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Madeline Martin gives us another look at how bibliophiles fared in the conflicts of WWII in her latest novel, The Keeper of Hidden Books. A view of love, loss, and occupation, this stellar story will have you appreciating the freedom and peace you enjoy and realizing just what it costs to have it.

It is August of 1939, and Zofia and her friends, Janina and Maria, are basking in the enjoyment of being young and free. All three belong to the Girl Guides, excel at school, and are busy planning for their future once their education is finished. When the fighting with Germany begins, none of them expect Poland to fall. And nothing in their lives has prepared them for the relentless bombing, for pilots that smile as they strafe city streets with deadly bullets, for the losses of friends and family as the fighting wears on and on.

Books are both their escape and a subtle form of resistance. Even before the war with Germany began, the young ladies had formed the Anti-Hitler Book Club, determinedly making their way through all the volumes the Nazi dictator had banned, and as the fighting rages around them, they resolve to read even more of these stories. When they see a bombed library, its books scattered amidst the rubble, they join in rescuing what they can from the destruction. Helping to find the books new homes and aiding in running the main branch of the Warsaw public library quickly becomes a way of life for them, along with short food rations, power outages, and daily air raids. But even that is insufficient preparation for the occupation – and the appalling cruelty of those who now run their country.

Zofia and Janina become official library employees once the Nazis take over but Janina, who is Jewish, soon finds herself facing intense persecution. In spite of that, both girls insist on expanding their book club to include kindred spirits and on doing what little they can to thwart the new regime. As the persecution and danger rise, will their courage be able to face the challenge? Or will they, like so many others, learn to accept the status quo?

Those looking for a book-centric story will need to look elsewhere. Novels are lauded as a wonderful escape from the horrors they are experiencing but the focus of this narrative is on the persecution of the Polish people, especially anyone of Jewish descent. While Zofia does take on the dangerous task of hiding books the Nazis ban, that work makes up less than ten percent of the tale. Mostly, the author fixates on the atrocities of the occupation and the cost paid by almost everyone who resisted. From the librarians who were caught and murdered while moving forbidden manuscripts to safety, to those killed for being old, slow, Jewish, or simply in the wrong place at the wrong time, the death toll is staggering. Both Janina and Zofia concentrate almost all their efforts on saving people from the ghetto, even as that inevitably costs them more than they could have imagined.

The characterization of the two leads is hard to pinpoint since so much of the text is given to action and worry. Both Janina and Zofia are so driven and focused that their personalities are subsumed by the things they are doing and their desire to succeed. Of course, what they are doing is very admirable and it is understandable that they are driven towards success when the result of failure would be their own deaths and likely that of anyone in any way associated with them, but many stories of this nature still take time to build more of an identity into their principals than this one does. At one point, a character mentions once wanting to be a museum-worthy artist; when asked why he no longer has that dream, he says, “Who would waste a dream on something so selfish?” That sums up, I think, what is wrong with the story – the characters have nothing left in them but their present circumstances. With the exception of knowing that Janina is beautiful and that Zofia once wanted to be a writer, who they are as people is completely engulfed by what is happening. Even important issues, such as why Zofia had a strained relationship with her mother from the start or why her father was so prescient, really needed more/deeper exploration.

Fortunately, there are some incredible secondary characters here. Maria, who impacts both the start and ending of the novel; Darek, a young man with a love for reading and freedom who goes to amazing lengths to both save books and help those most endangered by the occupation; Krystyna the Girl Guide leader whose depth of character, intelligence, and courage left me in awe; Kasia and her close friend Danuta, both of whom are ardent readers and courageous young women. We don’t get to know them any better than the leads but that (mostly) works, given the roles they play within the text.

There is a romance here, but it happens towards the very end of the book, takes up less than five percent of the storyline, and is really a pale shadow of the relationship between Janina and Zofia. The focus of the tale is more on friendship than romantic love.

Something the author does exceptionally well is showing how thoroughly and unequivocally resisters were punished – entire apartment buildings of people were killed if just one family was caught dissenting. Minor infractions – such as taking a banned book home, owning a radio, or talking to someone through the ghetto wall – could all be punished by death. There was a suffocating presence of German soldiers on what felt like every street corner and people turned in neighbors, not because they were hateful collaborators, but in an effort to save their own children. As Zofia says at one point, “There was no right way to respond – to sacrifice a loved one and yourself, to whom others looked upon for help, or to intervene for those who saved others and be arrested as well in the process (meant) your sacrifice would be for naught.” Ms. Martin does an outstanding job of capturing just what it means when tyrants are in charge and how that actually looks for the folks suffering under their rule. It has the added benefit of highlighting just how much courage and perseverance it took for those who did resist.

That said, the author’s talent for making the reader really feel the cost of the occupation makes The Keeper of Hidden Books a tough story to enjoy. It’s a novel I’m glad to have read, and one that serves as a reminder of important history, but it wasn’t joyous or fun to read. I would recommend it to everyone, but I would also recommend choosing a moment when you’re ready to experience some angst and heartache.

stamperlady50's profile picture
The Keeper of Hidden Books
By: Madeline Martin
5📗📗📗📗📗

I love that this novel was based on the efforts of the Warsaw librarians during WW2. Martin meticulously researched for this novel and the details are rich.
📗
Hitler was known for many horrible things, and I was aware of his reign stealing art, but I knew little about him getting rid of literature or books in Warsaw. Books should be preserved and I strongly feel we should not ban books. This is such a hot topic right now!
📗
When a group form a book club their purpose is to read the banned books that Hitler did not want. I loved this novel so much as an educator as well as an avid reader. Sad to hear that over 15 million books were stolen or burned in Poland, but happy to know there were people trying to preserve them.
📗
Martin always does her research and therefore her author notes are a MUST READ!
#madelinemartin, #the keeperofhiddenbooks, #hanoversquarepress, #bookreview, #netgalley, #booksconnectus, #bookstagram, #stamperlady50

The Keeper of Hidden Books by Madeline Martin relates both an horrific and amazing story. Horrific because it depicts for us the horrors that Poland faced when Germany invaded in WW11, and amazing in the way the people endured, resisted, and suffered.

War is just so evil and what Poland suffered was the result of that evil. What the characters go through in this story take us right into the heart of the conflict. Zofia and Janina and their friends and families go through hell and only a few come back. I loved how Zofia stood by Janina ( a Jew) right through. The solidarity of family and friendship throughout stands out. Not just the girls but the people they work with and turn to in a time of need.

Of course the stand out through all this is the love of reading and books. The way the characters fought for their library, secreting books, getting books out into the hands of readers and forming a little book club as well, brings home the value of books. Something we take for granted as we gobble up book after book. In Poland in WW11, each book saved was so precious. Each book was rich in thought and story and values.

Will you enjoy this book? Perhaps but maybe not. But you will stand in awe of these brave, courageous people who stood for what really matters. People who stood for love, books and their country.

The Keeper of Hidden Books, Madeline Martin’s latest work of WWII-set historical fiction, hits particularly hard in the current political climate of book banning and targeting libraries, with a very clear ideology that is meant to further disenfranchise the most marginalized of society. And while, looking back, things aren’t as oppressive as they were during this period (yet), it’s harrowing to see echoes of it with similar tactics that are being used today, but also reinforcing the power of resistance.
I was immediately drawn into the narrative, and how, even in the face of Nazi oppression, Zofia and Janina and others find the most effective form of resistance in reading and sharing knowledge with each other, especially the books that Hitler has declared banned. Their relationship between these two in particular centers the narrative, even when the two are parted, and I rooted for them in their resistance throughout.
And while Zofia very much grounds and centers the narrative, the story goes beyond her individual experience, and I appreciate how the story highlights the power of community and what their covert “hidden books” meant to them as a tool of resistance. I loved the book club elements, both between Zofia and Janina, as well as between other varied characters, and it perfectly replicates the very human connection books can provide.
This is a poignant read, and I’d recommend it to book lovers, especially those who enjoy historical fiction.

Zofia is trying her best to keep normalcy going while the Germans invade her town. I can’t imagine living in a world where you are told that certain books need to be burned. I am a lover of books like her book club and love discussing. World War 2 is always super fascinating to me.

WWII era ✅️ Emotional ✅️ Book about books ✅️

Thank you NetGalley and Harlequin Trade Publishing for the ARC of The Keeper of Hidden Books by Madeline Martin.

I've been in the mood for a good historical fiction read, and this one hit the spot. Based in the WWII era, it revolves around the banning and destruction of books, how librarians and fellow book lovers fought relentlessly for their right to read and to save as many books as they could. I cannot even begin to imagine not being allowed to read what I want. This story shows how brave those readers had to be and how we should never take our freedom for granted. 🖤

"Good books were like amazing sunsets or awe-inspiring landscapes, better enjoyed with someone else. There was no greater experience in the world than sharing the love of a book, discussing its finer points, and reliving the story all over again.”

The Keeper of Hidden Books is a magnificent, heart-wrenching, and beautifully written historical fiction. The devotion and careful thought with which Madeline Martin crafted this story is utterly brilliant and her love for this tale was evident on every page. It has been quite some time since I read a work of historical fiction so it took me a little while to truly get into the novel, but once I did, I could not put it down. I was blown away by the bravery of Zofia, Janina, and all the other characters we met, their dedication to Poland during the Nazi invasion, and their determination to fight for what was right. The way they risked their lives to save the literature they held so dear and protected their fellow Polish and Jewish citizens with such valor, was awe-inspiring. Knowing this was the reality for so many people during WWII, makes this tale even more impactful. I definitely believe that this is a book everyone should read and I cannot wait to check out more of Madeline Martin's work.

Thank you Netgalley for providing me this book in exchange for an honest review.

Janina and Zofia are best friends who create an anti-Hitler book club (although they intend to change the name). Essentially the book club's goal is to only read books that were banned by Hitler.

Following this, Warsaw, their hometown, falls into Nazi hands and Janina and Zofia must fight for what they believe in. They both begin working at a library after Janina is forced out of school due to being a Nazi and Zofia is kicked out from beating up a bully. Through this library, they realize the Nazis want to destroy their precious literature and the workers come up with a plan to keep the books safe. Chaos ensues as the Nazis take over Warsaw and Janina and Zofia find themselves on the frontline fighting for what they believe in.

I love books about WWII, but I usually don't find many on Poland which is why I requested this book! I thought this book had a slower start, but once it started, it took off. I loved the idea of the Bandit Book Club and all the secret meetings they had. I was constantly reading in anticipation of them being found out by the Nazis and couldn't put the book down! The end had me in absolute tears, but they weren't all sad tears. It was a mess of all emotions at the end.

The romance allowed for a nice break through the constant tensions pertaining to Poland and the Nazis. It seemed almost as an escape, similar to literature. I never could have imagined someone going to these extremes to save books, but Madeline Martin left an important quote: That literature has power.

I plan to post this review to my Goodreads account and my new bookstagram account (@read_by.dusk) right away.

Oh this book broke my heart but gave me hope all at the same time. Set in Poland around Zofia and her closest friend Janina the book starts with the two girls still in school and enjoying being teenagers Hitler is lurking on the horizons but isn't a threat and the girls and their friends have made a book club that focuses on reading books that Hitler is ordering destroyed.

As the book goes on the world changes for these girls in ways they could never imagine. They are forced to grow up and face who they really are as well as endure heartbreaking loss and constant fear. But what keeps this from being too much is the thread of hope that runs through the book. I loved the focus on books and that they are used for comfort, for hope, and for rebellion. As well I really appreciated the Polish setting. I feel like that's not a common World War II setting and it is a story worth exploring.

The only thing that kept this from being a 5 star book for me was that I found the beginning a bit slow and it took me a few chapters to really connect to the main characters but that was really a minor issue.

This was an emotional read that left me with tears in my eyes but a feeling of hope and a strong impression of strength.

In The Keeper of Hidden Books, Madeline Martin tells the story of a young woman named Zofia who puts together a library of banned books during the Nazi occupation of Warsaw. The story does an excellent job blending the fictional account of Zofia with historical events, namely the underground library that actually arose during WWII. This book will feel familiar to anyone that has read Martin's other popular novel, The Last Bookshop in London. The character work, writing prowess, and attention to historical detail are all here and create a compelling story that examines the importance of stories and pushes back against those that would ban them. The message itself is particularly timely given the rise of book bans in the United States now.

The plot moves along at a quick place, which can be jarring as the story jumps weeks and even months at time in its exploration of the war. This can lead to peculiar pacing issues that directly impact investment in certain events and characters. That being said, the book is a tremendous love letter to the written word.

What a good read! Zofia, a Polish teenager, is about to become an adult--and Poland is being plunged into WWII as the Germans invade. Almost overnight, her former concerns--what to do after graduating secondary school, how to get along with her ever-disapproving mother--are shoved to the background as Warsaw is plunged into war. The Nazis seem intent on destroying everything, and innocent Polish civilians are no exception. Zofia's rage at the injustice and cruelty is only heightened as she watches her dearest friend, Janina, whose family is Jewish, endure endless persecution, ending up in the Warsaw Ghetto with thousands of other Jews that the Nazis are intent on destroying.

But this book is about more than these injustices--this book is about fighting back, and the power of literature in giving people hope. Before too long, Zofia finds herself part of an ever-dwindling library staff, with an ever-growing list of books that Hitler wants banned. There she joins with fellow librarians and young adults to fight against Nazi injustice in the best way they can--by preserving these books to give hope (and a reminder of Polish strength) in an increasingly bleak world.

Without spoiling the plot, this book goes more into other topics which fascinated me and which were pretty new to me, though I've read quite a bit of WWII literature: the Warsaw Ghetto Uprising, the remarkably organized Polish Resistance, and the brave librarians who understood that preserving books means preserving knowledge, heritage, and hope.

The author's note at the end makes it clear that this well-researched book contained many true characters and events, which only impressed me more.

Overall, this was a well-researched book, and it left me with a strong impression about what everyday people can--and must--do to overcome injustice and defend others. Sometimes there was a bit too much "telling" rather than "showing" for my taste. Martin covered almost the entire period of the war in one book, so it makes sense that there needed to be some "telling" in order to keep the plot moving, but there were times when I felt there was too much description of what the characters were feeling, and I wished there would have been more action to *show* they were feeling that way.

Readers of this book might also enjoy Lilac Girls (by Martha Hall Kelly) and a couple of Martin's other books--The Last Bookshop in London and The Librarian Spy. (I do appreciate that Martin's books--and this one is no exception--generally contain no more romance than kissing and minimal to no swearing, which is different than Lilac Girls.)

Thank you to NetGalley and Harlequin Trade Publishing for the digital advanced reader copy.

The Keeper of Hidden Books is a poignant and beautifully crafted novel that celebrates the resilience of the human spirit and the power of books to provide hope even in the darkest of times. Through the eyes of brave young librarian Zofia, author Madeline Martin transports readers to Nazi-occupied Warsaw, where the destruction of the city and persecution of its people try but fail to diminish their love of literature.

Zofia's friendship with Janina is the heart of this story. Their bond, already deep thanks to a shared passion for reading, only grows stronger as Janina and her family suffer under Nazi oppression. Yet nothing can suppress their lively book discussions, even after Janina is forced into the Warsaw Ghetto.

When the Nazis ban and burn books, Zofia and her fellow librarians risk their lives to hide away as many volumes as they can. Their "clandestine book club" becomes a symbol of resistance in a city under siege. No matter the danger, Zofia never stops fighting to preserve books and give hope to those who need it most.

Martin's elegant prose and meticulous research shine through on every page. She vividly captures both the horrific destruction of war and quiet acts of defiance that keep dignity alive. Readers will find inspiration in Zofia's courage and be reminded that human connections matter most, even when hatred tries to divide us. The Keeper of Hidden Books is a gripping and uplifting tale that honors the victims of wartime Poland and celebrates the power of books to unite us all.

The Keeper of Hidden Books by Madeline Martin resonated with me from the very first chapter.

Warsaw, Poland 1939 - When Hitler and the Nazis defeat Poland, their invasion and goal was to 'crush' the Polish culture. Their forward progression was to close museums and schools, loot the Art Galleries, ban music and books and steal or burn what they could get their hands on. They didn't expect the Poles to fight back.
We meet Zofia, Maria, Janina and Kasia. These brave young women do their part to save books and save lives. They get jobs at the Warsaw Lending Library and start a group saving books that Hitler has banned. Their goal was to read Germany's banned books, discuss them and not forget their significance. Their book club is aptly called anti-Hitler Book club.
When the Nazis invade Warsaw, Kasia's father, a doctor, is arrested and imprisoned with no reason given. This sets off her journey to support the resistance to help get Hitler's Nazis out of Poland.
Janina and her parents end up in the Warsaw Ghetto and Zofia risks her life to help them. Since books were so important, they used suitcases to transport books to others in the Ghetto. In the Ghetto, a child's playroom was really a clandestine library so the Nazis wouldn't find the books. This was their way of keeping the books and love for reading alive.
Eventually working for The Home Army in the Warsaw Uprising, Zofia and her friends do what they can to free Poland.

These young women suffered themselves and saw deplorable conditions come to those they really cared about. Working in the library allowed them to save books and get them in the hands of people wanting to read them. There was a quote in the book that I really loved..

"There was power in literature... Books inspired free thought and empathy...In the pages of books that were burned and banned and ripped apart for pulping, Zofia had found herself ". She showed determination and courage in despicable situations.

I absolutely loved this book. It's sad to read about the conditions those in Poland during the invasion had to endure. But we need to be sure that the history and the past are never forgotten, so it will never be repeated.

Thank you to Hanover Square Press Publishing and NetGalley for an Advanced Readers Copy in exchange for an honest review.

It takes a special book to evoke the emotions this one did. The author takes us into the world of a young woman, Zofia, and her family and friends during WWII in Poland. It is a journey that takes us from just prior to the invasion of Poland by the Nazis through the end of the war. I felt the sorrow, the pain and loss, but also the determination and hope that Zophia and those around her. Zophia and her friends are avid readers, creating their own small book club. Once the Nazis start taking away any of the literature that they don’t feel aligns with their beliefs, (or any other ridiculous reason they decide upon) Zophia and her friends, along with some others, decide to hide the books away in any way they can. They know how important literature is, not only for sharing stories, as well as for learning, but also for an escape from whatever horrors the war has brought to their doorstep. I loved reading the authors note at the end, explaining how she came upon this story during research she did of that time period. She really did an excellent job in creating a story around some real events and people. I highly recommend this one to anyone who loves historical fiction as I do.
Thank you to NetGalley for a copy of this book. All thoughts and ideas included in this review are my own.

The Keeper of Hidden books is a beautiful story about hope and fighting for what is right.
It was so interesting to read about Poland and the struggle and fight during the war. I had no idea it had been that difficult for both Jewish and non-Jewish poles. My heart ached while reading this book like it has with so many heart-breaking stories from the war. But it is necessary to read about this and to know how things went and to learn that kindness is and will always be the way forward.
I lived the focus on hooks in this story, the way it tells the power of libraries and stories during the most difficult times. It's a story about the different ways off being brave, a story about hope and friendship and doing what it's right.
I couldn't help but cry with the final part, both from sadness and joy.

The Keeper of Hidden Books by Madeline Martin is the story of Zofia Nowak. This book takes place in Warsaw, Poland and the dates are between 1939 and 1945. So that time frame is a very important part of history especially for Jewish people. This was a moving book that was such a page turning read that took you into the story fully. Enjoyed.

Zofia’s wonderful country of Poland has been invaded by the Nazis. As you can guess, this has rocked all of their lives. Zofia’s father has been arrested and her friend has been sent to the ghetto. But, surrounding all this tragedy, Zofia still continues her work in the library. This is where she feels safe. But the laws of the Nazis are still invading her life in her wonderful library. So, she decides to circumvent the Nazis and save as many books as she can.

Zofia is such an amazing young woman. I loved her intelligence and her strength. Not only does she save books, she saves many lives as well and you will need to read this to find out!

This story has quite a few characters to keep up with. But, I enjoyed so much about this novel, especially all the book references! I mean…what book lover wouldn’t!

Need a tragic, but heartwarming story about books…THIS IS IT! Grab your copy today.

I received this novel from the publisher for a honest review.

Madeline Martin gives us another look at how bibliophiles fared in the conflicts of WWII in her latest novel, The Keeper of Hidden Books. A view of love, loss, and occupation, this stellar story will have you appreciating the freedom and peace you enjoy and realizing just what it costs to have it.

It is August of 1939, and Zofia and her friends, Janina and Maria, are basking in the enjoyment of being young and free. All three belong to the Girl Guides, excel at school, and are busy planning for their future once their education is finished. When the fighting with Germany begins, none of them expect Poland to fall. And nothing in their lives has prepared them for the relentless bombing, for pilots that smile as they strafe city streets with deadly bullets, for the losses of friends and family as the fighting wears on and on.

Books are both their escape and a subtle form of resistance. Even before the war with Germany began, the young ladies had formed the Anti-Hitler Book Club, determinedly making their way through all the volumes the Nazi dictator had banned, and as the fighting rages around them, they resolve to read even more of these stories. When they see a bombed library, its books scattered amidst the rubble, they join in rescuing what they can from the destruction. Helping to find the books new homes and aiding in running the main branch of the Warsaw public library quickly becomes a way of life for them, along with short food rations, power outages, and daily air raids. But even that is insufficient preparation for the occupation – and the appalling cruelty of those who now run their country.

Zofia and Janina become official library employees once the Nazis take over but Janina, who is Jewish, soon finds herself facing intense persecution. In spite of that, both girls insist on expanding their book club to include kindred spirits and on doing what little they can to thwart the new regime. As the persecution and danger rise, will their courage be able to face the challenge? Or will they, like so many others, learn to accept the status quo?

Those looking for a book-centric story will need to look elsewhere. Novels are lauded as a wonderful escape from the horrors they are experiencing but the focus of this narrative is on the persecution of the Polish people, especially anyone of Jewish descent. While Zofia does take on the dangerous task of hiding books the Nazis ban, that work makes up less than ten percent of the tale. Mostly, the author fixates on the atrocities of the occupation and the cost paid by almost everyone who resisted. From the librarians who were caught and murdered while moving forbidden manuscripts to safety, to those killed for being old, slow, Jewish, or simply in the wrong place at the wrong time, the death toll is staggering. Both Janina and Zofia concentrate almost all their efforts on saving people from the ghetto, even as that inevitably costs them more than they could have imagined.

The characterization of the two leads is hard to pinpoint since so much of the text is given to action and worry. Both Janina and Zofia are so driven and focused that their personalities are subsumed by the things they are doing and their desire to succeed. Of course, what they are doing is very admirable and it is understandable that they are driven towards success when the result of failure would be their own deaths and likely that of anyone in any way associated with them, but many stories of this nature still take time to build more of an identity into their principals than this one does. At one point, a character mentions once wanting to be a museum-worthy artist; when asked why he no longer has that dream, he says, “Who would waste a dream on something so selfish?” That sums up, I think, what is wrong with the story - the characters have nothing left in them but their present circumstances. With the exception of knowing that Janina is beautiful and that Zofia once wanted to be a writer, who they are as people is completely engulfed by what is happening. Even important issues, such as why Zofia had a strained relationship with her mother from the start or why her father was so prescient, really needed more/deeper exploration.

Fortunately, there are some incredible secondary characters here. Maria, who impacts both the start and ending of the novel; Darek, a young man with a love for reading and freedom who goes to amazing lengths to both save books and help those most endangered by the occupation; Krystyna the Girl Guide leader whose depth of character, intelligence, and courage left me in awe; Kasia and her close friend Danuta, both of whom are ardent readers and courageous young women. We don’t get to know them any better than the leads but that (mostly) works, given the roles they play within the text.

There is a romance here, but it happens towards the very end of the book, takes up less than five percent of the storyline, and is really a pale shadow of the relationship between Janina and Zofia. The focus of the tale is more on friendship than romantic love.

Something the author does exceptionally well is showing how thoroughly and unequivocally resisters were punished - entire apartment buildings of people were killed if just one family was caught dissenting. Minor infractions - such as taking a banned book home, owning a radio, or talking to someone through the ghetto wall - could all be punished by death. There was a suffocating presence of German soldiers on what felt like every street corner and people turned in neighbors, not because they were hateful collaborators, but in an effort to save their own children. As Zofia says at one point, “There was no right way to respond - to sacrifice a loved one and yourself, to whom others looked upon for help, or to intervene for those who saved others and be arrested as well in the process (meant) your sacrifice would be for naught.” Ms. Martin does an outstanding job of capturing just what it means when tyrants are in charge and how that actually looks for the folks suffering under their rule. It has the added benefit of highlighting just how much courage and perseverance it took for those who did resist.

That said, the author’s talent for making the reader really feel the cost of the occupation makes The Keeper of Hidden Books a tough story to enjoy. It’s a novel I’m glad to have read, and one that serves as a reminder of important history, but it wasn’t joyous or fun to read. I would recommend it to everyone, but I would also recommend choosing a moment when you're ready to experience some angst and heartache.

I was lucky enough to read "The Keeper of Hidden Books" and interview its author, Madeline Martin, for the Storytime in Paris podcast. Here is what I said:

"Ep 65. Madeline Martin, “The Keeper of Hidden Books”

For this Season Finale of Storytime in Paris, I’m thrilled to be joined by New York Times, USA Today, and internationally bestselling author Madeline Martin, who will be giving us a sneak peek into her latest book, ”The Keeper of Hidden Books.” ”The Keeper of Hidden Books” is based on the true story of the underground library in WWII Warsaw, Poland. Zofia is an intelligent, outspoken and rebellious 17-year-old, who wants nothing more than to dig into a good book and chat about it with her Jewish best friend Janina. She is wholly unprepared for the horrors that the Nazi Occupation brings, and will do anything to protect those she loves most.

"The Keeper of Hidden Books” is a beautiful book that made me cry with the hope it radiates. Listen now to my conversation with Madeline, and to hear a reading from her book, which will be released on August 1st..”

Full episode available on the Storytime in Paris podcast, wherever you listen to podcasts.

This book, based on true events illustrates how much books have helped people in difficult times, as well as good times. This story is about the library in Warsaw during WWII and details the struggles and fights the Poles had to keep the library open and to put books in the hands of their fellow countrymen. My only criticism was at times it seemed to drag some, but a great story.