“The Warsaw Sisters” is a powerful, historical, emotionally draining, amazing novel about two sisters living in Poland during the German occupation in World War 2.
Both main characters (sisters Antonia and Helena) are incredibly well-written. The reader will feel like he/she is gradually getting to know real people as the story moves along and more and more about the characters’ pasts, family/friends, and personalities are revealed. While we are getting to know these two strong women, we also get to observe them as they take action to help lessen the suffering around them.
Although both Antonia and Helena have some degree of romance in their lives, this is only one small part of what this book has to offer. The reader will learn a lot about the occupation of Poland, and its many atrocities. There is also plenty of information about daily life, religion, clothing, food, and the vital roles played by some women during that time. Despite learning quite a bit, you will never be bored or feel like you’re sitting in a history lecture. All of this information is presented as part of the story, and is truly fascinating (although, in some cases, disturbing).
A fair bit of time is devoted to the dynamic between the sisters. As the extreme danger in their resistance efforts requires them to be secretive, the women find a division between them that they’ve never experienced before. How they cope with this change makes for a powerful storyline.
I highly recommend this novel for the incredible depth of historical content, the moving and exciting stories of Antonia and Helena, and the positive messaging about trying to make a difference despite overwhelming odds.
5 out of 5 slices of thinly sliced, ultra-sharp Cheddar!
chewietellsall 