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The Seamstress of Warsaw
"What a stunning achievement, I'll never forget it" - JILL MANSELL"Daring, tragic, haunting, and unforgettable" – Mascull is a superb writer. - LOUISA TREGER 1940LondonA man learns a shocking truth about his past.WarsawA mother writes a diary as the ghetto walls go up.From the bombed streets of London, to occupied Warsaw, to the Polish forests bristling with partisans, will their paths cross? Will their pasts be reconciled? And will they survive the deadly assaults on their freedom and their lives?THE SEAMSTRESS OF WARSAW is a tale of endurance and loss, family and blood, stories and histories, that questions the nature of who we are and where we are going, when the road ahead is burning.
397 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 18, 2021
20 people are currently reading
174 people want to read
About the author
Rebecca Mascull
7 books77 followersRebecca Mascull lives by the sea in the East of England.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews
June 18, 2022
The Seamstress of Warsaw by Rebecca Mascull is not just another WW2 book. This was wow! Story had dual time lines. One told by the mom and her time with her daughter during WW2. The other by her adult son, Daniel who was given up for adoption as he goes on a quest to Warsaw in search of his birth mom Helena. All he has is a name and a very old photo. Parts of this book just brought chills through me.
September 20, 2021
Ahh this book had me on a rollercoaster of emotions right from the start. I love reading books set in this era (this one is just before the end of World War II ) and this one is one of my favourites!
We have two perspectives in the book we have Daniel who is living in London and we have Helena who is a seamstress from Warsaw , I totally fell in love with Helena , with her personality , strength , determination. I could see her in my mind as I read the book , feel what she was feeling . The author has a way with words , a way that makes your emotions change as you are reading .
I won't say anything about the storyline as I honestly think it would spoil it for you ,you will just have to read it ! It's the first book in a Trilogy and I can't wait to read the rest !
We have two perspectives in the book we have Daniel who is living in London and we have Helena who is a seamstress from Warsaw , I totally fell in love with Helena , with her personality , strength , determination. I could see her in my mind as I read the book , feel what she was feeling . The author has a way with words , a way that makes your emotions change as you are reading .
I won't say anything about the storyline as I honestly think it would spoil it for you ,you will just have to read it ! It's the first book in a Trilogy and I can't wait to read the rest !
September 20, 2021
There are certain books which leave you feeling utterly stunned, a book which has you feeling as though you will never be able to do it justice by a few mere words, a book where waffle and babble would be an insult, a book which holds on to you and will forever cement itself on to your very being and this is one of them.
I honestly don’t think I can adequately write a review for it which will say how breath-taking it is, I whole-heartedly bow down to Rebecca Mascull what a gift she has brought to the world, a gift every single person who reads and every single person should read it, could never truly thank her for.
The Seamstress of Warsaw is right up there with the best books I have ever read, I have read hundreds of books set during this era but this blows the others out of the water. I would usually talk about the story here, but I wouldn’t wish to give away too much and to be honest for the first time I wanted to be a little selfish and bombard you with all my feelings for how exceptional this book is, only when reading it for yourself will you understand just how beautiful this book is.
I cannot say it enough, but this book is utterly breath-taking, it’s a story that not only needed to be told and shared with the world but one we readers can show our respect for by actually reading it. It is at this moment in a review where I usually say if you love this author or that author then you will love this book, but I’m not going to say that this time. This time I want to hammer it home at how much you really should read it by saying, if you’ve ever watched Defiance which is (in my opinion) one of the greatest films made, right up there with Schindlers List then you need to read this book. Not only is it an incredible true story of courage and survival, but the brothers also make an appearance in this.
I loved this book, I cried at times – for a person who hardly shows any sort of emotion, especially crying this is a huge thing for me. But, this took hold of me, it’s incredibly emotional, there is a deep sense of loss as would be expected from a book set during the holocaust. But, despite the harrowing moments which will instil raw grief into the reader, there is also a feeling of hope through the heavy toxic mist of death and pain and cruelty.
The Seamstress of Warsaw is an incredibly powerful and mesmerising and eloquently written book, it’s one which you will pick off the shelf and bury yourself into until the final word. I read it one weekend as someone who is a notoriously slow reader I flew through the pages, the pacing is perfect I could have properly read it in a day if family life didn’t get in the way.
The Seamstress of Warsaw is captivating! It educates with its blinding historical research and vivid detail, it engages the reader with its enthralling story of truth, hope and family. This book is breath-taking, yes I have said it once again, only because I am running out of words to fully convey just how incredible this book is.
Final words can only be read it!!
I honestly don’t think I can adequately write a review for it which will say how breath-taking it is, I whole-heartedly bow down to Rebecca Mascull what a gift she has brought to the world, a gift every single person who reads and every single person should read it, could never truly thank her for.
The Seamstress of Warsaw is right up there with the best books I have ever read, I have read hundreds of books set during this era but this blows the others out of the water. I would usually talk about the story here, but I wouldn’t wish to give away too much and to be honest for the first time I wanted to be a little selfish and bombard you with all my feelings for how exceptional this book is, only when reading it for yourself will you understand just how beautiful this book is.
I cannot say it enough, but this book is utterly breath-taking, it’s a story that not only needed to be told and shared with the world but one we readers can show our respect for by actually reading it. It is at this moment in a review where I usually say if you love this author or that author then you will love this book, but I’m not going to say that this time. This time I want to hammer it home at how much you really should read it by saying, if you’ve ever watched Defiance which is (in my opinion) one of the greatest films made, right up there with Schindlers List then you need to read this book. Not only is it an incredible true story of courage and survival, but the brothers also make an appearance in this.
I loved this book, I cried at times – for a person who hardly shows any sort of emotion, especially crying this is a huge thing for me. But, this took hold of me, it’s incredibly emotional, there is a deep sense of loss as would be expected from a book set during the holocaust. But, despite the harrowing moments which will instil raw grief into the reader, there is also a feeling of hope through the heavy toxic mist of death and pain and cruelty.
The Seamstress of Warsaw is an incredibly powerful and mesmerising and eloquently written book, it’s one which you will pick off the shelf and bury yourself into until the final word. I read it one weekend as someone who is a notoriously slow reader I flew through the pages, the pacing is perfect I could have properly read it in a day if family life didn’t get in the way.
The Seamstress of Warsaw is captivating! It educates with its blinding historical research and vivid detail, it engages the reader with its enthralling story of truth, hope and family. This book is breath-taking, yes I have said it once again, only because I am running out of words to fully convey just how incredible this book is.
Final words can only be read it!!
September 11, 2021
What a fabulous read that was. I went through the whole gamut of emotions reading this. The storyline is set during and up to the end of World War II and told from two perspectives. A young man initially living in London in 1940 and a woman in her late 30’s, the seamstress of the title, living in Warsaw, living through the Holocaust.
Briefly, Daniel is living happily in London with his father and their Polish housekeeper Magda but when his father is killed in a bombing raid Daniel discovers a secret. Determined to find out more he goes to Warsaw and works with the underground. Initially the Polish underground but then the Jewish underground moving in and out of the ghettos. Helena, her husband and daughter are all living in the ghetto, eking out a meagre living from sewing. But through all her troubles Magda writes a diary. Can Daniel and Helena find each other and reveal the secrets hidden for so long?
I loved this book. I couldn’t put it down as I wanted to know what would happen. I was engrossed in both of their lives and the dreadful hardships and deprivation endured. They were real people to me. This was such a dreadful time in our history and one that should never be forgotten. But this story isn’t just a sad and painful depiction of those days but also one of resilience, hope, love and belief; albeit the latter is sorely tried. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Briefly, Daniel is living happily in London with his father and their Polish housekeeper Magda but when his father is killed in a bombing raid Daniel discovers a secret. Determined to find out more he goes to Warsaw and works with the underground. Initially the Polish underground but then the Jewish underground moving in and out of the ghettos. Helena, her husband and daughter are all living in the ghetto, eking out a meagre living from sewing. But through all her troubles Magda writes a diary. Can Daniel and Helena find each other and reveal the secrets hidden for so long?
I loved this book. I couldn’t put it down as I wanted to know what would happen. I was engrossed in both of their lives and the dreadful hardships and deprivation endured. They were real people to me. This was such a dreadful time in our history and one that should never be forgotten. But this story isn’t just a sad and painful depiction of those days but also one of resilience, hope, love and belief; albeit the latter is sorely tried. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
September 18, 2021
If I could give more stars I would!
This is without a doubt one of the best books I've read this year!
Following the story of Daniel and Helena. It was so easy to follow each character, as they switched throughout the chapters. Kind of fell right back into each of their stories. I don't want to say too much and give it away though!
It's an incredibly emotional book shows so much courage with hat they both endured!
Rebecca Mascull has clearly put alot of research into writting this book!
This is without a doubt one of the best books I've read this year!
Following the story of Daniel and Helena. It was so easy to follow each character, as they switched throughout the chapters. Kind of fell right back into each of their stories. I don't want to say too much and give it away though!
It's an incredibly emotional book shows so much courage with hat they both endured!
Rebecca Mascull has clearly put alot of research into writting this book!
September 20, 2021
This is a wonderfully written story, that triggers all your emotions as it focuses on characters who are dealing with the toughest dilemmas and conditions during the War and brings to the fore the strength of the human spirit. Even when life is so desperate and hopeless, there is something within us that keeps us fighting and pushing for answers.
On one side of the story we hear from Daniel, a young man in 1940 London who is desperate to go to Poland to find out the truth about his past and discover who he really is. And on the other, we hear from a woman who is Jewish, living in Poland and the utterly horrific conditions that the Jewish people were left to face when the Germans came to Warsaw. Reading about the treatment they faced left me with horror as they were all humiliated and degraded on a daily basis, but they found a way to stick together and get through - dreaming of a better life.
As Daniel finds out more about his Polish family, he travels to become a spy in the hope he can get the answers he so desperately craves and you can only begin to imagine what is going through his head as to whether he'll find out what he wants to know.
The story of Helena for me had the most impact. It was harrowing but full of hope and a tale of real bravery. The struggle to live day to day, not knowing what was in store for them all next was heroic and her dressmaking skills were what kept her going, and kept her sane. You are just aching for a happy ending to the story for all their sake
This was an epic and emotional story that lays bare the reality of life during the war for those being persecuted. The fear they faced on a daily basis alongside the determination to get through it for their own and their family's sake. An exquisitely told historical story that will stay with me for a long time to come.
On one side of the story we hear from Daniel, a young man in 1940 London who is desperate to go to Poland to find out the truth about his past and discover who he really is. And on the other, we hear from a woman who is Jewish, living in Poland and the utterly horrific conditions that the Jewish people were left to face when the Germans came to Warsaw. Reading about the treatment they faced left me with horror as they were all humiliated and degraded on a daily basis, but they found a way to stick together and get through - dreaming of a better life.
As Daniel finds out more about his Polish family, he travels to become a spy in the hope he can get the answers he so desperately craves and you can only begin to imagine what is going through his head as to whether he'll find out what he wants to know.
The story of Helena for me had the most impact. It was harrowing but full of hope and a tale of real bravery. The struggle to live day to day, not knowing what was in store for them all next was heroic and her dressmaking skills were what kept her going, and kept her sane. You are just aching for a happy ending to the story for all their sake
This was an epic and emotional story that lays bare the reality of life during the war for those being persecuted. The fear they faced on a daily basis alongside the determination to get through it for their own and their family's sake. An exquisitely told historical story that will stay with me for a long time to come.
September 19, 2021
A buge thank you to @zooloosbooktours @spellboundbks and @beccamascull for my #gifted ebook for this tour.
1940
London
A man learns a shocking truth about his past.
Warsaw
A mother writes a diary as the ghetto walls go up.
From the bombed streets of London, to occupied Warsaw, to the Polish forests bristling with partisans, will their paths cross? Will their pasts be reconciled? And will they survive the deadly assaults on their freedom and their lives?
We follow Daniel and Helena, telling us their stories of times in 1940.
So much goes on this book, which I don't want to spoil for you. So I won't say a lot in this review apart from what I can.
Our two protagonists are wonderful and so emotional. There journey just shows throughout each chapter and it's heartbreaking and emotional, then full of hope and laughter. These two characters have a hell of a lot of courage and I applaud them for never giving up.
Mascull has certainly done a lot of research into this book and you can see that in every page you read. It takes a lot to write a book around history and world war when you didn't experience it, and to me it felt like Mascall had.
This is a very good book and it takes me a while to get into historical fiction, but The Seamstress of Warsaw was just fantastic and I devoured it in a few days.
Be prepared to have many emotions in this story as it follows endurance and loss, family and blood, stories and histories, that questions the nature of who we are and where we are going.
Mascull is a wonderful writer and I definitely suggest this book gets bumped into your tbr!
1940
London
A man learns a shocking truth about his past.
Warsaw
A mother writes a diary as the ghetto walls go up.
From the bombed streets of London, to occupied Warsaw, to the Polish forests bristling with partisans, will their paths cross? Will their pasts be reconciled? And will they survive the deadly assaults on their freedom and their lives?
We follow Daniel and Helena, telling us their stories of times in 1940.
So much goes on this book, which I don't want to spoil for you. So I won't say a lot in this review apart from what I can.
Our two protagonists are wonderful and so emotional. There journey just shows throughout each chapter and it's heartbreaking and emotional, then full of hope and laughter. These two characters have a hell of a lot of courage and I applaud them for never giving up.
Mascull has certainly done a lot of research into this book and you can see that in every page you read. It takes a lot to write a book around history and world war when you didn't experience it, and to me it felt like Mascall had.
This is a very good book and it takes me a while to get into historical fiction, but The Seamstress of Warsaw was just fantastic and I devoured it in a few days.
Be prepared to have many emotions in this story as it follows endurance and loss, family and blood, stories and histories, that questions the nature of who we are and where we are going.
Mascull is a wonderful writer and I definitely suggest this book gets bumped into your tbr!
September 11, 2021
The Seamstress of Warsaw highlights the stories of two seemingly very different people who are linked by their past. Daniel is a young man living in war hit London who wants to be a part of the fight against the Germans. When his father is killed in a bombing raid he learns that he has a family in Poland that he knows nothing about. As he learns more about his birth he becomes determined to seek out his birth mother no matter what dangers he may face.
Helena is a Polish Jew who finds her life torn apart as she is moved into the Ghetto in Warsaw with her family. They battle to stay alive and make the best of their situation but when her husband is killed she uses her skills as a seamstress to protect both her and her daughter from a worse fate.
Daniel starts out very idealistic as he thinks that he can find his mother without getting involved in the real fighting, but it does not take him long to change his views and as he forges new friendships and sees horrors that will test him, you witness him growing up in so many different ways. At the heart of it all is his determination to try to connect with his family. Helena appears quiet and unassuming however as she deals with one setback after another she shows a strength that helps keep her and her daughter alive. As the story progresses you can’t help but hope that ultimately they will manage to connect with one another and get some kind of closure on everything that has happened.
This book is a little different from some of the others out there that focus on one particular character and their fight for survival during a time that is arguably one of the darkest periods in history. There is no way we can ever truly understand what people suffered during this time but with books like The Seamstress of Warsaw a little more is known. Rebecca Mascull has created two very different characters that are tied together but have very different experiences and it highlights not only the suffering and despair of those who are imprisoned in ghettos and concentration camps, but also those who have managed to stay free and face a different kind of danger fighting for others so they can restore their lives. It is this part of the story that stands out for me as it is a side that is not often told and makes a book that I would happily recommend to others to read.
Helena is a Polish Jew who finds her life torn apart as she is moved into the Ghetto in Warsaw with her family. They battle to stay alive and make the best of their situation but when her husband is killed she uses her skills as a seamstress to protect both her and her daughter from a worse fate.
Daniel starts out very idealistic as he thinks that he can find his mother without getting involved in the real fighting, but it does not take him long to change his views and as he forges new friendships and sees horrors that will test him, you witness him growing up in so many different ways. At the heart of it all is his determination to try to connect with his family. Helena appears quiet and unassuming however as she deals with one setback after another she shows a strength that helps keep her and her daughter alive. As the story progresses you can’t help but hope that ultimately they will manage to connect with one another and get some kind of closure on everything that has happened.
This book is a little different from some of the others out there that focus on one particular character and their fight for survival during a time that is arguably one of the darkest periods in history. There is no way we can ever truly understand what people suffered during this time but with books like The Seamstress of Warsaw a little more is known. Rebecca Mascull has created two very different characters that are tied together but have very different experiences and it highlights not only the suffering and despair of those who are imprisoned in ghettos and concentration camps, but also those who have managed to stay free and face a different kind of danger fighting for others so they can restore their lives. It is this part of the story that stands out for me as it is a side that is not often told and makes a book that I would happily recommend to others to read.
September 12, 2021
When Daniel discovers that he is not who he thought he was, it leads him on a journey at one of the worst times in history to travel. Leaving his home in London her manages to get to Poland to try and find his real family. It is 1940, the family he is looking for is Jewish.
It always sounds so wrong when I say how much I enjoyed a book especially when it is one within this time in history. The persecution of the Jews, the atrocities, the danger for everyone in Europe no matter their belief, their ethnicity or their country. I did, however, really, really enjoy this story.
This is a story that has two sides to it, one is from the perspective of Daniel, the other his Polish mother, Helena. Having two perspectives is great, especially when neither is aware of what has happened or is happening to the other.
The story details so many awful and desperate ways people survived the ghettos, as the Jewish people were crammed into appalling conditions. This is hard reading, but the author has done it in such a way as to get across the imagery and being visceral rather than dramatic. This gives a sense of quiet belief and hope amidst the horror.
The story is very moving and emotional, and I found myself wanting and hoping for various scenarios to unfold. The story is wonderfully paced and also frustrating as opportunities and moments are missed.
A wonderful, wonderful story that captivated and enthralled me. It is one that is a journey of discovery, hope and of survival. I think if you like historical fiction set during WWII and that has historical facts and some wonderful research then this one will be for you. It is a story I would definitely recommend.
It always sounds so wrong when I say how much I enjoyed a book especially when it is one within this time in history. The persecution of the Jews, the atrocities, the danger for everyone in Europe no matter their belief, their ethnicity or their country. I did, however, really, really enjoy this story.
This is a story that has two sides to it, one is from the perspective of Daniel, the other his Polish mother, Helena. Having two perspectives is great, especially when neither is aware of what has happened or is happening to the other.
The story details so many awful and desperate ways people survived the ghettos, as the Jewish people were crammed into appalling conditions. This is hard reading, but the author has done it in such a way as to get across the imagery and being visceral rather than dramatic. This gives a sense of quiet belief and hope amidst the horror.
The story is very moving and emotional, and I found myself wanting and hoping for various scenarios to unfold. The story is wonderfully paced and also frustrating as opportunities and moments are missed.
A wonderful, wonderful story that captivated and enthralled me. It is one that is a journey of discovery, hope and of survival. I think if you like historical fiction set during WWII and that has historical facts and some wonderful research then this one will be for you. It is a story I would definitely recommend.
July 17, 2022
Thought this was a wonderful and emotional read. It follows the story of Helena and Daniel, Mother and son. Daniel discovers at his Father's death that he was adopted from Poland and leaves London on a mission to find his birth mother with only a first name and a photo. His Jewish mother is suffering life within the walls of the ghetto.
As a second generation of a holocaust survivor I'm always so touched when the author has clearly done their research to make the story as authentic as possible. Although fiction, this is a story that needs to be told. We need to learn from yesterday for a better tomorrow.
As a second generation of a holocaust survivor I'm always so touched when the author has clearly done their research to make the story as authentic as possible. Although fiction, this is a story that needs to be told. We need to learn from yesterday for a better tomorrow.
September 16, 2021
When Daniel discovers he is not who he always thought he was, he decides to leave London and travel to Poland to find his real mum. The problem though is that it is 1940 and Daniel is Jewish.
We follow Daniel on his travels and the fighting he gets involved with whilst trying to find his mum. There are also chapters from Helena, Daniel’s mum, where we learn about her life in the ghettos and her strength and determination to get herself and her young daughter, Ilsa out.
This is an emotional story which has been researched well. You can almost smell the fear and the stench of death as you read the horrors of the ghettos, it’s something that didn’t leave me for a while.
I couldn’t put this book down, I had to know if Daniel and Helena would get to finally meet or if the toll of war would prove otherwise. I would highly recommend this book.
We follow Daniel on his travels and the fighting he gets involved with whilst trying to find his mum. There are also chapters from Helena, Daniel’s mum, where we learn about her life in the ghettos and her strength and determination to get herself and her young daughter, Ilsa out.
This is an emotional story which has been researched well. You can almost smell the fear and the stench of death as you read the horrors of the ghettos, it’s something that didn’t leave me for a while.
I couldn’t put this book down, I had to know if Daniel and Helena would get to finally meet or if the toll of war would prove otherwise. I would highly recommend this book.
December 20, 2021
Given the subject matter, I was expecting a harrowing read, and this book most definitely was – but, having read other books from this gifted author, I was also hoping for a well-told and engaging story, and I certainly wasn’t disappointed in any way. This book was absolutely stunning.
It’s told from two perspectives – Daniel, leaving his home in wartime London and heading to Poland in search of his family and a sense of home and belonging, and his mother Helena, a seamstress eking out a living as her life dramatically changes and she finds herself struggling to survive within the walls of the Warsaw Jewish Ghetto. The research that went into this book must have been immense – I’ve read other books with a similar backdrop and setting, but rarely felt transported in the way this wonderful book achieved, every moment of fear and horror, feeling part of the experience through all the vividly drawn detail. It doesn’t pull any punches, and it’s difficult to read at times – but the vivid descriptions of the realities of the characters’ experiences are well balanced by a compelling story with an uncertain outcome.
This is far more than the recreation of a slice of troubled and disturbing history – the emotional engagement with both characters throughout their personal journeys is exceptional, as their stories slowly converge and then continue beyond the confines of the ghetto. The story-telling is superb, and the whole book is perfectly paced – it’s powerful in its imagery, but also laced through with bravery and personal strength, hope and a visceral hope for survival.
Quite wonderful – and a book I’d most certainly recommend to others.
It’s told from two perspectives – Daniel, leaving his home in wartime London and heading to Poland in search of his family and a sense of home and belonging, and his mother Helena, a seamstress eking out a living as her life dramatically changes and she finds herself struggling to survive within the walls of the Warsaw Jewish Ghetto. The research that went into this book must have been immense – I’ve read other books with a similar backdrop and setting, but rarely felt transported in the way this wonderful book achieved, every moment of fear and horror, feeling part of the experience through all the vividly drawn detail. It doesn’t pull any punches, and it’s difficult to read at times – but the vivid descriptions of the realities of the characters’ experiences are well balanced by a compelling story with an uncertain outcome.
This is far more than the recreation of a slice of troubled and disturbing history – the emotional engagement with both characters throughout their personal journeys is exceptional, as their stories slowly converge and then continue beyond the confines of the ghetto. The story-telling is superb, and the whole book is perfectly paced – it’s powerful in its imagery, but also laced through with bravery and personal strength, hope and a visceral hope for survival.
Quite wonderful – and a book I’d most certainly recommend to others.
September 18, 2021
Anybody who knows me well, knows that not only am I a book geek, but I am also a huge history nerd. I love historical fiction with a particular focus on the 20th Century and the Second World War. So you can imagine why the synopsis of ‘The Seamstress Of Warsaw’ screamed ‘read me’ at me. I couldn’t wait to start reading and so without further ado, I grabbed my Kindle, grabbed a cup of tea and settled down for an interesting read. I did enjoy reading ‘The Seamstress Of Warsaw’ but more about that in a bit.
I started reading ‘The Seamstress Of Warsaw’ with mixed feelings. Having studied A Level Modern History, I knew a fair bit about the despicable treatment of the Jewish People in Germany and Poland during the Second World War. I had read a fair bit about the Ghettoes for my studies so I had an idea of how the Ghetto system worked and the horrendous conditions within such a system. Once I got into the story, that was it and I found it extremely difficult to put the book to one side for any length of time. I became totally wrapped up in the story that I lost all track of time and just how quickly I was getting through the story. I kept everything crossed that the two main characters were reunited and that their story had as happy an ending as you could possibly get in a story such as this. I found ‘The Seamstress Of Warsaw’ to be an gripping and emotional read, which kept my attention throughout.
‘The Seamstress Of Warsaw’ is extremely well written. Rebecca has one of those writing styles that is easy to get used to and easy to get along with. Rebecca certainly knows how to grab the reader’s attention and draw them into the story. Rebecca has clearly done a heck of a lot of research into Wartime Britain and Poland and this shines through in the quality of her writing. As I mentioned above, I already knew a bit about the Ghettos but I learnt even more from Rebecca’s story. She added detail to what I already knew and gave me a real understanding of what it must have been like to have lived in the Ghettos. I felt as though I was part of the story, which is all thanks to Rebecca’s very vivid and realistic storytelling.
In short and overall I did enjoy reading ‘The Seamstress Of Warsaw’ and I would recommend it to other readers. I will certainly be reading more of Rebecca’s work in the future. The score on the Ginger Book Geek board is a very well deserved 5* out of 5*.
I started reading ‘The Seamstress Of Warsaw’ with mixed feelings. Having studied A Level Modern History, I knew a fair bit about the despicable treatment of the Jewish People in Germany and Poland during the Second World War. I had read a fair bit about the Ghettoes for my studies so I had an idea of how the Ghetto system worked and the horrendous conditions within such a system. Once I got into the story, that was it and I found it extremely difficult to put the book to one side for any length of time. I became totally wrapped up in the story that I lost all track of time and just how quickly I was getting through the story. I kept everything crossed that the two main characters were reunited and that their story had as happy an ending as you could possibly get in a story such as this. I found ‘The Seamstress Of Warsaw’ to be an gripping and emotional read, which kept my attention throughout.
‘The Seamstress Of Warsaw’ is extremely well written. Rebecca has one of those writing styles that is easy to get used to and easy to get along with. Rebecca certainly knows how to grab the reader’s attention and draw them into the story. Rebecca has clearly done a heck of a lot of research into Wartime Britain and Poland and this shines through in the quality of her writing. As I mentioned above, I already knew a bit about the Ghettos but I learnt even more from Rebecca’s story. She added detail to what I already knew and gave me a real understanding of what it must have been like to have lived in the Ghettos. I felt as though I was part of the story, which is all thanks to Rebecca’s very vivid and realistic storytelling.
In short and overall I did enjoy reading ‘The Seamstress Of Warsaw’ and I would recommend it to other readers. I will certainly be reading more of Rebecca’s work in the future. The score on the Ginger Book Geek board is a very well deserved 5* out of 5*.
September 26, 2021
ALL THE EMOTIONS
The Seamstress of Warsaw by Rebecca Macsull is a novel set during WW2 and is told through two characters: Daniel and Helena. It begins in London, when Daniel is told a shocking revelation about his true family roots. It then shifts to war torn, Nazi occupied Poland. Daniel embarks on a quest to find his biological family, which takes him on a perilous journey, where he fights his way across Warsaw and the forests of Novogrodeck. Helena is also searching for her family and a safe haven for her and her daughter Ilsa where they can lead a peaceful life. But with the horrors of war ravaging everything around them can they achieve what they both yearn for? This is a fast paced book, full of action, which is easy to follow through the two main characters experiences. This is a story packed full of emotion, it grips the reader and pulls them along on a tumultuous journey. It is heartbreaking, shocking and harrowing. A tale which chronicles the dark, evil side of human nature while also highlighting people’s capacity for bravery, resilience and compassion. A truly incredible read that had me gripped from start to finish. The history of the time is cleverly interwoven into the story and it is clear that it has been thoroughly researched. Ms Mascull’s writing is exquisite. A truly brilliant book.
The Seamstress of Warsaw by Rebecca Macsull is a novel set during WW2 and is told through two characters: Daniel and Helena. It begins in London, when Daniel is told a shocking revelation about his true family roots. It then shifts to war torn, Nazi occupied Poland. Daniel embarks on a quest to find his biological family, which takes him on a perilous journey, where he fights his way across Warsaw and the forests of Novogrodeck. Helena is also searching for her family and a safe haven for her and her daughter Ilsa where they can lead a peaceful life. But with the horrors of war ravaging everything around them can they achieve what they both yearn for? This is a fast paced book, full of action, which is easy to follow through the two main characters experiences. This is a story packed full of emotion, it grips the reader and pulls them along on a tumultuous journey. It is heartbreaking, shocking and harrowing. A tale which chronicles the dark, evil side of human nature while also highlighting people’s capacity for bravery, resilience and compassion. A truly incredible read that had me gripped from start to finish. The history of the time is cleverly interwoven into the story and it is clear that it has been thoroughly researched. Ms Mascull’s writing is exquisite. A truly brilliant book.
September 23, 2021
It’s 1940 and Daniel makes a lifechanging discovery about his parentage that takes him from London to Poland to find his real family. Daniel’s family is Jewish and it is the worst time possible to be travelling however he is determined in his mission.
I love dual timeline novels and I always enjoy multi-perspective narration so the writing style and organisation was completely up y street and worked so well. Both Daniel’s and Helena’s stories are touching and emotional. I devoured each chapter and was desperate to know more but also devastated each time I had leave them. Both characters became a part of me and I felt every part of their journey with them.
Rebecca does an amazing job of capturing the holocaust and the Polish/Jewish ghettos. The desperation and hardship contrasted by the hope and strength of humans is hauntingly beautiful and elegantly written. The detail is breath-taking and heart-breaking at times.
I adored this book but it isn’t always comfortable to read in places, which is a quality I admire and enjoy in books. I’m not new to the stories of WW2 but there is so much in here that I wasn’t fully aware of and it really has opened my heart and eyes.
Rebecca is such a beautiful writer and this book needs to be read. It’s amazing!
I love dual timeline novels and I always enjoy multi-perspective narration so the writing style and organisation was completely up y street and worked so well. Both Daniel’s and Helena’s stories are touching and emotional. I devoured each chapter and was desperate to know more but also devastated each time I had leave them. Both characters became a part of me and I felt every part of their journey with them.
Rebecca does an amazing job of capturing the holocaust and the Polish/Jewish ghettos. The desperation and hardship contrasted by the hope and strength of humans is hauntingly beautiful and elegantly written. The detail is breath-taking and heart-breaking at times.
I adored this book but it isn’t always comfortable to read in places, which is a quality I admire and enjoy in books. I’m not new to the stories of WW2 but there is so much in here that I wasn’t fully aware of and it really has opened my heart and eyes.
Rebecca is such a beautiful writer and this book needs to be read. It’s amazing!
September 21, 2021
This book has so much to give readers.
1940 Daniel Summerskill cycling from the library the heavy bombers in the sky over a hundred of them bombs were falling people were terrified, this was not a phoney war, this is real.
The Germans are attacking London. Daniel and his adoptive father, waits another year eighteen years old to be a fighter pilot in the RAF he fakes his age and fails his medical. Jewish he seeks out his paternal mum with the help of Tomasz Dabrowski he has to get to Warsaw.
The ghetto Warsaw closed on the 15th november 1940 a day the Jews officially ceased to be citizens, Helena writes a diary and you get to read of her nightmares.
This book is their remarkable story with full massive research entailed from this author. a very emotional story that is so beautifully written and easy to follow. Daniels journey and the jewish people of Germany and Poland is heartbreaking that will grab readers, I loved every chapter, just where would you find a seamstress on Warsaw Poland by the name of just Helena? its not impossible and Daniel becomes a spy, its such a heart beating journey an inspirational read and could not put it down right through to the end. It took my breathe away, This author has left me a happy booklover well done I loved it all.
1940 Daniel Summerskill cycling from the library the heavy bombers in the sky over a hundred of them bombs were falling people were terrified, this was not a phoney war, this is real.
The Germans are attacking London. Daniel and his adoptive father, waits another year eighteen years old to be a fighter pilot in the RAF he fakes his age and fails his medical. Jewish he seeks out his paternal mum with the help of Tomasz Dabrowski he has to get to Warsaw.
The ghetto Warsaw closed on the 15th november 1940 a day the Jews officially ceased to be citizens, Helena writes a diary and you get to read of her nightmares.
This book is their remarkable story with full massive research entailed from this author. a very emotional story that is so beautifully written and easy to follow. Daniels journey and the jewish people of Germany and Poland is heartbreaking that will grab readers, I loved every chapter, just where would you find a seamstress on Warsaw Poland by the name of just Helena? its not impossible and Daniel becomes a spy, its such a heart beating journey an inspirational read and could not put it down right through to the end. It took my breathe away, This author has left me a happy booklover well done I loved it all.
October 23, 2023
This book was riveting, intense, and so many tragic stories woven throughout (but also a hopeful thread!) A compelling read, but I’d stay away if you’re not in a season of life where you want to cry 17 times in one book, there’s a lot of gruesome stuff, they don’t shy away from some of the worst WW2 war crimes.
May 30, 2022
Interesting way that fact and fiction were intertwined in this novel. That said it sometimes felt like I had read this story previously which impacted my overall score
abandoned
June 15, 2022Audiobook: Counting this book as abandoned. I got to approx chapt 5, too many F.bombs for me, and then just skipped ahead to the last few chapters as I was interested to hear how the story ended.
December 23, 2021
1940, war rages in Europe. Daniel Summerskill's childhood ends abruptly when his home is bombed and he learns a secret about his identity. Meanwhile, in Nazi occupied Warsaw, the Jews are forced into a ghetto amid danger and fear...
The Seamstress of Warsaw is an historical novel set in 1940 in both London and Warsaw.
Daniel undergoes the most dramatic character arc as he goes from an idealistic boy to an undercover fighter. I am not sure that I found his storyline altogether credible but it made for a fascinating read. I felt less in tune with his plot as it is written in the third person.
Meanwhile, Helena's diary entries of events in Warsaw felt only too real. Death lurks in the ghetto and she is fiercely determined to save her young daughter Ilsa. These descriptions were often hard to read but the survival instinct shone brightly amidst the terror. Written in the first person, these chapters were hugely emotive.
There is a lot of emotion is this book as characters deal with danger and brutality as well as conflict over identity. Our own knowledge of the Holocaust gives insight into upcoming events and feel the dread of anticipation as the plot unfolds. I think the author has well researched the period in order to bring it to life vividly.
The Seamstress of Warsaw is an engaging and heart wrenching book about the endurance of the human spirit, love and identity.
The Seamstress of Warsaw is an historical novel set in 1940 in both London and Warsaw.
Daniel undergoes the most dramatic character arc as he goes from an idealistic boy to an undercover fighter. I am not sure that I found his storyline altogether credible but it made for a fascinating read. I felt less in tune with his plot as it is written in the third person.
Meanwhile, Helena's diary entries of events in Warsaw felt only too real. Death lurks in the ghetto and she is fiercely determined to save her young daughter Ilsa. These descriptions were often hard to read but the survival instinct shone brightly amidst the terror. Written in the first person, these chapters were hugely emotive.
There is a lot of emotion is this book as characters deal with danger and brutality as well as conflict over identity. Our own knowledge of the Holocaust gives insight into upcoming events and feel the dread of anticipation as the plot unfolds. I think the author has well researched the period in order to bring it to life vividly.
The Seamstress of Warsaw is an engaging and heart wrenching book about the endurance of the human spirit, love and identity.
October 18, 2021
The Seamstress Of Warsaw by Rebecca Mascull is a historical fiction novel set at the latter end of the Second World War. I love historical reads and this is a time period I am always so interested in. This author is one of my go-to ones for historical fiction. I find her story telling on point and her research is always so apparent.
This story is told from two perspectives by David in London and from Helena, a Seamstress from Warsaw. David is a young man who feels he needs to travel to Poalnd to find the truth about his past and hopefully discover who he is. Helena is in Poland and a Jew who is surviving despite the horrific conditions in which she lives.
We follow David as he sets out on his journey to get to Poland and everything he encounters on his way. Helena's story shows her life in the ghettos and just how much fight she has in her to attempt to get herself and her daughter out of them.
We see the barbaric ways in which the Nazi's treated them and the humiliation the Jewish people dealt with on a daily basis
Rebecca Mascull descriptions if the ghettos leave nothing to the imagination. Her research is again forefront. My vision of them was crystal clear as was the foul stench that came with the ghettos. The fear was almost palpable for me too. This is an act of mass genocide I feel should be kept alive. Authors such as Rebecca Mascull and the many others who painstakingly have to research these things in order to write about them are doing stellar work in keeping these atrocities from falling into the abyss of history.
A story that I couldn't put down, I wanted to know if David would find his true past and if Helena would survive the horrors of the ghetto and how they were linked if at all.
A book that I highly recommend for anyone at all. If only to keep the acts of the Nazi's in everyone's minds, forever.
Thank you to ZooLoo's Book Tours and Spellbound Books for my copy of this outstanding book.
This story is told from two perspectives by David in London and from Helena, a Seamstress from Warsaw. David is a young man who feels he needs to travel to Poalnd to find the truth about his past and hopefully discover who he is. Helena is in Poland and a Jew who is surviving despite the horrific conditions in which she lives.
We follow David as he sets out on his journey to get to Poland and everything he encounters on his way. Helena's story shows her life in the ghettos and just how much fight she has in her to attempt to get herself and her daughter out of them.
We see the barbaric ways in which the Nazi's treated them and the humiliation the Jewish people dealt with on a daily basis
Rebecca Mascull descriptions if the ghettos leave nothing to the imagination. Her research is again forefront. My vision of them was crystal clear as was the foul stench that came with the ghettos. The fear was almost palpable for me too. This is an act of mass genocide I feel should be kept alive. Authors such as Rebecca Mascull and the many others who painstakingly have to research these things in order to write about them are doing stellar work in keeping these atrocities from falling into the abyss of history.
A story that I couldn't put down, I wanted to know if David would find his true past and if Helena would survive the horrors of the ghetto and how they were linked if at all.
A book that I highly recommend for anyone at all. If only to keep the acts of the Nazi's in everyone's minds, forever.
Thank you to ZooLoo's Book Tours and Spellbound Books for my copy of this outstanding book.
December 21, 2021
Anyone who knows me knows how much I love these types of historical reads. This sort of read is what got me sucked into appreciating reading. It’s the reason I love to read.
This book time hops from the prologue being set in 1920 to the first chapter 1940. Although the chapters are long they give you an amazing insight into the characters, locations and the events that take place.
Daniels journey is inspirational and has told me so many things I still failed to know. Who knew there was an underground in 1940 because I didn’t. The journey to Warsaw although not on the path expected was a turn of more events. Daniels journey when you thought it had settled was far from that. There was another whirlwind of unexpected events.
The writing is so respectful and enduring that you really believe the authors words. The details of the ghettos and the unexpected twist of family takes you by surprise. You learn more than ever imagined. I love a book that has different perspectives but I don’t want to give the other perspective characters view points away.
This is a deep read that really takes you into another level of emotions of brute honesty. The respect I have for anyone who was around in WW2 has my full respect. Loved this read. Most definitely one of my favourite historical fictions.
This book time hops from the prologue being set in 1920 to the first chapter 1940. Although the chapters are long they give you an amazing insight into the characters, locations and the events that take place.
Daniels journey is inspirational and has told me so many things I still failed to know. Who knew there was an underground in 1940 because I didn’t. The journey to Warsaw although not on the path expected was a turn of more events. Daniels journey when you thought it had settled was far from that. There was another whirlwind of unexpected events.
The writing is so respectful and enduring that you really believe the authors words. The details of the ghettos and the unexpected twist of family takes you by surprise. You learn more than ever imagined. I love a book that has different perspectives but I don’t want to give the other perspective characters view points away.
This is a deep read that really takes you into another level of emotions of brute honesty. The respect I have for anyone who was around in WW2 has my full respect. Loved this read. Most definitely one of my favourite historical fictions.
January 4, 2022
I have wanted to read something by Rebecca for a long time – I’m sorry it has taken me so long. I love her writing, her believable characters and her gripping story-telling. I needed to know what was happening to everyone, and at times I was holding my breath as the main characters lives were put into the most horrendous circumstances where things could have gone either way.
This is a part of history where I only knew about the abominations that the Jews had to suffer during the WW2 that we all know. However, I hadn’t heard the story of how the Jews were treated in Poland. Rebecca’s book is a great fictional story based around historical fact, dealt with in a sympathetic manner, but without holding any punches in dealing with issues.
If you want a book that is a powerful story of tragedy, endurance and love, yet at the same time reminds us that there is still much to be done in terms of how cruel we, as humans are to each other, then read this… It is poignant and very thought provoking. A wonderful novel.
This is a part of history where I only knew about the abominations that the Jews had to suffer during the WW2 that we all know. However, I hadn’t heard the story of how the Jews were treated in Poland. Rebecca’s book is a great fictional story based around historical fact, dealt with in a sympathetic manner, but without holding any punches in dealing with issues.
If you want a book that is a powerful story of tragedy, endurance and love, yet at the same time reminds us that there is still much to be done in terms of how cruel we, as humans are to each other, then read this… It is poignant and very thought provoking. A wonderful novel.
January 21, 2022
In this great book we are following the lives of Daniel, a young man bereaved in the London bombings, and Helena, the seamstress, a Jew suffering life in the ghetto of Warsaw. Gradually we piece together their lives. The power of this book is that it’s told by the people involved in a factual way. No attempt to manipulate the reader’s emotions, because, in all honesty, there’s no need. The facts themselves do that. I can tell it’s well-researched and it’s a fluent read. Although we know some of the atrocities that took place, it still horrifies me to read of them, and to know that they happened so few years before I was born. The story is nicely finished but I feel there’s more to come. I hope so, at least. Do yourself a favour and read it.
February 20, 2022
This was my first book by this author, the cover and blurb drawing me in immediately. Set against the backdrop of WW2, it tells the story of Daniel, a young man in London, who seeks to find the truth about his mother. Helena, a mother in Warsaw is fighting to stay alive while persecution and murder lingers at every street corner. But who is she really?
A beautiful story, expertly told. The setting really drives home was Jewish people went through during the war. And not just from the occupying forces, but also their fellow countrymen. Harrowing in places, heartfelt in others, this book really struck a chord with me. Brilliant.
A beautiful story, expertly told. The setting really drives home was Jewish people went through during the war. And not just from the occupying forces, but also their fellow countrymen. Harrowing in places, heartfelt in others, this book really struck a chord with me. Brilliant.
March 17, 2022
This was a painstakingly researched and beautifully written novel. I learnt a lot about the Warsaw Ghetto and the Bielski camp.
The Seamstress of Warsaw provided a detailed and moving insight into so many aspects of the horrors of daily life in the Warsaw Ghetto. What made the book even more fascinating is that we see all this through two very different pairs of eyes: those of Helena the seamstress, and those of her son, Daniel - who has travelled under cover from his home in England to fight for the resistance while searching for the mother who had been forced to give him up as a baby. As a result, we get to witness the daily tribulations of an ordinary woman, desperate to survive, in the most dreadful of conditions, as well as the bravery of the resistance fighters, constantly risking death and betrayal.
Mascull pulls no punches and some events make harrowing reading but the overall tone is one of compassion, with no hint of gratuitousness.
This is the first book I've read by Rebecca Mascull but I'm sure it won't be the last. Recommended!
The Seamstress of Warsaw provided a detailed and moving insight into so many aspects of the horrors of daily life in the Warsaw Ghetto. What made the book even more fascinating is that we see all this through two very different pairs of eyes: those of Helena the seamstress, and those of her son, Daniel - who has travelled under cover from his home in England to fight for the resistance while searching for the mother who had been forced to give him up as a baby. As a result, we get to witness the daily tribulations of an ordinary woman, desperate to survive, in the most dreadful of conditions, as well as the bravery of the resistance fighters, constantly risking death and betrayal.
Mascull pulls no punches and some events make harrowing reading but the overall tone is one of compassion, with no hint of gratuitousness.
This is the first book I've read by Rebecca Mascull but I'm sure it won't be the last. Recommended!
May 1, 2024
Now here's a book worth reading. The author sets a fast pace of action that propels the story along of a woman in Poland in the 1920's who has given up her baby and a young man in London who loses his Dad in the WOII bombings. Life in the Warsaw ghetto does not make for an easy read as it is horrid to see what happens when one group professes that life will be better if another group ceases to exist. In a time when these words are again being spoken, I find this an important book to read. Never again, my parents said after the war in Europe. Never again, I echo and this book isn't only well researched and written, it also is testimony to what happens when we believe the other is the enemy.
November 19, 2021
I have read the other books that Becca has written and really enjoyed them and this one is no different, it has a mixture of emotions from fear, sadness, isolation, hatred and to brief moments of happiness and security. The story for me was thought provoking and poignant, I didn’t know that this survival camps existed, I did know about the ghettos and that those unfortunate enough not to be able to escape were eventually rounded up and sent to concentration camps. Definitely a five star read that I could see being made into a film.
March 24, 2025
I bought this book as a gift for my husband, who said it was one of the best books he had ever read. When I read it myself, I had to agree. Its authentic characters, Daniel and Helena, tell their stories in such compelling ways that, once you start the book, you will lose track of time, constantly being drawn back to re-enter their worlds. It is obviously carefully researched and the protagonists' stories are told in a way that conveys the true horror and futility of war without resorting to explicit gory descriptions. A beautifully crafted book.
November 10, 2023
There is a lot of emotion in this book as characters deal with danger and brutality as well as conflict over identity. Knowledge of the Holocaust gives insight into upcoming events and I felt the dread of anticipation as the plot unfolded. The author has thoroughly researched the period in order to bring it vividly to life. The Seamstress of Warsaw is an engaging and heart wrenching book about the endurance of the human spirit, love and identity.
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