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Martha Hall Kelly

Lilac Girls

Martha Hall KellyFiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 2016

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Book Brief

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Martha Hall Kelly

Lilac Girls

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 2016
Book Details
Pages

512

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

Europe • 1940s

Publication Year

2016

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

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Super Short Summary

Lilac Girls by Martha Hall Kelly follows the lives of three women—Caroline Ferriday, Kasia Kuzmerick, and Herta Oberheuser—during World War II. Caroline, a New York socialite, works for the French Consulate, while Kasia, a Polish teenager, joins the resistance against the Nazis and is later imprisoned in Ravensbrück. Herta, a German medical student, works at the camp performing brutal medical experiments on the prisoners. The story alternates perspectives, exploring the intersecting lives of these women as they navigate the war and its aftermath. Themes include wartime trauma, resilience, and the power of hope and forgiveness. The book includes descriptions of torture, sexual abuse, and medical atrocities.

Emotional

Dark

Inspirational

Suspenseful

Melancholic

Reviews & Readership

4.4

369,954 ratings

86%

Loved it

11%

Mixed feelings

3%

Not a fan

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Review Roundup

Lilac Girls by Martha Hall Kelly has captivated many readers with its compelling narrative and richly developed characters. The novel's vivid historical backdrop and the interwoven stories of three women are highlights, though some critics felt it occasionally leaned on clichéd depictions and predictable plot twists. Overall, it's a moving and informative read.

Who should read this

Who Should Read Lilac Girls?

Readers who enjoy historical fiction with strong, interwoven female narratives will love Martha Hall Kelly's Lilac Girls. Fans of The Nightingale by Kristin Hannah and All the Light We Cannot See by Anthony Doerr will appreciate the intricate WWII era storytelling and emotional depth.

4.4

369,954 ratings

86%

Loved it

11%

Mixed feelings

3%

Not a fan

Book Details
Pages

512

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

Europe • 1940s

Publication Year

2016

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

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