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The Painter of Hidden Children: An Emotional WW2 Historical Novel of the French Resistance, Inspired by True Stories of Courage
277 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 24, 2026
About the author
Uri Dushy
7 books9 followersNo. 1 Amazon Bestselling Author. Uri Dushy writes sweeping World War II historical fiction about extraordinary women who risked everything. His Art of Resistance series, including The Girl in the Oil Painting, The Librarian of Amsterdam, and The Painter of Hidden Children, follows women who used art, forgery, and courage to save lives under Nazi occupation. Inspired by true stories of resistance, his novels are for readers who love Kristin Hannah, Pam Jenoff, and Kate Quinn.
An internationally exhibited artist for over 40 years, Uri brings a visual artist's eye to his storytelling, weaving art, identity, and survival into every page.
An internationally exhibited artist for over 40 years, Uri brings a visual artist's eye to his storytelling, weaving art, identity, and survival into every page.
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews
April 30, 2026
Emotional and touching story of a resistance heroine during WWII who sacrifice her life saving Jewish children.
Claire was the family member not mentioned or talked about, she was thought of as a traitor, one who mingled and embedded with the Nazis for her own good and survival, but when her niece and nephew dig into the past decades after her passing they discovered quite a story that flipped over completely the perception and understanding of this extraordinary woman.
This is a story of courage, valor, selflessness and in doing what is right even if it puts your life in danger.
As with the other books in this series you find yourself drawn by the story but also by the descriptions of places and circumstances, thanks to the very good writing of Mr. Dushy.
I'm a fan of his writing now, and I'll read everything and anything that he'll write.
Claire was the family member not mentioned or talked about, she was thought of as a traitor, one who mingled and embedded with the Nazis for her own good and survival, but when her niece and nephew dig into the past decades after her passing they discovered quite a story that flipped over completely the perception and understanding of this extraordinary woman.
This is a story of courage, valor, selflessness and in doing what is right even if it puts your life in danger.
As with the other books in this series you find yourself drawn by the story but also by the descriptions of places and circumstances, thanks to the very good writing of Mr. Dushy.
I'm a fan of his writing now, and I'll read everything and anything that he'll write.
July 6, 2026
I thought this was a beautifully written book.
Stories from this period of history never fail to amaze me. It’s hard to comprehend how people survived such unimaginable circumstances, and even more incredible to think about the strangers who risked everything to help one another.
I can’t help but wonder how many people from that time never had the chance to tell their own story, or how many have been remembered through someone else’s version of history rather than their own. We’ll probably never know how many acts of courage, sacrifice, or kindness have been forgotten over time.
This is exactly why I love historical fiction. The best books don’t just teach you history—they make you think about the people who lived it
Stories from this period of history never fail to amaze me. It’s hard to comprehend how people survived such unimaginable circumstances, and even more incredible to think about the strangers who risked everything to help one another.
I can’t help but wonder how many people from that time never had the chance to tell their own story, or how many have been remembered through someone else’s version of history rather than their own. We’ll probably never know how many acts of courage, sacrifice, or kindness have been forgotten over time.
This is exactly why I love historical fiction. The best books don’t just teach you history—they make you think about the people who lived it
Review of advance copy received from Author
WW2 Exceptional Courage
This book is written in 2 time periods, during WW2 and in 1998, with Madeleine, granddaughter of Margot trying to find out the truth why her aunt Claire was thought to be a traitor. It is an excellent well written book.
Claire, a Jewish girl, is in Paris, at an art school, when WW2 breaks out. When things become dangerous, Valerie, a friend, puts her on the last train, for her to go back home, to Saint-Amour to her parents and her sister, Margot. Claire stays at a manor, and becomes involved with the resistance hiding Jewish children, one of them being Leo who forms an obsessive attachment to her, who stays behind to help her. Other members then help to smuggle the children into Switzerland with forged papers.
She also meets Thomas, an SOE agent, sent to help them, maintain the escape line but things heat up when German army under command of Klein, a sadistic German take over the town.
I highly recommend this book. Tears ran down my face towards the end. Uri writes about strong brave women and other members of the Resistance, many of them, gave up their lives to save others.
I also read his other book, The Librarian of Amsterdam, about the lady forger who falsified the children's documents. She gets mentioned in this book. I highly recommend that book too.
I look forward to reading his next book.
I received an ARC but this in no way influenced my opinion.
This book is written in 2 time periods, during WW2 and in 1998, with Madeleine, granddaughter of Margot trying to find out the truth why her aunt Claire was thought to be a traitor. It is an excellent well written book.
Claire, a Jewish girl, is in Paris, at an art school, when WW2 breaks out. When things become dangerous, Valerie, a friend, puts her on the last train, for her to go back home, to Saint-Amour to her parents and her sister, Margot. Claire stays at a manor, and becomes involved with the resistance hiding Jewish children, one of them being Leo who forms an obsessive attachment to her, who stays behind to help her. Other members then help to smuggle the children into Switzerland with forged papers.
She also meets Thomas, an SOE agent, sent to help them, maintain the escape line but things heat up when German army under command of Klein, a sadistic German take over the town.
I highly recommend this book. Tears ran down my face towards the end. Uri writes about strong brave women and other members of the Resistance, many of them, gave up their lives to save others.
I also read his other book, The Librarian of Amsterdam, about the lady forger who falsified the children's documents. She gets mentioned in this book. I highly recommend that book too.
I look forward to reading his next book.
I received an ARC but this in no way influenced my opinion.
Review of advance copy
The Painter of Hidden Children is a unique WWII courageous hero or (heroine in this case) novel and the kind of story I am always drawn to read. Watching Claire find her purpose and drive as she sacrificed everything for the resistance was inspiring with such a devastating twist.
The narrator and retelling of the war brought the story to the present and gave it a relevant place in the lives of her niece and nephew. Family drama, fierce friendships, a little love and so much tragedy wrap up this beautiful story of one woman’s bravery and determination and the great impact she had on many lives reminding the reader of how many real stories like this exist that ma never be heard. A quick read and definitely recommend for anyone looking for a similar theme and feel to The Lost Book of Names and other Kristin Harmel and inspiring WWII novels.
Thank you BookSirens for the advanced ebook!
All of these thoughts and opinions are my own.
The narrator and retelling of the war brought the story to the present and gave it a relevant place in the lives of her niece and nephew. Family drama, fierce friendships, a little love and so much tragedy wrap up this beautiful story of one woman’s bravery and determination and the great impact she had on many lives reminding the reader of how many real stories like this exist that ma never be heard. A quick read and definitely recommend for anyone looking for a similar theme and feel to The Lost Book of Names and other Kristin Harmel and inspiring WWII novels.
Thank you BookSirens for the advanced ebook!
All of these thoughts and opinions are my own.
July 8, 2026
THE PAINTER OF HIDDEN CHILDREN by Uri Dushy captivated me from the very first page. The novel creates a powerful mood and atmosphere, drawing me so completely into the story that I felt I was living every moment alongside the characters.
Uri Dushy is a master wordsmith whose vivid prose brings every scene to life. One line, spoken while rescuing and hiding the priceless artwork of the Louvre, perfectly captures the heart of the novel: "We're not burying them. We're hiding the beauty until the world remembers how to be beautiful."
That sentence says it all. Dushy doesn't simply tell a story—he paints it. He is a Picasso with words.
This is a novel of remarkable depth, beauty, and meaning—brilliant, tragic, moving, exhilarating, and inspiring. It's the kind of book that demands your attention and keeps you turning the pages.
Few books have affected me so deeply. This is one I won't soon forget.
Uri Dushy is a master wordsmith whose vivid prose brings every scene to life. One line, spoken while rescuing and hiding the priceless artwork of the Louvre, perfectly captures the heart of the novel: "We're not burying them. We're hiding the beauty until the world remembers how to be beautiful."
That sentence says it all. Dushy doesn't simply tell a story—he paints it. He is a Picasso with words.
This is a novel of remarkable depth, beauty, and meaning—brilliant, tragic, moving, exhilarating, and inspiring. It's the kind of book that demands your attention and keeps you turning the pages.
Few books have affected me so deeply. This is one I won't soon forget.
March 19, 2026
I gravitate to WWII historical fiction as it is one of my favorite literary genres but Painter fell short for me. The book is about a young Jewish girl who rescues children orphaned by the Nazi invasion of France. She provides them with shelter and food until they can be safely transferred to neutral nations.
The dual timeline narrative tells the story of an elderly man who carries great guilt about events of fifty years past and his vivid memories of his time in the Painter’s safe house.
In my opinion the story is long on relationship details and short on suspense. I don’t believe it adds much to the multitude of books with similar themes. And this - why so many book covers of women pictured from their backs? Sooo, many!
I would say that if you are looking for a light dusting of historical facts you might like this one. It has a little suspense, a little mystery and even a little romance.
I received a copy of this book for free in exchange for my honest review.
The dual timeline narrative tells the story of an elderly man who carries great guilt about events of fifty years past and his vivid memories of his time in the Painter’s safe house.
In my opinion the story is long on relationship details and short on suspense. I don’t believe it adds much to the multitude of books with similar themes. And this - why so many book covers of women pictured from their backs? Sooo, many!
I would say that if you are looking for a light dusting of historical facts you might like this one. It has a little suspense, a little mystery and even a little romance.
I received a copy of this book for free in exchange for my honest review.
May 28, 2026
This is a story of war and is tragic as all stories of war must be. War is tragedy. Death and destruction, senseless insanity, heroism and sacrifice. This story has it all and the writing Is touching, sensitive, at times sparse, but always keeping the reader spellbound. The need to get to the end, to finish the story, is urgent and will keep you reading long into the night. It's a beautiful story and an ugly story and I recommend that you read it. Then, in the quiet after, think of Ukraine, of Gaza, of Iran, of all the places on the earth that are in conflict and those who will die and those who will be heroes, and thank the fates that at least for today, you are not one of them. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
March 24, 2026
This is a story set during WWII but also it is dual time line. Claire is a member of the resistance. But to start with, it feels like she is out of her dept but soon she finds her feet and all the elements of a resistance worker are seen - inspiring activity, heroism, sacrifice, determination, friendship, love, bravery and it all goes hand in hand with tragedy.
Watch out for the devastating twist which will reduce you to tears. Its a quick read because once you begin you won't be able to let go.
Thank you BookSirens for the advanced ebook! All of these thoughts and opinions are my own.
Watch out for the devastating twist which will reduce you to tears. Its a quick read because once you begin you won't be able to let go.
Thank you BookSirens for the advanced ebook! All of these thoughts and opinions are my own.
March 1, 2026
This book was given to me as an ARC BookSirens here is my honest and voluntarily review.
This book 📕 5⭐️ from the beginning it captures you completely. The story follows Claire who risk everything to protect children from the horrors of persecution. The sacrifice and the betrayal from the people she help was incredible. The raw of the war the fear and the courage this book has it all . This is my first book from this Author Uri Dushy but it won’t be the last . This is a must read it will keep you hooked and turning pages I couldn’t put it down.
This book 📕 5⭐️ from the beginning it captures you completely. The story follows Claire who risk everything to protect children from the horrors of persecution. The sacrifice and the betrayal from the people she help was incredible. The raw of the war the fear and the courage this book has it all . This is my first book from this Author Uri Dushy but it won’t be the last . This is a must read it will keep you hooked and turning pages I couldn’t put it down.
July 5, 2026
This is the first book I've read by this author. I will definitely read more. The story grabs you and doesn't let go! This takes place during WWII and 1998. Madeleine always felt "something special" about the place her grandmother owned and the painting she took from there. She didn't know until Leo (a Resistance survivor) told her about her great-aunt's work there during the war. Her family never spoke of her. Claire risked her life to save children, give them a future. I liked the ending to this very emotional story.
July 4, 2026
Painter of Hidden Children
While the subject matter of the book is sometimes difficult to read, I feel it necessary to have the knowledge of those war atrocities to understand how far evil can go. We must not ever fall under the spell of power in the wrong hands. The good can overcome the bad in so many different ways.
I would recommend this book to anyone who likes to read about historical events - to understand what often happens behind-the-scenes.
The book is well written and keeps your attention throughout.
While the subject matter of the book is sometimes difficult to read, I feel it necessary to have the knowledge of those war atrocities to understand how far evil can go. We must not ever fall under the spell of power in the wrong hands. The good can overcome the bad in so many different ways.
I would recommend this book to anyone who likes to read about historical events - to understand what often happens behind-the-scenes.
The book is well written and keeps your attention throughout.
June 2, 2026
WWII Resistance
This inspirational story is about a young artist who uses her life and talents to create a safe haven for Jewish children during WWII. The characters were richly developed and the story was touching, provocative, and well written. I enjoyed it thoroughly, especially with the references to beautiful piano and how it helped everyone to bring some beauty and sanity to a crazy world.
This inspirational story is about a young artist who uses her life and talents to create a safe haven for Jewish children during WWII. The characters were richly developed and the story was touching, provocative, and well written. I enjoyed it thoroughly, especially with the references to beautiful piano and how it helped everyone to bring some beauty and sanity to a crazy world.
July 2, 2026
Wow!
This story was so beautifully written--so emotional. I truly felt like I was there with Claire, saving and hiding orphaned children during WWII. I couldn't read fast enough during critical times in the story, and I cried--hard--during other parts. I'm not sure of the last book I was this emotionally invested in.
This story was so beautifully written--so emotional. I truly felt like I was there with Claire, saving and hiding orphaned children during WWII. I couldn't read fast enough during critical times in the story, and I cried--hard--during other parts. I'm not sure of the last book I was this emotionally invested in.
July 3, 2026
This is one of the best books I’ve read in a long time. It’s a story about strength and courage that takes place in France during WWIi. The story revolves around a young painter who hides, sends orphaned children to safety and saves them all at risk and danger to herself. I highly recommend this emotional book to everyone.
July 7, 2026
The importance of exhuming family mysteries
A poignant story of how two strong young women acted on their courage in the face of Nazi insanity and how misinterpretations of youth can have devastating effects.
Intergenerational relationships, seeking the truth, and making a way forward.
A poignant story of how two strong young women acted on their courage in the face of Nazi insanity and how misinterpretations of youth can have devastating effects.
Intergenerational relationships, seeking the truth, and making a way forward.
July 9, 2026
worthy
I hesitated at first to begin this book but thought if it was too sad I could always stop reading. The story captured my attention quickly and I actually read it faster than normal. It was written in a way of empathy as opposed to dark history. We all know what happened but it was enlightened to read about the heroes.
I hesitated at first to begin this book but thought if it was too sad I could always stop reading. The story captured my attention quickly and I actually read it faster than normal. It was written in a way of empathy as opposed to dark history. We all know what happened but it was enlightened to read about the heroes.
July 10, 2026
A timely reminder
In these difficult times, (Australia, 2026), when Israel's terror on Palistinian children conflates radical zionism with antisemitism, this is a story worth telling and reading.
The horrors of the holocaust cannot be forgotten nor forgiven, neither can the terrorist attacks of Hamas nor the disproportionate retailiation of the Israeli state.
In these difficult times, (Australia, 2026), when Israel's terror on Palistinian children conflates radical zionism with antisemitism, this is a story worth telling and reading.
The horrors of the holocaust cannot be forgotten nor forgiven, neither can the terrorist attacks of Hamas nor the disproportionate retailiation of the Israeli state.
April 18, 2026
DEEPLY TOUCHING…
Emotional, involving, heart warming, family story, told in a war time that is hard to imagine. This book touched me in so many ways. Each person in it pulls, adds to the books to make it one that you will never forget….
Emotional, involving, heart warming, family story, told in a war time that is hard to imagine. This book touched me in so many ways. Each person in it pulls, adds to the books to make it one that you will never forget….
June 9, 2026
Riveting
I’ve read dozens of books about the Resistance fighters, both women & men, during World War II but none have made me connect with a story “Inspired by True Stories of Courage” as this one. I recommend it with all my heart because that is how I read it. Read it. Lyn Kael
I’ve read dozens of books about the Resistance fighters, both women & men, during World War II but none have made me connect with a story “Inspired by True Stories of Courage” as this one. I recommend it with all my heart because that is how I read it. Read it. Lyn Kael
June 13, 2026
Absolutely heartbreaking this story. So very well written and the characters came to life. A few tears and along with that joy. The story takes you into the heart of the French people and how they survived those dreadful years. This is my second book by this author and I like his style!
Read
June 18, 2026A definite page turner, groping, tense heartwarming and sad. A very good read.
I enjoyed the story content,easy to read and follow. Full of detail. The characters came to. life on the page, I was with them all the way.
I enjoyed the story content,easy to read and follow. Full of detail. The characters came to. life on the page, I was with them all the way.
June 30, 2026
I couldn’t stop reading this
I’m writing this through tears as I just started and finished this book in one sitting. I absolutely love the way this author writes . It was a wonderfully written story about a horrific time in this world. I will be reading more from him!
I’m writing this through tears as I just started and finished this book in one sitting. I absolutely love the way this author writes . It was a wonderfully written story about a horrific time in this world. I will be reading more from him!
July 2, 2026
An amazing story of a truly remarkable woman and the network that endured and strived to save Jewish children and many others during World War II. It shows us strength, courage and hope in the face of anger, death and destruction. Claire should never be forgotten.
July 6, 2026
A Book you can’t put down
URI told an excellent story. You can feel the pain and heartache with each page you turn. He reminds us to remember the silent heroes of the war. Looking forward to reading his other novels.
URI told an excellent story. You can feel the pain and heartache with each page you turn. He reminds us to remember the silent heroes of the war. Looking forward to reading his other novels.
July 10, 2026
heartrending
I love historical fiction, but this book is exceptional. Dushy writes with heart, and the story he has told here should break yours. It is exceptionally well written and is as difficult to put down as it was to finish.
I love historical fiction, but this book is exceptional. Dushy writes with heart, and the story he has told here should break yours. It is exceptionally well written and is as difficult to put down as it was to finish.
July 4, 2026
Excellent Read
Thoroughly enjoyed everything about the book. Great characters, fast pasted. I couldn't put it down. Tough Subject but handled well.
Thoroughly enjoyed everything about the book. Great characters, fast pasted. I couldn't put it down. Tough Subject but handled well.
July 9, 2026
LOVED! I could not put it down. Finished it in 48 hours. Beautiful story and characters.
July 10, 2026
Painter
Review of advance copy
3.5 Stars. This is a good story. It kept my interest, but I wanted more. There was a lot going on and a lot of character relationships, but there was not as much development as I would have liked. It felt like a lot barely scratched the surface. There was a lot about the main character’s painting in the beginning, but that gets overshadowed later by music. I wanted her art to continue playing a major role.
This is a dual timeline book, and the two timelines relate nicely. It also provides some answers we may not have had otherwise.
Overall this is a good story about World War 2 resistance. I do wish it had either been longer to allow for more development or the same length with less going on. It does not dive as deep and is not as heavy to read as many other books on the same subject. This would be a good historical fiction option for someone new to the subject or for a more sensitive reader.
I received an advanced copy of this book for free and am leaving this review voluntarily
This is a dual timeline book, and the two timelines relate nicely. It also provides some answers we may not have had otherwise.
Overall this is a good story about World War 2 resistance. I do wish it had either been longer to allow for more development or the same length with less going on. It does not dive as deep and is not as heavy to read as many other books on the same subject. This would be a good historical fiction option for someone new to the subject or for a more sensitive reader.
I received an advanced copy of this book for free and am leaving this review voluntarily
Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews