The story is mostly set in Poland during the WWII and deals with friendship in adversity. There is some antisemitism and violence, but there is little in the way of day-to-day struggles or Holocaust horrors. There is actually not much action over the course of the story, which follows 2 female characters (and their families) for around 30 years. Unfortunately, I did not connect with either woman, and the ending was predictable and felt abrupt. I found the book long and slow-going, and heavy in dialogue. It had the same level of detail and the uneven pacing that I see in sagas, (which I don’t have the patience for reading!) On the plus side, I appreciate that one of the main characters was deaf, (which I expect is an under-represented population in fiction).
I won a free copy of this book (thanks to the author & publisher!) and am voluntarily providing an honest review. ( )

Zofia and Aanya became friends when they were young in Brzeziny, Poland. They were totally different - Zofia was a Catholic and Aanya was Jewish and deaf. Despite their differences , they remained best friends. Zofia learns to use sign language and they communicate through sign language and written notes. In 1939, the threat of war is looming closer. Zofia is married and has a small son. Her husband has disappeared and she has no idea if he is in a German camp or part of the resistance. He very firmly told her before he disappeared, that she needed to take their son and go to America where he had a cousin who was willing to take her in. Aanya lives near her friend with her mother and is studying to be doctor. When the hatred begins to grow, both women are targeted -- Aanya for being Jewish and Zofia for being a friend of a Jewish person. As the war and the violence invade their small town, their friendship is put to the test. Will they remain friends, will Zofia be able to leave for the US or will the borders be closed before she can fulfill her husband's wishes?

Zofia and Aanya's friendship is so beautiful and is really the entire back bone of the story. Both characters are well written and believable. They both treasure their homes and families and are desperate not to lose them but the war made huge changes in their lives. Will either of them survive the war to continue their friendship in a safer world?

Be sure to read the author's notes at the end of the book. This story was inspired by the author’s paternal heritage from Poland. This is a heartbreaking yet beautiful story of two women who are determined to remain united in friendship and to live freely despite the odds.

This is the first book in a planned trilogy. I can't wait to read the new books and be taken back into the world that Elaine Stock creates for her readers that is full of friendship and love despite the hardships going on in the world.. ( )