Description

Inspired by the true story of two sisters who helped Jewish people escape fascist Germany, a powerful, compelling novel of love, courage and sacrifice.

'I adored it... A truly heartrending, stirring, important novel, perfect for anyone who enjoys a cracking good tale' LOUISE MORRISH

Her hands tremble as she tightens her grip on the letter, taking in the familiar script that is scratched into the fading parchment. For more than thirty years, she has carried this testimony - these secrets - with her. It's time her story was told.

1937. As fascism rises across Europe and the threat turns to very real danger for their Jewish friends in Berlin, sisters Josephine and Constance smuggle out possessions to help to finance their friends' new lives as refugees in London - if they make it out. Then, one day, they're asked to rescue something much more precious: a little girl. Her mother, Ilse, has been imprisoned for her journalism and her father, Daniel, knows he must do all he can to protect their child - even if that means letting her go...

1939. When war breaks out, the sisters are tortured by thoughts of those they couldn't save and commit to doing all they can on the Home Front - Jo, at the Ministry of Information, where she becomes part of a network of intelligence workers, and Constance as an air raid warden during the Blitz. Meanwhile in Germany, Ilse is moved to Ravensbrück, where she bands together with other women in the camp to expose the atrocities they face every day. But can Ilse find a way to connect with her daughter?

Praise for Gill Thompson's writing:
'Heartrending. Riveting. Definitely on my list of Ten Best Books of the year' SHARON MAAS
'A stunning tale about courage, and sacrifice that will keep you enthralled' ANDIE NEWTON
'Really brought a lump to my throat. It has stayed with me since finishing it' SUZANNE GOLDRING
'A heartrending story that spans the world' DINEY COSTELOE
'A heartrending story' JANE CORRY