I absolutely loved Woman on Fire, so I knew I had to try this one. It started out extremely gripping and interesting. But there is a plot line here that is a hard line for me no matter what book I am reading, and it's a personal preference, so unfortunately this didn't work for. But I know it's getting so much love and will continue to get the praise it deserves.

Thank you @bibliolifestyle, @harperperennial ,@netgalley and @lisabarr18 for this gifted copy in exchange for my honest feedback!

Lisa Barr has a way with words that is beautiful, heartbreaking and so so powerful. In this book she tells the story of Jewish women who history wanted to erase and gave them the spotlight to showcase everything they endure and survived to share their stories for all the world to see.

Lena Browning is a gracefully aged blonde Hollywood star but that isn’t who she is. She was once Bina Blonski and she had to become many things to survive the Warsaw Ghetto with her aryan looking playing a large role in it. I love how this story unfolds during three critical time periods in Lena/Bina’s life. She is beyond strong and everything she did came at a cost but the ultimate goal was justice for those of the Warsaw Ghetto no matter how long it took.


Seriously, if y’all have not picked up one of Lisa Barr’s books you need to asap. Just like her previous book, Woman on Fire, this book will be living in my head rent free for the rest of the year and has definitely earned a spot on my favorite historical fiction reads of the year list.

: "I received an advanced reader copy of The Goddess of Warsaw by Lisa Barr. Thank you to @harperperennial and @netgalley for an opportunity to read this book.

Lena Browning is a successful Hollywood actress, and has now decided to tell the story of her life, and the struggles she faced as a Jewish woman living in the Warsaw ghetto during World War II.

I read a lot of historical fiction, mostly set during World War II. The Goddess of Warsaw was an incredibly unique storyline, and was well executed. The story kept me engaged, and once I started I could not put it down. It had twists and turns that I did not see coming, and I was absolutely captivated.

This book releases on May 28, 2024.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

I will read anything Lisa Barr writes, but let's start with this book, because it was absolutely incredible. I actually can't think of a single person who would not like this. It has truly everything I look for in a book, and I couldn't put it down. The Jewish representation was perfect, and you can tell that Lisa has, once again, done impeccable research and put so much care and attention to detail into the historical portion of the story. Lisa Barr herself is a truly incredible champion for Jewish women's voices to be heard, and I couldn't be more grateful for her. She could put out her grocery list and I would buy it. Highly recommend this book to everyone!!

This was the first book I've read by Lisa Barr, and it was heartbreaking and stunning. Obviously, the Jewish representation in the story was super important to me. I couldn't stop reading. I wanted to know everything that was going to happen. While this was beautifully written, it was also super heavy and emotional. I felt like I was witnessing these events firsthand which is just a testament to Barr's writing style. It's also crazy how the themes of a book set in 1943 translate to what's happening in 2024. This book was exceptional. There were twists and turns I didn't see coming, and I've read a ton of Holocaust historical fiction, but this take and perspective was unlike other stories I've read before. I thought the different timelines were really important and I liked seeing Bina's journey throughout each one. I loved this book and I'll definitely be exploring Barr's backlist titles. Thank you to Harper Perennial for sending me and ARC to read and review!

Thank you Netgalley for the advanced readers copy of this book!

I absolutely loved Lisa Barr's last book and squealed when I was approved for this release. She is the most unhyped author I have ever known. She has this beautiful way of weaving thrilling storylines into historical time periods.

Lena Browning was Bina Blonski before she became the "it" girl of the century. This gave me similar vibes to Evelyn Hugo in the way the story is told by a younger woman writing her story, claiming to be captivated by all she has achieved. What unfolds is haunting story, of enduing during the Holocaust, trying to help throughout, the cost of surviving and possibly even thriving after the "end." Barr dives into the choices that people make in impossible situations and what someone is truly capable of to save the one's they love.

This book is not for the faint heart. Very heavy themes and almost impossible to finish at times. This was by far, one of her more emotional reads.

Hollywood legend Lena Browning is visited in 2005 by beautiful movie star Sienna Hayes, who wants to direct and star in a movie about Browning's life. The 85-year-old actress agrees to open up for the first time and begins her incredible story in 1943. Lena's name is really Bina Blonski, a Jewish woman imprisoned in the Warsaw Ghetto with her husband Jakub along with his brother Aleksander, who has lost his wife and child to the Nazis. Bina is blond and able to pass as an Aryan woman. Her determination to survive and help others transforms Bina into a clever and fierce member of the resistance. Even after she finds her way to the United States and becomes a star, her desire for revenge is never forgotten.

One of my favorite books of 2022 was Lisa Barr's Woman on Fire. I couldn't wait to read The Goddess of Warsaw, which was the first book on my 2024 must-read list. Bina/Lena is an unforgettable character. After finishing it, I had to let my feelings settle as I was so affected by this moving and suspenseful story. The tragedy of WWII and the Holocaust has been told many, many times including accounts of the horrors within the Warsaw Ghetto. While I'm a big historical fiction fan, I have to take long breaks between reading books about this heartbreaking era. It takes a wonderful author like Barr to create a story that is a true standout. So, grab a box of Kleenex and don't wait to read it.

It is sure to be one of my 2024 favorites.

Lisa Barr’s new novel, “The Goddess of Warsaw” is truly captivating. It has shot straight to the top of my list. The writing is incredibly well-crafted, evoking a multitude of emotions and provoking deep thought. Despite the mixed emotions of anger, sadness, and the occasional tears, I could not put this book down. What an absolutely beautiful read!

In 2005, legendary actress Lena Browning is winding down her career when she is approached by a young actress, Sienna Hayes, who wants to direct and star in a film about her life. Lena has a dark secret past and she reluctantly agrees as long as the real story of her life is told. What evolves is a fascinating and heartbreaking story about Bina Blonski, a young Jewish actress, whose wealthy family was destroyed by the Nazis and ended up in the Warsaw Ghetto.

Bini was a talented young actress in Poland and with her beauty and blonde hair she can pass as an Aryan so she joins the resistance as they plan the Warsaw Ghetto Uprising of 1938. Although the uprising was unsuccessful, Bini was able to survive to tell her story and what a story it is!

The Goddess of Warsaw is a riveting tale of war, lost love, friendship, betrayal and vengeance with some surprising twists that I didn’t see coming. It will be published on May 28th, 2024. Thanks to Harper Perennial and NetGalley for the advanced reading copy.

All of the stars! This book had me in such a chokehold, I inhaled it and it BLEW ME AWAY. It is a phenomenal story. The character building and details paint such a vivid picture, but it's written in a way that's so propulsive and easily readable. This story is going to stick with me for such a long time and this is now on my all time favorites shelf. Wow wow wow cannot wait for everyone I know to read this.

A lot going on in this wild tale taken place during WWII. This was hard to get into as the story jumped around. Unbelievable at times but made for a good story. Quite a different WWII story.

This one was pretty good! I loveddddddd the protagonist and her protoge Sienna. I definitely did not see the ending coming, which I loved as well. I think I did like it more than Woman on Fire and I think that the ratings on this one will be high with historical fiction lovers!!

Bina is one of the few who escapes the Warsaw Ghetto and survives to recreate herself and a new life in America. She becomes a Hollywood star, a Femme Fatale. But she can never forget her past and the cruelties done to those she loved. Fascinating stor, I could not put it down!

Legend Hollywood actress Lena Browning was once known as Bina Blonski, a Polish Jew who fought to survive the Nazis. Because she is Aryan-looking, she can help from outside the ghetto, where her husband and his brother are. She sacrifices everything to get out. Will she even kill?

I want this to be a movie, even though the book would be better than the movie..this story would translate to the silver screen beautifully!

Thank you, NetGalley and Harper Perennial and Paperbacks, for an advanced copy. This book was on my 20 in 24 list because Lisa Barr never disappoints.

“𝐎𝐧𝐜𝐞 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐝𝐞𝐜𝐢𝐝𝐞 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐚𝐫𝐞 𝐧𝐨 𝐥𝐨𝐧𝐠𝐞𝐫 𝐚 𝐥𝐚𝐦𝐛 𝐛𝐮𝐭 𝐚 𝐰𝐨𝐥𝐟, 𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐲𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐜𝐡𝐚𝐧𝐠𝐞𝐬.”

Wow, I’m blown away! Bina is such a fierce actress/wife turned spy and assassin. I was rooting for her the whole time. She is a new favorite character of mine!

What a poignant and powerful tale of resilience, love, perseverance, and survival set against the harrowing backdrop of World War II. I love reading historical fiction about lesser known events from the past. I never knew about Operation Paperclip or the Warsaw Ghetto Uprising.

The author paints a haunting and grim picture of the atrocities faced by the Jewish inhabitants of Warsaw during the Holocaust. Amidst the darkness, however, she expertly shows moments of human connection and bravery. This novel is not just historical fiction, but a heart pounding and suspenseful narrative about the will to survive against all odds.

Lisa Barr’s 𝘛𝘩𝘦 𝘎𝘰𝘥𝘥𝘦𝘴𝘴 𝘰𝘧 𝘞𝘢𝘳𝘴𝘢𝘸 is a novel that not only educates but also emotionally moves the reader. It is a tribute to the resilience of the human spirit and a timely reminder of the horrific costs of war. This is historical fiction at its absolute finest—gripping, heartfelt, and truly unforgettable.

“𝐈’𝐦 𝐧𝐨𝐭 𝐚 𝐩𝐬𝐲𝐜𝐡𝐨𝐩𝐚𝐭𝐡. 𝐈’𝐦 𝐚𝐧 𝐚𝐯𝐞𝐧𝐠𝐞𝐫. 𝐓𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐞’𝐬 𝐚 𝐝𝐢𝐟𝐟𝐞𝐫𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐞.”

Told in three parts, Lisa Barr’s The Goddess of Warsaw is a captivating story surrounding the Warsaw Ghetto Uprising of 1943. It is a story that doesn’t hide from the atrocities and horrors of war and it is heartbreaking.

2005: Lena Browning is a Hollywood star at the end of her career while Sienna Hayes is an actress at the beginning of hers. Sienna seeks Lena out because she wants to write, direct, and act in a film based on Lena’s life story. Lena agrees. What follows is a story of sacrifice, bravery, love, and revenge.

Part 1: 1943, Warsaw - Bina Blonski, an Aryan-looking Jewish woman, becomes a spy and assassin for the Polish Resistance in the months leading up to the Warsaw Ghetto Uprising
Part 2: 1956, Hollywood - A decade later, Lena Browning is Hollywood’s leading lady. Yet she cannot escape the memories of her past and is determined to enact revenge on the Nazis that escaped Europe after the war.
Part 3: 2005 - Nearing the end of her life, Bina returns to Warsaw with Sienna for one final performance.

I had planned to take my time reading this and savor Lisa Barr’s storytelling but that didn’t work out for me because once I picked it up, I couldn’t put it down. I’ve come to expect no less from one of her books. Five stars all around.

Lena Browning is a legendary Hollywood actress who has decided now is the time to tell all her dark secrets. Because before she was Lena Browning of Hollywood, she was Bina Blonski, a Polish Jew imprisoned in the Warsaw Ghetto. As Lena's story takes us back to those days, she tells how she survived. Even now that she's safely ensconsed in Hollywood, Lena/Bina is determined to take her revenge on the Nazis who also escaped justice and live alongside her.

This historical fiction novel is a definite hit. It's filled with tension and action, but also heartbreak and sadness. It has a big "just one more chapter" factor and I devoured this book in just 4 days.

This is my second book by Lisa Barr and I look forward to more.

Thank you to NetGalley and Harper Perennial and Paperbacks for providing me with an advance digital copy in exchange for an honest review.

Available May 28, 2024.

The Goddess of Warsaw
By: Lisa Barr
Review Score: 4 1/2 Stars

Boogie’s Bulletpoints
•I LOVE the time jumps as we learn Lena’s story.

•The time in the Warsaw Ghetto was heartbreaking.

•It was so interesting to see Lena’s time in Hollywood after the war (and all of her various pursuits).

•No spoilers, but the ending was so well done.

——————————————————————————————

The Goddess of Warsaw was kindly provided as an ARC by Netgalley and Harper Perennial. Thank you for allowing me to enjoy this wonderful book!

Release Date: 5/28/24

Wow. This book was incredible. The character development, the intensity of the story, all of the layers…wow. I was hooked from the moment I started this book. I wanted to know what was going to happen, and how Lena ended up as a Hollywood star.

Barr’s writing of the Warsaw Ghetto and the uprising was so heartbreaking. You could feel every emotion of every character. It was so well done.

If you like Historical Fiction, I highly suggest you check out The Goddess of Warsaw!

#bookstagram #books #readingnow #boogiereadsbooks #fivekeyfeels #audiobooks #audiobook #historicalfiction #arcreview #netgalley #boogiesbulletpoints #thegoddessofwarsaw #lisabarr #harperperennial

4.5 of 5. The Goddess of Warsaw is an engrossing historical novel that will be in high demand by readers of all genres. It tells the story of a wealthy, beautiful Jewish actress in WWII Poland who has the good/bad fortune of looking Aryan. Confined to the ghetto in Warsaw, Bina becomes involved in the Jewish resistance movement, playing key roles both inside and outside of the ghetto by supplying arms to the brave souls who mount a surprisingly successful but short-lived uprising against their Nazi captors. She commits unthinkable deeds and is faced with unthinkable ethical choices. She miraculously survives the war and emigrates to the US, where she has a long career as a Hollywood "femme fatale." Now in her 80s, she is the subject of a movie that will tell her true story, a story she has kept under wraps while she continued to carry out her original mission. Barr does a masterful job of bringing the ghetto uprising story to life. It rings true when set against the stories of the few uprising survivors I've had the honor of knowing. There are parts of the more contemporary story, however, that seem far-fetched. Most readers will be forgiving of these flaws and fans of historical fiction will be lining up to read The Goddess of Warsaw.

OMG! Kudos to Lisa Barr, the Author of “The Goddess of Warsaw” for writing such a memorable, captivating, heart stopping and thought-provoking novel. Lisa Barr is a master storyteller, and in this engrossing well-written story, the author vividly describes the plot, the landscape, and the dramatic and colorful characters. The genres for this novel are Historical Fiction, Historical Thriller, Women’s Literary Fiction, World War Two, and The Holocaust.

The woman protagonist in the story goes by several names. Known as “The Goddess of Warsaw”, leading and well-known actress Lena Browning, was also Bina Blonski, a Polish Jew, living in Warsaw Poland when it was a ghetto. Lena harbors dark deep secrets. Bina is married, but has always loved her husband’s brother. Bina loved to act, and with her Aryan features played great parts, while one of her best friends was also an actor that didn’t get the leading parts because of what was viewed as a physical liability. When the Nazis destroyed her family, Bina was determined to fight back. Bina becomes a spy and assassin, getting access to weapons.

Indirectly, Lena used her acting skills to survive and get revenge on those people who destroyed her family and caused horrific, tragic historical events. More than a decade later, Lena becomes a famous actress. There are twists and turns, danger, blackmail and murder. Lena finds herself going into survival mode again, when she is threatened and blackmailed. There are Nazis that are living well after the war, and Lena is determined to destroy them.

I loved everything about “The Goddess of Warsaw” and highly recommend this memorable book. It is on my shelf to read again. Lisa Barr reminds us to “Never Forget”. This is a definite must read! Be sure to have some Kleenex on hand.