I don't really know how to review this book because on the one hand, it was incredible and clearly well researched but on the other, the way it was written made me really struggle to connect with it or the characters as it felt like it was disjointed and it didn't really flow very well for me.

Karen is researching the history of her family which takes her on a difficult but enlightening journey of discovery from pre-war Poland, to the horrendous years of World War II and Nazi persecution, the end of the war and up to the present day; it is an illuminating and heart-breaking story of survival and of the impact the war years had on that generation and on the generations to come.

Now whilst I found the style of writing didn't work for me, the story itself was incredible and therefore I would recommend to people who enjoy this genre as it could work for you as it has for others who have read and reviewed this book.

Many thanks to the author, Ad Lib Publishers, Mardle Books and NetGalley for enabling me to read and share my thoughts of Irena's Gift.

I absolutely love historical fiction books but unfortunately I really did not enjoy this book. I found the plot weak and couldn’t engage with any of the characters.

An extremely interesting, emotional and fascinating journey backwards to the roots of Karen's family. A memoir which reads as a novel in two timelines which works perfectly in this novel. Indeed, Karen's personality has been taking shape two generations before she was even conceived! The trauma experienced by her grandparents, parents in Poland as Jewish people interned at Auschwitz could only impact on her own life. How, one might ask, when she knew next to nothing about their pasts (one did not talk about that, lied even)? Will this research into Karen's genealogical tree answer all questions regarding her family's behaviour? A harsh journey, very emotional, sometimes angering as well which Karen deemed necessary not only for herself but for her family as well. I found it fascinating particularly on a psychological level. Highly recommended.
I received a complimentary ARC of this novel from NetGalley and I am leaving voluntarily an honest review.

This is a very personal story, but also a story of family, of love, of survival and of incredible courage and bravery.
Kirsten's Holocaust story tells of her search in Poland to find answers for her mother. She ends up finding so much more and learning about sacrifices made. At times, some of the atrocities described are harrowing and her descriptions so vivid. A moving, important story. These stories need to be told the world over and never forgotten.