was going on around her; always the last one to be told about anything; never taken too seriously; almost belittled (often because she was the younger child). And quite honestly, her sister Ida (who I found to be extremely self-absorbed) was more often than not, rather nasty to her. In fact, the relationship between the sisters seemed more fraught than not most of the time, due to their many differences, and probably also because of the 4 years between them.
As we follow the seasons, together with the trajectory of political upheaval in Europe at the time, we also follow Luiza and her family through the highs and lows they endure.
It was interesting to see how the trials of her country brought out Luiza's strengths. She is determined to overcome all of her previous weaknesses while struggling with the prejudices that she fails to understand, yet finds herself surrounded by.
Luiza and Ida's bond eventually becomes a lot stronger and closer. And when disaster strikes, Luiza is left bereft, searching for her sister ... a search that spans many years.
This is a wonderful 'story' - and I have put this in inverted commas because really, this is actually history brought to life by a skilful author who is invested in sharing it so that it is not lost.
The great importance of this 'story' for me personally, lies in hearing it told from an angle different to the one I'm so used to reading and hearing about. This one tells us about people who were Upstanders when it was dangerous to be one
February 9, 2026
This is a remarkable book at so many levels. It follows the lives of Luiza and her older sister Ida as well as the early years of the second Polish Republic, through the 1920s, 30s and on into the Cold War. From the first page I was invested in the lives of Luiza and her family, made more gripping by knowing that the book is based on real-life events for both the family and for Poland.
The author has provided a character guide and a map at the start of the book to help you navigate the names and players through this gripping narrative, both of which are welcome.
This is a story of hope and despair, war and peace, and above all the enduring power of love. One to read, and read again. Fingers crossed that one day it may even be made into a film.
The author has provided a character guide and a map at the start of the book to help you navigate the names and players through this gripping narrative, both of which are welcome.
This is a story of hope and despair, war and peace, and above all the enduring power of love. One to read, and read again. Fingers crossed that one day it may even be made into a film.
January 9, 2026
A timely and touching account of how authoritarianism can tear families apart - a must read
Just finished reading this a remarkable book based on the real-life experiences of the author’s mother (and her family). At a time when the world is in its own turbulent state, this is a timely reminder of the dangers of authoritarianism and its ability to tear families apart. But it’s not a polemic - it’s a beautifully written story of love, family, loss and yet also hope and strength.
I read it just after I finished ‘Crooked Cross’ by Sally Carson which is also a remarkable book, written in 1934 about a family negotiating the rise of Nazism. And ‘Finding Ida’ is up there with it.
Not just highly recommended, but required reading!
Just finished reading this a remarkable book based on the real-life experiences of the author’s mother (and her family). At a time when the world is in its own turbulent state, this is a timely reminder of the dangers of authoritarianism and its ability to tear families apart. But it’s not a polemic - it’s a beautifully written story of love, family, loss and yet also hope and strength.
I read it just after I finished ‘Crooked Cross’ by Sally Carson which is also a remarkable book, written in 1934 about a family negotiating the rise of Nazism. And ‘Finding Ida’ is up there with it.
Not just highly recommended, but required reading!
March 16, 2026
This book is both cinematic and musical. It is simultaneously playful and mournful. The author uses a series of vignettes to describe a loving and developing, yet nuanced, relationship between two sisters that is leading inexorably towards being torn apart by the geopolitical upheavals of WW2. The novel very effectively captures the sense of space and community in Warsaw and environs and the specific family and sibling dynamics of a unique household.
In an easy, flowing narrative the author conveys the essence of love and life, language and food, and loss and pain. The ambient forces of class, culture, religion and society permeate the narrative and drive it in an unexpected direction.
Set in the 1930s and 40s, this is a true life story of two sisters, but also of racial bigotry and persecution, fear of the “other”, displacement and separation. Through it all, the author conveys a spirit of bravery, perseverance and love of community. Finding Ida does what a good book should do. It makes you think of the apposite themes of today. Not only the ones already outlined, but also present day genocides and even the likes of the “pizzagate” conspiracies that we are even now seeing and still learning about. It is a gripping and rewarding read.
This novel is reminiscent of a musical composition. It has an ominous underlying indefatigable rhythm in the weight and authority of historical reference, and a complementary harmony with the warmth of family and community and the natural co-existence of a multi-cultural and cross-cultural food, language and tradition. On top is a melody that flutters and dances lightly and simultaneously ebbs and flows. If you know Ketty Lester’s 1961 “Love Letters”, then you will know what I am talking about.
This novel is indeed a love letter straight from the heart.
In an easy, flowing narrative the author conveys the essence of love and life, language and food, and loss and pain. The ambient forces of class, culture, religion and society permeate the narrative and drive it in an unexpected direction.
Set in the 1930s and 40s, this is a true life story of two sisters, but also of racial bigotry and persecution, fear of the “other”, displacement and separation. Through it all, the author conveys a spirit of bravery, perseverance and love of community. Finding Ida does what a good book should do. It makes you think of the apposite themes of today. Not only the ones already outlined, but also present day genocides and even the likes of the “pizzagate” conspiracies that we are even now seeing and still learning about. It is a gripping and rewarding read.
This novel is reminiscent of a musical composition. It has an ominous underlying indefatigable rhythm in the weight and authority of historical reference, and a complementary harmony with the warmth of family and community and the natural co-existence of a multi-cultural and cross-cultural food, language and tradition. On top is a melody that flutters and dances lightly and simultaneously ebbs and flows. If you know Ketty Lester’s 1961 “Love Letters”, then you will know what I am talking about.
This novel is indeed a love letter straight from the heart.
December 7, 2025
Inspired by the true events of the author’s mother, this book is a story which will stay with me for a long time to come.
Beginning in 1955, we meet Luiza, the youngest daughter of Hugo and Zosia Wolfer, who has been searching for years for the sister she lost during the occupation of Poland. After this introduction to Luiza’s life, her story returns to 1927 and beginning of her and her family’s life, from the carefree days to the inevitable existence of living through the occupation. I was truly horrified at the treatment of innocent men, women and children during this terrible time, but at times I was shown the determination and love of family and friends. To be honest, I am struggling to review this book as it is based on real life experiences and I do not want to detract from this very emotional story. All I can say is that this book needs to be shared and read as a tribute to the bravery and strength shown not only by Luiza, but everyone whose life was affected and is still affected by this awful time in our history.
Finding Ida is a story where the love and loyalty of family and friends shows how faith and humanity can find a way towards the light of peace and reunion. I cannot thank Marya enough for sharing with me her Mother’s story.
Beginning in 1955, we meet Luiza, the youngest daughter of Hugo and Zosia Wolfer, who has been searching for years for the sister she lost during the occupation of Poland. After this introduction to Luiza’s life, her story returns to 1927 and beginning of her and her family’s life, from the carefree days to the inevitable existence of living through the occupation. I was truly horrified at the treatment of innocent men, women and children during this terrible time, but at times I was shown the determination and love of family and friends. To be honest, I am struggling to review this book as it is based on real life experiences and I do not want to detract from this very emotional story. All I can say is that this book needs to be shared and read as a tribute to the bravery and strength shown not only by Luiza, but everyone whose life was affected and is still affected by this awful time in our history.
Finding Ida is a story where the love and loyalty of family and friends shows how faith and humanity can find a way towards the light of peace and reunion. I cannot thank Marya enough for sharing with me her Mother’s story.
December 14, 2025
You probably all know by now that I don't really read a lot of historical fiction novels.
However, I do like to expand my reading and try to fit the odd one into my reading schedule every so often.
Now the funny thing is, is that I tend to always get to the end of the read and wonder why on earth I don't read more like it!
And this was definitely the case with Finding Ida.
This is such a moving story and I think it resonated more because this was based on a true account of the real events of the author's own mother and so was certainly written from a place of pure love.
Set in an occupied Poland, this story takes us on a journey through such a difficult period of time where fear and uncertainty was rife - but where the bonds of family, love and hope gave people a strength that is hard to imagine in such circumstances.
Although this made for a really tough read due to the horrifying events, the writing really draws us in and has us rooting for the characters.
I can't imagine living life like this and it's hard to understand just how far spread the effects of the war were and just how long it lasted overall.
An important and inspiring read that will stay with me for some time.
However, I do like to expand my reading and try to fit the odd one into my reading schedule every so often.
Now the funny thing is, is that I tend to always get to the end of the read and wonder why on earth I don't read more like it!
And this was definitely the case with Finding Ida.
This is such a moving story and I think it resonated more because this was based on a true account of the real events of the author's own mother and so was certainly written from a place of pure love.
Set in an occupied Poland, this story takes us on a journey through such a difficult period of time where fear and uncertainty was rife - but where the bonds of family, love and hope gave people a strength that is hard to imagine in such circumstances.
Although this made for a really tough read due to the horrifying events, the writing really draws us in and has us rooting for the characters.
I can't imagine living life like this and it's hard to understand just how far spread the effects of the war were and just how long it lasted overall.
An important and inspiring read that will stay with me for some time.
February 8, 2026
This vivid and moving story is shaped around real life events that left one family displaced and two sisters torn apart by the events of World War II.
Based on the life of the author’s mother Marya paints a poignant picture of a loving, privileged household in pre-war Poland, whose lives begin to unravel as the political tensions of the 1930’s rise. She deals particularly well with the escalation of antisemitism at the time and manages to remind us of key historical events while always keeping her characters at the epicentre of developments.
Luiza, her father and her sister Ida are beautifully drawn, and I was thoroughly invested in them as they struggle to survive forces outside their control. There are twists and turns at every point, and incredible coincidences which - as the author explains in her epilogue - are true. The settings are conveyed with loving attention to detail, and I gained insight into a country I previously knew little about, including its food.
The book has stayed with me long after my initial reading, not least because it’s a sobering reminder that while it shines a light on the devastating, life altering effects of war on one particular family, it represents many millions more.
An enriching read.
Based on the life of the author’s mother Marya paints a poignant picture of a loving, privileged household in pre-war Poland, whose lives begin to unravel as the political tensions of the 1930’s rise. She deals particularly well with the escalation of antisemitism at the time and manages to remind us of key historical events while always keeping her characters at the epicentre of developments.
Luiza, her father and her sister Ida are beautifully drawn, and I was thoroughly invested in them as they struggle to survive forces outside their control. There are twists and turns at every point, and incredible coincidences which - as the author explains in her epilogue - are true. The settings are conveyed with loving attention to detail, and I gained insight into a country I previously knew little about, including its food.
The book has stayed with me long after my initial reading, not least because it’s a sobering reminder that while it shines a light on the devastating, life altering effects of war on one particular family, it represents many millions more.
An enriching read.
May 1, 2026
In this immersive new historical fiction novel, readers follow sisters Luiza and Ida as they grow up in Warsaw with their German-born father as Nazi Germany rises to power. When their homeland is occupied when Luiza turns 17, she finds herself caught between her German and Polish identities, and she must decide where her loyalty lies. Ida, however, lives under Soviet rule in eastern Poland with her husband and baby, and when she vanishes, Luiza spends decades searching for her missing sister. While the war brings the adventure and love Luiza sought her whole life, it takes her sister away from her, and her survivor’s guilt controls her life in this emotional novel based on Marya Burgess’s mother’s life. The emotional depths of the story grip readers and pull them into the book, while the terror of the war and the high stakes create a tense and detailed atmosphere. Grounded in the author’s own family history, the book is packed with details and characters that really bring Eastern Europe at the eve of World War II to life. Intense, emotional, and character-driven, historical fiction readers will love this new release from Marya Burgess and the complex, relatable characters that bring the story to life.
Thanks to NetGalley and The Book Guild for the advance copy.
Thanks to NetGalley and The Book Guild for the advance copy.
June 9, 2026
Thank you to LBT for having me on this book review tour and for my gifted copy of this epub!!
What a great read this was I was so impressed by this book. I couldn’t put it down I really couldn’t.
Not sure where to even begin because so much good was in this book but I also don’t want to give anything away either.
This for me was such a moving book and so well written. It takes place in the 1930s and it’s a story of how a family is trying to survive after two consecutive invasions to the separation of sisters I couldn’t imagine. I will say I’m an emotional person and I cried a lot In this book. Because I just felt the pain and the struggle and the determination by Luiza to find Ida.
I love the character guide at the beginning of the book to kinda help navigate everything while you’re reading. Oh did I mention this story is based on the authors mother and their family. How cool. So well done.
Overall this is a truly heartfelt book and empowering and so much more. This is a book that has so much emotion and depth to it that you could read a few times and pick up something you didn’t the first time around. I think I may do this. I also plan to buy this book. Looking forward to gaveling it in my hands !!
Highly recommend this read for sure !!!
What a great read this was I was so impressed by this book. I couldn’t put it down I really couldn’t.
Not sure where to even begin because so much good was in this book but I also don’t want to give anything away either.
This for me was such a moving book and so well written. It takes place in the 1930s and it’s a story of how a family is trying to survive after two consecutive invasions to the separation of sisters I couldn’t imagine. I will say I’m an emotional person and I cried a lot In this book. Because I just felt the pain and the struggle and the determination by Luiza to find Ida.
I love the character guide at the beginning of the book to kinda help navigate everything while you’re reading. Oh did I mention this story is based on the authors mother and their family. How cool. So well done.
Overall this is a truly heartfelt book and empowering and so much more. This is a book that has so much emotion and depth to it that you could read a few times and pick up something you didn’t the first time around. I think I may do this. I also plan to buy this book. Looking forward to gaveling it in my hands !!
Highly recommend this read for sure !!!
February 4, 2026
Finding Ida is a beautifully written, deeply atmospheric novel. I love books based on real people and events, and Marya Burgess brings this story to life with vivid characters, richly painted scenery, and an immersive sense of environment. The years she has spent compiling her mother's story, shaping, and reshaping this book have clearly been well worth the wait—every page shows her care, patience, and devotion to telling this story with dignity and emotional depth.
At its core, the novel follows Ida and her sister Luiza, two Polish sisters whose lives are torn apart by the brutality and chaos of war. The story of their separation and resilience is told with both heartbreak and warmth, capturing the fragility of hope and the fierceness of family bonds. Knowing that Luiza is based on the author’s own mother adds an even more poignant layer to the narrative; it becomes not only a gripping historical account but also a deeply personal act of remembrance. The result is a moving, memorable read that lingers long after the final chapter.
Copilot assisted me with the writing of this review – based on very specific prompts taken from my notes of reading the book.
At its core, the novel follows Ida and her sister Luiza, two Polish sisters whose lives are torn apart by the brutality and chaos of war. The story of their separation and resilience is told with both heartbreak and warmth, capturing the fragility of hope and the fierceness of family bonds. Knowing that Luiza is based on the author’s own mother adds an even more poignant layer to the narrative; it becomes not only a gripping historical account but also a deeply personal act of remembrance. The result is a moving, memorable read that lingers long after the final chapter.
Copilot assisted me with the writing of this review – based on very specific prompts taken from my notes of reading the book.
June 9, 2026
Unfortunately I found this book to be slow. I had a hard time getting into it and wasn’t invested in the characters.
This book is about Luiza’s memories of her sister Ida. She hasn’t heard from her sister in years and she wants nothing more than to find her. I found their childhood very interesting. Luiza spent her whole childhood looking up to her sister and wanting to be like her, and Ida was pretty indifferent. Made me think a lot about growing up with my younger sister. Their father spent a lot of time shipping them off to be with other family members, especially after their mother’s death, which bothered me but I’m sure that was much more common practice back then.
It was easy to hope that by the end of Luiza’s trip down memory lane she would find answers to what happened to her sister.
This is the first book I’ve read about prewar Poland and it brought up things I didn’t really think about before reading it. Because Luiza’s father is from Germany, he was stuck in a weird position. The Polish questioned his loyalties, and the Germans wanted to befriend him (and he didn’t want to side with his home country).
Thank you Love Books Tours for my copy of this book.
This book is about Luiza’s memories of her sister Ida. She hasn’t heard from her sister in years and she wants nothing more than to find her. I found their childhood very interesting. Luiza spent her whole childhood looking up to her sister and wanting to be like her, and Ida was pretty indifferent. Made me think a lot about growing up with my younger sister. Their father spent a lot of time shipping them off to be with other family members, especially after their mother’s death, which bothered me but I’m sure that was much more common practice back then.
It was easy to hope that by the end of Luiza’s trip down memory lane she would find answers to what happened to her sister.
This is the first book I’ve read about prewar Poland and it brought up things I didn’t really think about before reading it. Because Luiza’s father is from Germany, he was stuck in a weird position. The Polish questioned his loyalties, and the Germans wanted to befriend him (and he didn’t want to side with his home country).
Thank you Love Books Tours for my copy of this book.
December 1, 2025
I have a lot of books on my TBR so when I finish a book I usually delete it from my kindle because I know I’ll never have the time to re-read. But every so often I come across a book that I can’t bear to delete, that I would read again if I had the time, so I save it to a different folder - and this is one of those books. Definitely one of the best I have read this year! I couldn’t put it down. It tells the story of sisters Luiza and Ida, from when Luiza is five up until adulthood, and it’s a fascinating picture of life growing up in 1930s Poland - in some ways, more or less normal life, with the war just going on around them at first. They’re not Jewish, there are brief mentions of the Jews and the ghetto, but this isn’t a typical WWII book. We see Poland split by the Nazis and the Soviets, with Ida caught up in the eastern half, and it never ceases to amaze me at how the Nazis were actually the lesser of the two evils when it comes to the Red Army!
January 14, 2026
Finding Ida begins with an evocation of a comfortable, privileged childhood in 1930s central Europe with a strong sense of time and culture. This is slowly disrupted by a gradual, growing awareness of the impending conflict. The consequences of huge geopolitical ruptures are reflected in the day to day lives of the 2 sisters. I especially appreciated the movement between descriptions of the intimate family life and the events that remind us of the horrors to come. Burgess captures the sense of loss experienced by the younger sister as she watches her older sister moving on from their shared childhood. This loss then develops into a total absence and the search that follows is at the heart of the book.
I thoroughly recommend this novel as it encourages us to reflect on and understand how continuing wars disrupt and destroy ordinary lives lived by ordinary people.
I thoroughly recommend this novel as it encourages us to reflect on and understand how continuing wars disrupt and destroy ordinary lives lived by ordinary people.
February 6, 2026
📆 single timeline.
👀 single POV
🐢 -🐇 medium-paced
Wow! What a read. Although this is a fiction book, it is based on the author's Mother, and the truth of her childhood in Poland both before, and during, world war 2. Its a deeply moving, and intensely personal story which is quite unlike my usual reading. "I'm sorry, what?" I hear you say. Because anyone who knows me knows that books set during the war, especially ones set in Nazi occupied lands are my most read genre. But this one is different in that it's not about the Holocaust; but rather a privileged young woman, who still faced heartache and difficulties.
Ida and Luiza captured my heart immediately, and I felt every bit of their pain and turmoil as their family was pulled apart and fractured by war. I loved Luiza's exploration of faith, and her courage and strength to stand up for what she believed.
👀 single POV
🐢 -🐇 medium-paced
Wow! What a read. Although this is a fiction book, it is based on the author's Mother, and the truth of her childhood in Poland both before, and during, world war 2. Its a deeply moving, and intensely personal story which is quite unlike my usual reading. "I'm sorry, what?" I hear you say. Because anyone who knows me knows that books set during the war, especially ones set in Nazi occupied lands are my most read genre. But this one is different in that it's not about the Holocaust; but rather a privileged young woman, who still faced heartache and difficulties.
Ida and Luiza captured my heart immediately, and I felt every bit of their pain and turmoil as their family was pulled apart and fractured by war. I loved Luiza's exploration of faith, and her courage and strength to stand up for what she believed.
December 4, 2025
This is a remarkable book that tells a remarkable story based on real events and real people. It is the life journey of two sisters, golden girl Ida and tom boy Luiza Wolfer, their mother Zosia and German born father Hugo. What a life journey-caught between being German and Polish in the 1930’s and 1940’s during war, anti semitism and occupation. It was so difficult for them to know who to trust, where to go, when to stay.
Fundamentally the book is about family - the bond of siblings, love, identity and survival. The end of the book had me crying genuine tears. I loved the subtlety of the sepia photograph on the cover, you have to really look to see it. What a wonderful love letter this book is and, I reiterate, a remarkable story. A must read.
Fundamentally the book is about family - the bond of siblings, love, identity and survival. The end of the book had me crying genuine tears. I loved the subtlety of the sepia photograph on the cover, you have to really look to see it. What a wonderful love letter this book is and, I reiterate, a remarkable story. A must read.
December 5, 2025
I'm reviewing this as part of a tour with Zooloo's Book Tours.
This is the powerful story of two sisters - Luiza and Ida. When they are driven apart by WWII and the German occupation of Poland, Luiza wonders if she will ever see Ida again, but she refuses to give up hope.
Sisters share a special and unique bond, and a story like this speaks to the importance of such a bond, and the importance of family as a whole. I liked the contrast between the two sisters’ personalities too. I found this a little too much to read in one sitting, and it was a book to be savoured. It was both heartwarming and a tearjerker, and it was beautiful to read.
Thank you to Zooloo's Book Tours for the opportunity to read and review this.
This is the powerful story of two sisters - Luiza and Ida. When they are driven apart by WWII and the German occupation of Poland, Luiza wonders if she will ever see Ida again, but she refuses to give up hope.
Sisters share a special and unique bond, and a story like this speaks to the importance of such a bond, and the importance of family as a whole. I liked the contrast between the two sisters’ personalities too. I found this a little too much to read in one sitting, and it was a book to be savoured. It was both heartwarming and a tearjerker, and it was beautiful to read.
Thank you to Zooloo's Book Tours for the opportunity to read and review this.
January 6, 2026
My formal review of this book will be published in the Historical Novel Society's Historical Novels Review, and when that has been released, I will post it on Goodreads, but I must say right now that I really enjoyed Finding Ida. Written from the perspective of a child growing up and coming of age in Poland in the years before and during ww2, the narrative explores the politics and social background of the time - as well as its impact on familial relationships - in a way that is detailed, charming and highly relatable. For me, the author's epilogue was the jewel in the crown.
January 12, 2026
This book is a memoir inspired fiction following a privileged German-Polish family, through life before, during, and after WW2. I went in expecting a WW2 narrative, but ended up finding the pre-war build up to be quite interesting as well. It is simply narrated and a lot of previous knowledge of WW2 and its horrors supplemented my reading of this book as the book itself is not very war heavy. There were quite a few perspectives and privileged offered to some of the characters which made me reflect on how some advantages can be carried forward if you're lucky enough to have the access.
If you want to pick this book up, do not expect a focus on WW2 itself, but rather on living along side this family for a bit.
Thank you Net Galley for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
If you want to pick this book up, do not expect a focus on WW2 itself, but rather on living along side this family for a bit.
Thank you Net Galley for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
February 18, 2026
This is an unusual book-part biography of the writer’s mother, part historical novel as it immerses us in the Europe of the 1930s. The tempo of the story is fast, so you do not want to stop reading, especially in the second half. It is also very visual: its description of places and times could be the material for a wonderful film.
In the story we follow the emotional development of Luiza from an idyllic, but short-lived, early childhood to slow awareness of how the world is changing around her and especially how these changes affect her beloved father and sister Ida. Ida disappears and reappears as sad events follow happy ones, and Luiza’s longing for her is at the core of the story. If you want to read about how sisterhood can shape one’s view of life, do read this book!
In the story we follow the emotional development of Luiza from an idyllic, but short-lived, early childhood to slow awareness of how the world is changing around her and especially how these changes affect her beloved father and sister Ida. Ida disappears and reappears as sad events follow happy ones, and Luiza’s longing for her is at the core of the story. If you want to read about how sisterhood can shape one’s view of life, do read this book!
June 9, 2026
Finding Ida is a beautifully written and poignant story of life in Poland before and during WWII. The Jews and the Gentiles, all Poles, all treated the same before Hitler’s ideology spread but treated so differently after. When Ida and her young child go missing, choices that have dire consequences were made in order to get them back. Every time I read about the atrocities committed by Hitler and his people, the hate spread, all the people lost due to his rhetoric, it breaks my heart all over again.
Marya Burgess crafted a story based on her own mother’s experience that was captivating and moving. If you like to read fictionalized stories based on true ones, this is a great one! 5 out of 5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Marya Burgess crafted a story based on her own mother’s experience that was captivating and moving. If you like to read fictionalized stories based on true ones, this is a great one! 5 out of 5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
June 16, 2026
‘Finding Ida’ is an intriguing read, I found it to be really interesting as I am quarter polish and I found this to be quite educating on my background.
My favourite thing about this read is that this is based on a true story and I find this really admirable. The epilogue goes into further detail which is lovely of the author to include. I also found the dates and places of each chapter to be a nice addition to the book, it helped me as a reader imagine the era it was based in better.
Without any spoilers, the ending made me very emotional, however it was a beautiful ending. It is a read that goes in depth which I absolutely love! If you are a historical fiction lover and love reading books based in WW2 then add this to your TBR!
My favourite thing about this read is that this is based on a true story and I find this really admirable. The epilogue goes into further detail which is lovely of the author to include. I also found the dates and places of each chapter to be a nice addition to the book, it helped me as a reader imagine the era it was based in better.
Without any spoilers, the ending made me very emotional, however it was a beautiful ending. It is a read that goes in depth which I absolutely love! If you are a historical fiction lover and love reading books based in WW2 then add this to your TBR!
December 6, 2025
I love historical fiction that helps me piece together parts of the war I didn't know about before, and the hardships this family faced were unimaginable. Marya Burgess has a gift for building characters and bringing them to life. I could picture everyone so vividly - glamorous Ida, tomboy Luiza, and their wonderful headstrong father. It felt like I was right there, experiencing those moments alongside them - both the joys and challenges of growing up and then the pain of wartime.
The story is beautifully written with memorable characters and taught me a lot about pre-war Poland. If you enjoy books by Kristin Hannah or Louisa Young, you’ll love Finding Ida.
The story is beautifully written with memorable characters and taught me a lot about pre-war Poland. If you enjoy books by Kristin Hannah or Louisa Young, you’ll love Finding Ida.
December 8, 2025
A few years ago I would have not considered Finding Ida but I am so glad that has changed. For me the stand out was the writing second only to the plot. It was so easy to get invested in the story and wanting to know what happened. The historical setting and realism was refreshing. I also enjoyed the gentleness that was offered to some of the more difficult themes. This was a really beautiful read that I am sure I will re-read in the future. The fact it was partly inspired by real events only added to the charm and enjoyment.
As always thank you to Zooloo’s Book Tours and author for the copy to review, My reviews are always honest, truthful and given freely.
As always thank you to Zooloo’s Book Tours and author for the copy to review, My reviews are always honest, truthful and given freely.
December 13, 2025
Finding Ida is a deeply personal story. Inspired by the author's mother and sister, it's a tale of a fragmented family, torn apart by WWII and the difficulties of occupation, spanning the late 1930's to the early 1970s, it's quite a remarkable story of love, family, identity, survival and redemption.
I must say, this is definitely not my usual type of read, but I think it's important for authors to have the perspective of readers who are not necessarily their target audience, so I try to read outside of my comfort zone as often as possible and I'm glad I gave this a go, as it's just so well written.
Wonderful.
4 🌟 🌟 🌟 🌟 's from me.
I must say, this is definitely not my usual type of read, but I think it's important for authors to have the perspective of readers who are not necessarily their target audience, so I try to read outside of my comfort zone as often as possible and I'm glad I gave this a go, as it's just so well written.
Wonderful.
4 🌟 🌟 🌟 🌟 's from me.
January 20, 2026
I read this book in two sittings in two days, (a first for me) as I found it so compelling and readable.
As the author's brother, I was reading about the real life events of my mother and my aunt (whom I met in 1979 in Poland).
The events can often appear too unexpected to be credible, were they not historically verified, and Marya stitches them together with skilful dialogue that faithfully expresses the character's and their contexts. She has gifted me with a deeper understanding of my mother and her decades long quest, bringing it to life with a journalist's accuracy and a writer's skill with detail and description. Thank you for the read of my life.
As the author's brother, I was reading about the real life events of my mother and my aunt (whom I met in 1979 in Poland).
The events can often appear too unexpected to be credible, were they not historically verified, and Marya stitches them together with skilful dialogue that faithfully expresses the character's and their contexts. She has gifted me with a deeper understanding of my mother and her decades long quest, bringing it to life with a journalist's accuracy and a writer's skill with detail and description. Thank you for the read of my life.
February 1, 2026
This is my first read by the author and definitely won't be the last. Finding Ida is a beautifully written story about the lives of two sisters, torn apart by the German occupation of Poland.
Ida and her sister Luiza are sisters living in Poland with their mother and German born father. Their life changes when the Germans occupy Poland.
The writing style is so captivating and I was able to picture the suffering and glee the characters felt. The story is based on author's mother's experiences during WWII. It is so inspiring and emotional. I think the second half of the book is my favourite. Highly recommend this book.
4.5 ⭐️ from me.
Ida and her sister Luiza are sisters living in Poland with their mother and German born father. Their life changes when the Germans occupy Poland.
The writing style is so captivating and I was able to picture the suffering and glee the characters felt. The story is based on author's mother's experiences during WWII. It is so inspiring and emotional. I think the second half of the book is my favourite. Highly recommend this book.
4.5 ⭐️ from me.
December 1, 2025
A beautifully told account of the lives of two sisters, torn apart by the Second World War and the German occupation of Poland. Ida and Luiza, the central characters, are heart-warmingly described in the first half of the book. I felt I really understood and knew their relationship and the tensions of their family life before their separation, which makes it all the more tragic and poignant. Despite the challenging subject matter, the writing is fresh, with plenty of light-hearted descriptions bringing to life a typical family with all its dynamics. It's a great read, I highly recommend.
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