Tuesday, August 1, 2023

The Keeper of Hidden Books: A Novel By Madeline Martin

 

1939, Warsaw: All her life, Zofia has found comfort in two things during times of hardship: books and her best friend since childhood, Janina.

But now as Germany bombs and destroys their city, and the horror increases around her, Zofia jumps to action to save her friend and salvage whatever books she can from the wreckage, hiding them away, and even starting a clandestine book club. She and her dearest friend never surrender their love of reading, even when Janina, half Jewish, is forced to relocate into the newly formed Warsaw ghetto.

But life only becomes more dangerous for the women and their families – and escape may not be possible for everyone. Through the war raging around them, Marta and Janina find hope and the will in each other to survive, and fight using the only weapon they have left – literature.

 

Buy Links:

HarperCollins: https://www.harpercollins.com/products/the-keeper-of-hidden-books-madeline-martin?variant=40957166223394

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/1335455027?tag=harpercollinsus-20

Barnes & Noble: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-keeper-of-hidden-books-madeline-martin/1142592141

BookShop.org: https://bookshop.org/p/books/the-keeper-of-hidden-books-a-novel-of-world-war-ii/18842611?ean=9781335455024

 

 

Social Links:

Author Website: https://madelinemartin.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MadelineMartinAuthor

Twitter: https://twitter.com/MadelineMMartin

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/madelinemmartin/

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/12062937.Madeline_Martin

 

PRAISE:

 

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*BookBub Pick for Best Historical Fiction of Summer 2023*

 

“Martin [] explores the lengths one would go to for friendship, freedom, and the power of literature.” -BOOKLIST

 

“A powerful and poignant tale of the enduring bonds of friendship, the courage of resistance, and the transformative power of books against the backdrop of the horrors of war, Madeline Martin’s The Keeper of Hidden Books is a richly detailed, emotional read that will captivate historical fiction lovers.”

–Chanel Cleeton, New York Times and USA TODAY bestselling author of The Cuban Heiress

 

The Keeper of Hidden Books is a powerful and poignant tour de force chronicling the efforts of Warsaw’s librarians and book-lovers to keep Poland’s culture alive during the dark days of the German Occupation. Impeccably researched and beautifully written, The Keeper of Hidden Books reads as a love letter to family, friendship, and the power of literature to sustain, inspire, and endure.”

–Bryn Turnbull, author of The Woman Before Wallis
 
The Keeper of Hidden Books is a timely novel based on the brave librarians of Warsaw during the German Occupation of WWII who risked their lives to save books and Polish culture from being erased from history. Madeline Martin’s impeccable research leaps off every page in this powerfully absorbing story of resilience, enduring friendship and a love of literature and the arts. An inspiring novel you don’t want to miss!”

–Eliza Knight, USA Today bestselling author of Starring Adele Astaire 
 
The Keeper of Hidden Books is yet another expertly researched and inspiring work of historical fiction from Madeline Martin… A heart-pounding, illuminating, and very important addition to the canon of WWII fiction.”

Natalie Jenner, bestselling author of The Jane Austen Society and Bloomsbury Girls

 

"THE KEEPER OF HIDDEN BOOKS shows us just why historical fiction is so relevant today – because it touches on universal themes that recur in every century throughout time. As more and more books are banned from our libraries and schools, Madeline Martin's novel gives us a much needed shot of inspiration and hope that stories will always win. Zofia's incredible bravery in doing whatever she can to save books and literature while the world is at war and despite the personal cost makes her a remarkable heroine for the ages. This is a stunning story for booklovers to sink into with all their heart and soul and be rewarded by the ultimate message – reading matters. Yes it does, and bravo to Madeline Martin for reminding us in this wonderful book." Natasha Lester, New York Times bestselling author of The Paris Orphan

 

About The Author 

 


 

Madeline Martin is a New York Times, USA Today, and internationally bestselling author of historical fiction and historical romance with books that have been translated into over twenty-five different languages.

She lives in sunny Florida with her two daughters (known collectively as the minions), two incredibly spoiled cats and a man so wonderful he's been dubbed Mr. Awesome. She is a die-hard history lover who will happily lose herself in research any day. When she's not writing, researching or 'moming', you can find her spending time with her family at Disney or sneaking a couple spoonfuls of Nutella while laughing over cat videos. She also loves research and travel, attributing her fascination with history to having spent most of her childhood as an Army brat in Germany.

 

 

My Review

 


 As I began this read, I knew some of the facts and had to wonder whom would survive the evil that unfolded in Europe, specifically Poland, during this time.
Through the words of the author she brought this story alive, we are walking in the footsteps of Zofia, a young woman who loves books!
We take a lot for granted, but during this time the invaders start to ban books, and Zofia and her friends do all they can to thwart this. This young woman takes her life in her hands as she goes about her daily life, and she does all she can to help those she loves, including her beloved Poland.
So much danger, and senseless killing, scarce food, but there are cookbooks about potatoes.
These people are heroes in so many ways, they helped save lives, and books for future generations, and the efforts of these folks should not be forgotten!
I received this book through Net Galley and Harlequin Trade Publishing, and was not required to give a positive review.

 


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