After researching my novel Lilac Girls for so long, about socialite Caroline Ferriday and her fight to help a group of Polish survivors of Ravensbruck Concentration Camp, I love seeing new photos of Caroline’s life. I just received permission to use some wonderful ones from her archives in Bethlehem, Ct. Many thanks to Kristin Havill, the site administrator of The Bellamy-Ferriday House and Gardens for helping me with it! I apologize for the blurriness of a few of them.
Photo courtesy of Bellamy-Ferriday House & Garden, Bethlehem, Connecticut, owned and operated by Connecticut Landmarks
Caroline as a young girl on her pony, (above) in the yard behind The Hay, Caroline’s lovely summer home in Bethlehem, Ct. It’s a rare glimpse at how the property once looked before Caroline’s mother Eliza bequeathed one of the barns to the nearby sisters of Regina Laudis who used it to house their exquisite antique Italian creche.
Photo courtesy of Bellamy-Ferriday House & Garden, Bethlehem, Connecticut, owned and operated by Connecticut Landmarks
Young Caroline on her canopy bed
Photo courtesy of Bellamy-Ferriday House & Garden, Bethlehem, Connecticut, owned and operated by Connecticut Landmarks
Caroline working in her incredible garden at The Hay
Photo courtesy of Bellamy-Ferriday House & Garden, Bethlehem, Connecticut, owned and operated by Connecticut Landmarks
This group of photos was taken in 1958 when Caroline helped bring twenty-seven of the Polish women who became known as “The Rabbits” to the U.S. for rehabilitation. The group flew into what is now JFK Airport and four of the women stayed with Caroline. In the photo above, Wladyslawa Karolewska, Maria Kusmierczuk and Jadwiga Dzido-Hassa sing with Caroline, who accompanies them on the guitar.
Photo courtesy of Bellamy-Ferriday House & Garden, Bethlehem, Connecticut, owned and operated by Connecticut Landmarks
Fun in the kitchen
Photo courtesy of Bellamy-Ferriday House & Garden, Bethlehem, Connecticut, owned and operated by Connecticut Landmarks
Wladyslawa Karolewska, Maria Kusmierczuk, Jadwiga Dzido-Hassa and Helena Piasecka celebrate Christmas, especially important to the Catholic “Rabbits.” One of my favorite pictures–it shows how Caroline loved these women so much and they clearly loved her back. Love the little tinseled tree and those big smiles. These photos are from Jadwiga Dzido-Hassa’s (center) personal album.
Photo courtesy of Bellamy-Ferriday House & Garden, Bethlehem, Connecticut, owned and operated by Connecticut Landmarks
Shopping at Merrill Grocery Store in Bethlehem
Photo courtesy of Bellamy-Ferriday House & Garden, Bethlehem, Connecticut, owned and operated by Connecticut Landmarks
Wladyslawa Karolewska, Maria Kusmierczuk and Caroline making the bed at The Hay. Love that wallpaper!
Thanks for your research and writing this historically important book. We must never forget or we will repeat the horrors. As a woman I am particularly thankful for your book. Our history goes unwritten too many times.
You are so welcome, Linda and I wholeheartedly agree!
I just finished reading “Lilac Girls”…..a book that I couldn’t put down. I have emailed all my friends with instructions that they absolutely must read it. I know this will be a book that will haunt me and that I will need to read again and again. Thank you for sharing this incredible story. I have been inspired to learn more about a topic that has been woefully understated. Thank you.
Thank you for your wonderful note, Paula. I’m happy you enjoyed Lilac Girls and thank you so much for spreading the word!!!
I was a teenage girl during the war. We knew terrible things were going on but never this bad. Every young person should read this book. We cannot let this happen again! Very informative book.
Thank you, Martha. I agree wholeheartedly that we should not let this happen again!!!
Mrs. Wilkinson,
I am Austrian, but lived for over 16 years in North Carolina. My parents were, like you, teenagers at this horrible time of our history. We studied a lot about the Second World War, and I have weeped in Mauthausen’s concentration camp as a teenager. This book has opened new levels of shame and disbelief about “us” humans, and what we are capable of…
From my heart, I agree with you for making this amazing book a must read piece for everyone in schools here and abroad. My daughters are only 8 and 10 years old, but I am talking with them about wars and teach them, age appropriately of course, to stand up to lies and not let anyone stereotype them or anyother human on this earth.
Love this book with my entire heart and soul!
What a lovely note. Thank you, Roswitha.
I just finished reading Lilac Girls today…I literally could not put it down. I’ve been researching many of the characters over the past several days while reading the book. Thank you for your beautiful words telling such an important story. The courage these women had. I just cannot even fathom the atrocities they and their loved ones went through, its beyond me. I’ve been beside myself for days. Such courage, love, and strength. It brings me to tears.
Dear Kristy,
I am so glad you reached out, Kristy and thrilled Lilac Girls inspired you to find out more about the true story. My friend Stacey Fitzgerald is shooting a documentary based on the story and should have it completed this spring. I will get the word out when that happens since I know it will be fascinating!
Our book club just finished your novel Lilac Girls and we all loved it. We are a group of women ages, 50s – 70s, and were grateful to read this amazing story about these amazing women. I will be passing mine on to my mother, sister, daughter and friends – such an important incredible story.
I’m so happy your book club enjoyed Lilac Girls, Katie and thank you for spreading the word!!!
I almost skipped over this book, had no interest in ‘girly’ stories or boring World War II ramblings, but grabbed it as the library was closing. What a story I would have missed!!! This is one beautiful, poignant novel that you have written. The words ‘courageous’, ‘brave’, and ‘strong’, don’t begin to describe the women you have introduced to me. Thank you for opening up the stories, sometimes with humor, many times with pain, of these women who were there for each other when the rest of the world had overlooked them. It will be shared with my friends.
I’m so glad the library didn’t close before you got to check Lilac Girls out, Suzie! And thank you for sharing with your friends. But most of all, thank you for your kind words.
I just finished reading Lilac Girls and can’t stop thinking about these very brave women. So many times our stories are never heard. I am bringing this book to our book club next week so we all can read it and discuss it together. Thank you for writing such an outstanding story of love, friendship, strength and bravery.
Dear Paula,
I’m so happy you enjoyed Lilac Girls and thank you for spreading the word to your book club!
I love any novel written about ww2, Lilac Girls was outstanding. Thank you for bringing all the suffering to the written page. More people need to know what happened to those brave women. I have told all my friends about Lilac Girls.
Anxiously awaiting your next book.
Thank you, Diane. I totally agree more people need to know what happened to those brave women and thank you for telling your friends about the book!
All the best,
Martha
Just finished ‘lilac Girls’, and I know I’ll soon be seeing it listed on NY Times best seller list.I read 2-3 books a wk, and I haven’t been this thrilled about a book in a long time.I just loved it! Thank you Martha Kelly for writing this beautiful book, and I hope we will see another book by you before too long .
Dear Susan,
I’m so happy you enjoyed it! It actually hit the NYTimes list the first few weeks it was out in April…so you were right!
xx
Martha
Thank you for sharing this incredible story. I thoroughly enjoyed this novel when I thought that it was simply a fiction novel with historic references. But I have become fascinated with the characters and the history of these heroic characters and their stories.
Thank you for your nice note, Julia. I’m so glad you have been inspired to find out more about the real characters. You may be interested in my Pinterest account (the Lilac Girls thread) since it has so many pictures of the real characters from the book. Also, Stacey Fitzgerald the documentarian is doing a film about the true story story behind Lilac Girls:about The Rabbits of Ravensbruck and how Caroline helped them.
Thank you for bringing to light the story of Caroline Ferriday, and the “Rabbits” of
Ravensbruck. An incredible story, a fascinating read!
I plan to see that our Library has several copies of your book, and will spread
the word to the book clubs that I belong to at this time.
Will look forward to the Documentary. Is their a way to be notified when it
will air?
Dear Suzanne,
I’m so glad you enjoyed Lilac Girls. If you sign up on my website I will send out an email when the documentary is finished. So far it is fascinating–I think you’ll enjoy the true story behind Lilac Girls and hear about the rabbits’ experiences straight from them.
All the best,
Martha
I thought it would take all summer to read Lilac girls. It only took 4 days! I could not put it down. I could not stop thinking about the people in your book. To know that it is based on the lives of actual women who lived through this horrific time and you spent almost as many years researching and writing the book to keep the their remarkable lives alive. Bless you for this gift of women’s strength and belief in survival and sisterhood. It has restored my hope that the present generation of young “selfie” girls may find more purpose in their lives after they read your book. It should be required reading for all 7th grade students- female and male!
THANK YOU!
I can’t wait to visit the Bellamy-Ferriday home and gardens on my next trip to Connecticut. And sign me up now for your next book!
Eleanor B Pella
Gettysburg, PA
Hi Eleanor,
I’m just thrilled that you couldn’t put Lilac Girls down. I think you’ll love Caroline’s house if you decide to go–it’s just lovely. I’m writing the prequel to Lilac Girls now…if you sign up through the popup on the site I will send a progress reports out as the project progresses!
All the best,
Martha
I absolutely loved your book. I am a librarian at a large public library in the south. I have spread the word about your beautiful and informative book. We now have a long waiting list on the book. Congratulations on your debut novel.
Dear Lynn,
I’m so glad you liked Lilac Girls AND that you are spreading the word. Many, many thanks!
xx
Martha
I just finished your book. I couldn’t put it down. Thank you so much for this.
I’m just thrilled that you enjoyed the book, Eileen. You are so welcome!
I couldn’t wait to read this book. The Holocaust has grabbed my attention for a very long time. I cannot get my mind around what people went through – what “people” did to others…..how does this even happen? There is no place to put this.
I also can’t get my head around the “ideas” of a super race………where in God’s name did people ever get such an idea…or when one got that idea he wasn’t laughed out of town?
All the anti-semitism………I just don’t get it. The idea seems absurd and yet from that awful premise all that inhuman obehavior resulted. How can this have happened? Then again in Kosovo?
Are we really that flawed? I prefer to think evil is like a cancer and spreads with NO RATIONAL reason. It is just too big to understand…..so….God bless you for writing the book……..we cannot EVER forget……or it could happen again.
I so agree, Randi. It’s astounding. It’s one of the reasons I’m happiest about people connecting so strongly with the book–so we understand how it all happened and never let antisemitism and isolationism and general uncaring about our fellow humans overcome our culture. Your cancer analogy is spot on. It is scary how easily/quickly it can happen.
Thank you for such a beautifully written book. One of my favorites.
You’re so welcome, Donna!
I have just finished Lilac Girls, and am still trying to grasp the strength and courage all of the women had. Your work beautifully shows how these women were able to not just survive such a horrific time, but to aid in the assistance of others both during and after their return. I pray I would have had the strength and compassion they showed if I would have been in their shoes. Thank you for your research and for bringing to light a side of WWII that I had not understood. Reading your work has inspired me to not only recommend this to my book club, but to read more about the courage these forgotten women had.
Thank you for your lovely comment, Sandy. I agree, I hope I’d have the strength and compassion the women showed, too!
Mrs. Kelly,
It’s hard to put into words how touching and inspiring Lilac Girls has been for me, especially during such a trying time in my life. I have always marveled at the strength of women, and also saddened at how we tear each other down. This gripping story pushes me to be brave and keep putting one foot in front of the other. I now have evidence that something beautiful can grow after an ugly tragedy. Thank you.
I’m so glad you found Lilac Girls touching and inspiring, Kimberly and best of all, found it applied to your own life. So happy that you reached out to share that!
xx
Martha
Ms. Kelly-
I’ve just finished your book Lilac Girls, I could not put it down, I was so happy to read that almost all the characters were based on real people. And to be able to read what became of most of them left me breathless.
I truly enjoyed that you gave Caroline a love interest, I hoped it was true for her, she was a remarkable woman. I can understand why you became so interested in your research.
I hope to visit her home when I visit my hometown in CT. Bravo to you and your amazing book.
Dear Antoinette,
Thank you for reaching out–I’m so glad you like the fact that I gave Caroline a love interest. Paul is based on an actual relationship Caroline had–I changed him as a character to fit the story–but he was a real person. I agree she was a remarkable woman. She certainly deserved to be happy!
xx
Martha
Just finished this incredible book..which is a book club recommendation. .what seemed a long read actually took 3 days.
Thank you for this insightful, beautifully written ,well researched book..and I thought I knew a lot about the holocaust! !!
I have recommended it to EVERYONE I know who READS!
A story and period “never to be forgotten”
Lest we be doomed to ,G-d forbid , repeat it.
Sandy Schur
Dear Sandy,
Wow, three days. You’re a fast reader! So happy you enjoyed the book and thank you for singing Lilac Girls’ praises. I so appreciate it!
All the best,
Martha
I didn’t expect to like this book. I found myself unable to put it down and finished it in about 4 days. Every time I read about WWII I am struck by both the depraved cruelty of the Nazis and the heroism of those who not only survived, but managed (eventually) to move forward. This happened before I was born, although my parents lived through it in the U.S. and much of my mother’s family lived in Belgium and France at the time. My great fear is that this will somehow become marginalized (at best) or forgotten (at worst). I’m committed personally to not letting either one happen. I’m finding the best way to do that is by recommending this book to my children and making sure they know it really happened. Thank you for writing it!
Thank you for reaching out, Diane. I’m happy that you couldn’t put the book down! I share your commitment to making sure these stories are not forgotten and thank you for recommending Lilac Girls to your children.
xx
Martha
Having taught Holocaust Studies to 8th graders for many years, I have read many Young Adult and Adult Holocaust related books. Lilac Girls has become one of my favorites. I spent this entire day researching all side notes I made while reading. I am also planning a fall trip to Bethlehem NY to visit Caroline’s home and gardens. What an angel she was to the women!
I may have missed this point, but are there any of the “Rabbit” women still living?
And I understand this is your first novel. Well, not sure how you are going to follow this book. Your first venture is A+!I shall get the word out not only to my book club but to anybody I know who reads!!!!!
Dear Patricia,
I’m so glad you enjoyed Lilac Girls and happy you’ve been inspired to research the story. How wonderful that you are planning a trip to The Bellamy-Ferriday House! It is such a lovely tour (the guides are amazing and so knowledgable) and it will mean so much, having read the book. Yes, there are four of the so called rabbits living today, all in their 90s. I was lucky to meet two of them at the recent 70th anniversary of the liberation of Ravensbruck and they were the sweetest ladies. Thank you for your kind comment, Patricia and thank you for spreading the word about Lilac Girls!
In anticipation of a 4.5 hour drive to a family wedding last weekend I checked out 4 books on cd from my local library. Three of them were duds…and then there was Lilac Girls. Wow. The miles flew by as I listened to this amazing story come to life. Now I’m hooked. I have reserved the print version, am spreading the word to all who will appreciate this wonderful book, and have already begun to read more about the subject. Especially love the photos. Thanks.
I’m so happy that Lilac Girls kept you good company on your long drive. Isnt the audio version amazing? I listened to it and almost forgot I already knew the story VERY well…cried in some parts–especially Kasia’s. The power of fabulous voice actors! Glad you liked the photos–do you mean those on the website? There are a lot on my Lilac Girls pinterest board as well and I just started a new board for book #2, the Lilac Girls prequel. Its’ working title is Gin Lane and I’ve been pinning clues about what’s in the chapters as I write them. You might find it interesting!
Thank you for your lovely post and for spreading the Lilac Girls word!
I haven’t finished Lilac Girls yet, but would like to be added to any announcements of your future books.
Hi Colleen, On the website is a popup that will allow you to go on the list…I would do it for you but I’m a bit tech challenged! :)
I finished Lilac Girls this morning and could not believe in your author’s note that several of the characters were real people. Caroline Ferriday was amazing. All the characters were so vivid. I am glad Kasia confronted Herta. it helped her find peace. I too will sign up for your next book. I am spreading the word. I belong to two book clubs. I had just finished The Girl From the Train and a friend recommended Lilac Girls. I was enthralled with The Girl from the Train so anyone reading this pick up that book as well. Thank you for an absolutely wonderful book!
You’re the best, Jennifer–thanks for the kind words (and I’m glad, too, that Kasia confronted Herta–it helped her so much!)
I just finished reading Lilac Girls and deeply moved by the story. Loved it! I have been reading up about Caroline and Janina Ivanska and the other beautiful ladies who were victimized by the Nazis. I became emotional too. I found out about Holocaust when I was 14. I am an Indian born in Bangalore. Have read many many books on Holocaust since then. Thank you for writing this so beautifully and capturing the emotions.
Thanks,
Deepa
You are so welcome, Deepa! I am honored that you enjoyed the book, since you have read so widely on the subject. So glad Lilac Girls inspired you to delve deeper into the story!
xx
Martha
I just finished reading Lilac Girls and it was amazing. I had never heard of The Rabbits. I knew people were being experimented on but not to that extent. Growing up we had Polish neighbors who had been in a concentration camp but at the time I was too young to know what that meant. I remember some of what I heard. They were very kind people, both are dead now. This book just goes to show we should never forget, these were real people who suffered. They are real hero’s.
I so agree, Laurie that they were the real heroes! Thank you for your lovely note.
Dear Mrs. Kelly,
I want to thank you for your wonderful book. I couldn’t put it down. When I was young I read many books about WWII and about the horrors of war and concentration camps. I had never heard about the “Rabbits” although I was aware that Germans had done many experiments with war prisoners. I was impressed by how alive you made the story feel but mainly that you used actual people to tell of this story. It is always good to be reminded that such horrors happened and that we should never be complacent about them or forget that any one can be caught in circumstances beyond their control as it happened with those catholic Polish girls.
I’m so glad you enjoyed it, Teresa!
Hello Martha!
I’m not a regular reader of historic novels but read Lilac Girls for a book club. Am I glad I read it! It was a breathtaking story written in a conversational style and kept me riveted!I could not help but feel that I was a part of the story, suffering with the rabbits and later rejoicing with them. Your character depictions are marvelous and descriptions life-like and I’ll forever carry with me the hay field behind the house, the tree where the girls hid messages,the infected legs, and Lady Chatterley.
I’m just trying to finish my first novel…nit a writer at all, yet but books like yours are inspirational!
With thanks,
Vee (Vijaya) Kumari
Thank you, Vee for your wonderful note. I’m so glad you enjoyed the book and best luck with your first novel!
xx
Martha
It’s a shame that when we are slated to learn about these devastating pieces of history, we are not quite mature enough to really take it all in. I know I spent most of my time reading as little of my text books as possible to pass an exam. As an adult, I’ve fallen in love with historical fiction that drives me to dive deeper into the historical context of the story. It’s one thing to write an engrossing story, but it’s quite another to deliver a story that both engages and brings to light people and events that are often passed over in researching the greater context of the time. Thank you for inspiring me to learn more about the characters and events depicted in your deeply moving novel.
You are so welcome, Lindsay!
I listened to your wonderful book and learned so much about these brave Polish women. The narrators made your characters so real. I is one of my top 5 for the year. And I hope to visit Bethlehem, Ct. soon.
I’m so glad you enjoyed the audio book, Althea. Honored to be one of your top five of the year!
Martha, your book is amazing. Just finished the audio version and I still have goosebumps. The story you told is heart wrenching but as we all know this really this really took place and should never be forgotten . Thank you for sharing your wonderful talent!
Cathy
You are so welcome, Cathy. I agree about the audio version– love how the voice actors bring Lilac Girls alive!
Loved, loved Lilac Girls.
Thank you.
So glad you enjoyed it, Christine!
xx
Martha
What an outstanding book should be required reading in all schools. My husband and I where stationed in Germany from 1989-93 and were in Berlin on new years 1989 when we got word the wall was coming down we immediately went there and witnessed the joy of the german people. It was very profound and a changing point in both are lives.We went two more times traveling through easter block countries and bear witness to the horrors that the Polish people went through. I have since read extensibly on both the world wars and was very glad to have read your book that told a very moving and profound story that anybody interested in history should read.
Thank you so much, Shereen. What incredible experiences you’ve had. To see the wall come down must have been incredibly moving. So glad you enjoyed the book, too!
Martha,
Spectacular book. Thank you for all your careful research and for bringing Caroline Ferriday into the public eye, another important part of our “herstory.”
I especially appreciated the author’s note at the end, where you describe the process of how and when you were inspired, leading to the gradual evolution of The Lilac Girls. What an amazing undertaking, treating this subject with the loving devotion that is reflected in every page. I can only imagine how important this phase of your life has been to you. I was touched that your teenage son shared what must have been a profoundly moving trip to Germany, something I have been drawn to do but can’t quite get up the nerve. In years to come I can only imagine what an inspiration you will be for him.
I look forward to your next book.
Thank you, Diana, for your lovely note. Yes, it was such a wonderful trip with my son–we are so much closer as a result and the book is much more meaningful to him. Visiting Germany was a real eye opener and I recommend it highly. Such an educational visit!
I borrowed this book from a friend and have just finished reading it. You could say I am overwhelmed. Your book is especially important because women’s experience in history are seldom recorded. A silent prayer for all the victims of the war and a deep respect for women like Caroline Ferriday.
I wish the world would have learnt its lessons after such a magnanimous human tragedy but it’s sad to see the state of the world spiraling back to the same level. I really hope the human race wakes up before it get to late.
Thanks again for this wonderful book and hope to read some more of your work soon. It is an exceptional debut!
Thank your your lovely note, Anweshaa. I am very happy you enjoyed the book–it’s readers like you that keep me writing!
I, too hope the human race wakes up before it’s too late.
All the best,
Martha
Excellent book. I highly recommend it. I only wish I knew about the Bellamy-Ferriday House while I lived in CT! perhaps one day I will visit. Thank you for writing this book, and bringing Caroline Ferriday and her work to light. I had not known about her. Also, the story of the Ravensbruck women. A good historical novel introduces us to people/events that we may know little or nothing about. Then, once we have heard the story, we are inspired to learn more. Your novel did just that. What remarkable women!
I so agree, Jennifer that these women were remarkable. Even after all these years of researching then I’m still so inspired by them every day. ?
I had no idea that Lilac Girls was a true story until I heard your words at the end of the audio version of your book. Bless you for writing it and making us even more aware of the horrors that went on during those war years. And bless Caroline for all she did for those brave and beautiful women. Words fail me as I try to describe their strength and dignity and spirit; their grace is simply incredible.
Thank you so very much; your writing is lovely and I suspect you are also.
Dear Lee, What beautifully written, heartfelt note. I so appreciate the kind words and I’m pleased to hear you enjoyed the book.
xx
Martha
I just finished listening to Lilac Girls. Thank you for putting the words together to share this story with the world. There are so many people across history who’s plight has never been revealed. Thank you for painting the picture so that we could see what was happening to the poor victims and also for showing us the wonderful people who sacrificed so much to help. And now I will go back to my notes I made to myself and look up the real faces and places you described to us. I will also be recommending this book to all my fellow book lovers! God bless you!
Thank you for reaching out, Xenia. I think you will find the true story behind Lilac Girls fascinating!
Mrs. Hall Kelly, thank you from my heart for writing this amazing book!
I seldomly felt so many different emotions within one book!
I’m so glad you enjoyed it, Roswitha!
I just put down your incredible book; it’s one of the best books I’ve ever read. I had no idea what it was about when I picked it up, just that it came recommended. As a Jewish woman, I was surprised to find this Holocaust perspective seen through the eyes of gentiles, and found this refreshing and horrible at the same time. What went on at the camps is beyond cruel and inhuman. You brought that into reality for us in modern times to learn about and we won’t forget.
The Holocaust has loomed large for me all my life, even though I had no relatives in Europe at the time, and despite being born well after. Speeches, stories, plays, and knowing real survivors have done their job of implanting fear and disgust, and a certain sense of survivor’s guilt. Reading Lilac Girls has affirmed that the evil Germans were out to destroy so many of whom they considered inferior race, even though I rarely heard any stories outside of Jewish ones. Caroline was extraordinary in her work and staunch caring. Thank you for bringing this story to light! And may all evil plans against the innocent be doomed to fail.
I’m so glad Lilac Girls resonated with you, Debbie. I love your passion AND your last line! ?
Amen to that! One more thought…..Hitler didn’t just kill the people of that time. He hurt generations after that, as is evident in the book with the strained relationship between Kasia and her daughter. I’ve seen it with my own eyes, even spilling into the third generation.
Looking forward to anything else you write! ?
Great point, Debbie. So true!
Your book gives our book club much to discuss, to say the least!
Just wondered….Is Paul Rodierre fictitious?
Thanks
Paul is based on a relationship Caroline had but I made up what he looks like. Never saw a picture of the real person!
Thanks for writing this book. And thanks for the explanation in your last paragraphs of Notes on Paul, before he got googled. Very important story.
My pleasure, Hal. I’m so happy you enjoyed and it!
I just finished listening to “Lilac Girls”! It is so well written and so interesting as we continue to learn about the women and girls of WWII. We must not forget what happened during that time. Your notes at the end were really helpful in putting some of the pieces together. Thank you for writing this book and for all of your research. I am definitely spreading the word to all of my friends about your book.
Thank you, Susan!
I just finished your book Lilac GIRLS. I COULD NOT PUT IT DOWN. my name is linda leffel . mothers name Becker . Father Leffel. German FRENCH and Luxenburg decendents. I
I have always felt a deep connection with any history related to WW11 in Europe. y
YOUR book brought to tears. I
I feel a close connection with this story. I probably have ancesters who went through these horrific crimes against humanity.
Just finished reading Lilac Girls. Each of the characters will stay with me for a long time. I am a “war baby” 1943. My father served in England. After the war he went to Regensburg Germany to help with the repatriation. He was a doctor. He never spoke of what he had seen there; now I know why. Your book is a wonderful window into history we must never forget.
Thank you for all your research and writing this
You are so welcome, Ann. I can only imagine the horrors your father saw. No wonder he didn’t want to speak of it.
I have finished to read Lilac Girls!! It is an incredible book! It is inportant translete it to Portuguese ! Im from Brasil and love reading in English , but a so briliant book must be translated to other languages !
So glad you enjoyed it, Ana. It is coming out soon in Portuguese!
Please tell me this wonderful book will be a film!!!
Can’t divulge the details yet, Char, but keep an eye out for news to come. :)
Excellent read, though parts of it were hard. It brings another angle of the horrors of Nazi Germany to life. I do have a question. I read Paul was based on a real person. Was he really married to Rena? Are the letters he wrote to Carolyn real? And if so what were the contents of the letters?
Hi Irene, Yes, Paul was based on a real relationship of Caroline’s but their letters are a product of my imagination.
Hi Martha-
Our book club just finished discussing “The Lilac Girls”. We were so grateful to have learned about this part of history. We had two questions that I wasn’t able to find the answer to. First, what was the working title of the book? Second, was the ring scenario towards the end based on fact, or your imagination? Thanks so much for bringing the story to all of us.
Hi Diana,
The original title of the book was The Rabbits of Ravensbruck and yes, the ring subplot was based on my imagination.So glad you had a good discussion!
Martha
Hi Martha,
I thought you would like this coincidence. My book club in Cheyenne, WY assigned this book. I read voraciously, and several members of my club said that I would love this book. Which I do, but this is not why I’m writing. Do you know Bethlehem, CT? Because you write as if you know it. I grew up in Woodbury, which is the next town over ( as a matter of fact, we share a regional high school) and several of my friends grew up adjacent to the Abbey, of which I’ve visited since I was a young girl in the ’60s. The name Ferriday didn’t ring a bell, but Bellamy certainly did! My grandparents were friends with several of them in Bethlehem. So here I am, now living 1,800 miles away, and my book club recommends your book. Isn’t life strange? A most important book. Never forget.
What a wonderful coincidence, Joan. Lucky you that you grew up in such a lovely area!
I have never been moved so much by a book! I was cheering Kasia at the end when she was finally able to release some of the “demons” of the past. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and could not put it down. It was very hard to read certain parts, but I loved reading how the women took care of each other and even gave the “Rabbits” their numbers to keep them from the firing wall. After finding out that many of the characters were real people, I did as much research as I could to find out more about them. Thank you for telling this story. The only thing I would have liked to know about was what was written in all those letters from Paul to Caroline that she never opened.
I’m so glad you enjoyed it, Kathy. I think if I had it to do over again I might’ve had Caroline read some of his letters!
I just finished reading Lilac Girls, literally. I couldn’t put down. What a compelling story of the courage and heroism of women, especially the Lapins. Thank you for bringing it to light.
You are so welcome, Peggy!
Hi Martha
I just finished Lilac Girls. What a lovely book it is! All of it was familiar stories, but how beautifully you told them! I try my best to get my hands on any information regarding WWII, but this was my first time knowing about the Lapins! And Caroline Ferriday, what a remarkable lady she was ! Thank you for writing about them, bringing their stories to my generation (I’m twenty-three). I hope Lilac Girls gets more recognition, and more people get to know the story of their hardships, theirs determination and their love for life! Thank you for giving us such a precious book! I hope you forgive my bad English as I am not a native speaker. Love from Bangladesh. Can’t wait for Gin Lane! best wishes to you. XOXO
I’m so glad you enjoyed it, Ko. We changed the title of the next book to Lost Roses…can’t wait to share it next spring!