Survival in the Minsk ghetto is difficult for Ilse and her family. She meets German Willy Schulz who forms a new brigade of workers, leading to romance in one of the darkest places on earth, under the Nazi regime.

I have heard amazing things of this author, and I am still fascinated by WW2 stories, even having read so many.
This took ages to get into, and I admit I changed the status of 'currently reading' so many times before it became part of my reading list for longer than a few days! I kept putting it down and starting others instead, and I'm not sure why.
When I see books like this so highly rated and I struggle, I usually blame by concentration levels, but my attention has been held by others so I can't put my finger on it.
I enjoyed the latter part of the story once I was there though, and would be interested to read others by Midwood.

This was easy to book to get into and was really interesting reading about the Ghetto . It was nice to read something from different perspective from the German camps. The story is about live , hope and survival. I will definitely read more books from this author.

Rounded down from around 4.5 stars ⭐️ this is the second book I have read by this author and I have absolutely loved both of them!

The girl who survived is based on the true story of Ilse (a German Jew) and Willy (a captain in the German army). As romance blossoms in the ghetto they face many unexpected challenges.

I absolutely love books based on this time period. It was such a truly harrowing and atrocious time in history, it is something that no author could possibly make up.The beauty of Ellie Midwood’s books is that they bring true yet little-known stories to life. Her writing is seamless and so easy to read. I find myself not wanting to put her books down!

This book was new for me in two ways. Firstly, it is based in a Ghetto in Minsk. All previous Holocaust books I’ve read have been based in concentration camps. I found it really interesting to learn something new. Secondly, this is ultimately a story of love and hope. A reminder that even in the darkest times we have those that love us. I was incredibly moved by the love story between Ilse and Willy. I cannot wait to see what story Midwood tells next!

I would recommend this book to anyone that is interested in historical WWII books based on true stories. I want to thank Netgalley, Bookouture and Ellie Midwood for allowing me to read a copy of this book and give my personal thoughts.

The Girl Who Survived (“NO Woman's Land”) is an amazing book by Ellie Midwood, I've become her fan since I've read her first book. her WWII novels are an inspiration and always bring so much light to the true stories we haven't heard before.

The Girl Who Survived is based on the true story of a German Luftwaffe Captain and a Jewish woman who met in the most terrible circumstances during WWII.

The story of Ilse, and Willy, two lost souls who met at the Minsk and fell madly in love even if that was something very rare around those days. Ilse and her sisters lost their father and mother before they even set a foot in Minsk. Ilse was working very hard day and night like all the Jews under the terrible command of the SS. she only wanted to help others and also her sisters to have food and warm clothes during the harsh colds of winter, even if that meant falling in love with the "enemy"

Willy was a very kind man for his own good, he really was not fit for the war, I felt like he was lost in a sea of evil men and atrocities, he was the only good person around those days. a Capitan that wanted to have nothing to do with the Nazis or the SS as he was a true gentleman. He saved so many with his kindness and with his love for Ilse.

One of the things that I enjoyed the most about this book was that the love between Ilse and Willy was not just romantic like any other novel, it was more than that because, with their love they helped many others, it was like somehow in some way it was spreading around those who were near them and that was able to help them kept going.

I was completely in anxious mode the whole time while reading The Girl Who Survived, there was always that feeling something was going to happen, or that at any point an SS officer will come bargain at the door and find out what was happening between Ilse and Willy, and that was precisely what really kept me glued to my seat and wanted to know everything about this story.

I cried, I scream a few times, and I cried again, and did I say I scream? so many feelings and reactions I felt while taking this great journey with Ilse and Willy.

A love story that was very enjoyable with many great secondary characters that bring so much light to the main characters and the story. a very enjoyable read but at the same time heartbreaking and heart-swelling, The Girl Who Survived is a different story but a good one.

I am a big fan of this author and have enjoyed past books by her.
But I am left in a quandary about this one.
It isn’t a bad book by any stretch, but there’s something missing that I can’t quite put my finger on.
As I have mentioned countless times before, I read historical fiction to learn about known events from different perspectives. Here is another book that checks that box.
The setting of a Minsk ghetto is a stark reminder of just how widespread the German scourge was – even as the Russians ultimately helped defeat the Germans, Jews were not safe in any country.
(And yes, I’m careful of what words I am using because I have had posts flagged for certain phrases – which is ridiculous, considering the setting of WWII Europe). But I digress.
The message of hope and resilience, and doing what needs to be done, is very clear and well-relayed via the characters and their actions, especially Ilse.
Contrary to other readers, I actually like when an author is bold enough to show the humanity of a German soldier or officer. It’s another reminder that humans are individuals and to paint all of them with a single brushstroke does a disservice to humanity.
Sometimes people get caught up in things beyond their control and do what they have to do in order to survive. Doesn’t that apply to both Ilse and Willy – even though they are on opposite sides of the conflict?
Even though I liked the individual characters and felt sympathetic to both for their situations, I’m not sure that the romance aspect rang especially true. But, seeing as how this is a book based on a true story, I guess it did? I didn’t get caught up in that part like I have in other books.
I also thought that the descriptions bogged down the reading – it didn’t move at a comfortable clip. I understand where the author was trying to paint the picture and give the reader the feeling of “being there,” but I didn’t feel as if it was successful all the time.
This appears to be a rewrite/re-release of a book the author wrote a few years ago. Perhaps the author has improved her style since then?
Regardless, it was still a compelling story from a new perspective. If you enjoy historical fiction, specifically WWII, I would recommend it.

The Girl Who Survived is the 2nd in the Women and the Holocaust series by Ellie Millwood and I enjoyed it very much. The bravery, determination and honour that those women showed is outstanding; their love and support of each other second to none. The Girl Who Survived is based on the true story of German Jew, Ilsa Stein and what happened to her when she was imprisoned in the Minsk ghetto. Highly recommended.

Thank you to Netgalley, the publishing house and the author for the opportunity to read a complimentary copy of this book in return for a review based upon my hoenst opinion.

Ellie Midwood is a wonderul author; how she takes a true story and makes it come alive, all of the horror and devastation, but the hope and love that existed as well. I have loved every book I have read by this author and look forward to many more.

This book is based on the true story of Ilse Stein, whose family was moved to a Minsk ghetto in 1942, and where subsequently she fell in love with Willi Schultz, a nazi officer, in charge of the ghetto. The story was well told and very emotional. It is hard to believe that anything beautiful could come from such terrible time and place, but people are resilient and hope is the hardest human emotion to break. Since reading this book, I have looked up more on this couple and was enthralled with their story.

Another beautful, haunting, emotional story from a wonderful author.

The Girl Who Survived by Ellie Midwood took some time to get into but turned out to be an incredible read based on true events and people. A powerful story of survival and of making life-saving connections with the unlikeliest of people.

3.5 stars.

Thank you to NetGalley and Bookouture for an ARC of this book, in exchange for an honest review.

Fantastic! Heart wrenching, Hard to read but you just can't stop. I felt like I was there, right in the middle of it all. While it's fiction, based on truth.... it felt real. I could not put it down, and the pages flew

The Girl Who Survived tells the inspiring true story of Ilse Stein, a German Jew who was imprisoned in a ghetto––and who fell in love with the man she was supposed to loathe.

Why do info this to myself? Why is this my roundhouse? These heart wrenching books, that make me so sad! Yet I love them, and I can’t seem to turn one away.

I enjoyed this book, although the ending felt a little too neat and tidy for me.

I couldn't get into this one. Left it on my shelf for an extra couple days thinking I would get back to it but I just can't get into this one at all. Not my favorite historical fiction.

This is another story of the turmoil of Jews during WWII. Not many stories I’ve read about this era had a happy ending but I’m glad this one does. Reading this reminds me again of the struggles and constant fear the Jews went through during those dark days.

Midwood mentioned that her story is based on true events which really made this all the more emotional to read. This story is focused on a forbidden love story between a German lieutenant, Willy Schultz and a Jewish woman, Ilse Stein. Ilse was a German Jew and was sent to the Minsk camp with her family. Only her and her two sisters remain. That was where Ilse met Willy. Of course, Ilse was wary of Willy’s true intentions at first but Willy showed his love time and time again by protecting her and her brigade. His feelings for Ilse was genuine and from there, their love for each other slowly develops.

One interesting fact was how Willy and a few other lieutenants hated what they were doing to the Jews. The hated who they have become. In order to please Hitler, many of them have lost their compassion and humanity. Refusing to take part any longer, Willy chose to save as many people as he could and find ways to be with Ilse. The genocide that happened in Minsk was absolutely horrifying. It seems like this was just a game for the Nazi officers. It takes alot of bravery and determination to want to live. Despite it all, there were still many who were resilient and brave enough to attempt to drive out the oppressors.

Although the horrors of WWII in this story were just as heartbreaking, I found comfort in knowing that even in the darkest of times, love could still prevail even when faith is frail. Ilse’s and Willy’s story proved that much. This was truly a testament of love and courage of the characters in this story that they managed to live and tell their tale.

Thank you netgalley and bookouture for this lovely arc!

Interesting to say the least. Not what I was anticipating and it didn't really feel like reading a novel. I thought I was part of the story and I really enjoyed the story. I do think there was room for improvement as I didn't always think the characters were portrayed that well.

This book was very good and emotional. Really hits you directly in the feels. Job very well done by the author and I would definitely recommend this book.

Such an emotional book. Have your kleenex ready. Be prepared to cry, laugh, scream and yell. Made me feel everything the characters felt. I became engrossed in the story and felt as if I were there. An excellent bread. A great author.

Another great read by this author! Her writing is superb and I get dragged in immediately.
She is able to take such good care of the stories she tells and it shows.
This story is beautiful yet heartbreaking and I couldn't put it down.

“We live together, or we die together.” Those words had me hooked from the very beginning. Ellie Midwood outdid herself with this one.

This novel is a true story about a German Jew that was sent to the Minsk ghetto. On the way there her father passed away in a cattle car and immediately upon arrival her mother was condemned to death in a gas car. Ilse and her sisters (Lore and Lily) are immediately thrust into a world full of nightmares and the ultimate fight for survival.

In comes SS Officer Wilhelm Schultz - charming and friendly. Can she trust him?! Ultimately, yes. She puts all her faith, heart, and soul into him and it helps lead her out of the ghetto and into a life of freedom with that man she loves.

This novel will have you on the edge of your seat, fighting for true love in the midst of danger. I highly recommend it.

Thank you to Net Galley and the original publisher for my digital read and the ability to review it.

Wow what a great book.

This is a tale between a Jewish woman and a nazi officer who find love with each other and how they overcome all the hardships.

This is one of the best books I've read from this genre.

This story is about hope and second chances. It also shows the hardships of what these people went through.

Highly recommend

The Girl Who Survived (also titled No Woman’s Land) starts out showing the carefree life that Ilse lived in Germany - working, watching movies at the cinema, chancing being out past curfew - even though she was a Jew, but didn’t look like it. Then things changed and her family was notified that they were to pack and be moved. After being herded onto a transport train, Ilse arrived in a Minsk ghetto and was separated from her mother. Left to look after her sister, Ilse works to survive. She catches the eye of a Luftwaffe officer who assigns her to command the group of women he gathered to work in his area. While fighting their feelings for each other, their attraction is also noticed by others, friends and foes.

My personal view on this novel is it took a bit of time for me to get into it. I was about one-third of the way in before it picked up steam in my opinion. I also had a bit of a problem with the 24 year age gap between Ilse and Willy. She was 19 when their relationship started and he was 43. Of course, this wasn’t revealed until about two-thirds of the way into the book. I guess the mom in me was a little taken aback by that. While I read the book to completion, I didn’t feel this was as well rounded a WWII novel like many others that I have read. It felt a little flat. This book didn’t live up to my expectations. ⭐️⭐️.5

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