Wonderful for tween readers interested in WWII and Poland. The magic adds an element of power to the bleakness of war and occupation, reminding us that the real magic comes from the human heart. ( )

‘’Across the sea, however, was a dark country. Its residents, huge rats whose appetites seemed as great as the ocean itself, had been crafted by a wicked witch from shadows, and tears and ash.’’

Karolina is a seamstress. She weaves starlight and wishes. When the Land of the Dolls is conquered by a vicious army of rats, she manages to escape to the world of the humans and finds herself in Krakow in 1939. Keeping company to the Dollmaker who fights his own demons, she realizes that his troubled soul and unique gift will lead them both to a perilous course as Poland is invaded by the Nazi monsters. When barbarity replaces humanity, when tortures replace toys, only magic can provide us with a possible escape…

Dear God, what can I possibly say about R.M.Romero’s outstanding novel? When the darkest hours in the History of our world blend with the magical, when the Fairytale becomes one with the Terror, you can only read and try to strengthen your heart because it is bound to break before long. She combines Krakow’s mysticism and culture with the unthinkable persecution of the Jewish people and the brave souls who helped them. The duality of the Dollmaker and the Rat reflects the battle between Peace and War, between Good and Evil, between Hope and Despair. The dolls come alive and the Polish myths provide the finest elements for Magical Realism to transform a tale of Terror into a tale of Hope.

Hoffman’s Tales, the heritage of Polish musicians, the resilience and bravery of the Jewish citizens of Poland, the mythical characters of Lakanica, Jánošík, Dogoda and the Firebird. The unbearable moments of the ghetto, the starvation, the people’s hatred towards innocent souls, the massacre, the Hell that was called ‘’Auschwitz’’ are depicted with sensitivity, lyricism and utmost tenderness. This is a tale that will tear you to pieces before it lets you smile through your tears…

Perhaps the nobody actors should read such books before they decide to ‘’grace’’ us with their ‘’opinions’’ on race and persecution…And yes, I am still mad!

Please, read this book. Give it to your children, to every young person. And repeat ‘’Never again’ page after page…

‘’You can destroy a person, Karolina, but destroying their story is far more difficult. No one is ever really lost as long as their story still exists.’’

My reviews can also be found on https://theopinionatedreaderblog.wordpress.com/ ( )

I usually don't read books with war as its backbone but this one was the exception. The war factor is covered by a thin layer of fantasy. It works really well and makes it easier to finish although it was heart wrenching. I think this is a good book for middle grade to teach them about the ugliness of war and how we must live on, rebuild and be strong despite the ruins of the war. ( )

How can such an enchanting story leave me so haunted? I didn't know anything about this book except that it occurs during World War 2 and I assumed it was merely historical fiction, which given the subject matter is heavy enough. I'd had it on my to be read list for months when I saw it at the library and checked it out.

Throughout the book, you hear two stories that of the occupation of the Land of the Dolls and that of occupied Poland. They begin to be eerily similar, and Karolina (the magical doll) is nervous about the safety of the doll maker, (German-born, Polish citizen Cyryl Brzezick). And the other human friends that she has come to love.

As you may expect with a story set in this period some, characters get happy endings while others bravely sacrifice themselves for others. Like a Hans Christian Anderson fairytale, the end will leave you in tears.

I'd put it in the older Middle-Grade age group for that reason. As always with a quality story, adults and YA readers may want to pick this up as well. I could see middle grade and high school students having some lively discussions while reading this. I'm adding it to my list of living books in the World War 2 category.

Please note that I borrowed this book from my library without a review requirement or any influence regarding review content should I choose to post a review. Apart from that, I have no connection at all to either the author or the publisher of this book. ( )

http://olvasonaplo.net/olvasonaplo/2018/12/17/r-m-romero-karolina-es-krakkoi-bab... ( )