💫eARC Review💫

•The Keeper of Hidden Books
•Madeline Martin

🗓️ August 1, 2023 (TODAY)

“All her life, Zofia has found comfort in two things during times of hardship: books and her best friend, Janina. But no one could have imagined the horrors of the Nazi occupation in Warsaw. As the bombs rain down and Hitler’s forces loot and destroy the city, Zofia finds that now books are also in need of saving.”

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Books about books always hold a special place in my heart; it’s like authors know that their readers are seeking comfort in words and stories and it always fascinates me when they describe that longing for books in the written word. This book was no exception. What starts as a book club reading banned books in Warsaw libraries grows into a fully fledged Nazi occupation resistance.

Madeline Martin writes of the efforts of Polish librarians in Warsaw during the German occupation of World War II in saving the literature banned by The General Government.

The librarians daily lives, their bravery in the face of danger, their understanding of the magic of books and the comfort & hope they can bring to people are all elements brought together in this narrative. The banning of books by Polish authors, ideas that went against Nazi German ideals, and the effects this had on the loss of culture and Polish identity are timely and alarmingly relevant as book bans continue to be a (sadly) common practice to this day; meant to stifle voices, culture, and ideas.

The first part of the novel outlines the violence and atrocious acts committed against Polish Jews and professionals. The second half of the book details the uprising of the citizens of Warsaw against the General Government; something I had never read or heard about. In the face of all of this Zofia and other Warsaw librarians are saving books and distributing them to readers all over Warsaw. Equal parts educational and harrowing, Martin deftly handles the impact that these events had on the lives of Polish people for years to come.

Thank you to @NetGalley, @hanoversquarepress, and @madelinemartin for advanced reader access to this eARC in exchange for an honest review.

A remarkable, stirring book. I felt like the events were happening to me as I read this intense book. It’s so much more than hiding and passing out clandestine books. It’s an insider view of what really happened to Poland for 6 excruciating long years.
I marvel at the perseverance and determination of the Polish Resistance and wonder if I would have shared the same fortitude.
I was hoping for a different ending for one of the characters , but instinctively knew it was not to be.
The most important message emanating from the story is the power of words and books. They can be burned, torn in half, and even destroyed, but their power is universal.
Martin provides a wonderful author’s note at the end.

Historical fiction readers wilo love this book! Set in Warsaw, Poland, this group of young people fought hard to save books during the Nazi occupation. Banned books is the theme of this moving story. Meaningful story! Highly recommended!

As I began this read, I knew some of the facts and had to wonder whom would survive the evil that unfolded in Europe, specifically Poland, during this time.
Through the words of the author she brought this story alive, we are walking in the footsteps of Zofia, a young woman who loves books!
We take a lot for granted, but during this time the invaders start to ban books, and Zofia and her friends do all they can to thwart this. This young woman takes her life in her hands as she goes about her daily life, and she does all she can to help those she loves, including her beloved Poland.
So much danger, and senseless killing, scarce food, but there are cookbooks about potatoes.
These people are heroes in so many ways, they helped save lives, and books for future generations, and the efforts of these folks should not be forgotten!
I received this book through Net Galley and Harlequin Trade Publishing, and was not required to give a positive review.

Another favorite by Madeline Martin. This is my third historical fiction book by Madeline Martin and she didn't disappoint. Each one of her books remind me of the importance of literature and story telling. The vivid and painful details of war aren't left out but are painted in among the wonderful story of Zofia and Janina as they fight to keep books in the hands of Polish people. There is heartbreak, pain, suffering but an overwhelming feeling of love and triumph despite loss. You will not be disappointed. As with the other two books, it leaves me wanting to read more and more and share that love with others around me. Also, don't skip out on the history at the end. The amount of research put into this story is evident and intriguing.

Title: The Keeper of Hidden Books
Author: Madeline Martin
Genre: Historical fiction
Rating: 5 out of 5

All her life, Zofia has found comfort in two things during times of hardship: books and her best friend, Janina. But no one could have imagined the horrors of the Nazi occupation in Warsaw. As the bombs rain down and Hitler’s forces loot and destroy the city, Zofia finds that now books are also in need of saving.

With the death count rising and persecution intensifying, Zofia jumps to action to save her friend and salvage whatever books she can from the wreckage, hiding them away, and even starting a clandestine book club. She and her dearest friend never surrender their love of reading, even when Janina is forced into the newly formed ghetto.

But the closer Warsaw creeps toward liberation, the more dangerous life becomes for the women and their families – and escape may not be possible for everyone. As the destruction rages around them, Zofia must fight to save her friend and preserve her culture and community using the only weapon they have left - literature.

This was such a good read! I loved how the author focused on a microcosm of the war and the struggles of less than a handful of people, with only occasional mentions of the larger struggle going on. This made it seem so personal and relatable. What Zofia—and Janina—went through was horrible, but it was inspiring to see their determination and faith as they struggled to save parts of their heritage from the Nazis and preserve the past for the future.

Madeline Martin is a bestselling author. The Keeper of Hidden Books is her newest novel.

(Galley courtesy of Harlequin/Hanover Square Press in exchange for an honest review.)
8/3).

When I read Madeline Martin's "The Last Bookshop in London," I knew I had found an author I would continue to follow. Her second book, "The Librarian Spy," did not disappoint. Her most recent novel is an exceptional addition to her first two. It seems that heart-tugging WWII fiction is all the rage right now, but Martin handles it so deftly. Her focus on female characters and experiences, while not necessarily nove in itself, always feels fresh and meaningful. I don't want to offer any spoilers, but know that, despite a somewhat slow start, this book will take you on an emotional journey and shed light on war experiences some may not be familiar with. I highly recommend this book and the rest of Martin's works as well!

Wow. I have no words! A heartbreaking but equally inspiring book, that touches everything - real history, friendship, love, family, dedication, passion, bravery… could go on and on! I felt like I was holding my breath the whole book just like the characters in it likely were living it firsthand. I’ve also read a lot about WWII and learned lots new in this read. Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC and Harlequin Trade Publishing, Hanover Square Press for this wonderful book!

The Keeper of Hidden Books
Madeline Martin
8/1/2023
Harlequin Trade Publishing
☆☆☆☆☆

"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."

Immerse yourself in the story of Zofia, who has spent her whole life taking comfort in both books and her best friend, Janina. She had no idea how bad things were truly going to become upon the arrival of the Nazis. In addition to everyone she knows and loves, Zofia was not expecting to find that books would also be in danger. She must band together with fellow book lovers to save all they can. Is the path Zofia finds herself on where she is meant to be, or will her love for literature end up costing her dearly?

This book was beautifully written, bringing the most intense sorrow and joy to my heart all at once. I will admit, it was a slow start for me. The pace of the story picks up as you go, and once it did, I did not want to slow down. I found myself getting chills a time or two. What a wonderful story! Well done.

Pick up The Keeper of Hidden Books by Madeline Martin starting August 1st of 2023!

I would buy a physical copy of this book for my shelf.

#netgalley #netgalleyreviewer #thekeeperofhiddenbooks #madelinemartin #harlequintradepublishing #review #bookrecommendations #readeveryday

A heartwarming story about the power of books to bring us together, inspired by the true story of the underground library in WWII Warsaw. Violence and love of a friend. This book is not pretty. I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher and NetGalley. This in no way affects my opinion of this book which I read and reviewed voluntarily.

What a wonderful read by Madeline Martin. Her writing is stellar! A a great mix of history and fiction, I thought I would be a little bored, but this book kept my attention and it is anything but boring. Lovely book and I hope to read more of her work in the future!

The Keeper of Hidden Books. Zofia is a bookworm; she and her friends love reading books off of Hitler's list of banned books while they still can. Everyone's lives change when the Germans arrive. Instead of studying and reading with her friends, Zofia spends her time hungry and worried about what will happen to the libraries and the rest of Warsaw, where she lives.

This was a fantastic book written by Madeline Martin! Zofia's character was extremely well done; she knew when to fight and when not to. I always felt like she was in real danger and did not get away with everything she dared to do. The world-building was also excellent. I could picture the buildings with their boarded-up windows and the cramped living conditions many were forced to live in. The last few chapters flew by, and I stayed awake late into the night just to finish this book.

This is a great book for lovers of historical fiction. Even after reading so many historical fiction books about WWII, I still felt like this told a different story I had not read before. This book was a solid five stars for me, and I look forward to reading more of Madeline's books!

Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for allowing me to read and review this book.

"The Keeper of Hidden Books" is my third novel by Madeline Martin and she continues to impress me with how she writes. Characters are often relatable despite our differences, and the descriptive storytelling allows me to step back in time and experience the world as her characters do.
During "The Last Bookshop in London" I was transported to London during The Blitz and with this novel I felt like I could envision 1940s Warsaw through Zofia's eyes.

"The Keeper of Hidden Books" is such a poignant love story of how books can both unite and divide us, altogether an enlightening read during this dark time in Warsaw.

The basic premise is that Hitler's forces have implanted themselves in Poland and captured the capital city of Warsaw. Zofia is a young woman at the time and sees her beloved city fall the the Nazi regime, slowly life around her begins to crumble. Her Jewish neighbors are rounded up and put into ghettos and the German forces have started to remove books from the city's libraries. Together with her friends, they form a secret "anti-hitler" book club, where they vow to read and discuss these banned books - and help save as many as they can to ensure these forbidden books aren't lost to history. In addition to these courageous librarians, Martin weaves the rebellious actions of Polish citizens and their quest to fight against the Nazi agenda. This is a story of love, patriotism, and a refusal to quit.

Certainly a well researched historical fiction, I am left with a desire to learn more of Warsaw underground libraries and the rebellious acts of these amazing people.

The summer of 1939 in Warsaw, Poland found best friends Zofia and Janina perfecting their first aid skills with the girl guides and preparing for a war that they didn’t believe would ever come to Warsaw. But the war did come and with it came pain, horror, and the loss of their freedoms, starting with the books they were allowed to read. They endured the occupation, believing they would be saved by the Allies, but as time passes, the hope of rescue begins to wane. But rather than lay down and comply, the indomitable spirit of the Polish people is ignited, and they fight back – in any way they can.

For their part, Zofia and Janina who are working at the main Library, covertly start a book club choosing books that have been banned. Later as the list of books expands and their rights are reduced, the girls along with several friends, begin to hide banned books in an effort to save their culture from being erased by the Nazis.

Sadly, Janina is fired from the library because she is Jewish, and then things get worse as Zofia and Janina are separated when Janina’s family is relegated to the ghetto. But they both continue to defy Hitler, and each continues to save books and train with the underground. For a very short time, they are occasionally able to secretly exchange letters, but then even that is taken from them, and it will be years before they learn of the fate of the other.

During their time apart, the war escalates, and the true horror begins, yet through it all, Zofia doesn’t stop hiding books or trying to make a difference. Her losses will be enormous, and her faith will be tested, but she will never stop fighting to liberate Poland and reclaim the independence her forefathers died to give her.

I usually exclusively read historical romance, but this author used to be a historical romance author and is such a gifted writer, that I happily make an exception to read whatever she writes. And to my surprise, this book did end up being a love story, maybe not in the traditional sense, but it is about the love of country, the love of friends, the love of family, and the love of books. This book is amazing, the writing, the research, the intermingling of true historical events with fictional events and characters is all spot on. It is a book that will make you think about all the things you might be taking for granted, and it will leave you in awe of the Polish people as well as give you a new respect for all the men and women who fought against Hitler and the Axis powers. I highly recommend this book but be prepared for an emotional read and keep the tissues handy.

*I am voluntarily leaving a review for an eARC that I requested and was provided to me by the publisher. All opinions in this review are my own.*

This book was a beautiful love letter to books, libraries and getting an education. What another wonderful read by Madeline Martin, her writing is near perfect, marrying together a fictional story with real people and the true lives they lived. I learned so much as the characters moved through the years. The story brought to life not only the hardships that Poland went through during World War 2, but more about her history before the war and how things changed afterwards.

Zofia was such an incredible character, her love of books that lit her desire rebel, one title at a time, was such an amazing way to show that small acts can make a big difference. I loved this whole story and can't wait to recommend it to everyone.

Most ww2 books seem to fade together. But not this one. This one blows away almost every book I’ve read in this time period. I absolutely loved it and it’s so well written

Wow! What a timely, necessary read. But don’t get me wrong - it is not an easy one. I had to stop reading this book several times, just to give myself a rest. In an era where books and libraries are under constant threat and fire, this novel will resonate with me for some time.

Zofia and Janina are best friends. Closer than sisters, they are virtually inseparable. Zofia lives with her parents and brother in Warsaw. Janina lives with her mom. They do everything together. Zofia and Janina also share a love of all things literary, devouring and discussing books with their friends Kasia and Maria. For Zofia, books are her escape from her mother who constantly criticizes. Books are also the foundation of the love between Zofia and her doctor father. Janina’s family owns the local gallery.

However, this is the 1930s. And Janina is Jewish. And war is coming.

I have never read a book like this before. It exemplifies the strength and endurance of the Polish who fought so hard against yet another occupation. I read a great deal of historical fiction and, let’s be honest - WWII is a solid percentage of the genre. But I can’t recall being in such awe of characters as I felt about Zofia and Janina.

This is a novel that screams to be read. It is gritty but eloquent. It shows how people “made do”. But also, it serves as a cautionary tale of how easily a culture can be erased. The lengths the people of Poland (and other nations) went to in order to protect as much as they could just to preserve their heritage, as symbolized here by the relocation of libraries and the smuggling of books.

I consider myself a pretty well-read individual but this novel made me reflect and taught me so many things. As an American, this isn’t something I can relate to directly (thank God) but that doesn’t mean that I shouldn’t be informed. Compassion, love and respect are ideas that should prevail regardless of time and borders. That’s a story that should be repeated as often as possible.

Thank you to NetGalley and Hanover Square Press for giving me access to this ARC. This book releases to the public on August 1. I cannot recommend it enough.

I was extremely excited to be given the chance to read the ARC provided by NetGalley. This is the leading book (up to date) written by Madeline Martin involving historical fiction.
The civilian character’s she created in this novel were loving, fearless, compassionate, and inspiring.
I have don’t have the proper words that will give this novel justice. Beautiful heartache?
Just know it’s a captivating novel from beginning to end.
You can read and feel the amount of careful research Martin inquired to make sure a part of history was shared accurately.
As a reader, I learned so much about the war in Poland.
In one of the worse wars to exist, Martin shares glimpses of friendships and family coming together. They are lifting one another up. They are fighting for their country. They are fighting for their loved ones. They never quit holding onto hope.
I was not prepared to genuinely feel the emotion of each character. I cannot imagine how wonderful the audiobook will be. This is going to be a bestseller immediately.

Thank you to NetGalley, Hanover Square Press and the author for a sneak peek of this book to read and review!

What an amazing and fabulously brave journey of two friends in war-torn Poland. The amount of strength and resolve it took for them to simply live life each day is beyond my comprehension. I am always awestruck by the stories of those who found the ability to become the best versions of themselves during this horrific part of history. To stand up for justice and the protection of their loved ones along with their heritage takes a special courage that goes above and beyond just trying to survive! A beautifully heart-wrenching story inspired by the true story of the underground library in WWII Warsaw … so powerfully written!

Another absolute gem for lovers of historical fiction!

Incredible read. There are many books out there about WWII and the Nazi invasion of European countries but this book, The Keeper of Hidden Books, delves deeply into the annihilation of literature, artifacts, art and many other treasured items, that were destroyed in Poland by the Nazis. Madeline Martin’s descriptions of the destruction of the Warsaw library’s contents and the Polish Underground’s dogged attempts, in trying to preserve or lesson the mass obliteration of books, are visceral. Not to mention nor dismiss, the mass killings of not only Polish Jews but also of Polish non-Jews. As the author’s note states, Hitler’s intent, when he overtook Poland, was to relocate or murder 85% of Poles, leaving around 15% for slave labor. And he wanted to completely eradicate the entire Jewish population. This resulted in the murder of almost 3 million Polish Jews and 2 million non-Jewish Polish citizens. One hundred thousand doctors, lawyers, professors, scientists, politicians and other social elites, were put to death, in an attempt to quell any attempt of uprisings before they could start. (These facts were stated in the author’s notes due to her massive research). Thank you NetGalley and Harlequin Trade Publishing for sending this book for review consideration. All opinions are my own. #TheKeeperofHiddenBooks, #NetGalley.