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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The characters stay with you long after you’ve finished.
Good historical fiction of WWII era.
One of the best books i have ever read!
Inspiration amid tragedy and horror. There is still goodness and hope, even in the midst of war.
Great read
Slow at first but that was establishing characters
Once I really got into the book I didn’t want to put it down
So much history, those ladies endured a lot
Exceptionally good book. So sorry to see it end. Would recommend it especially if you like a long book.
It was rather sobering to read about people whom the Nazis actually experimented on, rather than just knowing it happened. The author handled this situation well. I enjoyed the book, and hearing about Caroline at the end of the book caused me to like her even more.
Unique look through a female lens of a dark time in our worlds history told through three different characters.
A WWII story that was very original and true. Loved it!
This historical novel provided three outlooks on WW2. One Lilac Lady is a trying to exist in a Nazi Prison Camp, one lady lives in Europe and one Lilac Lady longs to join in aiding in relief in the war effort while safe in the USA.
Sometimes it was confusing to jump from one character’s life story to another and recall what was occurring.
This is one of the best books on the Holocaust I have ever read in my 70 years of reading. Each character was uniquely herself, each from different stations in life. Each, with the exception of one, faced with the genocide that defined the Nazis were arrested and taken to the same camp. Their unity, friendship, concern one for the other, and bravery are a true inspiration.
Outstanding novel, based on a true story from WW ll. The stars of the story are Polish women who were tortured in a Nazi concentration camp. These brave women succumbed to ghastly operations. My heart went out to these victims.
I love reading historical fiction. I’ve read many about WWII and the concentration camps, but this one was so different. This story truly touch me.
Wonderful book based on real people. I loved it!
Beautifully told tale.
This book brought a little known history to light in an interesting, entertaining and well written way.
This is a must read. Based on actual history. Horrifying in some aspects (what people are capable of doing) but also inspirational. I whole hardheartedly recommend this book. Even reading about how the author began her journey to write this book was amazing.
I read this book in 2 days — could not put it down.
I loved this book! An unusual story of Ww2
WWII saga with three storylines , so well written and researched.