A journey to discover the truth

2015 Isla is going through some of her grandfather's things when she sees a picture of two men in Nazi uniforms, One of those men is her grandfather. Her grandfather had fought in the polish army, and we knew in September 1939 Germany invades Poland. As this is a long time ago and people get old her grandfather has dementia and talking to him will not give her the answer she needs to a terrible time in hostory.

The story goes between Isla in 2015 and her grandfather before and during the second world war -he is 10 years old in 1939 with his family and a girl Zofia he ends up in love with, but as time goes on he will have to join the German army.
These were testing times when people were forced to do things that today we cannot belive although we know from history what happened, likewise Zofia - terrible times, terrible things, choices or to be honest - survive or die.

Based on a true story this is up there with the Tatooist of Auschwitz.

Recommended read.

Carly Schabowski's "The Rainbow" is an enchanting tale that effortlessly transports readers into a world of vibrant emotions and captivating characters. With a graceful writing style, Schabowski weaves a poignant narrative of love, friendship, and self-discovery that is impossible to put down. The story's fluidity keeps you engaged from start to finish, while the relatable characters leave an indelible mark on your heart. "The Rainbow" is a literary gem that shines brightly in the realm of contemporary fiction.

This book is another one is a recent string of arcs that never ended up on my kindle. I don't know what the problem is, but I can't review it. Sorry.

This was not an easy book to read, it was a very meaningful book to read though. It is both heartbreaking, and full of hope. Narrated via dual timelines, it is historical fiction at its darkest.

I came across The Rainbow, while looking for books to request on Netgalley. The moment I realised that the book was a historical fiction based on true stories of WWII, I hit request. I'm a sucker for historical fictions, particularly WWI & WWII or any of the wars fought previously for that matter. And the book didn't disappoint, so much so, that I feel it's my favorite read from Netgalley till date.

'I sat all night reading the start of a story of a child, fragmented and unusual.'

The story's told in two parallel timelines, intertwined perfectly. I loved Carly Schabowski's writing, it's smooth, flowy and beautiful. She sure does know how to make you feel multitudes of emotions while reading this story. I was heartbroken at times, and sometimes the book made me smile at the simplest of things. There's heartache, there's love and there's incredible sacrifice.

At present, Isla finds an old newspaper clipping, while visiting her grandparents in London. This seemingly odd clipping turns her entire world upside down, she had always known that her grandfather had fought for the Polish Army and against the Nazis during the Second World War, but one of the men in the old image wearing the Nazi uniform, is her beloved grandfather. Isla leaves no stone unturned to uncover the story behind the picture. But the only person who knows what happened, her grandfather, now ninety-five, is suffering from dementia and has no answers for her. Determined to know the truth, Isla finds her grandfather's diary and starts to assemble the pieces of the past together which leads her back to Poland. There she learns of an incredible story of love and life, torn apart by war and the brutality of the Nazi regime and also of her grandfather's first love, Zofia.

This book had me crying throughout and I really want you all to give this a read.

I’m not sure why I didn’t enjoy this book more, seeing it contains all the elements I love in a story: family secrets, ethical dilemmas and a WWII theme based on a true story. And yet it has taken me weeks to read because the story just hasn’t really grabbed me and I still don’t feel emotionally connected to any of the characters. My brain tells me that I should feel sorrow and pain, and yet I am a mere spectator, looking in from the outside, detached. Perhaps the writing style is not for me, or the story just isn’t right for me at this time. Whatever the case, I have decided to DNF at 70%, which I hardly ever do, but I don’t think that persevering will improve my experience. A great premise, but it just didn’t touch my heart the way I though it would.

This was definitely a book I wish I could give more than 5 stars! I feel like I really got drawn into the character of Isla! Like it was my grandfather, my family. This book is a definite recommend for me for anyone who likes historical fiction or just likes a great story.

I very reviewed a copy of this book provided by NetGalley.

I'm afraid I am in the minority here when I say this book is 2 stars at best. I found the language stilted and difficult to enjoy.

Many thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for a copy of the book in exchange for my honest opinion. My opinions are my own and not influenced by anyone. Ever.

This is a wonderfully written book about little known events during WWII. I have read many WWII books and it always amazes me when something new comes along.

This is the story of Isla and her dear grandfather who, at 95 is struggling with dementia. Isla finds a photograph while planning for a birthday party. And, now, this is where the story begins...

Many thanks to Netgalley and Bookoutoure for this advanced readers copy. This book released in July 2021.

TRIGGER WARNING: this book contains violence and war crimes
2015, England: Isla visits her elderly grandparents and discovers a rainbow coloured scarf and a newspaper article in the attic which suggests her grandfather Tomasz fought for the Nazis. He now has dementia and she doesn't want to upset him so she travels to his homeland of Poland to ask his brother about the war...
The Rainbow is a dual timeline historical novel set in the 1930s and 40s as well as 2015. The book is written from multiple perspectives in the first and third person.
Author Carly Schabowski has done plenty of research based on her own family history into the situation of Poles during WW2. Many were rounded up and sent to concentration camps but some that had German heritage were forced to fight for the Nazis. This is the basis for the story arc of Tomasz, compelled to fight alongside his enemy for a regime that has invaded his homeland.
Isla is shocked to find the photo of her grandfather in Nazi uniform. She cannot reconcile the image with the man she has known her whole life. Her visit to her great uncle provides her with diaries that chart Tomasz's early life and then a second visit allows her to meet some of his old friends.
Through the diaries we learn about the cruelty of war and the desperate need to survive. There is tension as Tomasz tries to stay loyal to himself and his country but the constant danger looms over his character like a spectre. He has to make some hideous decisions and there were times when I had to put the book down and distract myself from the tragedy in the pages.
There is a section near the end which is beautifully written from Tomasz's first person perspective, as if he were talking directly to Isla and therefore us. The style is natural, conversational and really makes him come to life.
The Rainbow is a hugely emotional and fascinating book of love, grief and the fight for survival.

A beautiful and emotional read from a talented author. The story focuses on heartbreak and devastation when people are forced into roles they don’t want to accept and the resilience of the human spirit. Will read more by this author. 5 stars

This was my first book by this author and I loved this story! A wonderful historical fiction book! Highly highly recommend

“The Rainbow” is a shatteringly lovely, heart-wrenching AND heart-warming story about a little-known group of people: the Polish conscripts into the German army during WWII. The author skillfully weaves the tale between present-day (POV: main character’s granddaughter) and the past, using many flashbacks, stories, and letters.

A wonderful read joining Isla's journey to discover her Polish grandfather's past. The story takes the reader to Poland past and present and the experiences of a generation during WWII. It's a story of love, defiance, family, loss and much more. Thanks to the author, publisher and Netgalley for the arc.

As Isla begins preparing for her beloved grandfathers birthday, she comes across a colourful scarf and a photograph of her grandfather in a German War uniform which leaves Isla confused and questioning whether she truly knows her grandfather at all. Under normal circumstances Isla would simply ask her grandfather to explain the picture, but as he is living with dementia she doesn’t want to risk causing him any distress.

It is this discovery that takes Isla on a journey to Poland as she tries to piece together the mystery surrounding the scarf and picture she found, and as she delves further into her Grandfathers youth, it instils something within her that pushes her to make more of her life. Whilst there she discovers family she never knew existed, and makes connections that change her life forever.

This is one of those books that draws you in from the moment you begin reading it. The story itself is informative and moving, and truly gives a voice to how living throughout War times often forced people in to making decisions they would usually avoid. The way in which the story is told is captivating and emotional and has you frantically turning the pages, desperate to know what happens next.

The characters are well fleshed out and have each been given their own unique voices that allow us to connect with them on a much deeper level. The bond that Isla shared with her grandfather was truly beautiful and filled my heart with so much joy, a feeling that only intensified as we learned more about them both as the story progressed.

A beautifully written tale of love, loss, and the importance of family. I adored this book.

This was such a wonderful, emotional book. It was WWII historical fiction, but from a different perspective. The story follows Isla discovering the history of her grandfather, who was forced to join the Nazis against his will. It is a story of heartbreak, redemption, and moving forward. I really enjoyed it and will continue to read more by this author. Would definitely recommend! I received a copy of this book from netgalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

What an incredibly emotional and compelling story of love and loss, protection and survival, strength in the face of adversity.

I’m always interested to know what inspires authors in their writing - in this case it was her own Grandfather’s wartime experiences as a young Polish man forcibly conscripted into the Wehrmacht. Combining this with her own impeccable research across seven years, the author has successfully penned a novel that I would highly recommend without any hesitation.

The Rainbow is a gripping story - every single characters is so wonderfully depicted, the pace is good and the story flows really well between the dual timelines and narratives. The plot is really fantastic - so well thought out and all the elements put together beautifully. Carly Schabowski has done an incredible job of bringing to life the lesser-known story of a quarter of a million Polish boys forced into the German Army. Definitely a book I didn’t want to put down.

I am grateful to the publisher, Bookouture, via NetGalley for a digital copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Another great WWII novel that will have you questioning what you know of your family's past. The grandparent, or any family member you know in their Golden years is going to be a drastically different person than the young one that fell in love or fought for a cause they believed in. Even if looking back they were on the wrong side of history. You are limited in what you can know, what you can ask, and that only leaves you more confused and time is running out.
In a dual timeline that often gets a little muddle, we learn how everyone has secrets and losing your memories as you age may sometimes be a blessing in disguise.
I will definitely seek out historical fiction...though this is BASED on a true story....from this author again.

Thanks NetGalley, Bookouture and Carly Schabowski for an ARC to review.
Excellent read about the horrors of WWII and the choices people were forced to take that they would never have chosen in normal circumstances.
Isla's quest to solve the mystery of a hidden photo and a discarded rainbow silk scarf takes up upon a rich historic journey weaved by flawed human beings and their tales.
I loved it.

This was such a great mystery that unfolds slowly but does not leave you disappointed.

Isla finds a picture in the attic of her beloved polish grandfather in a nazi uniform. Unable to ask him about it due to his dementia and unable to believe it she chases the story of how this came to be. The history this search uncovers is not a clean neat one but one that needs to be told.

I read a lot about WWII but have never heard about polish citizens being conscripted into the German army. This was a whole new area the author brings to light.

Thank you to the publisher and netgalley for the opportunity to read and review this book. All opinions are my own.