Lilac Girls

A Novel

Based on a true story of a New York socialite who championed a group of concentration camp survivors known as the Rabbits, this acclaimed debut novel reveals a story of love, redemption, and terrible secrets that were hidden for decades.

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Accolades

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Harrowing . . . Lilac illuminates.
People

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A compelling, page-turning narrative . . . Lilac Girls falls squarely into the groundbreaking category of fiction that re-examines history from a fresh, female point of view. It’s smart, thoughtful and also just an old-fashioned good read.
Fort Worth Star-Telegram

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A powerful story for readers everywhere . . . Martha Hall Kelly has brought readers a firsthand glimpse into one of history’s most frightening memories. A novel that brings to life what these women and many others suffered. . . . I was moved to tears.
San Francisco Book Review

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Extremely moving and memorable . . . This impressive debut should appeal strongly to historical fiction readers and to book clubs that adored Kristin Hannah’s The Nightingale and Anthony Doerr’s All the Light We Cannot See.
Library Journal (Starred Review)

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[A] compelling first novel . . . This is a page-turner demonstrating the tests and triumphs civilians faced during war, complemented by Kelly’s vivid depiction of history and excellent characters.
Publishers Weekly

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Kelly vividly re-creates the world of Ravensbrück.
Kirkus Reviews

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Inspired by actual events and real people, Martha Hall Kelly has woven together the stories of three women during World War II that reveal the bravery, cowardice, and cruelty of those days. This is a part of history—women’s history—that should never be forgotten.
Lisa See, New York Times bestselling author of China Dolls

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A profound, unsettling, and thoroughly captivating look at sisterhood through the dark lens of the Holocaust . .. the best book I've read all year.
Jamie Ford, New York Times bestselling author of Hotel on the Corner of Bitter and Sweet

New York Times Bestseller

National Indie Bestseller

USA Today “New and Noteworthy” Book

LibraryReads Top Ten Pick

Goodreads Choice Awards Finalist for Best Historical Fiction and Best Debut Author

To order signed copies of Martha’s books call her hometown bookstore, The Hickory Stick in Washington, CT (860) 868-0525. They’ll have them winging their way to you in no time.