 Author: Amanda Barratt Genre: Historical Fiction Pages: 384 Release Date: November 7, 2023 Publisher: Revell A richly rendered portrait of courage, sacrifice, and resilience On a golden August morning in 1939, sisters Antonina and Helena Dąbrowska send their father off to defend Poland against the looming threat of German invasion. The next day, the first bombs fall on Warsaw, decimating their beloved city and shattering the world of their youth. When Antonina's beloved Marek is forced behind ghetto walls, along with the rest of Warsaw's Jewish population, Antonina knows she cannot stand by and soon becomes a key figure in a daring network of women risking their lives to shelter Jewish children. Meanwhile, Helena finds herself drawn into the ranks of Poland's secret army, joining the fight to free her homeland from occupation. But the secrets both are forced to keep threaten to tear them apart--and the cost of resistance may prove greater than either ever imagined.
 Reviewer: Lauren Nel “When a man is a fanatic, he is capable of anything, and that man, Hitler, is one of the greatest fanatics I have ever heard.” (p. 7) The book "The Warsaw Sisters" turned out to be truly remarkable. It chronicles the experiences of Antonina and Helena Dabrowska during World War II as they endure numerous hardships and trials. What stood out to me the most was how the book shed light on the suffering endured by the people of Poland under Hitler's rule. While I've read many books about the atrocities faced by Jewish people, it was enlightening to learn more about the persecution faced by others. Antonina and Helena are captivating characters. The story alternates between their perspectives, providing deep insights into both of their lives. The growth of these characters throughout the book is immense, illustrating the resilience and strength that can emerge even in the face of terrible times. The book also delves into the question of where God is in the midst of tragedy. I couldn't help but ponder how a loving God could embrace such broken individuals, given the harrowing experiences the sisters faced. Another aspect of the book that I found enjoyable was the development of friendships and relationships. The sacrifices made by the sisters and other characters showcase that despite the capacity for humans to commit horrific acts, we are still capable of love, trust, and care for others. The book embodies many examples of 1 Corinthians 13:4–8, as the characters prioritize the well-being of others over self-preservation. Furthermore, the power of words is a significant theme in the book. James 3:8 says, “But no human being can tame the tongue. It is a restless evil, full of deadly poison.” The book really reminds us that words have the ability to inflict pain, from Hitler's poisonous rhetoric that affected the hearts of Germans and their allies to the harsh words exchanged between Antonina and Helena, causing a rift in their relationship. It serves as a constant reminder that words possess real power, influencing thoughts, actions, hope, and healing. It also emphasizes that secrets can create barriers, and unspoken words can create division. “Perhaps courage is to be afraid, but to hold on still until the end.” (p.182) Lastly, the book highlights bravery. It showcases the courageous deeds of the Polish people, who not only protected their own but also risked their lives to save their Jewish counterparts. It demonstrates that ordinary individuals can make a significant difference and that true character is tested during challenging times. This beautiful book instills hope in me, inspiring me to have the courage to do what is right, to love despite hardships, and to foster relationships amidst uncertainty. Thank you to Revell, NetGalley, and Interviews and Reviews for a free copy of this book. All opinions are my own. Reviewer: Connie Porter Saunders I just finished The Warsaw Sisters, and I'm once again in awe of this author's writing talent. I was immediately transported to 1939 Poland and fully engaged in the moving story of two sisters who find their lives altered forever by the events of WWII. Antonina and Helena's homeland is overtaken by German occupation, and author Amanda Barratt offers a stunning depiction of despair, grief, and extreme brutality that is buffered by hope, faith, and the strength of the human spirit. The Warsaw Sisters is told from the POVs of both Antonina and Helena, and we're shown each twin's thoughts about being separated from each other and the difficult choices that they make to survive. Barratt's extensive research is evident as she seamlessly weaves facts and fiction into a riveting tale that spans a period of five years. The emotions are often raw and powerful, and I was left to wonder how I would have reacted in the same circumstances. Barratt has written other books about the plight of Jews during World War II, and this story illustrates why she's becoming one of the leading authors in historical fiction. I highly recommend The Warsaw Sisters! I received a complimentary copy courtesy of Revell through Interviews & Reviews for my honest opinion. Reviewer: Winnie Thomas “I know only that my father taught me if a man is drowning, you cannot simply stand on the shore and pity him. You must dive into the water and try to pull him out, even if you cannot swim, or else how can you call yourself a human being?” With a setting in Poland during the years of World War II, Amanda Barratt’s book, The Warsaw Sisters, paints a stunning and heart-wrenching picture of the Polish people and their resistance efforts against the German occupiers. Well-researched and beautifully written, Barratt doesn’t shy away from the horrors of the war and the brutality of the occupation. Based on true accounts of heroic men and women, this story shows the courage of ordinary and extraordinary citizens of Warsaw. The two sisters, Antonina and Helena, chose different ways to assist others and resist the Germans. They each did what they could to fight for freedom and alleviate the suffering of others, despite the danger to themselves. “But there are some acts which are justified by no cause, despite what any man may tell himself. It is out of such things that wars are born, and it is the innocent whose suffering is laid on the altar of victory.” “To live without hope of freedom is not to live at all.” The characters are well-drawn, realistic, and compelling, and drew me into the story quickly. Amid the horrors and heartaches the characters endured, the author added inspiration, faith, and hope for the future, and the assurance that God is with us even in our deepest trials. “For in the moments when it seemed no heart could bear such emptiness, I had learned God is nearest in our shattered places.” This book spotlights once again why Amanda Barratt is one of my favorite historical fiction authors. Her meticulous research and brilliant storytelling skills make her stories compelling must-reads. I recommend this book to those who enjoy outstanding historical fiction. I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy from Revell through Interviews & Reviews. All opinions are my own. Reviewer: Lori Parrish I have many mixed emotions about this novel. Mostly sad and horrifying. I can't imagine or even want to think about what those poor people, especially the Jews, went through! What a scary feeling for all involved! This book had me in tears and never has a book ever done that. My heart hurt for these two sisters who were thrown into this war through no choice of their own, but I did admire how each one did their part. I liked how Barrett has done her research for this book to make it real and believable. I could picture all the action taking place within these pages. Even the bombs falling on Warsaw. I found myself praying for all those involved in this horrible war. I admired their courage, faith, hope, resilience, and determination for survival. I was also pleased to see that God was mentioned throughout the book. I love the reminder that God is hope and light, even when days of darkness surround us in times of trouble. A very powerful and emotional read that will not let you go until the sister's story is finished. I learned much about the events that took place that I'd never heard of before. 5 stars I received a complimentary copy courtesy of Revell through Interviews & Reviews for my honest opinion. Reviewer: Linda Klager I could tell that the author put a lot of effort into researching the facts. The story of these two twin sisters was so fascinating. Some of the events were also disturbing, but because of the subject matter, this could not be avoided. The story begins on August 31, 1939, in Warsaw, Poland. Antonina and Helena were twins, and they had a very close relationship with their father. Their mother had died years ago. The father was called up to serve in the Polish Army. Germany was to soon occupy Poland. Antonina and Helena decided to go and live with their father's sister, Aunt Basia. These three women were devoted to each other. One day, the girls' lives were uprooted when their aunt was suspected of the murder of some German soldiers. This did not end well for dear Aunt Basia. Antonina and Helena must go on with their lives. Antonina had a dear friend who was a violinist. His name was Marek. Antonina and Marek would practice Chopin melodies together. She played the piano, and he played the violin. This love of music led to a very close relationship with each other. Marek was a Jew, and his life was in grave danger. Helena had a job as a typist. Every day, the people of Poland were given stricter orders from the Germans who occupied their country. Later, Jewish people were put into a very small area called the Ghetto. Food was scarce, and the treatment of these people was not good. The girls had not received any letters from their father for a very long time. You can imagine what might have gone through their minds about what happened to him. They felt all alone and needed to rely on their instincts to get by. Bombs kept falling, and there was much devastation. Some people who went to what they thought were safe cellars perished when the bombs directly hit where they were hiding. I have to admire how the people in Poland tried everything in their power to survive, and later on, they fought back. It was not good to live in Poland at that time. The author used historical facts and weaved these facts into very interesting but dangerous situations. You will not be able to put this book down once you start to read it. I received a complimentary copy courtesy of Revell through Interviews & Reviews for my honest opinion. Reviewer: Paula Shreckhise As always, Ms. Barratt takes an important event, a heart wrenching tragedy, and allows us to live the journey along with the characters. “The soul can shatter in silence as well as in tears.” “I had learned God is nearest in our shattered places.” This is the tale of two sisters who bravely fought in different ways under the oppression of invaders in Warsaw during WWII. Once close, twin sisters Antonina and Helena got separated as a result of the evil occupation by the Germans. “War left everything in fragments. Even bonds that should be unbreakable.” Based on extensive research, real events, and historical figures, Ms. Barratt shows perseverance and hope in the midst of despair without glossing over the facts. The author brings home the harsh reality of the Poles, who were made an example of by unspeakable acts of savagery during wartime. It is raw, sometimes brutally so, but this is a story that needed to be told so that we never forget what depravity human beings are capable of. Yet she also champions the souls who fought for their fellow citizens and their beloved city, while also showing their imperfections. It was thought-provoking, for sure. Be prepared for emotions to surface. A complimentary copy of this book was provided by Revell through Interviews & Reviews. I was not required to post a favorable review. All opinions are my own. Reviewer: Katie Slocum “No matter what we are asked to bear on earth, our days are in the hands of God.” As the Germans invade their home city of Warsaw and continue to occupy for five years, sisters Antonina and Helena are asked to bear much. Although they suffer loss after excruciating loss, they ultimately learn to lean on God to survive. The writing was extraordinary, smoothly alternating between the two sisters’ points of view, and every part of their story was described in vivid detail. I felt the ground vibrate beneath me as I stood on the street and watched the German soldiers march into the city. I smelled the buildings burning and tasted the acrid air. I heard the approaching planes from the damp basement where I hid. My heart broke at the loss of all held dear. It gave me an entirely new perspective of the holocaust and the massive amount of suffering of so many, Jew and gentile alike. The sheer amount of research completed by the author is abundantly evident. Set in the actual events of war-torn Poland, with characters based on real people, this book is a remembrance of all those who lost their lives to the Nazi regime, whether those lives were taken from them or they were laid down willingly by ordinary people in defense of freedom. While there is ample violence portrayed, it is all in the context of war and, in my opinion, necessary to portray the truth of what really happened. I have read many books about WWII, fiction and nonfiction alike, but none as gripping and vivid as this one. The Warsaw Sisters drew me in from the very first page and would not let go. As I tried to put myself in the sisters’ shoes and wondered how I would react in the same circumstances, it was impossible to even imagine needing to make such choices. I recommend that every adult read this book. You will leave part of your heart with Antonina and Helena, wondering until the very end what will happen to them. It will stay with you, challenge you, and change you for the better. “For as the tide ebbs, but in the end returns, so too is the bond between sisters. Changing yet changeless. Indelible. Unbreakable.” I received a complimentary copy of this e-book from NetGalley through Interviews & Reviews. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Reviewer: Laura J. Davis
Amanda Barratt delivers another engrossing WWII story that does not hold back on the horrors of war. In this riveting, intense, and emotionally driven story, we meet two sisters, Antonina and Helena Dąbrowska, who have just sent their father off to defend Poland against Hitler's forces. The next day, Warsaw is bombed, and the two women are thrust into a fight for not only their lives but also the lives of their neighbours, their faith, and their values. The author's exquisite writing provides spellbinding and sensory overload to readers that will leave them breathless. In fact, this novel is not for the faint of heart. If not for the subject matter, this book would have been removed from our database due to the violence. But Barratt has taken an engrossing story—two sisters with secrets that tear them apart—and dropped them into the most brutal world war in history. I am still reeling! I feel like I have just watched a movie, and like most good movies, it won't let me go. The brutality inflicted on the Jewish people, the senselessness of war, and the desperation that it leads to are all depicted in a way that is both realistic and necessary. While God is rarely mentioned, when He is, it is with honesty from the characters, given the situation they found themselves in. Hope is the underlying theme in this book. Hope for a better tomorrow, for peace, for love, and for two sisters who do the right thing in the face of inexplicable evil. I love to be entertained and enlightened while I'm reading. Barratt's research into the Warsaw Ghetto, the uprising there, and what Poland went through during the war gave this reader much to think about. I highly recommend it. I received a complimentary copy courtesy of Revell through NetGalley for my honest opinion. Your comment will be posted after it is approved.
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