There are those books that are so hard to read, because they break your heart, but also so very hard to put down. The Secret Midwife by Soraya M. Lane is one of those books. The Secret Midwife tells a story of courage, strength, and determination in, what has to be one of the most horrific historical settings in recent history, WW2. A Polish midwife gets caught helping Jewish women, and gets taken to Auschwitz. This book is her story of survival and her determination to help other women, and babies in the camp. In order for us to not let history repeat itself, we must know history. This book, although fiction, is based on fact and shares with us just some of the atrocities of WW2. It’s definitely a must read.

I was attracted to this book as I was a midwife in my working life and after visiting Auschwitz a few years ago have been interested in increasing my knowledge of life there and the appalling experiences inflicted on human beings by the SS in the name of science and 'improving' the human race. . How anyone survived the atrocities perpetrated daily and so sensitivity described in Soraya's book is beyond belief.
Although fiction the book gives a very powerful and sensitive depiction of life in the camp. Based on the personal story of several very brave captives of Auschwitz. Who risked their lives daily to save the lives of others and how they coped with the day to day fear, terror and horror of their experiences.
A very moving book.
Thank you Netgalley, Amazon Publishing Ltd and Soraya M Lane for giving me the opportunity to read this book. All opinions are my own.

I finished this book this evening and I thought it was absolutely brilliant

It is a really well written story, you can almost feel that you are going through the time with them, the author has done a truly magnificent job in bringing her characters to life.

I liked the way that the story was told with the different times and views mixing. I loved the main characters got to have their own voice too. I can’t even imagine what they would have been going through, the pain, discomfort and starvation, beatings and loss of loved ones and of those around them.

I started reading the book last night and needed to keep reading, I finished it this evening after work and the first thing I did was tell my mum, and my husband all about it.

The story was at times harrowing as you can expect knowing the subject and it was also heart-breaking but I was compelled to keep reading, I really wanted them all to make it to the point of liberation and I really wanted them to be able to try to rebuild their lives

One of the very best historic fiction books covering this subject that I have read. This couldn’t be anything other than 5 stars – it is a book that will definitely stay with me for a while – very highly recommended for any lovers of historical fiction or stories set during WWII

Synopsis (from Netgalley, the provider of the book for me to review.)
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London, 1995: When on the fiftieth anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz a news broadcast runs an appeal for information on the identity of a midwife who saved hundreds of lives, Emilia knows it is time to finally tell her story.

Occupied Poland, 1942: Despite the constant presence of German soldiers in her village, Emilia is allowed certain freedoms as a midwife―the most precious is innocently cycling past Nazi checkpoints to the homes of expectant mothers on her rounds. But Emilia has a secret: for years she’s also been visiting the hidden Jewish mothers and working for the resistance…until she is betrayed.

Suddenly a prisoner of Auschwitz, Emilia is surrounded by horror and despair. When she is put to work as a midwife in the camp, she realizes that she has a chance to bring a small glimmer of hope to the pregnant women of Auschwitz. Alongside a brave imprisoned doctor, Aleksy, and an innocent outcast, Lena, she comes up with a dangerous plan. A plan that if discovered could mean a fate far worse than death, but if they act undetected, they could save countless lives.

This is a wonderful historical fiction book that I will recommend far and wide to my readers and to book clubs. A blend of real-life horrors and written hope, it will delight you as you follow Emilia on her journey trying to survive and to help others do so as well. If you have not ever read any of Miss Lane’s other books, be sure to pick them up as well as they are awesome as well.
#shortbutsweetreviews

A highly emotional read, perfect for anyone in the need of a heavy read that will hit them right in the feels.


All the characters in this were simply marvelously written. You can tell that the author has done justice to the real stories and people he took inspiration from to write this book. I have absolutely zero complaints , as I devoured this in one sitting.

A beautiful book I'd recommend for everyone.

A highly emotional storyline based on real events. The characters are fictional though, but also based on real characters who did experience the events reported, such as doctors, midwives all working on helping others to survive...
Of course, many moments of the novel are distressing. However the author masterfully managed to always weave hope and resilience in her characters reflecting what really happened. I definitely couldn't put this book down, feeling all way through with the characters, trying mentally to encourage them to keep up with their courage, their hope. A dual time story, working very well as the 1995 timeline the surviving midwife is telling about her time in Auschwitz. This dual time was indeed a good idea: I could get away for a while from the Holocaust for a little while.... A marvellous book!