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Lilac Girls

Fiction | 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

Character List

Caroline Ferriday

A former Broadway actress, Caroline is a dedicated volunteer at the French Consulate in New York City in 1939, known for her commitment to charitable work and efforts to aid those affected by the war.

A charming French actor performing on Broadway in New York in 1939, who develops a complex relationship with Caroline amidst the backdrop of global conflict.

The beautiful wife of Paul Rodierre, Rena owns a lingerie shop in Paris and faces significant personal challenges during the war.

The daughter of Paul and Rena, who grows up as a child actress and plays a role in reconnecting her father with Caroline.

Caroline's supportive boss at the French Consulate, who assists her with her charitable initiatives without offering her a financial salary.

A brave young woman involved in the underground movement against the Nazis, eventually captured and imprisoned in a concentration camp.

Kasia's husband who shares her struggles and blames himself for their capture, working to support her healing post-war.

The young daughter of Kasia and Pietrik, whose name reflects a legacy of family connections and artistic talent.

Kasia's sister, who faces immense hardships after being captured and enduring medical experiments during the war.

The close friend of Kasia and Pietrik, who finds herself in danger due to her heritage during the Nazi occupation.

Kasia's older sister and a medical school graduate, who shows resilience and kindness in the face of adversity.

The artistic mother of Kasia and her siblings, who is caught up in the complexities of camp life while trying to protect her daughters.

A doctor at the Ravensbrück concentration camp, known for her ruthless ambition and involvement in unethical medical practices.

Book Details
Pages

512

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

Europe • 1940s

Publication Year

2016

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

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