Kudos to this new-to-me author for engaging me with unique characters (and careers) and crafting a plot (1) full of secrets to be uncovered and (2) one that left me with lots to think about!

I was as interested in the contemporary timeline as I was in the Warsaw 1939 timeline; the fact that Canada was used as a setting appealed to me. Despite reading a variety of books on the resistance to Nazi occupation, many set in Poland, I still learned more about this eye-opening slice of history. Pam Jenoff’s book alerted me to the experiences many faced in the sewers, but Kath Jonathan made it visceral.

✔️Josephine Blum’s ‘artistry’ had me reaching for Google to see if it was a ‘real’ job!
✔️The differing reactions Irena and Lotka had to living under Nazi occupation not only gave me a focus while reading but also equally pulled at my emotions.
✔️The questions raised, especially that of capitulation being the only alternative to fighting, had me thinking about this book long after finishing.
✔️The inspiration and the journey to publication was interesting
✔️I had to Google ‘Varsovians’...love it when I learn as I read! Thank you for not spoon-feeding your readers.

I was gifted this copy by Simon & Schuster Canada and NetGalley and was under no obligation to provide a review.