Book Review: ‘The Warsaw Orphan’ Is A Great Historical Fiction Novel By Kelly Rimmer

Author Kelly Rimmer has written a great historical fiction novel set in Warsaw during the time of the Germans being in control in 1942 and rounding up the Jews. It’s a great look at the time period and what the people of that city and area had to go through. A great way to kick off the summer with this book.

The Gorka family is Jewish and have are living in the walled off section of Warsaw. There are five members of the family not counting grandparents, cousins and others. Roman is the oldest son and will do anything to keep his family safe. He works and tries to find food, which is scarce, to feed his family and try and keep his baby sister alive. For Elzbieta life is a lot better. She lives in the good part of the city and has an influential uncle. She soon learns that her neighbor Sara is helping out the Jews and wants to be a part of it. It brings her into Roman’s world and soon they are saving his baby sister and have plans to save his little brother. But it’s too late the Germans have been rounding up the Jews and Roman’s family is gone. He becomes close to Elzbieta but his urge to avenge his family and save his city leads him on a dangerous path, even as he and Elzbieta are falling in love. Will their love be able to survive the ravages of war?

You can pick up The Warsaw Orphan in stores on Tuesday, June 1st from Graydon House.