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Warsaw Fury
Warsaw, 1939
We mustn't let darkness win.
Natan Borkowski has it all. In line to take over the successful family business, his future is set.
Julia Horowitz lives in poverty. The daughter of a shoemaker, she dreams of a different life—a different world.
Everything changes when Hitler’s armies invade Poland. Natan’s future is ripped away by the flick of a switch of a Luftwaffe pilot. When the smoke clears, Julia and her family find themselves locked within the walls of the newly-formed Jewish ghetto.
On opposite sides of the wall, Natan and Julia’s lives are not so different anymore. As the Nazis unleash a reign of hunger, terror, and death across the city, they must now decide what’s more terrifying:
To die on their knees, or go down fighting?
Based on true events, Warsaw Fury is a story of love, courage, and resilience in the face of unimaginable evil.
We mustn't let darkness win.
Natan Borkowski has it all. In line to take over the successful family business, his future is set.
Julia Horowitz lives in poverty. The daughter of a shoemaker, she dreams of a different life—a different world.
Everything changes when Hitler’s armies invade Poland. Natan’s future is ripped away by the flick of a switch of a Luftwaffe pilot. When the smoke clears, Julia and her family find themselves locked within the walls of the newly-formed Jewish ghetto.
On opposite sides of the wall, Natan and Julia’s lives are not so different anymore. As the Nazis unleash a reign of hunger, terror, and death across the city, they must now decide what’s more terrifying:
To die on their knees, or go down fighting?
Based on true events, Warsaw Fury is a story of love, courage, and resilience in the face of unimaginable evil.
Kindle Edition
Published February 1, 2022
1022 people are currently reading
1332 people want to read
About the author
Michael Reit
13 books390 followersMichael Reit writes page-turning historical fiction. His books focus on lesser-known events and people in World War II Europe.
Born in the Netherlands, he now lives in beautiful Vienna, Austria, with his partner Esther and daughter Bibi. You can connect through michaelreit.com or Facebook (Michael Reit Author).
Born in the Netherlands, he now lives in beautiful Vienna, Austria, with his partner Esther and daughter Bibi. You can connect through michaelreit.com or Facebook (Michael Reit Author).
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 136 reviews
October 1, 2021
Warsaw Fury by Michael Reit was a captivating and impressionable historical fiction novel about Poland’s Home Army and the Jewish Resistance during and after the well known Warsaw Uprising. Michael Reit was surprised at how little recognition the Home Army, the second largest organized resistance network in Nazi controlled Europe, had received over the years. He decided to dedicate a lot of his efforts in writing this outstanding novel to bringing awareness to these heroic men and women of the Home Army that fought so courageously against the Nazis. Warsaw Fury took place in Warsaw, Poland in the 1930’s through the 1940’s. Michael Reit was able to capture the determination, struggles, fears and bravery of the heroic efforts all the members of the Home Army made to take Warsaw back from the Nazis.
Two adolescent children, one a boy, one a girl, grew up at the same time in Warsaw Poland. One lived an affluent life while the other lived a life of poverty. Julia Horowitz was a young Jewish girl that lived in Warsaw when the Nazis invaded Poland. She lived with her parents and older brother in one of the poorest sections in Warsaw, Poland. Her father was a struggling shoemaker. Julia was bright and had high ambitions for her future. She dreamed of someday becoming a lawyer. In sharp contrast, Natan lived in a comfortable home with his parents in a more affluent section of Warsaw. His father owned and operated a leather factory. Natan’s family was well respected. When the Nazis invaded Warsaw, Julia’s family witnessed the building of the walls of what would become the walls of the Warsaw ghetto. Those very walls were being built around the street where she and her family lived. Soon it was decreed by the Nazis that all Jewish families had to live in the ghetto. Two different sets of circumstances pushed both Julia and Natan toward working for the resistance….Julia within the ghetto walls and Natan outside the ghetto walls. Both Julia and Natan had lost their parents at the hands of the Nazis. They therefore both felt an intense hatred toward the Nazis. Natan joined the Home Army and Julia became a member of the Jewish resistance. Julia became one of the Kashariyots or young Jewish women that smuggled food, medicine, weapons, ammunition and illegal documents between the many Jewish Ghettos and the surrounding cities. Julia also became quite adept at navigating the sewer system that helped take her in out of the ghetto. The leaders of the Jewish Resistance in the ghetto knew that they needed weapons, ammunition and the help of the Home Army if they were going to have any chance against the Nazis. Julia was introduced to Natan. He pledged to try and help Julia and the Jewish Resistance secure weapons and ammunition. Even though Julia and Natan were on opposite sides of the wall of the Warsaw Ghetto, they found common threads…. a love for their country and a hatred for the Nazis. As they both faced hunger, torture, fear, loss, and terror they found that their lives were more alike than different now. Could they survive the endless and merciless attacks of the Nazis? If they could not they would at least die fighting. Would the effects of the war and the evil of the Nazis connect these two in a way that would probably not have happened otherwise?
Warsaw Fury was impeccably researched by Michael Reit. He included in his notes at the conclusion of the book the true facts and people that he included in Warsaw Fury. I have read many books about the Holocaust that described the efforts of the Jewish Resistance members during the Warsaw Uprising but none were as well done and extensive as in Warsaw Fury. Michael Reit went a step further by also describing the efforts of the Home Army as they heroically defended the entire city of Warsaw. Warsaw Fury was about love, courage and resistance. This was the second book by Michael Reit that I had the privilege of reading. Michael Reit’s first book, Beyond the Tracks, was equally well written. If you enjoy historical fiction, strong, determined characters and a storyline based on truths then I highly recommend Warsaw Fury. Publication is set for October 8, 2021.
Thank you to Michael Reit for allowing me to read this digital advanced reader’s copy of Warsaw Fury through Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. All opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
Two adolescent children, one a boy, one a girl, grew up at the same time in Warsaw Poland. One lived an affluent life while the other lived a life of poverty. Julia Horowitz was a young Jewish girl that lived in Warsaw when the Nazis invaded Poland. She lived with her parents and older brother in one of the poorest sections in Warsaw, Poland. Her father was a struggling shoemaker. Julia was bright and had high ambitions for her future. She dreamed of someday becoming a lawyer. In sharp contrast, Natan lived in a comfortable home with his parents in a more affluent section of Warsaw. His father owned and operated a leather factory. Natan’s family was well respected. When the Nazis invaded Warsaw, Julia’s family witnessed the building of the walls of what would become the walls of the Warsaw ghetto. Those very walls were being built around the street where she and her family lived. Soon it was decreed by the Nazis that all Jewish families had to live in the ghetto. Two different sets of circumstances pushed both Julia and Natan toward working for the resistance….Julia within the ghetto walls and Natan outside the ghetto walls. Both Julia and Natan had lost their parents at the hands of the Nazis. They therefore both felt an intense hatred toward the Nazis. Natan joined the Home Army and Julia became a member of the Jewish resistance. Julia became one of the Kashariyots or young Jewish women that smuggled food, medicine, weapons, ammunition and illegal documents between the many Jewish Ghettos and the surrounding cities. Julia also became quite adept at navigating the sewer system that helped take her in out of the ghetto. The leaders of the Jewish Resistance in the ghetto knew that they needed weapons, ammunition and the help of the Home Army if they were going to have any chance against the Nazis. Julia was introduced to Natan. He pledged to try and help Julia and the Jewish Resistance secure weapons and ammunition. Even though Julia and Natan were on opposite sides of the wall of the Warsaw Ghetto, they found common threads…. a love for their country and a hatred for the Nazis. As they both faced hunger, torture, fear, loss, and terror they found that their lives were more alike than different now. Could they survive the endless and merciless attacks of the Nazis? If they could not they would at least die fighting. Would the effects of the war and the evil of the Nazis connect these two in a way that would probably not have happened otherwise?
Warsaw Fury was impeccably researched by Michael Reit. He included in his notes at the conclusion of the book the true facts and people that he included in Warsaw Fury. I have read many books about the Holocaust that described the efforts of the Jewish Resistance members during the Warsaw Uprising but none were as well done and extensive as in Warsaw Fury. Michael Reit went a step further by also describing the efforts of the Home Army as they heroically defended the entire city of Warsaw. Warsaw Fury was about love, courage and resistance. This was the second book by Michael Reit that I had the privilege of reading. Michael Reit’s first book, Beyond the Tracks, was equally well written. If you enjoy historical fiction, strong, determined characters and a storyline based on truths then I highly recommend Warsaw Fury. Publication is set for October 8, 2021.
Thank you to Michael Reit for allowing me to read this digital advanced reader’s copy of Warsaw Fury through Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. All opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
May 4, 2024
I RECEIVED A DRC FROM THE AUTHOR, THE BOOK WHISPERER, AND NETGALLEY. THANK YOU.
My Review: World War II and the Final Solution and German/Polish antisemitism. All the things I claim repel me like kryptonite does Superman, garlic does Dracula, and Old Spice does a metrosexual. What transreversal of my brain was enacted by which Doctor Who aliens, what cabal of soap-opera writers flipped my script, whose malign curse on me altered my tastes? None. All these tropes are in this thriller, and I still read it.
They all still do repel me, though.
So how did that rating appear up there, the one that doesn't have a minus sign in front of it, the one that's above three but below five? Perspective. Not just mine, the story's as well. I'm down for a story whose *background* is WWII, but whose events while factual and tied to WWII, are not using WWII as the reason for the story.
Natan is a rich kid, a guy with social skills and connections; Julia is not possessed of either of those things; what brings the two of them together in this story is how they each hate and fear the Germans who have invaded their country and are murdering their people. Both lost their parents, each has a wise (if young) head and a fierce heart to avenge those who are unjustly dead. The whole story isn't about the brutal regime trying to exterminate all the Poles, every Jew, anyone who isn't Just Like Them.
We are instead told the two interlinked tales of resourceful young people motivated by a catastrophe they never asked for and weren't consulted about doing every single dangerous, difficult, and deeply necessary thing to stop, reverse, and fix their world. The planet needs them, or their great-grandchildren, now. These two characters, people on either side of a literal and metaphorical wall, are united in their purpose to resist, to expel, the invaders wreaking graphically told havoc on their home. They unite despite their "differences" because the goal they serve is more important than the surface dissimilarities that actually make each well-suited to their respective roles. And, because of course they did, these two crazy kids fell in luuuv. Despite their wildly different backgrounds, though, at least this couple could never possibly lack for something to talk about....
The story doesn't belabor the points I'm calling out here. I am doing so. I am explaining how, despite being a story told in a setting I'm ever so sick of, I got involved in and inspired by Warsaw Fury. Author Reit clearly knows his subject inside out, which adds to the pace of action he achieves and sustains. There is never a lack of action, and it's all grounded in real events.
So that's the story. What about the writing? Well, what indeed. It is unexceptional but unexceptionable. It isn't stellar and it isn't execrable. It is the high end of serviceable, the lower edge of inspired. Occasional phrases made me cringe...a Varsovian, a Pole, and you'd fight to the bitter end, oh now really...but it got the job done.
You're looking at that rating right now, aren't you. Thinking about the times I've said much harsher things about much milder stylistic infractions. You know, you're correct, but you're also looking at this from the ordinary perspective. This is an extraordinary case. I gave a book whose writing I reluctantly allowed to happen to me four full stars...doesn't that say something a lot bigger than "read these pretty sentences" would?
We need this story of coming together to resist an overwhelming, unstoppable crisis. We need to read things that stress our only hope being to find the good intentions and best practices in those we'd normally never so much as fire a neuron for. This story, a fact-based one, tells us that when we're pulling in the same direction, we can move the damn Nazis and their weapons on down the road.
Uncurl your lip, Sunshine. Get the memo here: Fight now, fight hard and with all your power...but aim it where it will help not where you think you want to.
My Review: World War II and the Final Solution and German/Polish antisemitism. All the things I claim repel me like kryptonite does Superman, garlic does Dracula, and Old Spice does a metrosexual. What transreversal of my brain was enacted by which Doctor Who aliens, what cabal of soap-opera writers flipped my script, whose malign curse on me altered my tastes? None. All these tropes are in this thriller, and I still read it.
They all still do repel me, though.
So how did that rating appear up there, the one that doesn't have a minus sign in front of it, the one that's above three but below five? Perspective. Not just mine, the story's as well. I'm down for a story whose *background* is WWII, but whose events while factual and tied to WWII, are not using WWII as the reason for the story.
Natan is a rich kid, a guy with social skills and connections; Julia is not possessed of either of those things; what brings the two of them together in this story is how they each hate and fear the Germans who have invaded their country and are murdering their people. Both lost their parents, each has a wise (if young) head and a fierce heart to avenge those who are unjustly dead. The whole story isn't about the brutal regime trying to exterminate all the Poles, every Jew, anyone who isn't Just Like Them.
We are instead told the two interlinked tales of resourceful young people motivated by a catastrophe they never asked for and weren't consulted about doing every single dangerous, difficult, and deeply necessary thing to stop, reverse, and fix their world. The planet needs them, or their great-grandchildren, now. These two characters, people on either side of a literal and metaphorical wall, are united in their purpose to resist, to expel, the invaders wreaking graphically told havoc on their home. They unite despite their "differences" because the goal they serve is more important than the surface dissimilarities that actually make each well-suited to their respective roles. And, because of course they did, these two crazy kids fell in luuuv. Despite their wildly different backgrounds, though, at least this couple could never possibly lack for something to talk about....
The story doesn't belabor the points I'm calling out here. I am doing so. I am explaining how, despite being a story told in a setting I'm ever so sick of, I got involved in and inspired by Warsaw Fury. Author Reit clearly knows his subject inside out, which adds to the pace of action he achieves and sustains. There is never a lack of action, and it's all grounded in real events.
So that's the story. What about the writing? Well, what indeed. It is unexceptional but unexceptionable. It isn't stellar and it isn't execrable. It is the high end of serviceable, the lower edge of inspired. Occasional phrases made me cringe...a Varsovian, a Pole, and you'd fight to the bitter end, oh now really...but it got the job done.
You're looking at that rating right now, aren't you. Thinking about the times I've said much harsher things about much milder stylistic infractions. You know, you're correct, but you're also looking at this from the ordinary perspective. This is an extraordinary case. I gave a book whose writing I reluctantly allowed to happen to me four full stars...doesn't that say something a lot bigger than "read these pretty sentences" would?
We need this story of coming together to resist an overwhelming, unstoppable crisis. We need to read things that stress our only hope being to find the good intentions and best practices in those we'd normally never so much as fire a neuron for. This story, a fact-based one, tells us that when we're pulling in the same direction, we can move the damn Nazis and their weapons on down the road.
Uncurl your lip, Sunshine. Get the memo here: Fight now, fight hard and with all your power...but aim it where it will help not where you think you want to.
September 20, 2021
A WELL-CRAFTED STORY OF COURAGE, HOPE AND FIGHTING FOR WHAT'S RIGHT
This is my second book by Michael Reit, and I am more than intrigued. He knows how to craft a story, he does his research and he doesn't mince words. Those qualities are sure to bring me back for his next book as well.
👍 What I Liked 👍
Theme: One of the things I adore about Reit's books are his themes. Though he dapples in romance and love, they are not his central themes, which I find very refreshing. This is a book filled with hope, endurance, courage and justice. These themes carry the book and are made even more heartbreakingly beautiful when coupled with the realistic portrayal of the horrors experienced by the Polish resistance fighters.
Characters: Julia and Natan are two characters that are easy to love and root for. They are both strong, resilient fighters in the truest sense of the word. They join the battle for control of Warsaw, both of them ready and willing to give their lives for the cause. They fight for what they believe to be right, and that is something I can only cheer for.
Realistic: My hats off to Reit's amazing research! The realistic portrayal of the attack on Warsaw, the resistance in the Warsaw ghetto and the fight for Warsaw clearly shows that Reit did his research and did not shy away from anything. He lays it all bare and it's clear as day that he could have written much more about this part of WWII. The fighting, the anguish, the fear and uncertainty - it's all right here for everyone to read. It makes this a very strong, emotional and moving reading experience.
ARC provided by the publisher through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review
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This is my second book by Michael Reit, and I am more than intrigued. He knows how to craft a story, he does his research and he doesn't mince words. Those qualities are sure to bring me back for his next book as well.
👍 What I Liked 👍
Theme: One of the things I adore about Reit's books are his themes. Though he dapples in romance and love, they are not his central themes, which I find very refreshing. This is a book filled with hope, endurance, courage and justice. These themes carry the book and are made even more heartbreakingly beautiful when coupled with the realistic portrayal of the horrors experienced by the Polish resistance fighters.
Characters: Julia and Natan are two characters that are easy to love and root for. They are both strong, resilient fighters in the truest sense of the word. They join the battle for control of Warsaw, both of them ready and willing to give their lives for the cause. They fight for what they believe to be right, and that is something I can only cheer for.
Realistic: My hats off to Reit's amazing research! The realistic portrayal of the attack on Warsaw, the resistance in the Warsaw ghetto and the fight for Warsaw clearly shows that Reit did his research and did not shy away from anything. He lays it all bare and it's clear as day that he could have written much more about this part of WWII. The fighting, the anguish, the fear and uncertainty - it's all right here for everyone to read. It makes this a very strong, emotional and moving reading experience.
ARC provided by the publisher through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review
Follow me for more book loving content!
Blog ✨ Facebook ✨ Instagram ✨ Twitter
Blog Post: 11 Ways to Get over a Reading Slump
September 16, 2021
Fighting for Freedom
A heartbreaking story of the young heroes of the Warsaw Uprising in the Jewish Ghetto where the Nazi's had imprisoned the Jewish people during WWII. It tells the terrifying story of the horrific events that took place in Poland during WWII. The cruelty of the Nazi's and the absolutely devastating acts performed by them on the Polish people, especially the Jewish Poles.
The story is about the resistance in Poland and the young people that made up that resistance. Putting their lives on the line, some of them as young as thirteen and most not over twenty. Young people that have lost their loved ones to the cruelty of the Nazi's and wished to fight back. Their survival, their fight, the heroism and courage they showed.
How some of the Polish non Jewish put their lives on the line to help their Jewish friends and neighbors. Although many of the Polish were either complacent or shunned the Jewish poles, there were those brave souls that stepped in and extended a helping hand to them in their fight against the Nazi's.
This is a story that runs through the ghetto, the city of Warsaw and the sewers beneath. A story of young heroes that should never be forgotten. A story of a love for freedom and for country and a fighting spirit that refused to die.
The story was inspirational and historical. It was of some of the brave young people of Warsaw and their fight for freedom.
The story was heartbreaking, tear jerking, and filled with the spirit and enthusiasm of the young. It was definitely a good read and one that would inspire anyone. I would definitely recommend this book.
Thanks to Michael Reit, The Book Whisperer, and NetGalley for providing me with a complimentary copy of the book for my honest review.
A heartbreaking story of the young heroes of the Warsaw Uprising in the Jewish Ghetto where the Nazi's had imprisoned the Jewish people during WWII. It tells the terrifying story of the horrific events that took place in Poland during WWII. The cruelty of the Nazi's and the absolutely devastating acts performed by them on the Polish people, especially the Jewish Poles.
The story is about the resistance in Poland and the young people that made up that resistance. Putting their lives on the line, some of them as young as thirteen and most not over twenty. Young people that have lost their loved ones to the cruelty of the Nazi's and wished to fight back. Their survival, their fight, the heroism and courage they showed.
How some of the Polish non Jewish put their lives on the line to help their Jewish friends and neighbors. Although many of the Polish were either complacent or shunned the Jewish poles, there were those brave souls that stepped in and extended a helping hand to them in their fight against the Nazi's.
This is a story that runs through the ghetto, the city of Warsaw and the sewers beneath. A story of young heroes that should never be forgotten. A story of a love for freedom and for country and a fighting spirit that refused to die.
The story was inspirational and historical. It was of some of the brave young people of Warsaw and their fight for freedom.
The story was heartbreaking, tear jerking, and filled with the spirit and enthusiasm of the young. It was definitely a good read and one that would inspire anyone. I would definitely recommend this book.
Thanks to Michael Reit, The Book Whisperer, and NetGalley for providing me with a complimentary copy of the book for my honest review.
September 20, 2021
Warsaw 1939 through 1944
This harrowing story based on true events is an exhausting read, so well written it is like walking next to the characters and facing: rage, horrors, death, starvation, homelessness and most of all the Nazis. I admit to rarely put down a book but with this one I had to do so a few times in order to take a breather and let my heart slow down....What a great novel about despair, courage, resilience and hope.
The novel is divided into four sections and the cadence in the narrative makes the book a page-turner. From the beginning till the conclusion tension is a constant.
First the story introduces us to the main characters Natan Borkowski and Julia Horowitz and weaves both stories with skill. They live in deferent neighborhoods till the day Hitler’s armies invade Poland and unleash a reign of terror and death across the city. Julia and her family end up in the newly-formed Jewish ghetto and Natan see himself on the opposite side of the wall but their lives are quite similar...What to do....die or fight...they chose to fight...Then the story runs through the ghetto, the city of Warsaw and even brings us down beneath the streets and into the smelling, dirty sewers...
Most parts the author describes the ghetto uprising in detail including the role of the Gray Ranks, the members of the resistance, the struggle of the civilian Poles especially the Jewish people who were the target of brutal atrocities but mainly the loyalty of the Varsovians toward their country: to go down fighting till their last breath...and too many did.
I enjoyed the characters and we cross many extraordinary young people in this heartbreaking and tear jerking story....what a great read.
My thanks to Michael Reit, The Book Whisperer, and NetGalley for providing me with a complimentary copy of the book for my honest review.
This harrowing story based on true events is an exhausting read, so well written it is like walking next to the characters and facing: rage, horrors, death, starvation, homelessness and most of all the Nazis. I admit to rarely put down a book but with this one I had to do so a few times in order to take a breather and let my heart slow down....What a great novel about despair, courage, resilience and hope.
The novel is divided into four sections and the cadence in the narrative makes the book a page-turner. From the beginning till the conclusion tension is a constant.
First the story introduces us to the main characters Natan Borkowski and Julia Horowitz and weaves both stories with skill. They live in deferent neighborhoods till the day Hitler’s armies invade Poland and unleash a reign of terror and death across the city. Julia and her family end up in the newly-formed Jewish ghetto and Natan see himself on the opposite side of the wall but their lives are quite similar...What to do....die or fight...they chose to fight...Then the story runs through the ghetto, the city of Warsaw and even brings us down beneath the streets and into the smelling, dirty sewers...
Most parts the author describes the ghetto uprising in detail including the role of the Gray Ranks, the members of the resistance, the struggle of the civilian Poles especially the Jewish people who were the target of brutal atrocities but mainly the loyalty of the Varsovians toward their country: to go down fighting till their last breath...and too many did.
I enjoyed the characters and we cross many extraordinary young people in this heartbreaking and tear jerking story....what a great read.
My thanks to Michael Reit, The Book Whisperer, and NetGalley for providing me with a complimentary copy of the book for my honest review.
December 21, 2021
This is an important book as it covers the little known resistance movement in Warsaw during the Nazi occupation. I had no idea the Varsovians - civilians and “Home Army” soldiers - fought back at the Nazis so aggressively and so heroically. Unfortunately the character and story development aspects of the novel are almost non existent but the history it covers is fascinating and surprising.
October 12, 2021
Natan Borkowski has his future is set. He’s destined to take over the family factory, which tans leather. From a fairly well to do family, he goes to a rather prestigious school and spends this time after school basically working in accounting at his family’s factory despite wanting to be out with his friends like a normal teenager from any era would. We, the reader, meet Natan after he makes a few mistakes in life, one that results in his father frantically trying to find money to get clearance from customs to ship their biggest leather order of the year. If you read into it, Natan accidentally almost single handedly ruined their family business. But this is small peanuts in comparison to what is to come.
Julia Horowitz is the daughter of a struggling shoemaker, with an older brother who gladly sacrificed his schooling to get a job to put food on the family’s table. Julia, however, has bigger aspirations than what is normally expected of a Jewish girl. She wants to become a lawyer, no matter what any man tells her, including her father. Julia and her family live in one of the poorer sections of Warsaw, so when the Nazis invaded, she witnesses to walls going up around her neighborhood, enclosing it to form the ghetto where Jewish citizen will soon be ordered to live.
The result is both of them really hating the Nazis, obviously. Stuck on either side of the wall, they both take action. Julia joins the Jewish Resistance and becomes rather adept at navigating the sewer system in order to retrieve supplies and smuggle them into the ghetto. Natan joins the Home Army, which starts working with the Resistance fighters in order to arm them and give them illegal documents. It’s through working for these two organizations that Julia and Natan meet Natan promises to help Julia with the Jewish resistance’s cause.
Conclusion?
Warsaw Fury is a well-researched, well thought out book which is easy to lose yourself in. I like how the eventual love story takes a backseat to the main plot, which is fighting back against the Nazis and their occupation of Warsaw, Poland.
I have read several books before this one involving resistance fighters (mind you the majority were YA cause I have the attention span of golden retriever when it comes to drawn out books) but never tire of reading about people willing to sacrifice themselves to a cause that they absolutely believe in. World War II and the atrocities of the Nazis is something a rarely pass up reading about when I spot a good book about it. This particular book is one of maybe three books I can recall reading that includes the Home Army, which was a pretty large resistance group against the Nazis. So it’s really nice to see them properly represented in this book.
Note: Michael Reit also includes notes containing information on the true facts and people he included in his book in the conclusion if that sort of thing interests you as much as it does me.
Julia Horowitz is the daughter of a struggling shoemaker, with an older brother who gladly sacrificed his schooling to get a job to put food on the family’s table. Julia, however, has bigger aspirations than what is normally expected of a Jewish girl. She wants to become a lawyer, no matter what any man tells her, including her father. Julia and her family live in one of the poorer sections of Warsaw, so when the Nazis invaded, she witnesses to walls going up around her neighborhood, enclosing it to form the ghetto where Jewish citizen will soon be ordered to live.
The result is both of them really hating the Nazis, obviously. Stuck on either side of the wall, they both take action. Julia joins the Jewish Resistance and becomes rather adept at navigating the sewer system in order to retrieve supplies and smuggle them into the ghetto. Natan joins the Home Army, which starts working with the Resistance fighters in order to arm them and give them illegal documents. It’s through working for these two organizations that Julia and Natan meet Natan promises to help Julia with the Jewish resistance’s cause.
Conclusion?
Warsaw Fury is a well-researched, well thought out book which is easy to lose yourself in. I like how the eventual love story takes a backseat to the main plot, which is fighting back against the Nazis and their occupation of Warsaw, Poland.
I have read several books before this one involving resistance fighters (mind you the majority were YA cause I have the attention span of golden retriever when it comes to drawn out books) but never tire of reading about people willing to sacrifice themselves to a cause that they absolutely believe in. World War II and the atrocities of the Nazis is something a rarely pass up reading about when I spot a good book about it. This particular book is one of maybe three books I can recall reading that includes the Home Army, which was a pretty large resistance group against the Nazis. So it’s really nice to see them properly represented in this book.
Note: Michael Reit also includes notes containing information on the true facts and people he included in his book in the conclusion if that sort of thing interests you as much as it does me.
September 18, 2021
Set during WWII in Warsaw, this riveting and tragic Historical Fiction is about despair, anguish, courage, resilience and hope. The author fortunately does not gloss over brutal details; though difficult to read, they are incredibly important, not just superficially, but on a deep level. And what makes this book chilling is that these and other heinous events happened to real people. So many were teenagers. Their heroism and fortitude is beyond my comprehension.
Natan Borkowski works at his family's successful Borkowski Leather Works factory which he will take over one day. His dreams are crushed when Germany occupies Poland and the number one priority is survival. There is nothing else. He wants to do what he can to help in the effort so unflinchingly joins the Resistance. He discovers he is capable of so much more than he had imagined as he finds himself in impossible situations.
Julia Horowitz works with her father in his small shoemaking shop. Like Natan, she has aspirations. She desires to become a lawyer. Her life is also turned upside down when Germany invades and she goes from poverty to near starvation. She cannot do nothing as she watches her beloved city and people crumble. Her independent spirit and quick thinking serves her well as she trains and learns how to best use her giftedness. Her fearlessness is unreal.
Horrors abound but these young people continue to stand up for what they believe in, no matter what the cost. The author describes the ghetto uprising including the role of the Gray Ranks, treatment of Jews, sympathizers, propaganda and defeat of Poles (Jewish and civilians) and Germans. We also learn more about smuggling and couriers, both crucial to the war effort.
Michael Reit has a special writing style, a powerful way with words that is refreshingly unique. I like how he describes the lives of each of the two characters individually and then brings them together with a common goal. If you are seeking a remarkable Historical Fiction book to ponder, do pick up this book. It is truly well worth your time.
My sincere thank you to Michael Reit, Beyond Words and NetGalley for the privilege of reading this marvelous book. It is not an easy read but a very eye opening and important one.
Natan Borkowski works at his family's successful Borkowski Leather Works factory which he will take over one day. His dreams are crushed when Germany occupies Poland and the number one priority is survival. There is nothing else. He wants to do what he can to help in the effort so unflinchingly joins the Resistance. He discovers he is capable of so much more than he had imagined as he finds himself in impossible situations.
Julia Horowitz works with her father in his small shoemaking shop. Like Natan, she has aspirations. She desires to become a lawyer. Her life is also turned upside down when Germany invades and she goes from poverty to near starvation. She cannot do nothing as she watches her beloved city and people crumble. Her independent spirit and quick thinking serves her well as she trains and learns how to best use her giftedness. Her fearlessness is unreal.
Horrors abound but these young people continue to stand up for what they believe in, no matter what the cost. The author describes the ghetto uprising including the role of the Gray Ranks, treatment of Jews, sympathizers, propaganda and defeat of Poles (Jewish and civilians) and Germans. We also learn more about smuggling and couriers, both crucial to the war effort.
Michael Reit has a special writing style, a powerful way with words that is refreshingly unique. I like how he describes the lives of each of the two characters individually and then brings them together with a common goal. If you are seeking a remarkable Historical Fiction book to ponder, do pick up this book. It is truly well worth your time.
My sincere thank you to Michael Reit, Beyond Words and NetGalley for the privilege of reading this marvelous book. It is not an easy read but a very eye opening and important one.
October 2, 2021
Plot:- When I read this book, I think about Chopin's Nocturne in C Sharp Minor, playing soothingly with a scene of Warsaw during 1939 before the invasion by Germany. That's how I felt when I started reading this book in the beginning. The story talks of two courageous people--Natan who is set to inherit a well run business and Julia, daughter of a poor shoemaker with dreams of becoming a lawyer and how their lives changed when Germany invaded Poland followed by the outbreak of WWII. Julia being Jewish is sent to the ghetto and both Natan and Julia join the resistance movement to fight against the Nazis under different names--Lew and Krsytyna. Since it's based on true events, I was amazed at how courageous and brave these people, particularly Julia, who didn't give up fighting with the Germans and would continue fight till the end. At times, it was emotional and heartbreaking when Julia heard about what happened to her parents but nonetheless, it was a touching and emotional plot, that will make you cry and vouch for both Natan and Julia.
Characters:- I really like the characters in this book. Julia is a brave and courageous woman, who despite Jewish would risk her own life fighting against the Germans. Natan, is carrying the wrath after a German bomb destroyed his family and would do anything to be a part of the resistance movement.
Writing:- The author once again proved that he could turn the true events into a beautiful story that will keep the reader hooked into the story. Reit did a good job drawing the reader into the story, making the reader feel like they are a part of the story and walking on the journey with Natan and Julia.
Overall:- This is truly an emotional, tear jerking and heartbreaking book that will keep you up all night. If you want to learn more about Warsaw Ghetto during the Holocaust, this book is the one for you. Worth five stars in my opinion!
*** Many thanks to Netgalley, Michael Reit for the ARC. The review is based on my honest opinion only.
Characters:- I really like the characters in this book. Julia is a brave and courageous woman, who despite Jewish would risk her own life fighting against the Germans. Natan, is carrying the wrath after a German bomb destroyed his family and would do anything to be a part of the resistance movement.
Writing:- The author once again proved that he could turn the true events into a beautiful story that will keep the reader hooked into the story. Reit did a good job drawing the reader into the story, making the reader feel like they are a part of the story and walking on the journey with Natan and Julia.
Overall:- This is truly an emotional, tear jerking and heartbreaking book that will keep you up all night. If you want to learn more about Warsaw Ghetto during the Holocaust, this book is the one for you. Worth five stars in my opinion!
*** Many thanks to Netgalley, Michael Reit for the ARC. The review is based on my honest opinion only.
September 5, 2021
This book was completely a page-turner that I couldn't put away until I finish reading this story. I loved how Michael finely weaves both stories, Natan and Julia, his two main characters into the reality they were facing in Poland during the German Occupation. I felt as if I was seeing through their eyes, facing their same feelings as their country had been invaded by the Nazis.
I applaud the intent of bringing this kind of stories into public awareness, and it resonates even more during these times when were still going through a pandemic, which is not a war or occupation, but we can identify with the main characters as they face the reality they knew is no more, and these two youngsters face it with bravery and courage, adapting to their convoluted new normal and joining the fight. I liked how the author represented both the struggles of civilian Poles and Jewish Poles, especially when the latter were facing growing antisemitism in Polish society back then.
And even when Natan and Julia were fictional, I really liked how the real characters were intertwined and the locations were accurately portrayed, which show how committed the author was to represent the story and make it as historically accurate as possible it could be. The narrative is quite fluid, there is certain bit of exposition at the beginning but not too much so we can easily get acquainted with the characters as we follow their stories.
I agree with the author - we should never forget the atrocious stories related with the extermination camps. However, these stories of resistance are so important in order to remind us all how in times of struggle and oppression, there is always something we can do or many different ways we can help and make a difference. Totally recommend this book!
I applaud the intent of bringing this kind of stories into public awareness, and it resonates even more during these times when were still going through a pandemic, which is not a war or occupation, but we can identify with the main characters as they face the reality they knew is no more, and these two youngsters face it with bravery and courage, adapting to their convoluted new normal and joining the fight. I liked how the author represented both the struggles of civilian Poles and Jewish Poles, especially when the latter were facing growing antisemitism in Polish society back then.
And even when Natan and Julia were fictional, I really liked how the real characters were intertwined and the locations were accurately portrayed, which show how committed the author was to represent the story and make it as historically accurate as possible it could be. The narrative is quite fluid, there is certain bit of exposition at the beginning but not too much so we can easily get acquainted with the characters as we follow their stories.
I agree with the author - we should never forget the atrocious stories related with the extermination camps. However, these stories of resistance are so important in order to remind us all how in times of struggle and oppression, there is always something we can do or many different ways we can help and make a difference. Totally recommend this book!
May 17, 2024
I’ve read a lot of books about WW2 but this book is the first I’ve read about how hard the Resistance worked to fight for their city of Warsaw. It is fiction but the story is based on real people and real events. The book covers 5 years of the fighting for Warsaw. Of course, in the end, Germany defeats them but they were so courageous and brave. It follows a poor Jewish girl and a Polish boy born to wealth. The couple are fictitious but their struggles were real and they helped pull the book together.
September 5, 2021
A great novel about the uprising in Warsaw in WW2. Although this is a work of fiction, the novel is historically accurate.
Thank you to #NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.
Thank you to #NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.
July 16, 2022
Very good read
I quite enjoyed reading this. I will look for more to read by Michael Reit. His writing was very good.
I quite enjoyed reading this. I will look for more to read by Michael Reit. His writing was very good.
December 16, 2024
I'm pretty sure they never actually dated but they might be one of my favorite couples ever
November 11, 2024
This book was boring. No plot and no attachment towards the characters. Nothing exciting ever happened.
November 22, 2024
The historic relevancy resonates through the story. The best of humanity is present in the story of the resistance.
September 11, 2024
Heartwrenching historical fiction about the Home Army war in Warsaw Poland, during WWII. Little has been written about this part of WWII. It was pretty bloody and sad. Lots of people lost their lives during this time in history.
November 30, 2021
They have no choice… they have to fight to survive!
Warsaw Fury is one of the best historical fiction books I have ever read. Not only because this book is unforgettable and has amazing characters, but also because the book reflects very important historical events that took place in Warsaw during World War II. The book is based on the true historical events. Michael Reit accurately showed the life of the people, Polish and Jewish, in the pre-war period, during the occupation by the Nazis and during the Ghetto Uprising. The main characters, Natan and Julia, symbolize the young Varsovians who love their city and are ready to sacrifice their lives to engage in the fighting an unequal enemy.
Natan is a young man who helps his father in the factory and loves to spend his free time with his friends. He had forgotten to send the important documents and that led to big problems at the factory. He has to find a way to solve that problem but could he do that?
Julia is a girl who helpes her father in the shop and dreams to become as a lawer but her father opposes her dreams. Could she act against her father prohibition attending the Law classes?
Both of them had a clear future, their hopes and dreams before the Nazis invaded Poland, after that their lives had changed completely. They had to choose what to do, to live under Nazi rules or fight. What future awaits them? Are they ready for a different future? Do they have that future?
I love this amazing book so much! It hooked me on the first pages and I could not put it down. It is such an emotional and heartbreaking story.
I would definitely recommend Warsaw Fury to everyone who is interested in well-written historical fiction and books about World War II.
Warsaw Fury is one of the best historical fiction books I have ever read. Not only because this book is unforgettable and has amazing characters, but also because the book reflects very important historical events that took place in Warsaw during World War II. The book is based on the true historical events. Michael Reit accurately showed the life of the people, Polish and Jewish, in the pre-war period, during the occupation by the Nazis and during the Ghetto Uprising. The main characters, Natan and Julia, symbolize the young Varsovians who love their city and are ready to sacrifice their lives to engage in the fighting an unequal enemy.
Natan is a young man who helps his father in the factory and loves to spend his free time with his friends. He had forgotten to send the important documents and that led to big problems at the factory. He has to find a way to solve that problem but could he do that?
Julia is a girl who helpes her father in the shop and dreams to become as a lawer but her father opposes her dreams. Could she act against her father prohibition attending the Law classes?
Both of them had a clear future, their hopes and dreams before the Nazis invaded Poland, after that their lives had changed completely. They had to choose what to do, to live under Nazi rules or fight. What future awaits them? Are they ready for a different future? Do they have that future?
I love this amazing book so much! It hooked me on the first pages and I could not put it down. It is such an emotional and heartbreaking story.
I would definitely recommend Warsaw Fury to everyone who is interested in well-written historical fiction and books about World War II.
July 29, 2023
Dit boek bevat het, grotendeels fictief, verhaal over de opstand in Warschau gedurende de 2e Wereld Oorlog. Het is wel gebaseerd op waar gebeurde feiten.
Een echte 'page-turner' die ik moeilijk weg kon leggen, ook al kwam de schrijfstijl me soms gekunsteld over. Het leek op sommige momenten eerder een opstel die via Google Translate, in het Engels was vertaald. Hiermee wil ik dus niet zeggen dat het een slecht verhaal is, zeker niet.. Het was mooi om te zien hoe de twee verhaallijnen tussen Natan en Julia uiteindelijk samen kwamen.
Het is goed dat dit soort verhalen verteld blijven worden, zeker nu. De personages kwamen goed uit de verf. De locaties werden goed beschreven en hoewel ik Warschau niet ken, leken de verwijzingen naar straten en pleinen mij goed.
Laten we nooit vergeten dat dit soort dingen alleen mogelijk waren door de haat die tussen mensen werd 'gekweekt' door opruiende figuren. We moeten ook niet vergeten dat hoe moeilijk het ook lijkt te zijn, er altijd een mogelijkheid is om iets te doen.
Dank aan #bookfunnel/#Netgally die deze ARC verstrekte voor een review.
Een echte 'page-turner' die ik moeilijk weg kon leggen, ook al kwam de schrijfstijl me soms gekunsteld over. Het leek op sommige momenten eerder een opstel die via Google Translate, in het Engels was vertaald. Hiermee wil ik dus niet zeggen dat het een slecht verhaal is, zeker niet.. Het was mooi om te zien hoe de twee verhaallijnen tussen Natan en Julia uiteindelijk samen kwamen.
Het is goed dat dit soort verhalen verteld blijven worden, zeker nu. De personages kwamen goed uit de verf. De locaties werden goed beschreven en hoewel ik Warschau niet ken, leken de verwijzingen naar straten en pleinen mij goed.
Laten we nooit vergeten dat dit soort dingen alleen mogelijk waren door de haat die tussen mensen werd 'gekweekt' door opruiende figuren. We moeten ook niet vergeten dat hoe moeilijk het ook lijkt te zijn, er altijd een mogelijkheid is om iets te doen.
Dank aan #bookfunnel/#Netgally die deze ARC verstrekte voor een review.
October 5, 2021
Warsaw Fury is a historical fiction novel based on the events of the Warsaw Uprising and the Jewish Ghetto between 1939-1944.
This story is told through Julia and Nathan. Julia is the daughter of a struggling shoemaker, while Nathan is the son of a well respected factory owner. When the Nazis invaded Poland, Julia and Nathan put their lives on the line to help their Jewish friends and neighbors by joining the Polish Home Army and the Jewish Resistance groups. This is a tale of resilience, strength, bravery, and hope.
Although the book itself is fiction, Michael Reit does an excellent job of accurately describing the events that took place during that time period. It is a must read for all historical fiction fans.
Thank you to Michael Reit and the publisher for this free copy in exchange for my honest review.
This story is told through Julia and Nathan. Julia is the daughter of a struggling shoemaker, while Nathan is the son of a well respected factory owner. When the Nazis invaded Poland, Julia and Nathan put their lives on the line to help their Jewish friends and neighbors by joining the Polish Home Army and the Jewish Resistance groups. This is a tale of resilience, strength, bravery, and hope.
Although the book itself is fiction, Michael Reit does an excellent job of accurately describing the events that took place during that time period. It is a must read for all historical fiction fans.
Thank you to Michael Reit and the publisher for this free copy in exchange for my honest review.
October 1, 2021
Warsaw Fury is an amazing story set in Warsaw throughout WW2. Natan and Julia are teenagers when the fighting starts in Poland and follows them throughout the war of their struggles and fighting. I finished this book in less than a day because I could not put it down. Unlike other historical fiction books, Warsaw Fury made me fell like I was struggling and fighting along side the characters.
This was the first book I’ve read by Michael Reit, but it won’t be the last!
Arc of #WarsawFury provided by the publisher through #NetGalley in exchange for an honest review
This was the first book I’ve read by Michael Reit, but it won’t be the last!
Arc of #WarsawFury provided by the publisher through #NetGalley in exchange for an honest review
November 2, 2021
Michael Reit’s “Warsaw Fury: A WW2 Polish Resistance Novel Based on True Events”
This poignant story takes place during WWII in Warsaw, Poland when the Germans Invaded.
Julia was a poor but intelligent young woman with aspirations to be a lawyer, an almost unheard of prospect for a time when women generally aspired to marriage and raising children. Of course her father had objected feeling he needed her to work in the family business more. She was brave enough to make her dreams a reality even if the world wasn’t ready for an enlightened young woman.
Natan Borkowski, born into a family of means, was an intelligent young man who would soon be heading to university and then home again to take over the family business. A young man with much to learn but strength of spirit and growing character.
When Germany invaded Poland their dreams come crashing down and their disparities aren’t so great anymore. Who has money and who does it makes no difference. The Varsovians are being invaded and the war with all it’s a Roth and atrocities have come to Poland. These two wonderful characters come together in world filled with so much loss, tragedy, pain and destruction. They are both determined to do their part to fight the Germans and the hatred they spread. Their indomitable spirit and desire for a better world, a world without hatred, a world of freedom from the evil that reigns in the heart of some men propels them in-spite of the dangers to themselves that they face daily.
I was initially interested in the story because of the World War II setting, as my husband’s ancestors were Polish and I recall stories he’s told me. My own grandmother used to tell me frequently when she was alive that history repeats itself because we fail to learn from it, and that we must always endeavor to learn from what it speaks to us, to our hearts and minds.
I wasn’t prepared to become so involved in the story and yet I was. From cover to cover it was difficult to put down. Through all the heartbreaking anguish and sorrow this is an inspiring story, a poignant story of grit, hope and the sheer determination to survive. It’s a story of courage and the will to fight for, live and to live free in a better world. This is a
fast paced, story of nonstop action, and dangerous, clandestine resistance. And in the midst of the horror of war, a love is found by two people, unlikely to have me otherwise. Together they strengthened the bonds of courage, hope and faith in a better tomorrow.
Hats off to Mr. Reit’s for this wonderful, well written, well researched and inspirational story.
This poignant story takes place during WWII in Warsaw, Poland when the Germans Invaded.
Julia was a poor but intelligent young woman with aspirations to be a lawyer, an almost unheard of prospect for a time when women generally aspired to marriage and raising children. Of course her father had objected feeling he needed her to work in the family business more. She was brave enough to make her dreams a reality even if the world wasn’t ready for an enlightened young woman.
Natan Borkowski, born into a family of means, was an intelligent young man who would soon be heading to university and then home again to take over the family business. A young man with much to learn but strength of spirit and growing character.
When Germany invaded Poland their dreams come crashing down and their disparities aren’t so great anymore. Who has money and who does it makes no difference. The Varsovians are being invaded and the war with all it’s a Roth and atrocities have come to Poland. These two wonderful characters come together in world filled with so much loss, tragedy, pain and destruction. They are both determined to do their part to fight the Germans and the hatred they spread. Their indomitable spirit and desire for a better world, a world without hatred, a world of freedom from the evil that reigns in the heart of some men propels them in-spite of the dangers to themselves that they face daily.
I was initially interested in the story because of the World War II setting, as my husband’s ancestors were Polish and I recall stories he’s told me. My own grandmother used to tell me frequently when she was alive that history repeats itself because we fail to learn from it, and that we must always endeavor to learn from what it speaks to us, to our hearts and minds.
I wasn’t prepared to become so involved in the story and yet I was. From cover to cover it was difficult to put down. Through all the heartbreaking anguish and sorrow this is an inspiring story, a poignant story of grit, hope and the sheer determination to survive. It’s a story of courage and the will to fight for, live and to live free in a better world. This is a
fast paced, story of nonstop action, and dangerous, clandestine resistance. And in the midst of the horror of war, a love is found by two people, unlikely to have me otherwise. Together they strengthened the bonds of courage, hope and faith in a better tomorrow.
Hats off to Mr. Reit’s for this wonderful, well written, well researched and inspirational story.
September 19, 2021
In my heart's call, I believe Michael Reit's splendiferous tale is the fitting ode to the patriotic fight, and dedicated resistance the Poles gave Hitler and his marionettes.
Is there any other way I could describe this book? I cried with them, found my heart getting crushed on seeing the hardships they had to find themselves in, swear at the barbarism displayed by the Nazis, overwhelm my emotions in fury at the thought of things that could have been different had the allied forces kept their words, and above all, saw my heart swelling in admiration at the sheer bravery shown by the Poles, standing on their own legs, proving their loyalties to their country till their last breath.
To start with, there were a lot of things I loved about this book. The first has to be Michael's writing with this impeccable sense of flashing those horrendous image through his words, making my heart weep with every pulse that stopped due to the Nazi's inhumane response.
The second credits goes to the women and the men who inspired me, highlighting the purpose to live and to fight for things that were worth it. Let it be Kasia, Julia, Aga, Natan, Toni, Mordechai, Tomasz, Jerzy, Mischa, Maczek, Ludwik, Konrad and other people out there, they all stood out for their hunger for revenge with a cause. To go down fighting for everything that was worth it.
And then, there was this expressive patriotism when the author pens the words, and they were true to the emotion, not overtly cliched, nor forced.
Personally, I loved this book pretty much, and as I finish it, I look front up in the skies, and bow my head towards the impressive resilience the Poles displayed, admiring their fight, and marveling their determination, all the while wondering, just the way the author did on why their resistance didn't get the attention from history they deserved.
My heart goes to those fierce warriors watching over their country they fought so hard to stay with glory, and though I wouldn't know what they went through, my heart goes out for all of them, for their sacrifices, and the hardships they had to face, with nothing but stolen childhoods to stare.
Historical, Romance, and war fiction lovers! This book is so worth it!!!
PS: Thanks NetGalley for this precious ARC! Deciding on getting a paperback done too :)
As long as they drew breath, they had a chance. And with that, they fought. They were all in thi together. It didn't matter if you were a fighter, a civilian, or a Jew: You were a Varsovian, a Pole. And they'd fight until the bitter end.
#NetGalley #WarsawFury
Is there any other way I could describe this book? I cried with them, found my heart getting crushed on seeing the hardships they had to find themselves in, swear at the barbarism displayed by the Nazis, overwhelm my emotions in fury at the thought of things that could have been different had the allied forces kept their words, and above all, saw my heart swelling in admiration at the sheer bravery shown by the Poles, standing on their own legs, proving their loyalties to their country till their last breath.
To start with, there were a lot of things I loved about this book. The first has to be Michael's writing with this impeccable sense of flashing those horrendous image through his words, making my heart weep with every pulse that stopped due to the Nazi's inhumane response.
The second credits goes to the women and the men who inspired me, highlighting the purpose to live and to fight for things that were worth it. Let it be Kasia, Julia, Aga, Natan, Toni, Mordechai, Tomasz, Jerzy, Mischa, Maczek, Ludwik, Konrad and other people out there, they all stood out for their hunger for revenge with a cause. To go down fighting for everything that was worth it.
And then, there was this expressive patriotism when the author pens the words, and they were true to the emotion, not overtly cliched, nor forced.
Personally, I loved this book pretty much, and as I finish it, I look front up in the skies, and bow my head towards the impressive resilience the Poles displayed, admiring their fight, and marveling their determination, all the while wondering, just the way the author did on why their resistance didn't get the attention from history they deserved.
My heart goes to those fierce warriors watching over their country they fought so hard to stay with glory, and though I wouldn't know what they went through, my heart goes out for all of them, for their sacrifices, and the hardships they had to face, with nothing but stolen childhoods to stare.
Historical, Romance, and war fiction lovers! This book is so worth it!!!
PS: Thanks NetGalley for this precious ARC! Deciding on getting a paperback done too :)
As long as they drew breath, they had a chance. And with that, they fought. They were all in thi together. It didn't matter if you were a fighter, a civilian, or a Jew: You were a Varsovian, a Pole. And they'd fight until the bitter end.
#NetGalley #WarsawFury
March 12, 2022
Warsaw Fury: A World War 2 Polish Resistance Novel Based on True Events is written by Michael Reit. This novel tells of the work by resistance fighters in the Warsaw Ghetto. These brave young men and women held off the Nazis for almost a month with little help from the outside and with few guns and other ammunition. Some of the characters are based on real members of the Resistance and others were combinations of members while others are simply creations. The story of the Warsaw Uprising is true.
Natan Borkowski was the son of a leather maker. He worked part time at the factory; but was not always reliable as he was still a student and wanted to meet with his friends. The Borkowski’s were Jewish. Kasia Nowak was the Polish office manager of the factory and covered for Natan when she could. When the Nazis came to Warsaw and Aryanized the factory, she was kept on to help the transition. She kept Natan’s father updated on what was going on at the factory. Natan’s parents were killed when their house was bombed during the fight for Warsaw. Natan, with Kasia’s help, joined the Resistance to keep the Nazis out of Warsaw. Later, his work involved him in the Warsaw Uprising.
Julie Horowitz was the daughter of a Jewish shoe repairman. Since her older brother was working construction and bringing home a wage for the family, she was expected to work in the shop after her half-day at school. Julie didn’t want to be stuck in the shop or to marry as she was expected to do. Julie wanted to be a lawyer. However, it took talking to a highly regarded, but pompous, lawyer at a class meeting that her plans fell apart. He told her his law firm and many in the city would never hire a woman lawyer only secretaries. Plus, no one would hire a Jew. Her dream destroyed, Julie went back to working for her father as well as joining the Resistance. One day, she was out delivering shoes when the Nazis emptied the block of Jews. Unfortunately, Olek was also home, so he was taken with her parents for resettlement. Julie was now alone. She began working with the Resistance full time. Eventually, she was moved into the Ghetto and continued working for the Resistance within the Ghetto.
How the Uprising came about and how Julie and Natan helped follows eye-witness accounts within the Ghetto and from the few Resistors who survived the Ghetto Uprising.
Natan Borkowski was the son of a leather maker. He worked part time at the factory; but was not always reliable as he was still a student and wanted to meet with his friends. The Borkowski’s were Jewish. Kasia Nowak was the Polish office manager of the factory and covered for Natan when she could. When the Nazis came to Warsaw and Aryanized the factory, she was kept on to help the transition. She kept Natan’s father updated on what was going on at the factory. Natan’s parents were killed when their house was bombed during the fight for Warsaw. Natan, with Kasia’s help, joined the Resistance to keep the Nazis out of Warsaw. Later, his work involved him in the Warsaw Uprising.
Julie Horowitz was the daughter of a Jewish shoe repairman. Since her older brother was working construction and bringing home a wage for the family, she was expected to work in the shop after her half-day at school. Julie didn’t want to be stuck in the shop or to marry as she was expected to do. Julie wanted to be a lawyer. However, it took talking to a highly regarded, but pompous, lawyer at a class meeting that her plans fell apart. He told her his law firm and many in the city would never hire a woman lawyer only secretaries. Plus, no one would hire a Jew. Her dream destroyed, Julie went back to working for her father as well as joining the Resistance. One day, she was out delivering shoes when the Nazis emptied the block of Jews. Unfortunately, Olek was also home, so he was taken with her parents for resettlement. Julie was now alone. She began working with the Resistance full time. Eventually, she was moved into the Ghetto and continued working for the Resistance within the Ghetto.
How the Uprising came about and how Julie and Natan helped follows eye-witness accounts within the Ghetto and from the few Resistors who survived the Ghetto Uprising.
November 21, 2021
When I was first read Warsaw Fury's summary, I was skeptical of the plot also taking place during WW2. After Michael Reit's acclaimed debut book Beyond the Tracks, I thought that the quality of his 2nd book would be marginal if he developed his new book during WW2 as well. Oh boy did he prove me wrong. Not only did Michael delivered an action-packed story, he (once again) brought light to some of the lesser known heroes of the Polish resistance, all while being written in the enjoyable style that characterized him from his first book.
There is never a single dull moment through the book because the protagonist are constantly engaging with novel and (sometimes) life threatening situations (that is war after all) so you are constantly feeling the need to keep on reading what is going to happen next.
Since the book takes place during WW2, mandatory themes such as death, hopelessness, and despair were inevitably going to be touched. However, in spite of these dark themes, Warsaw Fury inspire us to keep going and not fall into dispair through the heroic actions of the protagonist.
While the protagonists have their motivations clearly defined in the first chapters of the book, they sometimes behaved in a superhuman way, which I personally felt that made them less relatable.
While Warsaw Fury departs considerably from Beyond the track in its genre, it nevertheless manages to instill the same joy, grief, anger, and hope that are ever-present in the plot. All in all, Warsaw Fury is an excellent addition to Michael Reit's collection and one that everyone should read!
There is never a single dull moment through the book because the protagonist are constantly engaging with novel and (sometimes) life threatening situations (that is war after all) so you are constantly feeling the need to keep on reading what is going to happen next.
Since the book takes place during WW2, mandatory themes such as death, hopelessness, and despair were inevitably going to be touched. However, in spite of these dark themes, Warsaw Fury inspire us to keep going and not fall into dispair through the heroic actions of the protagonist.
While the protagonists have their motivations clearly defined in the first chapters of the book, they sometimes behaved in a superhuman way, which I personally felt that made them less relatable.
While Warsaw Fury departs considerably from Beyond the track in its genre, it nevertheless manages to instill the same joy, grief, anger, and hope that are ever-present in the plot. All in all, Warsaw Fury is an excellent addition to Michael Reit's collection and one that everyone should read!
October 8, 2021
Princess Fuzzypants here: There are many stories of great heroism in the resistance against the Nazis in WWII. The invasion of Poland predicated the start of the war. They felt the full wrath of Blitzkrieg. But even with the overwhelming brutality of the invasion, there were still pockets in Warsaw that refused to give up. This included the Jewish ghetto where the common or garden cruelty was not the only thing. They also had to deal with entire neighbourhoods being removed from their homes and transported. When the full truth of the Holocaust became known, the patriots who resisted sought out support from the people resisting outside of the walls of the ghetto.
The pervasive anti-semitism that was accepted by the masses proved to be a stumbling block for many but there were those who admired courage wherever they found it and only saw Poles not Jews. They reached out and tried to support the effort. It was not until the Jews of the ghetto struck back at the Nazis that the leadership of the resistance, both in Poland and England where the leaders had gone in exile, that they provided the support that was needed. It was, alas, too little, too late but it is a beacon that shows what dedicated and brave individuals can do.
The book is also the story of two young people. One is a highly intelligent Jewish girl who must prove herself again and again. The other is an affluent young man who has enjoyed the best of everything. Both of them are stripped of all they hold dear and their loved ones. When they find each other, they are loathe to let it go and so adventure after adventure, trial after trial, danger after danger, they always seek out and find each other. The intertwining of their relationship within the framework of the historical events creates an urgency to turn the pages to find out what happens to them. It kept me up to the wee hours to finish it. That is the sign of a good and thrilling book.
Five purrs and two paws up.
The pervasive anti-semitism that was accepted by the masses proved to be a stumbling block for many but there were those who admired courage wherever they found it and only saw Poles not Jews. They reached out and tried to support the effort. It was not until the Jews of the ghetto struck back at the Nazis that the leadership of the resistance, both in Poland and England where the leaders had gone in exile, that they provided the support that was needed. It was, alas, too little, too late but it is a beacon that shows what dedicated and brave individuals can do.
The book is also the story of two young people. One is a highly intelligent Jewish girl who must prove herself again and again. The other is an affluent young man who has enjoyed the best of everything. Both of them are stripped of all they hold dear and their loved ones. When they find each other, they are loathe to let it go and so adventure after adventure, trial after trial, danger after danger, they always seek out and find each other. The intertwining of their relationship within the framework of the historical events creates an urgency to turn the pages to find out what happens to them. It kept me up to the wee hours to finish it. That is the sign of a good and thrilling book.
Five purrs and two paws up.
October 8, 2021
Warsaw Fury by Michael Reit explores another avenue of WWII, the resistance of the people of Warsaw once it was invaded. Natan and Julie live in Warsaw when it is invaded by Germany. They both wish to help and defend Poland and become part of the resistance in Warsaw although they are both under 21. Natan's family owns a shoe factory, but the Germans take over the factory for their own needs. Natan has no military experience but he draws on his strengths so he can help the resistance. Julia's father owns a shoe repair shop which is barely scraping by. When Warsaw is invaded, Julia's family is at great risk for they are Jewish. As the family struggles to survive, Julia steps up with innovative ways to help the resistance. Eventually Natan and Julia cross paths and work together through many challenges. Both face great losses but move forward to battle the Germans. Michael Reit has written a fascinating book about the people that rose up in Warsaw against the Germans where there was no Polish military in place. Some of the characters were real people, but Michael Reit did a great deal of research so that I felt like I was in war torn Warsaw. As the book unfolded, I couldn't put the book down because I was so drawn into the book. I have read many books set in WWII and found this book to be very realistic.
January 4, 2023
Good book, great characters, very interesting historical information
I love to read WW2 historical fiction books, and this author’s first book, Beyond The Tracks, is actually my favorite book that I’ve read. I know this author can do amazing work! This book was good! It just was not as amazing as his first book, in my opinion. However, don’t let that deter you! It’s enjoyable, entertaining, and a very valuable book to read! He writes about a little known but significant historical event, the Warsaw Ghetto Uprising. It’s very interesting. As someone who has read many books on WW2, this book surprised me by talking about things I had never even heard of. I found myself intrigued and thinking these things couldn’t have happened, but I did research and it is all based on real events and accurately told.
I appreciated and enjoyed the clean romance story woven through the book (with no sex scenes so many other books needlessly include). I will say there were some curse words though.
But all in all, an inspiring, interesting and informative historical fiction book to enjoy! It is worth the read! You’ll fall in love with the characters. They are strong, courageous, inspiring, and relatable.
I look forward to this author’s next book for my next read. The sequel to Beyond The Tracks was just published.
I love to read WW2 historical fiction books, and this author’s first book, Beyond The Tracks, is actually my favorite book that I’ve read. I know this author can do amazing work! This book was good! It just was not as amazing as his first book, in my opinion. However, don’t let that deter you! It’s enjoyable, entertaining, and a very valuable book to read! He writes about a little known but significant historical event, the Warsaw Ghetto Uprising. It’s very interesting. As someone who has read many books on WW2, this book surprised me by talking about things I had never even heard of. I found myself intrigued and thinking these things couldn’t have happened, but I did research and it is all based on real events and accurately told.
I appreciated and enjoyed the clean romance story woven through the book (with no sex scenes so many other books needlessly include). I will say there were some curse words though.
But all in all, an inspiring, interesting and informative historical fiction book to enjoy! It is worth the read! You’ll fall in love with the characters. They are strong, courageous, inspiring, and relatable.
I look forward to this author’s next book for my next read. The sequel to Beyond The Tracks was just published.
September 11, 2021
Seeking something distinctive that reflects innovative insights on the events of WW2?
Best Selling Author, Michael Reit, has created some good vibrations with his latest novel, Warsaw Fury. Based on true events, this novel finds its inspiration from the daily lives, contributions and relationships of the women, men, and children who were the faces of the Polish resistance.
Rather than pages and pages of emotional descriptions depicting carnage and ugliness inflicted by the Nazis, Reit decided to switch things around and focus on the human element. His main characters come fully armed with compassion, resilience, and hope.
Situated in Warsaw, the novel is divided into four sections taking the reader from 1939 through 1944. Each section draws the reader in by attracting the senses, and displays the author’s knowledge of his craft. There is a cadence in his passages that make this book a page turner. From one’s entrance into his book, until the very last chapter, the plot resonates to a crescendo over and over again! Tension is constantly present. This book is highly recommended!
Thanks extended to Michael Reit and BookFunnel for this Advance Review Copy.
September 21, 2021
A big Thank you to Net galley and Book Whisperer for offering a digital copy of this amazing book
Set during World War II, this is a story of people of Warsaw (Poland) who didn't succumb to death, slavery, and War. They fought for their freedom and their country's freedom.
A harrowing story of people during World War II shows how blatant a war can be. The most horrific and bravest of human nature can surface during the War. The book constitutes perspectives of Warsaw people (Polish & Jews).
Natan & Julia both became orphaned due to War, but they bravely fought for their country's freedom. Amidst this chaos, beautiful love blossoms between Natan & Julia.
This book is an experience for those who only heard about World War but never have felt it. This book shows how tragic Holocaust was. It made me realize that the bravest moment for humans was when they were most desperate. Brave are those who never yield to wrong no matter what. Michael Reit had captured the essence of barbarity and humanity at the same time.
It's a story of Bravery, Valour, Friendship, Freedom, and Love. Beautiful written, I loved this book!
Set during World War II, this is a story of people of Warsaw (Poland) who didn't succumb to death, slavery, and War. They fought for their freedom and their country's freedom.
A harrowing story of people during World War II shows how blatant a war can be. The most horrific and bravest of human nature can surface during the War. The book constitutes perspectives of Warsaw people (Polish & Jews).
Natan & Julia both became orphaned due to War, but they bravely fought for their country's freedom. Amidst this chaos, beautiful love blossoms between Natan & Julia.
This book is an experience for those who only heard about World War but never have felt it. This book shows how tragic Holocaust was. It made me realize that the bravest moment for humans was when they were most desperate. Brave are those who never yield to wrong no matter what. Michael Reit had captured the essence of barbarity and humanity at the same time.
It's a story of Bravery, Valour, Friendship, Freedom, and Love. Beautiful written, I loved this book!
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