The Singer Behind the Wire by Shari Ryan is a beautifully written historical fiction novel set during WWII in Poland. The story is told through the eyes of Luka and Ella. Luka is a young Jewish man who has a passion for music and a magnificent voice. He sings on the street corner near Ella's house and she hears his voice and is drawn to him. They meet and fall in love but their love is forbidden because he is Jewish.

They both are sent to Auschwitz unbeknownst to each other. One night Ella is in her bunk after a hard day of labor and near starvation, she hears a voice that she recognizes. Is this her Luka? She risks her life to find out and to get near him. This pushes her to survive and not give up. Do they survive concentration camp?

Shari Ryan delivers another fantastic novel and always a page turner! This was emotional, heartbreaking, unforgettable, powerful, and absolutely remarkable! I highly recommend this book.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
I feel like my heart has been ripped out and put back together. This story follows Luka and Ella's love story against the devastating backdrop of World War II. As the Germans occupy Poland, their lives are dramatically changed when they are both sent to Auschwitz. Ella becomes a political prisoner while Luka is imprisoned because he is Jewish.
This is more than just a book - it's an experience that will stay with you long after you've turned the last page. Shari J. Ryan has created a breathtakingly beautiful love story that reminds us of the incredible strength of the human spirit. She is a must read author for me! Many thanks to the author, Bookouture and NetGalley for a complimentary copy of the book. The opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.
#TheSingerBehindTheWire #ShariJRyan #NetGalley #Bookouture #BooksOnTour #BookLove #Bookstagram #NewBook #ILoveBooks #BooksSetDuringWWII #BooksSetInAuschwitz

The Singer Behind the Wire
Shari J. Ryan

One thing about this author-she continues to amaze me. This novel was so intense and sorrowful that I could not put it down. The emotions that she brought out in me defy gravity and left me feeling out of sorts on how I would have acted during WWII. I like to think I am a good person and therefore would have been one of the first to jump in and help the resistance but there is another part of me that wonders if I would have the courage to stand up and fight. One thing for sure the Ella in this book had more than enough courage to do the right thing. She is everything I would hope to be in a most difficult time. The fact that she fell in love with a Jew in a time when it was forbidden speaks volumes about her character and instantly makes the reader fall in love with all she stands for. Luka her love interest, seems so dependent on her at times I wanted to shake him and tell him to quit being such a prima donna and on the other hand I loved the way he would remember Ella and the good times they shared even when it wasn’t permitted. He did deal with a lot of things that Ella did not have to deal with as she was Polish not Jewish. His grief alone could have led him down the road he was on. It all leads to the question on how. How many times did he say he should let her go so she would not get into trouble? Then she does and he spirals into a world of depression and guilt. Ella spends more time in Auschwitz than he does and seems to have it a little easier as she works in the administrative building. Maybe that is how she is able to find her strength to carry on. To think of living in that place as long as she does is just mind blowing. I would strongly recommend this book to anyone that likes a Historical fiction book but be prepared it’s not all sunshine and roses and will make even the most avid reader cringe in spots. I would recommend this book to everyone. But be prepared once you start you won’t put it down until you turn the last page

This book was amazing. I feel that it will stick with me forever. It was captivating and gut-wrenching. Following Ella and Luka's story as it unfolds throughout the darkest days of the Holocaust, I felt myself struggle to hold on to the same hope that Ella clings to. I was hooked from the first chapter. I felt broken in parts and filled with hope by others. It was truly a roller coaster of emotions, and I was strapped in just waiting to see what was around the next turn. It is one of the best books I have ever read, and I would recommend it to anyone.

Is there ever a wrong time to fall in love?
For Luka and Ella there was, during WWII. Luka is Jewish with a beautiful voice but when Ella tries to save him they both end up in Auschwitz.
The prose is lyrically haunting as only Ryan can write.
A few of the scenes with Ella are absolutely ghastly graphic but necessary to read.
This book will rip you heart out but love can conquer all even the worst of WWII.

📆 Single, linear timeline
👀 dual POV
🐢 -🐇 slow paced

This book had some really tense moments.
I kept telling myself, it would
be fine, books mostly have happy endings. Except when they are books set in Auschwitz. In which case they mostly don't. As I try and keep my reviews free from spoilers I won't say how happy (or not) the ending of The Singer Behind the Wire is.

A book set in Auschwitz, but centering on someone who was there as a political prisoner, rather than for being Jewish, was a change from the usual. But only in that very small respect. Other than that it was as difficult to read, and upsetting as would be expected. I'm not sure that the storyline was hugely plausible, there were too many coincidences for me. But then again, in the authors note at the end Ryan says that her books are based on true events. So maybe it's more possible than I realise.

I've read some of Ryan's previous novels, and will definitely read more in the future.

A engrossing and touching love story set during the most atrocious of times. Not an easy read for obvious reasons, but one which is hauntingly beautiful in places. Well-drawn characters that draw empathy from the reader. I’d give this three stars because the plot felt a little improbable in places, but still a decent read.

This is an incredibly moving book and one that I'm still thinking about now.

The story follows Ella (not a Jew) and Luka (a Jew) and their rocky love story. They meet in Poland in the 1940s and in a time where this is prohibited, but still the pair's love continues to bloom.

Luka is a singer and a voice that Ella can identify anywhere so when she finds herself in Auschwitz , and she hears the familiar voice so doesn't dare believe it.

This story is incredible and explores the world in Poland during WW2 during a volatile and dangerous time under the Naz1 Regime.

The amount of research that has gone into this book is apparent in every page and it is rich in subject and also descriptions, with the scenes and the story overall just popping so I could see them in my head.

Utterly brilliant and darky haunting, expect this one to stay with you for a while but for me, this is also a read that I enjoyed.

Luka, a passionate singer, found solace and expression in music. He would often perform on the street corner near Ella’s house, captivating passersby with his soulful voice. Their love blossomed, and they held onto the hope of a future where they could be free.

Now, in a camp, Ella heard the most beautiful sound—Luka singing in the night. But as she listened, she realized the danger he was in. Luka was Jewish, and his presence in a camp meant he was in grave danger. One terrifying night, the music she cherished filled the air, only to be abruptly silenced. Despite the hardships, Ella never lost hope of seeing Luka again.

“The Singer Behind the Wire,” a captivating tale written by Shari J. Ryan, weaves a profound narrative of courage, hope, and enduring love. This heart-wrenching story deeply moved me, shattering my heart into a million pieces before gently reassembling it.

From the very first page, I was utterly captivated by the story and found myself emotionally invested in the characters of Ella and Luka. I shared in their tears, reaching for the Kleenex countless times. This book was an absolute delight, a journey I couldn’t put down. I will never forget this story. I highly recommend it to anyone who enjoys historical fiction.

I love Shari’s historical fictions. This is a fantastic book. Ella and Luka’s love story is gut wrenching. It really makes me think about how many people were torn from the loves of their lives because of the war. They had obstacles against them simply because of their different religions.

Ella wanted to help Luka and his family, and it ended up being detrimental to her. Even in concentration camps, they hold out for each other. Through everything they dreamed of returning to each other.

Thank you NetGalley and Bookouture for my copies of this book.

This story is haunting as much as it is beautiful. it follows Ella and Luka and the troubles that they face in a terrible time.
Beautifully written

Grief is a consequence of love, young and old.”

Shari J. Ryan. The Singer Behind the Wire (Kindle Location 4409). Kindle Edition.

I am definitely going to seek out more from this author now! Thanks to NetGalley for letting me read this one, I spent many nights up late because I didn’t want to put it down.

At first I did find it a little bit wordy, and overall I think another edit could have shortened it a bit - also it definitely needs an edit because there were many small errors left in (POV changing, name of minor character changing) which brought me out of the story when they happened. But I did enjoy the story enough to overlook those.

It ran as a dual narrative for most of it, with Ella and Luka’s alternating chapters as they found each other and lost each other and found each other again, over and over throughout the entire span of the war. A lot of time is skipped forward in many cases; it is really at heart the romance between the two of them which drives it and their experiences in Auschwitz and the Warsaw ghetto which come second.

As much as I enjoyed the book, Ella sometimes drove me a little crazy! That girl has no sense of self preservation- I swear most of the wild things she did would have seen her be killed if this had been real.

No spoilers on the ending but I like that what needed to be wrapped up was wrapped up quickly.

This is an emotional and heartbreaking historical novel, set during Holocaust and WWII.

Luka is Jewish but has a beautiful voice and is a singer. He sings by voicing out his feelings and emotions. Ella hears the voice--initially she was reluctant to find the source of voice but she finds Luka. She falls in love with him and it follows a forbidden love story. But then soon, both of them are transported to Auschwitz and they need to learn to survive so they can be together again.

This was beautifully written and is quiet emotional to read as well. The story is told in the POVs of both Ella and Luka, each detailing their horrific experiences in Auschwitz during their imprisonment. Ella was determined to meet Luka and Luka was determined to survive in the Holocaust. Of course, by reading through the harsh and bitter conditions that the prisoners suffered made the story a whole point realistic. The ending was great .

Overall this book is worth five stars.

Many thanks to Netgalley and Bookouture for the ARC. The review is based on my honest opinion only.

I usually love Ryan’s historical fictions, but this one missed the mark for me. I felt the characters were underdeveloped, the story a little rushed, and there wasn’t nearly as much emotion as her novels usually contain. I wish there was a little more to it!

Emotional, inspiring, superb, Shari J Ryan delivers yet another masterpiece. Set in Poland during WW2 the story follows the developing relationship between Luka, a young Jewish man and a young non-Jewish women Ella. The Singer Behind the Wire masterfully balances the weight of horror, starvation, torture and grief with the human spirit of love, bravery, resilience and strength. A heartbreaking, heartwarming novel that will have readers reaching for tissues. A highly recommended read. 5 stars
I would like to thank the author, Bookouture and NetGalley for my free copy of this novel, in exchange for my honest review.
#TheSingerBehindtheWire #NetGalley

I received a copy of this book from the publisher/author to review.

I have to say that no one that I have read writes a story in this time period like Shari J Ryan does. She has this magical way of making you fall in love with these characters and be so invested in their lives that it feels like it is happening to you in the moment. I can't even imagine really though now that I have said that what these actual people lived though in that time period. It breaks my heart into little tiny pieces. This is the story of Luka and Ella. She is a young Polish girl whose family owns a market. Luka is Jewish and has been dreams of one day being a singer. It does not take long for Ella to fall in love with his voice and eventually him. However, big changes are happening where they live and the Germans have occupied Poland, the Warsaw Ghetto and Auschwitz. They are both taken to the prison though. She has a political prisoner and he because he is Jewish. I don't want to tell you about the story other than what I have said. I think that you need to discover that as you read this story. I can promise you that you will not forget this story ever. You can feel the emotions and trauma and the will to survive bleeding off the pages of this book. My heart broke so many times that I had to have a Kleenex near when I was reading this book. This is a breathtakingly beautiful love story. When you finish this book I would love for you to know that Shari Ryan has written several books during this time period. You need to go and search those out because they are equally amazing. The Girl With The Diary is one of those books I have never forgotten. You need this book in your life right along with this one.

I had already listened to the audio version, but wanted to read the story and am so glad I did.
Still heartbreaking, and full of emotion, love, and hope.
Thank you NetGalley and the publisher for access to this eARC.

Amazing!
When I read the description of this book, I knew this would be a story I would love—historical, romance, and danger. Set in the early days of the Second World War in Poland, Ella meets Luka singing on a street corner in Warsaw. They fall in love, but being a Jew, he and his family are sent to the Jewish ghetto- a walled section (or prison) in the city of Warsaw. There is no way out, but Ella finds a way to see Luka and brings much-needed provisions. When she is mistaken for a member of the resistance, she is sent to Auschwitz, knowing she will never see Luka again. So much love and tragedy spring from the pages of this book, but with the evil they both witness, they try to remain strong.
The story is exceptional, and the author portrays the brutality of war and how love can persevere through the worst of times—highly recommended!

The Singer Behind the Wire is yet another beautifully written story from the talented Shari J. Ryan. She presents this heartbreaking journey of two young people in love, set against the backdrop of wartorn Poland with grace and respect once again. The delicate balance between reminding her audience about the horrors of the Holocaust and the possibility of true love in the middle of all that madness is a gift I have come to truly adore about her. And honestly, after reading this book and all those that proceeded it has only proven just how in tune she continues to be wrt these stories of hope despite all the despair that her characters are forced to endure.

The bittersweet romance between Ella and Luka, however, is what ultimately drives this book. Two very selfless people who only want to be together yet are torn apart by the evil that overtook their world all too quickly. I admired Ella's determination to make sure Luka's family had enough to eat and how she sacrificed herself as she continued meeting him even after he was sent to the Warsaw ghetto. My heart was once again in my throat as I knew she'd had to eventually be caught as part of the resistance of those not Jewish but willing to help those who were to stay safe and protected.

But it's the grueling day-to-day that Ryan describes that had me putting this book down several times at all the suffering once both Luka and Ella are taken to Auschwitz as the war ravages on and evil continues to win. It was very hard to read what each endured, Ella as a different kind of prisoner of war, first working at compiling lists of those Jews taken into custody. And then as one who had to go through treasured belongings to separate what might be valuable to the Nazis and what was simply tossed away. I could feel her withering strength to carry on yet all she could think about was finding and saving her Luka. To think about all the sacrifices she experienced is beyond humbling and I was rooting for not only her survival but for her hope that would one day be reunited with her love.

I wasn't sure just how the story might play out as I've noticed Ryan getting bolder with her storytelling and showing us the painful ravages of war with an increased amount of personal tragedy that touches our main characters. But I plowed on knowing my heartache was miniscule in comparison to what Ella and Luka might ultimately survive. With the war continuing on and cruelty as strong as ever as Luka becomes part of the entertainment night after night, I could only hope Ella might hear him sing from her own dreadful barracks and find the strength to keep hoping.

The Singer Behind the Wire is a powerful story of resilience and survival. A reminder of the past that is not to be forgotten especially in these troubled times. Wildly hard to fathom yet important nonetheless to admire how the human spirit can be brutally damaged but still withstand what is necessary to keep love in one's heart. With an ending that although poignant still felt a bit open, I have to be honest and say I might've wanted just a glimpse into the future to perhaps see that dreams, no matter how damaged and ravaged by war, can still come true. But I suppose for now I can wish that to be so in my own imagination.

Another winner for this amazing writer, when looking for something that will show you a side of history that will give you pause, I encourage you to read this book. It will sear your soul while filling it with the knowledge that yeah, perhaps love can conquer even when the world has seemingly gone mad around you. And ultimately make you glad that there continues to be someone to tell these remarkable stories in a thoughtful and stunning way.

5 big stars!!