NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER • One million copies sold! Inspired by the life of a real World War II heroine, this remarkable debut novel reveals the power of unsung women to change history in their quest for love, freedom, and second chances. “Extremely moving and memorable . . . This impressive debut should appeal strongly to historical fiction readers and to book clubs that adored Kristin Hannah’s that adored Kristin Hannah’s The Nightingale and Anthony Doerr’s All the Light We Cannot See.” —Library Journal (starred review)
New York socialite Caroline Ferriday has her hands full with her post at the French consulate and a new love on the horizon. But Caroline’s world is forever changed when Hitler’s army invades Poland in September 1939—and then sets its sights on France.
An ocean away from Caroline, Kasia Kuzmerick, a Polish teenager, senses her carefree youth disappearing as she is drawn deeper into her role as courier for the underground resistance movement. In a tense atmosphere of watchful eyes and suspecting neighbors, one false move can have dire consequences.
For the ambitious young German doctor, Herta Oberheuser, an ad for a government medical position seems her ticket out of a desolate life. Once hired, though, she finds herself trapped in a male-dominated realm of Nazi secrets and power.
The lives of these three women are set on a collision course when the unthinkable happens and Kasia is sent to Ravensbrück, the notorious Nazi concentration camp for women. Their stories cross continents—from New York to Paris, Germany, and Poland—as Caroline and Kasia strive to bring justice to those whom history has forgotten.
USA Today “New and Noteworthy” Book • LibraryReads Top Ten Pick
“Harrowing . . . Lilac illuminates.”—People
“A compelling, page-turning narrative . . . Lilac Girls falls squarely into the groundbreaking category of fiction that re-examines history from a fresh, female point of view. It’s smart, thoughtful and also just an old-fashioned good read.”—Fort Worth Star-Telegram
“A powerful story for readers everywhere . . . Martha Hall Kelly has brought readers a firsthand glimpse into one of history’s most frightening memories. A novel that brings to life what these women and many others suffered. . . . I was moved to tears.”—San Francisco Book Review
“[A] compelling first novel . . . This is a page-turner demonstrating the tests and triumphs civilians faced during war, complemented by Kelly’s vivid depiction of history and excellent characters.”—Publishers Weekly
“Kelly vividly re-creates the world of Ravensbrück.”—Kirkus Reviews
“Inspired by actual events and real people, Martha Hall Kelly has woven together the stories of three women during World War II that reveal the bravery, cowardice, and cruelty of those days. This is a part of history—women’s history—that should never be forgotten.”—Lisa See, New York Times bestselling author of China Dolls
“Profound, unsettling, and thoroughly . . . the best book I’ve read all year.”—Jamie Ford, New York Times bestselling author of Hotel on the Corner of Bitter and Sweet
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I got about 1/4 into the book and had to stop. It was just too brutal to continue
So tragic in parts. It is amazing they lived to tell their tales.
A sweet book and quick summer read.
I really liked this book but in the end I think I would have preferred a non-fiction book on the subject. The “romance” just got in the way and in my opinion was anything but romantic.
I’ve read many Holocaust novels, but this one disturbed me. I did find it informative and learned about the “lilac girls”. It was well-written and is a good book, but for some reason I didn’t enjoy it as much as other books of this genre.
Historical fiction based on fact. A great read and very informative.
This book was way out of my comfort zone but I found it to be a great read. Lilac Girls is told through three young women and as they tell their stories the horrors that they each face gradually unfold. While they suffer tragedy they do seem to reach happiness. This was a haunting but wonderfully written read.
This was one of my favorite reads so far this year. Such great characters and the story flowed so nicely. It was great on historical information and follows three women throughout WWII.
This book has some very difficult parts to read as it recounts the horror of the medical experiments the Natzis inflicted on some prisoners in one of the concentration camps. The lives of three women are followed pre, during and post WWII. Based on true events, the book follows closely two women…a Polish woman sent to a camp and an American woma a socialite who spent her adult life working on behalf of others less fortunate. Though parts of the book are grim , there is also inspiration to take from their stories.
Well-written with outstanding character development.
Very enlightening – sad but an eye opener
loved the different perspectives and personalities dealing with the same issue.
Excellent
Haunting tale of WWII including inspirational women – one of the best book club books our group has read
Wonderful WWII story of three women from different worlds throughout the war whose paths unknowingly cross. Great perspective on the time and difficulties of different types of ‘survivors’. Couldn’t put it down.
Interesting seeing the different realities of the same time period of three different women. Amazing how people can overcome adversity and also how easily one can fall into absolute evil.
It’s based on true facts.
I had high hopes for this book but it didn’t live up to them. It was slow moving and Left me with unanswered questions.
I’ve read many books about Camp experiences, all Jewish interns. This is the 1st book that made me realize just how many non-Jews suffered in like fashion. The Camp chapters were hard to get through but I’m glad I persevered. It’s a book that stays with you, and you continue to think about, long after finishing. It’s also a book where I re-read the final chapters because they were so satisfying! Also, I am truly pleased with the author bringing to life Ms C Farraday, an actual American women and tireless activist during WWII. Why don’t more Americans know about the amazing contributions of this extraordinary woman?
I did not like any of the three main characters, no redeeming qualities.
I bought this book based on the high reviews. No. No. No. This book is difficult to follow, switching around with three main characters. The story line is chopped up. I could not make myself slog through senseless reading. Not only did I put the book down,I deleted it from my library.