One of my New Year's resolutions for 2019 is to read two books per month, 24 for the year. I'm a bit behind on sharing my reviews. I'm on book #15, but for today I want to talk about book #13, Lilac Girls by Martha Hall Kelly.
The book was recommended to me by my best friend's mom. She knew I had a few summer trips coming up, and offered to lend me some of her favorites. The very first book she handed me off the pile was Lilac Girls.
I knew I was going to like it, because the book has one of the best opening lines I've ever read, "If I'd known I was about to meet the man who'd shatter me like bone china on terra-cotta, I would have slept in." I mean, you're hooked already, right?
The story begins in 1939 and is told from the perspectives of three different women - Kasia, Herta and Caroline. The chapters alternate between voices and I have to admit, it took me many, many pages to keep them straight!
Kasia is the younger of two sisters, living in Lublin, Poland. As World War II begins, she becomes part of the resistance movement, and is ultimately sent (along with her sister and mother) to Ravensbruck, a concentration camp for women.
That is where she crosses paths with Herta, a young and ambitious doctor who answers an ad for a government medical position and finds herself on staff at Ravensbruck, being asked to do heinous things to the female prisoners.
Across the ocean in New York City is Caroline, a volunteer at the French consulate, desperately trying to send aid to the people of France throughout the war.
I don't want to give too much away, but Caroline's path eventually intersects with Kasia and Herta too, intertwining their stories in very emotional ways.
It had been a long time since I'd read a book set in World War II, or one that describes the inhumane, cruel and evil acts of the Holocaust. Though the subject matter was extremely heavy, and at times I could feel myself holding my breath, Martha Hall Kelly's writing is so beautiful and poignant that I wanted to keep going.
At the close of the book there is a detailed author's note that provides context around the three main characters. She writes, "Lilac Girls is based on a true story. Caroline Ferriday and Herta Oberheuser were real people, as were all the Ravensbruck staff mentioned . . . In bringing them to life as characters, I have done my best to represent them in the fairest, most realistic way possible . . . Kasia Kuzmerick and her sister Zusanna are based on Nina Iwanska and her physician sister Krystyna, both operated on at the camp . . . Having two beloved sisters of my own, five sisters-in-law, and two daughters whose sisterly bond I've watched blossom over twenty-six years, it was impossible to remain unmoved by Nina and Krystyna's story."
She goes on to share all the places she traveled to do research for the book, the archives unearthed, and the survivors interviewed. I was really glad all of that was included. It made me appreciate the story even more.
Tell me, have you read Lilac Girls? Or the prequel Lost Roses?
Comments
jahanghir khatri
Wed, 11/11/2020 - 06:19
thanks for the tips and information..i really appreciate it.. سایت ریچ ۹۰
jahanghir khatri
Thu, 11/12/2020 - 07:31
I am unable to read articles online very often, but I’m glad I did today. This is very well written and your points are well-expressed. Please, don’t ever stop writing. آدرس جدید سایت ریچ بت 90
jahanghir khatri
Fri, 11/13/2020 - 05:30
thanks for the tips and information..i really appreciate it.. سایت ریچ بت
jahanghir khatri
Sat, 11/14/2020 - 01:54
I am unable to read articles online very often, but I’m glad I did today. This is very well written and your points are well-expressed. Please, don’t ever stop writing. اپلیکیشن سایت ریچ بت
NIMRA SHAIKH
Sat, 11/14/2020 - 05:02
i read a lot of stuff and i found that the way of writing to clearifing that exactly want to say was very good so i am impressed and ilike to come again in future.. Güvenlik soruşturması
jahanghir khatri
Sat, 11/14/2020 - 06:27
thanks for the tips and information..i really appreciate it.. سایت ریچ 90
NIMRA SHAIKH
Sun, 11/15/2020 - 03:33
This is a great inspiring article.I am pretty much pleased with your good work.You put really very helpful information... Güvenlik soruşturması
NIMRA SHAIKH
Sun, 11/15/2020 - 03:33
This is a great inspiring article.I am pretty much pleased with your good work.You put really very helpful information... Güvenlik soruşturması
jahanghir khatri
Sun, 11/15/2020 - 06:32
I am unable to read articles online very often, but I’m glad I did today. This is very well written and your points are well-expressed. Please, don’t ever stop writing. سایت شرط بندی یلماس بت
ayoub khatri
Sun, 11/15/2020 - 06:57
We are really grateful for your blog post. You will find a lot of approaches after visiting your post. I was exactly searching for. Thanks for such post and please keep it up. Great work. 7 Most Beautiful Beaches in India
jahanghir khatri
Mon, 11/16/2020 - 05:25
thanks for the tips and information..i really appreciate it.. آموزش شرط بندی فوتبال
kelvindj
Tue, 11/17/2020 - 06:20
An obligation of appreciation is all together to share the data, continue doing magnificent... I really savored the experience of exploring your site. incredible resource... umrah packages karachi
kelvindj
Tue, 11/17/2020 - 06:31
Well we extremely get a kick out of the chance to visit this site, numerous valuable data we can arrive. umrah packages karachi
NIMRA SHAIKH
Tue, 11/17/2020 - 11:52
I have bookmarked your blog, the articles are way better than other similar blogs.. thanks for a great blog! CCleaner RePack
kelvindj
Thu, 11/19/2020 - 03:47
This site and I consider this web website is extremely instructive ! Keep on setting up! private investigator torremolinos
kelvindj
Fri, 11/20/2020 - 08:23
I think I have never observed such web journals ever that has finish things with all points of interest which I need. So sympathetically refresh this ever for us. สุขภาพ
kelvindj
Fri, 11/20/2020 - 08:53
It's extremely pleasant and meanful. it's extremely cool blog. Connecting is exceptionally valuable thing.you have truly helped bunches of individuals who visit blog and give them usefull data. สุขภาพ
kelvindj
Fri, 11/20/2020 - 11:52
Uncommon tips and clear. This will be to a great degree supportive for me when I get a chance to start my blog. Sa gaming
kelvindj
Sat, 11/21/2020 - 03:14
A debt of gratitude is in order for the instructive and accommodating post, clearly in your blog everything is great.. JCPenney associates kiosk
kelvindj
Sat, 11/21/2020 - 08:27
This is also a fair post which I really savored the experience of scrutinizing. It isn't every day that I have the probability to see something like this.. Sa gaming
jahanghir khatri
Mon, 11/23/2020 - 05:09
Love to read it,Waiting For More new Update and I Already Read your Recent Post its Great Thanks. authorstream
kelvindj
Mon, 11/23/2020 - 07:17
I inquisitive more enthusiasm for some of them trust you will give more data on this subjects in your next articles. Houston Embroidery Service
jahanghir khatri
Tue, 11/24/2020 - 06:22
I am unable to read articles online very often, but I’m glad I did today. This is very well written and your points are well-expressed. Please, don’t ever stop writing. link alternatif casino
NIMRA SHAIKH
Tue, 11/24/2020 - 07:21
Wow what a Great Information about World Day its very nice informative post. thanks for the post. خرید فالوور اینستاگرام
jahanghir khatri
Thu, 11/26/2020 - 07:02
This particular papers fabulous, and My spouse and i enjoy each of the perform that you have placed into this. I’m sure that you will be making a really useful place. I has been additionally pleased. Good perform! web hosting in pakistan
NIMRA SHAIKH
Sat, 11/28/2020 - 10:08
Hi! Thanks for the great information you havr provided! You have touched on crucuial points! instagram takipçi satın al
asim seo
Sun, 11/29/2020 - 08:51
I know your expertise on this. I must say we should have an online discussion on this. Writing only comments will close the discussion straight away! And will restrict the benefits from this information. big data world
jahanghir khatri
Mon, 11/30/2020 - 04:28
Your blog has chock-a-block of useful information. I liked your blog's content as well as its look. In my opinion, this is a perfect blog in all aspects. raw garden carts
jahanghir khatri
Mon, 11/30/2020 - 07:20
One of the most important factors for small business owners is the price. You need a website builder that’s affordable now, and will still be affordable when your business grows. Think about how your site will evolve as your business grows. Ideally, you should be able to scale up easily when you need to. small business web design software
kelvindj
Mon, 11/30/2020 - 11:43
An obligation of appreciation is all together for the better than average blog. It was amazingly useful for me. I m playful I found this blog. Thankful to you for offering to us,I too reliably increase some new helpful learning from your post. 55printing quick and cheap business cards prints
asim seo
Tue, 12/01/2020 - 05:12
Your music is amazing. You have some very talented artists. I wish you the best of success. Güvenlik soruşturması
kelvindj
Tue, 12/01/2020 - 07:07
I'm awed, I should state. Once in a while do I go over a blog that is both enlightening and drawing in, and stunning, you ve hit the nail on the head. Your blog is basic.. rush printing for Brochures at 55printing
jahanghir khatri
Wed, 12/02/2020 - 01:23
Hello I am so delighted I located your blog, I really located you by mistake, while I was watching on google for something else, Anyways I am here now and could just like to say thank for a tremendous post and a all round entertaining website. Please do keep up the great work. web hosting karachi
kelvindj
Wed, 12/02/2020 - 02:06
This is also a fair post which I really savored the experience of scrutinizing. It isn't every day that I have the probability to see something like this.. pg
jahanghir khatri
Sat, 12/05/2020 - 01:30
This is a great inspiring article.I am pretty much pleased with your good work.You put really very helpful information. Keep it up. Keep blogging. Looking to reading your next post. Buy Marijuana USA
kelvindj
Sat, 12/05/2020 - 06:03
This is also a fair post which I really savored the experience of scrutinizing. It isn't every day that I have the probability to see something like this.. dark market url
jahanghir khatri
Sun, 12/06/2020 - 01:23
This is a great inspiring article.I am pretty much pleased with your good work.You put really very helpful information. Keep it up. Keep blogging. Looking to reading your next post. turnkeylinux
kelvindj
Tue, 12/08/2020 - 03:06
This is a fabulous post I seen by virtue of offer it. It is genuinely what I expected to see look for in future you will continue subsequent to sharing such an extraordinary post. smallbread maker
kelvindj
Tue, 12/08/2020 - 05:59
This is extremely exceptionally decent post you shared, I like the post, a debt of gratitude is in order for sharing.. pg
kelvindj
Tue, 12/08/2020 - 06:46
I am overpowered by your post with such a decent theme. Typically I visit your web journals and get refreshed through the data you incorporate yet the present blog would be the most obvious. Well done! pg
kelvindj
Tue, 12/08/2020 - 13:05
It is amazingly decent to see the best subtle elements introduced in a simple and understanding way. The Rain Makes Me Happy
kelvindj
Wed, 12/09/2020 - 05:59
This is a fabulous post I seen by virtue of offer it. It is genuinely what I expected to see look for in future you will continue subsequent to sharing such an extraordinary post. Womb Sounds
kelvindj
Wed, 12/09/2020 - 11:55
An obligation of appreciation is all together for the better than average blog. It was amazingly useful for me. I m playful I found this blog. Thankful to you for offering to us,I too reliably increase some new helpful learning from your post. Happy New Year Family Quotes
kelvindj
Thu, 12/10/2020 - 05:44
Incredible tips and straightforward. This will be exceptionally helpful for me when I get an opportunity to begin my blog. Cricket Sounds
kelvindj
Thu, 12/10/2020 - 06:16
To start with You got an awesome blog .I will be keen on more comparative points. I see you got extremely exceptionally valuable themes, I will be continually checking your blog much appreciated. Ocean Wave Sounds
DEATHSENTNOTE
Fri, 12/11/2020 - 03:21
SA GAMING
slotxo
slot
pg slot
pg slot
epicwin
joker game
ufabet
บาคาร่า
sa gaming
pg slot
epicwin
UFABET
ufabet
ดูบอลสด
สยามสปอร์ต
บาคาร่า
บาคาร่า
slotxo
slotxo
ufabet
pg slot
pg slot
epicwin
joker
slotxo
epicwin
slotxo
ดูหนังออนไลน์
pg slot
live22
pg slot
epicwin
epicwin
บาคาร่า
ข่าวกีฬา
slotxo
slotxo
PG SLOT
250
slotxo
คอร์ดเพลง
ดูหนังออนไลน์
pg slot
epicwin
epicwin
pg slot
slot
สล็อต
สุขภาพ
ซีรี่
อนิเมะใหม่
supercar
blog ท่องเที่ยว
slotxo
การ์ตูน 18+
ufabet
ดูการ์ตูน
เรื่องเสียว 18+
รีวิวเกมส์
กีฬา
ดูเกม
ความงาม/ศัลยกรรม
epicwin
epicwin
joker gaming
joker gaming
epicwin
epicwin
nova88
pg slot
pg slot
slotxo
saga gaming
joker
slotxo
pg slot
eSport
health-knowledge
dino-sport
sexybaccarat
sastar gaming
บาคาร่า
บาคาร่า
baccarat
fafacasino
gtrclub
jokergame
slotxo
ความงาม
สูตรอาหาร
ข่าวบันเทิง
ดูหนังออนไลน์
หนังโป๊18+
jahanghir khatri
Fri, 12/11/2020 - 05:38
This is a great inspiring article.I am pretty much pleased with your good work.You put really very helpful information. Keep it up. Keep blogging. Looking to reading your next post. besthoe
kelvindj
Sat, 12/12/2020 - 09:39
Exceptionally marvelous!!! When I look for this I discovered this site at the highest point of all websites in web crawler. flyers with cheap
Phisit :D
Sun, 12/13/2020 - 05:35
Good job.
live22
slotxo
joker
asim seo
Sun, 12/13/2020 - 12:20
WRS Web Solutions Inc. is able to offer various other services on request. It also has a background in Material Management, Supply Chain, and other areas of Logistics. rogers internet packages