Ghetto, their daughter who had left Warsaw for Poland and a Polish Catholic woman living in Warsaw. I really loved how all the stories intertwined here. Like any WWII novel, parts of this story were very brutal and painful, but it was beautifully written and I could not put it down. Thank you to Netgalley and Kensington Books for the ARC.

Life in the Warsaw ghetto during Nazi occupation for Stefa and her family becomes worse and worse as the Nazis tighten their grip on the city. Her sister, Hanna, in London, joins SOS to try to rescue not only them but other prisoners in Europe. Excellent historical fiction and recommended.

historical-novel, historical-places-events, historical-research, historical-setting, cultural-differences, cultural-exploration, cultural-heritage, culture-of-fear, espionage, false-identities, false-information, family-dynamics, friendship, WW2, siblings, Poland, Judaism, never-again, NEVER FORGET, survival, survivor's-guilt, suspense, suspicion*****

While this is NOT a nonfiction, it is so thoroughly researched and felt personally by the writer that it is easily rings of truth. Not these particular characters and their families, but other nameless people who went through this particular hel. I have read several autobiographies/biographies/memoirs this year, and this one moved me every bit as much as the nonfiction. My family left Poland before The War To End All Wars.
I requested and received a free e-book from Kensington Books via NetGalley. Thank you!

Having read and enjoyed V.S. Alexander, The Taster, I was excited to return to his writing. As he states himself, “(I) feature strong women protagonists whose lives take them on incredible journeys in settings fraught with danger and intrigue. Along the way, they learn about life, love, and themselves.”

‘You can be a War Girl, like the rest of us - someone who stands against the Nazis and fights for freedom.’

An incredible amount of research has gone into The War Girls inclusive of topics such as Judaism and the Warsaw ghetto, with spying operations during WWII - specifically, the SOE from England. It was interesting to read about the lengths many Jews went to in trying to preserve their religious and cultural values during the Nazi occupation and time spent in the Warsaw ghetto.

‘Like a caged animal clawing to escape; she coveted the power and determination to break free’

With overarching themes of family and friendships, bravery and tragedy, loss and hope readers will lose themselves in the three main characters - one life in the ghetto, one a Polish Catholic in Warsaw and one an SOE operative. Although slow at times, the details are rich and incredibly heartbreaking. If the atrocities that occurred in Poland during WWII, specifically in the ghetto, are something that interests you then this is a must read.

‘No one will know the truth, and we will be no more significant than the dust we’re made from.’






This review is based on a complimentary copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own. The quoted material may have changed in the final release.

The War Girls by V.S. Alexander is a riveting story about Warsaw and the devastating treatment of the Jews there during World War II. Stefa and her family are Jewish and living a contented life when the Germans invade Poland. Life becomes unbearable for them but it is only the beginning. As the war progresses, she, her brother, and her parents must relocate to the ghetto, where thousands upon thousands of Jews are being caged in like animals. In the ghetto, sickness and death reign. There is constant worry and suffering. As they try to survive, they have a friend on the outside of the wall. Her name is Janka. Janka is the wife of a Nazi supporter, but she has no interest in the Nazis. Her sympathies lie with the Jews and she tries to find ways to help. Also on the outside of the wall is Hannah, Stefa's older sister who moved to London before the war. Now she is trained as a special operations executive and she will do whatever she can to help free her family. I have read many books about the horrors of WWII, and it never gets easier to understand the tragedy. I am continuously learning more about that time and the extensive strength and will to live that carried people through it. This story of the War Girls of Warsaw will move you and teach you and remind you about how important it is to love with all you have.
Thanks to NetGalley for the chance to read and listen to this story. The narrator did a great job. And I was enthralled by the story.

This is an enthralling and well-written story of three very brave women. Hannah Majewski left Warsaw and her highly restrictive Jewish family for a freer life in London with her aunt, uncle, and young cousin. Her sister Stefa is in Warsaw, missing her sister, falling in love, and trying to decide what is right. Janka is a Catholic Polish woman married to an abusive man who sees the Nazis as a route to success. Each woman’s story is detailed and deep as they strive to do what is right, survive, and help in any way they can.

The pace was slow, but the details were worth every minute spent reading. The emotions ran deep.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the chance to read this arc in exchange for an honest review.

Wow, what an emotive book telling the stories that those that perished in the Ghetto who took great risks to make sure what happened was written down, to be told and never forgotten.

Amazing, believable characters. Well written, really makes you think which character would you have been most like...Hanna/Greta-SOE Stefa-Ghetto resistance fighter, Perla- matriarch of the family seeing everything crumble around her or Janka, a Catholic woman, married to a drunken, increasingly abusive man, who refuses to turn her head away from the plight of the Jews, particularly the Majewski family, despite the dangers to herself from her own husband and the Nazis should she be found helping them in anyway.
Then there's the male characters Izreal-patriarch of the family, a holy man, who fades before his families eyes, Daniel-the boyfriend of Stefa, becoming a policeman in the hope that will give those he loves some protection, then resistance fighter, Aaron-a young boy who grows into a man under the Nazi oppression, determined to fight back one day and in the meantime commits as many small acts of defance as he can get away with, Zeev-best friend of Aaron who though he ends up on the outside of the Ghetto Walls still suffers terrible hardship and danger whilst trying to help others, & Eryck helps house a, SOE yet trapped between wanting, & needing to do something, to fight back, yet keep his safe at the same time.

Having had a mother-in-law (war bride) who served in England in the Women’s Auxiliary Air Force for four years during WWII, and my sister-in-law’s Polish Roman Catholic parents who met while forced to serve in a labor camp as teenagers, I was privileged to hear lots of stories. V.S. Alexander has written an amazing story of two sisters their families and a caring neighbor. This book is an amazing character study. Older sister, Hanna, moved to a small town outside London in Croydon. She lived with her mother’s sister and husband. Tragically, during the bombing, Hanna’s Aunt and Uncle were killed. Eighteen-year-old Hanna who speaks several languages is recruited to work as a spy. After Hanna’s family is forced to move into the Warsaw Ghetto, Stefa Majewski works in the soup kitchen and helps people. Janka, a Roman Catholic who lives on the same street as the Majewskis did before the war befriended the family. There are lots of minor characters. At times, some readers might think the book moves slowly. I found the book to be an excellent character study. I found myself asking what I would do many times for several of the characters. I cried. I got angry. I laughed. So many emotions. At some point I will read this book again. I know I will be thinking about it for a long time. My thanks to Kensington
Books and NetGalley for an ARC of this book. The opinions in this review are my own.

Wow one of the best historical fiction books I have read.
I read a fair amount of historical fiction books but this one gutted me. I was pulled into the story and couldn't put it down. Yes I know it is historical fiction meaning it's not true...but the author did her research. I had a hard time putting this one down to sleep...everything about it was gut wrenching.
The invasion of Poland and what Hitler did to the Jews. Honestly I used to stay away from books like this just because I am so sensitive but the concept of "The War Girls" is brilliant. I found myself on the edge of my seat reading and cheering the girls on...
I cried throughout the book and the ending was so hard....I realize it is about WWII and not everyone lives but oh the ending.
This is my first book by V.S. Alexander and it won't be my last. I really enjoyed the writing and when someone writes a book that stays with me for days even weeks then I know they are a good author.
The characters are well wonderful...well except for the Germans and one Polish Catholic that I really wanted to hit him with a frying pan. I think my favourite characters were Hanna, Stefa, and Janka. Each struggling in their own ways but 3 women full of courage and bravery.
I'm not one to give away stories so you can read the synopsis of the book and other reviews, who are more eloquent than me, and decided for yourself if you want to read this book or not. But I really hope that you do read it....I highly recommend it to everyone.

Thank you to NetGalley and Kensington Books for an advanced digital copy of this book for an honest review. These words are mine and mine alone....

The War Girls by V.S. Alexander is Historical Fiction of World War II set in Poland and England. A Jewish family and friends are fighting the Nazis and describe the perils they face. The War Girls depict the reasons we must always fight to overcome evil regimes. A well researched story with characters from various backgrounds and beliefs that will steal your heart. This tragic tale is fast paced with lots of excitement and action. I enjoyed reading about the European, Jewish and Catholic customs unknown to me.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own. I appreciate the opportunity and thank the author and publisher for allowing me to read, enjoy and review this book. Loved it! 5 Stars

This was my first World War II read and while I found the pacing slow, which I think was to be expected, the book was heart wrenchingly good. The author's descriptions were quite vivid. This is a must read so that we don't forget the atrocities that occured.

An inspirational if occasionally tough to read story of resilience and resistance in Poland during WWII. Jewish sisters Hanna and Stefa along with Janka, an Aryan woman who feels compelled to help, find themselves part of the effort to keep the Polish ghetto alive, among other things. While it seems implausible that the SOE would have sent young Hanna back into Poland to collect info knowing what they did, that's the underlying premise of this novel which will keep you turning the pages. It's emotional and thoughtful. Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC. For fans of the genre.

This book focuses on three women, two Jewish (Hanna and Stefa) and one Catholic (Janka). The two Jewish women are sisters; however, Hanna lives in London with her aunt and uncle after renouncing her Jewish faith, while Stefa lives in Warsaw. Janka also lives in Warsaw, but due to her religion is not forced to relocate to the Warsaw Ghetto. The three women work tirelessly in their own way to ensure the safety of their friends and family, be it as a spy, a member of the resistance or an ally.

I love historical fiction, especially ones based on World War II stories, and this one did not disappoint. I will gladly recommend this novel to others and look forward to reading more books by V.S. Alexander.

Thank you to NetGalley and Kensington Books for allowing me to read an ARC of this novel. #NetGalley #KensingtonBooks #TheWarGirls

The War Girls is a must read for anyone wanting to experience the horrendous atrocities of World War 2. The War Girls is a must read book who want to remember those that were lost. The War Girls is a book praising those that fought against the Nazis in many different ways.

This book was not easy to read. At times I had to put it down and gain my composure before reading on. Other times I had to put it down for the rest of the day. The author went in to graphic detail.

The author took us to the ghettos. Descriptions had me experiencing what she wrote. There is details of the struggles within the walls of the Jewish Ghettos. The reader learns of the struggles of those living on the outside of the walls. The hunger, the cruelty, the sufferings had me breaking down.

The War Girls doesn't just concentrate on the horrors of war. The reader goes through some of the strict training that members of the SOE had to go through. Those that succeeded really were the best of the best. They risked everything to help the Allies win the war. I will be forever be grateful to the men and women of the SOE.

Grab this book and remember so we don't repeat the past.

V.S. Alexander is rapidly becoming one of my favorite authors. I have read all his books, and I think this one is the best yet! He one of those rare authors that take a truly original story and imbue it with the most beautiful, lyrical writing that it feels like you are swept away into another time, yet also reading poetry. I liked the originality of this story, and really enjoyed the plot and characters. I love WWII stories, yet this one didn't feel like the same old plot device over and over again that I am starting to notice with the influx of the WWII genre. I didn't want this to end, and will definitely be reading it again!

What a intriguing book. Very hard to put down, although sad at times it was very informative of the times. Loved the plots and the varied characters which kept you engaged.
Considering the Author felt she wanted to visit the areas to get a feel for her novel but want able due to Covid, she did a grand job to portray the feel whilst reading.
She put over the bravery of the War girls as well as the casualties in the ghetto.
Well put together and informative, would certainly recommend reading.

Omg this book was heartwrenching. I thought i knew a lot about the ww2 history.. But this was not a well known part of the history for me. I could feel their hunger, i could feel.their pain. I understood their choices, but still cried about them. A must read book.
Thank you to netgalley for letting me read this e arc in exchange for an honest opinion

This is a War World II Historical Fiction book. I ended up DNFing this book after trying several times to get into this book. I just could not get into this book. The book moved really slow for me, and I just did not care about any of the characters. I received an ARC of this book. This review is my own honest opinion about the book like all my reviews are.

“History is important to me. We need a record - to tell the truth about what’s happening to the Jews in Poland. This record will let us live long past our years on earth.”

Have you ever finished a book and immediately wanted to climb up on the roof and tell everyone who’ll listen what a fantastic read it is?! This book is THAT good. It’s historical fiction ‘done right.’

Every once in a while a fantastic historical fiction book comes across my desk and I just know that it’ll be right up there with my favourite reads of the year. This one begs to be read, shared, and re-read so that we don’t lose the memory of this terrible time in history. I’m buying another copy for my niece so that V.S. Alexander’s message is not lost to time. I want everyone, decades from now, to know about Emanuel Ringelblum and his role in spreading the word.

The War Girls is a masterpiece - a lovingly woven tapestry featuring the girls from Krochmalna Street who stood against the Nazis and fought for freedom. This tapestry highlights the threads of Judaism, the Blitz, the Warsaw Ghetto and the Special Operations Executive in England.

One of the things I loved about this book is that it is centered around a street - Krochmalna Street - in Warsaw. As the seasons come and go and as the German tanks rumble down it, the Majewski, Krakowski and Danek families who live on this street witness the changes as the Germans’ grip tightens on this city.

Alexander has delved deeply into the Judaic culture and has revealed so much of this 5000-year-old religion. Many wartime historical fiction books claim to have Jewish characters and I accepted the religious label. However, once you read this book, you realize that the majority of other authors just scraped the surface and relied on telling readers not showing them. Alexander SHOWS readers and steeps them deeply into the traditions and teachings of Judaism. I knew about the religious identity of the characters because of the way they honoured the laws and traditions; lighting the candles at sunset on Rosh Hashanah Eve, reciting the blessing and shehecheyanu benediction, performing kaporos, days of prayer and fasting, touching the mezuzah. I may not remember each of these traditions in months to come, but I’ll remember that the families in the ghetto were dedicated to their faith despite the restrictions and lack of freedoms.

I’ll also remember the enclosing of the Warsaw Ghetto because Alexander SHOWS readers the characters building the wall and the families relocating. Those visuals will stay with me longer than an author telling me that a family was relocated or that a wall was built. Likewise, I won’t forget about the woman with the loaf of bread outside the ghetto. That memory is etched in my brain. I'll remember the courage families had to live another day despite the atrocities levied upon them by the Nazi regime.

The author is to be commended for teaching us about little-known aspects of WW2; the secrets of Station 14: Briggens House, the term ‘Roman candle’, and Operation Himmler, to name a few.

Thank you for not simply entertaining me, V.S. Alexander. Your meticulously researched and heartfelt novel has impressed an image on my heart and inspired a mission: I’ll boldly ensure that as many historical fiction lovers read this one as I can possibly manage.

I was gifted this advance copy by V.S. Alexander, Kensington Books and NetGalley and was under no obligation to provide a review.

"Hope and love remain even when we feel God has forsaken us."

Let me preface this review by saying I have read alot of books set during WWII, books that explore the atrocities on the Jewish people, and "The War Girls" has to be, without a doubt, in my top 10.

It has a somewhat unique plot compared to other books set during this time, in that we are introduced to a family that was fractured before the invasion, and the acts of horror that followed only helped in reuniting them. As the characters adapted to the reality of their circumstances, and the difficult moral decisions that sometimes followed, each one rose to the challenge with fortitude and bravery.

An emotional, suspenseful read, full of hope and tragedy, with an ending I did not expect, "The War Girls" was a thrilling, yet sobering journey of courage and strength from beginning to end. I would recommend this title to anyone who has an interest in the September Campaign, life in the Warsaw Ghetto, or even those who enjoy historical fiction centered around strong female characters.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily