Books Like...

'The Lost Wife' by Alyson Richman is a poignant and heart-wrenching tale set during World War II, following the lives of Lenka and Josef, a young couple torn apart by the war. The narrative weaves between pre-war Prague and post-war New York, showcasing the enduring love and separation of the protagonists. Richman's writing style captures the emotional depth of the characters, delving into themes of love, loss, survival, and the lasting impact of historical events on individuals.

The Warsaw Orphan by Kelly Rimmer is a historical fiction novel that delves into the harrowing experiences of individuals living in Warsaw during the German occupation and the Jewish Ghetto emptying. The story is written in a compelling manner, drawing readers into the lives of characters who face unimaginable hardships. The author skillfully portrays the brutal realities of that time period, touching on themes of tragedy, survival, and the resilience of the human spirit.

The novel "As Bright as Heaven" by Susan Meissner is set in 1918 during the Spanish flu pandemic and World War I. It follows the Bright family as they move to Philadelphia to start a new life running a mortuary. The story is told through alternating first-person perspectives of the family members, exploring the impact of the flu epidemic, the Great War, and the unexpected arrival of a foster son on their lives. The book delves into themes of tragedy, resilience, family dynamics, and historical events, providing a vivid portrayal of life during a tumultuous period.

The Women in the Castle by Jessica Shattuck is a historical novel that explores the lives of three German women who are widows of men involved in a failed plot to assassinate Hitler during World War II. Marianne, an aristocrat, takes in Benita and Ania along with their children, as part of a promise to her husband and a friend who sacrificed their lives in the assassination attempt. The book delves into the daily life under Hitler's regime, the struggles of post-war Germany, and the complexities of human emotions and relationships in the aftermath of war. Through the perspectives of the three women, the author provides a humanistic view of the Germans during WWII, shedding light on the challenges they faced and the choices they made.

The narrative in The Women in the Castle weaves together themes of survival, shame, strength, and adversity as the characters navigate through unimaginable horrors and difficult circumstances. Jessica Shattuck's writing style brings the characters to life, portraying their vulnerabilities, flaws, and resilience amidst the backdrop of a war-torn nation. The story unfolds through flashbacks and shifts in perspectives, gradually revealing the deep secrets and complexities of the characters' lives, creating a captivating and emotionally engaging portrayal of post-war Germany.

Set in London during World War II, "Dear Mrs. Bird" follows the story of Emmeline Lake and her best friend Bunty as they navigate life during the Blitz. Emmy dreams of becoming a war correspondent but ends up as a typist for an advice column in a women's magazine owned by a strict editor, Mrs. Bird. The book captures the courage and resilience of ordinary people during wartime, while also showcasing the heartwarming friendship between Emmy and Bunty. The story is a blend of humor, sadness, and poignancy, offering a glimpse into the challenges and triumphs of life during the WWII Blitz.

Emmy's journey involves secretly responding to rejected letters from Mrs. Bird's column, leading to unforeseen consequences that test her loyalty and determination. The novel beautifully portrays the atmosphere of wartime London, the effects of bombings and air raids, and the unwavering spirit of the English people. Through Emmy's experiences, readers witness themes of friendship, bravery, and healing amidst adversity, making "Dear Mrs. Bird" a courageous and uplifting tale set against the backdrop of WWII.

'The End of War' by David L. Robbins is a historical novel set against the backdrop of the last few months of the war against Hitler's Third Reich. The story follows characters like Ilya, a former Soviet Army major, Lottie, a young cellist in the Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra, and Charley Bandy, an American photographer for LIFE magazine, as they navigate the chaos and destruction of World War II. The author expertly weaves together the lives of these characters with historical events, delivering vivid descriptions of war-torn landscapes and intense human emotions.

Robbins's writing style in 'The End of War' is immersive and detailed, bringing to life both historical and fictional characters with a high degree of realism. The novel provides a deep insight into the psychological and emotional struggles of individuals caught in the midst of war, while also offering a gripping narrative that keeps readers engaged from start to finish.

'Lilac Girls' by Martha Hall Kelly is a historical fiction novel set during World War II, focusing on the experiences of three women - Caroline, a New York socialite involved in humanitarian efforts, Kasia, a Polish teenager caught in the underground resistance, and Herta, a German doctor at the Ravensbruck concentration camp. The story spans from the late 1930s to the late 1950s, intertwining the lives of these women as they navigate the horrors of war, including medical experiments and the aftermath of the conflict.

The narrative alternates between the viewpoints of these three women, providing a rich variety of experiences throughout the war and beyond. The author skillfully weaves together their stories, exploring themes of survival, resilience, and the long-lasting effects of both cruelty and hope on the human spirit. delves into the lesser-known aspects of World War II, shedding light on the Rabbits of Ravensbruck and the atrocities committed during the war, while also touching on the post-war recovery and struggles faced by survivors.

'Last Citadel: A Novel of the Battle of Kursk' by David L. Robbins is a historical fiction novel set during WWII, focusing on the Battle of Kursk. The book delves into the bravery and tenacity of the Russians, the tank battles, and the intricate details of individual characters like tank driver Dimitri Berko and double agent Colonel Abram Breit. The writing style immerses the reader in the history through appealing fictional and some non-fictional characters, taut writing, and a wonderful sense of place.

"The Book of Lost Names" by Kristin Harmel is a World War II historical novel that follows the story of Eva Traube, a Jewish woman who becomes a forger of documents to help Jewish children escape from the Nazis. Set in France during the Nazi occupation, the novel alternates between Eva's experiences in the 1940s and her life as a librarian in Florida in 2005. Eva's journey involves bravery, love, sacrifice, and the preservation of identities through a secret code in "The Book of Lost Names."

The book explores themes of resistance, courage, love, and the power of preserving history amidst the atrocities of war. Through Eva's character, readers witness the strength of ordinary people facing extraordinary circumstances, the importance of forging connections, and the resilience of the human spirit in times of adversity.

"The Tattooist of Auschwitz" by Heather Morris is a powerful and emotional tale set in the Auschwitz concentration camp during World War II. It follows the story of Lale Sokolov, a Slovakian Jew who becomes the camp's tattooist and meets and falls in love with a fellow prisoner named Gita. Despite the horrors of the Holocaust, the book portrays themes of love, hope, survival, and humanity amidst unimaginable circumstances. The writing style is described as modern and easy to read, effectively painting a vivid picture of the atrocities of the Holocaust while showcasing the resilience of the human spirit.