The Keeper of Hidden Books: A Novel

A compelling and interesting story set in occupied Poland duringWorld War II. I don't recall ever reading a book set in Poland, other than Sophie's Choice. This story opens the day before the Nazis invaded in 1939 and concludes with Poland's liberation from the Russians in 1989. The characters are well drawn and their subversive activities are both courageous and heartbreaking. A true testament to the resilience of the human spirit.

I seldom go to 5 stars on reviews, but this one is so very close to that and if I could have I would have rated it at 4.75!I am always astounded by stories of uncommon bravery and strength of spirit exhibited by people during wars. I always wonder if I would have been as ready and willing to sacrifice myself as so many were during WWII - and in this case during the blighted occupation of Poland (Warsaw) by the Germans prior to the Russian occupation. These were times when everyday men and women became national heros. I have always been amazed at how the French Resistance operated- the heroism and bravery that was displayed in the face of insurmountable odds - and now I can add the members of the Polish resistance to my list of unsung heros.I had never heard about the Warsaw Library system and it’s part - along with its librarians- during the German occupation! As a life long bibliophile myself I know how the power of books can inspire, teach and and bring a bit of comfort during stressful times, but I have never heard of how important books and reading could figure in the strength of a nation! This book was/is an eye opener and I am so grateful to have read it! The afterward to the book is full of more historical facts and is as readable and instructive as the novel was.For me this was a near perfect read that fed my interest in WWII and bolstered my faith in humanity - which in view of current events has been taking quite a beating. Indeed, we must n e v er allow the atrocities that were committed during this war against so many nations and peoples to be forgotten.

What a beautifully written story of such a difficult subject It brings love and integrity and justice to places of hate and destruction and degradation of human life and relationships I just loved this book - praise for Author Ms Madeline e Martin !

This is a great book that had me turning pages after pages. The author draws you into the story and you can’t stop reading this heroic story. More people need to read books like this to learn the history of what atrocities have happened in the world and learn from them.

I think this is a pretty good book. I have read so many WWII novels now that a lot of them seem the same, and just the countries and characters are different. This is the first one I have read about the Polish librarians, and their story is not exactly the same as the ones in Paris or London, so it is a piece of history I haven't heard before. It is a quick read and holds your attention.

This book brings so much to the reader in education about this time but also gives them a deep appreciation of how books can modify pain and suffering. Great book

GOOD BOOK

I am a huge fan of Martin’s book, “The Last Bookshop in London.” This new book, however, did not meet my expectation and did not seem of the same caliber. The jumping forward in time left me wondering what happened with the characters- what did they experience? How were certain things even possible (I do not want to spoil for other readers)- but how in the world would certain characters have survived? How were they not found by the Nazis? How did they travel during the occupation without getting caught? I don’t think it specified if one of the characters were eventually given false papers - maybe it was expected to be implied? Or where did the food all of the sudden come from at the end of the book? Then there was a child-aged character that I felt was just tossed in randomly and the name given was to help create familiarity etc but it seemed forced and too quick- there really wasn’t an emotional connection created to this child enough within the plot to have the impact that I think she was going for. I don’t know. Overall, it felt lacking. It sped up and skipped the timeline too much or it seemed redundant. It was…just okay.

Have read several books from this author and this one does NOT disappoint! Highly recommend "The Last Bookshop in London and The Librarian Spy. Set in war time, displaying the outstanding courage and selflessness of those struggling to cope, this tells the tale of just such people. The world could use more of this willingness to help in difficult times.

Highly recommend this. Intrepid people trying to save books during the German occupation and plunder of Poland. Well developed characters and a story worth telling.

“The Keeper of Hidden Books”, pays homage to those valiant librarians, who in the midst of war presided over a secret library in Warsaw, Poland in an attempt to keep books in the hands of those people who enjoyed reading them, but more importantly to save the books banned by the Germans that were scheduled for destruction, the Germanization of Poland was moving full steam ahead. This book will make the reader appreciate the freedom they have while holding this book in their hand, a book based on a gruesome reality, but it’s a heartwarming story about the sheer power of literature.Zofia is an amazing character, her spirit is strong and the comforts in her life are her best friend Janina and books, she clings to both during the Nazi occupation in Warsaw. No one could have imagined the horror that was to come. The sense of good was smeared with German evilness. The bombs dropped, but there are books to be saved. Culture and community must be preserved no matter what the cost. The price would be costly, but books represents freedom and Zofia is bound and determined to save as many books as possible, helping Janina and her family in the process. It’s never too late to join the fight for freedom, Zofia does so with resilience wearing her heart on her sleeve.I enjoyed this thought provoking book, and the author signifying that books are of major importance to people, and they always will be. There were tiny parts of lag in this book, however, the book was well researched and captivating. It’s concentration deals with freedom and peace with the integration of family, friends, love and hope.

I enjoy this author. Her subject matter has meaning and gives pause to the reader to consider how little we learn our lessons despite history showing us over and over. There is so much value in literature; it is pure knowledge even in fiction yet there is always someone or something that wants to see it gone.This book helps to remind us that there are also those that will fight to keep knowledge alive.Lovely flow and lovely read.

I just finished this book today and have to say that it's one of the best books I have read. Whenever I read a book about Warsaw during the war, it was nostly concerning the ghetto and what the people there went through. I didn't realize what the rest of Warsaw went through. I would recommend this book to anyone who loves books and their importance in our lives!