THE WINTER CHILD

MY THOUGHTS:

Poland, 1943, World War II rages on across Europe.  People take on horrible jobs so that they can provide for their families.  They don’t have a choice.  Irena serves cocktails in the local hotel, to the Nazis that visit often.  Trying to not get noticed by any of the German’s is not easy.  And then when she catches the eye of Richter who is a member of the Gestapo, she knows her life will never be the same.  Her worst fear comes true when she becomes pregnant.  She goes into hiding and knows she must do everything possible to keep her baby safe.  But, Richter is a high ranking officer and it is impossible for Irena to keep her baby a secret.  When she gives birth, the baby is taken from her.  Argentina, 1994 Irena’s husband passes away and she decides to return to Poland, her mission is to avenge her son that was taken from her all those years ago.

The Winter Child written by Carly Schabowski is a phenomenal and heartbreaking story.  There aren’t many storylines like this in the Historical Fiction genre.  This amazing story includes a dual timeline which is a favorite of mine.  I always love stories of history and present day, because they teach historical events and then at the flip of the page, fast forward you to current events.  Schabowski does it again, with a heartfelt, emotional and unputdownable story that will leave you in tears.  This is an absolute must read for every historical fiction fan and I highly recommend it.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Rating: 5 out of 5.

DESCRIPTION:

THE WINTER CHILD

Author: Carly Schabowski

Publisher:  Bookouture 
Publication Date: May 16, 2024
Pages: 314 
Buy on Amazon

‘Please don’t do this!’ Irena’s shrill cry pierces the night air, her screams breaking the silence of the falling snow. But the man she calls to does not turn, vanishing into the darkness with a child clasped in his arms…

Poland, 1943: Every day, Irena is terrified as she serves the Nazis who drink in her town’s hotel. But with war raging, she has little choice if she is to support her family. She just prays she won’t catch the eye of any of the officers who have invaded her country. If she does, the consequences are unthinkable…

More than anyone she fears Richter, a member of the Gestapo with a reputation as frightening as his vicious smile. Each time she glimpses him across the room, her blood runs cold. But her family must eat, and so she must face her fears each day.

But when Irena is told she must serve Richter personally, she knows she will no longer be able to hide. Trembling, she approaches his table. And when his cold gaze finally settles on her, she realizes that her fate has already been sealed.

When Irena’s worst fears come true and she bears a child, her baby is a small glimmer of hope in an otherwise dark world. But when the baby is taken from her one winter night, she swears that she will stop at nothing to avenge her child’s life…

But is Irena prepared for revenge to cost her everything? And even if she is, will she recover from the truth she is about to uncover?

ABOUT CARLY SCHABOWSKI

Carly Schabowski worked as a journalist in both North   Cyprus and Australia before returning to Oxford, where she studied for an MA and then a PhD in creative writing at Oxford Brookes University. Carly now teaches at Oxford Brookes University as an associate lecturer in Creative Writing for first and second-year English literature students.

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