From the Bookshelf of Nothing But Reading Challenges…

Lilac Girls (Woolsey-Ferriday, #1)

Martha Hall Kelly

Start date: May 16, 2018

Finish date: May 30, 2018

Discussion: Books of the Month

Why we're reading this: Adult Fiction/Non-Fiction BOM
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What Members Thought

Aug 09, 2018 Trisha rated it really liked it

“But it’s fitting in a way—Father loved the fact that a lilac only blossoms after a harsh winter.”

This is a wonderful but difficult story. The fact that it's based in fact- that many characters like Herta and Caroline are, in fact, based on real people (and are real names). That the two sisters, Zuzanna and Katia are based on two girls who were Rabbits, and their bond after finding each other in the camp. Both things blew me away.

I've read quite a few books on concentration camps, but very few ...more

12 likes · Like · see review

Apr 26, 2017 Jen rated it really liked it

Shelves: audio-books, historical-fiction, 2017

The material seems to have been well researched, and the story tastefully told. My biggest complaint is that this book really needed to be about 100 pages longer. I am left wanting the story to continue. That's a good thing, right?

This book is so haunting to me. I've read tons of WWII historical fiction, but this is the first that really touches on the experimental surgeries. The story is very tasteful, but it made my heart ache for the victims. It's a new level of being touched by words for me. ...more

6 likes · Like · see review

May 21, 2022 Kimberly rated it really liked it · review of another edition

Four stars rounded up to 4 1/2. I loved this book— a story of sisters and women supporting one another. Historical fiction with all of the main characters based on real people. Of course, it was heartbreaking to read about the atrocities that occurred at Ravensbruck Concentration Camp. It is shocking to know how human beings can treat one another. I often wonder if that potential is in all of us. It causes me to shudder. It was inspiring in other ways. Very glad I read it and hope to read the ot ...more

1 like · Like · see review