The Light of Days

The Untold Story of Women Resistance Fighters in Hitler's Ghettos

By: Judy Batalion

Narrated by: Mozhan Marno

One of the most important stories of World War II, already optioned by Steven Spielberg for a major motion picture: a spectacular, searing history that brings to light the extraordinary accomplishments of brave Jewish women who became resistance fighters - a group of unknown heroes whose exploits have never been chronicled in full, until now.

Witnesses to the brutal murder of their families and neighbors and the violent destruction of their communities, a cadre of Jewish women in Poland - some still in their teens - helped transform the Jewish youth groups into resistance cells to fight the Nazis. With courage, guile, and nerves of steel, these “ghetto girls” paid off Gestapo guards, hid revolvers in loaves of bread and jars of marmalade, and helped build systems of underground bunkers. They flirted with German soldiers, bribed them with wine, whiskey, and home cooking, used their Aryan looks to seduce them, and shot and killed them. They bombed German train lines and blew up a town’s water supply. They also nursed the sick and taught children.

Yet the exploits of these courageous resistance fighters have remained virtually unknown.

As propulsive and thrilling as Hidden Figures, In the Garden of Beasts, Band of Brothers, and A Train in Winter, The Light of Days at last tells the true story of these incredible women whose courageous yet little-known feats have been eclipsed by time. Judy Batalion - the granddaughter of Polish Holocaust survivors - takes us back to 1939 and introduces us to Renia Kukielka, a weapons smuggler and messenger who risked death traveling across occupied Poland on foot and by train. Joining Renia are other women who served as couriers, armed fighters, intelligence agents, and saboteurs, all who put their lives in mortal danger to carry out their missions. Batalion follows these women through the savage destruction of the ghettos, arrest, and internment in Gestapo prisons and concentration camps, and for a lucky few - like Renia, who orchestrated her own audacious escape from a brutal Nazi jail - into the late 20th century and beyond.

Powerful and inspiring, The Light of Days is an unforgettable true tale of war, the fight for freedom, exceptional bravery, female friendship, and survival in the face of staggering odds.

©2020 Judy Batalion (P)2020 HarperAudio

Hard to even imagine

History should never be forgotten. The author's undertaking of this story is monumental. Heart breaking and comprehensive.

Deeply profound and well written

What an incredible weaving of tales bringing light to these women’s lives during the war. Truly moving. We must always keep the stories of these hero’s alive.

Deepening and contributing to a fuller understanding of the Holocaust

This is an account of how Female ghetto fighters contributed to theGerman resistance
With fierce courage and strength

Inspiring story of brave women

Although I find the market oversatuated with Holocaust books, this is a story that begs to be heard. The general myth that Jews went like sheep to the death camps is just that. This book, while difficult to digest, documents the women who supported the Jewish resistance. My main problem was the reader who mispronounced so many words but her constant incorrect pronunciation of “aliyah” had me longing to throttle her. Doesn’t anyone edit these books?

Finally - visibility given to women in the War

So gripping. Such brave, strong, selfless Jewish women fighting to save their fellow Jews. Atrocities so horrific, it was hard to listen. At times. Can’t imagine living it.

Grateful to have a clearer understanding of the life and death of Jew in WW II.

Best WWll book I gave listened to!

At first I didn’t like that the book wasn’t written in story form. But then as I listened I couldn’t stop. It is factual which makes it very difficult to understand how another human being can be so cruel. I kept placing myself in each of these women’s situations and asked myself…would I have the strength or courage? I could never answer myself. The wars against other people are so horrific. Why is history always repeating itself. Will humans ever learn?

Traumatizing and inspiring!

Really hard to hear some of this true story, but also incredibly inspiring to learn of the heroism of these young Polish women in WW2. Incredibly well researched and written.

Powerful stories with new details and information

The narrative and power of this book brings to light the countless people that risked their lives for their community whose stories are little known worldwide. The stories are unbelievable and the bravery and courage of these women should not be kept quiet.

Everyone should know these women’s name and their stories

Everyone should know these women’s name and their stories. I have never read anything from this perspective on the Holocaust. If you are thinking of reading this, don’t hesitate. Do it.

Good, but..

I enjoyed the details, I didn’t know most of this. But the writing style wasn’t for me, jumped around, too many people. I would have wanted a story, from their point of view. Not so much written like a paper