Resistance Women

A Novel

By: Jennifer Chiaverini

Narrated by: Saskia Maarleveld

From the New York Times bestselling author of Mrs. Lincoln’s Dressmaker, an enthralling historical saga that recreates the danger, romance, and sacrifice of an era and brings to life one courageous, passionate American—Mildred Fish Harnack—and her circle of women friends who waged a clandestine battle against Hitler in Nazi Berlin.

After Wisconsin graduate student Mildred Fish marries brilliant German economist Arvid Harnack, she accompanies him to his German homeland, where a promising future awaits. In the thriving intellectual culture of 1930s Berlin, the newlyweds create a rich new life filled with love, friendships, and rewarding work—but the rise of a malevolent new political faction inexorably changes their fate.

As Adolf Hitler and his Nazi Party wield violence and lies to seize power, Mildred, Arvid, and their friends resolve to resist. Mildred gathers intelligence for her American contacts, including Martha Dodd, the vivacious and very modern daughter of the US ambassador. Her German friends, aspiring author Greta Kuckoff and literature student Sara Weiss, risk their lives to collect information from journalists, military officers, and officials within the highest levels of the Nazi regime.

For years, Mildred’s network stealthily fights to bring down the Third Reich from within. But when Nazi radio operatives detect an errant Russian signal, the Harnack resistance cell is exposed, with fatal consequences.

Inspired by actual events, Resistance Women is an enthralling, unforgettable story of ordinary people determined to resist the rise of evil, sacrificing their own lives and liberty to fight injustice and defend the oppressed.

This audiobook includes an episode of the Book Club Girl Podcast, featuring an interview with Jennifer Chiaverini about Resistance Women.

Resistance Women

I have listened to many books on WWII, but this one was unique. This book starts before the war starts and sets the scene of what was happening in everyday life in Germany before Hitler came into power. The story then traveled with the characters through short time intervals until the war was over. I have never listened to/read a book that so closely chronicled the history of this war in this way. Yes, it was a bit tedious at times, but it also worked perfectly to help me better understand the flow of this monumental historical event.

What a incredibly insightful, emotional book!

This book was incredibly emotional for me as the granddaughter of someone who lived through Hitler’s regime and married my grandfather (an American Soldier) and eventually immigrated to the US. The heroism of not just the women in this story but everyone that participated in the Resistance, while much of the world sat by and watched the destruction take place, was incredible. There were so many opportunities to stop Hitler over his slow rise to power and it was never done. This book is a must read!!

Excellent Story of Unsung Heroines!

Listening to this novel was not a struggle. The research and perfectly written prose were a joy to listen to. Miss Chiaverini is a very talented writer whose stories I have read in the past and plan to read more in the future.

Historical realities of the time

This was a well written and read story about prominent members in the Resistance to Nazi Fascism in pre WWII and WWII Germany. It gave me a better understanding of the events that led to the rise of Hitler and how totalitarianism took hold of the country and other parts of Europe. I appreciated an insiders perspective of Germany from the lives of these courageous individuals and learning about the challenges and horrors they faced. It’s too easy to think that something like this would never happen again. In reality, however, if we don’t understand and learn from horrific events from our past, we may indeed be doomed to repeat it. I highly recommend this historical fiction work because it brought history to life, helps to explain the mistakes made that led to the horrors of the time, and honors the lives of those who challenged fascism.

Another Amazing Book

I absolutely loved it! Every book by Jennifer Chiaverini is so well told. The stories, the characters, the narrative. This one did not disappoint. Can’t wait to see what she does next.