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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Great character development. Caused me to immediately read more history. Such a tragedy.
Excellent!!!
Wonderful story of the rest of the world in WWII, lest we forget that it wasn’t just us.
One of the best, most intense WWII books I have read. It ranks up there with The Nightingale (by Kristin Hannah) as one of my favorites of this genre.
This look at women facing the harrowing turns their lives take during WW2 was overpowering. Difficult to put down. As many WW2 books I read, the notion of Hitler controlled Europe still seems unbelievable. This is a must read.
One of the best I’ve read!
Lovely story
Amazing way to relate different lives affected by World War 2
I loved this book. The 3 characters were from very different places, different ethnicities, and reacted to their life situations in ways that gave me a far greater understanding of WWII. I like the way the women were followed in their lives after the war. Everybody should treat themselves to reading this book
One of those books that’s easy to stay with . Can’t wait to get back to it. I really liked it.
slow start.. didn’t finish
The story grabbed me from the start!! How brave the lilac girls were at a time when being brave could mean your life.
Yet another concentration camp novel. This one was a NYTimes bestseller, but I’m not sure why — not as good as some of the others. “Lilac Girls” (does that title really fit?) was different in that one of the main characters was a Nazi doctor, a second a NY socialite. Generally these stories are from the point-of-view of the prisoners. The socialite doesn’t become involved with the victims until about page 400 (of 476). Based on real people.
A view of WWII and those who played a part.
great true story
This was an incredible book, based on a true story. Told from three different points of view, you get a good representation of the world during WWII and specifically what was happening to women imprisoned in the camps. The author did a great job of linking the stories and keeping your interest throughout the book. I definitely recommend Lilac Girls.
Amazing! What courage and tenacity all these women had!
Great read!
I absolutely loved this book. Such a great story about the strong bond between women despite social and economical differences. Encouraging and uplifting.
Informative historical fiction.