Book by: Amanda Barratt
The Warsaw Sisters is an incredible depiction of occupied Poland during WW2 with extensive detail that dives deeper than your average historical fiction read. It’s obvious that meticulous research went into creating the story world and readers are the better for it.
Readers are introduced to twin sisters Helena and Antonina as they bid their father farewell as he heads off to war (though their relationship appears more a strong sister bond than what I observe in twins I know personally). And what follows is a story of survival for the duration of the war as German forces occupy the capital city and destroy any semblance of pre-war life.
There’s a ton of detail, historical bits that aren’t well known, and a backstory that keeps the sisters connected as they begin their own journey toward freedom. At time the narrative is bogged down with these types of paragraphs, but readers who love that kind of detail will appreciate it.
This is a difficult read. There’s a darkness that follows both sisters together and as they go their separate ways, taking up the cause differently. The descriptions of the horrors of war – ghettos, executions, death, and destruction – are at times difficult to read knowing that these things actually happened. And are still taking place in our world. There’s one scene in particular that was a surprise – fornication – but the author deals with it in a sensitive manner. This storyline is essential to the last half of the book.
There is a human aspect to the story that adds a beautiful contrast – a German soldier, forced to fight in a war he doesn’t believe in. It begs the question – how many fought for both sides because they were forced to?
There’s a redemptive aspect at the end of the story between Helena and Antonina. Faith is threaded throughout the story, but is a lighter element than the rest of the story world.
I received an ecopy from the publisher through NetGalley. All opinions expressed are my own.