This is a story of tenacity and hope. It’s a story about standing in the abominable depths of hell and choosing kindness and love instead.  Based on the true story of Auschwitz prisoners, Mala (inmate #19880) and Edek (inmate #531), Midwood masterfully brings to life their unexpected love story as well as their inspirational resistance to their oppressors.  

In a place where death hangs in the air and it’s a crime just to exist, love seems both foreign and unlikely.  Yet Alma and Edek find hope, tenderness, and affection in one another.  Midwood skillfully draws the reader in to this unique and heartbreaking love story.  I became deeply invested in their relationship and its ability to bring them a ray of light in such dark circumstances.   

But this isn’t just a love story.  It’s also a story about self-sacrifice and inspiration.  Hardship can either bring out the best or worst in people.  In this case, we see the very best of Mala and Edek, dedicated to helping others survive and bringing fellow inmates a bit of peace to distract from the surrounding horrors. Their willingness to fight against the oppression became an inspiration throughout camp and catapulted the Underground Resistance’s successes.   It’s one thing to survive hell.  It’s quite another to overcome it. 

Having read Midwood’s previous book, The Violinist of Auschwitz, I was thrilled to see Alma and Zippy woven in to the fabric of Mala’s story.  While the two stories can absolutely be enjoyed separately, it was very gratifying to see the stories intertwine.  

Additionally, I greatly appreciated the Note on History at the end which indicated Midwood’s dedication to maintaining historical accuracy and the depth of research put into this book.  

Mala and Edek’s story deserves to be told.  They bravely defied fate and inspired others.  Midwood has adeptly and beautifully given them voice and honored their lives.

Many thanks to Ellie Midwood, Bookouture, and NetGalley for an advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.