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
kelvindj
Sat, 05/01/2021 - 07:57
I read this article. I think You put a lot of effort to create this article. I appreciate your work Bitcoin Revolution Canada
TIMELINE SEO
Sat, 05/01/2021 - 23:32
I should say only that its awesome! The blog is informational and always produce amazing things. punaises de lit paris
TIMELINE SEO
Sun, 05/02/2021 - 02:33
I’m going to read this. I’ll be sure to come back. thanks for sharing. and also This article gives the light in which we can observe the reality. this is very nice one and gives indepth information. thanks for this nice article.. 먹튀검증
kelvindj
Sun, 05/02/2021 - 06:13
Pretty section of content. I just stumbled upon your weblog and in accession capital to assert that I get actually enjoyed account your blog posts. Any way I will be subscribing to your augment and even I achievement you access consistently quickly. brand skating clothing
asim seo
Sun, 05/02/2021 - 10:50
this is really nice to read..informative post is very good to read..thanks a lot! health insurance plans canada
TIMELINE SEO
Mon, 05/03/2021 - 03:03
Move Out Cleaning Services UK
https://tidyups.co.uk/move-out-cleaning-services/
I got a move out clean scheduled for my apartment with Move Out Cleaning Services UK. I found tidyups online and called them up and they managed to fit me in for a clean at super short notice. the team came out and whipped round the property in no time at all, i was there on the day and they were happy to work around me as i was still working from home at that point. they were all very considerate of this and the cleaning was wonderful. I happen to have to move periodically due to my employment so i will be making sure i reach out to them next time i am relocating too
asim seo
Mon, 05/03/2021 - 16:40
Admiring the time and effort you put into your blog and detailed information you offer!.. Cialis
asim seo
Tue, 05/04/2021 - 13:32
I am very happy to discover your post as it will become on top in my collection of favorite blogs to visit. garage door repair Miami
asim seo
Wed, 05/05/2021 - 08:17
This is such a great resource that you are providing and you give it away for free. I love seeing blog that understand the value of providing a quality resource for free. garage door repair Weston
asim seo
Thu, 05/06/2021 - 14:33
Interesting topic for a blog. I have been searching the Internet for fun and came upon your website. Fabulous post. Thanks a ton for sharing your knowledge! It is great to see that some people still put in an effort into managing their websites. I'll be sure to check back again real soon. garage door repair Sunrise
kelvindj
Fri, 05/07/2021 - 07:51
Pretty section of content. I just stumbled upon your weblog and in accession capital to assert that I get actually enjoyed account your blog posts. Any way I will be subscribing to your augment and even I achievement you access consistently quickly. stripped skate t-shirt
asim seo
Fri, 05/07/2021 - 16:49
Interesting post. I Have Been wondering about this issue, so thanks for posting. Pretty cool post.It 's really very nice and Useful post.Thanks bitcoinvancouver.com
TIMELINE SEO
Sat, 05/08/2021 - 02:55
Great Article it its really informative and innovative keep here: with new updates. Its was really valuable. Thanks a lot. voyance par telephone gratuit
TIMELINE SEO
Sun, 05/09/2021 - 06:20
I love this blog!! The flash up the top is awesome!! Trap Beat
TIMELINE SEO
Sun, 05/09/2021 - 09:24
Wow what a Great Information about World Day its very nice informative post. thanks for the post open a merchant services company
asim seo
Mon, 05/10/2021 - 06:46
This is really a nice and informative, containing all information and also has a great impact on the new technology. Thanks for sharing it, ccleaner portable
TIMELINE SEO
Mon, 05/10/2021 - 09:26
Wow what a Great Information about World Day its very nice informative post. thanks for the post สล็อตมือถือ
TIMELINE SEO
Mon, 05/10/2021 - 22:09
Wonderful blog! I found it while surfing around on Yahoo News. Do you have any suggestions on how to get listed in Yahoo News? I’ve been trying for a while but I never seem to get there! Appreciate it. become a merchant services agent
TIMELINE SEO
Tue, 05/11/2021 - 00:27
Thanks for this great post, I find it very interesting and very well thought out and put together. I look forward to reading your work in the future. Mua tài khoản TradingView
.
TIMELINE SEO
Tue, 05/11/2021 - 06:56
Admiring the time and effort you put into your blog and detailed information you offer!.. merchant services business franchise
asim seo
Wed, 05/12/2021 - 11:17
I appreciate your efforts in preparing this post. I really like your blog articles. ufabet
TIMELINE SEO
Wed, 05/12/2021 - 15:06
I merely imagined it usually is a perception to write could possibly help anybody ended up being experiencing difficulity looking into nevertheless We are somewhat doubtful only are permitted to placed labels along with details in below. selling credit card processing
TIMELINE SEO
Fri, 05/14/2021 - 02:20
nice post, keep up with this interesting work. It really is good to know that this topic is being covered also on this web site so cheers for taking time to discuss this! North American Bancard ISO Program
asim seo
Fri, 05/14/2021 - 07:10
Thanks for this article very helpful. thanks. เครดิตฟรี mm88
kelvindj
Fri, 05/14/2021 - 14:25
Pretty section of content. I just stumbled upon your weblog and in accession capital to assert that I get actually enjoyed account your blog posts. Any way I will be subscribing to your augment and even I achievement you access consistently quickly. Football Kits
TIMELINE SEO
Fri, 05/14/2021 - 16:37
Excellent article. I want to thank you for this informative read; I really appreciate sharing this great post. Keep up your work! payment processing partners
TIMELINE SEO
Sat, 05/15/2021 - 03:29
Wow, awesome blog structure! How long have you been running a blog for? you made blogging look easy. The total look of your site is wonderful, let alone the content material! become an iso merchant services
TIMELINE SEO
Sat, 05/15/2021 - 06:58
Really appreciate you sharing this blog article. Thanks Again. Much obliged becoming a credit card processor
kelvindj
Sat, 05/15/2021 - 11:49
Indeed, this made them think what different exercises are useful for those of us who wind up out and about or have restricted gear choices. Omni Channel Customer service
kelvindj
Sun, 05/16/2021 - 04:28
You have done a amazing job with you website text now subscriber
asim seo
Mon, 05/17/2021 - 03:08
Hi! Thanks for the great information you havr provided! You have touched on crucuial points! ดูหนังฟรี
asim seo
Mon, 05/17/2021 - 05:40
This one is good. keep up the good work!.. เว็บคาสิโนออนไลน์
NIMRA SHAIKH
Wed, 06/23/2021 - 16:15
Love what you're doing here guys, keep it up!.. Healthcare products equipment in Waghbil
NIMRA SHAIKH
Fri, 06/25/2021 - 04:22
Very interesting blog. Alot of blogs I see these days don't really provide anything that I'm interested in, but I'm most definately interested in this one. Just thought that I would post and let you know. anniversary wishes for uncle and aunty
NIMRA SHAIKH
Sat, 06/26/2021 - 07:09
I appreciated your work very thanks vasikaran specialist
NIMRA SHAIKH
Sun, 06/27/2021 - 12:28
Thanks for posting this info. I just want to let you know that I just check out your site and I find it very interesting and informative. I can't wait to read lots of your posts. SEO Agency in London
jahanghir khatri
Mon, 06/28/2021 - 01:06
thank you for your interesting infomation. cinema near me
NIMRA SHAIKH
Mon, 06/28/2021 - 16:47
Very interesting blog. Alot of blogs I see these days don't really provide anything that I'm interested in, but I'm most definately interested in this one. Just thought that I would post and let you know. embroidery digitizing
NIMRA SHAIKH
Wed, 06/30/2021 - 05:45
Superbly written article, if only all bloggers offered the same content as you, the internet would be a far better place.. real estate agent Bellevue WA
mairakhatri khatri
Wed, 06/30/2021 - 12:00
it's really nice and manful. it's really cool blog. Linking is very useful thing.you have really helped lots of people who visit blog and provide them use full information. seo link building
mairakhatri khatri
Wed, 06/30/2021 - 12:01
Thanks for sharing this article. I think You put a great deal of exertion to make this article. I like your work. backlink white hat seo
asim seo
Wed, 06/30/2021 - 12:48
Superbly written article, if only all bloggers offered the same content as you, the internet would be a far better place.. real estate agent Oahu Hawaii
asim seo
Thu, 07/01/2021 - 13:27
I havent any word to appreciate this post.....Really i am impressed from this post....the person who create this post it was a great human..thanks for shared this with us. West Jordan garage door services
asim seo
Fri, 07/02/2021 - 03:35
Superbly written article, if only all bloggers offered the same content as you, the internet would be a far better place.. Alpine garage door company
asim seo
Fri, 07/02/2021 - 12:23
I havent any word to appreciate this post.....Really i am impressed from this post....the person who create this post it was a great human..thanks for shared this with us. garage door repair Renton WA
asim seo
Sat, 07/03/2021 - 06:22
I'm glad I found this web site, I couldn't find any knowledge on this matter prior to.Also operate a site and if you are ever interested in doing some visitor writing for me if possible feel free to let me know, im always look for people to check out my web site. laundromats near me
asim seo
Sat, 07/03/2021 - 10:24
Thanks for posting this info. I just want to let you know that I just check out your site and I find it very interesting and informative. I can't wait to read lots of your posts. Federal Way garage door
NIMRA SHAIKH
Sun, 07/04/2021 - 16:08
I have read your article, it is very informative and helpful for me.I admire the valuable information you offer in your articles. Thanks for posting it.. garage door Cottonwood Heights
asim seo
Mon, 07/05/2021 - 04:16
I havent any word to appreciate this post.....Really i am impressed from this post....the person who create this post it was a great human..thanks for shared this with us. garage doors Herriman
NIMRA SHAIKH
Wed, 07/07/2021 - 06:16
Superbly written article, if only all bloggers offered the same content as you, the internet would be a far better place.. garage doors Burien WA