The Warsaw Sisters by Amanda Barratt: Book Review

 *Book received for consideration. All thoughts are my own.

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 turns her worry into action and becomes a key figure in a daring network of women risking their lives to shelter Jewish children. 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 the sisters apart--and the cost of resistance proves greater than either ever imagined.

Shining a light on the oft-forgotten history of Poland during WWII and inspired by true stories of ordinary individuals who fought to preserve freedom and humanity in the darkest of times, The Warsaw Sisters is a richly rendered portrait of courage, sacrifice, and the resilience of our deepest ties.

Amanda Barratt is the bestselling author of numerous historical novels and novellas, including The White Rose Resists (a 2021 Christy Award winner) and Within These Walls of Sorrow. She is passionate about illuminating oft-forgotten facets of history through a fictional narrative. Amanda lives in Michigan. Learn more at AmandaBarratt.net. 

From the moment I saw the beautiful cover for this, I was absolutely drawn in and couldn't wait to read the story inside... and I have to say, the story was just as beautifully done as well!

I must admit, it took me a little bit to figure out who was who and exactly what was going on in the story... though I definitely think this was more of a me thing than anything. Once I got it all straightened out in my mind, I found myself very much drawn into the lives of these sisters and their life in Poland during WWII. The author did a wonderful job of bringing readers to that time and place... and all the horrors that it brought. The horrors they faced were accurate to history, I'm sure... but also made it a difficult read too. As such, while I think these are stories that absolutely need to be told and the author told it very well... I also can't say it was a super enjoyable read either. I had to step away many times for my own mental health. This had me tearing up many times, but also brought along a deeper admiration for those who lived through it. 

If you love historical fiction, this is definitely one worth reading!