The Medallion by Cathy Gohlke ~ Review

My Review: 

A compellingly hope-filled heartbreaking story of two couples during WWII, and one child that links their lives inextricably.

Sophie is a British woman living in Poland and working in the library while her husband fights with his country. The war forces her to change her identity, as she is drawn into the events of wartorn Warsaw.

Young Jewish couple Rosa and Itzhak come to Warsaw to care for Rosa's mother, but find themselves trapped there as the birth of their long awaited firstborn draws nearer.

A poignant, heartbreaking read based on true events suffered by thousands in Poland during World War II, this story tells of two families, living mere miles apart in Warsaw as it is torn apart by the war. It also honors the brave men and women, Jew and Gentile who risked their lives to help others, like the courageous Irena Sendler.

In the beginning it took a while to get fully immersed into the book, as it bounces between Sophie, Rosa, and Itzhak. But once the threads slowly started to come together and the stakes were raised, I couldn't put this book down. Ms. Gohlke always writes stunningly real books, well researched, that also cut to the heart, and this one is no different, telling the heartbreaking realities that were faced by many in the Jewish Ghetto and work camps.

There were moments when it was hard to read, because of the reality of the atrocities that thousands of people faced at the hand of other human beings. Yet through it all there was hope, small and flickering, but hope nonetheless. I was inspired by so many of the characters and what they risked, and my heart went out ot both Sophie and Itzhak over the heartbreaking decisions that they faced. Highly recommend this poignant, emotional journey, based loosely on true stories, with characters that will capture your heart.

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

You can buy the book from the publisher's website here: https://www.tyndale.com/p/the-medallion/9781496429667