Inspirational author Amanda Barrett's latest book, The Warsaw Sisters shines a light on an oft-forgotten corner of World War II Poland, and the true stories of ordinary individuals who fought to preserve freedom and humanity in the darkest of times.

Hi, I'm your host Jenny Wheeler, and today on Binge Reading, Amanda talks about how she excavates the forgotten fragments of history in her books and why she loves the enduring power of story.

The Warsaw Sisters tells of two women fighting against the darkness engulfing their homeland, one by entering a daring network of women sheltering Jewish children, and the other by joining the ranks of Poland's Secret Army, the Polish version of the Resistance.

As Warsaw buckles under German oppression, they must rely on the courage of ordinary people - so-called ordinary people - to resist the power of the state.

Binge Reading Thriller Giveaway

Free Books - THRILLERS R US - Mystery and Thriller Lucky Dip

Our Giveaway this week is Thrillers R Us an opportunity to get free books from a wide -ranging selection of mysteries and thrillers from many authors, including my own book, Sadie’s Vow, a San Francisco Mystery set in the mid- 19th century.

 You'll find the links for downloads for these free books in the show notes for this episode on the website, www.thejoysofbinge reading.com.

Buy me a coffee and defray production costs

And before we get to Amanda, just a reminder you can help to defray the cost of production of this episode by buying me a cup of coffee on Buymeacoffee.com/jennywheelx.

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Events and books mentioned in this episode

The Warsaw Sisters Playlist:

https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLWyLFWfMD6nXlZrylX1eMw-SbKHz7t05P

Irena Sendler – Polish humanitarian https://irenasendler.org/

Warsaw Uprising:  https://encyclopedia.ushmm.org/content/en/article/the-warsaw-polish-uprising

Polish Resistance: https://polandatwartours.com/unsung-heroes-the-brave-men-and-women-of-the-polish-resistance-during-ww2/

Dietrich Bonhoffeur’s fiancée, Maria Von Wedemeyer/

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Maria_von_Wedemeyer_Weller

Treblinka: - the concentration camp where many Warsaw Jews died.

https://encyclopedia.ushmm.org/content/en/article/treblinka

Sophie Scholl: ( From The White Rose Resists,) https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-57008360

Amanda's books mentioned in this show:

Within These Walls of Sorrow: https://amandabarratt.net/within-these-walls-of-sorrow/

The White Rose Resists; https://amandabarratt.net/the-white-rose-resists-a-novel-of-the-german-students-who-defied-hitler/

My Dearest Dietrich: https://amandabarratt.net/my-dearest-dietrich-a-novel-of-dietrich-bonhoeffers-lost-love/

Books Amanda is reading:

Kristen Hannah, The Women, https://kristinhannah.com/books/the-women/

Jennifer L. Wright, The Girl From The Papers, (A Bonnie and Clyde story - to be released in August.)

https://jennwrightwrites.com/the-girl-from-the-papers

Where to find Amanda Barratt on line

Website: https://amandabarratt.net/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/amandabarrattauthor/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AmandaBarrattAuthor/

Introducing inspirational author Amanda Barratt

Amanda Barratt - inspirational historical fiction

Jenny Wheeler: But now here's Amanda. Hello there, Amanda, and welcome to the show. It's great to have you with us.

Amanda Barratt: Thank you so much. It is such a joy to be here.

Jenny Wheeler: We're talking about The Warsaw Sisters today. You've got a real track record with inspirational historical fiction. The Warsaw Sisters is set in Warsaw during the Second World War, as the ghetto is being set up, that notorious ghetto,