The Woman with the Blue Star: A Novel - book cover
  • Publisher : Park Row; Original edition
  • Published : 04 May 2021
  • Pages : 336
  • ISBN-10 : 0778389383
  • ISBN-13 : 9780778389385
  • Language : English

The Woman with the Blue Star: A Novel

"An emotional novel that you will never forget." -Lisa Scottoline, #1 New York Times bestselling author of Eternal

From the author of The Lost Girls of Paris comes a riveting tale of courage and unlikely friendship during World War II -- Now a New York Times bestsller!

1942. Sadie Gault is eighteen and living with her parents in the Kraków Ghetto during World War II. When the Nazis liquidate the ghetto, Sadie and her pregnant mother are forced to seek refuge in the perilous tunnels beneath the city. One day Sadie looks up through a grate and sees a girl about her own age buying flowers.

Ella Stepanek is an affluent Polish girl living a life of relative ease with her stepmother, who has developed close alliances with the occupying Germans. While on an errand in the market, she catches a glimpse of something moving beneath a grate in the street. Upon closer inspection, she realizes it's a girl hiding.

Ella begins to aid Sadie and the two become close, but as the dangers of the war worsen, their lives are set on a collision course that will test them in the face of overwhelming odds. Inspired by incredible true stories, The Woman with the Blue Star is an unforgettable testament to the power of friendship and the extraordinary strength of the human will to survive.

Highly recommended by Entertainment Weekly, Washington Post, CNN, BookTrib, Goodreads, Betches, AARP, Frolic, SheReads, and more!

Editorial Reviews

"A page-turner." -Washington Post

"Mesmerizing and meticulous… Jenoff creates a rich historical drama from her compelling characters' connection, growth, and perseverance." -Booklist

"This is a heartfelt, emotional tale about human connection, hope, survival, and struggle during one of humanity's darkest moments." -Library Journal

"Pam Jenoff's meticulously researched account of an unlikely and dangerous friendship during WWII is a timely and compelling account of the lengths we go to for the family we are born with, and the family we make for ourselves. It will leave you gasping at the end." -Jodi Picoult, #1 New York Times bestselling author of The Book of Two Ways and A Spark of Light

"Heartfelt and beautifully written… This emotional novel is filled with twists, turns, and displays of bravery and love that you will never forget, culminating in an ending that manages to be both surprising and uplifting at the same time. This is singular historical fiction that you will not be able to put down." -Lisa Scottoline, #1 New York Times bestselling author of Eternal

"As I read this searing story of the Holocaust, I was transported, heart and soul, to a moment in history that still defies comprehension. In Pam Jenoff's sure and sensitive hands, however, this is a story of friendship, love, and hope – hope that transcends even the darkest days of our past. The Woman with the Blue Star is a profoundly moving novel from a writer who is, deservedly, both admired and beloved for the truth, power, and beauty of her work." -Jennifer Robson, New York Times bestselling author of The Gown

"The Woman with the Blue Star is a beautifully written and extraordinarily well-researched story. Pam Jenoff captures the trials and the triumphs of the human spirit during the WW2 era like no one else. This book is a must-read for all historical fiction fans." -Kelly Rimmer, New York Times bestselling author of The Things We Cannot Say

"The Woman with the Blue Star crackles with suspense as this haunting, harrowing tale of love, loss and survival takes us deeper and deeper into the lives of two courageous young women. This is the historic fiction novel Pam Jenoff was born to write, and she does so with passion and authenticity. Readers who loved The Nightingale and The Alice Network will happily follow The Woman with the Blue Star into this new intriguing Eastern European-set landscape." -Mary Kay Andrews, New York Times bestselling author of Hello Summer and

Readers Top Reviews

g steed
Fascinating story but very sad. This was part of that era that I knew nothing about, was inspiration how people could survive those conditions.
Lori b
This item came quickly and it was an amazing read. I’m into WW2 novels based on strong women and thus rocked!!!
Lorraine
Wow what a story. One of the best books I have read about WWII years. The heart wrenching story kept me captivated. So good I bought another copy of the book for a gift.
Tazbeet
This is an incredible story, I finished in in 4 days and just could not put it down, this author was able to keep the suspense all through the book. I most appreciated wondering who was the two people in the beginning and the real twist at the end. I can understand why in May 2021 it is a best seller. Bravo to the author
Krista Kirkland
This book is poorly written and completely overwrought. So much of it, especially the relationship between the two women, is implausible and unbelievable. So much just doesn’t make sense. The Holocaust has its own melodrama; it doesn’t need this phony crap.