Light in Hidden Places, The
Cameron, SharonWhen the Germans invade the Polish city of Przemysl during WWII, it is just sixteen-year-old Fusia and her six-year-old sister Helena against the world ... but before long Max Diamant turns up on their doorstep, having escaped from a train heading to a concentration camp. Already close to the Diamant family, Fusia doesn't hesitate to offer refuge to Max, little realising that he will be the first of thirteen people she and Helena will hide in their apartment.
Based on the true story of Polish war heroine Stefania Podgorska and supported with photos and Author's Note, this is a gripping, inspiring and suspenseful story of ordinary people doing remarkable things in the worst of times.
Pages
401
401
Year
2015
2015
Reviews
22-02-2024
Majority felt it was a well-written, easy to read, and moving story of incredible bravery and survival.
23-01-2024
Amazing story. Lots of discussion about what influences people to make choices.
22-01-2024
Compelling yet confronting story of courage, resilience, resourcefulness and integrity. Accessible and easy to read.
11-01-2024
Valuable reading, amazing woman.
24-11-2023
The story leaves one in awe of the courage of ordinary people in extreme difficulties. Very well-written to convey an everyday feel at times - and yet leave one on edge for when it's all going to crash.
03-11-2023
Unanimously loved and praised by group who found it well researched and written with nothing unimportant written about. Some of us were reluctant to read another harrowing war/ Nazi/ Jew story, but it was so much more- full of love, courage, wry humor and a wonderful turn of phrase. We were all in awe of the main character who was resilient, resourceful, and enormously courageous, and it was hard to believe she was a teenager. Interesting to know more about the war from the Polish perspective. Great epilogue at back with photos and follow up on what became of the characters.
30-10-2023
Good to see history told through real, ordinary people. Everyone read it, and in spite of its confronting content, found it a very worthwhile and compelling read. Hard to use 'enjoyable' for a book like this - but it was readable and some commented that they felt they were alongside Fusia... Overall, an important book and an excellent read.
16-08-2023
Definitely pitched at/written for young adults. Good, lightweight story.
13-07-2023
Lovely story.
27-06-2023
We all loved this book and its amazing story of resilience and hope.
26-06-2023
We all loved this book. Most popular one this year. Amazing story and so well-written.
17-04-2023
All enjoyed reading and discussing this book. Everyone had differing viewpoints on the happenings within the book which made it an interesting discussion.
13-03-2023
All in our group considered the book outstanding. At times not an easy read, given the subject matter, but in the end a most worthwhile and satisfying book.
09-01-2023
'The Light in Hidden Places' was appreciated by the majority of the Group. One member felt it was just another war story. However the fact that it was based on a true story gave it a different perspective. The photographs of the main characters, together with their post war stories made it all the more believable. We had a great discussion, and it provided a valuable history lesson. The notes were useful.
17-11-2022
The group all found it easy to read but wouldn't say "enjoyed it" as it was such an horrific story. Some found it really confronting as it showed how cruel humanity can be especially when we hear of what is happening in Ukraine at the moment. It is a history which needs to be told. We were all amazed at how the survivors managed to get their lives together after the war. Definitely a 5.
17-11-2022
A dark book but well-written. Thought provoking. Including photos made the story more real.
08-11-2022
We all enjoyed this book - very informative.
08-11-2022
Excellent book, very well-written.
30-09-2022
Most of us enjoyed the book. We all felt the fear throughout the book. Not a book to read at nighttime as couldn't get to sleep from the stress of the situation.
18-08-2022
Loved it. extraordinary story. Thank you.
03-08-2022
An impressive story. All members were in awe of the courage shown by many of the characters, but most of all Stefania and her sister.
21-07-2022
Stefania was an exceptional woman, as was her young sister Helena. So brave to hide 13 Jews in her attic for so long. Helena showed great perception for a six year old, her cleverness saved them many a time. Stefania's fear was palpable, and Sharon Cameron ( the author) did an excellent job of relaying this. Overall an amazing story. Well worth reading.
18-07-2022
An absorbing and beautifully written book - honest and without detracting from the cruelty and viciousness of the Germans towards the Jewish community. The fact that this is a 'true' story, carefully researched and written as a 'novel' makes it even more powerful yet wonderful. What an amazing young woman Stefania was. We all felt the strength and fear throughout the book. We thoroughly recommend 'The Light in Hidden Places'.
15-06-2022
Very well-written, hard to put down. Stunning story.
27-04-2022
A well-written read, albeit another war story. Very poignant given the Russian/Ukrainian war!
28-02-2022
All members in our group enjoyed this book, though in places it was harrowing, and hard to imagine one person coping with such adversity and staying sane! Gave us more of an insight to Polish history and the issues this country dealt with. Well researched. We enjoyed the writing style of the author.