This book is part of a series by the author, set in Eastern Europe during World War II. It is a novel, but based on some real people, including Irena Sendler, who helped rescue many children in World War II and kept their true identities, buried at the time, so they could later be found and reunited with birth family, if any had survived. This particular book was written in response to requests from readers of The Things We Cannot Say, the author’s previous novel, with some of the same characters. This book focuses on characters who had minor roles in the previous book.

The author did her research thoroughly and has written a powerful story of the plight of Polish Jews, especially in Warsaw, in World War II, and some who had come there from Hungary. One of the two narrators refers to her adoptive family, meaning the family that took her in to protect her, changing her name, but keeping her true identity secret, and having no official adoption papers. Many people also kept their identity as Jews secret, pretending to be Catholics, or helping rescued children learn Catholic beliefs and rituals to help them survive with a new identity.

The opening line of the book is, “The Human Spirit is a miraculous thing. It is the strongest part of us—crushed under pressure, but rarely broken.” That is the essence of the story. It is narrated by two young people, barely in their teens, struggling to help their families, leading adult roles in unimaginable conditions. The story chronicles the horrific events that happened, the ways in which all of the characters dealt with them, and unexpected relationships that developed. It is a riveting story, right to the end, with several aspects of adoption, fostering, forced abandonment, and eventual reunion for some. The reader may find it hard to put down, but it should not be read at night, because it may lead to nightmares! The book also includes questions about the book that could be discussed at book clubs.

The author’s previous novels include The Things We Cannot Say, also set in the Warsaw Ghetto during the Nazi era; and Before We Were Yours, an adoption-related story. She is an excellent writer, with a straightforward style and a compelling narrative. We highly recommend The Warsaw Orphan.