Review: Lilac Girls

 

Synopsis:

Inspired by the life of a real World War II heroine, this powerful debut novel reveals an incredible story of love, redemption, and terrible secrets that were hidden for decades.
 
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.

In Lilac Girls, Martha Hall Kelly has crafted a remarkable novel of unsung women and their quest for love, freedom, and second chances. It is a story that will keep readers bonded with the characters, searching for the truth, until the final pages.

My Rating: 5 stars

My Review: 

Lilac Girls by Martha Hall Kelly is a powerful story for readers everywhere. It’s war time and the Nazi are a real nightmare. Many have forgotten the horrors that many have faced. Innocent lives struggling to survive the horrendous fate awaiting them. Inside this historical remembrance tale, readers meet three women whose lives will forever change history. Martha Hall Kelly has brought readers a first hand glimpse into one of history’s most frightening memories. A novel that brings to life what these women and many others suffered.

Martha Hall Kelly’s debut novel, Lilac Girls, is symbolic of what happened in the past. Lilac being the flower that struggles through a harsh winter and yet still blooms later. Lila flowers grew in the back yard of one of the three women portrayed in this brilliant masterpiece. Readers will find three different paths crossing into one as they journey back to 1939. World War II was a terrible time. A time most would like to forget. Generations have no idea what it was really like during these times nor what suffering a majority of people were forced to take. Caroline, Kasis, and Herta are the three women described and relived in this stunning piece. Each one has a life so different than the others yet, all brought together. Death, loss, and fear were strong elements in this story. Yet love and hope persisted. I was moved with tears for all the lives lost during World War II. Overall, I highly recommend Lilac Girls to readers world wide.