Thank you to the publisher, Thomas Nelson Fiction Audio and to NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.

This book is based on the true stories of librarians who fought back during this period of time. It shows the power of literature as a form of resistance, courage in the face of adversity, and one woman’s struggle to preserve humanity in the face of such evil. Set in Berlin, 1933, the narrative follows Helene Nathan, one of the first female librarians at a prestigious German library. As Adolf Hitler's Nazi regime darkens the country, the government begins systematically purging literature, drawing up censorship lists, and orchestrating public book burnings.

What an amazing story this was and heartbreaking too. My mark of a great historical fiction is to ask these questions: did it make me feel something? Did it educate me without boring me? The answer to these questions is yes to both. This book exceeded my expectations. I highly recommend this book, it is a must read! The Narrator (Kathleen Gati) was fantastic too, she was on point with the pronunciation and accents. She was a pleasure to listen to.

"In a world of burning books, one woman will risk everything to keep stories alive."
Based on the heroic nature of Helene Nathan, who was the first female librarian in a German library. So many amazing stories from WWII that focus on the strength and stamina of people. This book is no exception when the government begins its purge of literature and "forbidden" books. Helene and others worked around the clock to collect and hide books slated for destruction.
With the fluctuation of the Nazi regime, comes horror stories and survival skills. It never fails to amaze me what people will do when they believe in something. Knowledge is power and without it the government can stifle us. These characters were strong but not strong enough to fight off the regime. As people disappeared from their homes and the streets, it became more evident the need to hide books before history is lost forever.
The fear is real today considering how they can demand what books we can or cannot have in the library. Most people haven't read them to know what is inside these books.
A wonderful book and a reminder of how the past comes back to repeat itself. We must protect our right to read.
Thank you NetGalley and Thomas Nelson Fiction for this incredible ARC in exchange for my honest review.