The Rabbit Girls

By: Anna Ellory

Narrated by: Gemma Arterton, Simon Callow

Length: 12 hrs and 22 mins

Publisher's Summary

Audible UK's Debut of the Year 2019

Berlin, 1989. As the wall between East and West falls, Miriam Winter cares for her dying father, Henryk. When he cries out for someone named Frieda - and Miriam discovers an Auschwitz tattoo hidden under his watch strap - Henryk’s secret history begins to unravel.  

Searching for more clues of her father’s past, Miriam finds an inmate uniform from the Ravensbrück women’s camp concealed among her mother’s things. Within its seams are dozens of letters to Henryk written by Frieda. The letters reveal the disturbing truth about the ‘Rabbit Girls’, young women experimented on at the camp. And amid their tales of sacrifice and endurance, Miriam pieces together a love story that has been hidden away in Henryk’s heart for almost 50 years.  

Inspired by these extraordinary women, Miriam strives to break through the walls she has built around herself. Because even in the darkest of times, hope can survive.

©2019 Anna Ellory (P)2019 Audible, Ltd

Great book....

What a surprise! I really enjoyed this audio book! Not a big fan of one of the characters, I wanted to strangle him. Anyone reading or listening to this book won’t be disappointed.

I could not finish this audio book....

......not because the book was not excellent, or the narrator perfect, but because I listen to my audio books while swimming laps, and this was not a book I could listen to in the swimming pool. Although brilliant, the subject matter was far too harrowing for light listening. I was not familiar with the term ''''rabbit girls", although I am very aware of the unspeakable crimes committed against these women. Consequently, I obtained the Kindle Unlimited version and completed the book that way. Enjoyable is not a word I would use to describe this book, it was gut-wrenching, but it was eminently readable, and I would recommend either version to a serious reader.

The rabbit girls

It was good but left some unanswered questions. Great reader though. She did very well with voice characterization.

Dark, Deep, Disturbing

Beautifully written prose that sounds like poetry when spoken by two of the best narrators I have heard on Audible.
I have learned so much from listening to books about the Holocaust. This one, however, I think was the hardest to hear. Perhaps, the subject of mothers and babies falls too close to home for me, but I was glad I saw it through to the end. There were times, quite honestly, that I thought of quitting, and I had to take frequent breaks, but the beautiful, gentle ending made me glad I stayed with it.
Thank you to the author for her deeply researched story, and to the narrators for bringing the characters to life. I will not soon forget.

Horrific

What an incredibly horrific time in history. The narrative was so beautifully done that you are unable to stop listen so you can find out what happened. The historical facts are what makes this so deeply moving. I won’t spoil anything but just did not see it coming. Well done but so moving I’m struck silent.

Beautifully Written, But Not What I Expected

I hate spoilers, so I’m going to do my best to steer clear of any yet still explain how I feel about this book. The writing in this book was beautiful, almost poetic in places, yet nothing like what I expected. When I reread the summary I decided part of my expectations of the book were based more on the title and less on the summary. It plainly states a love story is uncovered. This is much more of a love story and a powerful book about relationships than a book about rabbit girls. But, with a title of Rabbit Girls, I expected much more of their story. I’d never heard of the rabbit girls until I read Lilac Girls. It’s hard to say since I did read Lilac Girls first how much I would have learned about them through this book. Yes, their plight was explained, but more from a broad spectrum and lighter on details. After listening to the author’s interview, I know this was done purposefully. Her explanation for the focus of this book made perfect sense. She seems like a lovely person. I think I’d have given this book 5 stars if the title had been something different. I don’t think the title fits the book. If it’s a beautiful book why is the title a problem? Because I kept waiting for the rabbit girls to become a bigger part of the story and that never happened. Anna Ellory is working on her second book and more than likely, I will read it because she is very talented. The narration was outstanding by both of the narrators.

Strange book

I had a hard time getting into this book but once it focused on WW II, I became interested. I had a difficult time understanding the narrator for Henryk.
3 to 4 hours from the finish, it became a sadistic, scary thriller. Maybe the thriller should be a book of its own in the thriller genre. I gave up when it became weirdo. Sorry

Wonderfully Developed Characters, Very Dark

I knew this book would be an emotionally difficult read, but the quality of the writing, voice narration, and character development made it worth getting through the difficult subject matter. Several amazing character stories all interwoven effortlessly. This writer is beyond her years in talent. Recommend highly, but be ready for some weight in topics explored from the holocaust to modern day domestic violence. Through it all you will leave with hope and the appreciation of love and friendship.

Super good!

The story was just so good!
Not the best title considering the book doesn’t actually delve into the history of the rabbit girls.
Miriam is quite a character! Throughout the story though you can see as she changes and grows a thick skin, which was satisfying.
Anyhow I absolutely loved the narrators! Man I almost cried when listening to this because they did so good at portraying the emotions of the characters.

Amazing

Simon and Gemma did An amazing job at bringing this book to life. However the title does seem a little unfitting, but other than that it was fascinating
Hearing this story and the performance. Miriam’s struggle in being in a very toxic relationship can be very relatable to some women as well as trying to get out of it, it can become difficult no physically but rather mentally. It’s amazing how her character was very well written as well as her growth throughout the story.

Fantastic

I rarely love a book so much that i take the time to review it. I listen to so many, quite a lot I barely get through a few chapters and stop. This book is gripping, raw, sad, courageous, lovely, hard to listen to and happy all at once. I found myself quite literally sat on the edge of my chair mouth open. Silently willing her to just get on and read the next letter!!! I loved how it wasnt a typical ending. Just as you thought you lnew which way it was going, it changed and took you somewhere else. I finished the book feeling I had learnt about suffering more than any other book of the genre. Some things made me so sad i cant ever fully understand the greif that they must have felt. Thank you to the Author for writing such a great book. I cant wait to hear your next one.

If youre on the fence about this book, its that good i would have paid full price for it (rather than a credit).... and thats something I NEVER do. Fantastic

Terrible. Unremittingly depressing.

I kept stopping through this book, it was just too arduous to go on. Then I thought it might get better, but it doesn’t. There is not a chink of happiness anywhere, not even to throw the threads of the depressing stories into relief. I can’t imagine why anyone would want to read this harrowing stuff.

A work of harrowing brilliance.

I have just finished this book and feel bereft and yet relieved to have done so. I feel bereft of the characters and their stories that were so absorbing and inspiring and relieved because the content of the stories were so harrowing at times I could hardly bear to go on and hear more. Knowing that this story had obviously been well researched so that although the characters were fictitious the historical events of the concentration camps were not, made it all the more compelling....I felt a duty to the memory of the women represented here to carry on listening to the very end.
I also had to listen to the end knowing, or hoping at least, that some justice would be done. Not, tragically in the events of the holocaust but with the more present day situation of the character Miriam and her abusive controlling husband. I willed her on to the end, holding my breath and longing for her to take charge of her life. I also longed for her to be heard and understood rather than being judged by other men and her husband's lies believed.
I discovered at the end, in the interviews with the Author and narrators, that this is Anna Ellory's first book!....I am in awe of her and if I ever met her I would tell her that this is MASTERPIECE of LITERATURE and should become one of the most important books in libraries across the World. It reaches to all levels from teens to elderly and if it was made into a film I would not hesitate to see it but with a huge box of tissues and no chocolates!!

Very good but Simon Callow hard to hear

I love Simon Callow but he is so hard to hear in this. You have to turn the volume up and down when it switches from Gemma to Simon and vice versa.

Phenomenal

First quarter builds layer upon layer not quite knowing which way you are being taken as both characters take you on their personal, tragic and brave journeys. Simon Callow gave Henryk life even as he faced death and recounting his experiences during those horrific times.

Gemma Arterton follows suit as the letters and the living memories jump out and drag you back to share in Frieda's experiences.

I cannot believe that this is Anna Ellorys first Novel, genius in its darkness, honesty, and bravery. love can survive the darkest of times indeed.

Fantastic work!

Good story somewhat spoiled by the narration

I listen to audible books in bed and have the sound turned down low. Gemma is very clear but Simon’s volume can be very low and he sometimes mumbles. This spoiled my enjoyment of the book. If you listen whilst driving and can turn the volume up this will not be a problem.

Stunning. Bleak, hopeful and beautifully written and read

This gem of a book tackles the toughest subjects, but with dignity, resilience, and hope. The writing is extraordinary and the performances outstanding.

Loved every word

I loved the descriptive narration the way the narrator bought the book to life. I wish I was only just starting this excellent audio book.

Stunning

What an incredible novel. Utterly gripping, beautifully crafted, wonderful descriptions. Not a wasted word. Brilliantly narrated. Terrific female characters and relationships. Harrowing. Highly recommend.

bleak but totally brilliant

I always avoid books about the holocaust,but this one grabbed me. It is so bleak and sad,especially the chapters in the concentration camps.I was appalled with the domestic violence scenes but was relieved as Miriam became stronger.A gripping read