Sunday, August 6, 2017

Book Review: The Lilac Girls

by Martha Hall Kelly






A partial synopsis from Bas Bleu:  Unlike her wealthy friends, Caroline Ferriday enjoys working, happy to spend her days volunteering at the French consulate in New York. But when Hitler invades Poland, Caroline's "hobby" becomes an all-consuming obsession as she works feverishly to save terrified French citizens desperate to escape the Germans.

My thoughts:  I think most of us have an idea of the atrocities committed by Hitler's army during WWII.  While the book describes some of these horrors, it's really more about women helping women.  In so many small ways each of the main characters does what she can to be kind and generous.  The narrative bounces from Caroline to Hurta to Kasia.  The book is based on a true story about "The Rabbits" from Ravensbruck, a German concentration camp specifically for women.  I found this historical novel absolutely fascinating.  To me the resounding message is all about choosing forgiveness, kindness and generosity even in the very worst of times and places.

What have you been reading?

;-)  -Marci

9 comments:

  1. I'm always on lookout for good read. Thanks for the recommendations. Visiting from Happiness Is Homemade party.

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  2. Thanks for the review. I'm always looking for a recommendation. I reading House Broken bySonja Yoerg

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  3. I listened to this book via Audible. The narrators brought the characters into my life as if they were friends. The Lilac Girls is my new favorite book and I have recommended it to everyone I meet!!

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  4. So many good books, so little time! Sounds like this is a good one to add to my list! Thanks for linking up with the Blended Blog!

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  5. I really enjoyed The Nightingale, so I think I'm ready to jump back into this genre. Adding this to my list!

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  6. I didn't get far enough into our list to read this one...but now I wish i had.

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  7. This sounds amazing! Just requested it from our library. I just finished The Right Time by Danielle Steel and am currently reading All By Myself, Alone by Mary Higgins Clark.

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  8. Visiting your site from my blog about parenting grown children. My 13- abnd 14- year old grandkids have taken an interest in WWII stories. I'll have to read this one to see if it's appropriate for them. They both loved The Light We Cannot See.

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  9. I have this book downloaded to my Kindle, it sounds fascinating and I can't wait to start it :)

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