63 pages • 2 hours read
Martha Hall KellyLilac Girls
Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 2016A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.
Before You Read
Super Short Summary
Lilac Girls by Martha Hall Kelly follows the lives of three women—Caroline Ferriday, Kasia Kuzmerick, and Herta Oberheuser—during World War II. Caroline, a New York socialite, works for the French Consulate, while Kasia, a Polish teenager, joins the resistance against the Nazis and is later imprisoned in Ravensbrück. Herta, a German medical student, works at the camp performing brutal medical experiments on the prisoners. The story alternates perspectives, exploring the intersecting lives of these women as they navigate the war and its aftermath. Themes include wartime trauma, resilience, and the power of hope and forgiveness. The book includes descriptions of torture, sexual abuse, and medical atrocities.
Reviews & Readership
Review Roundup
Lilac Girls by Martha Hall Kelly has captivated many readers with its compelling narrative and richly developed characters. The novel's vivid historical backdrop and the interwoven stories of three women are highlights, though some critics felt it occasionally leaned on clichéd depictions and predictable plot twists. Overall, it's a moving and informative read.
Who Should Read Lilac Girls?
Readers who enjoy historical fiction with strong, interwoven female narratives will love Martha Hall Kelly's Lilac Girls. Fans of The Nightingale by Kristin Hannah and All the Light We Cannot See by Anthony Doerr will appreciate the intricate WWII era storytelling and emotional depth.