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The Keeper of Hidden Books

A Novel

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The Keeper of Hidden Books

By: Madeline Martin
Narrated by: Saskia Maarleveld
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About this listen

 A NATIONAL BESTSELLER—for fans of All the Light We Cannot See and The Tattooist of Auschwitz!

A BookBub Pick for Best Historical Fiction of Summer 2023

A heartwarming story about the power of books to bring us together, inspired by the true story of the underground library in WWII Warsaw, by the New York Times bestselling author of The Last Bookshop in London.

All her life, Zofia has found comfort in two things during times of hardship: books and her best friend, Janina. But no one could have imagined the horrors of the Nazi occupation in Warsaw. As the bombs rain down and Hitler’s forces loot and destroy the city, Zofia finds that now books are also in need of saving.

With the death count rising and persecution intensifying, Zofia jumps to action to save her friend and salvage whatever books she can from the wreckage, hiding them away, and even starting a clandestine book club. She and her dearest friend never surrender their love of reading, even when Janina is forced into the newly formed ghetto.

But the closer Warsaw creeps toward liberation, the more dangerous life becomes for the women and their families – and escape may not be possible for everyone. As the destruction rages around them, Zofia must fight to save her friend and preserve her culture and community using the only weapon they have left - literature.

“Readers will be on the edge of their seats as they are transported…with Madeline Martin's vivid and inspiring characters.” —Kelly Rimmer, author of The Warsaw Orphan

"Madeline Martin immerses us in the expertly rendered and fascinating worlds.” —Natasha Lester, author of The Riviera House

Don't miss Madeline Martin's next heartwarming historical novel, The Booklover's Library!

Also by Madeline Martin:
  • The Librarian Spy
  • The Last Bookshop in London
 20th Century Fiction Friendship Genre Fiction Historical Fiction Literary Fiction Women's Fiction Heartfelt England
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Narration was excellent by Saskia Maarleveld as always, but I felt the story dragged on and I became bored in places with unnecessary padding. I enjoyed the historical elements and the authors notes which talked about real events during the war in Poland.

Lost interest in places.

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Made me feel, think, reflect and set my soul on fire. Such sacrifice, love and honour all bound together

Heartbreaking and Honesty

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Wow, no history lesson I ever had at school could have taught me this! I felt like I had been transported to Warsaw and was observing what was happening during the German occupation, those incredibly strong and brave people who still gave love and kindness for their fellow people. It's heartbreaking to think what human beings could do to one another, and for what, power! Was it really worth having!
I have loved listening to books on World War II since listening to Sebastian Faulks's Charlotte Grey. I have learnt so much and have so much admiration for the bravery and strength of those people, willing to risk everything to save others. I loved the characters of Zofia and Janina and their bravery and resilience. This book has been so well researched and written, and based on true events. I'm in total admiration of Madeline Martin. I have also just listened to The Last Bookshop in London, also a brilliant read! Definitely will read all of Madeline's books now!
Madeline Martin and Saskia Maarleveld, the perfect combination, not just and incredible read but and an incredible experience! Thank you to both of them! And bless all of those who were effected by War. We do not know how lucky we are to live in today's world.

Wow, an Amazing Book, Brilliantly Narrated!

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I loved the different tones to show the diffetence between characters. An insight to the war years in Poland.

Gripping

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A beautifully written ; heart felt , well researched book.

Made all the more wonderful being narrated by Saskia Maarleveld.

An excellent audiobook. Highly recommend

Wonderful Book

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