The Keeper of Hidden Books

Written by Madeline Martin in 2023, The Keeper of Hidden Books is a work of historical fiction that is set in Warsaw, Poland during World War II and follows the protagonist’s development of an underground library in resistance to Nazi occupation. The Keeper of Hidden Books explores the unifying power of literature and the moral complexity of wartime decisions, as well as the value of lasting friendships and shared cultural heritage.

As an internationally bestselling author specializing in historical fiction and historical romance, Madeline Martin is well-known for writing the New York Times bestselling novel, The Last Bookshop in London, which is also set in World War II. She has published over 40 novels, and her works have been translated into 25 different languages. The Keeper of Hidden Books has also been recognized as a 2023 Goodreads Choice Finalist for Best Historical Fiction of 2023.

This guide refers to the 2023 Hanover Square Press paperback edition.

Content Warning: Both the source material and this guide contain descriptions of antisemitism, genocide, and the violence of war.

Plot Summary

In Warsaw, Poland in 1939, Zofia Nowak and her best friend Janina Steinman are high school seniors.