Lilac Girls by Martha Hall Kelly

*** My Review ***

Regardless of how many accounts of the Holocaust, death camps, and concentration camps I encounter, I remain convinced that each story must be told to ensure that it is not forgotten. It is imperative that we bear witness to the atrocities, no matter how challenging they may be to confront.

The Lilac Girls by Martha Hall Kelly is a haunting and beautifully crafted novel that tells the story of three women, whose lives intersect during World War II. The book is a powerful work of historical fiction that explores the horrors of the Holocaust and the resilience of the human spirit in the face of unimaginable tragedy.

In this particular novel, the narrative recounts the events that took place at Ravensbruck, the concentration camp notorious for its grotesque medical experimentation on young Polish women, as seen through the perspectives of three women. The story spans two decades, beginning with Hitler’s invasion of Poland in 1939 and culminating in 1959.

The novel is set in three different locations: New York City, Poland, and Germany, and follows the lives of three women: Caroline Ferriday, Kasia Kuzmerick, and Herta Oberheuser. Caroline is a wealthy socialite living in New York City, who spends her time volunteering at the French consulate and raising funds for charities. Kasia is a young Polish girl who becomes a member of the underground resistance movement after the Germans invade her country. Herta is a German doctor who is recruited by the Nazis to work at Ravensbrück, a concentration camp for women.

The novel opens in 1939, with Caroline attending a party in New York City, where she meets Paul Rodierre, a French actor. Caroline and Paul begin a romance, but their relationship is cut short when the Germans invade France. Caroline devotes herself to helping French refugees, including Paul’s sister, who is pregnant and needs medical attention. Caroline uses her connections to secure a visa for Paul’s sister, and she travels to the United States to give birth.

Meanwhile, in Poland, Kasia and her sister Zuzanna become involved in the underground resistance movement. They are arrested by the Gestapo and sent to Ravensbrück, where they are subjected to brutal medical experiments. Kasia manages to survive the camp and returns to Poland after the war, but she is haunted by the memories of what she endured.

In Germany, Herta is recruited by the Nazis to work at Ravensbrück as a doctor. At first, she is excited about the opportunity to further her career, but she soon realizes the true nature of her work. Herta is responsible for carrying out medical experiments on the prisoners, including injecting them with bacteria and cutting off their limbs. Despite her growing doubts about the morality of her work, Herta continues to carry out her duties until the end of the war.

To begin, I must admit that I was utterly captivated by the intricately woven narratives in this book. Although the subject matter was unsettling and harrowing, particularly with the depiction of the atrocities committed in the concentration camp, the author’s skilled prose compelled me to continue reading despite the difficulty at times. It is truly remarkable to consider that this novel is based on real-life events, and the author’s vivid depiction of these events adds a sense of authenticity and gravity to the narrative.

Furthermore, the author’s writing style was masterful, drawing me in from the very first page and holding my attention until the final words of the Author’s Note. I found it intriguing to read about the author’s personal journey in researching and writing this novel, as detailed in the Author’s Note, which added an additional layer of depth and meaning to the work.

The Lilac Girls is a deeply moving novel that explores the themes of love, loss, and redemption. The novel is written in a lyrical and poetic style that draws the reader into the lives of the characters. Kelly’s writing is both beautiful and haunting, and she does an excellent job of capturing the emotions of the characters.

One of the strengths of the novel is its three-dimensional portrayal of the characters. Each of the three women is complex and multifaceted, with their own unique personalities and motivations. Caroline is a strong and determined woman who uses her privilege and connections to help others. Kasia is a brave and resilient survivor who refuses to give up, even in the face of unimaginable cruelty. Herta is a conflicted and flawed character who is torn between her ambition and her conscience.

The novel also provides a powerful insight into the horrors of the Holocaust. The descriptions of the medical experiments carried out on the prisoners are difficult to read, but they are an important reminder of the atrocities that were committed during World War II. Kelly does not shy away from the brutality of the Holocaust, but she also manages to convey a sense of hope and resilience in the face of tragedy.

What sets this novel apart is its exploration of the aftermath of the war and the fate of the camp survivors. This final section of the book is particularly powerful, depicting the fortitude and resilience of some of the survivors, as well as the courage and kindness of those who aided them.

I had not previously encountered such an in-depth portrayal of the post-war era, and I was deeply moved by the portrayal of strength and perseverance in the face of unimaginable adversity. This novel is a poignant reminder that even amidst the darkest of times, there remains hope for human decency and kindness.

Without any doubt, the book provides a unique perspective on the war, as it tells the stories of three women whose lives intersect in different ways.

Another aspect of the novel that stands out is the importance of friendship and support during difficult times. Caroline, Kasia, and Herta may come from vastly different backgrounds, but they all rely on the support and friendship of others to help them through their struggles.

Caroline’s friendships with her fellow volunteers and Kasia’s bond with her sister are especially heartwarming, and they serve as a reminder of the importance of community and connection.

The Lilac Girls is also a book that will stay with readers long after they finish it. The characters and their experiences are so vividly portrayed that it is difficult to forget them. The book is not only a work of fiction but also a tribute to the real-life women who suffered during the Holocaust.

As I mentioned, the author includes an afterword that provides additional historical context and information about the real-life Caroline Ferriday and the other women who inspired the novel.

Overall, The Lilac Girls is a poignant and memorable novel that should be on everyone’s reading list. It is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and a reminder of the horrors of the Holocaust.

Kelly’s beautiful writing and her three-dimensional portrayal of the characters make the novel an engaging and powerful read. The Lilac Girls is not only a work of historical fiction but also a tribute to the real-life women who survived the atrocities of the Holocaust.