Jennifer Chiaverini

One of BookBub's best historical novels of the year and Oprah magazine's buzziest books of the month. From the New York Times bestselling author of Mrs. Lincoln’s Dressmaker, an enthralling historical saga that recreates the danger, romance, and sacrifice of an era and brings to life one courageous, passionate American—Mildred Fish Harnack—and her circle of women friends who waged a clandestine battle against Hitler in Nazi Berlin. After Wisconsin graduate student Mildred Fish marries brilliant German economist Arvid Harnack, she accompanies him to his German homeland, where a promising future awaits. In the thriving intellectual culture of 1930s Berlin, the newlyweds create a rich new life filled with love, friendships, and rewarding work—but the rise of a malevolent new political faction inexorably changes their fate. As Adolf Hitler and his Nazi Party wield violence and lies to seize power, Mildred, Arvid, and their friends resolve to resist. Mildred gathers intelligence for her American contacts, including Martha Dodd, the vivacious and very modern daughter of the US ambassador. Her German friends, aspiring author Greta Kuckoff and literature student Sara Weitz, risk their lives to collect information from journalists, military officers, and officials within the highest levels of the Nazi regime. For years, Mildred’s network stealthily fights to bring down the Third Reich from within. But when Nazi radio operatives detect an errant Russian signal, the Harnack resistance cell is exposed, with fatal consequences. Inspired by actual events, Resistance Women is an enthralling, unforgettable story of ordinary people determined to resist the rise of evil, sacrificing their own lives and liberty to fight injustice and defend the oppressed.

A Novel

Resistance Women

Caroline Lewicki

An absolutely incredible, inspiring true story. I thoroughly enjoyed all of the women’s perspectives and the way Chiaverini weaves their stories together. This is a novel you should read if you’re a history buff and want a different perspective on WW2 and life in Nazi Germany. The work of the resistance women is often sorely overlooked.

Kayla 

This novel follows 4 different women who were all in Berlin during Hitler’s rise to power. It was so chilling to see how society changed during this period and how people who you thought were your friends could change their opinion of you, based on your nationality or cultural identity, so quickly. .
.
This book was long! And it was pretty slow paced, which I enjoyed. I think this would be ideal to read in the cosy months of the year. I believe that many of the characters in this book are based on real women who were active in the resistance against the fascist regime. .

From the New York Times bestselling author of Mrs. Lincoln’s Dressmaker, an enthralling historical saga that recreates the danger, romance, and sacrifice of an era and brings to life one courageous, passionate American—Mildred Fish Harnack—and her circle of women friends who waged a clandestine battle against Hitler in Nazi Berlin. After Wisconsin graduate student Mildred Fish marries brilliant German economist Arvid Harnack, she accompanies him to his German homeland, where a promising future awaits. In the thriving intellectual culture of 1930s Berlin, the newlyweds create a rich new life filled with love, friendships, and rewarding work—but the rise of a malevolent new political faction inexorably changes their fate. As Adolf Hitler and his Nazi Party wield violence and lies to seize power, Mildred, Arvid, and their friends resolve to resist. Mildred gathers intelligence for her American contacts, including Martha Dodd, the vivacious and very modern daughter of the US ambassador. Her German friends, aspiring author Greta Kuckoff and literature student Sara Weitz, risk their lives to collect information from journalists, military officers, and officials within the highest levels of the Nazi regime. For years, Mildred’s network stealthily fights to bring down the Third Reich from within. But when Nazi radio operatives detect an errant Russian signal, the Harnack resistance cell is exposed, with fatal consequences. Inspired by actual events, Resistance Women is an enthralling, unforgettable story of ordinary people determined to resist the rise of evil, sacrificing their own lives and liberty to fight injustice and defend the oppressed.

Alyssa Jacunski

I enjoyed the beginning and as the book continued, really lost steam. This could be because I had to return it to the library a little more than halfway through and took a couple month break. Picking it back up was difficult. I found myself no longer interest in the characters. It was honestly a pretty forgettable WWII story for me. I really want to love it - but it didn’t happen.

 Bruna Acioly Leão

I learned so many things about WWII with this book and I am really glad to have read it. I have said before I don't like historical fiction or war books, but more cerebral works (and less emotionally exploitative) like this one appeal to me.

Jessica 

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  As always, a copy of this book was provided by the publisher or author in exchange for my honest review. This does not effect my opinion in any way.


How I've never read anything by Jennifer Chiaverini yet is beyond me, but I'm so grateful that I finally read my first. Resistance Women was SO good and so rich with history. This is historically based fiction, inspired by very real events, at its finest. This is the type of novel that sparks something inside. This is the type of novel one won't be able to merely set aside and never think of it again--this one stays with you long after you've closed it.

Jennifer Chiaverini knows how to tell a story that is both real and fictional. It flows freely from every page. It compels you to read further. It leaves you feeling breathless and as if you've just learned something. (Because, well, you have.) Her writing is lush with life and accuracy, making it truly impossible to put down.

If you love history that inspires and ignites from within, Resistance Women should be at the top of your list.

You just can't beat a good historical read and this is one of the best. Resistance Women follows the exact plotline you'd expect from the title: badass women, friendship and resistance. Although it is from a particularly dark and different era than our own, it still feels timely and tied up into where we are currently in terms of political climate.

Nearly every page of Resistance Women feels timeless and the acts of these characters are nothing short of engrossing and brave. These characters develop on page in a way that is refreshingly real and full of so much life. I adored them and their journey. The timeline in which Resistance Women takes place is long and lively, making readers feel as though they are truly living in this story and that is what makes this story all the more special.

When I say this story is can't-miss, I mean it. I couldn't recommend it more. Beautifully written and completely engrossing, Resistance Women will leave its mark on everyone who reads.

Lindsey B

Cat Josephson

Kayla Julien 

Autumn Wolf

Tara Harder

Jennifer Rittall

One of BookBub's best historical novels of the year and Oprah magazine's buzziest books of the month. From the New York Times bestselling author of Mrs. Lincoln's Dressmaker, an enthralling historical saga that recreates the danger, romance, and sacrifice of an era and brings to life one courageous, passionate American--Mildred Fish Harnack--and her circle of women friends who waged a clandestine battle against Hitler in Nazi Berlin. After Wisconsin graduate student Mildred Fish marries brilliant German economist Arvid Harnack, she accompanies him to his German homeland, where a promising future awaits. In the thriving intellectual culture of 1930s Berlin, the newlyweds create a rich new life filled with love, friendships, and rewarding work--but the rise of a malevolent new political faction inexorably changes their fate. As Adolf Hitler and his Nazi Party wield violence and lies to seize power, Mildred, Arvid, and their friends resolve to resist. Mildred gathers intelligence for her American contacts, including Martha Dodd, the vivacious and very modern daughter of the US ambassador. Her German friends, aspiring author Greta Kuckoff and literature student Sara Weitz, risk their lives to collect information from journalists, military officers, and officials within the highest levels of the Nazi regime. For years, Mildred's network stealthily fights to bring down the Third Reich from within. But when Nazi radio operatives detect an errant Russian signal, the Harnack resistance cell is exposed, with fatal consequences. Inspired by actual events, Resistance Women is an enthralling, unforgettable story of ordinary people determined to resist the rise of evil, sacrificing their own lives and liberty to fight injustice and defend the oppressed.

Resistance Women A Novel

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