A set of sisters that really lived through World War II and were driven to help Jewish people who were watching the rise of Hitler and his army and their hatred for their ethnicity, so Ida and Louise Cook were drawn to help in any way possible.

I have read a very large number of World War II books, so I think my standards for this sub-genre of historical fiction are quite high and for me this one didn't hit the mark. The reason this one wasn't a right fit for me was mostly in the format of the book and how it was put together. From the beginning, the way the book was written/put together made it feel like a bunch of short stories that abruptly ended and then started back up. I didn't feel as though the book had flow and it was interruptive and hard to read.

With that being said, I did love these sisters and wanted to hear more of their story. I loved their determination to help people that they didn't even know and the many ways they went about trying to take care of each and every one of them no matter their age or lot in life. The moments where the book really focused on them and their endeavors I loved, but it would stop all of a sudden and go somewhere else and it was just jarring and took me out of the story.

I would love to find another story about these women and their fearlessness.

Based on the true story of the Cook sisters, who smuggled valuables out of 1930s Nazi Germany to help Jewish families start new lives in England. Ida and Louise Cook were two single women in their 30s, living at home with their parents, saving their earnings from their jobs to buy a gramophone. They loved music and became opera enthusiasts attending any performance they could.

Louise worked as a secretary for the civil service while Ida started writing romance novels under the pseudonym Mary Burchell (the real Ida Cook published 112 romance novels in her lifetime). They used the money from her writing to make frequent trips to Germany in the guise of being two sisters who just wanted to see opera performances. While in Germany, they would secretly meet with Jewish families and try to find British citizens who would vouch to take them in until they could get on their feet. The sisters would take the valuables of the Jewish families (jewelry and fur coats) and would wear them in plain site as they returned to England. They would hold their valuables in England until the refugees arrived. This would allow them to sell their belongings to help support themselves in their new lives.

<b>The Opera Sisters</b> is another historical fiction novel that sent me down a Google rabbit hole in search of information about these two amazing humans. Their courage allowed them to save 29 Jewish refugees. While I found the story of the Cook sisters quite interesting, I found the large number of characters distracting. I always enjoy learning about stories of heroism that I was not previously aware of, and would definitely recommend this for fans of WWII historical fiction. 3.5 stars rounded up.

I received this book in exchange for a review from NetGalley. I loved this book! I didn't find out until after that it was based on a true story and that made me love it even more!

What an incredible, impossible to put down, page turning story this was! I loved every minute with it.

The Opera Sisters is a historical fiction novel based on a true story of two British women (sisters Ida and Louise) of the working class, attending operas, and becoming part of a secret operation to help the Jews through it all. This was such a compelling and inspiring read. The main characters were so wonderful to come alongside and through their many sacrifices and the strength they showed they truly left a mark on me as a reader. This is a story I won't soon forget.

There was so much I learned and took away here from this story, which is always a mark of an excellent historical fiction read for me. I so enjoyed being immersed in the opera world and how it came to life through those elements in the story. It really made for an atmospheric read.

With its excellent writing and fresh perspective in the heavily done WW2 genre, this is definitely a book I will highly recommend.

Many thanks to Shadow Mountain and NetGalley for the gifted e-copy!

This spellbinding, page turner tells the story, based on a true story, of two working class British women, sisters Ida and Louise Cook, who scrimped and saved their money to attend operas in England and throughout Europe and ultimately became heroes.

Eventually, through the people they met in the opera business, they learned about the dangers facing Jews in Germany and smuggled furs and jewelry out of Germany and into England and personally escorted Jewish refugees to England. Ultimately, members of 29 families were saved by these brave women.

As an opera buff, I especially loved the portions early in the book dealing with opera but I think this book would appeal to non-opera buffs as well. This would be an excellent book for anyone who wants to learn about what ordinary people were able to accomplish during World War 2.

Well-written, well-researched and a book I would highly recommend.

Two sisters, Ida and Louise Cook. Opera Fans. Crazy about opera, saving every spare bit of pay for tickets. These English spinsterish ladies become known for their willingness to ignore the world (and impending war!) around them to attend each and every opera performing within their wallets' range - and that "rich odd ducks" status gives them a window. Though there is a war erupting around them, it is through that window desperate people and their last chance treasures are pulled by the clever and hopeful sisters. With their help and a little faith, their goal for each is that all will combine to help these refugees find a way, a place, and further protection in order to start a new life somewhere. Anywhere beyond the dictator's reach. Ida and Louise use their high-class, opera glass personas to provide ingenious and simple means, and all of it dangerous, life-risking work.

Marianne Monson's book is based on real heroines and their real efforts and sacrifices to save the persecuted people Hitler and his cronies condemned through lethal public policies. Ida and Louise Cook are those real heroines, along with all who assisted them, from family and friends, to opera community members who were aware of the Cooks and their quest to save just one more family, one more . . .I'm grateful for the introduction to them by this book.

This is the first I've read of this author, and will seek out other books she has written, and hope for more to come.

A Sincere Thank You to Marianne Monson, Shadow Mountain Publishing and NetGalley for an ARC to read and review. #TheOperaSisters #NetGalley

I always wonder how brave I would be in different circumstances. On the cusp of World War II, sisters Ida and Louise Cook are living simple lives--working and saving their pennies to go to the opera, which they discover is their passion. But they find themselves doing much more than that by smuggling furs and jewels to help fund necessary escapes. Could I be that brave?

This book was interesting and inspiring. Sometimes reading like a historical fiction and sometimes like a history book, the many, many points-of-view (from both sisters, as well as from some of those benefiting from their sacrifices) was compelling, and while I was completely touched by these true events, I personally prefer a historical fiction approach.

May we all find ways to stand up, digging deep within ourselves to fight for truth and fairness, no matter the cost.

Content: war-type violence and peril, but not overly graphic

“They’ve banished all Jewish professors, directors, and composers to prevent the ‘bastardisation of the nation.’ They’ve removed all Hebrew and Old Testament references from Handel’s Messiah. They’ve re-written Mozart’s Requiem.” Ida and Louise sat in stunned silence.”

“the frothy show seemed like one more charade belying the decay, like a gaudy carnival tune turned to a manic pitch to hide the grinding of blackened gears.”

“For the first time, she felt a branching of reality and sensed that beneath the grandeur of this mansion, beneath the tea and music and elegant furnishings, simmered a rising wave of dread she could not comprehend. To consider leaving this behind—they must be facing impossible circumstances.”

I could hardly put this book down once Ida and Louise arrived in Frankfurt the first time. I highlighted passages in every chapter. The true story of these two sisters who worked so hard to help the many Jewish families begging for assistance is inspiring, sad and powerful.

I learned so much about Britain’s refugee process. I was stunned by the fact that so many Jews were robbed of their homes, belongings, jobs and freedom well in advance of Hitler’s declaration of war. I did not know some Jewish families turned on the coal gas in their homes to commit suicide rather than face further horrors and degradation from the Nazis.

It’s mind boggling to know this went on for so long before people outside of Germany even believed it was happening, let alone try to help. By the time Hitler’s evil was exposed, war had started and each attempt to help refugees became much more dangerous.

I empathized with Ida’s heartbreak when she couldn’t “help them all”. What a horrible and heavy burden to receive so many letters every day telling their story and asking for “any help at all”.

The author included a timeline of WW2 as the story progressed, which I appreciated. The Opera Sisters is well researched and based on real accounts and letters from that time. There is more information at the end. Well done.

Advanced reader copy courtesy of the publishers at NetGalley for review.

3/12/23 Note: I tried to post this review on Amazon and received the following denial response:
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The Opera Sisters 5-*
from TJO on March 12, 2023
“THEY’VE RE-WRITTEN MOZART’S REQUIEM.”
“They’ve banished all Jewish professors, directors, and composers to prevent the ‘bastardisation of the nation.’ They’ve removed all Hebrew and Old Testament references from Handel’s Messiah. They’ve re-written Mozart’s Requiem.” Ida and Louise sat in stunned...

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This story will pull you in and bring history to life!

I received an ARC through Netgalley and all opinions are my own.

This book was fascinating. Although as with much historical fiction, liberties were taken with some facts to maintain the flow of the story, it did a really good job exposing both the horrors of war and the hope that people still had despite the situation they were in. I loved the sisters. They were determined and so incredibly kind to everyone who came to them for help. And when Ida could no longer get refugees out, she went to the bomb shelters. Very well done.

3 1/2 stars. Ida and Louise Cook are sisters who adore the opera. When money allows, their pleasure is found at the opera or in purchasing records of favorite operas. Enough so that the major names of the time begin to know them and befriend them. When Hitler comes to power, their connections in the opera world become invaluable as they work to help save lives of those in danger of this new regime. While finances are tight for themselves and their families and neighbors, they are able to save many lives.

I love true stories and this one was great. I will admit that it started slow for me, but once I got into the story and got to know the characters, I really came to appreciate and love these sisters. My only wish is that I had a list to keep on hand of everyone in the story so I could keep them straight. So much happening and so many names! But I suppose that's a good thing, as there was so much good these women were able to do. And their courage was amazing in the midst of the tumultuous times of WWII.

Thanks to NetGalley and Shadow Mountain for an ARC in exchange for my honest review.

What a story indeed! Based on the true story of the Cook sisters, we follow Ida and Louise in their journey as events unfolded before, during, and after World War II in London. So much heartbreak in comes through from that time period and yet so much hope was given for those who could, and did, escape, no matter what the circumstances were. I liked how Marianne added little notes following the chapters where she changed or altered events to fit her story, but gave account of the truth of those moments or people so their real stories wouldn't get lost in time. Very well done.
*I received a copy of this book from NetGalley. This review is my own opinion*

This title started out with such potential to be a great story. However, I was let down by the slow moving plot and the lack of a hook in the story after the first few chapters. I did not find myself drawn back to read further.

I enjoyed reading this book. i really respect these women and what they did. It is sad that there was a need for them to do what they did but I'm glad that there were still good people in the world even during such a terrible time. I thought this book was well researched and the storytelling was well done.

I have studied the history of WWII, emphasizing the Holocaust, yet I did not know about the Cook sisters. The author did a great job describing London during the war, as well as the fear and the horrors facing European Jews. Ida and Louise Cook started out as opera lovers, and in their travels, met musical artists who needed help escaping Germany, then Czechoslovakia and Poland. The variety of accounts of different families assisted by the Cook sisters to come to London ID astounding in their bravery and empathy. I highly recommend this book. Make sure to read the author’s notes which add to the authenticity of the writing. Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC.

I enjoy reading WWII historical fiction, and this book has a different focus than those I typically read. I liked the premise of the book itself, but the presentation of the story was lacking. That, however, does not take away from the courage demonstrated by the Cook sisters. It once again demonstrated how your average person could accomplish much to help the Jewish people who were being targeted by Hitler and his reign of terror. While the author did a lot of research, the facts and footnotes distracted me and took away from my pleasure in reading the book.

Thank you to NetGalley and Shadow Mountain for my advanced review copy. All opinions and thoughts are my own.

For more reviews, please visit my blog at: https://www.msladybugsbookreviews.com/. Over 1000 reviews posted!

Monson is becoming one of my favorite biographical and historical authors. Well researched and beautifully written (and edited). Because this isn’t a biography, the history was combined and edited with care, keeping the heart of the story intact.

My only complaint is I struggled to track all the characters. I think if I'd read this over a shorter period of time, it would've been easier. Plus, I read at night when my brain was tired. Remembering everyone's backstory didn’t hinder my enjoyment of the novel, however.

This is a different perspective on WW II. With all the individuals and families involved in the war, it's no surprised that there are some amazing stories I haven't heard. I loved hearing this one about the Cook sisters. It shows a bit about how history repeats itself, and how ordinary people can do extraordinary things when they ask questions and then act with compassion.

The Opera Sisters by Marianne Monson is based on the story of the Cook sisters, who smuggled valuables given to them by Jewish citizens of Nazi Germany to England to finance a daring secret operation to help Jews find a place for hope and a new life in England during the 1930s.

Two British sisters, unmarried and living with their parents have a love of opera. They have traveled all over Europe to attend performances. They become well-known among operatic performers and other opera lovers.

When Hitler Seized power in Germany in 1933, the sisters continued to travel to operatic performances in Austria and Germany. Through their contacts with the maestros and performers, they were made aware of the precarious position of any Jewish performer or opera lover. They were contacted to try to help them by secreting any valuables, jewels, and furs that they could smuggle back to England to provide money for those Jews who were able to make it to England. They also put themselves in harm’s way by providing false identification for persons who were able to find sponsors for them in England. They did this openly by wearing jewels and furs as they traveled back to Britain right under the noses of the SS.

They should have stopped their saving work when the borders were closed after the war was declared, but one of the sisters tried until the last instant to continue to provide help to those who needed to escape. Their only regret was that they could not save more from the tyranny of the Nazi regime.

I loved this story and to know that it was an actual occurrence during that horrible time was very gratifying to me to know that normal people were helping at great peril to themselves to try to save as many as possible. I highly recommend this novel.

The true story of two opera loving sisters doing what they could to smuggle valuables out of Nazi Germany to finance a daring, secret operation to help Jews find hope for a new life in England.

I had never heard of the Cook sisters before, but I was intrigued when I first saw this book. Now that I finished reading, I’m glad I read it, but I do feel as though I need to find a biography to really understand these two women. They accomplished a remarkable feat, saving 29 families from death.

This is a book that seemed undecided about if it was a fiction book or a nonfiction one. It is divided into three parts, but those parts are not divided into chapters. Instead, there are vignettes, brief glimpses into the lives of the sisters or what was happening at the time. Frequently, the vignettes would end with a footnote with a reference or note about what was changed for the fictional narrative. I’ve never read a book like this and I really don’t think I’m a fan of the style.

I appreciated that the author mentions the other people (those with disabilities, Roma, Sinti, Jehovah’s Witnesses, etc) who were also killed in the concentration camps. It shows just how much research she did on the subject.

I think those who are interested in true stories from World War 2 might enjoy reading this one.

This book was so well written.
The Opera Sisters is about two sisters that love Opera music, and are regularly traveling to Opera festivals during the World War. This is a story of bravery as the two sisters set their actions to rescuing Jews from the dangers in Germany.

I was impressed by the research that clearly went into this story. Very very well written.