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

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.

Amazing story that will touch anyone's heart

this is a third book by Balson that I am listening and love it. want to listen to more. Narrator is great, changes voices dependent on character. This is the first time though I listen through audible; the other times borrowed though library. Audible so far is less user friendly. might be something I need to change Ion settings on my phone though

Wonderful!

Another great book by Mr Balson. He can sure weave a intriguing story. All aspects were outstanding.

Fantastic story

Great story about a time period we all should remember and learn from.I only gave it 4 stars because the previous books in the series had a better voice for Liam other than that it was superb!

new to balson

the twins ordeal will live in my heart, a lifetime just as Ben and Sophie. I am new to the Jewish readings.

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!