“The Refugee’s Daughter” by Carolyn Newton is a poignant historical novel that delves into the harrowing experiences of a young girl during the final days of World War II. Set in the winter of 1945, the story follows 13-year-old Giti and her younger brother, Otto, as they face unimaginable hardships following a brutal attack by soldiers. The narrative is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the enduring bonds of family.

Newton’s storytelling is both compelling and immersive, bringing to life the stark realities of war and its impact on innocent lives. The characters are well-developed and evoke a deep sense of empathy, making their struggles and triumphs resonate with the reader. The author’s meticulous research and vivid descriptions transport readers to a tumultuous time in history, providing a nuanced perspective on the often-overlooked experiences of civilians during wartime.
as happening to them.” 

Overall, “The Refugee’s Daughter” is a moving and insightful read that sheds light on a lesser-known aspect of World War II history.

While at times it is hard to keep all the characters straight, it is worth the effort. Going between present day and Lithuania after wwII, this narrative keeps you trying to figure out how all the characters are connected. This is an incredible story of a little known resistance group.

A gripping story of war and the fight for survival. I'm not usually one for war stories but this one was so well done. I especially loved the multiple narrators which gave so much life to this story and characters, which will definitely stick with me for years to come.
Thank you NetGalley, and Dreamscape Media for the opportunity to listen and review this advanced copy.

A historical fictional story that took place during a time in which the world was on fire. Families torn apart, children trying to survive when they were far too young, lives, barbarism, hate crimes, cultures, homes, neighborhoods devastated while the world watched and allowed it to happen. The Soviet army is pushing into Prussia where Giti and her family live. When her family is attacked and they are taken, she becomes separated from them she swears she will find them again. This is her journey. Emotional, tragic and yet filled with hope. Well narrated.

It has been a long time since a book moved me to tears, but this one truly resonated with me. As a Ukrainian raised behind the Iron Curtain, I felt a deep connection to Giti and Otto's story.

While the ending is hopeful, it reminds us that many families from that era never reunited. The book also highlights the horrific treatment by the Red Army, a grim legacy that persists today, as seen in the atrocities in Ukraine in 2022.

I am grateful to Carolyn Newton for sharing her story, revealing painful truths about the Russian army's impact over the decades. We continue to witness injustices where those in power manipulate narratives for their own ends.

Newton masterfully portrays life behind the Iron Curtain, capturing the struggle and despair of individuals under oppression. Her work is a poignant reminder of our shared history and the resilience of the human spirit.

I’ve read many WWII books, but The Refugee’s Daughter by Carolyn Newton stands out. Set against the stark realities of war-torn East Prussia and the horrors of Soviet gulags, it sheds light on the little-known Wolfskinder—children who faced unimaginable trauma to survive.
Thirteen-year-old Giti and her brother, Otto, live with their mother and grandmother. Russian soldiers attacked, killing their grandmother and burning their farm, forcing the survivors onto a crowded train bound for the Soviet Union. Tragedy strikes again, separating Giti and Otto. Giti escapes into the forest, where she’s rescued by a man in hiding. The two form an unlikely bond, but Giti’s determination to find her brother never wavers.

The dual timeline adds depth, though the contemporary narrative isn’t as captivating as Giti’s story. While some descriptive passages slow the pace, they build an immersive post-war setting. The author’s meticulous research is clear, bringing vivid authenticity to the story.

The characters, particularly Giti, left a lasting impression. Her courage and resilience are unforgettable, and Otto’s fate kept me emotionally invested. The talented audiobook cast brought the story to life, making the experience even more impactful.

Gritty, gut-wrenching, but ultimately hopeful, The Refugee’s Daughter is a testament to resilience and the power of family bonds. I thoroughly enjoyed it. 4.5 stars.

** Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for a complimentary review copy of the audiobook. The opinions are my own.

A very terrifying yet great book about the time period shortly after world war II. It was very well written and the narrative was on point.

The Soviet army is sweeping into East Prussia, with their sights set on punishing Germans for the Nazis' reign of terror. Thirteen-year-old Giti and her younger brother, Otto, live with their mother and grandmother. When soldiers arrive and brutally attack the two adult women, killing their grandmother, the farm is set ablaze. The children, along with their severely wounded mother, are loaded into a crowded train bound for the Soviet Union.

Tragically, their mother dies on the train, leaving the two children orphaned and terrified, thrust into a dark world. Giti is determined to escape, but her plan goes horribly wrong. She manages to jump from the train, but Otto is trapped and carried far away, separating him from his sister. Wandering into the forest, scared and alone, a traumatized and mute Giti is rescued by a disabled veteran hiding in the woods. The two strike up an unlikely bond and manage to survive—until Russian soldiers arrive…

4⭐ (story) Excellently written. I love that this is a different time and place than I'm used to reading about. While the scenery changes, though, the horrors and tragedies of war are the same, no matter the time and place. I enjoyed learning more about this time period. Highly recommended if you enjoy non-WW2 historical fiction!

4.5⭐ (audio) The audio is really well-done on this book. I listen to a lot of audiobooks, and for me, as long as the narrators don't pull me out of the story, I'm fine. These three were far better than that, bringing the characters and the story to life.

Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the advanced audio copy (ARC) in exchange for an honest review!

The Refuge’s Daughter by Carolyn Newton is my first read by this author. This story takes place after WW2 in East Prussia after the fall of Germany when the Russians soldiers pilfered through towns and left carnage in their wake. The struggles of families turn apart, and wondering if they will survive. If you like historical fiction then it’s a must read. Thank you to NetGalley, Dreamscape Media and the Author Carolyn Newton for this E-Arc read, this is my honest review.

WWII is officially over, and the Soviet Red Army is sweeping across Germany punishing not only Nazi’s but innocents as well.

Giti and her younger brother Otto live with their mother and grandmother in East Prussia. Like many others, they are doing their best to survive, but when the Red Army gets to their farm, they brutalize the older two women and set fire to their home. Shoved on a transport bound for the Soviet Union, Giti manages to escape and becomes separated from her family, while young Otto ends up in a work camp.

What follows is years of hardship as Giti finds adoptive family and friends in Lithuania while continuing her search for her brother. Otto’s future initially isn’t any easier when he spends years in a work camp before landing in the United States.

Though titled The Refugee’s Daughter, and there is a storyline about Otto’s daughter, make no mistake this is Giti and Otto’s story. The narrative started off strong and will have some in tears at the end, but I found the middle of the story dragged a bit. The number of unnecessary characters introduced detracted from Giti and Otto’s journey. For those tired of WWII stories, this tale of post war Germany is certainly eye-opening.

Thank you to NetGalley, Dreamscape Media, and of course the author Carolyn Newton for the advanced copy of the audiobook. The Refugee’s Daughter is out on December 24th! All opinions are my own.

Title: The Refugee’s Daughter
Author: Carolyn Newton (Debut Author)
Format: 🎧
Narrators: Jesse Vilinsky and Nancy Peterson
Publisher: Dreamscape Media
Genre: Historical Fiction
Audiobook Pub Date December 24, 2024
My Rating: 3.5 rounded up
Pages: 316

This story is Historical Fictional so although fiction it is based on something that happen the final months of WW II,
We followed thirteen-year-old Giti, whose life was shattered when the Soviet army invaded East Prussia. She is separated from her younger brother, Otto.

Decades later Giti sets out to find Otto's family.
Story is told from the POV of Otto, Giti as well as Brigit Otto’s daughter.

The narrators were fabulous in performing these characters. They kept me interesting in the story.

Want to thank NetGalley and Dreamscape Media for this early audiobook.
Audiobook Release Date scheduled for December 24, 2024.

This is the story of Otto, who in present day is at the end of his life and his dying wish is to find out what happened to his sister after the war. His daughter is frantically trying to find out. This is split between present day, and the events that happened post war.

I really enjoyed this book, this is the first time I've read about German civilians stuck in Russian territories after WW2. I found it fascinating.

Thank-you to Dreamscape Media for the advanced listener copy. The narrators did a wonderful job bringing this story to life, and doing all the various accents. I highly recommend this book, it's filled with drama, emotion and educational.

This is based in WWII. it focuses on the will to survive as whole families get separated. People do things that they would swear they would never do, just to survive. This was a very good book with good narration.

Many thanks to Net Galley and Dreamscape Media for an audio ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.

In 1945 Otto and his sister Giti get separated on a prisoner transport. This is their story together with that of the photographer who captured their images. A story of extreme hardship for all concerned at a time when the Soviets wanted to punish Germans.

So well written and well narrated (I listened to the audiobook). They need to be strong to stay alive regardless of the dangers they will face. Will they find each other again and ever recover from their experiences?

This was a beautifully narrated yet heartbreaking story of survival during an awful period in history. This story is perfect for fans of Ruta Sepetys, Kelly Rimmer, and Heather Morris. Excellent and expertly told story of a teenager fleeing the Soviet army during the winter of 1945. Thank you to NetGalley and Dreamscape Media for this ARC of audiobook, The Refugee’s Daughter by Carolyn Newton. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️