The Keeper of Hidden Books by Madeline Martin is set in Warsaw, Poland during the second world war.
It follows the lives of Zofia and Janina, two young girls, best friends, who come of age during the war. They are both lovers of books and become involved in a group fighting to save the culture of their country by hiding important books from the Nazis when they take Warsaw, and start banning and removing books from the libraries. Later, as they get older, and the situation becomes even more dire, they join the resistance to drive the Nazis out of Poland.
This book started out slowly for me, but it really required the set up to show the reader the difference between the lives of the girls before the war, and the effect it had on them when the Nazis arrived in their home town. It also let us see the connection Zofia and Janina had, and how strong their friendship was.
I’m not even sure what to say about this book, it was such an emotional, and intense read. I loved it, but at the same time it was heartbreaking, and I cried several times, so make sure you have a box of tissues beside you before you start.
Thanks to NetGalley and Harlequin Trade Publishing for providing a free copy of this book.
The Keeper of Hidden Books releases on August 1 2023.
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