Karolina's Twins

A Novel

By: Ronald H. Balson

Narrated by: Gabra Zackman

Length: 10 hrs and 10 mins

Publisher's summary

In the tradition of The Nightingale, Sarah's Key, and Lilac Girls, comes a saga inspired by true events of a Holocaust survivor’s quest to return to Poland and fulfill a promise, from Ronald H. Balson, author of the international bestseller Once We Were Brothers.

“Readers who crave more books like Balson’s Once We Were Brothers and Kristin Hannah’s bestselling The Nightingale will be enthralled by Karolina’s Twins.” —Booklist (starred review)

She made a promise in desperation
Now it's time to keep it

Lena Woodward, elegant and poised, has lived a comfortable life among Chicago Society since she immigrated to the US and began a new life at the end of World War II. But now something has resurfaced that Lena cannot ignore: an unfulfilled promise she made long ago that can no longer stay buried.

Driven to renew the quest that still keeps her awake at night, Lena enlists the help of lawyer Catherine Lockhart and private investigator Liam Taggart. Behind Lena’s stoic facade are memories that will no longer be contained. She begins to recount a tale, harkening back to her harrowing past in Nazi-occupied Poland, of the bond she shared with her childhood friend Karolina. Karolina was vivacious and beautiful, athletic and charismatic, and Lena has cherished the memory of their friendship her whole life. But there is something about the story that is unfinished, questions that must be answered about what is true and what is not, and what Lena is willing to risk to uncover the past. Has the real story been hidden these many years? And if so, why?

Two girls, coming of age in a dangerous time, bearers of secrets that only they could share.

Just when you think there could not be anything new to ferret out from World War II comes Karolina's Twins, a spellbinding new novel by the bestselling author of Once We Were Brothers and Saving Sophie. In this richly woven tale of love, survival and resilience during some of the darkest hours, the unbreakable bond between girlhood friends will have consequences into the future and beyond.

©2016 Ronald H. Balson (P)2016 Macmillan Audio

Critic reviews

“Readers who crave more books like Balson’s Once We Were Brothers (2013) and Kristin Hannah’s bestselling The Nightingale (2015) will be enthralled by Karolina’s Twins.” —Booklist (starred review)

“A heartbreaking tale of a mother’s love, friendship, and family in the face of increasingly brutal conditions and the constant threat of imminent death in Nazi-occupied Poland…reminiscent of the author’s first novel Once We Were Brothers…compelling.” —Library Journal

“The third in Balson’s promising series about a husband-and-wife investigation team specializing in Holocaust cases. [Lena Woodward’s] survivor account becomes the main source of suspense, since she is reluctant to reveal the full horror of what she experienced until the end…and [it] does not disappoint.” —Kirkus

I couldn't stop listening

I loved this book. I loved the story and the narrator. I couldn't stop listening.

Amazing

Such a beautiful story of a terrible time. Just amazing. Leaves me wanting to learn more, about these people, about this time. This story is complete, but others may not be...not for ne, not until I read them.

A heartbreaking, beautiful, and unique story!

I loved this story. I could not put it down! It is well written and well spoken!

excellent

karolinas twins is an excellent story, it felt so real. I recommend to read this book.

So many feelings!

This book jumps right into the story line and holds on tight until the last word. Heart wrenching, passionate, and so meaningful. Loved it!

I loved this book

Great story well developed. I love all these books. Balson does a great job of interweaving history and modern times into a great story

Love and Faith Still Conquer

The history, love, and determination. It kept me listening and desiring to know what was to happen next. Enjoyed the couple of twists at the end.

Hard to put down

Loved the story from start to finish. A mother's love is so powerful. Bravo.

Another “Can’t Wait to Hear What Happens Next” book

Ronald Balson knows how to weave a story. A master of researching WW II, his historical novels are gripping. The story’s characters seem so real, the reader becomes emotionally invested. This is the third book of his I’ve completed on Audible, and again I say, “Well done.” Thank you, Mr. Balson, for sharing your talent. I am a fan.

BRAVO BRAVO BRAVO

This story is beautiful in so many ways and so emotional. I am trying to type this through my tears. You must listen. It is a clean well written and precise story of a time in our history that I pray will never be forgotten. To have survived being a Jew in Poland was extraordinary. And to have twins that survived is unheard of. I will be looking for other books narrated by Gabra Zackman. Her voice was perfect. I may have to listen again to the whole story in a day or two. You will NOT be disappointed in taking time for this story.