The Warsaw Orphan: A WWII Novel

The Warsaw Orphan: A WWII Novel

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  • Create Date:2021-06-01 12:31:36
  • Update Date:2025-09-06
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  • Author:Kelly Rimmer
  • ISBN:1665069066
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Summary

In the spring of 1942, young Elzbieta Rabinek is aware of the swiftly growing discord just beyond the courtyard of her comfortable Warsaw home。 She has no fondness for the Germans who patrol her streets and impose their curfews, but has never given much thought to what goes on behind the walls that contain her Jewish neighbors。 She knows all too well about German brutality--and that they're the reason she must conceal her real identity。 But in befriending Sara, a nurse who shares her apartment floor, Elzbieta makes a discovery that propels her into a dangerous world of deception and heroism。

Using Sara's credentials to smuggle children out of the ghetto brings Elzbieta face-to-face with the reality of the war behind its walls and to the plight of the Gorka family, who must make the impossible decision to give up their newborn daughter or watch her starve。 For Roman Gorka, this final injustice stirs him to rebellion with a zeal not even his newfound love for Elzbieta can suppress。 But his recklessness brings unwanted attention to Sara's cause, unwittingly putting Elzbieta and her family in harm's way until one violent act threatens to destroy their chance at freedom forever。

Inspired by the real-life heroine who saved thousands of Jewish children during WWII, The Warsaw Orphan follows Elzbieta and Roman's perilous attempt to reclaim the love and life they once knew。 From Nazi occupation to the threat of a communist regime, Kelly Rimmer has penned her most meticulously researched and emotionally compelling novel to date。

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Reviews

Sally Hepworth

After reading this one, Kelly Rimmer will be your new favourite author (or your old favourite, if you already loved her)

Laurie • The Baking Bookworm

This was an interesting story loosely based on real events in Warsaw, Poland during World War II。 At times, the story is quite emotional and Rimmer does not hold back describing the war-time atrocities, bleakness and terror that were felt on the streets of Warsaw during Nazi rule。The story has a slower pace, and I was most impressed by Rimmer's depiction of the era - from the German propaganda, rumours, and their ruthless actions, to the fear of the Polish people which were balanced with glimpse This was an interesting story loosely based on real events in Warsaw, Poland during World War II。 At times, the story is quite emotional and Rimmer does not hold back describing the war-time atrocities, bleakness and terror that were felt on the streets of Warsaw during Nazi rule。The story has a slower pace, and I was most impressed by Rimmer's depiction of the era - from the German propaganda, rumours, and their ruthless actions, to the fear of the Polish people which were balanced with glimpses of joy, family and friendship。 I was captivated by these vivid, emotional descriptions, but found the story itself to sometimes feel heavy with dialogue and, at times, I found that the voices of Elzbieta and Roman blended together。The characters were well-developed with good depth and a few that weren't likable but had believable faults, showcasing different aspects of the war。 The story is told through the POVs of Elzbieta and Roman, young people who deal with events and emotions quite differently。 Through their eyes, readers feel the despair and desperation of the Jewish people living within the ghetto walls and those trying to help them escape。 The ending is satisfying and quite neatly done, but I would have loved an epilogue to see how things turned out。 This is a poignant story that doesn't hold back as it describes the atrocities inflicted against the Warsaw Jewish community and those who tried to aid them。 While it is often brutal in its telling, Rimmer also gives her readers glimpses of joy, family and friendship and strong themes of courage, strength, and resiliency。 Recommended for Historical Fiction fans! Look for it June 1, 2021!Disclaimer: My sincere thanks to Graydon House for my advanced copy of this book in exchange for my honest review。 。。。more

Kate

This was a hard book to read, but I’m glad it did。 So much tragedy, but very well written。

Shelagh

What a gripping, haunting, shocking, raw and at times horrifying book The Warsaw Orphan has been。 I simply could not put it down。 I’ve read several books set in Warsaw during World War Two but I don’t recall any of them containing quite such graphic imagery as this one。 The story is told through the eyes of two teenagers。 It begins in 1942 when Emilia is nearly fourteen and is living with her adoptive parents outside the Warsaw ghetto under an assumed name。 Roman is sixteen, half Jewish and half What a gripping, haunting, shocking, raw and at times horrifying book The Warsaw Orphan has been。 I simply could not put it down。 I’ve read several books set in Warsaw during World War Two but I don’t recall any of them containing quite such graphic imagery as this one。 The story is told through the eyes of two teenagers。 It begins in 1942 when Emilia is nearly fourteen and is living with her adoptive parents outside the Warsaw ghetto under an assumed name。 Roman is sixteen, half Jewish and half Catholic and shares one room of a crowded apartment with his family, who are starving。 Both Emilia and Roman feel obligated to do their bit。 For Roman it is the constant battle to find food for his family, while Emilia is committed to helping her neighbour Sara to ease the suffering。As the war progresses, the atrocities ramp up and I wondered whether there was ever any hope for these two。 This book is brilliantly written with the war-torn landscape so skilfully described I felt as though I was there too。 Despite the horrors that are depicted, this is a story of courage and hope and one I can’t recommend,end highly enough。 。。。more

Janet Fiorentino

I am a fan of historical fiction, especially stories set in WWII and its aftermath, and adored Kelly Rimmer’s novel, “The Things We Cannot Say。” Hence, when I was given a chance to review “Warsaw Orphan,” I came to the novel with high expectations。 Boy, did this story blow me away。Here, we meet teenaged, Elzbieta Rabinek who lives in Warsaw with her adopted parents Truda and Mateusz。 Her parents do their best to shield her from the war, but when Elzbieta befriends Sara, she learns the realities I am a fan of historical fiction, especially stories set in WWII and its aftermath, and adored Kelly Rimmer’s novel, “The Things We Cannot Say。” Hence, when I was given a chance to review “Warsaw Orphan,” I came to the novel with high expectations。 Boy, did this story blow me away。Here, we meet teenaged, Elzbieta Rabinek who lives in Warsaw with her adopted parents Truda and Mateusz。 Her parents do their best to shield her from the war, but when Elzbieta befriends Sara, she learns the realities of war。 Sara is a nurse and social worker who secretly visits the Ghetto so that she can bring medical care and supplies to those who desperately need it。 Elzbieta begins to assist Sara and meets Roman Gorka who struggles to survive with his family in horrendous conditions。 Of course, Elizbieta and Roman fall for each other, but this novel is much more than a tragic romance, but a tale of endurance。 Elzbieta is a strong character who is very wise and mature for her age。 Roman is much more angry (and vengeful), but the reader can understand why。 I read both “Warsaw Orphan” and “Forest of the Vanishing Stars” around the same time and loved both books。 It should not shock me, but it does how horrific people can treat one another and how a label can determine your fate。 Kelly Rimmer does not hold back on the heinous nature of war and readers may find certain passages deeply disturbing, yet, like her other novels, there is a message of hope and humanity prevailing。 When you think of what our country has gone through in the last fourteen months, the messages of this novel are truly timely。 Thank you to the publisher, NetGalley and Kelly Rimmer for my advanced copy。 。。。more

KP_46

Hello, I am kp (Editor at Goodnovel), Your novel has the potential and I would like to offer you to work with us (exclusive and non-exclusive contracts)。 There is also a contest with prize $8000 coming up and your novel might have the chances of winning。 Do give it a try。 If you are interested or would like more information about this please mail me at kp_46@yahoo。comI would request you to keep the subject as (Author- Book name)。 Thankyou。

Stephanie

I had been feeling recently that I needed a bit of a break from WWII historical fiction so when I received an advance copy of The Warsaw Orphan, I was a bit hesitant to read it。 I am so glad that I did。 This is a beautiful, haunting novel that pulled me in right from the outset。 The novel is based on the real-life story of a young woman who helped Jewish children escape from the walled in Jewish ghetto in Warsaw。 The book touches upon many themes including despair, loss, hopelessness, and the la I had been feeling recently that I needed a bit of a break from WWII historical fiction so when I received an advance copy of The Warsaw Orphan, I was a bit hesitant to read it。 I am so glad that I did。 This is a beautiful, haunting novel that pulled me in right from the outset。 The novel is based on the real-life story of a young woman who helped Jewish children escape from the walled in Jewish ghetto in Warsaw。 The book touches upon many themes including despair, loss, hopelessness, and the lack of humanity in some but also resiliency, courage, the strength of the human spirit, and hope。 From the first page, I was instantly drawn into the story。 As the plot unfolded, I found myself transported into the lives of the characters and the descriptive writing made me feel that I was right there with them, experiencing what they did and feeling what they felt。 It was almost as if I became part of the story。 This is an amazing feeling when you come across a novel that does that。 This is a well-done novel that kept me engrossed throughout - my only observation was that the ending was a bit too neat and tidy。 A solid 4。5 star read for me that is on par with the author’s equally excellent 2019 novel, The Things We Cannot Say。 The Warsaw Orphan is out on June 1。Thanks to @harpercollinsca snd @this_is_edelweiss for the advance copy in exchange for an honest review。 。。。more

Carla Johnson-Hicks

It’s 1942, and teenage Elzbieta lives in the middle of German-occupied Warsaw。 She dislikes the Germans for many reasons and is keeping a huge secret from everyone。 She is not happy that her parents won't let her leave the apartment of courtyard, so she keeps her visits to her neighbour Sara, a secret。 She ends up helping Sara, who is working with the underground to rescue Jewish children from the ghetto。 The other main character is Roman, a Catholic Jew, who is living in the ghetto with his fam It’s 1942, and teenage Elzbieta lives in the middle of German-occupied Warsaw。 She dislikes the Germans for many reasons and is keeping a huge secret from everyone。 She is not happy that her parents won't let her leave the apartment of courtyard, so she keeps her visits to her neighbour Sara, a secret。 She ends up helping Sara, who is working with the underground to rescue Jewish children from the ghetto。 The other main character is Roman, a Catholic Jew, who is living in the ghetto with his family。 As the war rages on, Roman and his family are in danger of being deported to "The Camps" and Elzbieta finds herself falling in love with him。 What is next for Warsaw, its civilians and the Jewish people who are living in hiding? Life was harsh in the war years with the Germans, and then the Soviets took the independence from the Polish people。 Would they survive this second occupation?This is a story that had me an emotional wreck。 Elzbieta was such a strong character and only just a teenager。 She risked her life, the wrath of her parents and her heart on a regular basis。 Once the war ended, there was still so much that she had to deal with。 Tragedy struck more than once, yet she still had faith and prayed to God。 Roman suffered so much。 Losing his family, putting himself in danger on a regular basis and fighting for justice and freedom took over his life, yet he still loved Elzbieta。 Could she save him? There were many characters in this book that showed such strength, love and justice that I wanted to meet them all。 The character of Sara was based on Irena Sendler, and if you have not read anything about her, there are some great books sharing her story。 I do not want to give away the story, so will not say anything else about the plot, except to say that is is well-written and written with emotion。 This is a story of war, family, survival, and love。 There are themes of justice, revenge, compassion, sacrifice, friendship, bravery, risk-taking, suffering, devotion to family, love, hope, and survival。 One quote that really spoke to me dealt with how to free Poland: "You defeat one bad man and another is there, ready to take his place。 You need to fight the ideas that lead to bad men in the first place。" Kelly Rimmer has written another informative, heartbreaking historical novel about the power of human spirit。 It will provoke all kinds of emotions as you travel with Elzbieta and Roman on their journey。 The publisher generously provided me with a copy of this book upon request。 The rating and opinions shared are my own。 。。。more

Margaret

The Warsaw Orphan is a heartbreaking story told from the POV of both Elzbeita and Roman。 Teens caught in the war that destroyed so much, shattered lives and wiped out generations of families。Both Roman and Elzbeita have strong personalities, are so determined in their quests making me forgot their ages (14 years when the book begins)。 A part of me struggled with that aspect, but on the other hand the war caused a lot of people to grow up before their time。The author didn't hold back in her descr The Warsaw Orphan is a heartbreaking story told from the POV of both Elzbeita and Roman。 Teens caught in the war that destroyed so much, shattered lives and wiped out generations of families。Both Roman and Elzbeita have strong personalities, are so determined in their quests making me forgot their ages (14 years when the book begins)。 A part of me struggled with that aspect, but on the other hand the war caused a lot of people to grow up before their time。The author didn't hold back in her descriptive story and what wasn't verbalized was definitely felt。I missed the author notes - this was an arc so hopefully the finished copies will have them。 I would have loved to known what was based on fact vs。 fiction。 Part of me feels much of this book is not made up, how can so much bad be consciously imagined? But rather this was a true reflection of what took place and that in itself will stay with me for a long time。The Warsaw Orphan was an emotional reading, depressing at times。 It showed a side of the war in Poland I haven't visited before。 But it also showed the strength and determination of those that fought back and survived。My thanks to the publisher (via Netgalley) for a digital ARC in exchange for an honest review。 。。。more

Raji

Review to come

Linda

Vey different but in a good way

Sheri

Kelly Rimer’s newest book The Warsaw Orphan is a historical fiction book based on true events in Poland during the Nazi occupation and the aftermath。 As with many WWII stories, it is heartbreaking to read and realize what people endured。 In an author note at the end of the book, Kelly cites a study that almost 2/3 of young adult Americans did not know that six million Jews died in the Holocaust。 In fact, 10% of the survey respondents thought that the Jews caused the Holocaust。 It is shocking inf Kelly Rimer’s newest book The Warsaw Orphan is a historical fiction book based on true events in Poland during the Nazi occupation and the aftermath。 As with many WWII stories, it is heartbreaking to read and realize what people endured。 In an author note at the end of the book, Kelly cites a study that almost 2/3 of young adult Americans did not know that six million Jews died in the Holocaust。 In fact, 10% of the survey respondents thought that the Jews caused the Holocaust。 It is shocking information such as this that makes the stories of the past important to share。 Kelly also shares in the author note true facts about the time and how they fit into the book。 I love this additional information as it helps me understand the story。This story follows Elzbieta, a young woman living among the non-Jewish Polish people, and Roman, a young man living in the Jewish Ghetto。 They are both determined to defend Poland against invaders but how they go about it is very different。 I loved following their stories and doing myself hoping some of the events in the book were true because they showed bravery, courage, and resilience。 Believe me when I say you will become involved in this book! 。。。more

Helen

“Grieving is what you do when those you love are lost to you。 They have not been lost to me,” I said in disgust, weeping。 “They have been taken from me。 There is a difference。”Kelly Rimmer has done it again! The Warsaw Orphan is another spectacular historical fiction novel。 Emotional, heartbreaking yet somehow she leaves us with a sense of hopefulness。 It portrays the harsh life for the people of Warsaw with first the Germans and then later the Soviets during the occupation of WWII。 ‘When you ha “Grieving is what you do when those you love are lost to you。 They have not been lost to me,” I said in disgust, weeping。 “They have been taken from me。 There is a difference。”Kelly Rimmer has done it again! The Warsaw Orphan is another spectacular historical fiction novel。 Emotional, heartbreaking yet somehow she leaves us with a sense of hopefulness。 It portrays the harsh life for the people of Warsaw with first the Germans and then later the Soviets during the occupation of WWII。 ‘When you have seen these things, things so horrific that you cannot become hardened to them, how can you just go back to existing again? Even if the war ended tomorrow, I feel like I would be broken for the rest of my life, and in ways that I can’t even understand, let alone explain。’This is the story of two teenagers and their unique perspective on this well documented time period。 It’s a tale of their growing up in extenuating circumstances of trying to survive in a city blanketed by hardship, suffering and incredible injustices under Nazi and then Soviet occupation。 ‘To face the inhuman, one must become superhuman。’From the outset to its finale, Kelly offers an amazing story of survival and friendship。 It really is quite the tale。 Well researched and beautifully written, having been inspired by true events in Poland during WWII。 From the resistance within the Jewish Warsaw ghetto, to the Soviet occupied streets or running through the sewers, you are there witnessing the hunger and fear, the despair yet determination。 Sitting in the comfort of one’s home, it will shake you to your core to read what these people endured and sacrificed。 ‘Maybe I could force myself to return to the ghetto, but I would have to learn how to stop bringing the ghetto home with me or I’d never survive。’The story of Elzbieta and Roman, and indeed many of the other characters gives you perspective on what kept them strong, how their beliefs and actions may not align, but always 。。。。 always 。。。。 how they loved and supported each other。 “I’m jealous of you。 I miss believing that there is some purpose and some sense to life,” Sara sighed。 “Maybe, tonight when you pray, you could send up a little prayer for me, too。”The Warsaw Orphan is undoubtedly an emotional ride with its true power in how it will make you think and what it will make you feel。 To be confronted with both the failings and strengths of humanity yet through it all, the power of ‘family’ to hold true through the worst imaginable circumstances。 Whilst not an easy book to read at times, it most definitely is a must read as it has a powerful story to tell - a tale that you will reflect upon long after the final page is turned。 ‘At the end of the day, that was my worst nightmare—not the trials of the ghetto。 I would endure torture and starvation and even death if it meant I could stay with my family。 There was nothing more important to me in the world。’This review is based on a complimentary copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review。 The quoted material may have changed in the final release。 。。。more

Erika

This was a really good WWII novel that switched POV's between a Jewish boy living in the Warsaw Ghetto and a Catholic girl living just outside it, both hoping to make a difference for their families and their country。 I really enjoyed both Elzbieta and Roman's stories as they provided different perspectives, but also showed how the entire country of Poland suffered during WWII。 As with any WWII story, so much of this one was heart shattering and tough to read, but important。 It is important we n This was a really good WWII novel that switched POV's between a Jewish boy living in the Warsaw Ghetto and a Catholic girl living just outside it, both hoping to make a difference for their families and their country。 I really enjoyed both Elzbieta and Roman's stories as they provided different perspectives, but also showed how the entire country of Poland suffered during WWII。 As with any WWII story, so much of this one was heart shattering and tough to read, but important。 It is important we never forget and books like this one help to remember the atrocities that occurred。 This was poignant and beautifully written。 Thank you to Netgalley and Graydon House for the ARC。 。。。more

Louanne

The Warsaw Orphan is historical fiction based on a true story of a heroine who saved thousands of children during WW2。 Set in Poland in 1942, Elzbieta lives with her aqdoptive parents。 。Along with her neighbour ,Sara ,they visit the Warsaw ghetto and the two of them help to save the starving Jewish children that live there。Another great read by Kelly Rimmer!Thanks to NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for my honest review。

MsArdychan

Please Note: I received an advance copy of this novel from the publisher to participant in a blog tour promoting this book。 This did not influence the opinions in my review in any way。 If I did not care for the book, I had the opportunity to opt out of the tour。 I have read many books about World War Two, from All The Light We Cannot See, by Anthony Doerr, to the more recent novel, The Paris Library, by Janet Skeslien Charles。 Each book has helped me to understand a little bit more about what ha Please Note: I received an advance copy of this novel from the publisher to participant in a blog tour promoting this book。 This did not influence the opinions in my review in any way。 If I did not care for the book, I had the opportunity to opt out of the tour。 I have read many books about World War Two, from All The Light We Cannot See, by Anthony Doerr, to the more recent novel, The Paris Library, by Janet Skeslien Charles。 Each book has helped me to understand a little bit more about what happened to regular people during the war。 The Warsaw Orphan opened my eyes to what the people of Poland experienced, as seen through the eyes of a Jewish teen living in the Warsaw Ghetto, and a Christian teen living just beyond the Wall in the greater city。 There were acts of bravery, both large and small, as well as callousness from those who chose to look away from the terrible suffering。 This is an unflinching look at war。 With wonderful characters that I could root for, I could not put this book down。 I finished this novel in just two days!Trigger Warning for Rape:This book contains a scene of extreme sexual violence。 Although this was central to the plot of the book, if you are triggered by such things, I would strongly advise that you skip this novel。Please read my complete review on my blog: www。ponderingtheprose。blogspot。com on May 28th, 2021。 。。。more

Vera

Thank you so much to the publisher and NetGalley for giving me the opportunity to read an ARC of this incredibly moving historical fiction novel!I've read tons of WWII novels, and The Warsaw Orphan is one of the best I've read。 It's set in Nazi-occupied Poland during the Warsaw Ghetto Uprising and then the Warsaw Uprising of 1944, but it focuses more on individual people and their struggles, rather than on these major historical events themselves。 The main characters are a young Polish woman nam Thank you so much to the publisher and NetGalley for giving me the opportunity to read an ARC of this incredibly moving historical fiction novel!I've read tons of WWII novels, and The Warsaw Orphan is one of the best I've read。 It's set in Nazi-occupied Poland during the Warsaw Ghetto Uprising and then the Warsaw Uprising of 1944, but it focuses more on individual people and their struggles, rather than on these major historical events themselves。 The main characters are a young Polish woman named Elzbieta and young Jewish man named Roman, both of whom have to find a way to survive and thrive during these troubled times。 They both find different ways to help those in need during the Nazi occupation, and their relationship with each other takes many turns as they both struggle to engage with the world around them。 The characters are well-developed and sympathetic, and the story is both heartwarming and heartbreaking at the same time。 This is one of those stories that stayed with me long after I finished reading it, and I'll definitely be checking out more of Kelly Rimmer's books。Highly recommend! 。。。more

Liz Hobson

How have I not heard about Kelly Rimmer's books before now? I absolutely loved this book and highly recommend it。 Kelly writes about a period of time that was brutal。 She doesn't shirk the hard truths though - the detail is there but written about sensitively and creatively。 Her characters were beautifully portrayed and your heart years for them to be happy right till the last page。 I believe that fiction is a good way to learn about our history。 I know many do not agree but there are also not m How have I not heard about Kelly Rimmer's books before now? I absolutely loved this book and highly recommend it。 Kelly writes about a period of time that was brutal。 She doesn't shirk the hard truths though - the detail is there but written about sensitively and creatively。 Her characters were beautifully portrayed and your heart years for them to be happy right till the last page。 I believe that fiction is a good way to learn about our history。 I know many do not agree but there are also not many that would sit down and read a non fiction book about this period - far better they read a book as sensitively written as this one which uses fact and research to support all the events and descriptions but does so in a way that makes this period of history accessible to many。I have read many books about the Holocaust over the years and this is up there with some of the best。 I have teenagers studying this traumatic stage of human history at school currently and will be recommending that they read this book as a way to understand what it meant to people that lived through it。Kelly's writing is superb - I have made so many highlights - here are just a few:I could see with my own eyes and smell with my own nose that however many people were trapped within the ghetto walls, it was far, far too many。“A person doesn’t stare into the dead eyes of their brother and remain a child。 A person doesn’t watch their innocent father die before the eyes of their entire community and remain a child。”but after a moment I’d been squirming through and desperate to end, I found a moment I was desperate to linger in。All it took were four words, and the very thing I had been so frightened of for such a long time was right in front of me。 。。。more

Leah Blackwood

Portions of this book were fantastic, such as Emilia and Roman’s interactions, the suspense of their different fights/missions, and the descriptions of the stand-off in the ghetto。 However, other pieces of this book fell short for me。 There should be quite a trigger warning attached to this book as well。 There were too many characters for all of them to be well-developed, and the plot remained slow at several points。 Overall, still a good book, it just wasn’t paced in a way that I responded to v Portions of this book were fantastic, such as Emilia and Roman’s interactions, the suspense of their different fights/missions, and the descriptions of the stand-off in the ghetto。 However, other pieces of this book fell short for me。 There should be quite a trigger warning attached to this book as well。 There were too many characters for all of them to be well-developed, and the plot remained slow at several points。 Overall, still a good book, it just wasn’t paced in a way that I responded to very well and it seemed very very far fetched。 。。。more

Alexis (hookedtobooks)

Thank you Harlequin for the copy of this book。-Read if you like: WW2 stories, Polish history。-This book had a bit of a slow start but once the two protagonists met, I was hooked and I could not put it down。-Emilia must conceal her identity from the Germans but she wants to get involved with other people helping Jewish children。 Roman wants to help his family but he and his family are Jewish so they are struggling。 Both characters experience German brutality in Poland。 I really loved Emilia and R Thank you Harlequin for the copy of this book。-Read if you like: WW2 stories, Polish history。-This book had a bit of a slow start but once the two protagonists met, I was hooked and I could not put it down。-Emilia must conceal her identity from the Germans but she wants to get involved with other people helping Jewish children。 Roman wants to help his family but he and his family are Jewish so they are struggling。 Both characters experience German brutality in Poland。 I really loved Emilia and Roman and loved reading about their experiences。-CW: sexual assault and rape, violence, death, fighting, the Holocaust。 。。。more

Jo Wyatt

Well written and researched book about the Warsaw ghetto from both sides of the ghetto。 I found it a very moving story that I couldn’t put down。 I read it in 3 days。

Vini

I enjoyed reading this book。 Despite the subject matter it was an easy read。 I was upset that it ended。

Kathy

I read a lot of books set in WWII and I was totally enthralled with this one from the view of two teenagers。 The extermination of the Warsaw ghetto by the Nazis is well recorded but Kelly had a way of making you feel it all from start to finish。 Well researched and captivating characters, this is another fantastic read from Kelly Rimmer。

Yolanda

**Will be posted on my blog during my spot of the blog tour on 5/27/21**Likes:*Poland is ravaged on both sides in this war。 The Soviet’s Red Army helps them liberate Poland from the Nazis but then the country comes under their rule。 I definitely felt the anguish of the people of Poland and the exhaustion of never ending fighting for their country。 We learn a lot about the Warsaw ghetto in Emilia’s (Elz-bieta) perspective being from outside the ghetto and Roman’s story from inside the ghetto。*Sar **Will be posted on my blog during my spot of the blog tour on 5/27/21**Likes:*Poland is ravaged on both sides in this war。 The Soviet’s Red Army helps them liberate Poland from the Nazis but then the country comes under their rule。 I definitely felt the anguish of the people of Poland and the exhaustion of never ending fighting for their country。 We learn a lot about the Warsaw ghetto in Emilia’s (Elz-bieta) perspective being from outside the ghetto and Roman’s story from inside the ghetto。*Sara, the nurse who is helping smuggle children out of the ghetto is doing an amazing, stressful and life-threatening job。 The story is loosely based on a real life nurse, Irena Sendler, who actually did smuggle children out of the Warsaw ghetto。*Through Roman, one of the main characters, we see his hunger to fight and keep fighting the Nazis and the Soviets。 He is the anger in action。 He joins the rebels who are fighting against the Nazis。*Emilia is an interesting character because she has a secret and she is very young in this venture of saving Jewish children in the ghetto。 She’s only 14 and still so naive in some ways but she learns quickly。 Emilia and Roman reminds us how kids grew up too fast in this time of war。 By the end of this story one of them is tired of fighting and the tired wants to keep on。 They do have a love story among the despair but even in the end I wasn’t sure if they would make it。*The ending is quite emotional, I felt for both Emilia, Roman and their friends who survived what the Nazis did to the whole of Europe。Random Notes:Triggers: starvation, death, violence, mass executions, rape*This is a war story and it is graphic。 There is a lot of visual accounts of the atrocities in the ghetto and concentration camp that is horrifying。Final Thoughts:I learned a lot about the Warsaw ghetto from this book。 This is an emotional and heartbreaking story。 But there are strong characters in this sad story, and people fighting to do what they can to fight the Nazis and help the children that they could。 It’s a story about an ugly time in history and a country being torn apart from the war and hope for a better day, one day with no fighting。 If you enjoy historical fiction especially about World War II and the Holocaust, then you should read The Warsaw Orphan。 。。。more

Tricia

I have enjoyed several of Kelly Rimmer's books and when I saw it was available for request from #NetGalley, I couldn't wait to request this book。 The only other book I have read about WWII and the Nazi occupation of Poland was in "All The Things We Cannot Say。" I had no idea about the Jewish ghetto and the people trapped there。 Elzbieta is a girl with a secret。 She meets Sara, who lives in her apartment building and gradually begins helping her visit the ghetto and helping the people trapped the I have enjoyed several of Kelly Rimmer's books and when I saw it was available for request from #NetGalley, I couldn't wait to request this book。 The only other book I have read about WWII and the Nazi occupation of Poland was in "All The Things We Cannot Say。" I had no idea about the Jewish ghetto and the people trapped there。 Elzbieta is a girl with a secret。 She meets Sara, who lives in her apartment building and gradually begins helping her visit the ghetto and helping the people trapped there。 She meets Roman, a boy trapped behind the wall, who is willing to do almost anything to defeat their German captors。 I found myself reading chapter after chapter to find out what happened next。 。。。more

Unseen Library

I received a copy of The Warsaw Orphan from Hachette Australia to review。Prepare to have your heart broken again and again as Australian author Kelly Rimmer presents a captivating, powerful and dark historical drama, The Warsaw Orphan。Warsaw, 1942。 The Nazis have a firm control over all of Poland and have moved the entire Jewish population into the infamous Warsaw Ghetto。 Vastly overcrowded and with limited supplies, life is extremely hard in the Ghetto, and many have given up all hope。 For Jewi I received a copy of The Warsaw Orphan from Hachette Australia to review。Prepare to have your heart broken again and again as Australian author Kelly Rimmer presents a captivating, powerful and dark historical drama, The Warsaw Orphan。Warsaw, 1942。 The Nazis have a firm control over all of Poland and have moved the entire Jewish population into the infamous Warsaw Ghetto。 Vastly overcrowded and with limited supplies, life is extremely hard in the Ghetto, and many have given up all hope。 For Jewish teen Roman Gorka, all he can do is try to survive and earn enough to keep his family alive。 However, when rumours spread through the Ghetto about the Nazi plans to transport them to “work camps” out in the forest, Roman knows that it is time to act。 Knowing that the lives of himself and his parents are already forfeit, Roman attempts to find a way to save his younger siblings。At the same time, a young woman, Elzbieta Rabinek, has just arrived in the city and appears to be a typical Polish girl living with her family。 However, Elzbieta is hiding a dangerous secret: her real name is Emilia, and she is the younger sister of an executed Jewish sympathiser。 Fleeing her village with her new family, Emilia is kept hidden from any potential pursuers。 But when Emilia discovers the truth about the Ghetto, she becomes determined to help and joins an underground group of women working to smuggle Jewish children to safety。As Emilia becomes more involved with the secret work of her organisation, she soon encounters Roman。 Working together to save Roman’s younger sister, the two grow close and soon their fates are inevitably tied together。 But when a terrible tragedy strikes, both Roman and Emilia will be thrown into disarray。 As Warsaw becomes overwhelmed with fire and despair, can these two young people survive with hope, or will they be washed away in a flood of righteous anger?To see the full review, click on the link below:https://unseenlibrary。com/2021/05/15/。。。An abridged version of this review ran in the Canberra Weekly on 13 May 2021:https://unseenlibrary。com/2021/05/15/。。。For other exciting reviews and content, check out my blog at:https://unseenlibrary。com/ 。。。more

Elizabeth

Rating 4 My thoughtsWould I recommend it ? YesWould I read more by this author? Yes First off I want to say a huge thank you to the publisher Graydon House - HARLEQUIN – Trade Publishing (U。S。 & Canada) ,the author Kelly Rimmer , and to NetGalley for inviting me to join the blog tour for this book as well as letting me read and review it。Just like I say always before when I go into a historical fiction WW 2 based story there are a few things I look for and they are : 1: author has done their res Rating 4 My thoughtsWould I recommend it ? YesWould I read more by this author? Yes First off I want to say a huge thank you to the publisher Graydon House - HARLEQUIN – Trade Publishing (U。S。 & Canada) ,the author Kelly Rimmer , and to NetGalley for inviting me to join the blog tour for this book as well as letting me read and review it。Just like I say always before when I go into a historical fiction WW 2 based story there are a few things I look for and they are : 1: author has done their research - in this case this is the 2nd book by this author that I've read and I would say yes she has done her research 2: they bring their characters and their settings to life ? Yes , because she puts the setting and the characters in a time that during the dark time period Holocaust。 3: they make you feel everything that the characters feel : to this question as well , because right from the very start you get to see and feel what the main characters where feeling from their hunger and the despair of not known what was going to happen next 。 4: and by the end of the book your a emotional wreck because it will make you will make you cry 。 By the end of the book all your want to do is reach out and give each of the characters a hug and be there for them。 And while its historical fiction its based on a true story that needs to be told in away that will make us never forget these brave souls , the ones that lived to tell the story as well as the ones that didn't make it。 。。。more

Lindsey (Bring My Books)

Thank you to Edelweiss, Graydon House, & HarperCollins for the opportunity to read and review this book before it's publication date! This in no way affected my review, opinions are my own。Another absolutely stunning WWII Historical Fiction novel by Kelly Rimmer - after The Things We Cannot Say I thought she would probably be an auto-buy for me in this genre but now there's no doubt!(Also, because I haven't seen this in many reviews, this book is a companion novel of sorts to The Things We C Thank you to Edelweiss, Graydon House, & HarperCollins for the opportunity to read and review this book before it's publication date! This in no way affected my review, opinions are my own。Another absolutely stunning WWII Historical Fiction novel by Kelly Rimmer - after The Things We Cannot Say I thought she would probably be an auto-buy for me in this genre but now there's no doubt!(Also, because I haven't seen this in many reviews, this book is a companion novel of sorts to The Things We Cannot Say, which was another absolutely brilliant book by the author。 Warsaw Orphan can be read as a stand-alone, but I definitely recommend reading both。)This book is a haunting and incredible look inside both the Warsaw Ghetto Uprising of 1943 and the larger Warsaw Uprising of 1944, told from the perspectives of a Jewish teenager who lived in the Ghetto with his family before the Uprising and a Catholic Pole simultaneously hiding from the Germans for her own protection while secretly working alongside Polish Social Workers to smuggle Jewish children out of the Ghetto (based on Irena Sendler's wartime activities, I believe)。 One of the things I particularly liked about this book was having the POV of Roman, the Jewish teenager living inside the Ghetto。 I feel like I rarely read men's POV in the WWII books that I read, and he was written so brilliantly。 I loved his character almost as much as Elzbieta (Emilia, Tomasz's little sister from TTWCS)。 The slow build of their relationship, and the difficulties they faced in both the world around them and their own temperaments, was so unbelievably good。 This was not an easy book to read, by any means - but I think it's an important one to read。 And it's well researched, well written, and a skillfully carried out story - add this to your TBR as soon as you can。Content Warnings: (view spoiler)[Rape by 3 Soldiers (Resulting in Pregnancy), Starvation, Antisemitism, Guerrilla Warfare (hide spoiler)]["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>["br"]> 。。。more

Mary Gross

The Warsaw Orphan is beautifully written。 I love the depth of the characters。 I felt drawn to each family as they dealt with their realities of Warsaw in WWII。

Leslie M。

If you're a fan of historical fiction, this is a book you will want to check out。 it is not an easy read, but it is an important one。I was familiar with some of the details in this book, but the author did a wonderful job of detailing the horrors associated with living in the Warsaw ghetto without the basic necessities of life, including food and water。 This is an emotional tale。 The reader can feel the characters anger, fear, and desperation。 It is obvious that a lot of research went into this If you're a fan of historical fiction, this is a book you will want to check out。 it is not an easy read, but it is an important one。I was familiar with some of the details in this book, but the author did a wonderful job of detailing the horrors associated with living in the Warsaw ghetto without the basic necessities of life, including food and water。 This is an emotional tale。 The reader can feel the characters anger, fear, and desperation。 It is obvious that a lot of research went into this book。 the political information was a bit overwhelming at times, but it did serve its purpose in the story。Disclaimer: I received a complimentary copy, but I wasn't required to leave a positive review。 。。。more