Holly B (slower pace!)'s Reviews > Lilac Girls

A powerful historical World War II novel based on real people and this one has been seared into my memory...

The author did extensive research to bring this story to life. Caroline Ferriday and Herta Oberheuser were real people. The two sisters- Kasia and Zuzanna were based on research of 74 "Polish survivors" of Hitler's Ravensbruck women only concentration camp.  These survivors were known as "rabbits" because of the horrendous experimental operations that were performed on them.

The author's powerful writing had me feeling like I "was there" watching the lives of each of these women unfold and how they each lost control of everything dear to them.  I held my breath, tensed up and felt nervous at the many  heart stopping cliffhangers...  I was furious with Herta, the young German Nazi physician that performed many ot the experimental surgeries without qualms or hesitation.
The portrayal of Ravensbruck was so vivid and absolutely frightening. I couldn't even begin to imagine the suffering and heart break the women went through.

I missed this one when it published in 2016 and wanted to read it before I started the author's newest novel,  Lost Roses  which publishes in April 2019.

This story was one of evilness, loss, love, survival, and redemption.  Such a well-written, absorbing, and unforgettable story. Highly recommend!

I purchased this one for my personal library and highly recommend it.