The Warsaw Sisters by Amanda Barratt | Review

On The Warsaw Sisters’ physical book’s back cover, the description begins with “A richly rendered portrait of courage, sacrifice, and resilience.”

I agree.

Sarah Sundin, a favorite author of mine, endorsed the book, saying, “Heart-wrenching and powerful. The Warsaw Sisters left me reeling but in a good and necessary way. Truly an exceptional work.”

I can’t say it better than Sarah, but I’ll try to come up with something in my review further down, even though I feel quite speechless.

Amanda Barratt is a bestselling author and a Christy award winner. The Warsaw Sisters is my first read of hers. Let’s start with the book description.

Back Description

On a golden August morning in 1939, sisters Antonina and Helena Dąbrowska send their father off to defend Poland against the looming threat of German invasion. The next day, the first bombs fall on Warsaw, decimating their beloved city and shattering the world of their youth.

When Antonina’s beloved Marek is forced behind ghetto walls along with the rest of Warsaw’s Jewish population, Antonina turns her worry into action and becomes a key figure in a daring network of women risking their lives to shelter Jewish children. Helena finds herself drawn into the ranks of Poland’s secret army, joining the fight to free her homeland from occupation. But the secrets both are forced to keep threaten to tear the sisters apart–and the cost of resistance proves greater than either ever imagined.

Shining a light on the oft-forgotten history of Poland during WWII and inspired by true stories of ordinary individuals who fought to preserve freedom and humanity in the darkest of times, The Warsaw Sisters is a richly rendered portrait of courage, sacrifice, and the resilience of our deepest ties.

My Review

I think I chose to review The Warsaw Sisters because I’ve seen its author, Amanda Barratt’s, photos and name all over my socials. I think I knew it wouldn’t be an easy read. I had no idea.

I’m overwhelmed.

Like Sarah Sundin, I’m reeling.

It took me all of one chapter to see Amanda Barratt’s storytelling gift. I thought I knew right away why she was a Christy award winner. At first her way with words could be described as ‘beautiful’. As I kept reading, ‘beautiful’ turned to ‘powerful’. Then, ‘heartbreaking’ and ‘devastating’. And there are just so so many words. I’m left utterly overwhelmed by the loss in Poland in World War 2.

And the courage and fortitude of so many.

Amanda Barratt’s research is rich, and her passion for bringing to life history through storytelling distinct, exceptional, rare, and vivid in this novel of two brave sisters. This book is inspired by real people, real stories … so if you read the novel, be sure to read Amanda’s historical note at the end.

Five stars for The Warsaw Sisters. It’s a heavy read, so be prepared.

Get your copy on amazon.ca and amazon.com. Thank you to Graf-Martin Communications (Nuts About Books) for my copy! All opinions in this review are my own.

About the Author

Amanda Barratt is the bestselling author of numerous historical novels and novellas including THE WARSAW SISTERS, WITHIN THESE WALLS OF SORROW, and THE WHITE ROSE RESISTS. Her work has been the recipient of the Christy Award and the Carol Award, as well as an Honorable Mention in the Foreword INDIES Book of the Year Awards.

Amanda is passionate about illuminating oft-forgotten facets of history through a fictional narrative. She lives in Michigan and can often be found researching her next novel, catching up on her to-be-read stack, or savoring a slice of her favorite lemon cake.

To connect with Amanda, visit: www.amandabarratt.net.