REVIEW: The Warsaw Orphan by Kelly Rimmer was an utterly heartbreaking novel. It takes place during the German occupation of Poland. This is another WWII historical fiction must read. The strength of these people was incredible. 

The main characters were Elzbieta and Roman who met and developed a strong friendship. Elzbieta was helping to teach the Jewish children Catholic prayers so the ones that could pass as gentiles could be smuggled out of the ghetto to foster families. She saved the lives of many children. 

I was amazed at the strength of the Polish people and the lengths they would go to to not only save their lives but, the lives of their fellow citizens. It was heartwarming. It was also heartbreaking to see what they went through to survive. Traveling through sewers, living in abandon building and searching through trash for bits of food. 

This was such a good book but, hard to read. Kelly Rimmer did a wonderful job with such a hard subject. Her writing was superb and showed us some hope along the way. The hope these people lived with to allow them to fight for survival. 

If you love Historical Fiction, you definitely need this on your list of must reads. When I read WWII historical fiction, it seems the story is vastly different depending on what country the story takes place. That’s what keeps me coming back. 

SYNOPSIS: Instant New York Times bestseller!

Inspired by the real-life heroine who saved thousands of Jewish children during WWII, The Warsaw Orphan is Kelly Rimmer’s most anticipated novel since her bestselling sensation, The Things We Cannot Say.

“Gripping… This one easily stands on its own.” —Publishers Weekly
“Heart-stopping.” – Lisa Wingate, #1 New York Times Bestselling Author
“A surefire hit.” – Kristin Harmel, #1 New York Times Bestselling Author

In the spring of 1942, young Elzbieta Rabinek is aware of the swiftly growing discord just beyond the courtyard of her comfortable Warsaw home. She has no fondness for the Germans who patrol her streets and impose their curfews, but has never given much thought to what goes on behind the walls that contain her Jewish neighbors. She knows all too well about German brutality–and that it’s the reason she must conceal her true identity. But in befriending Sara, a nurse who shares her apartment floor, Elzbieta makes a discovery that propels her into a dangerous world of deception and heroism.

Using Sara’s credentials to smuggle children out of the ghetto brings Elzbieta face-to-face with the reality of the war behind its walls, and to the plight of the Gorka family, who must make the impossible decision to give up their newborn daughter or watch her starve. For Roman Gorka, this final injustice stirs him to rebellion with a zeal not even his newfound love for Elzbieta can suppress. But his recklessness brings unwanted attention to Sara’s cause, unwittingly putting Elzbieta and her family in harm’s way until one violent act threatens to destroy their chance at freedom forever. 

From Nazi occupation to the threat of a communist regime, The Warsaw Orphan is the unforgettable story of Elzbieta and Roman’s perilous attempt to reclaim the love and life they once knew.