This was the opportunity for these women to tell their story…it’s so necessary to continue to bear witness. If only the writing didnt detract from the narrative at times. I think the author was trying to use as many references as she could while creating an origin story for the main women, but in doing so, her writing often broke the cardinal rule of trying to place bias rather than allowing the reader to infer.

The extent of my knowledge on the Holocaust comes from my high school and collage education, along with the tv specials and documentaries I've sought out in my later years. I've never delved into it really, as the majority of my interests lie in ancient and medieval history. But when this book came up as a suggestion on Goodreads, I figured now would be as good a time as any to learn more (especially given that it was just the 75th anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz). I am fascinated and inspired by women's stories, by survivor's stories. Heather Macadam has done a fantastic job of recounting these women's experiences.

This book was so moving and personal. There is always more to learn about the Holocaust, and through this book I learned a significant amount. The testimonies and stories of those who survived and didn’t is inspiring.

"Life might be fleeting but it was still life"

Extraordinary is the correct description. These young girls were there the first and last days of the death camp. It is a remarkable story of how institutions and systems were intentionally used against children. The trust that created the betrayal is heartbreaking to read and must be read.