I have read many, many books fiction and fact, involving the Holocaust, occupation of countries by the Nazi regime and World War Two. This book, based on truth about the city of Warsaw, Poland is an emotional read for me. I received an advanced readers copy from the publisher and NetGalley. Amanda Barratt gives readers a vivid look into the lives and activities of two sisters through their words and experiences in this heartrending story.
This is my own personal opinion and reaction to the book. I think this book hits me particularly hard at this time due to the horrendous current events in Israel.
It is at times, graphic, incredibly sad, and it has a spirit of strength that both women display. Antonina is the 'leader'. She is musically gifted, outgoing and has a growing relationship with Marek, a well-known musician and composer who is a Jew. Helena, the timid sister, is secretary to a German sympathizer, uncle to a young German officer. This is a story of heartbreak, terror, deep loss and highly emotional. The heroism of these two sisters, everyday women who each lived with burdensome secrets leads to an unforgettable story.
I have been given a deeper look into the Warsaw Ghetto uprising, the huge part women had in the fight and the mission of outsiders to rescue children during the occupation. Irena Sendler is such an important historical heroine from the city. She is present in this story.
This is a highly emotional read for me. The author handles it with care. She touches on the realities of war, suffering, grief, the decimation of human life and a thread of hope and faith with care.

Wow. Reading this book felt like we were almost reliving the horrors of WWII in Warsaw with these two dear sisters. The author conveys the trauma, the emotions, and the devastation of the lives of Varsovians through her rich, deep plot as the reader follows two sisters through the horrors of life in occupied Warsaw, Poland. My heart wept with Helena and Antonina as their world shattered. I appreciated the wealth of history woven seamlessly into the fictional story, and I know that those facts are what will stay embedded in the readers’ minds long after reading this book. The author includes real people in her story, through a name mentioned here and there or through the actual historical events that occurred during the timeline of this book. The history notes at the conclusion of the story are just as compelling and even more important to read, as they convey the heart of truth found throughout this fictional plot. Truly, the people who lived through these atrocities are heroes, for without courage, faith, perseverance, and strength, they would not have survived to share their accounts. May we all remember the atrocities from those days and strive to never allow them to be repeated. I highly recommend this book to all readers, but especially to those who enjoy historical fiction.

Whew! What a rollercoaster! As a new-to-me author, I wasn’t sure what to expect from Barratt’s pen, but I was not disappointed. Historical fiction has long been one of my favorite genres, and this book reminded me why. The characters were deep and well-rounded; the plot was gripping, and the history…oh, it broke my heart, but at the same time, I admired how much detail Barratt was able to include without weighing the story down.

Having hardly read any books about Poland during World War II, I didn’t really know what to expect from this story. Going into it, then, I was almost a blank slate, so a lot of what this book contained was new to me. From that perspective, I found some scenes incredibly difficult to read. The history contained in this book is heavy, and I came away wondering how in the world people could be so evil as to do the things depicted on these pages. At the same time, Barratt did an excellent job of not overdoing the description—in my opinion, she struck the perfect balance between letting us know what was going on and not wallowing in the more awful details.

The Warsaw Sisters was not an easy read, but I’m thankful to have had the chance to read it. A well-written, unforgettable story, this book highlights some of history’s heroes—both known and unknown. If you enjoy historical fiction with depth of story and character, you’d likely enjoy this.

CW: Battle scenes, some gore, a massacre.

I was given a complimentary copy of this book, and this is my honest opinion of it.

The Warsaw Sisters is a WWII-era novel by talented author Amanda Barratt. This book, as her previous books, is extremely well-researched and written. Set in Warsaw from the invasion of Poland by Nazi Germany until the end of WWII, it does not sugarcoat or mask the privations of war, the cruelty of the Nazi regime, or the crimes perpetrated against the people of Poland, especially the Jewish population. It’s a novel of survival of spirit and faith in the midst of extreme physical and emotional stress. I had to pause in my reading of the book in order to take a few breaths of relief even as I wanted/needed to keep turning the pages. I had to find out what happened to sisters Antonina and Helena and their beloved city. The two main characters are what give this book heart and soul. Although twins, the two are so different, yet their determination to have purpose in the midst of tragedy spoke of the Polish people of the time. I knew little about the capital city of Poland during WWII, but Warsaw became almost as beloved by this reader as it was to Antonina and Helena. Not the buildings, but the people who stood against evil oppression in small and large ways — each making a difference. Antonina and Helena take similar stands, yet apart from each other. Secrecy was necessary for the clandestine work they undertook, as well as to preserve the safety of those they held dear. I ached for them as the once close sisters grew further apart. There is much loss in this book, as history will attest. Yet love, hope, and faith in a God who never leaves remains.

The Warsaw Sisters is a powerful novel. The writing style is stunningly beautiful, the characters will remain in the reader”s heart, and the strong message of God’s presence in the midst of terror is hard won. I cannot praise this book enough. You’ll find that you need to talk about it, so consider it for your book club. Very highly recommended.

Very Highly Recommended.

Great for Book Clubs.

Audience: Adults.

The Warsaw Sisters hit shelves yesterday and I cannot recommend it enough.

Twin sisters, Antonina and Helena, lost their mother when they were children. Having been raised by a loving father and doting Aunt they are happy. But the Army will take their father to try and stop Germany from invading their home, Poland. The invading Germans will take everything they hold dear. When the time to take a stand comes they will each find their own way to reclaim their humanity and country.

This was the second book I had the pleasure of reviewing this year that covered the Polish occupation. As the granddaughter of Polish man who was there and who fought for his country I am so grateful their are authors brining their stories to life.

@amandabarrattauthor has done a phenomenal job capturing the devastation done to the people and country of Poland while capturing the strength and spirit of the young men and woman who took up arms and gave their lives for freedom. Each sister explores different path in the fight for freedom and they are both showcased beautifully.

Thank you so much to @revellfiction and @netgalley for letting me review The Warsaw Sisters.

#bookstagram #thewarsawsisters #happypubday #readersofinstagram #historicalfiction #read #readers #readersofig #bookreview #bookrecommendations #booksbooksbooks #bookworm #booklover #booknerd #readmorebooks #readmore

Even before I finished reading, I stopped and preordered several copies of this book for my friends. I have no idea how Barratt writes with such depth while reminding us of such important history that hopefully will never be repeated. This incredibly engaging historical fiction had such descriptive writing that I felt that I was right there fighting with the resistance. The story is clearly based on detailed research and amidst such powerful history the arts (music, poetry, and literature) are remembered, valued and helpful to those people fighting battles. I especially appreciated the faith lessons included as characters wrestled with finding truth, good, wonder in the ordinary and the strength to continue. I highly recommend this book to anyone who finds themselves in a lengthy battle. While conveying the reality of suffering, the author infuses this story with hope. To me that is what makes her writing stellar. Not only does the author highlight the bond between sisters but the impact that the relationships we chose has on a person’s life. This novel once again proves that Amanda Barratt’s books belong on the top shelf. Fans of Susan Meissner, Ariel Lawhon and Kristin Hannah should read this WWII fiction. I was given an early copy of this book by the publisher. All opinions are my own.

Sisters Antonina and Helena say goodbye to their father as he goes to war against the Nazis. Warsaw is unsafe for Jews and Marek, Antonina's friend is forced into the ghetto. Antonina finds herself sheltering Jewish children while Helena becomes a part of Poland's secret army to defend their homeland. Sensitive writing and a good picture of Poland during this dark time.

Amanda Barratt tells the story of Antonina and Helena - twin sisters enduring the German occupation of Warsaw in WWII. This story is a hard one to tell, and often, a difficult one to read. The author does a thorough job of accurately portraying what life looked like for the Jews and Christians during this time.

From the very beginning we see the strong, unbreakable bond these sisters share. However, Antonina and Helena respond differently to the devastating effects of loss, grief, and the brutality of the German occupation. They each choose different paths in the Polish resistance which demand secrecy and a separation which drives a wedge between them. I admired the bravery and conviction of each sister as they were both willing to risk everything, including losing the only family each one still has for the sake of their country.

I learned so much from this book and I appreciate the historical accuracy. This is such an important story I am glad Amanda Barratt has written. When you finish this book, please take time to read the historical notes at the end. They added so much to the background of the story.

I received an early copy for review and the opinions expressed are my own.

A very powerful and emotional read about what two sisters went through during the invasion of Poland in WW II. It's 1939 and the able bodied men have just left to fight in the war when German invades Poland. The Jews are forced into and area called the Ghetto that is closed off to anyone without a pass to enter. Helena and Antonia are twin sisters who choose to become part of the Polish resistance knowing that if they are discovered that would be killed or sent to a concentration camp but yet they choose to fight.
An incredible story based on Poland's fight for freedom. It evokes all the emotions: fear for their safety and those they love, the horrors of war, heartbreak, anger at what the Germans did, faith that God would bring the Polish people and the Jews through this horror, and the love that binds a family together.

Thanks Netgalley for giving me the opportunity to read an early copy of this amazing and disturbing story of life in Warsaw in 1939 at the start of the war.
This story is told by two sisters Antonia and Helen and how they followed their own paths during this turbulent
Time.
I am now finding this review easy to write as their lives were very different though they were twins they both decided to go their own way in the way to save Warsaw.
The destruction there was terrible and reading this book also gave me a history lesson as I am ashamed to say I never knew how terrible it had been there.
This was a brilliant book and the description of what happened I. Warsaw was brutal and very upsetting to me.
I think the author is amazing and hope she writes many more amazing books.

Monday, November 6, 2023
The Warsaw Sisters



I made a big mistake. I read this before bed. I couldn't get it out of my mind. I did finish this in a couple of nights. I had to find out how it ended.

My husband is Polish. I know nothing about Polish history. This book gave me much more than I bargained for. The story is about two sisters (Antonia and Helena) and what they must do to survive during the German invasion during WW2.

The two sisters had interesting individual stories to be told as well as their shared experiences. I often found myself with tears as I turned the page one after another. It was sickening to read what happened to ordinary citizens especially the Jewish people during this time. So much suffering.

The book was excellent even though hard to read at times.

1939-1945 Warsaw, Poland

What a beautiful novel! The Warsaw Sisters spotlights what is was like for Christians living in Warsaw during WWII. Through the two sisters readers get a view of ways to resist, support Polish independence and aid Jews. I imagine individual contributions felt like a drop in the bucket, but for each life saved, it meant everything and collectively they definitely made a difference.

The story unfolds through the voice of the two sisters: Antonina and Helena.

So much heartbreak, but hope as well. These two quotes stood out:

"...I told myself things could not possibly become worse than all we had already borne. Each time I was proven wrong."

"There is hope in us yet."

I always enjoy reading WWII Fiction because my Father served in this war and my mother worked at an ammunitions Factory. This book was about the German invasion of Warsaw Poland. I have read a few books about occupied Poland and how it effected the polish citizens. These books have been very well researched about the Jewish ghetto, the invasion and the secret resistant forces. This was my first time reading a book written by Amanda Barratt. This book focuses on how ordinary citizens voluntarily worked under cover to help save Jewish children from the termination camps and also serving in the secret resistance armed forces . I was immediately drawn into the book and found it to be so realistic that I could visualize the characters in my mind as I read the story. It was unpredictable and had me on the edge of my seat a time or two. I’m glad I got the opportunity to read this book.

The main characters are twin sisters, Antonina and Helena Dabrowska. The story begins in 1939 and ends after the war. Though the Jewish people suffered terribly in this war the Polish people also suffered too. The twins got involved in serving underground to help the Jewish citizens of Poland. Each served differently and they knew going in that if the German Soldiers caught them they would be put to death. Will Antonina and Helena survive this terrible war and be able to help restore their country to what it once was?

I recommend this book to readers of Christian Fiction and Women’s Fiction. It can be read as a standalone book. This book will be released on 11/7/23.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced readers copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions expressed here in this review are entirely my own.

#TheWarsawSisters #NetGalley

Engaging, compelling, and heartrending story set in World War II Poland, chronicling their fight for freedom from occupation and tyranny. Barratt is an expert at both putting you in the situation and meticulous research, making this powerful story one I won't soon forget. Highly recommended.

Reviewing this book feels complicated to me. I knew I was going to love The Warsaw Sisters after just the first few chapters and appreciated the fast pace of the beginning. This is a war story, and while I’ve read many WW2 novels, the way that the horror for women and children and young adults is described was sometimes too close to the reality that we’ve heard about in the news in the last month. It almost seems wrong to enjoy a story like this but I feel like that the way it is told makes me more empathetic to people who have been attacked and are unable to protect themselves. The writing is beautiful from the individual sentences, varied pacing, and the full narrative arc. The feeling reminded me of how much I loved The Nightingale by Kristin Hannah. I received a gifted copy of this book from Revell through NetGalley; I am leaving this review voluntarily and was not required to leave a positive review.

One the eve of World War 2, twin teenage sisters Helena and Antonina bid their father goodbye as he joined his Polish army regiment to defend against a German invasion. Their lives were never the same. During the long years of Warsaw’s occupation, one twin had a forbidden romance and smuggled children out of the Jewish ghetto, the other became a freedom fighter. Through desperate circumstances, their paths took them in difference directions. Would they ever find each other again? Filled with excellent historical details, this tale of grit and determination is masterfully written

From the moment I saw the beautiful cover for this, I was absolutely drawn in and couldn't wait to read the story inside... and I have to say, the story was just as beautifully done as well!

I must admit, it took me a little bit to figure out who was who and exactly what was going on in the story... though I definitely think this was more of a me thing than anything. Once I got it all straightened out in my mind, I found myself very much drawn into the lives of these sisters and their life in Poland during WWII. The author did a wonderful job of bringing readers to that time and place... and all the horrors that it brought. The horrors they faced were accurate to history, I'm sure... but also made it a difficult read too. As such, while I think these are stories that absolutely need to be told and the author told it very well... I also can't say it was a super enjoyable read either. I had to step away many times for my own mental health. This had me tearing up many times, but also brought along a deeper admiration for those who lived through it.

If you love historical fiction, this is definitely one worth reading!

**I received a complimentary copy for consideration. All opinions are my own.

If I could give this historical novel a 5+ I would. This is by far one of the best-researched and written historical novels I've read.

Although, heartwrenching at times and emotional, it was balanced out with hope. Two sisters, Antonina and Helena, each chose their own path working for the resistance when the Germans occupied Poland. They risked their lives many times for others.

The storyline is filled with heroism, courage, and the cruelty of war. At times, tears filled my eyes, soon to be replaced with pride at the sisters' heroic actions. The book left me thinking about the impact on Warsaw's citizens, the Jewish people living among them, and the drastic changes in their lives. Highly recommended. I couldn't put it down.

I received a complimentary copy from the publisher, Revell, and chose to review it. A positive review is not required and all opinions are my own.

Amanda Barratt has impressed me yet again with her novel, The Warsaw Sisters. I could hardly put this book down as I was swept into the lives of two sisters, each intent on fighting for justice in WWII Poland. Barratt’s storytelling ability held me spellbound as the characters grew in dimension before me. My heart literally felt every emotion as page after page revealed the depth of human depravity and the heights of love during a time when all hope seemed lost.

Time and again Barratt has impressed me with her work. Each book only heightens my respect for her as a researcher and author. I highly recommend her writing to any and all fans of historical fiction. You will not be disappointed.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publishers. I was not required to provide a positive review. All opinions expressed are mine alone.

The desire to be master over other men brings out a cruelty that knows no measure.

1939 saw the beginning of changes in Warsaw, Poland that one can only pray will never happen again. Twin sisters, Antonina and Helena, saw their father leave his law office to enlist, leaving them with Aunt Basia. September 1, 1939 German forces invaded Poland and nothing was ever the same again.

This most incredibly detailed book takes the reader to the place where one must, in your mind, make a decision. What would you do? The question lay before all of them. Was there anything they could do to help their friends and neighbors? How far would they be willing to go? Choices were made. Finally the only thing left for them was faith and hope.

An early copy was received through Baker Publishing Group, Revell and NetGalley. These impressions are my own and were in no way solicited.