A tale of great enterprise and great fortitude, and of wonderful female solidarity and nobility of spirit, in the bleakest of circumstances.
For decades after World War II, histories of the French Resistance were written almost exclusively by men and largely ignored the contributions of women. Many current overviews of the subject continue to underplay the extent and importance of women’s participation in the Resistance, treating the subject, in the words of one historian, as ‘an anonymous background element in an essentially male story’.
The Sisterhood of Ravensbrück corrects that omission, surveying the bond between four women — Germaine Tillion, Anise Girard, Genevieve de Gaulle, and Jacqueline d’Alincourt — who fought valiantly against Nazi oppression. While the women belonged to different Resistance movements and networks, they were united by a common thread: they were arrested by the Gestapo, underwent merciless interrogations and beatings, were jailed — and, most significantly, survived, if just barely, the hell of Ravensbrück, the only concentration camp designed specifically for women. In an institution designed to dehumanise and kill, the sisterhood maintained their sense of self and joined together to face down death.
Remarkably, in the aftermath of World War II, the women once again joined forces to find a way to transcend the horrors of the war and turn it into something good for themselves and the world. The Sisterhood of Ravensbrück is an illuminating, inspiring account.
‘The Sisterhood of Ravensbrück follows Caroline Ferriday’s beloved French friends, from war-torn Paris to the notorious all-female concentration camp Ravensbrück and beyond. At once heartbreaking and beautifully told, it’s a masterwork of nonfiction, a must-read for anyone who wants more of the incredible true story behind Lilac Girls.’
Martha Hall Kelly, New York Times bestselling author of Lilac Girls
‘Filled with the detailed, comprehensive research Olson is celebrated for, her latest delves into the ingeniousness and fury that drove a band of French female political prisoners to not only survive their time in Ravensbrück, but, once freed, force the rest of the world to take a hard look at the horrors perpetrated by the Germans at a time when so many preferred to “move on.” A stunning achievement.’
Fiona Davis, New York Times bestselling author of The Stolen Queen
View all reviews
‘Once again, Lynne Olson has retrieved for us a remarkable group of women largely obscured by history. Olsen’s portrait of four Frenchwomen of breathtaking courage and resourcefulness comes at a time when we most need such inspiration. This book will lift your spirits and restore your faith in the power of human agency.’
Kati Marton, New York Times bestselling author of Enemies of the People
‘Olson combines meticulous research and accessible storytelling with a deep understanding of hope and the urgent need to tell the world. The result is an intricately woven tale of many lives, and a superb account of the French experience in the women’s concentration camp at Ravensbrück. Riveting, shocking, and beautiful.’
Elizabeth Wein, #1 New York Times bestselling author of Code Name Verity
