The Warsaw Sisters by Amanda Barratt sweeps readers away into the intense and very painful era of World War II Poland. The author does not try to make it seem as though everything will be fine and nothing sad or uncomfortable will happen. However, as she portrays the realities of living in Poland during this difficult time, Barratt creates a place for readers to rest and hope amidst the cruelties and injustices.
Antonina and Helena are sisters who experience many challenges. The author tells the story of each sister and really brings out the details of their personalities and their differing experiences. The story flows well and the author is careful to include a lot of information that gives readers the feeling they are seeing what the sisters would have seen.
As the story progresses, the reader really gains an understanding of the length of the conflict and is reminded that life continues to move forward even when the world is in chaos. Danger, uncertainty, romance and faith all combine in this intense, emotional read.
Review of an Advance Reader Copy provided by the Publisher
Content Analysis:
Profanity/Language: None
Violence/Gore: Multiple scenes where bombs are dropped on buildings and they are destroyed, some fatalities occur; mention of dead bodies everywhere, including descriptions of a body with its head blown off; a person is punched multiple times by soldiers, blood is mentioned; report of hundreds of people being gathered together and shot in connection with a war; report of thousands being killed in a gas chamber; characters have many injuries and blood is mentioned; several scenes lasting multiple pages depicting atrocities of war including killings, mutilations and blood.
Sex/Nudity: A non-married couple sleeps together and sexual relations are implied; a non-married character becomes pregnant; a character calls another person a whore; non-married characters kiss and embrace.
Mature Subject Matter:
Concentrations camps & other atrocities associated with the Holocaust, death of close family members and friends.
Drug/Alcohol Use:
Mention of vineyards & wine; character says something reminds her of champagne bubbles.
