The Sisterhood of Ravensbrück

‘Alternately chilling and inspiring, Sisterhood takes us into Nazi Germany’s notorious concentration camp for women, Ravensbrück, as a band of captive French partisans struggles to survive and bolster one another against unimaginable cruelty. Olson demonstrates yet again that she is a master not only of deep and difficult research, but also of gripping nonfiction narrative.’

-- Erik Larson, New York Times bestselling author of The Demon of Unrest and In the Garden of the Beasts

‘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

‘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

‘With this remarkable book, Lynne Olson cements her standing as the premier World War II historian of our time. The Sisterhood of Ravensbrück is a searing, soaring account of indomitable courage rising up to defeat unspeakable horror. In defiance of Sartre’s observation that hell is other people, the women of Ravensbrück discovered that in a monstrous place, a true hell on earth, it was precisely other people — other women — who proved essential to sanity and survival. The women cared for one another and ensured no one felt alone or abandoned. Yet after the war, the fierce power of these résistantes was minimised and swept aside. Thanks to Olson’s luminously detailed account — and haunting illustrations secretly made by one inmate — their contribution will never be forgotten again. Against the worst that humans can do, they brought their best. Read this book, and you will find strength and solace and inspiration.’

-- Liza Mundy, author of Code Girls

‘The Sisterhood of Ravensbrück is a book I have been waiting to read. And only Lynne Olsen could do this story justice. Olson reveals this astonishing group of French women who found themselves together in Ravensbrück and in that horrible place formed life lasting profound friendships. Through the horrors of the only concentration camp built for women, together they survived with solidarity and courage. Their quiet heroics are finally getting their due thanks to Olson. We need more books like this one.’

-- Gwen Strauss, author of the Nine: The True Story of a Band of Women Who Survived the Worst of Nazi Germany

‘Agents of the French Resistance find life-lasting, soul-saving, history-changing friendships in an all-female concentration camp … The author’s portrayal of the women’s postwar work, relationships, and notoriety inspires even greater awe at their widespread, ongoing positive impact. Both devastating and galvanising, an account of how the best of humanity can rise to oppose the very worst.’

* Kirkus Revie