The Warsaw Sisters + Giveaway

On a golden August morning in 1939, sisters Antonina and Helena Dąbrowska send their father off to defend Poland against the looming threat of German invasion. The next day, the first bombs fall on Warsaw, decimating their beloved city and shattering the world of their youth.

When Antonina’s beloved Marek is forced behind ghetto walls along with the rest of Warsaw’s Jewish population, Antonina turns her worry into action and becomes a key figure in a daring network of women risking their lives to shelter Jewish children. Helena finds herself drawn into the ranks of Poland’s secret army, joining the fight to free her homeland from occupation. But the secrets both are forced to keep threaten to tear the sisters apart–and the cost of resistance proves greater than either ever imagined.

Shining a light on the oft-forgotten history of Poland during WWII and inspired by true stories of ordinary individuals who fought to preserve freedom and humanity in the darkest of times, The Warsaw Sisters is a richly rendered portrait of courage, sacrifice, and the resilience of our deepest ties.

My Review:

Phew! This book left me gutted and bruised, experiencing an emotional aftershock that still lingers. Barratt is an incredibly gifted writer — both in the mechanics of the art and in her ability to make her reader’s feel. And think. Honestly, you can’t come away from this book without thoughts and opinions and a heart hurting for these characters – especially when you are reminded that they represent millions of real people throughout this earth’s messy history.

I think what really upped the emotional angst for me is that I read ‘The Warsaw Sisters ‘in a world that is very nearly at the brink of what Hitler started back in the 1930s. The categorizing groups of people as evil, the heavy-handed use of propaganda, the racial slurs, intolerance of those classified as ‘other’…and so many other things that make up global politics these days. Barratt shows how all of that swayed ‘decent’ people and contributed to the persecution of the Jews, the Warsaw Ghetto, the death camps. And it breaks my heart, because I really don’t see that we have learned very much from the past.

So, is this a heavy book? Yes. Did it emotionally wreck me? Yes (and I’d be worried if it didn’t.) But does it also offer a thread of hope — slim though it may be, but strong nevertheless? Yes! But it’s also left me with the conviction that heroines like Antonia and Helena aren’t just part of our distant past; they are alive and fighting the good fight all around the world. And that has left me humbled.

I haven’t said anything about the plot — it reads as you might expect a WWII novel to — hardship and suffering buoyed up by brief flashes of joy. And that all important flicker of hope that keeps the characters moving forward during impossible times.

A stunning page-turner.

Book provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications Inc.

GIVEAWAY OPPORTUNITY:

This giveaway is for a gently read paperback and is available to any reader, any where — so, yay, another International Giveaway!

If you would like a chance to win a copy of The Warsaw Sisters , leave a comment below or email me at kavluvstoread AT yahoo DOT ca. If you add an email to your comment, remember to use AT and DOT instead of @ and . in order to protect yourself from spammers. If you enter the draw via email, please add the title to the subject line so it’s easy to spot your entry. Draw will be held and winner announced on Saturday December 16, 2023.

44 thoughts on “The Warsaw Sisters + Giveaway”

  1. I always enjoy WWII novels because I usually learn something in the reading process. I appreciate that you make it clear that it’s a tough read, but I think a book with a lot of depth is desirable. I can always alternate to read my next book with a lighter subject. I’ve been hearing a lot about this book on social media and it sounds like something I would like to read.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

  2. I’ve been looking forward to reading this one… but also a little afraid. My life’s a bit heavy right now and I’m not sure I can handle it. It sounds so good though and, I agree, Amanda is truly a gifted writer!

    dmandres5 at gmail dot com

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

  3. I agree, Kav! It’s a hard book to read and realize that things we never thought could possibly happen again are indeed happening in our world today. Such a tragedy! I’ve already read this book, so don’t enter me in the drawing, but I just wanted to say that Amanda Barratt’s books are excellent, though heart-wrenching. I’ve learned so much history from them. She’s a fantastic storyteller.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

  4. This sounds like another gripping and compelling read from Amanda Barratt. These WWII books are so gripping and heartbreaking at the same time. A continual reminder to not just read them for pleasure, but learn from them as well. Thanks for your thought-provoking review, Kav!

    Alison Boss
    nj(dot)bossman(at)gmail(dot)com

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

  5. Just when you think there’s no more books to right about WWII another one comes out based on true facts even though it’s fiction. cheetahthecat1982ATgmailDOTcom

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

  6. WOW! I knew “The Warsaw Sisters” was going to be a great book. That’s why it’s already on my TBR list. Your review just umped that desire way up. What a fabulous, emotional, heart wrenching, reminder of past events this story sounds. I can’t wait to read Antonia and Helena’s story!

    Thank you for the chance to win a copy!
    2clowns at arkansas dot net

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

  8. Great review, Kav. I’ve read it too and you’ve described it perfectly. So masterfully written. I highly recommend all of Amanda’s books. Each one is amazing. I’d still like to be entered in the giveaway and be able to donate this book to my church or public library. Thanks!

    ckbarker at gmail dot com

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

  9. I have always wanted to read this book, my grandmother fled Poland and told me what it was like to live there.
    I would be thrilled to read it. Thanks.
    cenyatwoathotmaildotcom

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

  11. I’m not really a huge WW2 (or any war) fiction fan, but I know when you rave about a book like this, that I need to sit up and pay attention. I’d give it a try on your recommendation alone Kav! Plus, I’ve heard Amanda’s writing is exceptional (she’s a 2023 Christy Award book of the year winner to boot!!).

    teamob4 (at) gmail (dot) com

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

  13. Don’t enter me as just chiming in as to how much I enjoyed your review. It is so important to learn from history, but, sadly, it seems bad things repeat themselves.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

    1. Yes!!! Sometimes I think it’s all the people who don’t need the reminders who are reading the history books. Gah! Always good to have reminders in our fiction both about the past and how we can change the future. Thanks for sharing, CC! Happy Reading!

      Like

      Reply

  14. I haven’t read a book by Amanda yet, but a WWII story has me convinced to try this one. I agree each author has a unique perspective when writing about WWII and all seem equally heavy to read but oh so fulfilling. Thank you for this one.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

  15. Looks like an interesting read. I’ve read WWII set in Italy, Japan, China, France and more. Im ready for Poland now. I enjoy history and love to feel drawn back in time.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

  16. Thanks for your review. This book will be a must read for me, so adding it to my list that also includes Within These Walls of Sorrow, to read next year.

    Sandyavery at comcast dot net

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

  18. Wow! This is a beautiful review, Kav, and you’ve put into words the emotions I felt when I read it a short while again. The Warsaw Sisters is a keeper!!
    cps1950ATgmailDOTcom

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

  19. This book has been on my wish list since back when you did the new releases giveaways. Even though the World War II books are usually hard to read I think it is important that we all know what people went through for freedom.
    pbclark(at)netins(dot)net

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
  20. Pingback: 2024 Carol Award Finalists – Historical + Giveaway – Kav's Best Reads
  21. Pingback: Christy Awards Finalists 2024 – Historical Fiction – Kav's Best Reads

Leave a comment