The Keeper of Hidden Books is a story about the power of books to offer hope during the most devastating times.

The Keeper of Hidden Books by Madeline Martin

Genre/Categories/Setting: Historical Fiction, WWII, Books About Books, Libraries, Warsaw (Poland), Friendship, Resistance

*This post contains Amazon affiliate links.

My Summary of The Keeper of Hidden Books:

Welcome to my stop on the Blog Tour for The Keeper of Hidden Books by Madeline Martin. Thanks #NetGalley @htp_books @Hanover_Square for a complimentary e ARC of #TheKeeperOfHiddenBooks upon my request. All opinions are my own.

The Keeper of Hidden Books is inspired by the true story of the underground library in Warsaw, Poland during WWII. Zofia has two important things in her life: her books and her best friend, Janina. As Warsaw is occupied during WWII, books are in danger of being banned and/or destroyed. At great risk, Zofia saves what books she can, continues to meet secretly with her book club, and hides books. Lending saved books to readers and sneaking them into the Ghetto for her best friend are dangerous activities and as the situation becomes more dire, she also participates where she can in the Resistance.

My Thoughts:

The Grinch Can’t Steal the Love of Reading

Just as the Grinch can’t steal the spirit of Christmas, Hitler can’t steal the love of reading from book lovers. Books might be banned, but readers are gong to read. I thought this morning how fitting it is to review this book about books and libraries on #BookLoversDay ! (National Book Lover’s Day)

Reading to Escape

One important reason to read is for escapism. This is never more true than during war! (How many of you read for escapism during the Pandemic?!) Books about the power of literature to offer hope in devastating times and the importance of libraries are addicting! I’m adding The Keeper of Hidden Books to my growing list of books about books and books set in libraries.

War Changes Everything

So much loss in war. In addition to the loss of precious life, people caught in the war put everything on hold to focus on survival and resistance. This could mean loss of educational opportunities, loss of careers, loss of romance, loss of friendships, loss of travel, loss of security, loss of family treasures, loss of brilliant minds and artists, …..and the loss goes on. War changes our entire world. The tragedy and sacrifice can’t be measured.

“The world needs to remember to never take for granted what has been gifted to us through the sacrifice of others: the right to education and leaning, the power and luxury of freedom, and the beauty to appreciate the routine of simple, ordinary life.”

~Zofia, The Keeper of Hidden Books

The Reading Experience

I anticipate a good reading experience when I pick up a book by a trusted author. Even though the content is not easy, Madeline Martin writes well-researched, meaningful, and page-turning historical fiction. Her characters are well-drawn and admirable and her themes are substantial. Themes I appreciate here include friendship, family, sacrifice, taking risks, fighting evil, and the power of books.

Content Consideration: difficult and emotional WWII content

Recommending The Keeper of Hidden Books

Fans of Madeline Martin will definitely be interested in this new release. Also for fans of WWII historical fiction and stories of brave difference-makers. Book clubs might find thoughtful discussion possibilities.

Related: Also by Madeline Martin: The Last Bookshop in London (on my lifetime favs list)

My Rating:  5 Stars

Meet the Author of The Keeper of Hidden Books, Madeline Martin

Madeline Martin is a New York Times, USA Today, and internationally bestselling author of historical fiction and historical romance with books that have been translated into over twenty-five different languages. She lives in sunny Florida with her two daughters (known collectively as the minions), two incredibly spoiled cats and a man so wonderful he’s been dubbed Mr. Awesome. She is a die-hard history lover who will happily lose herself in research any day. When she’s not writing, researching or ‘moming’, you can find her spending time with her family at Disney or sneaking a couple spoonfuls of Nutella while laughing over cat videos. She also loves research and travel, attributing her fascination with history to having spent most of her childhood as an Army brat in Germany. Check out her website for book club visits, reader guides for her historical fiction, upcoming events, book news and more: https://madelinemartin.com

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QOTD:

Is this this new release on your TBR or have you read it?

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Happy Reading Book Buddies!

“Ah, how good it is to be among people who are reading.”
~Rainer Maria Rilke

“I love the world of words, where life and literature connect.”
~Denise J Hughes

“Reading good books ruins you for enjoying bad ones.”
~Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society

“I read because books are a form of transportation, of teaching, and of connection! Books take us to places we’ve never been, they teach us about our world, and they help us to understand human experience.”
~Madeleine Riley, Top Shelf Text

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