This is the kind of book I wish I had the courage to write—a profound, unsettling, and thoroughly captivating look at sisterhood through the dark lens of the Holocaust. Lilac Girls is the best book I’ve read all year. It will haunt you.” —Jamie Ford, New York Times bestselling author of Hotel on the Corner of Bitter and Sweet This is an important part of the story, for there were many Germans that were not ardent Nazis and did engage in acts of opposition, small and large. Many of the characters are based on actual people and what they did during the war. Millions of people went through the concentration and death camps, so the number of stories of what they experienced is enormous. New York socialite Caroline Ferriday has her hands full with her post at the French consulate and a new love on the horizon. But Caroline’s world is forever changed when Hitler’s army invades Poland in September 1939—and then sets its sights on France.

Martha Hall Kelly (Author of Lilac Girls) - Goodreads Martha Hall Kelly (Author of Lilac Girls) - Goodreads

Reading this summary convinced me that this is a great book, although the author of the summary goes a bit too far in making comparisons between what happened in Nazi-controlled Europe and recent history. Like all the best stories of historical fiction, nearly all of what appears in this book could have happened and some of the events actually did. What we all favored most about the book is that it went on to tell about the post-war transition of these incredible women. The recovery and after effects that they endured and what Caroline did will bring tears to your eyes. The timeframe is the prelude to the outbreak of the Second World War and what the Germans and their local auxiliaries did to resistors and “racially inferiors” during the war. Nearly all of the main characters are female, from both sides of the Atlantic as well as both sides of the conflict.Caroline Ferriday's acting debut was in Shakespeare's the Merchant of Venice, in the role of Balthazar. [2] Philanthropic work [ edit ] Inspired by actual events and real people, Martha Hall Kelly has woven together the stories of three women during World War II that reveal the bravery, cowardice, and cruelty of those days. This is a part of history—women’s history—that should never be forgotten.” —Lisa See, New York Times bestselling author of China Dolls

Lilac Girls - Historical Novel Society Lilac Girls - Historical Novel Society

A charming and vividly rendered historical novel . . . Based on true events, this prequel to Lilac Girlstransports.” — People Extremely moving and memorable . . . This impressive debut should appeal strongly to historical fiction readers and to book clubs that adored Kristin Hannah’s The Nightingale and Anthony Doerr’s All the Light We Cannot See.”— Library Journal (starred review) This is the kind of book I wish I had the courage to write—a profound, unsettling, and thoroughly captivating look at sisterhood through the dark lens of the Holocaust. Lilac Girls is the best book I've read all year. It will haunt you." - Jamie Ford, New York Times bestselling author of Hotel on the Corner of Bitter and SweetFor readers of The Nightingale and Sarah's Key, inspired by the life of a real World War II heroine, this remarkable debut novel reveals the power of unsung women to change history in their quest for love, freedom, and second chances. Epic . . . [Martha Hall] Kelly’s gift is bringing to life and to light the untold stories of women and familiesfar away from the war front yet deeply affected by the decisions of leaders and the efforts of fighters. Fans of historical fiction . . . and viewers of period dramaswill want toclear their calendars when Lost Rosescomes out.” — Booklist(starred review) Inspired by the life of a real World War II heroine, this powerful debut novel reveals an incredible story of love, redemption, and terrible secrets that were hidden for decades. Inspired by true events, just like its predecessor, andjust as well-researched, Lost Rosesisa remarkable story and another testament to female strength.This sweeping epic will thrill and delight fansof Lilac Girlsand readers of historical fiction alike.” —PopSugar

Lilac Girls - Martha Hall Kelly

How did you feel about the book being written in the first person by three different characters. Did it work for you? She is one of three protagonists in Martha Hall Kelly's World War II historical fiction novel, Lilac Girls. Not only a brilliant historical tale, but a love song to all the ways our friendships carry us through the worst of times.” —Lisa Wingate, #1 New York Timesbestselling author of Before We Were Yours COVER DESIGN – 5 STARS – I absolutely loved the cover. The photo catches your eye and right away, one new the era of the book.

Starred Review. Extremely moving and memorable ... This impressive debut should appeal strongly to historical fiction readers and to book clubs that adored Kristin Hannah's The Nightingale and Anthony Doerr's All the Light We Cannot See." - Library Journal

Perplexing Thoughts about Lilac Girls by Martha Hall Kelly Perplexing Thoughts about Lilac Girls by Martha Hall Kelly

Weeks and months would go by in two sentences. It was rushed at all the wrong times and slowed to the point of tedium at other spots. The pacing was just so odd. One of my biggest head scratchers was after Herta’s trial… we don’t see her again until the very, very end. But… why didn’t we get a peek into her world post-war? Wouldn’t that have been a great moment for the author to shine? Show us her thoughts in prison. Show us why she continued on in the field of medicine… ALSO… THE COINCIDENCES

More Reviews

Inspired by actual events and real people, Martha Hall Kelly has woven together the stories of three women during World War II that reveal the bravery, cowardice, and cruelty of those days. This is a part of history—women’s history—that should never be forgotten.” —Lisa See, New York Timesbestselling author of China Dolls Inspired by actual events and real people, Martha Hall Kelly has woven together the stories of three women during World War II that reveal the bravery, cowardice, and cruelty of those days. This is a part of history—women's history—that should never be forgotten." - Lisa See, New York Times bestselling author of China Dolls Caroline Ferriday died on April 27, 1990 (aged 87), and had a memorial service at Bethlehem's Christ Church the following day. She left her home, the Bellamy-Ferriday House and Garden to Connecticut Landmarks and the land to Bethlehem Land Trust. [6]