4.5 stars

“War left everything in fragments. Even bonds that should be unbreakable.”

From the opening words of The Warsaw Sisters, I found myself immersed in this story of twin sisters whose once-immutable bond will be tested by the unmerciful ravages of war. Most especially, I was drawn by the author’s poignant way with words and her ability to put the reader into the shoes of her characters, living the story through Antonina and Helena’s eyes as we experience every agonizing, beautiful, tragic, and triumphant moment with them. Knowing that what we’re reading about is based on real people and real events makes it all the more meaningful.

I don’t remember learning much about Poland’s role in World War 2, an unfortunate educational oversight as the stories I’ve read on the pages of fiction by authors like Amanda Barratt teach me about brave and resilient people who chose to stand up for what was right at great personal cost. Like Antonina and Helena in The Warsaw Sisters, these are ordinary people who became extraordinary heroes. I have read about people who sheltered Jewish children in a few books, and I’ve read about the Home Army in a couple of other novels. But this was the most immersed I have been behind the lines with this grassroots resistance movement – including many women – that fought valiantly against the cruelty of the German forces and saved countless lives. Barratt’s compelling narrative in this novel made me want to learn even more about the Polish people and their response during WW2.

One thing I appreciated about Antonina and Helena is that they are simultaneously flawed and heroic. I think too often we feel like we can’t make a difference because we haven’t quite got our own act together yet, but these two young women are just like us in all the ways that truly matter. They grieve, they fall in love, they fight with each other, they cherish happy memories, they jump to conclusions, they love poetry, they love music, they give in to temptation, they act on emotion, they react in fear or anger, they want to help those who need it, they care about their friends, they lose hope, they doubt God, they grow up, they forgive. In seeing ourselves in these two sisters, we appreciate the story on deeper levels, and this author is exceptionally talented at helping us do so.

The spiritual threads in this story, while subtle, are touching and heartfelt and relatable. There are so many quotes I could share as proof (my Kindle copy is highlighted to the hilt), but perhaps this one sums it up most perfectly:

"For in the moments when it seemed no heart could bear such emptiness, I had learned God is nearest in our shattered places."

The reminder that, even when everything else falls apart, God remains is a beacon of hope for readers in the middle of their own battles, be they emotional, mental, spiritual, relational, or physical.

Bottom Line: The Warsaw Sisters is another profoundly emotional novel by Amanda Barratt, in which she highlights unsung heroes who dared to step up rather than look away. As we are given snapshots of Helena and Antonina’s respective journeys over a period of several years, we get a front row seat to their lives during war. The characters are layered and complex – no cardboard cutouts here! – and, while the story doesn’t sugarcoat the atrocities that happened in Poland, the author keeps hope lurking between the lines, kept alive by weary souls who refused to give up. Subplots of romance, friendship, and faith bring moments of light to the heavier history being told, balancing the narrative with just the right amounts of each. A must-read for fans of Pam Jenoff or Cathy Gohlke.

(I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book)

“Perhaps courage is to be afraid, but to hold on still until the end.”

Amanda Barratt’s writing is stellar - thoroughly heart-breaking but hopeful, historically accurate with fictional flair, and lyrical and poetic yet honest, raw, and gripping. I love her writing and I love her books. But this one was a difficult one for me to read. Antonina and Helena’s heart-shattering and terrifying journey from the beginning to the end of WWII in Warsaw was eye-opening and emotional. The fact that I became so entangled in the sisters’ lives as they suffered and rose up to fight for justice is a testament to the author’s incredible mastery at her art. I needed breathers between chapters because the grief, loss, and pain overwhelmed me at times. But I am richer for having read this story and for remembering those who died, fought, and survived.
I received a complimentary copy courtesy of Revell via NetGalley and was under no obligation to post a positive comment. All opinions are my own.

We are coming to the era where those who personally experienced WW II will no longer be alive to share their stories. That's why novels like Barratt's are important. Well researched, it tells the human drama, the pain, the senseless death of civilians, and the heartbreaking effect on relationships.

This is not a light novel nor a feel good one. It took me a while to get through it. Perhaps that is what war is about, the continuous sad news and ongoing struggle to help those in need. I was overwhelmed by the devastating hurt some endured. Yet, in the end, there is hope in the midst of the destruction.

I really appreciate the Historical Note Barratt provides at the end. The facts from the Polish invasion and occupation reinforce the fictional tragedy she created for the novel. How encouraging to read of real people who were willing to face danger to save others.

I received a complimentary egalley of this book from the publisher. My comments are an independent and honest review.

I just finished The Warsaw Sisters and I'm once again in awe of this author's writing talent. I was immediately transported to 1939 Poland and fully engaged in the moving story of two sisters who find their lives altered forever by the events of WWII. Antonina and Helena's homeland is overtaken by German occupation and author Amanda Barratt offers a stunning depiction of despair, grief, and extreme brutality that is buffered by hope, faith, and the strength of the human spirit.

The Warsaw Sisters is told from the POVs of both Antonina and Helena, so we're shown each twin's thoughts about being separated from each other and the difficult choices that they make to survive. Barratt's extensive research is evident as she seamlessly weaves facts and fiction into a riveting tale that spans a period of five years. The emotions are often raw and powerful, and I was left to wonder how I would have reacted in the same circumstances,

Barratt has written other books about the plight of the Jews during World War II and this story illustrates why she's becoming one of the leading authors in historical fiction. I highly recommend The Warsaw Sisters!

I received a complimentary copy courtesy of Revell through Interviews & Reviews for my honest opinion.

In Warsaw, Poland, twin sisters must make hard decisions as the Germans invade their country. This story highlights the day to day life as the sisters see the heartbreaking suffering of the Jewish people. A misunderstanding separates the sisters but will they be able to overcome it and bond together? Very realistic! Recommended the readers who enjoy history.

The Warsaw Sisters is a beautifully written, emotionally charged read set in Poland against the background of WWII (1939-1945)—an era wrought with oppression and inhumane cruelty especially against the Jewish people. This is historical fiction at its finest. Meticulous research and attention to historical detail put you at the scene and immerse you in the action as you join Polish sisters Antonina and Helena on their heart-wrenching journeys fighting bravely against the invaders of their beloved homeland. These journeys test their bond as sisters and their faith. Themes of hope and perseverance lend light to the darkness of the horrible hardships and devastation caused by the war. An amazing cast of realistic characters drives the story and keeps you turning pages to see how they all fare in the end. A subtle faith thread, running throughout the story, is best summed up in this quote: "for in the moments when it seems no heart could bear the emptiness, I had learned God is nearest in our shattered places." The romantic subplots add depth and interest to the story. I love this thought-provoking story, highly recommend it, and count it as one of my Best Reads of the Year.
I received a copy of this book from the author/publisher via NetGalley with no obligation to write a positive review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Wonderful, powerful, but intense book. So eye-opening. The author did a wonderful job sharing a part of WW2 that I never knew about. That of the occupation by the Nazis of Warsaw, Poland. Seen through the eyes of two fictional characters, twin sisters, the author opened up this time period, with all its horrors, yet also the bravery and resilience of the people of Poland. I can't even begin to fathom the tragedy that took place in this city, the evil that was done by Hitler and the Nazis.
The story is seen through Antonina's and Helena's eyes. Antonina ends up helping children who have been smuggled out of the Jewish ghetto. And Helena joins the underground army. Sadly they grow apart, but that sister bond is still there. They both face horrors and wonder if they will ever see each other again.
Of course there is a lot of death, and there are definitely some graphic descriptions of circumstances. That was to be expected.
What I wasn't hugely fond of, was how much time the author would jump, but then she would fill in some details as memories. There were times I felt I was missing something because months would pass with the turn of the page.
That said, I loved this book and it was very emotional, you might want tissues handy. Highly recommended, especially for fans of WW2 era novels.

“The Warsaw Sisters – a novel of World War II Poland” by Amanda Barratt is an unforgettable story of twin sisters who choose unflinchingly to resist under German occupation, fervently relying on the innate courage that beckons ordinary citizens to resist in the face of dire odds. This is a well etched portrait of immense courage, selfless sacrifice and staunch resilience. Through the revealing eyes of Antonina and Helena, we see, understand and feel. Elegantly compiled prose, intensive research, and intriguing characters make this a suspenseful journey through turbulent perils. “The Warsaw Sisters” emphasizes the immeasurable cost of freedom, intertwined with the inspiring themes of hope and family ties that can never be destroyed.

Another incredible book from award winning novelist Amanda Barratt, The Warsaw Sisters walks us through the lives of twins Antonina and Helena during the takeover of Poland during WW2. Barratt, as always, has done an incredible job of researching this subject. I learned so much while reading this. Much I would have preferred not to know, to be honest, but all so true. I read her books and wonder how humans can do such things. Yet through it all there is hope. There is life. There is freedom. There is God.

If you enjoy historical fiction with a faith theme do read The Warsaw Sisters. If you’re like me, you’ll get angry, you’ll cry, you’ll cheer for the resistance. You will not read it with no emotions. I highly recommend it!

I received a complimentary copy of this book but was not required to leave a review.

A devastating snapshot of the realities of life in Warsaw, Poland during WWII.

This exceptional, well-researched story, which was inspired by true events, chronicles the heartbreaking tale of twin sisters, Antonina and Helena Dąbrowska, living in Warsaw.

Their soul-crushing journey through the war eviscerated my heart. The secrets Antonina and Helena kept from each other, the paths they chose to walk, and the harrowing moments each woman experienced in war-torn Poland will stay with me for a long while.

Ms Barratt wielded her words like an accomplished artist, with distinct imagery painting a bleak yet hope-filled tale of the Polish people. An unputdownable tale of suffering, grief-filled and distressing. Yet never without hope.

The blooming romances amid destruction and death, the friendships and comradery, the glimpses of light in the utter darkness held this story together. The same elements of our humanity which helped the people of Poland somehow survive the atrocities of the German and Soviet armies.

I was enthralled by this tale of depravity and survival. Do yourself a favour and read this marvellous book.

NB I received an ARC of this novel from NetGalley.

The Warsaw Sisters: A Novel of WWII Poland
by Amanda Barratt
Publisher: Revel
Series: None
Rated: 5
Obtain: Borrow or buy
Back of the Book: “On a golden August morning in 1939, sisters Antonina and Helena Dąbrowska send their father off to defend Poland against the looming threat of German invasion. The next day, the first bombs fall on Warsaw, decimating their beloved city and shattering the world of their youth.
When Antonina's beloved Marek is forced behind ghetto walls along with the rest of Warsaw's Jewish population, Antonina turns her worry into action and becomes a key figure in a daring network of women risking their lives to shelter Jewish children. Helena finds herself drawn into the ranks of Poland's secret army, joining the fight to free her homeland from occupation. But the secrets both are forced to keep threaten to tear the sisters apart--and the cost of resistance proves greater than either ever imagined.
Shining a light on the oft-forgotten history of Poland during WWII and inspired by true stories of ordinary individuals who fought to preserve freedom and humanity in the darkest of times, The Warsaw Sisters is a richly rendered portrait of courage, sacrifice, and the resilience of our deepest ties.”

Impressions: I enjoyed learning more about Poland's involvement in WW2. The sisters portrayed different views and ideas initially but as time went on, they became more alike, deciding to fight back. They each fought based on their own convictions where they were able. It was interesting to see how many roles were played by the average citizen during this time. I feel like the author tried to use the characters to represent too many historical figures' experiences, making the characters seem unreal. The characters brought good thoughts to humanity and the war experience. I also enjoyed the ending notes describing the real inspiration for the story.

Quotes: “Did he believe in his country and why they fought? Could a person believe in one and not the other?”

“’ It is a crime to offer shelter or aid to any Jewish person,’ Marysia said in an even tone. ‘Yes.’ I kept my gaze level. ‘But perhaps there is yet a greater crime. One of which we are all guilty.’” - I appreciated this line of truth. It is easy to go along with the crowd sometimes, but we need to be held accountable for our words and actions even if it is against the grain. Standing up for what is right rather than going along with the humdrum is also something Christians must face. Christians are called to reject the world and live to different standards.

“The secrets war had forced between us, kept to protect the other.”

“’ Perhaps courage is to be afraid, but to hold on still until the end.’”

“’ When we love, it is only natural we fear. For the ones dearest to us, for ourselves, how we will endure their loss. But no matter what we are asked to bear on earth, our days are in the hands of God. So too is the hour when we pass into eternity, and He receives us to Himself as a father would a child who has come home after a long and weary day.’”

I received an ARC of this book via the publisher through NetGalley in exchange for my honest review shared here.

This WW2 story was a slower read than I expected. Not because it was not good, but because it was filled with so much grim detail, loss, hardships but also hope.

To Live without hope of freedom is not to live at all.

This was my first novel by this author, and it is evident that the author did a lot of research about one of the countries who experienced WW2 at its worst.

Readers who do not enjoy too much detail might not enjoy this story, it did not shy away from showing the truth, giving the facts, and opening the eyes of readers. But it was also so much more. It was about two sisters who stepped out to fight for others, people remaining strong, hopeful and holding on to their faith, though others did their best to bring them down.

There were happy endings and not so happy endings, but at the end I was left with this feeling of hope, because standing together, we will always remain strong.

I rarely read a book that I would describe as “heavy” in the same way that The Warsaw Sisters felt while I was reading it. This book described one tragedy after another after another all the way through. It’s been a long time since I read a book set in Warsaw, Poland during World War II, and I had forgotten, if I ever knew, just how horrible the war was in that city.
Antonina and Helena were twins. They had been together, of course, all their lives, doing everything together. They said goodbye to their father together in August, 1939, as he was mobilized with his unit of the Polish Army. They heard the news together when Germany invaded Poland the first of September. They huddled in the air raid shelter together. Together, they moved into their aunt’s apartment when their own was bombed. A couple of years later, however, the sisters separated, each following her own path to resist the evil that was all around them.
Antonina loved spending time with Marek, a gifted musician and composer—but then he and his family were forced into the ghetto. How could she bear to let him move out of her life? Once she finally came to terms with his fate, she found ways to fight against the evil by joining the network of women who worked to save as many Jewish children as possible, despite the dangers they faced.
Helena, on the other hand, eventually joined the Resistance. She did all she could to fight against the evil that had overtaken her city, too, but in her own way—and meanwhile, the sisters found themselves separated both physically and emotionally. Did they really have to lose everything and everyone they loved?
Amanda Barratt doesn’t mince words. She shows the horrors of war in enough detail to make you feel like you are there. The Warsaw Sisters is not a book to read just before bed! I appreciated the glimpses of hope that shone through here and there, though. One scene that stands out shows a man and woman and baby who crawled from underneath a pile of bodies, and the man helped the woman and baby escape at the cost of his own life. Other little things shone as examples of love and decency, as well. I liked the ending. It was a lovely, happy ending—but not the unrealistic ending that you sort of hope for all the way through. I recommend this book for those who like to read World War II fiction.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Baker Publishing, and these are my honest thoughts about it.
WARNING: Throughout the book: bombings, people being shot, bodies in the streets, starvation, cruelty to Jews, rumors about the gas chambers. Chapter 3: Hacking up a horse that died in its traces. Chapter 15: Kissing, unmarried couple going to bed together. Chapter 17: Ghetto burns while people laugh.

What a compelling, powerful, and poignant story this is. It’s not easy to read because the history is difficult, but that’s also what makes it so important. We first meet Antonina & Helena, twin sisters, young women on the edge of becoming, in Warsaw Poland in 1939. War separates them and they each follow their own paths, fighting and resisting against oppression in their own ways, and seeking God in the most trying of times. Incredibly well researched, and filled with real events, people, and places such as The Warsaw Ghetto Uprising, the Katyn Massacre, and the Home Army are incorporated to give a wider lens to the situation. The Author’s note is essential, so be sure to read that as well. I listened to this partly on audiobook, which was beautifully rendered and includes one of my favorite narrators. I received an advance copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley and was under no obligation to provide a positive review.

"Grief was a blade, slicing deep, cutting your heart to shreds. With time, the blade grew dull, your heart numb. But you still bled."

With her signature style, Amanda Barratt takes a historical story and puts flesh on it, binding it together with two sisters who have one another. I was pulled into the story immediately and felt the relationship between Antonina and Helena through the pages.

This is a must-read story! It vividly shows the horror of occupied Poland during WWII. Revealing the courage and determination of two sisters who refuse to be controlled by anyone but God.

Amanda Barratt's attention to detail and research is evident on each page.

Disclaimer: I received a copy via the publisher. I was not required to write a review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

I also purchased a copy.

"Grief was a blade, slicing deep, cutting your heart to shreds. With time, the blade grew dull, your heart numb. But you still bled." - The Warsaw Sisters by Amanda Barratt

Readers seeking a powerful story of love, loss, resistance, and resilience will appreciate The Warsaw Sisters by Amanda Barratt. It worked its way into my heart, broke it, gently held the pieces, and then healed it, although not completely so I'd be mindful of all it experienced.

This World War II story set in Poland features two sisters, Antonina and Helena, from 1939 to 1945. It's a bit slow to start as we become acquainted with them, but the pace accelerates as first one and then the other sister become involved in resistance efforts against the horrors of German occupation. The plot includes actual events (the Warsaw Ghetto Uprising and the Polish Home Army Uprising) when Polish citizens with incredibly meager resources fought against staggering odds.

"Sometimes I wondered how it was possible to go on while hundreds of thousands of human beings languished on the other side of the wall and death proved without mercy. Still I did. I didn't know what else to do." - The Warsaw Sisters by Amanda Barratt

At times, this was difficult to read due to its honest description of the circumstances Polish citizens endured. The eloquent writing so fully immersed me in time and place, I had to take a moment to leave the setting and re-enter reality after each reading session. The book was thoroughly researched but never felt like an information dump; the author's notes are very informative and share that Irena Sendler, a Polish social worker who saved thousands of children in Warsaw during the WWII occupation, inspired the actions of one of her characters. This was the first of Ms. Barratt's novels I've read, and I'll definitely check out her backlist.

My husband is first-generation Polish American and his Polish heritage is very important to him, and to me through marriage. I had hopes that I would connect strongly with this story, given its Poland setting. The bond began when I 'met' a character with the same name as my husband's sister (Basia, Barb in English) in an early chapter, and continued as I read more Polish words, food, and traditions I've become familiar with through my husband, his family, and his friends. This novel made me realize how much these Polish influences have enriched my life and the depth of my connection to them.

Thank you to Revell Publishing and NetGalley for the review copy of this powerful novel. It was especially emotional to read it at a time when Jewish people are sadly once again facing danger and persecution for simply living their lives.

Twins Antonina and Helena Dabrowska were only eighteen years old in 1939 when their father, their only living parent, was called back into military service. The day following his departure Germany invaded Poland. Their lives, their city, everything changed, and over the next more than five years, so did the sisters. Each in their own way became resisters, toiling against those who would see the destruction of the Jews and steal the independence of the Poles, killing so many along the way. This is a story of having the courage to do what is right in the face of tremendous danger and significant loss. May Antonina and Helena be inspirations to us all. Amanda Barratt's writing certainly makes them real enough to be that inspiration.

I am grateful to have received a complimentary copy of The Warsaw Sisters from Revell via NetGalley without obligation. All opinions expressed here are my own.

3.5 stars
The Warsaw Sisters is an incredible depiction of occupied Poland during WW2 with extensive detail that dives deeper than your average historical fiction read. It’s obvious that meticulous research went into creating the story world and readers are the better for it.
Readers are introduced to twin sisters Helena and Antonina as they bid their father farewell as he heads off to war (though their relationship appears more a strong sister bond than what I observe in twins I know personally). And what follows is a story of survival for the duration of the war as German forces occupy the capital city and destroy any semblance of pre-war life.
There’s a ton of detail, historical bits that aren’t well known, and a backstory that keeps the sisters connected as they begin their own journey toward freedom. At time the narrative is bogged down with these types of paragraphs, but readers who love that kind of detail will appreciate it.
This is a difficult read. There’s a darkness that follows both sisters together and as they go their separate ways, taking up the cause differently. The descriptions of the horrors of war – ghettos, executions, death, and destruction – are at times difficult to read knowing that these things actually happened. And are still taking place in our world. There’s one scene in particular that was a surprise – fornication – but the author deals with it in a sensitive manner. This storyline is essential to the last half of the book.
There is a human aspect to the story that adds a beautiful contrast – a German soldier, forced to fight in a war he doesn’t believe in. It begs the question - how many fought for both sides because they were forced to?
There’s a redemptive aspect at the end of the story between Helena and Antonina. Faith is threaded throughout the story, but is a lighter element than the rest of the story world.
I received an ecopy from the publisher through NetGalley. All opinions expressed are my own.

This is superb in the honest portrayal of the brutality of war. This story is frequently heartbreaking but what is quite staggering is that it actually happened. Warsaw was completed devastated during WW2. So much of the population killed, sent away to concentration or labor camps, or simply perished through having nothing left as a result of the war.

Barratt's portrayal is fantastically researched and in demonstrating the effects of the war through the eyes of sisters, Antonina and Helena, makes the story very lifelike and emotionally challenging.

But what lingers on completing it is the courage of the sisters, their willingness to step into a world that is continually threatening and dangerous, and to be willing like so many other Varsovians to sacrifice themselves for the greater good.

Often heartbreaking, rich in the detail of the grit and deprivation of life in war-torn Warsaw, this story grabs your heartstrings and doesn't let go. But there are moments of rich joy and hope that both help drive the sisters forward and we the reader.

I feel very blessed to have received an early ebook copy of the story from Revell via Net Galley with no expectation of a positive review.

This is an epic story! It is beautifully written, hard to read at times, and choked full of action and heart. The ending made me cry. As always when I read a story set in a war, it makes me realize how horrible humans can be to one another, but with this story, you also see the goodness and kindness of God. Really well-done.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.