Wow, this was INCREDIBLE. The story was captivating, the writing was exquisite and the story being told important. I loved that although the Warsaw Uprising was well written and well researched, the story did not feel overly academic. At times I forgot I was reading historical fiction as I became so wrapped up in the characters and their lives. I absolutely LOVED that the story starts in the present day and tells the story of an old Hollywood Star. Before her fame, she was a young jewish woman in poland, whose family was destroyed by the Nazi Regime. In order to survive, she becomes a spy and assassin who helps with the Warsaw Rising. Easily one of the BEST books that I have read all year. A must read.

Thank you Netgalley for my advanced reader copy.

this is a contender for my top book of 2024! at first i was scared that it was trying to be the seven husbands of evelyn hugo (there was even a subtle nod to it in the first chapter) since it's about an aging hollywood star being interviewed by a young actress (in this case) that wants to tell their "real life story". thankfully it ended up being it's own unique story with so many moments that literally made my jaw drop! it's obviously a book with many heavy themes as it details bina's life from the warsaw ghetto during WWII, and the way she survived, through her time as a leading lady in hollywood. it's beautifully written and bina is such a powerful main character, i can't recommend this book enough!

cw: sexual assault, heavy themes

thanks to netgalley and harper perennial for my advance copy of the goddess of warsaw by lisa barr. all opinions are my own.

Lisa Barr’s latest novel is an intense and epic ode to the fighters of the Warsaw ghetto and an inspiring piece of WWII fiction.

Set in three different time periods, the Goddess Of Warsaw follows the life of Bina Blonski, a Jewish woman who escaped Nazi-occupied Poland in the 1940s and became an icon of the silver screen in 1950s Hollywood. Now nearing the end of her life, Bina recounts the harrowing memories of her time in the Warsaw Ghetto during the war and her heroic efforts to fight the Third Reich.

Poignant, violent, touching, and rousing, The Goddess of Warsaw is a supremely entertaining and important reminder of the past and the responsibility we have to ensure it is not repeated.

This started a little slow for me but over time I came to enjoy this a lot. The personal story of Bina and all that she went through was a story that really lets the reader imagine what that awful time was like. And the possibility that even today that monsters still exist in the world makes you really think about the world.

I recommend this book. While I’ve read a lot of books recently about that time in history, each one brings a different story to light, stories that deserve to be told and not forgotten. We are to learn from History. This book helps one learn.

As I experienced the story, I found myself immersed in a whirlwind of emotions, completely unprepared for the profound impact it would have on me. Initially, I wasn't expecting to be moved on such a deep level, especially considering my lack of religious inclination. Yet, despite this, the narrative gripped me with its raw sensitivity, leaving me reeling with every twist and turn.

At times, the intensity of the events depicted made me question my own mortality, as I empathized deeply with the struggles faced by the characters. The emotional turmoil they experienced resonated with me on a personal level, evoking a myriad of feelings that I found difficult to shake. There were moments when I felt as though I was experiencing their pain and despair firsthand, and I must admit, there were occasions when I, too, contemplated the notion of escaping it all.

As the story progressed, I found solace in the beautifully crafted prose and expertly woven plotlines of the second part. While perhaps not as emotionally taxing as the initial chapters, the richness of the writing drew me in, providing a welcome respite from the intensity of the preceding events. I found myself eagerly turning each page, eager to discover what fate had in store for the characters I had grown to care for deeply.

Yet, as the story drew to a close, I couldn't help but feel a twinge of disappointment at the journey leading up to the conclusion. As someone who struggles with forgiveness, I found the path taken to reach the end to be somewhat challenging for my taste. Nevertheless, my admiration for the story remained unwavering. Its ability to evoke such a wide range of emotions within me is a testament to its power and impact.

While the journey to the end may not have been exactly to my liking, I thoroughly enjoyed the conclusion and the story as a whole. It is a testament to the skill of the author that I was able to overlook my own reservations appreciate the story for what it truly was—a poignant and thought-provoking exploration of the human condition.

This is not a story that leaves you.

Lisa Barr captures every nuance in this compelling dual-timeline story of a Polish Jewish femme fatale. From heroine Bina's courageous resistance against the Nazis in the Warsaw Ghetto to her transformation into a captivating Hollywood star with a secret, shadowy history, Barr's storytelling hits all the right notes.

This work is masterfully crafted, delivering suspense in a manner that is both captivating and worthy of every ounce of praise. It illuminates the horrors endured in Poland during WWII and the unwavering resolve required to either survive or face death with dignity.

I haven't cried this hard in quite some time. And in a book full of heinous acts against humanity, the ending is one of the most beautiful, fulfilling ones I've ever read.

Thank you NetGalley and Harper Perennial for a complimentary copy of this novel!

This novel was a mesmerizing, unputdownable WW2 Historical Fiction novel! One I will definitely not be forgetting about anytime soon. It is about a Polish Jew, Bina Blonski, who later made it to America and became a famous Hollywood star known as Lena Browning. Bina’s family and husband are killed in front of her. She does what she must to survive in the Warsaw Ghetto. The thing about Bina is, she does not look Jewish at all. Her blond hair and light eyes give her the advantage she needs to get into places others cannot. She becomes a smuggler, a murderer, a Nazi assassin, an actress, and a director throughout her life. This is a captivating novel that shows one woman’s resiliency and strength in the face of great loss and suffering. This is a story of one woman’s fight for revenge her entire life, no matter the cost. This is also a story of friendship and the cost of forbidden love. I cannot say enough about this novel!!! I highly recommend it and would give 10 stars if I could, but the rating only goes up to 5 stars so that will have to do!!! Available for purchase May 28, 2024

I requested an ARC of The Goddess of Warsaw after seeing rave reviews across NetGalley, including one from one of my favorite authors, Sara Goodman Confino.

What an incredible book. My heart is in pieces, and I cried quite a bit. Evelyn Hugo meets The Huntress, is the best way I can describe the vibe of this book. Bina Blonsky is a Jewish woman trying her best to survive in the Warsaw ghetto, amidst Nazi terrorism. Hers is a story of resilience, pure ingenuity, and eventually, revenge. She later tells her story on her own terms, with the help of a young protégé. The way the stories are recorded and told is a big theme in this book.

The love I felt between Bina and her friends was what stood out to me most throughout the book. In war, we trust no one, but have to trust in our closest confidantes, and for Bina, the love of friends is what ultimately saved her.

I will be recommending this book to everyone I know, historical fiction fan or not!

How far will one person go to survive and get revenge? The Goddess of Warsaw is not your typical dual timeline WWII story. Lena Browning is a Hollywood star at the end of her career. Sienna Hayes is the new young star who wants to be more than an actress. She gets close to Lena in order to write, direct, and star in the story of Lena’s life. She’s in for a big surprise. No one knows Lena’s real story.

The story of Lena’s past is a wild ride that is not entirely predictable. Her character is deep. I will be suggesting this as a dual timeline predominantly historical fiction thriller that ends in 2005. It is not to be missed.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the chance to read this arc in exchange for an honest review.

I’m not a historical fiction fan, but Lisa Barr will always get me to pick up the genre! This was a heavy story, which I knew going in to it. It was the kind of story I had to put down at some points, just because of where my headspace has been since October 7th.

I highly recommend this book. Lisa is an incredible storyteller and despite my tears while reading, I’ll always recommend her books!

I love historical fiction and strong female characters. This book has both. It reflects events in the Warsaw Ghetto and the emotional costs of loss and survival. The main character is beautiful and resilient, driven by the past. A dramatic and enthralling book!

I would like to thank NetGalley and Harper Perennial and Paperbacks for the ARC.

This story was absolutely incredible. I felt a palpable sense of loss alongside the characters and even though a deep sadness surrounded the novel there was a redemption story woven in that really balanced the plot line wonderfully.

There are some factual events told in this story that will break your heart but it’s necessary to know exactly what occurred. To feel it deep in your bones and try to understand just a little of what the Warsaw Ghetto was like. I’ve only read one other book, Mila 18, that showed life in the ghetto in such a raw and honest way. This was powerful, utterly heart-rending, and poignant. A phenomenal historical fiction and I can guarantee if you loved Woman on Fire you’ll love this!

🎞️ Think Evelyn Hugo… with a much deadlier secret. This mix of historical fiction and revenge plot was 5⭐️ perfection. Thank you to @harperbooks and @lisabarr18 for sending me an advanced copy. This is out May 28th!

🎞️ This is all told through the perspective of a badass female MC, over the course of several decades. I don’t want to give away too much, because the way this all plays out is so great, but our character starts the book in the Jewish ghetto in Warsaw, Poland during WWII.

🎞️ Lisa Barr has such a distinct style of mixing historical fiction and suspense that keeps you turning the pages! I highly recommend this one— especially if you enjoyed her last book ‘Woman On Fire.’ This one is even better!

🎞️ This is out May 28th. Is it on your TBR?

The Goddess of Warsaw is an intensely written and researched portrayal of life during WWII and the aftermath when wronged people and war criminals integrate into post-war society. Richly imagined and dramatic, the story is difficult to read at times with extreme actions to survive and later, to avenge the wrongs.

Thanks to NetGalley and Harper Perennial and Paperbacks for the opportunity to read this ARC.

Lisa Barr writes historical fiction in a way that I find very engaging. There are going to be scary events, mistreatment of people and different opinions of WWII novels. I don't like to read foul language, sexual activities and mistreatment, but isn't that exactly what really happens?
The Goddess of Warsaw introduces us to a very strong and determined young lady. She can not forget and forgive the Nazis. I really enjoyed this book, as I have all of Lisa Barr's books.
Thank you to NetGalley and Harper for an e-ARC of this book, opinions are my own.

There is a lot going on in this story that prevented me from liking the main characters. It is a dark historical fiction with strong sex and revenge themes. Also found the profanity used to be unnecessary to tell the story. Interesting read, but a tough one to get through.

Thank you to @netgalley and @HarperPerennialBooks for this ARC. Lena Browning is an highly acclaimed actress but now in her 80's. When, Sienna, the latest "it" actress, wants to interview her and produce a film on her life, she doesn't realize the story Lena would tell. It all starts with "Bina" in the Warsaw Jewish Ghetto who fought for the resistance. Lisa Barr is quickly becoming one of my favorite authors. This is such a great book! #TheGoddessofWarsaw #LisaBarr #May2024 #HaperPerennial

This book has a lot going on so much that it made it difficult to become attached to the characters or storyline. I found the beginning scenes very jarring and it through off the reading of such a dramatic book.

I save my five star ratings for the best of the best and this, my friends, is one of the best books I’ve come across in a long time. It’s unlike anything I’ve ever read before and just know that nothing I say here could do it justice.

I went into this totally blind but nothing could have prepared me for THE GODDESS OF WARSAW. I had no idea what to expect (a Goodreads synopsis hasn’t even been posted yet), but I assumed it would be something glamorous and artsy and historical- similar to the author’s highly lauded, WOMAN ON FIRE.

In the prologue, we meet Lena Browning, an 83-year-old Hollywood icon, and I instantly fell in love with her. She’s bold and brash and her story will stick with me for a very long time.

WWII is never easy to read about but this was one of the most difficult (and powerful) books I’ve encountered. Lena is so raw and honest and her journey was incredibly painful. I’ve read a lot of HF about strong, brave women and Lena is both of those things, but she’s also so much more.

This is a story about strong women and while Lena steals the show, there are so many side characters (Anna, Zelda, LILAH!) that I won’t soon forget.

I cannot recommend this book enough. It’s beautifully written and truly a gutting read, but there were also lighter moments thanks to Lena’s sassy personality. When (not if) you pick this up, make sure to carve out plenty of uninterrupted reading time because you will NOT be able to put it down.

Thanks to the publisher for allowing me to be an early reader!

Special thanks to Gallery Books and NetGalley for a copy of The Goddess of Warsaw to read in advance. This book will publish on May 28, 2024.

Hollywood’s newest star, Sienna Hayes, wants to produce a movie about previous bombshell, Lena Browning. But Lena Browning isn't who she says she is, and Sienna Hayes doesn't know that yet.

Lisa Barr knows how to write an engaging tale. I was utterly gripped by Lena's true background, and learning her story alongside Sienna Hayes made for a page turning tale. Lena -- known as Bina Blonski in Warsaw -- is a formidable and ferocious main character. She started off a theatre star in Warsaw before the war, and as a Jew gets relegated to the Warsaw Ghetto. Finding a new use for her talents, she becomes parts of the resistance network and takes part of the uprising in 1934. And that’s only the beginning. You'll be amazed at Lena’s bravery and courage no matter the cost to her own life.

I would recommend The Goddess of Warsaw if you enjoy World War II novels.

Content Warnings: war, rape, sex, lust, affair, antisemitism