Minnie's Fiction Addiction

👀 First impressions:
The Nine by Gwen Strauss tells the extraordinary true story of nine women who escaped a German labor camp in the final days of World War II. These women, mostly French resistance fighters, were captured, deported, and endured unimaginable hardship before banding together to make their daring escape across war-torn Europe. Strauss, who is the niece of one of the women, blends meticulous historical research with a deeply personal connection, creating a narrative that feels both intimate and epic. From the opening pages, the book’s tone is reverent and reflective, with a storyteller’s eye for humanity amid horror.

✅ What I Liked:
The strength of The Nine lies in its blend of history and heart. Strauss brings each woman to life, giving them distinct personalities, quirks, and voices that cut through the statistics and dates. Her prose is beautiful without ever romanticising suffering, and she captures the women’s resilience with quiet grace. The level of research is astounding, every step of their journey feels tangible, from the freezing nights to the moments of shared laughter that sustained them. The inclusion of family archives and letters gives the book a rare authenticity, and it’s impossible not to be moved by the bond between these women.

❎ What I didn’t Like:
While the book is compelling, it can sometimes feel fragmented, shifting between the escape narrative and historical context in ways that interrupt the emotional flow. At times, I found myself wanting to linger longer with the women themselves rather than moving through broader political explanations. The timeline can also be dense, making it occasionally difficult to track each woman’s individual story amid the larger wartime chaos.

📚 Why You Should Read This Book:
If you’re drawn to stories of courage, solidarity, and survival, particularly those spotlighting women whose bravery has been overlooked, this is essential reading. It’s perfect for readers of The Tattooist of Auschwitz or The Lilac Girls, but it stands apart in its focus on collective strength rather than individual heroism. It’s also an invaluable work of history that preserves voices that might otherwise have been forgotten.

💭 Final Thoughts:
The Nine is both devastating and uplifting, a meticulously researched account that never loses sight of the human spirit at its core. Gwen Strauss has done something remarkable: she’s turned the story of her aunt and her companions into a timeless reminder of endurance, friendship, and the will to survive against all odds.

🛍️ Where to buy
To buy your own copy click HERE or HERE

Final Rating ★★★★ – A powerful, harrowing testament to courage