THE KEEPER OF HIDDEN BOOK

THE KEEPER OF HIDDEN BOOKS by Madeline Martin

I have read some really great books recently, and this book from Madeline Martin is one of them! A couple of years ago I read Martin's The Last Bookshop in London which was absolutely outstanding. Nestled in the midst of that wonderful story were references to The Count of Monte Cristo, which I did as a book club on here with several of you. It was a long read, but oh was it worth it! Fast forward a bit and I read Martin's The Library Spy, which is really good, but not quite as good as The Last Bookshop in London. That brings us up to present. I just recently finished Martin's The Keeper of Hidden Books, and it is fantastic!

Set in Poland during World War II, The Keeper of Hidden Books follows Hitler's quest to rid the world of many literary works and replace them with his propaganda. Working at the library, Zofia finds herself caught up in the constant incoming orders of lists of books that are to be pulled and trucked out. The books are slated to be destroyed. Surely, there has to be a way to save at least some of these beautiful books, many of which contain Poland's history and heritage. The books aren't the only things that need saving in Poland. Zofia's best friend, Janina, is a Jew and is relocated to a fenced in ghetto area specifically for Jewish people. No one is allowed in to visit, and rumors are flying that people are disappearing. What's keeping Zofia and her friends sane in their upside down world? One spark of light in the midst of all the darkness is their little bookclub devoted to reading books Hitler has marked for destruction, but they must be on guard. If they are found out, it could mean death. Be prepared to recognize several of the titles. Highly Recommend!