It's a good book. WWII ( )

This was another fantastic, informative story about WWII that I knew little about. It's a great insight into what Poland endured during the war, and afterwards. I'd heard very little of the "ghettos" before this, and the author did a great job on researching details.
I loved the spirited teenager, Elzbieta, and the journey she pushes through, along with her fierce love of her adoptive family, and her country. Roman, another spirited teen whose personal family tragedies spur him to become involved in the resistance, is the other main character (the story is told from dual POVs.)
The author leads us along, weaving such a story of detail that I often felt I was there in the midst of the horrific crisis. It's the first book I've read by this author and I can't wait to read others by her.
I always enjoy learning information about WWII (one of my favorite topics) and this was another informative page-turner for me.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me a copy of this insightful book! ( )

No matter how many books I read that has anything to do with the Holocaust I will never understand how human can do what they did to other human beings back then. This one is no exception. What they people went through was heartrending to say the least. For Emilia and Roman to find love and then to be torn apart was sad. I am not afraid to admit that I also cried while reading this story. Then for Emilia to be degraded they was she was by those soldiers was horrible. Then for her to end up pregnant due to the rape by the soldiers and being told she would have to have the baby but can give it up must have felt like she was violated all over again. For her to come out and ask her mother about raising the baby after her conversation with Sara definitely took courage. I felt bad when Emilia finally agreed to see Roman only to tell him it was over between them was sad, but I too understood where she was coming from with him so hell bent on revenge, she couldn't risk her or her family's life again. When they came together later after he was almost killed in jail was a welcome sign that maybe now they could get their life back on track. When he was reunited with his sister the family ultimately agreed to give up as a baby to save her life was heartwarming. Knowing that Roman and Emilia were going to make her part of their lives made me smile. As I said I continue reading stories like this but will never comprehend what one human can do to another. ( )

Teenager Elzbieta spends all of her time in her adopted parents apartment, hiding from the control of the Nazi's. When she befriends her neighbor Sara, a nurse and member of the resistance, Elzbieta decides that she must become involved in the resistance. Roman, a Jewish resident of the ghetto, is struggling to keep his family alive. His newborn sister is in particular danger, as his mother struggles to get enough nourishment to feed her.

The intersection of Roman and Elzbieta's stories was done very well. Both characters were well developed and extremely likeable. My only complaint is that the book needed an epilogue. I really wanted to know what happened to the characters in the long run. Overall, 4 out of 5 stars. ( )

I haven't read a book by Kelly Rimmer that has disappointed me - every one of them has been fabulous. Her writing is beautiful and powerful and I love her stories that she shares. The vivid characters and scenes unfold in my head and I find myself lost in her books.

Thank you for allowing me to read this and give my honest opinion.