The Warsaw Orphan

By: Kelly Rimmer

Narrated by: Nancy Peterson, Charlie Thurston

Length: 13 hrs and 16 mins

Publisher's summary

Instant New York Times best seller!

Inspired by the real-life heroine who saved thousands of Jewish children during WWII, The Warsaw Orphan is Kelly Rimmer’s most anticipated novel since her best-selling sensation, The Things We Cannot Say.

“Gripping... This one easily stands on its own.” (Publishers Weekly)

“Heart-stopping.” (Lisa Wingate, number-one New York Times best-seling author)

“A surefire hit.” (Kristin Harmel, number-one New York Times best-selling author)

In the spring of 1942, young Elzbieta Rabinek is aware of the swiftly growing discord just beyond the courtyard of her comfortable Warsaw home. She has no fondness for the Germans who patrol her streets and impose their curfews, but has never given much thought to what goes on behind the walls that contain her Jewish neighbors. She knows all too well about German brutality - and that it's the reason she must conceal her true identity. But in befriending Sara, a nurse who shares her apartment floor, Elzbieta makes a discovery that propels her into a dangerous world of deception and heroism.

Using Sara's credentials to smuggle children out of the ghetto brings Elzbieta face-to-face with the reality of the war behind its walls, and to the plight of the Gorka family, who must make the impossible decision to give up their newborn daughter or watch her starve. For Roman Gorka, this final injustice stirs him to rebellion with a zeal not even his newfound love for Elzbieta can suppress. But his recklessness brings unwanted attention to Sara's cause, unwittingly putting Elzbieta and her family in harm's way until one violent act threatens to destroy their chance at freedom forever.

From Nazi occupation to the threat of a communist regime, The Warsaw Orphan is the unforgettable story of Elzbieta and Roman's perilous attempt to reclaim the love and life they once knew.

©2021 Kelly Rimmer (P)2021 Harlequin Enterprises, Limited

Critic reviews

"Intensely moving.... Bravo, Kelly Rimmer! I’m going to be recommending this book to everyone I know." (Karen Robards, New York Times best-selling author of The Black Swan of Paris)

Loved it!

Kelly Rimmer does it again! So many holding my breath moments, heart beating moments and some moments of joy scattered throughout! If you love historical fiction; don’t miss it. I listened via Audible and i could really feel the characters.

Excellent

This heart wrenching story has unexpected twists that show the strength of the human spirit. The cruelties of WWII were incredible, yet there were miracles to be found. Following the characters’ unimaginable horrors should make us all more appreciative of our freedoms and riches.

Extraordinary

I would have listened for 12 more hours! This book is definitely one of my favorites!
Kelly Rimmer never lets me down!

I love it

I love the detail of this book. Enjoyed listening to it but extremely saddening. I love to know the rest of the story.

Great Book!

I read a lot of historical fiction, mostly about World War II. This was extremely engaging, and it was difficult to discontinue listening to at times!

Absolutely Fantastic

Such an emotional yet beautiful story that shows history, love, and triumph. A reminder of why it is important to remember and be taught history, so that the same mistakes never happen again. Powerful imagery. Love, strength, sacrifice, all written in a way that makes every single word important.

awesome

Very well written and read! I love the way she told the world changing experiences from each character's point of view. I felt as though I was experiencing their pain and joy. I am amazed by the strength of the people who lived through this horrible time in history.

A well written story of sacrifice .

Very well done! It makes one appreciate what good writing can be. It also provides perspective about what difficult times really amounts to.

Dang. Enough said.

Okay I'll write a little bit more. Completely outside of my normal Liane Moriarty books, this was going to be another wonderful one after reading Kelly Rimmer's first book. I learned SO MUCH about the German occupation from this book and the book before it. She really made history come to life for me as a result of reading this. The storyline is fantastic, the performance is excellent, and I just can't recommend this book enough.

But! Read the other book first! This one will become more meaningful if you do.

so good

A beautiful written story about love and survival in the tragic era of WW2. This is but a glimpse of the horror that was survived by families and how love and strength got them though. I'm not a history buff, but these characters kept me listening