4.25 stars

"There was a power in literature. Brilliant and undeniable. Books inspired free thought and empathy, an overall understanding and acceptance of everyone. In the pages of books that were burned and banned and ripped apart for pulping, Zofia had found herself. These were the parts of her that were human and strong and loving, parts that understood the lives she had never led."

Madeline Martin's "The Keeper of Hidden Books" tells the story of Warsaw's librarians during the German occupation of Poland in WWII. While not actually following the lives of real people, the characters were based off of real historical figures and their efforts in the fight for Poland's freedom.

Our main girl, Zofia, (beautiful name, by the way) was 17-year-old Polish girl when the Nazis invaded in 1938. Her and her best friend, Janina, both began working at Warsaw's libraries after an incident at school involving Janina being Jewish and all. I really appreciated the deeper meaning that Martin wove throughout every aspect of this story, and the value of education was one of them. Without school, Zofia began to attend a secret, underground school which began her journey in the book-smuggling business.

Along with the other members of Zofia and Janina's "Anti-Hitler Book Club" (renamed Bandit Book Club for obvious reasons), Zofia began smuggling banned books out of Warsaw's libraries to save them from destruction. Each day, more and more books were banned and thrown into the fire to prevent the spread of the ideas found inside, sparking this underground movement. The people of Warsaw found comfort and meaning in books and they were a powerful force in the spread of ideas. Once Janina was sent off to the ghetto with her family, Zofia began to take greater action by joining Poland's Gray Ranks and smuggling Jews out of the ghettos into safe houses and later fighting in the underground army for Poland's independence.

This book was so fascinating to me because there were so many modern-world parallels and I think that a lot of people can resonate with Zofia because of the value she finds in literature. In a world of so much WWII fiction (which I love), this was a really original and necessary story told with such beautiful and emotional writing.

The only thing that was a bit off for me was the pacing. Sometimes, there would be abrupt and extreme time jumps (the highest being 16 months) which I thought could have been smoothed out some. I understand why there needed to be these big jumps in order to incorporate the main points of the story, but they were a little harsh at times. I also thought that the beginning was a little slow but I was gripped by the 30% mark.

The Keeper of Hidden Books was such a good read and I would absolutely recommend to anyone who is a fan of WWII fiction. Especially in the context of our world today, Madeline Martin's message is necesary and urgent. 4.25 stars.

I love historical fiction and I love books (obviously!) so I knew I had to read this book. I also really enjoy reading stories about people that were heroes in different ways during the war. Martin wrote a beautiful story about resilience and strength in a time that should have crumbled most.

The story follows Zofia as she literally grows up as the war is kicking off, almost forced into being an adult. She becomes this fierce protector of books and all things good. I love Zofia's personality in this. I cannot necessarily relate because I've never even come close to being in a situation like her, but I can relate to her fierceness and her ability to just set aside her feelings and do a job that needs done no matter how scared she is. She takes life by the horns and just does what needs done. I find her personality refreshing and this story to be so hopeful as you watch her do the things she does and just survive.

Martin has written a beautiful story that shows us the side of the war we don't usually see much of. I love reading about unsung heroes and the little things that people did that made a huge difference. That is such a strong message for that time. I will definitely be checking out more from Martin in the future.

I absolutely loved this story!! I love stories of strong women seeing injustices in the world and doing something about it!!

Wow - just an incredible story about the power of books during WWII. The characters in this story were inspiring in the way they resisted the Nazis. One person can make a difference as long as they are brave, strong and persistent.

The characters in this story loved and treasured books. During WWII in Poland people were just trying to stay alive and avoid the Nazis.. Yet these wonderful characters worked hard and risked their lives hiding and caring for books. Then to top it off, they shared books with people that were desperate to escape into a great book when times were so hard. What heroes!!!

I really enjoyed the history of Poland and the details about Warsaw. I did not realize that the Germans did not like Polish people in general. I learned so much about the Warsaw ghetto that I did not know. It is heartbreaking to think about all of the hardships of the Polish people. Hitler destroyed books, art, historical artifacts but not these brave and strong people.

I enjoyed the story line of the book. It is always interesting to me to read books from different perspectives. This one being from someone who may not have done big things with the resistance, but did things to help with the daily lives of those she loved and what they cared for. One thing that frustrated me while reading this book was the typographical errors the use of wrong names and lots of misspelling and seemingly missing words throughout the text.

Historical fiction readers you will love this book.

Set in Poland during the uprising and the eventually fall of German control in Warsaw, the book follows Zofia as she struggles with loosing her home, her friends, and her family. Her only reprieve being her job at the local library.

Zofia is tasked with trying to save Polish texts and other books that have been banned by the Nazi's and are being destroyed. This story was wonderful. Very colorful and showed that one character can have many internal struggles going on while also having external ones. Zofia struggles with the loss of her friend Maria, the capture and isolation of her friend Janina in the Jewish ghetto, loosing her father and her brother to the Nazi's, the German rule of her library, joining the retaliation effort to save others, and a potentially budding romance with Darek.

Honestly I cannot say enough good things about this book. It was wonderful and I love how the author did not stray away from difficult topics and was not afraid to lose characters to the war.

Thank you to Netgalley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review (I received this book after the publication date)

4.5 stars rounded up-

This book really displayed the power of books which I think is relevant (unfortunately) even today! The story was action-packed and inspirational. The author threaded real people and experiences throughout the story which I appreciated it.

My only critique is that often the main characters Zofia and Janina felt more like teenagers in their actions and speaking.... I often forgot they were supposed to be 18-22 throughout the book.

Wow, another incredible historical fiction novel. And let's be serious, when it includes saving books, it is automatically a winner. A touching, heartbreaking and heartwarming book. The characters were real - struggling, brave and strong. Loyal and determined. Their experiences were horrific, but someone they rose above and managed to find strength and love. A must read for any book lover and fan of historical fiction - specifically related to WWII.

Zofia and Janina are best friends, who love books, in Warsaw at the time of the Nazi occupation. When Hitler threatens both the books and life of her friend, Zofia finds herself fighting to save them both. Putting herself and her family in danger.

Thank you Netgalley for my advanced reader copy.

This is an absolutely fascinating and informative read. Each book on the Holocaust and the Nazi occupation shows a different slant and this book is no different. Set in Warsaw, Sept 1, 1939, it is the story of what happened to Poland’s people, libraries and books during the Nazi era. The main characters who were life long friends ..one Jewish and one not….. went to any lengths for each other. It is also the story of the Polish Home Army uprising towards the end of the war and the tragic yet additional loses the Polish people endured. The Polish people were proud of their heritage, their history, their art and culture and worked tirelessly to rebuild Warsaw after the war. A truly heartwarming story.

Both inspiring and heart wrenching, an excellent WWII novel with libraries and their power to help people through the worst of times, this time in Poland.

Another great reminder of the importance of resistance in times of great evil and the power of books to help people cope during difficult times.

I loved this story of a young Polish librarian helping to protect and hide books during WWII and bring them to residents of Warsaw and the ghettos, even going so far as to find books in Yiddish for the children.

Great on audio narrated by the supremely Saskia Maarleveld and perfect for fans of authors like Pam Jenoff and Kelly Rimmer. Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an early digital copy in exchange for my honest review!

Inspiring and well written book. Great for fans of WWII historiatical fiction. The message the book carries is very inspiring.
4.5 stars

Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review.
This story is told by a 18 year old girl Zofia who lives in Poland in 1939. She is on the cusp of adulthood and isn’t sure what she wants to do with her life. She lives with her parents, she loves her papa a physician, her Mama is strict and frequently mad at her. Her brother is off training to be a soldier. She loves her friends and books. They belong to “ Girl Guides” which is like girl scouts, but with extra first aid duties and firefighting as fitting for the times. They start a book club called the anti-Hitler Bookclub and read the books Hitler has banned. They work as librarians to supplement their families meager incomes.
I read the book with a growing sense of dread as we know what is going to happen. First Zofia is sure the Nazis wouldn’t dare attack Poland. Then as bombing start elsewhere in Poland they are sure that it wont happen in Warsaw because the US and UK will step in and defend them. Then after constant days air bombardment in Warsaw the Nazis roll into town. Zofias best friend- Janina and her Jewish parents face increasing antisemitism at home and are forced to move to the Jewish ghetto, where there situation becomes increasingly dire.

The Nazi’s have a fear of educated citizens ( as do all despots) and begin aggressively ban books - stripping the libraries of anything that challenges their dogma or ideas. As an act of rebellion the librarians take to hiding books in secret warehouses, and setting up mobile libraries with books being delivered to patrons homes in suitcases. Keeping ideas and hope alive in the minds of the community and especially the children.

I liked the characters of Zofia and Janina - they are average citizens, constantly looking to help in anyway possible to resist an unfightable force. The situation is dire and their bravery was remarkable. Both girls modeled the “ keep Calm and Carry on” motto ( I know that’s British but it fits here) constantly. My only criticism was that I wish the author had delta a bit more into the trauma they both experienced - they were a bit too James Bond cool to feel real to me. Educational read about what happens when a town is occupied.

A truly inspirational story regarding a group of students and librarians who fought to protect the books in Warsaw during the Geran occupation. The book is based on historical facts and the story is gripping and will hold your attention. I could not put this one down! A must read for all.

Thank you to #NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.

I’ve been thoroughly enjoying Madeline Martin’s novels because of the history she uncovers and the bookish references she weaves into her stories. It’s no surprise that World War II novels are a particular favourite of mine and when you add in a reference to books, reading, or libraries? I’m even more intrigued. Martin’s latest is The Keeper of Hidden Books, published earlier this month, and it was an unflinching look at what it would have been like in Warsaw during WWII.

Here’s the book’s description:
All her life, Zofia has found comfort in two things during times of hardship: books and her best friend, Janina. But no one could have imagined the horrors of the Nazi occupation in Warsaw. As the bombs rain down and Hitler’s forces loot and destroy the city, Zofia finds that now books are also in need of saving.
With the death count rising and persecution intensifying, Zofia jumps to action to save her friend and salvage whatever books she can from the wreckage, hiding them away, and even starting a clandestine book club. She and her dearest friend never surrender their love of reading, even when Janina is forced into the newly formed ghetto.
But the closer Warsaw creeps toward liberation, the more dangerous life becomes for the women and their families – and escape may not be possible for everyone. As the destruction rages around them, Zofia must fight to save her friend and preserve her culture and community using the only weapon they have left - literature.
There were times I felt Zofia was...going too far into saviour mode - and I do wonder if that’s an unfair assessment. She could clearly see how the war was affecting not only Christians, like herself, but the Jewish people, like her best friend, Janina. She had as close to a front row seat as you could get and understood how dangerous it was for the Jewish folk in Warsaw. She was enraged and I don’t fault her for wanting to do something. I’m glad Martin had a scene where Zofia realized how dangerous it could be for Janina when Zofia stood up to the Nazis occupying their city because, until that point, she was only thinking of how upset she was and how unfair it all was from her own perspective. Of course it was unfair. I’m definitely not arguing that. She just hadn’t realized how impossible the situation was and how her actions could put others in danger. Would I have done any better? Hell, would I have even tried to stand up to a Nazi? It’s so hard to say, isn’t it? We want to think we’d stand up for others in a dangerous situation but would we? Martin shows all the shades of grey in this situation and illustrates very well how difficult it would have been for all Warsaw residents during their occupation. Once she got her hotheadedness under control, Zofia was able to use her rage for good and I hoped it would be enough to help liberate her city.

Books, reading, and libraries play a huge role in this novel and I loved that element. I was so happy that Zofia and Janina wanted to be educated in working at a library but then, almost immediately, I was heartbroken that these young women (and so many others like them) had their lives turned upside down and weren’t able to pursue their education. Hell, eventually Janina wasn’t even allowed to be in the library, let alone be learning or working there. Martin showed that, amongst all the sabotage and fighting for freedom, books were important to the people of Warsaw. Books have power and the girls used that power as much as possible. Hitler was banning and burning books and Zofia and those she worked with tried to save as many books as they could, to prevent stories and ideas being lost forever. They also tried to read as many as they could, having their own anti-Hitler book club. Martin used a lot of research to illustrate the power of libraries and books, including how important they were in the Jewish ghetto. For a bookworm like me, it was really powerful.



This is probably one of the most grim WWII novels I’ve read in some time. All of them are, to some extent, but this one hit especially hard. Was it because it was about a part of the war I hadn’t read much about before? I knew the invasion of Poland kickstarted the war but I hadn’t really thought about what it would have been like for the Polish people. Not in as much detail that Martin presented, that’s for sure. It was hell for those people. The description of the ghettos, the scarcity of food, the roundups, and the public executions. Pure and utter hell. It can be hard to read about these things and wonder about similar issues going on in the world right now that are being ignored. Are most of us any better than our ancestors were? It’s a sobering thought.

The Keeper of Hidden Books was extremely interesting and I’m glad I read Madeline Martin’s latest novel. It didn’t quite live up to my expectations but I appreciate the insight Martin gave with this story and how she showed the importance of books and reading, even in some of the darkest times.

*An egalley of this novel was provided by the publisher, HTP Books, via NetGalley in exchange for review consideration. All opinions are honest and my own.*

“When one has experienced the rawest sentience and passion, when you have died a thousand deaths and have learned to tame that agony into prose, that is how great emotion is written.”

Take away wartime romance and give me a story about sisterhood with all of its endless love, loyalty that is boundless and courage that is unwavering.

Zofia, Janina and Maria are childhood friends in the year 1939 when the whispers of war come ever closer to their beloved Poland. together they form an Anti-Hitler Book Club, reading books that have been banned by his regime. Though war comes ever closer, the naïveté of the young girls at first causes them to be in denial that their country will ever fall, and when it does so comes the first epic tragedies of their young lives. Yet, they remain hopeful that the Allies will come. When that doesn’t happen, Poland begins to fight back in any way that it can. For Zofia and Janina this means protecting their culture by hiding away literature that the enemy has already begun to empty.

Janina is of Jewish origin and so is in immediate danger from the enemy. Janina faces much hardship first by the peers who used to be friends but then shun her for her bloodline, by strangers in the street, by soldiers who have nothing better to do but show the world their cruelty and hatred. Janina remains ever more HAPPY and HOPEFUL. Sadly, she and her mother are eventually forced into the ghetto where Zofia is able to maintain communication with her through letters, we learn of the unbearable reality that Janina endures.

Zofia is technically the main character in this story but Janina captured my heart and she’ll stay with me for a long time.

This is fiction based on fact and it shows, you can see it, you can feel it. There is a scene where the Nazi soldiers are rounding up Jews and I found that I had been breathing erratically, having to steady my breath. There are times that my blood boiled with anger and my heart broke with sorrow at the way HUMAN BEINGS were treated. Because this was REAL history. This may be fiction but someone lived through this. Madeline Martin wrote this story with compassionate thought and care. I’m not sorry that I read it. This book will stay with me forever.

I would recommend this story to anyone who appreciates WWII fiction based on facts, and would be willing to feel all of the feelings. While at times, this was difficult to read let it be understood it’s because the author wrote it with benevolence. Despite the pain in these pages, please don’t be afraid to pick this one up. There’s so much more to it than tragedy. There is hope, growth, relationships between mother-daughter, father-daughter (my favorite), yes, even a little bit of romance. Bravery, selflessness. This book is so much more than words and greater than any one feeling.

Huge, heartfelt thank you to NetGalley, Harlequin Trade Publishing, Hanover Square Press and Madeline Martin for the digital ARC in exchange for an honest review.

The Keeper of Hidden Books, I don’t even know where to start describing this novel. The love, admiration, devotion, trials and tribulations fought, won, and lost throughout this book have one on the edge of their seat. Madeline Martin has a special finesse for gripping the reading and making them become one with the characters. You’re not just reading about their lives, actions, etc. you are living the battles, trials, tribulations and emotions right along with each of the characters.

The Keeper of Hidden Books is based on historical events around the Jewish holocaust, the polish wars to gain independence from the Germans, and the soviets. It is about people who fight to save those near and most precious to them.

Zofia is the main character she is full of spunk, charisma, and the desire to help, protect and restore Poland to its former glory. Zofia works and fights beside her close and dear friends to protect books from the destruction as ordered by hitler during the war. Throughout this book Zofia and her companions go through many trials and tribulations that would break the weak hearted, and bring most to their knees. I absolutely loved this book and highly recommend it to anyone and everyone who loves history as much as I do.

I received a complimentary copy of this book via Netgalley. Opinions expressed in this review are my own.

A touching yet horrific love story about books, friendship, freedom, and the fight to have and keep them. The story felt à bit long at times, but knowing that people faced these atrocities in the past and still are. It's an open story to tell and remember.

Madeline Martin has been one of my go to authors ever since reading The Last Bookshop in London. Along with The Librarian Spy, she has placed herself in my auto reads for World War II fiction, based on fact.

The Keeper of Hidden Books takes place in Warsaw, told from the point of view of 18 year old Zofia. Zofia is an avid reader, she works in a library and best friends with a Jewish family.

This was a interesting story coming in at over 400 pages. Having read enough WW2 fiction over the years this was a nice refreshing change and highlighted the importance of books during this war. As the Germans slowly strip away those closest to her, friends and family and watching the travesty unfold in her beautiful country leaves her wanting to fight back. She does so in a way that I have never read about before. She has her books and together with others, they preserve those that Hitler deems unacceptable. What follow is a story of dedication, heartache, perseverance and strength.

The author notes at the end was something I was looking forward to, mostly to confirm that the librarians in this part of the book was based on fact, and I love that was.

The power of books still endured though such a horrible time in history.

This book is AMAZING. If you love BOOKS, you need to read this book. Inspired by a true story, it is about how a group of book lovers in Warsaw, Poland created an underground library to save many of the books in their libraries when the Nazis wanted them destroyed.

Zofia and her best friend Janina love books and their book club informally called the anti-Hitler book club. It is so-called because they read books that Hitler has banned. When Janina is forced to move to the Jewish ghetto, Zofia is devastated. But she then shows incredible bravery fighting to save her friend and helping to save precious books.

Beautifully written, this book is both a heart-wrenching and a heartwarming story. The power of literature is a core theme in this book, along with the strength of friendships and the human capacity to be resilient.

I loved Zofia and was held in suspense each time she risked her life…and that was often. I loved how the Polish people found such comfort in books and how the brave librarians risked their lives to save books. The author also writes of the Polish people's pride in their culture and their battles for independence throughout history.

Two of my favorite quotes from the book:
“…why Hitler so feared the books he banned. There was power in literature…Books inspired free thought and empathy, an overall understanding and acceptance of everyone.”
“I want to be enraged by injustice and let myself mourn for those who are lost. How can we see wrong if we let ourselves go numb?”

I recommend this to all historical fiction fans and all book lovers.