An absolutely haunting and gripping story of one woman’s perseverance in the face of death. And not only perseverance but her drive to save others even if only a few.
Orli is a prisoner during WWII, sentenced after her husband turns on her and gives her over to the Germans. She uses her time as a political prisoner to learn medical skills and when sent to Auschwitz’/Birkenau, banks on that skill and becomes a camp doctor.
I found myself holding my breath reading this story. The fact that Orli was a real person makes it even more amazing.
This author has now gone on my automatic TBR list.

I received a digital ARC of this book in exchange for my honest opinion. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Vivid, expansive and richly imagined….. An absolutely heartbreaking and unforgettable read, perfect for fans of gripping family dramas, and for those who enjoy great storytelling. A big, beautiful, epic tale of war, heartache, betrayal, courage and most of all, love. I can’t remember the last time I was so transported by a book . . . I can’t recommend enough!

Heartbreaking true story.

This book is based on a true story, Orli Reichert is sent to Auschwitz and winds up as a physician working in the barracks. If seeing all the suffering and death around her wasn't enough, she was soon tasked to work with the so called Angel of Death, Dr. Joseph Mengele.

Mengele is a sick, perverted human being who saw the people as nothing but fodder for his twisted experiments, and Orli was forced to participate and clean up afterwards. She knew she had to take action to save as many people as possible, risking her own life to do so.

This was a heartbreaking story about a time that is written in history, but it needs to be told. People need to know of the atrocities in the camps and the heroic people who survived.

Thanks to the author, publisher and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this masterful book, but my opinions are my own.

An extremely emotional read! A marvellous story based on a real character, Orly, whom I will never forget! I usually like thick books with a long storyline: this novel is short and I must admit I was glad when it was over as I found the story overwhelming, emotionally speaking. Very well written, quite a lot of depth (even though it is a short novel!). The psychological development of Orly was very convincing. She helped so many, gave so much of herself: how did she cope with her own life after leaving Auschwitz/Birkenau? She might have left the camp but did the camp ever leave her? Again , a story not to be forgotten. I have read most of the aurhor's novels, and this one might be the most powerful.
I received a digital copy of this novel from NetGalley and I am leaving voluntarily an honest review.

"It was a world of constant suffering, a world where death was an ever-present specter." This is Orli's story, a German woman who'd been denounced by her husband, spending 4 years in prison before being sent to Ravensbruck and then Auschwitz as a political prisoner. Ellie Midwood works her literary magic once again, bringing an unsung hero to light with impeccable research. I almost put this novel down once Dr. Mengele made his entrance. The author does not shy away from documenting his most sadistic experiments, in which he forced Orli to participate. I never want to hear "Blue Danube" again, not even as background music.

Knowing that Orli Reichart was a real person made reading this story even more horrifying but also more important. She was a survivor because she refused to let the Nazis win, but not without terrible personal cost. "For in the end, it was not just about surviving, but about retaining their humanity, their dignity, in the midst of unimaginable horror." This one will stay with me for a very long time and I will light a candle for Orli.

Many thanks to NetGalley and Bookouture for the digital ARC. All opinions and the review are my own.

Another story of Auschwitz Birkenau and a nurse who was forced to serve Mengle. Easy to read, as most of Ellie Midwood’s stories.

I will recommend this book to everyone I know! It is an incredibly descriptive, thought-provoking story of life, struggle, and survival at Auschwitz and Birkenau camps. I was instantly drawn to Orli and could feel her determination to survive and fight for those around her. The themes are heartbreaking, but part of history, and given that this is based on a true story, even more memorable and difficult to read. The writing is thoughtful and descriptive, and the story is heartbreaking yet interesting to read.
I read a lot of historical fiction but lately haven't really clicked with the stories I've been reading. This changed that and I appreciate the care that the author took in telling this story.