Questions About Lilac Girls (Woolsey-Ferriday, #1)

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Answered Questions (71)

Is Caroline Ferriday or Kasia Kusmerik the real life heroine?

Martha Kelly Thank you for your question...the first one!
Caroline Ferriday was a real person and Kasia is a character based on Nina Ivanska, one of the "rabbits" o…moreThank you for your question...the first one!
Caroline Ferriday was a real person and Kasia is a character based on Nina Ivanska, one of the "rabbits" of Ravensbruck, who helped smuggle out the news of their operations to the world. I think they are both heroines in Lilac Girls.(less)

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Was this novel inspired by Sarah Helm's "Ravensbrueck?"

Martha Kelly Thanks for your question, Andrea. I loved Sarah's book, but the inspiration for Lilac Girls came when I visited Caroline Ferriday's house in Bethlehem…moreThanks for your question, Andrea. I loved Sarah's book, but the inspiration for Lilac Girls came when I visited Caroline Ferriday's house in Bethlehem, CT. over 12 years ago. I had seen Caroline's house featured in an article about her lilacs in Victoria Magazine, went up for a tour and couldn't get the photo of the Ravensbruck "rabbits" on her desk out of my head. You can find the whole story (including the photo I saw that day) at marthahallkelly.com if you want to know more!(less)

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The last line of the book refers to.......?

Martha Kelly Hi Lin,
That refers back to when Kasia shares, much earlier in the book, how she once read that you know you're in love when you feel the feeling like …moreHi Lin,
That refers back to when Kasia shares, much earlier in the book, how she once read that you know you're in love when you feel the feeling like when closing a compact and it goes "click."
Martha(less)

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Caroline Ferriday of Bellamay-Ferriday house in Bethlehem, CT?? She was my great aunt! Just happened upon this book and am about to start, cannot wait! Lisa Ferriday Vilas Weismiller (Stamford, CT)

Mary Hendrix Not doubting you, but I don't understand how she could have any nieces or great nieces since she had no siblings? I must be missing something since yo…moreNot doubting you, but I don't understand how she could have any nieces or great nieces since she had no siblings? I must be missing something since you obviously had her last name at one time that would imply she had a brother? Seriously confused.(less)

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A comment rather than a question.... This book provided me with a wonderful gift. It led me to google the concentration camp my father had assisted in liberating during WWII and I discovered a 35 minute audio interview with him from the Holocaust Museum that I had never known he gave. What a joy to hear his voice again, (20 yrs after his death)even though discussing a very grim experience. Thank you Martha Kelly! ?