The Warsaw Orphan

This was an interesting story loosely based on real events in Warsaw, Poland during World War II. At times, the story is quite emotional and Rimmer does not hold back describing the war-time atrocities, bleakness and terror that were felt on the streets of Warsaw during Nazi rule.

The story has a slower pace, and I was most impressed by Rimmer's depiction of the era - from the German propaganda, rumours, and their ruthless actions, to the fear of the Polish people which were balanced with glimpses of joy, family and friendship. I was captivated by these vivid, emotional descriptions, but found the story itself to sometimes feel heavy with dialogue and, at times, I found that the voices of Elzbieta and Roman blended together.

The characters were well-developed with good depth and a few that weren't likable but had believable faults, showcasing different aspects of the war. The story is told through the POVs of Elzbieta and Roman, young people who deal with events and emotions quite differently. Through their eyes, readers feel the despair and desperation of the Jewish people living within the ghetto walls and those trying to help them escape. The ending is satisfying and quite neatly done, but I would have loved an epilogue to see how things turned out. 

This is a poignant story that doesn't hold back as it describes the atrocities inflicted against the Warsaw Jewish community and those who tried to aid them. While it is often brutal in its telling, Rimmer also gives her readers glimpses of joy, family and friendship and strong themes of courage, strength, and resiliency. Recommended for Historical Fiction fans! Look for it June 1, 2021!

Disclaimer: My sincere thanks to Graydon House for my advanced copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

My Rating: 3.5 stars

Author: Kelly Rimmer

Genre: WWII Historical Fiction

Type and Source: eBook from publisher via NetGalley

Publisher: Graydon House (Harlequin)

First Published: June 1, 2021

Opening Lines: The human spirit is a miraculous thing. It is the 

strongest part of us -- crusted under pressure, but rarely broken. 

Book Description from GoodReads: In the spring of 1942, young Elzbieta Rabinek is aware of the swiftly growing discord just beyond the courtyard of her comfortable Warsaw home. She has no fondness for the Germans who patrol her streets and impose their curfews, but has never given much thought to what goes on behind the walls that contain her Jewish neighbors. She knows all too well about German brutality--and that it's the reason she must conceal her true identity. But in befriending Sara, a nurse who shares her apartment floor, Elzbieta makes a discovery that propels her into a dangerous world of deception and heroism.

Using Sara's credentials to smuggle children out of the ghetto brings Elzbieta face-to-face with the reality of the war behind its walls, and to the plight of the Gorka family, who must make the impossible decision to give up their newborn daughter or watch her starve. For Roman Gorka, this final injustice stirs him to rebellion with a zeal not even his newfound love for Elzbieta can suppress. But his recklessness brings unwanted attention to Sara's cause, unwittingly putting Elzbieta and her family in harm's way until one violent act threatens to destroy their chance at freedom forever.

From Nazi occupation to the threat of a communist regime, The Warsaw Orphan is the unforgettable story of Elzbieta and Roman's perilous attempt to reclaim the love and life they once knew.