THE MEDALLION by Cathy Gohlke, Post by Winnie Thomas

It was such a delight to meet Cathy Gohlke at CFRR in April. She is such a lovely, charming lady, and I enjoyed chatting with her about her writing and her new book, The Medallion. I loved her enthusiasm for history and storytelling. Just listening to Cathy talk about her research and the premise of the book was fascinating, and I knew I had to read this book. I'm so glad I did! Now I must read all her previous books!

What a poignant, heart-wrenching, but beautifully written and memorable story! I’m having a hard time attempting to put my feelings about this book into words. The cover is captivating, and when I read the description of the book, I knew I had to read it. Cathy Gohlke is an incredibly gifted author. Her writing is clear, concise and flows beautifully. Her exquisite imagery and masterfully crafted characters bring this slice of history, as incredibly tragic and unimaginable as it was, to life. Many of the characters and events are based on real people and happenings during the German invasion and occupancy of Poland in WWII. Man’s inhumanity to man can be unbelievable and is clearly shown in the pages of this book, yet also present are the heroic examples of those who came to the aid of the Jewish people at the peril of their own lives.

Gohlke’s impeccable historical detail is impressive, and I enjoyed the Note to Readers at the back of the book describing the inspiration for the book and some of the people her characters are based on. Even though the story is based on tragic events, there were uplifting messages of faith, courage, and hope woven into it. This book is a compelling, riveting read, and one I won’t soon forget. It’s destined for my “keeper shelf” and will definitely be one of my top reads of the year. I would recommend this to those who enjoy outstanding and memorable historical fiction.

*I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions are my own

BackCover Blurb:

For fans of bestselling World War II fiction like Sarah’s Key and The Nightingale comes an illuminating tale of courage, sacrifice, and survival, about two couples whose lives are ravaged by Hitler’s mad war yet eventually redeemed through the fate of one little girl.

Seemingly overnight, the German blitzkrieg of Warsaw in 1939 turns its streets to a war zone and shatters the life of each citizen—Polish, Jewish, or otherwise. Sophie Kumiega, a British bride working in the city’s library, awaits news of her husband, Janek, recently deployed with the Polish Air Force. Though Sophie is determined that she and the baby in her womb will stay safe, the days ahead will draw her into the plight of those around her, compelling her to help, whatever the danger.

Rosa and Itzhak Dunovich never imagined they would welcome their longed-for first child in the Jewish ghetto, or that they would let anything tear their family apart. But as daily atrocities intensify, Rosa soon faces a terrifying reality: to save their daughter’s life, she must send her into hiding. Her only hope of finding her after the war—if any of them survive—is a medallion she cuts in half and places around her neck.

Inspired by true events of Poland’s darkest days and brightest heroes, The Medallion paints a stunning portrait of war and its aftermath, daring us to believe that when all seems lost, God can make a way forward.

Available in digital ebook, paperback, hardcover and audiobook:

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