Reviewed by Carol Thompson for Readers' Favorite

Little Edna’s War by Janet Bond Brill recounts the extraordinary life of Edna Stefania Brill, a Holocaust survivor who faced incredible hardships during World War II. The book traces Edna’s journey from her childhood in the Warsaw ghetto, where she experienced the horrors of the Holocaust, to her transformation into Stefania Skółkowska, a Catholic orphan and a young soldier in the Polish Home Army. Her story is one of survival, bravery, and change, as she copes with the devastating effects of the Nazi occupation while hiding her Jewish identity. Brill’s narrative is filled with historical details, vividly portraying the atrocities of the Holocaust, including the Warsaw Ghetto Uprising and the Warsaw Uprising, and highlighting the bravery of those who resisted.

The memoir also explores themes of identity and survival, as Edna adopts multiple personas to evade capture, ultimately becoming a decorated soldier in the Polish Home Army. Her courage and determination are evident throughout the narrative, as she faces loss, betrayal, and the constant threat of discovery. The complexities of her identity are thoughtfully examined as Edna struggles to reconcile her Jewish heritage with the Catholic faith she adopted for survival. Janet Bond Brill’s writing allows readers to connect with Edna’s experiences on a personal level, while the inclusion of historical events adds context to the story. The epilogue and tribute from Edna’s granddaughter provide a touching conclusion to her journey, illustrating how her legacy continues through her family. Little Edna’s War is an inspiring story of endurance, identity, and hope. It honors the memories of those who were lost while celebrating the resilience of those who survived, making it a valuable addition to Holocaust literature.