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The Nine: The True Story of a Band of Women Who Survived the Worst of Nazi Germany
The Nine follows the true story of the author’s great aunt Hélène Podliasky, who led a band of nine female resistance fighters as they escaped a German forced labor camp and made a ten-day journey across the front lines of WWII from Germany back to Paris.
The nine women were all under thirty when they joined the resistance. They smuggled arms through Europe, harbored parachuting agents, coordinated communications between regional sectors, trekked escape routes to Spain and hid Jewish children in scattered apartments. They were arrested by French police, interrogated and tortured by the Gestapo. They were subjected to a series of French prisons and deported to Germany. The group formed along the way, meeting at different points, in prison, in transit, and at Ravensbrück. By the time they were enslaved at the labor camp in Leipzig, they were a close-knit group of friends. During the final days of the war, forced onto a death march, the nine chose their moment and made a daring escape.
Drawing on incredible research, this powerful, heart-stopping narrative from Gwen Strauss is a moving tribute to the power of humanity and friendship in the darkest of times.
The nine women were all under thirty when they joined the resistance. They smuggled arms through Europe, harbored parachuting agents, coordinated communications between regional sectors, trekked escape routes to Spain and hid Jewish children in scattered apartments. They were arrested by French police, interrogated and tortured by the Gestapo. They were subjected to a series of French prisons and deported to Germany. The group formed along the way, meeting at different points, in prison, in transit, and at Ravensbrück. By the time they were enslaved at the labor camp in Leipzig, they were a close-knit group of friends. During the final days of the war, forced onto a death march, the nine chose their moment and made a daring escape.
Drawing on incredible research, this powerful, heart-stopping narrative from Gwen Strauss is a moving tribute to the power of humanity and friendship in the darkest of times.
336 pages, Hardcover
First published May 4, 2021
2625 people are currently reading
41481 people want to read
About the author
Gwen Strauss
10 books154 followersGwen Strauss is an award-winning children’s book author and poet, whose titles include Trail of Stones, The Night Shimmy, Ruth and the Green Book, and The Hiding Game. Her poetry, short stories and essays have appeared in numerous places including The New Republic, New England Review, Kenyon Review, London Sunday Times and Catapult. Her forthcoming adult non-fiction book, The Nine will be released in eight countries in 2021 and is currently in development for a TV series. She lives in Southern France where she works as the Director of the Dora Maar House, an artist residency program.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 1,033 reviews
June 10, 2021
“What we shared
In fear, cold, hunger, hope.
The ordeal, both physical and mental,
can’t be repeated, even for us.
It is limited to the world of never again.
What we have endured together
belongs to us, to that other life, to those moments, as a transmutation from one to the other, in another life”. - Nicole Clarence, One Of The Nine.
War, incarceration in concentration camps, death marches, and the ensuing pain, misery, and hardship, makes one wonder at the fortitude and perseverance required both to live, and to survive, the cruelty and oppression, but the nine courageous ladies here did survive, after a daring escape from a column of prisoners along the route of their death march, and this is their shared story, a story of resilience, friendship and survival against all the odds.
We’re told about their experiences, from being members of the French and Dutch Resistance, to their incarceration in Concentration camps at the hands of the Nazis, the brutality, and torture, both physical and mental, the dehumanisation, the gnawing hunger, and the ever present threat of death. This is told alongside their long and dangerous journey home, where they relied on the kindness of strangers, a handful of food here and there, a night on a bed of straw in a barn, all the while terrified of being discovered. One old lady, looking at the pitiful sack slung over one of their shoulders, asked ‘Is that all that you were able to save my child?’ To which came the reply - ‘I also saved my life ‘
The nine women in this biography were real people, and each of the nine is given a face, with a full and illuminating historical account of their lives leading up to the point of their long quest to cross to the liberated side of Europe, and then home, and beyond, and it goes without saying, that some of the horrors these women experienced at the hands of the Nazis, are extremely difficult to read, and in fact I had to put the book down at times, but their bravery should be acknowledged, and remembered, and my admiration for them is without limit, but I don’t mind admitting that I shed many tears throughout this inspiring read. Highly recommended.
*Thank you to Readers First for my hardback copy, in exchange for an honest unbiased review *
In fear, cold, hunger, hope.
The ordeal, both physical and mental,
can’t be repeated, even for us.
It is limited to the world of never again.
What we have endured together
belongs to us, to that other life, to those moments, as a transmutation from one to the other, in another life”. - Nicole Clarence, One Of The Nine.
War, incarceration in concentration camps, death marches, and the ensuing pain, misery, and hardship, makes one wonder at the fortitude and perseverance required both to live, and to survive, the cruelty and oppression, but the nine courageous ladies here did survive, after a daring escape from a column of prisoners along the route of their death march, and this is their shared story, a story of resilience, friendship and survival against all the odds.
We’re told about their experiences, from being members of the French and Dutch Resistance, to their incarceration in Concentration camps at the hands of the Nazis, the brutality, and torture, both physical and mental, the dehumanisation, the gnawing hunger, and the ever present threat of death. This is told alongside their long and dangerous journey home, where they relied on the kindness of strangers, a handful of food here and there, a night on a bed of straw in a barn, all the while terrified of being discovered. One old lady, looking at the pitiful sack slung over one of their shoulders, asked ‘Is that all that you were able to save my child?’ To which came the reply - ‘I also saved my life ‘
The nine women in this biography were real people, and each of the nine is given a face, with a full and illuminating historical account of their lives leading up to the point of their long quest to cross to the liberated side of Europe, and then home, and beyond, and it goes without saying, that some of the horrors these women experienced at the hands of the Nazis, are extremely difficult to read, and in fact I had to put the book down at times, but their bravery should be acknowledged, and remembered, and my admiration for them is without limit, but I don’t mind admitting that I shed many tears throughout this inspiring read. Highly recommended.
*Thank you to Readers First for my hardback copy, in exchange for an honest unbiased review *
October 6, 2022
Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that.--Martin Luther King
Nine women break away from a death march and strike off across Germany to reach the front and the American line. This is their story. Six were French, two were Dutch, and one was from Spain. The author is a great-niece to Hélène, one of the French women. All were working for some wing of the Resistance in Paris when arrested and sent to Ravensbruck. Together they were sent to a Leipzig munitions factory and when that facility was evacuated, the women made their move. This book tells of the struggles they had throughout their lives, especially on that journey. Strauss includes a brief synopsis of each woman at the beginning and a map as well as a number of photos. She spent five years putting the book together, often filling in gaps about one of the women by consulting with a new lead in another woman's family. There are many brutal, uncomfortable details and the temptation is to look away, but the trauma remains. Highlighting the contributions of these women lifts us all up, but especially those who have been overlooked.
Did you know that Jacqueline Kennedy lived with a Ravensbruck survivor in Paris during her junior year abroad? Read about it in Ann Mah's Jacqueline in Paris.
Nine women break away from a death march and strike off across Germany to reach the front and the American line. This is their story. Six were French, two were Dutch, and one was from Spain. The author is a great-niece to Hélène, one of the French women. All were working for some wing of the Resistance in Paris when arrested and sent to Ravensbruck. Together they were sent to a Leipzig munitions factory and when that facility was evacuated, the women made their move. This book tells of the struggles they had throughout their lives, especially on that journey. Strauss includes a brief synopsis of each woman at the beginning and a map as well as a number of photos. She spent five years putting the book together, often filling in gaps about one of the women by consulting with a new lead in another woman's family. There are many brutal, uncomfortable details and the temptation is to look away, but the trauma remains. Highlighting the contributions of these women lifts us all up, but especially those who have been overlooked.
Did you know that Jacqueline Kennedy lived with a Ravensbruck survivor in Paris during her junior year abroad? Read about it in Ann Mah's Jacqueline in Paris.
May 22, 2021
I am giving this book 3-stars because it is certainly a story that deserves to be told. I applaud the author for bringing these nine women to our attention.
The Nine were part of the French Resistance movement in France (WWII) and their capture came very close to the end of the war. They happened to meet and formed a bond when they ended up in the Ravensbrück camp for women. They were in their 20’s and one has to imagine the strength and courage it took for them to survive at all never mind escape!
It shows the desperation of the Nazis as it becomes clear that they have lost the war and they become even more brutal.
There are some imagined conversations between the women that didn’t ring true to me, but I guess that is to be expected in this kind of book.
While I was very interested in reading the story of these women this was a disappointing read.
The writing style is confusing, no continuity, it skips around willy-nilly making it difficult to follow.
The Nine were part of the French Resistance movement in France (WWII) and their capture came very close to the end of the war. They happened to meet and formed a bond when they ended up in the Ravensbrück camp for women. They were in their 20’s and one has to imagine the strength and courage it took for them to survive at all never mind escape!
It shows the desperation of the Nazis as it becomes clear that they have lost the war and they become even more brutal.
There are some imagined conversations between the women that didn’t ring true to me, but I guess that is to be expected in this kind of book.
While I was very interested in reading the story of these women this was a disappointing read.
The writing style is confusing, no continuity, it skips around willy-nilly making it difficult to follow.
June 15, 2021
Tales such as this one never fail to haunt and surprise me. I find myself learning new things every time.
The Nine tells the true story of the escape of 9 young women from a concentration camp in WWII. It tells the stories of how they all ended up at the camp, and their daring escape to freedom.
True stories from this time always move me in ways other tales cannot. The horror that people had to experience and the bravery of some, will never fail to make my heart ache. I really enjoyed meeting the 9 women, and came to love each of them in their own ways. I feel grateful to have been able to follow their journey and daring escape.
My favourite part of this book was the way it told the story of the lives of the women in the days and years after the war ended. It added an extra dimension to the tale which I haven’t read in other books. However, at times I found the story a little difficult to follow, mainly because it often jumped around quite a lot. But I loved the addition of the photographs, it helped make the story come to life.
I want to thank Readers First, the publishers and author for allowing me to read this book and give my personal thoughts. I would absolutely recommend this book to anyone that enjoys books based on true historical events (especially those of WWII), but be warned, this is an emotional and difficult read at times!
The Nine tells the true story of the escape of 9 young women from a concentration camp in WWII. It tells the stories of how they all ended up at the camp, and their daring escape to freedom.
True stories from this time always move me in ways other tales cannot. The horror that people had to experience and the bravery of some, will never fail to make my heart ache. I really enjoyed meeting the 9 women, and came to love each of them in their own ways. I feel grateful to have been able to follow their journey and daring escape.
My favourite part of this book was the way it told the story of the lives of the women in the days and years after the war ended. It added an extra dimension to the tale which I haven’t read in other books. However, at times I found the story a little difficult to follow, mainly because it often jumped around quite a lot. But I loved the addition of the photographs, it helped make the story come to life.
I want to thank Readers First, the publishers and author for allowing me to read this book and give my personal thoughts. I would absolutely recommend this book to anyone that enjoys books based on true historical events (especially those of WWII), but be warned, this is an emotional and difficult read at times!
November 30, 2020
An incredible story. Sucked me in completely, much like Sonia Purnell’s A Woman of No Importance. All throughout the book I kept reflecting on the fact that these nine women WERE MY AGE?!!!? I’m 26, and the women ranged in age from 20-29. The determination, courage, quick wit, and sheer will to survive was just amazing. I mean, the alternative *was* death, but even so. The atrocities that the women witnessed and lived through, and the fact that all nine of them went from the Resistance, to concentration camps and death marches, to escaping and crossing the front to freedom...just wow.
I particularly liked the chapter at the end about their lives after the war, and the ingrained trauma that the next generation had to deal with — I never thought about anything like that but it makes sense.
I think I expected more from this book writing-style wise, I can’t really put my finger on it, but parts of it felt a little disjointed. 3.5 overall, but a very solid addition to the numerous books about badass women in WWII.
I particularly liked the chapter at the end about their lives after the war, and the ingrained trauma that the next generation had to deal with — I never thought about anything like that but it makes sense.
I think I expected more from this book writing-style wise, I can’t really put my finger on it, but parts of it felt a little disjointed. 3.5 overall, but a very solid addition to the numerous books about badass women in WWII.
April 27, 2021
This book comes out May 4th and it’s not one to miss! This is definitely one of the best books I have read this year. I was immediately captivated by the story of these brave nine women.
What these women have in common is that they were all in their 20’s, working for the resistance. They were not all French, but they shared a deep conviction to fight in the French Resistance against the Nazi regime. Their differences in personality were what enabled them to persevere in a time that would have been easy to give into fear. They kept each other focused throughout their ordeal.
I was constantly amazed at their courage and resilience. I believe this book covered nearly every facet of World War II’s horrifying experiences, but did so in the most gentle way possible.
Although the book didn’t go into details of the women’s resistance work, it did cover what happened at the end of the war and that seems to be an area often neglected.
Once liberated, many people were still not safe and continued to suffer hardships. I found this book to be a powerful testament to what exists inside a person when they encounter the most difficult times of life and find the courage and the will to overcome their situation.
I highly recommend this book to readers who love history, non-fiction and courageous women.
Many thanks to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for allowing me to read an advance copy. I’m happy to give my honest review.
What these women have in common is that they were all in their 20’s, working for the resistance. They were not all French, but they shared a deep conviction to fight in the French Resistance against the Nazi regime. Their differences in personality were what enabled them to persevere in a time that would have been easy to give into fear. They kept each other focused throughout their ordeal.
I was constantly amazed at their courage and resilience. I believe this book covered nearly every facet of World War II’s horrifying experiences, but did so in the most gentle way possible.
Although the book didn’t go into details of the women’s resistance work, it did cover what happened at the end of the war and that seems to be an area often neglected.
Once liberated, many people were still not safe and continued to suffer hardships. I found this book to be a powerful testament to what exists inside a person when they encounter the most difficult times of life and find the courage and the will to overcome their situation.
I highly recommend this book to readers who love history, non-fiction and courageous women.
Many thanks to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for allowing me to read an advance copy. I’m happy to give my honest review.
May 1, 2021
This book was heavy and hard to read at times but so worth it. I’ve read a lot of books about the horrors that happened to the Jewish people by the Nazis, but this was the first I read about what happened to those who helped to resist racism and also ended up in camps. The nine women depicted in this book were extraordinary and I’m glad they was being recognized as heroes who suffered for the fight for freedom. I loved that the largest focus of this story was how these 9 women who escaped from a death march and made their way across the front lines to find freedom for themselves. Their bravery, compassion, and resilience was inspiring. I liked that the author not only had her connection to one of the women who was her aunt but she tracked down family for the other women and the reader got to see at least a glimpse of what happened after they achieved their freedom.
February 1, 2021
The Nine by Gwen Strauss is an excellent nonfiction that tells the suspenseful and true-life stories of a group on nine women whom were captured, imprisoned, and escaped from the clutches of the Nazis during WWII.
This book was so engrossing, fascinating, harrowing, and captivating that I forgot at times that it was nonfiction. These women all participated in the Resistance against the German occupation, risked their very existence, and were imprisoned. Instead of giving up, they continued to fight, and this is their story of escape, survival, and resilience. I am stunned and forever changed by their heroic and unforgettable stories. I am so grateful that the author (whose own aunt was one of the women) was able to bring light to these events and be able to tell the world of these strong women. Reading their stories of escape and survival is something that everyone needs to read. It is something that I will never forget.
5/5 stars
Thank you NG and St. Martin’s Press for this arc and in return I am submitting my unbiased and voluntary review and opinion.
I am posting this review to my GR and Bookbub accounts immediately and will post it to my Amazon, Instagram, and B&N accounts upon publication.
This book was so engrossing, fascinating, harrowing, and captivating that I forgot at times that it was nonfiction. These women all participated in the Resistance against the German occupation, risked their very existence, and were imprisoned. Instead of giving up, they continued to fight, and this is their story of escape, survival, and resilience. I am stunned and forever changed by their heroic and unforgettable stories. I am so grateful that the author (whose own aunt was one of the women) was able to bring light to these events and be able to tell the world of these strong women. Reading their stories of escape and survival is something that everyone needs to read. It is something that I will never forget.
5/5 stars
Thank you NG and St. Martin’s Press for this arc and in return I am submitting my unbiased and voluntary review and opinion.
I am posting this review to my GR and Bookbub accounts immediately and will post it to my Amazon, Instagram, and B&N accounts upon publication.
November 22, 2022
There is a pervasive idea that the average German didn't know what the SS were doing in WW2. That they didn't know about the death camps, the forced labor camps, the brutal experiments. But the photos and film of executions were sent home to be developed, the trains to the death camps passed through towns. Companies like Siemens and BMW used forced slave labor and the death rates amongst those slaves was high.
They knew. They all knew. I'm not saying they were all evil, but there is no claiming ignorance as a defence.
And it goes with the United States and Russia. The number of women raped by their liberators is disturbingly high, and both Russia and the U.S. would like this to not be known.
And of the nearly 40,000 members of the French Resistance to receive the Médaille de la Résistance very few were women, less than a dozen.
This book doesn't just tell the story of 9 extraordinary women, it offers an insight into how many thousands just like them were treated.
They knew. They all knew. I'm not saying they were all evil, but there is no claiming ignorance as a defence.
And it goes with the United States and Russia. The number of women raped by their liberators is disturbingly high, and both Russia and the U.S. would like this to not be known.
And of the nearly 40,000 members of the French Resistance to receive the Médaille de la Résistance very few were women, less than a dozen.
This book doesn't just tell the story of 9 extraordinary women, it offers an insight into how many thousands just like them were treated.
March 28, 2021
I finished reading "The Nine" before work this morning and all I can say is "what a story!!" I have read numerous books about the Holocaust, both fiction and non-fiction, some good or great, others not so great, but out of each and everyone of them there is one thing that stands out above all else and that is the resilience and courage of these men and women. In every book, novel, article, biography and memoir I have read those qualities rise above all. They shine brightly through the women's stories in "The Nine".
Giwen Strauss, the great-niece of Helene Podliasky tells the story of these nine courageous Resistance fighters with dignity and grace. She brings their trials to life and shares their suffering in such a way as we, the readers, feel it also. Not dwelling on, nor glossing over the horrors of the camps and tortures suffered by these women, she give4s us a clear portrait of what their time there encompassed.
I really liked this book, I won't say I "enjoyed" reading it, because how does one enjoy reading about dying children and tortured women? But I did learn from these women and their story as I have learned from all the books I have read about WWII. Strauss does a great job bringing the facts to life so that we feel, right along with Helene, Zinka and all the other women. I liked that the facts weren't just listed in some long, dry, litany, but divulged in such a manner as to evoke emotion in the reader. To me this defines the difference of being a good writer, to being a great writer.
5 stars for sure, I found nothing worth detracting from a 5 star rating. I would recommend to readers that like to learn the hard truths about those times so maybe not the right kind of book for the more casual light reader, but certainly a fit for serious students of the Holocaust.
Thank you to the publisher's at St. Martin's Publishing Group for the free advanced reader copy of this book. I am posting my review on Goodreads, NetGalley and Bookish First, and my website mycatreads.com, upon publication I will post on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Instagram and Twitter.
Giwen Strauss, the great-niece of Helene Podliasky tells the story of these nine courageous Resistance fighters with dignity and grace. She brings their trials to life and shares their suffering in such a way as we, the readers, feel it also. Not dwelling on, nor glossing over the horrors of the camps and tortures suffered by these women, she give4s us a clear portrait of what their time there encompassed.
I really liked this book, I won't say I "enjoyed" reading it, because how does one enjoy reading about dying children and tortured women? But I did learn from these women and their story as I have learned from all the books I have read about WWII. Strauss does a great job bringing the facts to life so that we feel, right along with Helene, Zinka and all the other women. I liked that the facts weren't just listed in some long, dry, litany, but divulged in such a manner as to evoke emotion in the reader. To me this defines the difference of being a good writer, to being a great writer.
5 stars for sure, I found nothing worth detracting from a 5 star rating. I would recommend to readers that like to learn the hard truths about those times so maybe not the right kind of book for the more casual light reader, but certainly a fit for serious students of the Holocaust.
Thank you to the publisher's at St. Martin's Publishing Group for the free advanced reader copy of this book. I am posting my review on Goodreads, NetGalley and Bookish First, and my website mycatreads.com, upon publication I will post on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Instagram and Twitter.
August 28, 2021
With countless WWII historical fiction out there, I got a bit burnt out reading them & am done with dramatic war novels with small bits of truth interspersed between.
The Nine is completely different. The author (who is a poet) researched these women for over 5 years having known via family 1 of the 9, and delicately fills in voids with possible scenarios & emotions - much like brainstorming the unknown along with the reader.
She includes post war mental health information such as transmission trauma (new to me), and other multi-generational issues that stemmed from the traumatic experiences of the concentration camp survivors.
I believe she did an incredible job & highly recommend.
The Nine is completely different. The author (who is a poet) researched these women for over 5 years having known via family 1 of the 9, and delicately fills in voids with possible scenarios & emotions - much like brainstorming the unknown along with the reader.
She includes post war mental health information such as transmission trauma (new to me), and other multi-generational issues that stemmed from the traumatic experiences of the concentration camp survivors.
I believe she did an incredible job & highly recommend.
July 28, 2023
I haven’t binned something off this quick since accidentally getting a vegan sausage roll at Greggs - probably regret buying this book more too. It’s difficult to understand why authors feel the need to take an interesting true story, from a time period overflowing with interesting true stories, and fill it with undoubtedly fictitious dialogue and interpreted perspectives. To make it more digestible? I’d rather just know what actually happened m8. The writing style as well… it bounces around like a crackhead kangaroo on a pogo stick, on a bouncy castle.
May 19, 2021
Here's a case of a book being neither fish nor fowl. Is it a well-researched history? Yes. Historical fiction? That, too. But it fails to gel, and I kept thinking that the imagined conversations of the nine escaping women were A. made up, and B. not as good as the straight history.
February 21, 2021
This is a true story of nine brave women who were imprisoned in Germany for their work in the French Resistance.
It is difficult to give a rating to a book like this. The story of these strong women and their ability to face unthinkable horrors deserves an infinite number of stars. Unfortunately, the actual writing does not get the same high praise.
I liked the way that the book focused on each one of the Nine, giving details of their life before the war, their work with the resistance, imprisonment, and flight to freedom. Each woman’s unique personality was well highlighted and it was interesting to read a book that focused on political prisoners during WWII. Though each woman’s individual experiences are important, it is the bond of friendship that makes this a powerful story.
The overall tone of the book was a bit confusing. Certain parts felt like a novel, other parts a historical textbook, and still other parts seemed semi-autobiographical. The author’s great aunt was one of the Nine, so it made sense that she would want to bring in a personal aspect to the story. I just felt like her inconsistent use of first person was jarring and disrupted the flow of the book.
It also felt like the author would go off on tangents, citing historical facts that were interesting but took the reader farther away from the central story. These sections were probably meant to build context, but after a while they just started to feel excessive. I often found myself just wishing to get back to the women’s story.
Overall it was an interesting book. It’s certainly not for the faint of heart or the overly sensitive reader. I wasn’t able to read it right before going to sleep due to its graphic nature. What these women and thousands of others faced is beyond horrible, but that is also why we need these stories to be told. Lest we forget.
Thank you to St. Martin’s Press and BookishFirst for this advanced copy!
It is difficult to give a rating to a book like this. The story of these strong women and their ability to face unthinkable horrors deserves an infinite number of stars. Unfortunately, the actual writing does not get the same high praise.
I liked the way that the book focused on each one of the Nine, giving details of their life before the war, their work with the resistance, imprisonment, and flight to freedom. Each woman’s unique personality was well highlighted and it was interesting to read a book that focused on political prisoners during WWII. Though each woman’s individual experiences are important, it is the bond of friendship that makes this a powerful story.
The overall tone of the book was a bit confusing. Certain parts felt like a novel, other parts a historical textbook, and still other parts seemed semi-autobiographical. The author’s great aunt was one of the Nine, so it made sense that she would want to bring in a personal aspect to the story. I just felt like her inconsistent use of first person was jarring and disrupted the flow of the book.
It also felt like the author would go off on tangents, citing historical facts that were interesting but took the reader farther away from the central story. These sections were probably meant to build context, but after a while they just started to feel excessive. I often found myself just wishing to get back to the women’s story.
Overall it was an interesting book. It’s certainly not for the faint of heart or the overly sensitive reader. I wasn’t able to read it right before going to sleep due to its graphic nature. What these women and thousands of others faced is beyond horrible, but that is also why we need these stories to be told. Lest we forget.
Thank you to St. Martin’s Press and BookishFirst for this advanced copy!
April 4, 2022
This is a great and sad story about a group of nine women brought together by the terrible fate they share as political prisoners in one of Nazi Germany’s prison camps, but who escape and set out on an arduous journey home. The way the women grow together as friends is wonderful to read, but the circumstances they are in throughout much of the story are awful. Especially in the first part there are some cruel scenes, and the hardships they have to go through seem never ending. In between these ordeals you’ll find how the women grow closer and protect and care for each other and these were the scenes that spoke to me most. Actually, they were the reason for me to read on, because I wouldn’t have liked to read this if the women’s situation would only have gone from bad to worse. However, the story shows how they grow and overcome all obstacles, and I loved how they came to know each other in many ways almost as well as you usually know your sister or your bestie.
These nine women were real people, and their story continues far beyond the events till 1945. Gwen Strauss manages to bring these women and their story back to life in an impressive and due to the subject matter also in an empathetic way. Last not least, the mix of sad and cruel scenes alternating with moments of hope, warm-heartedness and human kindness make this a great book for me.
5 out of 5 stars.
These nine women were real people, and their story continues far beyond the events till 1945. Gwen Strauss manages to bring these women and their story back to life in an impressive and due to the subject matter also in an empathetic way. Last not least, the mix of sad and cruel scenes alternating with moments of hope, warm-heartedness and human kindness make this a great book for me.
5 out of 5 stars.
June 1, 2021
During World War II, nine women—Hélène, Zaza, Nicole, Lon, Guigui, Zinka, Josée, Jacky, and Mena—escaped from a German labor camp in search of the Allies at the front. Written by Hélène's grand-niece, this book follows the women's harrowing journey while also providing information about each of them.
"Nine who didn't want to die, and who fought together to return to LIFE."
While this nonfiction account didn't read as smoothly as some other nonfiction books I've read (information about random people other than the nine women was included throughout and confused me a bit as to why it was necessary), I still enjoyed reading about these brave, courageous, and strong women. They formed an intense camaraderie and bond, and I was amazed that they all survived their desperate trek across Germany to find the American soldiers at the front. If you're already familiar with WWII history, then this will make for another fascinating and inspiring account. If you're new to the subject, however, then you might be overwhelmed while trying to digest the intense depth and breadth of dark and difficult information.
Location: Germany
I received an advance copy of this book. All opinions are my own.
"Nine who didn't want to die, and who fought together to return to LIFE."
While this nonfiction account didn't read as smoothly as some other nonfiction books I've read (information about random people other than the nine women was included throughout and confused me a bit as to why it was necessary), I still enjoyed reading about these brave, courageous, and strong women. They formed an intense camaraderie and bond, and I was amazed that they all survived their desperate trek across Germany to find the American soldiers at the front. If you're already familiar with WWII history, then this will make for another fascinating and inspiring account. If you're new to the subject, however, then you might be overwhelmed while trying to digest the intense depth and breadth of dark and difficult information.
Location: Germany
I received an advance copy of this book. All opinions are my own.
January 9, 2021
Gwen Strauss is the niece of Helene Podiasky, one of this group of nine women. Strauss is a poet but became a detective in trying to discover and honor the lives of these extraordinary resistance women who were known by aliases and numbers. Six were French, two Dutch and one Spanish, who were all sent to Ravensbruck as political prisoners. In July 1944, they were sent to an armament factory near Leipzig. The support these women gave each other and others kept them alive during a horrific time. That they escaped toward the end of the war and survived to in part tell their story is amazing. All the women suffered from physical and mental harm for the rest of their lives. The French government and people they came back to were not as supportive as they should have been. They and other women were basically encouraged to never speak or their ordeal. Although Strauss feels she never knew all of her aunts tribulations or those of the other women, she gives the reader a chance to raise a toast to friendship and bravery. I received a digital copy of this this book from the publisher through NetGalley for a honest review.
May 10, 2021
It seems that I am finding more and more historical fiction books detailing women who worked in the French resistance. One might wonder if this was common and by reading The Nine: The True Story of a Band of Women Who Survived the Worst of Nazi Germany, I can tell you that it was far more common than you might have thought.
Gwen Strauss' aunt Helene had spent time for her work in the resistance in Ravensbruck Concentration Camp. Strauss who is a poet and and an author always wanted to know her aunt's story, but it seemed taboo to talk about it. She finally broached the subject with her aunt and found out about the daring escape of 9 women from the death march in the final days of Nazi Germany.
I am so glad she found out the story and revealed it to us. It is quite amazing and I enjoyed it.
Gwen Strauss' aunt Helene had spent time for her work in the resistance in Ravensbruck Concentration Camp. Strauss who is a poet and and an author always wanted to know her aunt's story, but it seemed taboo to talk about it. She finally broached the subject with her aunt and found out about the daring escape of 9 women from the death march in the final days of Nazi Germany.
I am so glad she found out the story and revealed it to us. It is quite amazing and I enjoyed it.
April 1, 2021
The Nine by Gwen Strauss tells the historical account of nine female political prisoners who escape their Nazi guards while on a death march during the last days of WWII. These nine women were imprisoned for participating in the French Resistance. This book chronicles:
• First their treatment in Ravensbrück, a concentration camp.
• Later their attempts to sabotage the munitions they were making at a factory in Leipzig
while being held in a work camp.
• Finally, their harrowing journey across Germany searching for the front, allied troops, and a way home.
This group of women included six French women, two Dutch women and one Spanish woman. Along the journey the author, Gwen Strauss, who is Hélène’s great niece, tells us about all nine women’s lives before the war and during the war, including their various contributions to the Resistance. Some of them hid Jewish children within the foster care system. Some were curriers. One leads people hiking across the Pyrenees, to freedom in Spain. This historical account blew my mind. I received this galley from St. Martin’s Press after winning a Goodreads giveaway.
I’ve recently read several novels set in France during WWII concerning women involved in the French Resistance. I love it when the books I’m reading and/or the subject I’m studying connects and each separate book bolsters my understanding of the subject as a whole. That is what happened while reading these books during Women’s History Month. While reading The Nine, my understanding of how little information Europeans had about the genocide coalesced in my mind. The misinformation Nazis spread about the people who were being deported to concentration camps was designed to distract the public from what was really happening. Locals were led to believe the people being arrested and deported were criminals. Often the women who were arrested as political prisoners for participating in the resistance were labeled as prostitutes, misleading people to think they were immoral degenerates, a negative element within their communities that they should support being imprisoned. In reality, people were being imprisoned and exterminated, for being resistance fighters, Jewish, Romani, homosexual, or a communist…
The inhumane treatment these people experienced in the camps was beyond the average person’s imagination. When allied soldiers liberated the camps, what they found shook them to the core. There was even a misunderstanding amongst POWs fighting for allied forces, who were held by the Nazis. The POWs did not know what was going on in the concentration and work camps. While reading the story of these nine women, I kept thinking about how much WWII changed- everything. It changed Europe most drastically, where you could see the devastation of towns bombed flat, and millions of people dead. But it also changed the world’s understanding of the horrors humans are capable of. A new word, GENOCIDE, was invented to describe what the Nazis did in their concentration and death camps. Not only were entire families wiped off the earth, but the survivors carried with them guilt and trauma that have carried on through generations.
This book was obviously very heavy subject matter, and I couldn’t read much of it every day because of how disturbing it was. Some days I read an entire chapter, and other days I had to stop after a few pages, because I couldn’t go on. One subject this book focuses on, besides these women’s imprisonment and subsequent escape, was the long-term effects of the traumas they experienced. Not only were they traumatized when they were taken to the camps, but they were re-traumatized when they were moved to refugee camps immediately after being liberated. These nine women, while briefly living in a Red Cross refugee camp before being sent back to Paris, felt like they were imprisoned once again. They were traumatized again when they were sent back to France on trains, much like the ones that had deported them. When you think about war, we often think about the devastating physical and psychological experiences of soldiers, but while reading this book I kept thinking about the trauma women experience while living in war zones. Everywhere soldiers go, not only during WWII but also in places like Bosnia, Vietnam, or the trail of tears, women are abused. They are raped and subjugated first by the invaders, and later, those lucky enough to survive, are often raped again by their liberators.
In this book I learned things I hadn’t learned about WWII when I was in school. I learned about how many babies were born in the camps because the Nazi guards raped the women after being deported. I can understand why my teachers didn’t share this information with high school students, but I think that may have been a mistake. When you shelter people from ugly realities, you don’t protect them, but make them less prepared to deal with the ugly realities of life. There is always a tension between remembering atrocities and the desire to put the past behind us and collectively move on. But I think by not looking at our past with our eyes wide open, we risk forgetting, and ultimately repeating these atrocities. I read some time ago that the Holocaust is hardly taught in schools anymore. Young people only have a vague awareness of what happened, and it was less than 100 years ago. There are still people alive who were prisoners in death camps, and we are collectively already trying to sweep it under the metaphorical rug.
I was in high school when “Schindler’s List” came out in theaters. I remember seeing it during a field trip where my class took over the entire cinema. I sat in the darkness watching the little girl in her red coat, cried my eyes out, and vowed to never watch the movie again, despite thinking it was an important and well done film. I had a similar reaction when I saw “Hotel Rwanda” years later, and also while watching “The Killing Fields.” I remember people questioning the morality of telling these stories; of financially profiting off of the agony of millions. And I wondered, too, at the time, if it was okay to make these kinds of movies, and write these kinds of books? Are we glorifying violence and war by telling these war stories?
More than 25 years later, I have finally reached my conclusion on the subject. Considering how little children and teenagers are learning about our shared history, I think it is more important than ever to tell these stories. If kids will not learn about these things in school, we should use books, television and film to tell these stories. I think it is especially important to tell these stories because history has been traditionally told by the male victors. I want to hear the stories of women and disenfranchised groups who have been left out of the history books, pushed to the margins, and largely forgotten. But I think it is important for the writers and filmmakers who tell these stories to do so with compassion, respect and authenticity. I think Gwen Strauss accomplished this with her book, The Nine. The Harrowing story of these nine women is a window into the real-life experiences of countless women who survived the camps during WWII.
• First their treatment in Ravensbrück, a concentration camp.
• Later their attempts to sabotage the munitions they were making at a factory in Leipzig
while being held in a work camp.
• Finally, their harrowing journey across Germany searching for the front, allied troops, and a way home.
This group of women included six French women, two Dutch women and one Spanish woman. Along the journey the author, Gwen Strauss, who is Hélène’s great niece, tells us about all nine women’s lives before the war and during the war, including their various contributions to the Resistance. Some of them hid Jewish children within the foster care system. Some were curriers. One leads people hiking across the Pyrenees, to freedom in Spain. This historical account blew my mind. I received this galley from St. Martin’s Press after winning a Goodreads giveaway.
I’ve recently read several novels set in France during WWII concerning women involved in the French Resistance. I love it when the books I’m reading and/or the subject I’m studying connects and each separate book bolsters my understanding of the subject as a whole. That is what happened while reading these books during Women’s History Month. While reading The Nine, my understanding of how little information Europeans had about the genocide coalesced in my mind. The misinformation Nazis spread about the people who were being deported to concentration camps was designed to distract the public from what was really happening. Locals were led to believe the people being arrested and deported were criminals. Often the women who were arrested as political prisoners for participating in the resistance were labeled as prostitutes, misleading people to think they were immoral degenerates, a negative element within their communities that they should support being imprisoned. In reality, people were being imprisoned and exterminated, for being resistance fighters, Jewish, Romani, homosexual, or a communist…
The inhumane treatment these people experienced in the camps was beyond the average person’s imagination. When allied soldiers liberated the camps, what they found shook them to the core. There was even a misunderstanding amongst POWs fighting for allied forces, who were held by the Nazis. The POWs did not know what was going on in the concentration and work camps. While reading the story of these nine women, I kept thinking about how much WWII changed- everything. It changed Europe most drastically, where you could see the devastation of towns bombed flat, and millions of people dead. But it also changed the world’s understanding of the horrors humans are capable of. A new word, GENOCIDE, was invented to describe what the Nazis did in their concentration and death camps. Not only were entire families wiped off the earth, but the survivors carried with them guilt and trauma that have carried on through generations.
This book was obviously very heavy subject matter, and I couldn’t read much of it every day because of how disturbing it was. Some days I read an entire chapter, and other days I had to stop after a few pages, because I couldn’t go on. One subject this book focuses on, besides these women’s imprisonment and subsequent escape, was the long-term effects of the traumas they experienced. Not only were they traumatized when they were taken to the camps, but they were re-traumatized when they were moved to refugee camps immediately after being liberated. These nine women, while briefly living in a Red Cross refugee camp before being sent back to Paris, felt like they were imprisoned once again. They were traumatized again when they were sent back to France on trains, much like the ones that had deported them. When you think about war, we often think about the devastating physical and psychological experiences of soldiers, but while reading this book I kept thinking about the trauma women experience while living in war zones. Everywhere soldiers go, not only during WWII but also in places like Bosnia, Vietnam, or the trail of tears, women are abused. They are raped and subjugated first by the invaders, and later, those lucky enough to survive, are often raped again by their liberators.
In this book I learned things I hadn’t learned about WWII when I was in school. I learned about how many babies were born in the camps because the Nazi guards raped the women after being deported. I can understand why my teachers didn’t share this information with high school students, but I think that may have been a mistake. When you shelter people from ugly realities, you don’t protect them, but make them less prepared to deal with the ugly realities of life. There is always a tension between remembering atrocities and the desire to put the past behind us and collectively move on. But I think by not looking at our past with our eyes wide open, we risk forgetting, and ultimately repeating these atrocities. I read some time ago that the Holocaust is hardly taught in schools anymore. Young people only have a vague awareness of what happened, and it was less than 100 years ago. There are still people alive who were prisoners in death camps, and we are collectively already trying to sweep it under the metaphorical rug.
I was in high school when “Schindler’s List” came out in theaters. I remember seeing it during a field trip where my class took over the entire cinema. I sat in the darkness watching the little girl in her red coat, cried my eyes out, and vowed to never watch the movie again, despite thinking it was an important and well done film. I had a similar reaction when I saw “Hotel Rwanda” years later, and also while watching “The Killing Fields.” I remember people questioning the morality of telling these stories; of financially profiting off of the agony of millions. And I wondered, too, at the time, if it was okay to make these kinds of movies, and write these kinds of books? Are we glorifying violence and war by telling these war stories?
More than 25 years later, I have finally reached my conclusion on the subject. Considering how little children and teenagers are learning about our shared history, I think it is more important than ever to tell these stories. If kids will not learn about these things in school, we should use books, television and film to tell these stories. I think it is especially important to tell these stories because history has been traditionally told by the male victors. I want to hear the stories of women and disenfranchised groups who have been left out of the history books, pushed to the margins, and largely forgotten. But I think it is important for the writers and filmmakers who tell these stories to do so with compassion, respect and authenticity. I think Gwen Strauss accomplished this with her book, The Nine. The Harrowing story of these nine women is a window into the real-life experiences of countless women who survived the camps during WWII.
December 27, 2022
Very good book. The story of nine survivors of arrested French Resistance members and others was interesting, sometimes sad, but also inspiring.
July 27, 2023
This was an outstanding true story of nine women who were part of the resistance in France, Holland, or Spain, and were arrested in the summer of 1944. They eventually ended up in Ravensbruck, and escaped during a final death March at the very end of the war. I had a hard time putting this one down.
March 12, 2021
How do people withstand the most horrific abuses performed by a nation led by a madman?
There are many books about soldiers surviving what were basically death camps when they were taken prisoner, about well planned and executed escapes, about spies hanging on, in hiding, while an entire militarized police force look for them.
The Nine has all of that, and more. It's the story of nine women, resistance fighters in WWII, captured and interrogated by French police before being sent off to Germany for interrogation by the Gestapo and ultimately imprisoned at a work camp.
The primary focus is on the author's great aunt Hélène Podliasky, who ultimately became the de facto leader of the group as they met one another in their journey from freedom to prison and back to freedom again.
Where this book shines comes after all of that - after the beatings, the torture, the forced work, and all manner of atrocities. As Germany was facing defeat, some of the camps, including the one housing The Nine, were sent on forced marches, to move prisoners from outlying areas about to be overrun, to prisons closer to what was left in German hands. During their march, they took a chance and fled the march, running into the forest, heading for France.
This journey, free of guards and the wire of prisons, wasn't any easier than that. Along the way, they found both people willing to help them, and people who had no interest in doing so, preferring to turn them in. They also found those who wanted to use them for their own ends - soldiers, for instance, who thought the Allies would look more favorably on them if they were found assisting a group of former prisoners.
The author is a poet, and it shows. It's a fantastic piece of narrative nonfiction, although I would say that if you're just dipping your toes into the water of the cruelest parts of WWII, or if you're just learning about it, you might want to start with a broader history first, to understand the whole of the war, then narrow to the final days of the European theater before reading this. Doing so will better inform the reader about that particular point in the war, and how the engineered system developed by the German leadership was breaking down.
Much like Night (Elie Wiesel, another must-read), The Nine captures the sense of how it was to live with daily atrocities, and how people came through them.
Highly recommended - a five star read.
Thanks to St Martin's Press and NetGalley for the review copy
Pub date: May 4, 2021
There are many books about soldiers surviving what were basically death camps when they were taken prisoner, about well planned and executed escapes, about spies hanging on, in hiding, while an entire militarized police force look for them.
The Nine has all of that, and more. It's the story of nine women, resistance fighters in WWII, captured and interrogated by French police before being sent off to Germany for interrogation by the Gestapo and ultimately imprisoned at a work camp.
The primary focus is on the author's great aunt Hélène Podliasky, who ultimately became the de facto leader of the group as they met one another in their journey from freedom to prison and back to freedom again.
Where this book shines comes after all of that - after the beatings, the torture, the forced work, and all manner of atrocities. As Germany was facing defeat, some of the camps, including the one housing The Nine, were sent on forced marches, to move prisoners from outlying areas about to be overrun, to prisons closer to what was left in German hands. During their march, they took a chance and fled the march, running into the forest, heading for France.
This journey, free of guards and the wire of prisons, wasn't any easier than that. Along the way, they found both people willing to help them, and people who had no interest in doing so, preferring to turn them in. They also found those who wanted to use them for their own ends - soldiers, for instance, who thought the Allies would look more favorably on them if they were found assisting a group of former prisoners.
The author is a poet, and it shows. It's a fantastic piece of narrative nonfiction, although I would say that if you're just dipping your toes into the water of the cruelest parts of WWII, or if you're just learning about it, you might want to start with a broader history first, to understand the whole of the war, then narrow to the final days of the European theater before reading this. Doing so will better inform the reader about that particular point in the war, and how the engineered system developed by the German leadership was breaking down.
Much like Night (Elie Wiesel, another must-read), The Nine captures the sense of how it was to live with daily atrocities, and how people came through them.
Highly recommended - a five star read.
Thanks to St Martin's Press and NetGalley for the review copy
Pub date: May 4, 2021
April 20, 2021
This brisk biography is a compelling and beautifully written story of nine women who survived the worst of Nazi Germany. Caught at various points in 1944 they met at Ravensbrück concentration camp. This is the true story of Helene, Nicole, Jacky, Zaza, Lon, Guigui, Zinka, Mena and Josée and the things these French, Dutch and Spanish women faced.
I was drawn right from the opening page by this deeply researched chronicle that highlights the courage of women who worked for the French Resistance until the moment they were caught. Under the Nazi strong arms, they suffered unspeakable brutality, torture and lived in inhumane condition. Ms. Straus alternated tales of their early lives, Resistance activities, and arrest with their horrific experiences in concentration camps and factories, escape, and finally the walk across Germany to American lines. The narrative is infused with harrowing details about Ravensbrück , how the relationships between these nine women developed and the complications they faced once they returned to their home town. By the end it is revealed that most lived a long and fruitful life well into the recent century.
This account is a fantastic piece of narrative that captures the sense of what life was when the German leadership was breaking down and facing defeat: the cruelest parts of WW11 was then unleashed on all prisoners.
I never get tired reading these tragic accounts of how people lived daily with atrocities and managed to come through. Obviously this is a very heavy subject matter and could be disturbing for some but more importantly is to never forget.
Well-said
My thanks to St-Martin Press and Netgalley for the opportunity to read and review this book.
I was drawn right from the opening page by this deeply researched chronicle that highlights the courage of women who worked for the French Resistance until the moment they were caught. Under the Nazi strong arms, they suffered unspeakable brutality, torture and lived in inhumane condition. Ms. Straus alternated tales of their early lives, Resistance activities, and arrest with their horrific experiences in concentration camps and factories, escape, and finally the walk across Germany to American lines. The narrative is infused with harrowing details about Ravensbrück , how the relationships between these nine women developed and the complications they faced once they returned to their home town. By the end it is revealed that most lived a long and fruitful life well into the recent century.
This account is a fantastic piece of narrative that captures the sense of what life was when the German leadership was breaking down and facing defeat: the cruelest parts of WW11 was then unleashed on all prisoners.
I never get tired reading these tragic accounts of how people lived daily with atrocities and managed to come through. Obviously this is a very heavy subject matter and could be disturbing for some but more importantly is to never forget.
Well-said
My thanks to St-Martin Press and Netgalley for the opportunity to read and review this book.
May 15, 2021
I really enjoyed this book. I have always loved reading about WWII and people’s perseverance during that war. This book is a great work trying 9 women’s stories about their work as resistance fighters, their experience being arrested, imprisoned at concentration camps, and their great escape. The author did an amazing job of tying all 9 women’s separate stories into one book. I can only imagine the research, travel and hard work the author out into the writing of this book.
I will say this book,I feel, gives one of the most honest portrayals of what people went through if imprisoned by the Nazis. The author didn’t hold back and the picture that was painted via her words was eye opening in a way I had not experienced from other WWII recounts. I also appreciated her honesty on how the work of women as resistance fighters and those women who clearly made a difference of the lives of many during WWII has been very silent. Women were not given due credit for their impact on war efforts. I also was horrified to hear of the rapes that occurred via Russian hands after they liberated concentration camps. There was also information stating American military also treated women poorly in specifically Paris when liberation occurred.
I loved getting to know these women and their stories. I also appreciated how the author sheds light on the struggle many had in dealing with their trauma endured during the war. Many of these women stayed silent. Through their silence they actually created inter generational trauma of war. She briefly introduces transmission studies that became prevalent in 1970s when the second generation of Holocaust survivors began to be affected in their own lives due to the effects of their parents trauma.
I will say this book,I feel, gives one of the most honest portrayals of what people went through if imprisoned by the Nazis. The author didn’t hold back and the picture that was painted via her words was eye opening in a way I had not experienced from other WWII recounts. I also appreciated her honesty on how the work of women as resistance fighters and those women who clearly made a difference of the lives of many during WWII has been very silent. Women were not given due credit for their impact on war efforts. I also was horrified to hear of the rapes that occurred via Russian hands after they liberated concentration camps. There was also information stating American military also treated women poorly in specifically Paris when liberation occurred.
I loved getting to know these women and their stories. I also appreciated how the author sheds light on the struggle many had in dealing with their trauma endured during the war. Many of these women stayed silent. Through their silence they actually created inter generational trauma of war. She briefly introduces transmission studies that became prevalent in 1970s when the second generation of Holocaust survivors began to be affected in their own lives due to the effects of their parents trauma.
May 30, 2021
Nine women who worked for the Resistance were captured and sent to camps. Their courage saved them when they fell out of line, hid, and fled the camp before they were sent to the crematorium. They faced many challenges while escaping, but these women already led remarkable lives. While the author favors her own relative Helene in this account, she references accounts written or told by the other women. I felt the documentation was sparse in this account, but most of it did come from the women's accounts or from interviews with their descendants. The advance review copy included some photographs which will hopefully be of better quality in the final book. At times the narrative did not flow well. Much of this was because of skipping between the current story and back story and because of telling the story of other women in chapters with a different one of the nine named in the chapter title. I received an advance review copy through GoodReads. Although reviews are appreciated, they are not required. (3.5 stars)
October 5, 2023
Series of stories about nine horrible experiences because of the Nazis. On one hand I very much enjoyed it and on the other I’m sorry that stories like this have to be told.
This is a terrific collection and then one that I highly recommend.
This is a terrific collection and then one that I highly recommend.
June 13, 2021
Where do I start....
The courage of these nine women, (Helena, Zaza, Nicole, Madelon, Guigui, Zinka, Josee, Jacky and Mena) is utterly unbelievable. Just to imagine what they went through absolutely blows me away, so unbelievably cruel.
I loved the bond between them all! The encouragement they they constantly gave each other was phenomenal. The bravery is indescribable.
It was written so well, every single little detail broke my heart more and more.
Don't get me wrong it made me so angry that they had to endure all of this.
A highly recommend book. A subject that has always been a interest of mine.
Blurb
As the Second World War raged across Europe, and the Nazi regime tightened its reign of horror and oppression, nine women, some still in their teens, joined the French and Dutch Resistance. Caught out in heroic acts against the brutal occupiers, they were each tortured and sent east into Greater Germany to a concentration camp, where they formed a powerful friendship. In 1945, as the war turned against Hitler, they were forced on a Death March, facing starvation and almost certain death. Determined to survive, they made a bid for freedom, and so began one of the most breathtaking tales of escape and resilience of the Second World War.
The author is the great-niece of one of the nine, and she interweaves their gripping flight across war-torn Europe with her own detective work, uncovering the heart-stopping escape and survival of these heroes who fought fearlessly against Nazi Germany and lived to tell the tale.
The courage of these nine women, (Helena, Zaza, Nicole, Madelon, Guigui, Zinka, Josee, Jacky and Mena) is utterly unbelievable. Just to imagine what they went through absolutely blows me away, so unbelievably cruel.
I loved the bond between them all! The encouragement they they constantly gave each other was phenomenal. The bravery is indescribable.
It was written so well, every single little detail broke my heart more and more.
Don't get me wrong it made me so angry that they had to endure all of this.
A highly recommend book. A subject that has always been a interest of mine.
Blurb
As the Second World War raged across Europe, and the Nazi regime tightened its reign of horror and oppression, nine women, some still in their teens, joined the French and Dutch Resistance. Caught out in heroic acts against the brutal occupiers, they were each tortured and sent east into Greater Germany to a concentration camp, where they formed a powerful friendship. In 1945, as the war turned against Hitler, they were forced on a Death March, facing starvation and almost certain death. Determined to survive, they made a bid for freedom, and so began one of the most breathtaking tales of escape and resilience of the Second World War.
The author is the great-niece of one of the nine, and she interweaves their gripping flight across war-torn Europe with her own detective work, uncovering the heart-stopping escape and survival of these heroes who fought fearlessly against Nazi Germany and lived to tell the tale.
April 14, 2021
Journey to Freedom
Gwen Strauss tells the story of her Great Aunt Helene Podliasky and eight of her friends that escape from Ravensbruck concentration camp, across Germany through enemy lines to reach the front of the American's.
These are the nine brave women: Helene Podliasty (known as Christine), Suzanne Maude (known as Zara), Nicole Clarence, Madelon Verstijnen (known as Lon), Guillemette Daendels (known as Guigui), Renee LeBon Chateney (known as (Zinka), Josephine Bordanova ( known as (Josee), Jaqueline Aubery du Boulley ( known as Jacky), Yvonne de Guillow (known as Mena).
These women worked in the Resistance during the war. They were all an important part of their resistance organizations. Helping Jewish escape with forged papers, helping keep Jewish children safe from the Nazi's, helping to hide and smuggle out downed allied airmen and as couriers and other duties as needed. Unfortunately they were all arrested and sent to Ravensbruck via other camps. They became a unified group of close friends and companions in Ravensbruck , on the escape and for most of their lives afterwards.
The book is very interesting in its depiction of the escape and of the conditions of the camps and the treatment of the Nazi's. It also tells of the bad and good treatment by the civilian population before and after their imprisonment in the camps. The things they saw were horrific as were the acts experienced by each of them.
I like how the author tells the story of each of the nine women before, during and after their war years. It really makes the story come alive that each of the nine is personalized to us in the story. There is so much history and so much information, the research must have been very exhausting at times. The author has done a wonderful job of explaining all the research and of the people she interviewed , the families and friends of the nine women.
This is a true story of courage, heartbreak, Love and strength of these nine women. They went through so much and they stayed together through it all and the escape. They believed in their selves, in each other and in their quest for freedom. They never gave up hope.
I really enjoyed reading about these brave women and what they accomplished. This was a very emotional and historic book and I would definitely recommend it.
Thanks to Gwen Strauss, St. Martin's Press and NetGalley for the opportunity to read an advanced copy of the book. I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own."
Gwen Strauss tells the story of her Great Aunt Helene Podliasky and eight of her friends that escape from Ravensbruck concentration camp, across Germany through enemy lines to reach the front of the American's.
These are the nine brave women: Helene Podliasty (known as Christine), Suzanne Maude (known as Zara), Nicole Clarence, Madelon Verstijnen (known as Lon), Guillemette Daendels (known as Guigui), Renee LeBon Chateney (known as (Zinka), Josephine Bordanova ( known as (Josee), Jaqueline Aubery du Boulley ( known as Jacky), Yvonne de Guillow (known as Mena).
These women worked in the Resistance during the war. They were all an important part of their resistance organizations. Helping Jewish escape with forged papers, helping keep Jewish children safe from the Nazi's, helping to hide and smuggle out downed allied airmen and as couriers and other duties as needed. Unfortunately they were all arrested and sent to Ravensbruck via other camps. They became a unified group of close friends and companions in Ravensbruck , on the escape and for most of their lives afterwards.
The book is very interesting in its depiction of the escape and of the conditions of the camps and the treatment of the Nazi's. It also tells of the bad and good treatment by the civilian population before and after their imprisonment in the camps. The things they saw were horrific as were the acts experienced by each of them.
I like how the author tells the story of each of the nine women before, during and after their war years. It really makes the story come alive that each of the nine is personalized to us in the story. There is so much history and so much information, the research must have been very exhausting at times. The author has done a wonderful job of explaining all the research and of the people she interviewed , the families and friends of the nine women.
This is a true story of courage, heartbreak, Love and strength of these nine women. They went through so much and they stayed together through it all and the escape. They believed in their selves, in each other and in their quest for freedom. They never gave up hope.
I really enjoyed reading about these brave women and what they accomplished. This was a very emotional and historic book and I would definitely recommend it.
Thanks to Gwen Strauss, St. Martin's Press and NetGalley for the opportunity to read an advanced copy of the book. I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own."
July 14, 2022
G. Strauss knygoje „Devynios“ pasakoja savo močiutės sesers Helenos ir dar aštuonių moterų, išgyvenusių baisiausius nacių okupacijos laikus, istoriją. Helena, Zaza, Nikolė, Lona, Gigi, Zina, Žozė, Džekė ir Mena, susibūrusios į devynetuką, pabėgo iš nacių stovyklos ir leidosi į dešimties dienų žygį: iš Vokietijos į Prancūziją, per fronto linijas, nepaisydamos nei nuovargio, nei ligų, nei nuolatinės mirties grėsmės.
Dar viena knyga, išleista pačiu tinkamiausiu laikotarpiu - tiek geopolitine prasme, tiek pastaruoju metu Lietuvoje vis labiau bręstančių aršių diskusijų kontekste. „Devynios“ itin svarbus kūrinys ne tik dėl aprašyto II Pasaulinio karo, atsižvelgiant į tai, kad šis brutalus reiškinys dabar vyksta mūsų pašonėje, bet ir dėl savo siužeto, pabrėžiančio moterų vaidmenį istoriniuose procesuose. Ne paslaptis, kad moterys, žvelgiant į istorinę perspektyvą, nūdienoje yra užmirštos, o pagrindinis visų dėmesys teikiamas to laikotarpio vyrams: kariams, partizanams, politikams ir kitiems. Vienas iš kelių šių metų mūsų švietimo sistemos skandalų - istorijos egzaminas, kuriame nebuvo nei vieno klausimo apie istorines asmenybes-moteris - pats paprasčiausias to pavyzdys. Kodėl klausimų apie moteris nebuvo? Atsakymas: dabartinėje istorijos mokymosi programoje jos nėra išskiriamos ar kitaip akcentuojamos. Tarsi jos būtų apskritai neegzistavusios, tarsi jos buvo tik nereikalingas ir menkas vyrų šešėlis.
Rodos, tie, kurie atsakingi už tokios programos sudarymą, pamiršo, kad tiek karštosiose karo fronto linijose, tiek įkalinimo ir kankinimo stovyklose buvo ne tik vyrai, bet ir lytis, kurią dauguma laikė, o kiti vis dar laiko „silpnąja“. Tik įdomu, kokiais argumentais remiantis prieita tokia „išvada“? G. Strauss ir jos knyga „Devynios“ šių išvadų tikrai nesivaiko, vietoje to - dėsto naujas idėjas, paneigiančias tokią sustabarėjusią nuostatą. G. Strauss, prieš pradėdama rašyti šią knygą, prisirankiojo daug informacijos: tiek iš pačių devyneto moterų, tiek iš pastarųjų giminaičių ar įvairių šaltinių, kuriuos prieš mirtį paliko tiek pačios moterys, tiek kiti asmenys. Visas šias žinias G. Strauss aiškiai, kokybiškai ir įtraukiančiai sudėliojo į kiek daugiau nei keturių šimtų puslapių knygą, kurioje netrūksta nei sukrečiančių ar širdies sopulį ir gumulą gerklėje sukeliančių momentų, nei nepagražintos realybės, nei įtampos kupinų akimirkų.
Kankinimai, badas, ligos, kūną nusėjusios atviros ir greitai negyjančios žaizdos, prievartavimai, smurtas, nežmogiškas elgesys, sekinantis darbas... Šiuos dalykus nacių stovykloje išgyveno kiekviena iš knygoje aprašytų devynių moterų. Tokie, protu nesuvokiami, siaubai jas visas nematoma gyja sieja tarpusavyje. Tačiau jų visų priešistorė ir laikotarpis, kai joms pavyko išsilaisvinti iš okupantų gniaužtų, kardinaliai skiriasi. Vienos prieš patekdamos į okupantų rankas buvo tik ką ištekėjusius, kitos - besilaukiančios, o trečios - dar labai jaunos, pagal amžių beveik vaikai. Nepaisant visko, jos tapo viena galinga jėga, kurios palaužti ir nugalėti nepajėgė niekas.
Jautri, emocinga, gražiai parašyta ir įtraukianti knyga, kurios nesinori paleisti iš rankų, kad ir kaip kartais skaudu skaityti. Geros ir tyros emocijos tą skausmą sušvelnina. Ypatingai stipri moterų draugystė, aprašyta šioje knygoje, aiškiai parodo, kad pasitikėjimas, bendras tikslas ir patiriami sunkumai, sujungia išorėje skirtingus, bet vidine ir vertybine prasme panašius žmones, turinčius dėl ko gyventi, dėl ko geriau rizikuoti ir mirti, bandant sugrįžti į normalų gyvenimą, nei mirti nuo besaikio išnaudojimo koncentracijos stovykloje. Žavėjausi kiekviena moterimi atskirai ir jų devynetuku bendrai, kadangi tiek drąsos, tiek ryžto, tiek pasiaukojimo, tiek vidinės stiprybės, kiek turėjo jos, daugelis iš mūsų nė pusės tikrai neturime. Mano nuomone, tokias savybes turint, reikia be galo džiaugtis ir didžiuotis. Atsižvelgiant į tai, kaip ir kokiais atvejais, kokiose situacijose jos padėjo toms moterims, mums patiems, puoselėjant tokias vertybes, neretai būtų paprasčiau ir lengviau gyventi, nesusikurti problemų ten, kur jų iš tikrųjų nėra.
Nepaprastai skaudu buvo skaityti, kaip devynetuko moterims, pabėgusioms iš nacių stovyklos ir keliaujant per įvairias teritorijas, teko klausytis šlykščių žodžių, įžeidinėjimų, pravardžiavimų. Iš kitos pusės, šioje situacijoje įžvelgiau ir šviesiąją pusę - smagu, kad net ir tarp vokiečių atsirado tų, kurie mielai padėjo pabėgėlėms: pamaitino, apgyvendino, pasirūpino. Tai tik dar kartą įrodo, kad visur visokių žmonių yra ir vieno stereotipo negalima taikyti visiems iš eilės.
„Devynios“ - knyga, kuri nepaliks abejingų skaitytojų, o šiomis devyniomis moterimis norėsis ir žavėtis, ir laikyti jas savo autoritetu, atsižvelgiant į jų nuostabias asmenybes. Manau, ši knyga įkvėps skaitytojas labiau pakovoti už save bei savo įsitikinimus nūdienos neteisybėje, neleidžiant savęs „ištrinti“ ar bandyti užgožti. Kiekviena moteris iš devynetuko sudėties parodys, kad visi esame skirtingi ir skirtingai nuostabūs, o būtent savitumą, originalumą ir reikia branginti.
Rekomenduoju, mėgstantiems istorines knygas ir ieškantiems prasmingų, aktualumo iki šių dienų nepraradusių knygų. „Devynios“ - viena iš tokių, kuri ne tik padeda sužinoti kažką naujo ir iki šiol dar negirdėto apie XX a., apie patį II Pasaulinį karą (ne iš karių ar fronto linijos pozicijų), jo baisumus, bet ir nagrinėja lyčių nelygybės klausimą, aptaria moterų padėtį to meto visuomenėje ir aiškiai transliuoja, kad laikyti šią lytį paliegusia, yra pačių tų, kurie taip daro, silpnumo požymis. Siūlau, jeigu nebijote iš arti pajusti šių devynių moterų fizinius ir psichinius sunkumus, kurie padės labiau vertinti mūsų komfortišką gyvenimą, kai virš galvos neskraido bombos.
5/5⭐
Dar viena knyga, išleista pačiu tinkamiausiu laikotarpiu - tiek geopolitine prasme, tiek pastaruoju metu Lietuvoje vis labiau bręstančių aršių diskusijų kontekste. „Devynios“ itin svarbus kūrinys ne tik dėl aprašyto II Pasaulinio karo, atsižvelgiant į tai, kad šis brutalus reiškinys dabar vyksta mūsų pašonėje, bet ir dėl savo siužeto, pabrėžiančio moterų vaidmenį istoriniuose procesuose. Ne paslaptis, kad moterys, žvelgiant į istorinę perspektyvą, nūdienoje yra užmirštos, o pagrindinis visų dėmesys teikiamas to laikotarpio vyrams: kariams, partizanams, politikams ir kitiems. Vienas iš kelių šių metų mūsų švietimo sistemos skandalų - istorijos egzaminas, kuriame nebuvo nei vieno klausimo apie istorines asmenybes-moteris - pats paprasčiausias to pavyzdys. Kodėl klausimų apie moteris nebuvo? Atsakymas: dabartinėje istorijos mokymosi programoje jos nėra išskiriamos ar kitaip akcentuojamos. Tarsi jos būtų apskritai neegzistavusios, tarsi jos buvo tik nereikalingas ir menkas vyrų šešėlis.
Rodos, tie, kurie atsakingi už tokios programos sudarymą, pamiršo, kad tiek karštosiose karo fronto linijose, tiek įkalinimo ir kankinimo stovyklose buvo ne tik vyrai, bet ir lytis, kurią dauguma laikė, o kiti vis dar laiko „silpnąja“. Tik įdomu, kokiais argumentais remiantis prieita tokia „išvada“? G. Strauss ir jos knyga „Devynios“ šių išvadų tikrai nesivaiko, vietoje to - dėsto naujas idėjas, paneigiančias tokią sustabarėjusią nuostatą. G. Strauss, prieš pradėdama rašyti šią knygą, prisirankiojo daug informacijos: tiek iš pačių devyneto moterų, tiek iš pastarųjų giminaičių ar įvairių šaltinių, kuriuos prieš mirtį paliko tiek pačios moterys, tiek kiti asmenys. Visas šias žinias G. Strauss aiškiai, kokybiškai ir įtraukiančiai sudėliojo į kiek daugiau nei keturių šimtų puslapių knygą, kurioje netrūksta nei sukrečiančių ar širdies sopulį ir gumulą gerklėje sukeliančių momentų, nei nepagražintos realybės, nei įtampos kupinų akimirkų.
Kankinimai, badas, ligos, kūną nusėjusios atviros ir greitai negyjančios žaizdos, prievartavimai, smurtas, nežmogiškas elgesys, sekinantis darbas... Šiuos dalykus nacių stovykloje išgyveno kiekviena iš knygoje aprašytų devynių moterų. Tokie, protu nesuvokiami, siaubai jas visas nematoma gyja sieja tarpusavyje. Tačiau jų visų priešistorė ir laikotarpis, kai joms pavyko išsilaisvinti iš okupantų gniaužtų, kardinaliai skiriasi. Vienos prieš patekdamos į okupantų rankas buvo tik ką ištekėjusius, kitos - besilaukiančios, o trečios - dar labai jaunos, pagal amžių beveik vaikai. Nepaisant visko, jos tapo viena galinga jėga, kurios palaužti ir nugalėti nepajėgė niekas.
Jautri, emocinga, gražiai parašyta ir įtraukianti knyga, kurios nesinori paleisti iš rankų, kad ir kaip kartais skaudu skaityti. Geros ir tyros emocijos tą skausmą sušvelnina. Ypatingai stipri moterų draugystė, aprašyta šioje knygoje, aiškiai parodo, kad pasitikėjimas, bendras tikslas ir patiriami sunkumai, sujungia išorėje skirtingus, bet vidine ir vertybine prasme panašius žmones, turinčius dėl ko gyventi, dėl ko geriau rizikuoti ir mirti, bandant sugrįžti į normalų gyvenimą, nei mirti nuo besaikio išnaudojimo koncentracijos stovykloje. Žavėjausi kiekviena moterimi atskirai ir jų devynetuku bendrai, kadangi tiek drąsos, tiek ryžto, tiek pasiaukojimo, tiek vidinės stiprybės, kiek turėjo jos, daugelis iš mūsų nė pusės tikrai neturime. Mano nuomone, tokias savybes turint, reikia be galo džiaugtis ir didžiuotis. Atsižvelgiant į tai, kaip ir kokiais atvejais, kokiose situacijose jos padėjo toms moterims, mums patiems, puoselėjant tokias vertybes, neretai būtų paprasčiau ir lengviau gyventi, nesusikurti problemų ten, kur jų iš tikrųjų nėra.
Nepaprastai skaudu buvo skaityti, kaip devynetuko moterims, pabėgusioms iš nacių stovyklos ir keliaujant per įvairias teritorijas, teko klausytis šlykščių žodžių, įžeidinėjimų, pravardžiavimų. Iš kitos pusės, šioje situacijoje įžvelgiau ir šviesiąją pusę - smagu, kad net ir tarp vokiečių atsirado tų, kurie mielai padėjo pabėgėlėms: pamaitino, apgyvendino, pasirūpino. Tai tik dar kartą įrodo, kad visur visokių žmonių yra ir vieno stereotipo negalima taikyti visiems iš eilės.
„Devynios“ - knyga, kuri nepaliks abejingų skaitytojų, o šiomis devyniomis moterimis norėsis ir žavėtis, ir laikyti jas savo autoritetu, atsižvelgiant į jų nuostabias asmenybes. Manau, ši knyga įkvėps skaitytojas labiau pakovoti už save bei savo įsitikinimus nūdienos neteisybėje, neleidžiant savęs „ištrinti“ ar bandyti užgožti. Kiekviena moteris iš devynetuko sudėties parodys, kad visi esame skirtingi ir skirtingai nuostabūs, o būtent savitumą, originalumą ir reikia branginti.
Rekomenduoju, mėgstantiems istorines knygas ir ieškantiems prasmingų, aktualumo iki šių dienų nepraradusių knygų. „Devynios“ - viena iš tokių, kuri ne tik padeda sužinoti kažką naujo ir iki šiol dar negirdėto apie XX a., apie patį II Pasaulinį karą (ne iš karių ar fronto linijos pozicijų), jo baisumus, bet ir nagrinėja lyčių nelygybės klausimą, aptaria moterų padėtį to meto visuomenėje ir aiškiai transliuoja, kad laikyti šią lytį paliegusia, yra pačių tų, kurie taip daro, silpnumo požymis. Siūlau, jeigu nebijote iš arti pajusti šių devynių moterų fizinius ir psichinius sunkumus, kurie padės labiau vertinti mūsų komfortišką gyvenimą, kai virš galvos neskraido bombos.
5/5⭐
February 27, 2023
This is a wonderful book written about a group of nine European women who escaped Nazi Germany. They ran off from a death march leaving Leipzig prison as the end of World War II neared. Much of the book reads like a thriller, although a true one.
All these women were late teens or 20’s when they were arrested for being part of the resistance during WWII. They all arrived at Ravensbruck prison during 1943 and 1944. They were all eventually removed to Leipzig women’s prison, near Buchenwald prison in 1944.
Although some of the book tells of the treatment of the women as they were being interrogated and deported to German prisons, most of the book covers their treatment in the prisons and their subsequent escape. The escape was harrowing and dangerous. The war was only a couple of months from being over and the Germans had become desperate, destroying evidence and shooting survivors to destroy any evidence of the brutal nonhuman treatment the prisoners received. I read with interest the depression and survivor’s guilt these women displayed. Their heroism in the resistance was downplayed as they were told to let the men take the honors and glory. Many did not believe these women did what they did. The families they had when they returned knew very little of their ordeals and often had difficult relationships with their mothers.
This is an important and exhaustive narrative that is made so interesting by the great niece of one of these survivors. If you like history, this book is well worth your time.
All these women were late teens or 20’s when they were arrested for being part of the resistance during WWII. They all arrived at Ravensbruck prison during 1943 and 1944. They were all eventually removed to Leipzig women’s prison, near Buchenwald prison in 1944.
Although some of the book tells of the treatment of the women as they were being interrogated and deported to German prisons, most of the book covers their treatment in the prisons and their subsequent escape. The escape was harrowing and dangerous. The war was only a couple of months from being over and the Germans had become desperate, destroying evidence and shooting survivors to destroy any evidence of the brutal nonhuman treatment the prisoners received. I read with interest the depression and survivor’s guilt these women displayed. Their heroism in the resistance was downplayed as they were told to let the men take the honors and glory. Many did not believe these women did what they did. The families they had when they returned knew very little of their ordeals and often had difficult relationships with their mothers.
This is an important and exhaustive narrative that is made so interesting by the great niece of one of these survivors. If you like history, this book is well worth your time.
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