Lilac Girls

by Martha Hall Kelly

Book Overview

NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER - One million copies sold! Inspired by the life of a real World War II heroine, this remarkable debut novel reveals the power of unsung women to change history in their quest for love, freedom, and second chances.

"Extremely moving and memorable . . . This impressive debut should appeal strongly to historical fiction readers and to book clubs that adored Kristin Hannah's The Nightingale and...

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1101883073
• ISBN13: 9781101883075
• Release Date: April 2016
• Publisher: Ballantine Books
• Length: 496 Pages
• Weight: 1.76 lbs.
• Dimensions: 1.6" x 6.6" x 9.5"

Customer Reviews

Chick-lit when expecting Historical Fiction.

There are not enough stars for all the people who suffered and died during this outrageous time in our history. Caroline Ferriday should receive 3 stars for helping 35 of the Ravensbruck Rabbits get treatment after the war. And I thank Martha Hall Kelly for bringing the Ravensbruck Rabbits to my attention. I had not heard about them before. But I did not enjoy this book. It felt too much like Chick-lit when I was expecting Historical Fiction. The romance between Caroline Ferriday and Paul Rodierre is completely fiction and non-essential to the story. Also, too much time was spent of describing the fashion of the day while the horrors of the war were taking place. Totally unacceptable. Why did Doctor Herta Oberhauser go from an idealistic doctor to a monster in the blink of an eye? I wanted to know how she changed so quickly. Once again, I thank the author for bringing the horrors of the Ravensbruck Rabbits to my attention.

Boring

I read about seven chapters and could easily put this book down and in the "donate" pile.

One of the best books I have ever read

Beautifully written. I could not put it down.

Vivid Historical Fiction

I really enjoyed reading this book at the library so getting my 99 y o mom who lived thru this time a large print copy & my sis who turned me on to historical fiction her own copy too. It’s a believable account of 3 different tho interconnected women trying to make sense of their slice of a topsy-turvy time. Fans of this author or other hist fiction writers won’t be disappointed.

Another disappointing book

Another disappointing book by the same author. Thought these books would show the survival of people from this era. I will never know. I didn't get past the first page that had profanities. Not sure why authors feel the need to use curse words in a book. There is no need. I later learned these books are "novels" which to me sends the message its out of the authors mind, not true facts.

I can’t praise this book enough!

With this book Martha Hall Kelly quickly became my new favorite author. I cannot recommend her books more. Absolutely mesmerizing. The good, the bad, the ugly, all of it she writes so beautifully. Read this book!!!

Couldn't put it down!

Absolutely loved this book. Wonderfully written and easily read. Three stories about different viewpoints of world war 2 and the aftermath.

Not easy but a very good read

A very difficult subject but part of our history. Not an easy read but well worth the time.

I love historical fiction, especially relating to WWII. This book is amazingly written and a fast, easy read. You will get wrapped up in the story and the characters. Get ready for a book that you cannot put down!

Moving and haunting

This book is written beautifully and tells the horrors of WWII, courage, tenacity and strength of its characters. Based on real life survivors, its haunting to learn what they endured but survived as well.

I loved The Nightingale by Kristin Hannah, I typically like historical fiction-- so I thought I would try this book, it was a great read and I highly recommend giving it a go.