A very interesting account of Janina's life. I had never heard of her before, so this was an engaging read for me. I learned a lot about Poland, where I have some heritage myself, and their role in the World Wars.

The Counterfeit Countess
By: Elizabeth B. White and Joanna Sliwa
Review Score: 4 Stars

Boogie’s Bulletpoints
-This is an incredibly engaging true story.

-I learned so much more about Poland between World War 1 and 2, which really provided clarity about what occurred there in WW2.

-Janina was an incredible woman, and I was truly awed by her spirit and determination.

-You really get a feel for what Poland was like at that time.

-This is a nonfiction book, but it reads like fiction in that it’s easy to follow and stay engaged with what is happening.

——

The Counterfeit Countess was kindly provided as an ARC by Netgalley and Simon and Schuster. Thank you for allowing me to enjoy this wonderful book!

Release Date: 1/23/24

As soon as I read the synopsis about this book, I was immediately intrigued. I knew there were Jewish people who had false documents and acted as non-Jewish people to protect themselves, but I did not know that there was a woman who created a false identity and then interacted with high ranking Nazis on a regular basis. That, to me, is amazing.

This story is so engaging. I really learned so much about Poland between World War 1 and 2, which helps me understand so much more about World War 2 and everything that happened in Poland during that time.

It was also interesting to learn more about the Majdanek Concentration camp. I think most people know of Auschwitz, and that is really associated with the Holocaust, but Majdanek was another big camp in the terrible Nazi system.

If this part of history interests you, I highly suggest you check out this book.

#bookstagram #books #readingnow #boogiereadsbooks #fivekeyfeels #audiobooks #audiobook #nonfiction #arcreview #netgalley#boogiesbulletpoints #thecounterfeitcountess #elizabethbwhite #joannasliwa #simonandschuster

A countess determined to risk her life to save prisoners of Madajczyk during Germany's occupation of Poland.

Germany's invasion of Poland bought unspeakable horrors to its citizens during World War II. Janina Spinner Mehlberg was born Pepi Spinner and enjoyed a carefree life prior to the war. German's invasion changed her life leading her family to escape the turmoil that was to come. A family friend offered her the opportunity to take on a new identity to avoid being detained by the SS. Her new identity as Countess Janina Schodolska allowed her access to prisoners detained at Madajczky under the harsh punishment of the SS. Her new identity allowed her to become a vital part in a resistance effort to keep as much prisoners of alive as the World War II came to an and leading to Germany's defeat.

This book is a fascinating story of one woman's transformation from an ordinary girl to a countess willing to risk her life to save as many prisoners in Madajcyk. The author's vivid descriptions gives the reader a look at the chilling scenes of what the Countess saw and felt in her determination to keep her country's men alive no matter if they were Jewish or Polish and anyone in-between. The Countesses ability to get food, medicine and other needed items pass SS guards is remarkable in terms of dealing with the most cruel men assigned to guard this prison.

I highly recommend this book for anyone interested in World War II. The authors writes an interesting account of one woman's hidden identity to defeat Nazi Germany in her own way.