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
more
Informative but also depressing
I loved this book. It really explores many relationships (siblings, parents, freinds, adversaries, lovers etc.).
This was one of my favorite books. I highly recommend it, even if you’re not into historical fiction. Beautiful writing and a wonderful story.
Strong female characters and love history. Great story.
This book graphically depicts the brutality of the Nazi’s in WW II. EXCELLENT BOOK, BUT I HAD TO READ IT IN SMALL INCREMENTS. as the cruelty was more than I could tolerate for lengthy reads bi recommend, but not for young readers.
I quit reading it half way through. Too wordy. Kept waiting to bring things together.
I love the building of the 3 characters. All so different in different circumstances during the same period.
Strong women.
It was well written, informative.
I could not finish this book.It was good, educational, good character development, but I could not continue reading about the war camps and what went on there. I had to stop.
Loved!
a good read
Good character development. Although tragic in some ways, a good and hopeful ending.
Based on a true story during World War II, this book is focused on a group of women who were in a Nazi concentration camp. I must admit my ignorance on many of the heinous deeds committed against the Polish Jewish women. It was difficult to read some parts of this book but I am glad that I did and that I now have a deeper understanding of these brave women.
This book was absolutely moving and mesmerizing. It really puts you in the shoes of someone that has walked through the coals of the Holocaust and the people who survived the war. Truly spectacular book.
Can not believe the horrible things that took place during the war. You feel everything in this book in your bones
loved this book
this is a book to reckon with. The women are genuine, the story is historically correct though it is a work of fiction. You will thoroughly enjoy the lilac girls, as I did.
Women supporting women!
Enjoyable, light read!
Three separate women living during WWII share vastly different experiences. All 3 characters are well developed and have interesting back stories. Read it to see how they eventually intertwine; you won’t be disappointed.