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About this item
Highlights
- 2024 Christy Award WinnerA richly rendered portrait of courage, sacrifice, and resilience 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.
- Christy Awards (Historical) 2024 1st Winner
- About the Author: Amanda Barratt is the Christy Award-winning and bestselling author of numerous historical novels and novellas, including The Warsaw Sisters (a 2024 Christy Award winner), The White Rose Resists (a 2021 Christy Award winner), and Within These Walls of Sorrow.
- 384 Pages
- Fiction + Literature Genres, Christian
Description
About the Book
In WWII Poland, two sisters fight against the darkness engulfing their homeland, one by entering a daring network of women sheltering Jewish children and the other by joining the ranks of Poland's secret army. As Warsaw buckles under German oppression, they must rely on the courage that calls the ordinary to resist.Book Synopsis
2024 Christy Award WinnerA richly rendered portrait of courage, sacrifice, and resilience
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 knows she cannot stand by and soon becomes a key figure in a daring network of women risking their lives to shelter Jewish children. Meanwhile, 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 them apart--and the cost of resistance may prove greater than either ever imagined.
From the Back Cover
2024 Christy Award WinnerA richly rendered portrait of courage, sacrifice, and resilience
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 knows she cannot stand by and soon becomes a key figure in a daring network of women risking their lives to shelter Jewish children. Meanwhile, 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 them apart--and the cost of resistance may prove greater than either ever imagined.
"Heart-wrenching and powerful. The Warsaw Sisters left me reeling but in a good and necessary way. Truly an exceptional work."--Sarah Sundin, bestselling and Christy Award-winning author of The Sound of Light and Until Leaves Fall in Paris
"A story not to be forgotten. The Warsaw Sisters is a wide-eyed, unflinching look at the heartbreaking plight of a people grasping courage even when they can't find hope."--Jocelyn Green, Christy Award-winning author of The Metropolitan Affair
About the Author
Amanda Barratt is the Christy Award-winning and bestselling author of numerous historical novels and novellas, including The Warsaw Sisters (a 2024 Christy Award winner), The White Rose Resists (a 2021 Christy Award winner), and Within These Walls of Sorrow. She is passionate about illuminating oft-forgotten facets of history through a fictional narrative. Amanda lives in Michigan. Learn more at AmandaBarratt.net.Dimensions (Overall): 8.4 Inches (H) x 5.5 Inches (W) x 1.1 Inches (D)
Weight: .75 Pounds
Suggested Age: 22 Years and Up
Number of Pages: 384
Genre: Fiction + Literature Genres
Sub-Genre: Christian
Publisher: Fleming H. Revell Company
Theme: Historical
Format: Paperback
Author: Amanda Barratt
Language: English
Street Date: November 7, 2023
TCIN: 88884019
UPC: 9780800741716
Item Number (DPCI): 247-53-4431
Origin: Made in the USA or Imported
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Shipping details
Estimated ship dimensions: 1.1 inches length x 5.5 inches width x 8.4 inches height
Estimated ship weight: 0.75 pounds
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4.8 out of 5 stars with 5 ratings
5.0 out of 5 stars with 16 reviews
100% would recommend
16 recommendations
The Bond of Sisterhood
5 out of 5 stars
Thumbs up graphic, would recommend
Fitzysmom - 1 year ago
I can't recall when a book last moved me as this one did. It was a very emotional read for me. Maybe it was the climate we are living in presently or maybe it was just that I too have a beloved sister. Whatever the root cause I really struggled to just sit and read this one through. I found myself needing to take a break from it. Please let none of that detour you from reading this beautiful story of two sisters and the unbreakable bond they shared. The setting is Warsaw, Poland during World War II so you already are familiar with some of the atrocities that are going to befall them and their loved ones. How they maintained any semblance of hope is at the center of the story and it is what kept me picking the book back up. I'm so glad that I persevered to the end. Love is always worth the pain and suffering. If you enjoy reading about the World War II era you can't let this one slip past you. I can guarantee that it will give you a gut punch or two but in the end you'll be glad you took the time to read it.
Suspenseful
5 out of 5 stars
Thumbs up graphic, would recommend
Kimp - 1 year ago
The Warsaw Sisters by Amanda Barratt is a stand-alone novel set in wartime Poland. With their father going off to war, sisters Antonina and Helena make different life choices to help the same cause. They are determined to help their friends and fight for their homeland. Looking for a story that will inspire, with tales of courage and sacrifice then you've found it! This is a heart-wrenching tale of the struggles of two sisters who follow their convictions to do what they think is right. I received this book from the publisher for my honest review.
Heart breaking Story
5 out of 5 stars
Thumbs up graphic, would recommend
Deana - 1 year ago
This is a deeply emotional story that captures World War II in Poland. The author describes what the war looked like and how it can destroy relationships. Sending their father off to war burdens Antonina and Helena and brings a heavy heart to them. I could picture the scene as if I was standing beside them. You can almost feel their heart racing as their goodbyes drew near. What was once a nice and calm life was about to change forever. The sisters are only eighteen yet they now must face being on their own. I held my breath as they sat in the cellar while planes flew over and bombs started going off around them . Can you imagine being young and facing a war tucked away in a cellar? Who can they depend on now that their father is gone off to war? The emotions run high in the story and at times I wanted the darkness to stop. But in reality this is what war is like and the author takes us front and center with our two main characters. The story made me think of how much we have and how thankful we need to be. The streets filled with destruction, injured people littered the hospital and supplies were scarce. I was mesmerized by the story and how difficult it had to be. Survival was upmost in the sisters minds and everyday was a different challenge. I loved how the author gives us historic facts that enhance the story. This is a must read for everyone to see what a war can do to people and what they were willing to do to put theirselves in danger to save others. I received a copy of this book from Revell Reads Program. The review is my own opinion.
Gripping Emotional WWII Story
5 out of 5 stars
Thumbs up graphic, would recommend
Leonas Lines - 1 year ago
The Warsaw Sisters by Amanda Barrett is a historical fiction novel written about the German invasion of Poland in WWII. The story is about two Polish sisters, Antonina and Helena, living in Warsaw in 1939. Though the sister's story is fictional, the events surrounding them are based on historical facts. The sisters are different in many ways yet share a common bond of love for all humanity and for their homeland. Throughout the book we see the different ways they deal with the sorrows and horrors of the war and its effects on them, their family, those they love, and the people surrounding them. This story is a gripping one, for it is very emotional and though many times it will bring tears to your eyes, you will be compelled to read on searching for hope, justice, and reprieve for the characters in the story. It is a sad story of how cruel war can be and how evil some people can be, but it is one that needs to be told, so that those who experienced it will never be forgotten. They say history always repeats itself, in this case, I pray it does not. I recommend this book to all who love historical fiction, especially WWII fiction, and I applaud the author on her fine research of the subject. I was given a copy of this book by the publisher in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and comments are my own.
Beautifully Written, Emotional WWII Story
5 out of 5 stars
Thumbs up graphic, would recommend
BlessednBookish - 1 year ago
The Warsaw Sisters by Amanda Barratt is my first novel by this author. And within a few chapters, it became apparent that she has a special talent for bringing history to life. Some stories you read from a distance, but this book pulls you into a different time–a harrowing time in history. Antonina and Helena’s experience in Warsaw during German occupation brings to light the many atrocities done to the people of Poland, especially the Jewish population. It is not a read for the faint of heart, as the author exposes the wickedness of the German regime and holds nothing back. But stories like Atonina’s and Helena’s are important because they make us remember what happened and make us determined to see those evil acts never be allowed to happen again. Overall, I found Amanda Barratt to be an exceptionally talented historical fiction author. She immerses you in the time and give you a clear glimpse into the past–what it was like physically, emotionally, and spiritually to live in such a frightening and unpredictable time.The emotionally heavy topics of the book and a few descriptive scenes of war may not be for everyone, but I found the novel beautifully written with such respect for the people and the places that were ravaged by hate. If you enjoy authentic historical fiction, then The Warsaw Sisters will satisfy. I was given a copy of this book by the publisher with no expectations of a positive review. All opinions are my own.
A Difficult Story-Resplendent in Hope
5 out of 5 stars
Thumbs up graphic, would recommend
PhyllisR - 1 year ago
Without graphic depictions of battle, the sixty-three day siege of Warsaw, Poland is eloquently told through the eyes of an exceptional writer. Rot with examples of hardship, separation and grief, this story places two sisters amongst the antisemitism that caused the death of thousands of Jewish citizens and the eventual mass executions of both military and civilian Poles. This book’s exploration into the occupation of Poland establishes a portrait of the lowest of human qualities meshed with the desire to fight for something in the midst of war. Barratt’s characters within this novel tend to be as complex as their setting. I felt like a spectator watching Antonina and Helena grow in emotionally distinct ways when met with the circumstances brought upon by war. These women were resilient. Bearing strength and determination they didn’t realize they had. The audiobook version of this novel is captivating. Narrators, Rachel Botchan and Leah Horowitz, bring to life the surroundings that effect the worlds these characters live in. Both narrators were distinct, easy to understand and maintained vocal inflections that differentiated characters. The emotion displayed throughout the storyline shone through in this audiobook. I highly recommend this format for this story. This book is suitable for teens and older with no inappropriate intimate scenes and no bad language. However, without descriptive details, two unmarried characters do spend the night together and conceive a child. I received this book from the author/publisher free of charge, with no expectation of a positive review. I also purchased the audiobook and print versions of this title.
A Must Read
5 out of 5 stars
Thumbs up graphic, would recommend
Lost_in_a_book_reviewer - 1 year ago
https://www.instagram.com/p/C0UYhiuLYzQ/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igshid=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==
Heart-rending yet hopeful
5 out of 5 stars
Thumbs up graphic, would recommend
- 1 year ago
“Perhaps courage is to be afraid, but to hold on still until the end.” Amanda Barratt’s writing is stellar - thoroughly heart-breaking but hopeful, historically accurate with fictional flair, and lyrical and poetic yet honest, raw, and gripping. I love her writing and I love her books. But this one was a difficult one for me to read. Antonina and Helena’s heart-shattering and terrifying journey from the beginning to the end of WWII in Warsaw was eye-opening and emotional. The fact that I became so entangled in the sisters’ lives as they suffered and rose up to fight for justice is a testament to the author’s incredible mastery at her art. I needed breathers between chapters because the grief, loss, and pain overwhelmed me at times. But I am richer for having read this story and for remembering those who died, fought, and survived. I received a complimentary copy courtesy of Revell via NetGalley and was under no obligation to post a positive comment. All opinions are my own.
Great Historical Fiction
5 out of 5 stars
Thumbs up graphic, would recommend
Carolyn - 1 year ago
The Warsaw Sisters is a beautifully written, emotionally charged read set in Poland against the background of WWII (1939-1945)—an era wrought with oppression and inhumane cruelty especially against the Jewish people. This is historical fiction at its finest. Meticulous research and attention to historical detail put you at the scene and immerse you in the action as you join Polish sisters Antonina and Helena on their heart-wrenching journeys fighting bravely against the invaders of their beloved homeland. These journeys test their bond as sisters and their faith. Themes of hope and perseverance lend light to the darkness of the horrible hardships and devastation caused by the war. An amazing cast of realistic characters drives the story and keeps you turning pages to see how they all fare in the end. A subtle faith thread, running throughout the story, is best summed up in this quote: "for in the moments when it seems no heart could bear the emptiness, I had learned God is nearest in our shattered places." The romantic subplots add depth and interest to the story. I love this thought-provoking story, highly recommend it, and count it as one of my Best Reads of the Year. I received a copy of this book from the author/publisher via NetGalley with no obligation to write a positive review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Powerful Historical Fiction!
5 out of 5 stars
Thumbs up graphic, would recommend
Connie Saunders - 1 year ago
I just finished The Warsaw Sisters and I'm once again in awe of this author's writing talent. I was immediately transported to 1939 Poland and fully engaged in the moving story of two sisters who find their lives altered forever by the events of WWII. Antonina and Helena's homeland is overtaken by German occupation and author Amanda Barratt offers a stunning depiction of despair, grief, and extreme brutality that is buffered by hope, faith, and the strength of the human spirit. The Warsaw Sisters is told from the POVs of both Antonina and Helena, so we're shown each twin's thoughts about being separated from each other and the difficult choices that they make to survive. Barratt's extensive research is evident as she seamlessly weaves facts and fiction into a riveting tale that spans a period of five years. The emotions are often raw and powerful, and I was left to wonder how I would have reacted in the same circumstances, Barratt has written other books about the plight of the Jews during World War II and this story illustrates why she's becoming one of the leading authors in historical fiction. I highly recommend The Warsaw Sisters! I received a complimentary copy courtesy of Revell through Interviews & Reviews for my honest opinion.
Excellent historical fiction
5 out of 5 stars
Thumbs up graphic, would recommend
Sunnie Reviews - 1 year ago
When I first heard about this book, I knew that it was a must-read for me. Having family heritage in Poland and Germany and a mother who experienced her youth in this exact environment, I knew it was a book I couldn't miss. I have been to Poland many times and of course Warsaw. I felt the author had really done some amazing research into this beautifully restored city. This book showed the suffering this war period caused and all that transpired. The two sisters were in different situations, as Antonina's story with Marek, a Jewish man, brought out some drama and tragic history. And Antonina helps shelter Jewish children. Both sisters are very involved in the political upheaval of their country. All the suffering was very similar to what my mother experienced. It really reminded me of the tragic times of war. I was absolutely captivated by this book. It was excellent and this coming from the daughter of someone who saw first hand. Good Job! I received a complimentary copy of this book from the Publisher. All thoughts and opinions are mine.
Realistic
5 out of 5 stars
Thumbs up graphic, would recommend
ChritianFictionandMore - 1 year ago
Twins Antonina and Helena Dabrowska were only eighteen years old in 1939 when their father, their only living parent, was called back into military service. The day following his departure Germany invaded Poland. Their lives, their city, everything changed, and over the next more than five years, so did the sisters. Each in their own way became resisters, toiling against those who would see the destruction of the Jews and steal the independence of the Poles, killing so many along the way. This is a story of having the courage to do what is right in the face of tremendous danger and significant loss. May Antonina and Helena be inspirations to us all. Amanda Barratt's writing certainly makes them real enough to be that inspiration. I am grateful to have received a complimentary copy of The Warsaw Sisters from Revell via NetGalley without obligation. All opinions expressed here are my own.
Powerful Novel of Love and Loss, Resistance and Resilience in WWII Poland
5 out of 5 stars
Thumbs up graphic, would recommend
Happiest While Reading - 1 year ago
"Grief was a blade, slicing deep, cutting your heart to shreds. With time, the blade grew dull, your heart numb. But you still bled." - The Warsaw Sisters by Amanda Barratt Readers seeking a powerful story of love, loss, resistance, and resilience will appreciate The Warsaw Sisters by Amanda Barratt. It worked its way into my heart, broke it, gently held the pieces, and then healed it, although not completely so I'd be mindful of all it experienced. This World War II story set in Poland features two sisters, Antonina and Helena, from 1939 to 1945. It's a bit slow to start as we become acquainted with them, but the pace accelerates as first one and then the other sister become involved in resistance efforts against the horrors of German occupation. The plot includes actual events (the Warsaw Ghetto Uprising and the Polish Home Army Uprising) when Polish citizens with incredibly meager resources fought against staggering odds. "Sometimes I wondered how it was possible to go on while hundreds of thousands of human beings languished on the other side of the wall and death proved without mercy. Still I did. I didn't know what else to do." - The Warsaw Sisters by Amanda Barratt At times, this was difficult to read due to its honest description of the circumstances Polish citizens endured. The eloquent writing so fully immersed me in time and place, I had to take a moment to leave the setting and re-enter reality after each reading session. The book was thoroughly researched but never felt like an information dump; the author's notes are very informative and share that Irena Sendler, a Polish social worker who saved thousands of children in Warsaw during the WWII occupation, inspired the actions of one of her characters. This was the first of Ms. Barratt's novels I've read, and I'll definitely check out her backlist. Thank you to Revell Publishing and NetGalley for the review copy of this powerful novel. It was especially emotional to read it at a time when Jewish people are sadly once again facing danger and persecution for simply living their lives.
FAITH AMONG THE RUINS
5 out of 5 stars
Thumbs up graphic, would recommend
Connywithay - 1 year ago
“But no matter how strong a sister’s love, it couldn’t hold back the tide of a world at war,” Helena accepts in Amanda Barratt’s novel, The Warsaw Sisters. ~ What ~ This three-hundred-eighty-four-page paperback targets those interested in historical fiction involving Poland during World War II. The topics of premarital relationships, physical abuse, illness, injury, war, and death may not be appropriate for immature readers. The ending includes a historical note, acknowledgments, the author’s biography, and advertisements. In this story set in 1939 in Warsaw, Poland, twin sisters Antonina and Helena have watched their father go off to war, unknowing what their future holds. When their cherished city is bombed by the Germans, both girls approach the devastation differently: Antonina craves to keep in touch with her love by sheltering Jewish children, and Helena determinedly joins the Armia Krajowa as a female soldier. Through the secrets both keep, they find grace among the destruction and ashes as they search for hope. ~ Why ~ This is a heartbreaking and tragic story how two women became liaisons for the love of their country and each other. The read is expertly crafted by weaving each protagonist’s first person commentary of their fears, love, and goals as the bullets fly among them. I found interesting reading about the dutiful Armia Krajowa, the Varsovians’ determination, and how soldiers and citizens barely survived in their beloved war-torn city. ~ Why Not ~ Those who do not like reading about war and death may not want to read this one as some of the scenes are disgusting and graphic. Those who do not believe in God may pass it up due to its Catholic undertones. Some may find it bogged down a little with the endless bombings, violence, and killings, yet this tale is a depiction of true life during a sad time in history. ~ Wish ~ Assuming this is a Christian-based book, it would be thoughtful to include the eternal plan of salvation, which it did not. Adding a map of Warsaw would be helpful. ~ Want ~ If you like a tender but disturbing tale about war as two siblings fight to live, this one shows how faith in God and each other remains all that is left. Rating: 4.5 of 5 stars Thanks to Revell for this complimentary book. I am under no obligation to give a positive review.
Powerful
5 out of 5 stars
Thumbs up graphic, would recommend
Naomi - 1 year ago
A very powerful and emotional read about what two sisters went through during the invasion of Poland in WW II. It's 1939 and the able bodied men have just left to fight in the war when German invades Poland. The Jews are forced into and area called the Ghetto that is closed off to anyone without a pass to enter. Helena and Antonia are twin sisters who choose to become part of the Polish resistance knowing that if they are discovered that would be killed or sent to a concentration camp but yet they choose to fight. An incredible story based on Poland's fight for freedom. It evokes all the emotions: fear for their safety and those they love, the horrors of war, heartbreak, anger at what the Germans did, faith that God would bring the Polish people and the Jews through this horror, and the love that binds a family together.
Don’t ask, don’t repeat.
5 out of 5 stars
Thumbs up graphic, would recommend
Betti - 1 year ago
The desire to be master over other men brings out a cruelty that knows no measure. 1939 saw the beginning of changes in Warsaw, Poland that one can only pray will never happen again. Twin sisters, Antonina and Helena, saw their father leave his law office to enlist, leaving them with Aunt Basia. September 1, 1939 German forces invaded Poland and nothing was ever the same again. This most incredibly detailed book takes the reader to the place where one must, in your mind, make a decision. What would you do? The question lay before all of them. Was there anything they could do to help their friends and neighbors? How far would they be willing to go? Choices were made. Finally the only thing left for them was faith and hope. An early copy was received through Baker Publishing Group, Revell and NetGalley. These impressions are my own and were in no way solicited.