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The Keeper of Hidden Books

By: Madeline Martin
Narrated by: Saskia Maarleveld
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Publisher's summary

A NATIONAL BESTSELLER—for fans of All the Light We Cannot See and The Tattooist of Auschwitz!

A BookBub Pick for Best Historical Fiction of Summer 2023

A heartwarming story about the power of books to bring us together, inspired by the true story of the underground library in WWII Warsaw, by the New York Times bestselling author of The Last Bookshop in London.

All her life, Zofia has found comfort in two things during times of hardship: books and her best friend, Janina. But no one could have imagined the horrors of the Nazi occupation in Warsaw. As the bombs rain down and Hitler’s forces loot and destroy the city, Zofia finds that now books are also in need of saving.

With the death count rising and persecution intensifying, Zofia jumps to action to save her friend and salvage whatever books she can from the wreckage, hiding them away, and even starting a clandestine book club. She and her dearest friend never surrender their love of reading, even when Janina is forced into the newly formed ghetto.

But the closer Warsaw creeps toward liberation, the more dangerous life becomes for the women and their families – and escape may not be possible for everyone. As the destruction rages around them, Zofia must fight to save her friend and preserve her culture and community using the only weapon they have left - literature.

“Readers will be on the edge of their seats as they are transported…with Madeline Martin's vivid and inspiring characters.” —Kelly Rimmer, author of The Warsaw Orphan

"Madeline Martin immerses us in the expertly rendered and fascinating worlds.” —Natasha Lester, author of The Riviera House

Don't miss Madeline Martin's next heartwarming historical novel,
The Booklover's Library!

Also by Madeline Martin:

  • The Librarian Spy
  • The Last Bookshop in London
©2023 Madeline Martin (P)2023 Harlequin Enterprises, Limited
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What listeners say about The Keeper of Hidden Books

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Outstanding

As a history major in college, this has been one of my favorite historical fictions to date. The relevance of the lessons still resonate today. Well done!

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7 people found this helpful

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If you love books, you’ll appreciate this one

I stumbled onto another one of the author’s books, The Last Little Bookshop in London. I thoroughly enjoyed it so when I found this one I had to listen. It is a beautiful story that takes place around the autrocities of Poland in WW2. It touches on the heartbreak and hope of that dark period. The narrator was perfect and I would recommend this to booklovers everywhere. It shows the strength and resilience of the people of that time.

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4 people found this helpful

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The real story

Perfect story about both the Ghetto and the Warsaw Uprisings. Facts woven seamlessly with the fictional background story characters.
Narrator had a bit of trouble with Polish names accenting the wrong syllable, but that was a minor deterrent.

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1 person found this helpful

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Narration is fantastic

Another incredible story based on the resilience of the Jewish/Polish people during WW2. Definitely worth the listen.

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3 people found this helpful

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Loved

The way in which books were so lovingly and joyfully cherished is in contrast to how we take too much for granted in our lives!

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2 people found this helpful

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Another poignant book by Madeline Martin!

I loved it. It was exactly what I was hoping for as part of the WW2 books about the power of literature.

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Words and tone create full range of reader emotions

After completing this book I felt like I understood the words so much better. For much on the book I shared with my husband that I felt like emotion was lacking FROM the writing. I felt distant from the horrors created by the war ...the starvation and death and complete destruction of life and lives. But then as Zofia's emotions changed so did MY feelings. I feel like the magic of Madeline's writing in this book comes from guiding the reader down the emotional path that Zofia walked by somehow keeping the emotion of war at arms length so as not to be swallowed up by it. And then experiencing the dawning of love after 5 years of was and occupation and allowing the emotion and living of life back into Zofia's world and our hearts right along with her.

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The content just keeps you

As one who loves novels, my heart shattered when the events in the storyline was to destroy someone's life work.
I tell ya, the more I hear of the Era when this happened the more hatred I have for him and those who carried out those orders. All the lives lost and so needlessly. I still hope a time machine is truly built to go back to stop the man from saving Hitler at 7 from drowning.
Great storyline of sheer courage and strength for those who lived it and had the brains and the guts to do what they did.
My heart strings was definitely pulled during this novel for sure.
Great writing, great narration. That teamwork pulls you in and deeply keeps you submerged.
Thank you.

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Excellent Historical Fiction!

The story is well written, has well developed characters and held my interest throughout. The narration was very good. Anyone who loves books and finds value in reading will be amazed by this story set in WWII Warsaw, Poland.

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Captivating

Well written, very vivid felt every emotion. Can’t wait to read her next book. Love the ending.

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