The Winter Orphans

Talk about an absolutely moving, unforgettable, and powerful book based on a true story! The Winter Orphans tells the story of the heroic men and women (Swiss Red Cross volunteers) who worked to save Jewish orphans and the how those children braved the formidable mountain passes in France to save themselves and escape the Nazis.

Synopsis:

Southern France, 1942

In a remote corner of France, Jewish refugee Ella Rosenthal has finally found a safe haven. It has been three years since she and her little sister, Hanni, left their parents to flee Nazi Germany, and they have been pursued and adrift in the chaos of war ever since. Now, they shelter among one hundred other young refugees in a derelict castle overseen by the Swiss Red Cross.

Swiss volunteers Rösli Näf and Anne-Marie Piguet uphold a common mission: to protect children in peril. Rösli, a stubborn and resourceful nurse, directs the colony of Château de la Hille, and has created a thriving community against all odds. Anne-Marie, raised by Swiss foresters, becomes both caretaker and friend to the children, and she vows to do whatever is necessary to keep them safe.

However, when Germany invades southern France, safeguarding Jewish refugees becomes impossible. Château de la Hille faces unrelenting danger, and Rösli and Anne-Marie realize that the only way to protect the eldest of their charges is to smuggle them out of France. Relying on Rösli's fierce will and Anne-Marie's knowledge of secret mountain paths, they plot escape routes through vast Nazi-occupied territory to the distant border. Amid staggering risk, Ella and Hanni embark on a journey that, if successful, could change the course of their lives and grant them a future.

What appealed to you the most in this story?

I just loved this unique angle and how this WWII story was based on real people and events. This made the book much more emotional, because it is steeped in so much truth and humanity. There is heartbreak as you read, but there are also so many moments of strength and triumph.

Was the research well done?

I’ll admit that I went down the Google rabbit hole with this book and researched as much info on the subject as I could after reading. This was a story that I had never heard about before (Swiss Red Cross helping Jewish orphans), Beck did her research for this book and a marvelous job bringing these heroic characters to light. The Author’s Note section at the end detailing her motivations and findings as she researched information for her book made this story even more poignant.

How was the pace?

Slow burn but felt more like a steady pace for reading speed. The three POV in the story kept the book moving along, and it was interesting to see how the events affected each character so differently.

Do you recommend this book?

If you are a fan of historical fiction, then check out this unique and incredible WWII story about strength and the impossible choices of those willing to risk everything to save children in need.

Thank you, UpLit and Berkley Publishing, for this gifted copy in exchange for my honest review.