Posted on February 20, 2026 by Chat About Books · 2 Comments

The Girl Who Escaped from Auschwitz by Ellie Midwood

The Girl Who Escaped from Auschwitz

by Ellie Midwood

The Girl Who Escaped from Auschwitz is another heart-wrenching read set in one of the most horrific times in history. It is a powerful love story. Fiction, but based on true events.

Mala and Edek are inspirational characters as are others featured throughout the story. Some names I recognised from other books I’ve read about the atrocities these people faced in Auschwitz.

The courage these people demonstrated in the face of such horror will never cease to amaze me. I can’t even begin to imagine living through such an horrendous ordeal.

To have the strength of character to do what Mala and Edek do and what they ultimately end up facing is phenomenally courageous. What others do in support of them even more so, I think.

A compelling, emotional, disturbing, inspirational read with a strong message of hope and a lesson to us all that these books are essential in keeping history, however upsetting and uncomfortable, in the forefront of people’s minds.

I could barely read the epilogue for tears.

** Many thanks to my friend, Brian, for sharing this book with me. I will be adding Ellie Midwood’s other books to my wishlist. **

Millions of people walked through Auschwitz’s gates, but she was the first woman who escaped. This powerful novel is inspired by the true story of Mala Zimetbaum, whose heroism will never be forgotten, and whose fate altered the course of history…

Nobody leaves Auschwitz alive.

Mala, inmate 19880, understood that the moment she stepped off the cattle train into the depths of hell. As an interpreter for the SS, she uses her position to save as many lives as she can, smuggling scraps of bread to those desperate with hunger.

Edward, inmate 531, is a camp veteran and a political prisoner. Though he looks like everyone else, with a shaved head and striped uniform, he’s a fighter in the underground Resistance. And he has an escape plan.

They are locked up for no other sin than simply existing. But when they meet, the dark shadow of Auschwitz is lit by a glimmer of hope. Edward makes Mala believe in the impossible. That despite being surrounded by electric wire, machine guns topping endless watchtowers and searchlights roaming the ground, they will leave this death camp.

A promise is made––they will escape together or they will die together. What follows is one of the greatest love stories in history…

Posted on April 21, 2025 by Chat About Books · 6 Comments

Mother’s Boy by Patrick Gale

Mother’s Boy

by Patrick Gale

Mother’s Boy is another beautifully written novel by Patrick Gale. I was absolutely blown away by A Place Called Winter which was my first experience of this author. I have since added all his books to my TBR list.

Mother’s Boy is based on the true story of poet, Charles Causley. I hadn’t heard of Charles Causley previously (I have now added one of his poetry collections to my Wishlist), but I found his story fascinating. He is an interesting character. One I found quite difficult to warm to initially though, if I’m honest. He’s quite standoffish which seems like an odd thing to say, but I can understand why he is why he is. He lived in a time when he couldn’t be free to be who he really was, without fear of arrest.

After the untimely death of his father at such a young age, it is just him and his mother, Laura. Laura is a very warm character. Resilient, and hardworking, doing whatever she needs to do to provide for her son. I really liked Laura, and my heart went out to her. Charles is desperate to escape Launceston at his first opportunity, which I found sad for Laura, but understandable from the young Charles’ perspective. When another world war looks imminent, he signs up with the Navy as a coder. He’s an intelligent boy with much to offer. Away from his mother and his hometown he feels more able to explore who he really is. This isn’t without caution though. Charles grew on me more as his story progressed and I felt so sad for him in the end.

This is an inspiring character driven story full of love, loss, and sacrifice. A beautiful portrait of a mother and son relationship. A bond unbroken and one which endures.

** I bought the paperback edition of Mother’s Boy on Publication Day, 13^th May 2022 **

Laura, a laundress, meets her young husband when they are both placed in service in Teignmouth in 1914. They have a baby, Charles, but his father returns home from the trenches a damaged man, already ill with the tuberculosis that will soon leave Laura a widow.

As a new war looms, Charles signs up for the navy as a coder. His escape from the tight, gossipy confines of Launceston to a more colourful life in action sees him blossom, as he experiences the possibility of death, and the excitement – even terror – of a love that is as clandestine as his work.

Happy reading!

Posted on January 14, 2025January 15, 2025 by Chat About Books · 3 Comments

#BookLaunch The Fight For Freedom by Stephen Smith #PhilipAstleyProjects #PhilipAstleyCentre #ShowmensGuildofGreatBritain #FunFair #FairgroundHistory

Hi all,

This afternoon my Mum and I attended a very exciting book launch in our hometown of Newcastle-under-Lyme, Staffordshire. The launch was held at the Philip Astley Centre, in our town centre, which was the perfect venue for this book….

The Fight For Freedom by Stephen Smith

There was a reception from 1pm where we enjoyed complimentary coffee and cake before being treated to a fascinating talk from Steve outlining the history and inspiration behind his book.

Speaking of history, for those who don’t already know, Steve Smith was my High School history teacher (and form tutor for my 5 years at Chesterton Community Sports College). We have stayed in touch since and he has always made an effort to attend anything we have invited him to. He attended our wedding reception in 2002! He also came along when we attempted to organise a 20 year school reunion. There were a grand total of 9 of us there, if memory serves, and that includes my husband, Steve, coming with me. Needless to say we didn’t even try for a 30 year reunion, which is a shame really! He also came along to my 40th Birthday drinks, and most recently, Steve’s 50th Birthday celebrations. So, I am so glad I was able to show my support and attend his book launch today 🙂 (Although I didn’t expect to be the only ex-student in attendance!)

The event was very well attended though. Guests included the Mayor of Newcastle-under-Lyme Cllr Barry Panter….

….as well as Showmen, Showpeople, enthusiasts, collectors, authors, historians, and experts from all around the UK. It was great to see a full venue of support for Steve and his passion for this subject. A thoroughly enjoyable event. I look forward to reading the book and learning more.