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Lilac Girls (Woolsey-Ferriday, #1)

Martha Hall Kelly

Start date: May 1, 2019

Finish date: May 31, 2019

Discussion: May 2019

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May 2019

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What Members Thought

Oct 21, 2021 Lydia Granda rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

How do I even begin to write a review of this book. It is the story of 3 women, Caroline Ferriday a New York socialite who is one of the most unselfish women ever born, she gives and gives to the French Orphan fund at the French consulate, and goes on to continue raising money when WWII breaks out, she is a real person. There is Kasia a Polish girl who is arrested for working with the underground when her country is invaded by the Nazi's and sent to the famous concentration camp of Ravensbruck a How do I even begin to write a review of this book. It is the story of 3 women, Caroline Ferriday a New York socialite who is one of the most unselfish women ever born, she gives and gives to the French Orphan fund at the French consulate, and goes on to continue raising money when WWII breaks out, she is a real person. There is Kasia a Polish girl who is arrested for working with the underground when her country is invaded by the Nazi's and sent to the famous concentration camp of Ravensbruck along with her sister, mother and friend where awful and cruel experimental surgeries are performed on them. And then we have another real person the horrible Dr. Herta Oberhauser who cruelly performs the surgeries and feels self righteous that it is all for the good of Germany. She is the only woman doctor tried for her war crimes against humanity.

The story is written from 3 points of view telling it from the views of each woman in their parts of the world and alternating these stories. I love when an author does this, it keeps the pages turning. It is also told in 3 parts, as the war begins in Poland, during the war and post war, Martha Hall Kelly ties it all up so neatly and this woman's character development is off the charts, you feel as though you know each character personally. The storyline reels you in and keeps you there. It is so well researched.

It was so difficult to read the atrocities of Ravensbruck, but I feel we must do this to never ever forget the horror of WWII. How human beings can do such things to other human beings is unbelievable, and for these survivors to live to tell the tale is nothing short of miraculous. To read about Caroline Ferriday is empowering, she is one of those women who won't take no for an answer and does anything in her power to go on and help the children of France and these survivors of Ravensbruck. Then we have Dr. Oberhauser who anyone would end up hating with a passion.

This book moved me as no other book has in years. It is gripping and sensational, heartbreaking and unforgettable. I could not put it down. I am sure the story will stick in my mind for a very long time. I do believe that Martha Hall Kelly has become one of my favorite authors of all time. I wish everyone would read this and continue to never forget the horrors of war, especially this one. Can't recommend this book enough. ...more

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Jan 01, 2019 Robin rated it it was ok · review of another edition

for me this book moved realllllllllly slowly. it is divided into three perspectives. one is a lovely american socialite who at least tried to do something useful with her time and money by helping all of these women who suffered brutalities of the Holocaust. another is a pool young lady who was sent to a women's concentration camp because she was part of a resistance against the Nazis and she suffered the brutalities of being at a concentration camp and experimented on. she was honestly lucky to ...more

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