63 pages • 2 hours read
A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.
512
Novel • Fiction
Europe • 1940s
2016
Adult
18+ years
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
369,954 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
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.
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.
369,954 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Paul Rodierre
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.
Rena Rodierre
The beautiful wife of Paul Rodierre, Rena owns a lingerie shop in Paris and faces significant personal challenges during the war.
Leena Rodierre
The daughter of Paul and Rena, who grows up as a child actress and plays a role in reconnecting her father with Caroline.
Roger Fortier
Caroline's supportive boss at the French Consulate, who assists her with her charitable initiatives without offering her a financial salary.
Kasia Bakoski
A brave young woman involved in the underground movement against the Nazis, eventually captured and imprisoned in a concentration camp.
Pietrik Bakoski
Kasia's husband who shares her struggles and blames himself for their capture, working to support her healing post-war.
Halina Bakoski
The young daughter of Kasia and Pietrik, whose name reflects a legacy of family connections and artistic talent.
Luiza Bakoski
Kasia's sister, who faces immense hardships after being captured and enduring medical experiments during the war.
Nadia Watroba
The close friend of Kasia and Pietrik, who finds herself in danger due to her heritage during the Nazi occupation.
Zuzanna Kuzmerick
Kasia's older sister and a medical school graduate, who shows resilience and kindness in the face of adversity.
Halina Kuzmerick
The artistic mother of Kasia and her siblings, who is caught up in the complexities of camp life while trying to protect her daughters.
Herta Oberheuser
A doctor at the Ravensbrück concentration camp, known for her ruthless ambition and involvement in unethical medical practices.
512
Novel • Fiction
Europe • 1940s
2016
Adult
18+ years
Continue your reading experience
Subscribe now to unlock the rest of this Study Guide plus our full library, which features expert-written summaries and analyses of 8,000+ additional titles.