The Keeper of Hidden Books by Madeline Martin is a captivating and memorable novel. The book is set in Warsaw, Poland during the German invasion. The premise of the story is that a group of librarians hide banned books from the Nazi’s. The main character Zophia is Polish and her best friend Janina is Jewish. This becomes a very important part of the story. Another important part of story is a secret book club. Zophia who works at the Warsaw Library starts hiding books to protect them but also to preserve them for future generations. The act of defying the Nazi’s leads to more involved resistance work.
The story also examines how quickly everyone had to grow up, especially Zophia and her friends. The relationship between Zophia and her mother changes and shifts through the book which is interesting to witness. The book is about standing up for what you believe in, passion, friendships, the importance of family, religion and love.
The settings were so vivid. You could picture the library, Warsaw, the ghetto, the apartments and so many other places. Ms. Martin’s writing is superb. Her characters are rich, warm, brave, optimistic, and truly unforgettable. They will stay with you long after the story has ended.
I think this book is a definite for Bibliophiles. I thoroughly enjoyed this book. While this is my first book by Ms. Martin, it will definitely not be my last. I am interested to see what Ms. Martin has in store for us next. Well done.

This is my third book by Madeline Martin. I loved The Last Bookshop in London and The Librarian Spy. The Keeper of Hidden Books is as wonderfully written as the other two I've read. It's a 5 ⭐ book.

It's WWII, and the Nazi are in Warsaw. There we meet Zofia and her best friend Janina. They both are trying to save books from being destroyed by the Nazi and endangering their own lives in this process. We see so much distruction not only in books, but in the lives and the spirit of the people of Poland. We will see all the horrible things that war brings, like the air raids destroying the beautiful city, and the killing of so many innocent people.
A very powerful book which I recommend. I really loved the authors note where she explained the fact from fiction.

I worked as a librarian, and I love and feel that the library is my second home. My four children love the library and what books have offered them, not just knowledge, but also an escape to other places in their mind. A beautiful place that we should all travel to. Enjoy ❤️.

Thank you NetGalley & Harlequin Trade Publishing, Hanover Square for the arc ebook copy in exchange for my honest opinion & review.

Pub Day August 1, 2023

#MadelineMartin
#KeeperofHiddenBooks
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#HanoverSquare

I have read several historical fiction books by this author and I am always impressed by how she is able to pull you into the character’s lives and the World War II setting. This book is set in Warsaw, Poland and follows a young woman who initially becomes involved in the resistance by hiding banned books from the Nazis. This evolves into more intrenched resistance work as she tries to save those she loves while fighting against the Nazi occupation. If you read a lot of World War II era books, I don’t think this really offers anything different but these stories are still very important to tell. This book is well researched and immensely readable and I will continue to read this author’s historical fiction.

I received a digital Advance Review Copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley.

I wish I could give this book more than 5 stars because god damn it deserves at least 10!
I'll preface this review by saying it is a heavy topic and does get hard to read at times but it's mostly because of the raw emotion from the exquisite penmanship and the choice of words Madeline used for some pivotal and crucial parts of the book. I truly truly would recommend this book to anyone and everyone! Especially the times we live in where a lot of these past historical situations are being forgotten, it's such an important topic beautifully written.

The premise: Zofia is a HS student and book lover in postwar Poland as Hitler is coming to power and fighting in several European fronts. The majority of the book takes places during the timeframe right before the invasion of Poland, the capture of Warsaw, and ends as the Soviets "free" Poland. She goes through a lot of loss, suffering and love and hope as well.

- I have to give mention to the fact that even the Author's note was beautifully written, I almost never read those in their entirety but I loved her explanations and information on where she got the information and research for this book to make it as historically accurate as possible even within its fiction.
- I can't pick any character as my favorite because they were all incredibly complex and beautiful in so many ways.
- I very much enjoyed the complicated relationship Zofia has with her mother and how it changes throughout the book as she grows, learns and sees her perspective.
- This book made me think about a lot of things, especially how we take for granted reading books nowadays but there was a period of time when it wasn't possible and was even a crime....
- The letters from Janina featured in the book where some of the most heartbreaking parts of the story, I made the mistake of reading it during my commute on the subway and was shedding tears while everyone wondered wtf I was doing.

Truly a great book, if you take anything away from this review, it's this is a MUST read culture wise, to put things into perspective, for extra knowledge, humility, to learn about the past and to truly be inspired by human nature.

Note: I received an ARC for honest feedback.

A World War story of a Warsaw group of librarians that hide banned books in the library from the Nazis as well as create a hidden book club to read some of the books. Also, The relationship between the main character who is polish, and her best friend who is Jewish is also a large part of the story, and how she and others helps her friends and families during the German invasion into Warsaw and their subsequent internment.
Unfortunately I found this story not new to me. I’ve read similar stories before. The characters relationships were not developed well enough for me to be invested in their outcomes. And it was slow going throughout the entirety. There was just surface information and dialogue. I found myself losing interest about half way through. I finished the book but was disappointed.
The premise for protection of our libraries and all books is evident and it could have been so much better if we had more information about the specific banned books, maybe why Hitler chose these books, how librarians across the country dealt with the bans and more about the books outcomes after the war. Just needed more in my opinion.

4.8 stars.
On pages 346 and 347 there are typos, FYI to the publishers (which thank you for the ARC).


A wonderfully researched historical fiction about our main character Zofia and Warsaw. Zofia has something in common with us as the reader; she loves books. This story is about her love for books, the importance and impact on saving Polish books for future generations, and also the struggles of war and how it makes everyone grow up fast. It’s not gruesome in trauma, but it doesn’t shy away from it. It’s not romantic, but there is tenderness. It’s not just a war book. It’s a book about love, passion, friendships that pass all boundaries, and the importance of what’s right- even over the importance of what is safe.

I really enjoyed this book, it helped get me out of my slump lately. I will definitely be recommending it to my patients who love to discuss historical fiction when they come in for their appointments. With that, this review ends with a calico cat named Jackie (sorry I don’t know a Nela!).

The Keeper of Hidden Books is a story about the power of books to offer hope during the most devastating times.

The Keeper of Hidden Books is inspired by the true story of the underground library in Warsaw, Poland during WWII. Zofia has two important things in her life: her books and her best friend, Janina. As Warsaw is occupied during WWII, books are in danger of being banned and/or destroyed. At great risk, Zofia saves what books she can, continues to meet secretly with her book club, and hides books. Lending saved books to readers and sneaking them into the Ghetto for her best friend are dangerous activities and as the situation becomes more dire, she also participates where she can in the Resistance.

Just as the Grinch can’t steal the spirit of Christmas, Hitler can’t steal the love of reading from book lovers. Books might be banned, but readers are gong to read. I thought this morning how fitting it is to review this book about books and libraries on #BookLoversDay !

One important reason to read is for escapism. This is never more true than during war! (How many of you read for escapism during the Pandemic?!) Books about the power of literature to offer hope in devastating times and the importance of libraries are addicting! I’m adding The Keeper of Hidden Books to my growing list of books about books and books set in libraries.

So much loss in war. In addition to the loss of precious life, people caught in the war put everything on hold to focus on survival and resistance. This could mean loss of educational opportunities, loss of careers, loss of romance, loss of friendships, loss of travel, loss of security, loss of family treasures, loss of brilliant minds and artists, …..and the loss goes on. War changes our entire world. The tragedy and sacrifice can’t be measured.

“The world needs to remember to never take for granted what has been gifted to us through the sacrifice of others: the right to education and leaning, the power and luxury of freedom, and the beauty to appreciate the routine of simple, ordinary life.” ~Zofia, The Keeper of Hidden Books

I anticipate a good reading experience when I pick up a book by a trusted author. Even though the content is not easy, Madeline Martin writes well-researched, meaningful, and page-turning historical fiction. Her characters are well-drawn and admirable and her themes are substantial. Themes I appreciate here include friendship, family, sacrifice, taking risks, fighting evil, and the power of books.

Content Consideration: difficult and emotional WWII content

Fans of Madeline Martin will definitely be interested in this new release. Also for fans of WWII historical fiction and stories of brave difference-makers. Book clubs might find thoughtful discussion possibilities.

Thanks #NetGalley @htp_books @Hanover_Square for a complimentary e ARC of #TheKeeperOfHiddenBooks upon my request. All opinions are my own.

What a good book! I really appreciated the protagonist's perspective of a young adult female Warsovian (lived in Warsaw, Poland) during the Nazi occupation. Her experience was harrowing, heartbreaking, and also filled with hope, kindness, and love. I totally recommend this book!

In 1939, Germany, under the control of Hitler, invaded Poland. During their occupation, Hitler had his troops take over libraries and began banning books that did not align with his viewpoint deeming them "inappropriate" and destroying them. This story centers on a group of young people who form a Bandit Reading Club to begin reading books on Hitler's banned book list. As they come together to discuss the books, they begin to form a plan to save books by hiding them. As the Nazis close schools and set up ghettos for Jewish residents, these group of young people begin smuggling books out and setting up secret libraries and even run libraries out of suitcases. The author writes "This is how they would rebuild the beauty or Warsaw, through community, one book at at time in a city of readers with open hearts and learned minds."

I enjoyed this book and learned a great deal. I did not know that Helen Keller was a banned author on Hitler's banned list. Nor did I know that the Girl and Boy Guides (predecessors to Girl and Boy Scouts in the US) played such an important role in the resistance movement during WWII. I do feel that the author's content was too broad in this book. This made it hard to follow at times. I do, however, feel this book is a timely read and will suggest it to others.

A remarkable content who has made a name for themselves through exhibiting exceptional quality and passion for storytelling. Your book is worth buying as a gift to another.

4.5 stars

The key theme in this story is a timely one, as we are currently facing book banns in American schools and libraries.

Martin's book is well researched and beautifully written to showcase the hope that can be found, even during the darkest of times. This book is an emotional roller coaster, and the romance angle blends in nicely without feeling forced or overpowering. I loved that the author incorporated factual details about real people, key events in WWII, and even landmarks in Poland. Resilience is a key theme throughout the story. Martin's latest is a powerful reminder of why we need to learn about the past so it's not repeated in the future.

One of my favorite quotes:

"I have died a thousand deaths, but that did not define me. Instead, I lived a thousand lives and it is for that reason that I now have told our story."

Madeline Martin, the author of The Last Bookshop in London, has a new book being released on Tuesday. I really enjoy her historical fiction novels that also center around books. I’ll definitely be adding The Keeper of Hidden Books to my tbr!

The Keeper of Hidden Books takes its inspiration from events that took place in Warsaw during World War II. Martin centers the narrative on a group of resisters who created a clandestine library and hid books from the Nazis. Even a seemingly benign activity like this was dangerous, and many did not make it until the end of the war.

Every time I say that I’m not going to read any more books set in Europe during WWII, one comes along that takes a different tack and I dive back in. I thought the premise of resisters saving books was intriguing. Unfortunately, this book did not live to its promise, at least not for me. The exposition was slow, with several characters and events presented in a short time so that it was difficult to discern which people and places were important (it didn’t help that three characters had 5-letter names starting with M). Backstories weren’t fleshed out completely; for example, when the lead character has to decide whether or not she should put her differences with her mother aside, I had trouble remembering just what those differences were.

In the final chapters, the author talks about the importance of books, why they were essential to save and why we must never forget the heroes who saved them. I wish she had also spent some time discussing why the Nazis wanted to ban and burn books in the first place. As book banning, rewriting history. defunding education, and demonizing teachers grows in the United States, we need to know more about why people fear education, reading and art. Knowing these reasons will help us avoid going down the wrong path again.

Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for the Advance Reader Copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.

The Keeper of Hidden Books , by Madeline Martin, is WWII historical fiction novel about the brave fight to save books and libraries during the German occupation of Poland. With more and more books being banned from schools and libraries in this country, you can’t help but pause and take note of this intriguing story.

Well researched and beautifully written, this WWII novel presents the story from a unique angle. This is one you will not be able to put down.

An enriching tale of a young woman’s bravery and conviction, and the vital importance of preserving and defending literature and culture against a tyranny bent on destroying them. In today's society everyone should read this book.

For the love of books! Madeline Martin’s latest is an ode to books, friendship and family, all of which provide vital sustenance as the characters struggle to survive in Warsaw, Poland during World War II. The Keeper of Hidden Books has a strong sense of place, transporting the reader to Warsaw and extolling its culture, architecture and history while revealing the horrific atrocities of wartime. Libraries featured serve not only as sources for stories but are precious archives, community meeting places, refuges and shelter. And the primary and many secondary characters are quite well developed, likable and relatable, rendering this tale a rather emotional journey.

Highly recommended to fans of Madeline Martin, Pam Jenoff, Kristin Harmel and Martha Hall Kelly.

Many thanks to NetGalley and Hanover Square Press / HarperCollins for the complimentary ARC. Opinions are my own.

I loved this book! Set in Warsaw during World War II, the story tells the struggles that the Jews and non-Jews went through during that time. While heartbreaking at times, Martin manages to tell a story of hope through love and friendship.

I really enjoyed this book. The characters were engaged and the story-telling kept my attention. It was a slow start but a third of the way through, I was hooked and followed each characters storyline easily.

Having previously traveled to Warsaw and toured the ghettos, I could picture the events and atrocities the author laid out in her story. Zofia was a strong female lead written with intentional voice and tone.

I would recommend this book for anyone looking to learn more about Poland between WW1 and WW2, leading up to their freedom from the Soviet Union in 1989.

The Keeper of Hidden Books is a somber story that takes place in WWII Nazi-occupied Poland. The lives of Zofie, her family and her friends are completely upended when they are forced to live under Nazi rule.

A young woman at the beginning of the occupation, Zofie did not even get to finish school before they were closed. She goes to work at the Warsaw public library where she witnesses Hitler’s draconian book censorship. Her father is arrested for unknown reasons. And her best friend Janina is forced into a Jewish ghetto. She witnesses terrible cruelty, death, lack of food, and ever increasing tyranny from Poland’s occupiers.

Through it all, Zofie turns to her friends and to books. She works to save as many of the Hitler-banned books as she can and secretly lends books to fellow book lovers. Books are one of the things Zofie and her friends can rely on to unite them and to bring a little light to a grim life.

This book is full of historical detail, including real people, landmarks and pivotal events of WWII. Also included are references to the terrible things that the Nazi’s did to the Jews and to the Poles. Life under occupation is very hard and there is little that brings enjoyment. That made this book difficult to enjoy at times. However, having read this author many times, I knew it would be worth the effort. Madeline Martin’s The Last Bookshop in London and The Librarian Spy are both equally great historical novels that take place during WWII and if you like The Keeper of Hidden Books, I think you will like the other two also.

The book banning aspect of the story is quite relevant. As a librarian, I am very aware of current efforts to censor what people have access to in school and public libraries. History tells us that the good guys do not ban books. I hope this book gets into the hands of some of those people who have not yet learned history’s lesson.

Through Netgalley, the publisher provided a copy of this book. My review is my honest opinion.

I love a historical fiction and this one I feel really had everything: yes, of course there were innumerable tragic (traumatic) losses of beloved characters, but much like our protagonist reflects many years after World War II has ended, it is not a thousand deaths that gives her a story to write, it is living a thousand lives. Some of the incredible elements contained in this novel include: the power of people to stand up and resist and do the right thing; true BFFs who are there for each other for keeps; a slow burn, truly sweet love story that leaves us wanting more; sassy old lady librarians; an enigmatic author; complex mother-daughter dynamics; reflections on the innate power of literature to support people through the most traumatic times of their lives; and of course, the pluckiest heroine we could ever want in Zofia. Additionally, I learned a lot about the Nazi occupation of Warsaw and really appreciated the author’s note at the end giving more detail! This was a great, sad, but ultimately beautiful and hopeful read about the strength of good people even in the face of pure evil and the cruelty of war and genocide.