Based on the true story of Orli Reichart this heartbreaking story is a must for readers who like the Auschwitz novels. You are gripped by the amazing story from the first pages and even though it is gruelling you can't put it down until finished. I love the books by this author and this one is no exception and relates a story of bravery that should never be forgotten

"I Have to Save Them" by Ellie Midwood is a heart-wrenching and gripping World War II novel inspired by the true story of Orli Reichert. Set against the haunting backdrop of Auschwitz in 1942, the narrative unfolds with a nurse named Orli, who finds herself betrayed by her own husband and thrust into the horrors of the concentration camp.

The story kicks off as Orli, a German resistance fighter, arrives at Auschwitz, fully expecting to face certain death. However, to her surprise and horror, she is assigned to work in the infirmary under the notorious Dr. Josef Mengele, infamously known as the Angel of Death. The author skillfully portrays the internal turmoil faced by Orli as she grapples with the moral dilemma of aiding a man responsible for the cruel experiments and deaths of thousands of innocent inmates.

Midwood's narrative captures the desperation and resilience of Orli as she navigates the grim reality of Auschwitz. The character's determination to continue her resistance work, even within the confines of the infirmary, adds a layer of suspense and intrigue. Orli's decision to smuggle medicine to the suffering patients and her subsequent plan to fake a typhus outbreak to save lives showcase her courage and the lengths to which she is willing to go to defy the evil around her.

The novel's strength lies in its portrayal of the indomitable human spirit amidst the darkest of circumstances. Orli's attempts to save others, even at the risk of her own life, make for a compelling and emotionally charged storyline. Midwood effectively captures the camaraderie among the nurses, highlighting their collective efforts to resist the atrocities unfolding within the camp.

The writing style is evocative, immersing readers in the grim reality of Auschwitz while also conveying moments of hope and humanity. The author skillfully balances the horrors of the Holocaust with Orli's determination to bring light into the lives of those she encounters.

"I Have to Save Them" stands out as a poignant addition to World War II literature, offering readers a gripping and unforgettable tale of one woman's courageous struggle against evil. Fans of historical fiction, particularly those drawn to stories like "The Choice" and "The Tattooist of Auschwitz," will find themselves thoroughly engrossed in this emotionally charged and unputdownable novel. Ellie Midwood's skillful storytelling and dedication to depicting the resilience of the human spirit make this a compelling and memorable read.

Thanks to Netgalley and Bookouture Publishers for an advance copy for my honest review.

Ellie Midwood is an author I have read previously. She doesn’t disappoint with this novel. The story centers around a group of self-made nurses who are working alongside the Angel of Death at Auschwitz-Birkenau. Though the timeline dips into the 1960s, the majority of the story takes place during the height of the Holocaust. I enjoyed this book, as much as one can enjoy a book about the Holocaust. I found the main character to be inspiring. However, I do not think the supporting cast of characters were given enough page time. Also loved the writing, but found the overuse (intentionally?) of the word “macabre” to be irritating. Overall though, this is a book I would recommend, especially to those who are unfamiliar with the damage Dr. Mengele inflicted during this time.

Inspired by the true story of Orli Reichert-Wald, I Have To Save Them is a haunting, dark and emotional account of one woman's perseverance as a member of the German Resistance in Nazi Germany: betrayed by her husband who hands her over to Nazi SS officers, Orli is sentenced to high treason and sent to a women's prison in Ravensbruck. With no formal medical education, Orli picks up on skills on the ground whilst helping inmates. Later shifted to Birkenau-Auschwitz, Orli is brought into the infirmary to manage there. Based on true events, Orli witnesses the worst acts against humanity during her imprisonment, where those in power show barbaric levels of disregard towards human life. Orli risks her own life to save Jewish and other prisoners but the arrival of Dr Joseph Mengele, and his sadistic experiments is a horror beyond imagination.

Compelling, descriptive and raw in its delivery, this book presents somewhat of an irony; in the space where the most evil and cruel humans roam, there are those who strive to challenge them, their acts of courage are inspiring in the face of adversity, whose sole purpose is to heal, care, give hope and life to others. Orli and her campmates are the most incredible people I have ever learnt about - as individuals from different walks of life, and complete strangers to each other, reading about their unity over a common objective and the risks and attitude to accomplish this left me in awe. The fictional aspect meant I felt like I was part of their conversations, plans and even the small moments of banter they shared to keep their sanity within their confinement. As a reader, I became so invested, I wish more was shared about their individual journeys at the end. There are certain points of the story which were so emotionally and physically difficult to read. It is horrifying and heartbreaking to learn the atrocities that the prisoners were subjected to in these concentration camps; a series of events set out in great detail throughout the book. A trigger warning - this book will make you squirm due to the injury detail, gore, body horror and violence. It is so important to learn and know the truth but if it will cause distress please do ensure you check before reading. Although it is historical fiction, it is based on a true story and that is something that will stay with me for a very long time. I would highly recommend this to everyone. Although it is my first of Ellie Midwood's book, it will not be my last.

Thank you @netgalley @bookouture and @elliemidwood for the advanced copy of the book in exchange for an honest unedited review.

This is a heartwarming and emotional historical fiction that is based on Orli Reichart, a brave and courageous woman who worked at the Auschwitz clinic with the infamous Josef Mengele and how this woman saved inmates from going into a cruel death orchestrated by Mengele.

Being a history fanatic particularly Holocaust, I was particularly interested and intrigued with both fictional and non-fictional stories of brave and courageous people who fought against the Nazis and SS. Orli Reichart was one such woman. Ellie Midwood is a very talented writer and I always made sure to read all her historical novels. She writes stories based on real-life women and Orli Reichart is actually based on a real-life person. Her writing is engaging and intriguing and she had done tremendous research on Holocaust that while you are reading this book, you feel all those anger and hatred towards the Nazis, at the way they were treating the Jews, the emotional and heartbreaking moments when they were merciless killed by the Nazis...they were all too real and emotional to read. Although I did history in school, I learned a lot more about the Holocaust, the conditions at the infirmary, how the Jews and Aryans were treated at the camps, how the Jews were starved to death...it was too disturbing at the same time, one must never forget that these things did happen in real life. The writing as I mentioned was beautifully written and I liked how Midwood tackled with the history of the whole story.

I have to Save Them is one of the heartbreaking and emotional tale of a brave and courages nurse who would risk her own life to save the lives of the innocent--truly recommend this book and worth a whopping five stars!

Many thanks to Netgalley for the ARC, the Bookouture for making me a part of this blog tour. The review is based on my honest opinion only.

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

Ellie Midwood has a talent for writing descriptive imagery and characters that you feel a connection to.

This book is a hard read and not for the weak of heart. It is a realistic telling of what it would be like to work in a camp infirmary and with the angel of death. I personally skipped many pages involving children.

The book, however, does depict a group of strong women who work together to lend each other their strength when needed with humor, banter, and understanding.

It’s a tough read emotionally, but definitely a must-read for historical fiction fans. I Have to Save Them by Ellie Midwood is a historical fiction story inspired by the true story of Orli Reichart Wald, who was nicknamed The Angel of Auschwitz. She was German and she was a political prisoner turned in by her husband. She ended up in Auschwitz where she with her nursing skills tended to the sick and dying to the best of her ability. She ended up working with Mengele, who is known as the Angel of Death. She was forced to help him with his horrific experiments. Even so, she was always there for the victims trying to help them the best that she could.


Knowing the subject matter this was an intense story and hard to get through. I thought that the author did an excellent job bringing all of the characters to light, especially Orli, and how she got through those darkest moments. I loved her friendship with the other nurses who helped her and how they held each other up. The story highlighted the resilience of the human spirit and how they were able to make it through the most horrific of times. She was truly an amazing person. Despite her misery at having to watch the most horrific evil being perpetrated, her only thought was about the others in her care. I had never heard of Orli Wald before, but she is an amazing person and I’m so glad that light is being shed on her contributions during the darkest of times.


Thanks to Bookouture, NetGalley, and the author for this ARC

This was my 2nd book by the talented writer Ellie Midwood, and it was just as gripping as the last one I read written by her, “The Girl Who Survived”.

When Orli steps off the train after leaving the Ravensbruck concentration camp she is horrified to find herself at the notorious fear inducing Auschwitz concentration camp. Orli had never been formally trained as a medic however she was still assigned to the infirmary in Ravensbruck and quickly picked up knowledge so that she earnt a “medical degree”. The morning after arriving at Auschwitz, at the rollcall, a call went out for anyone with medical training and Orli didn’t hesitate at stepping forward knowing the alternative, an outside construction worker role, would reduce her life expectancy to a month at best. And so, Orli was assigned to the Auschwitz infirmary. The conditions were terrible at the infirmary under the SS physician, Dr Kremer. Orli and her colleague Mark did they very best to ease the suffering of their patients but with such limited supplies it was, indeed, a very tough job made all that bit harder by the daily visits of Dr Kremer deciding who was discharged, who was kept in as a patient and who would be euthanized with a deadly syringe of poison. Orli’s determination to survive along with her and Mark saving as many patients as possible is tested time and time again. Firstly, by Dr Kemer, insisting she help him deliver the fatal phenol shots to the chosen unfortunate patients. Then later on when Dr Kremer leaves the camp and a new doctor, Dr Josef Mengele takes over. Despite Orli thinking things can’t get any worse she is sadly proved wrong. Orli has to summon her strength over and over again so that the macabre atrocities in the camp can be told if or when they are eventually freed and those who committed such heinous acts can be brought to justice for what they did. How does Orli survive when death is all around her and hope is so thin on the ground?!

Wow what a story! I absolutely loved and admired Orli, what a woman, to be honest there aren’t any words to be able to properly describe how amazing she was (and also not forgetting her loyal fellow campmates who became loyal colleagues). I can’t lie, I knew this book was going to be a very very hard read because of the horror of the times, especially for someone as emotional as me, however I was determined to finish it, as Orli and her campmates stories deserve to be told. They lived the horror, so I feel I owed it to them to read to the very end. I am extremely passionate that these stories need to continue to be told so that it will never happen again. I found the story uttering gripping albeit utterly horrific but was also amazed at the spirit of a lot of the campmates who, despite the hell they were in, tried to find a glimmer of hope amongst all the horrors. I am sad that Mengele never answered for the atrocities he committed however I am happy to find out (from google) that he spent his last years in intense pain as he deserved nothing less than that.

Overall, an amazing (but horrifying) thought provoking story that deserves to be told so these events never happen again. I would definitely recommend this for any historical fiction fans.

Thank you to NetGalley, Ellie Midwood and Bookouture for my advanced reading copy. Out now.

This novel is based on a true story from Auschwitz during World War 2. Orli is placed as a nurse in the infirmary upon arrival at Auschwitz. Midwood recounts the haunting details from Orli's darkest days at Auschwitz. Orli is an amazing person to endure what she endures and it not soured in her resolve to help as many as she can in anyway that she can. She says "...were thrown into the heart of darkness, left to navigate the treacherous waters of survival and resistance." This partial quote embodies Orli's amazing character and fortitude. The vivid storytelling was both heart breaking as well as eye opening to the true cruelty and darkness of the SS. But, also to the brave souls in the resistance and how they used what ever they could to help each other and survive so that all of us know the truth about this time in history.

I Have To Save Them by Ellie Midwood is a must read for those who are historical fiction fans or anyone that wants to know more about just how brutal the Nazi Regime was. I devoured this novel in less than 24 hours which is a real testament to Midwood's ability to hook this slow reader and she kept me engaged all the way to the end. I am left wanting to read all of her other books.

Thank you #NetGalley #EllieMillwood and #Bookouture for the opportunity to read this novel prior to its release as an ARC in exchange for my honest opinion. #IHavetoSaveThem
Release date January 31, 2024

The novel explores the theme of resistance in the face of overwhelming evil. Orli's realization that her work against tyranny is far from over even within the walls of Auschwitz is both inspiring and heart-wrenching. Her determination to thwart Mengele's atrocities, risking everything, adds a layer of suspense and urgency to the narrative. This aspect of the story highlights the unbreakable human spirit and the courage to stand against injustice, even in the darkest of times.

I Have to Save Them is not just a tale of survival; it's a testament to the power of resistance and the resilience of the human spirit. Midwood's portrayal of Orli's internal conflict and her brave defiance in the face of unimaginable horrors is both moving and empowering. The novel serves as a reminder of the atrocities of war and the incredible strength of those who fought against it, often with nothing but their will and courage.

World War 2 is my favorite historical fiction time period to read about. I love books that not only educate me but evoke emotion and are thought provoking also. This book did all three perfectly. This is my first book by Ellie Midwood and I look forward to reading more of her novels. I had heard about the German doctor who had been nicknamed the "Doctor of Death". I loved the spin of reading about the concentration prisoners who were forced to work as nurses and assist him. In the truth strength of women, bonds were formed between nurses and unwavering support was given to allow them to survive the darkest time of their life. I appreciated the character development the author provided. She was also able to help the reader envision how bleak the conditions were but also shed light on those who never gave up. I knocked a star off because there were times when I felt like the book was being written in first person and times when it was written in third person. I also wish there had been more of the story given after they had been freed from Auschwitz, especially considering the dual timeline. Overall, this is a powerful historical fiction read and one I look forward to recommending.

I felt the author Ellie Midwood wrote a poignant and sentimental story that is reflective and expressive. At the same time story is heart-rending yet riveting to read. It's a provocative story of life and the fight for survival in Auschwitz and Birkenau camps. I loved that was based on a real character whos' name is Orli Reichert. I will tell you the author wasn't bashful in documenting Dr. Mengle most sadistic experiments and in my opinion future readers should know this in advance just so they can be prepared. This was a could not put down read. Historical fiction is a go to genre for me to read and this one didn't let me down. Can't wait to read another Ellie Midwood book.

I have read most of Midwood’s novels although admittedly sometimes they are truly shattering books.
She has a way of recreating the horror and hellacious events of the Holocaust so that readers are right there, experiencing it with the characters.
This one is based on the life of a courageous woman who did all she could to save victims at Auschwitz.
I understand her repeated attempts to erase the pain and memories.
Many scenes are simply so painful to read and absorb, but are necessary too.
Reading this on National Holocaust Remembrance Day is fitting and sobering.

I Have to Save Them is an inspiring story of the resiliency of the human spirit, and the unbreakable bond of friendship in the darkest of times.

Orli is a political prisoner during WWII and has been placed in Auschwitz. She is placed in the infirmary where she spends her days caring for those who are sick and wounded, doing whatever she can to save them. When she is unable to save them she simply holds their hands and commits their names to memory so the world will remember. She forges a bond of friendship with several women who are also in the hospital with her, and they save each others lives during what is arguably one of the darkest times in human history.

The character development in this book was perfection. The author did a great job of painting a picture of the bleak conditions, but also weaving in the light that came from those who never gave up.

Thank you to NetGalley and Bookouture for the advance copy in exchange for my honest review.

This is based on a true story and I am utterly filled with wonder for the real person in this story. This is an incredible read that took me on a journey through every emotion imaginable. I loved it.

Be ready for a overwhelming, unputdownable, gripping, powerful and emotional novel, based on a true story. I couldn’t read without being in awe of The brave Angle of Auschwitz, Orlie’s struggle and perseverance in heartbreaking and memorable. I Have To Save Them is everything one looks for in a historical WW2 novel. Ellie Midwood has written a highly recommended, well written page turning story.

I would like to thank Bookouture, NetGalley and the author for the opportunity to read this complimentary copy for an honest review. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

In this story we meet Orli, a transport from Ravenbruk to Aushwitz where she finds herself assisting the Angel of Death himself, Dr. Mengel. First assigned to a Jewish infirmary, Orli and her group of friends/nurses do all they can to ease the suffering of others. Orli is then recruited to assist Dr. Mengel where her already broken heart at seeing the atrocities humans can do to each other, shatters.
This is a heart breaking story but it’s also filled with such resilience and bravery. Have your tissues ready!

Orli took me on a journey through the horrors of Auschwitz during World War Two.

Orli, found herself as a nurse in the infirmary, forced to assist the notorious Dr Josef Mengele, also known as The Angel of Death.

As she struggled with the moral dilemma of saving lives versus aiding in the ending her fellow inmates lives, Orli became determined to find a way to stop Mengele and his atrocities.

Ellie Midwood wrote about the emotional turmoil and resilience of Orli as she navigated the horrible landscape of Auschwitz.

The pacing of the story was relentless, and kept me on edge throughout.

Reading about the atrocities of the holocaust was emotional and upsetting, but Orli resistance and sheer determination despite it all was inspiring.

Wow, was this an incredible story. Midwood managed to transport me into the infirmary at Auschwitz-Birkenau. I could not put this book down, however the emotional turbulence made me SO happy when this book ended. The perseverance that Orli and the other prisoners of the camps showed was unreal. The fact that people could be so horrible and cruel is even more unreal. I cried throughout the entire book, the things that the characters experienced, witnessed and lived through are unfathomable. I read a lot of Historical Fiction, specifically about the holocaust, and it can be very difficult at this point to surprise me or stand out as incredible. And this book did just that. I must read for EVERYONE - the horrors of Nazi Germany are something we can not afford to forget.

Thank you netgalley for my advanced reader copy.

3/3.5 stars. A well-written World War II book. This book covered Orli's experience in various concentration camps. It made me wonder how often people actually went to multiple camps and made it out alive. I came away feeling the power and importance of hope in our lives. The way that she and others were able to do so was very inspiring. I especially liked reading about her relationship with Simon and their determination to take a stand, in whatever way possible. My one hang up was the psychiatrist narrating the "present" chapters- I was confused how he could hide Orli's condition from his wife, who knew her at the concentration camp. Maybe I just didn't read that part well enough, but I was somewhat confused by it. I liked it well enough to want to try another one of the author's books, as this was my first.