This is a powerful book and one that will stay with me for a very long time. A disturbing account of the atrocities that took place during WW2. A story about friendship, passion and survival. Women who were involved in the resistance movement of occupied France by the Germans; the steps they took to stand up and fight for their country and where it landed them: on a train bound for a concentration camp. All 230 of them. This is a story of the depth of love these women had for each other - how they protected each other during the darkest days when death was at times seconds away. How friendship was what gave these women life; helped them to survive. The darkest days followed by darker ones upon the return of only 49; when happiness became elusive with constant reminders of the horror and loved ones lost; and the debilitating diseases and illness the years in the camp left them with. Survival doesn't always mean happiness; as one survivor stated "to forget would be an act of betrayal". Thank you Caroline Moorehead for writing this. A very factually written book about a real group of French female resistance fighters during WWII. They came together during their initial inmprisoment in Paris. The book tells of their resistance activities, how the were caught by the Nazis and French government, their journey and experience of survival from jails in Paris to Birkenau and Ravensbruck, the liberation and their adjustment to what was left of their lives and families upon their return to France. A testament to the strength of female friendships and survival.
Hard to read. Packed with many names and dates. Second half better than first
—nikcooper
I absolutely loved this book! Amazing stories about amazing courageous women.
—Heavenicole
Book club choice November 2012
—jojo
