Bound by the Scars We Share

This book intertwines the lives of 2 women born at the same time but to very different circumstances. Zoshia is Polish Jew who had fled, with her family, to Antwerp in order to avoid Nazi persecution, Grace is living through the same times but rather than persecution from outsiders this is inflicted on her by her own family. This is a quick read and extremely moving. I would definitely recommend to friends and family. Original review: https://www.netgalley.co.uk/book/224938/review/651413

It is the duty of all daughters to marry, but even knowing this Perpetua is horrified when she is forced by her father and narcissistic mother into a marriage with a man she hardly knows to save the family fortune and reputation. Trapped, unable to get her confident and beautiful siblings to understand her distress, the only option that appears open to her is to become a governess so after the last words fade from the ceremony, she runs away to Bath. Here she is directed to The Registry where she hopes to obtain a position. Rejected, desperate, she is rescued by a Mrs Lumley and her beloved daughter, Dora, who wishes for Dora to obtain some town polish. Petty blossoms under the adoring society - but when she sees her husband at a party, she realises not all problems can be run away from. There is a plethora of l in place of I in this book. In spite of this error the book was good. It is funny and filled with love. Original review: https://www.netgalley.co.uk/book/241712/review/225842

This extended bildungsroman charts the lives of two brave women: Zoshia and Grace. Their stories unfold against the backdrop of the twentieth century. They both have to fight against male domination in a time when women's rights were limited. Their hopes and dreams and determination are the essence of this fine novel. The author has laid bare her heart and soul in this labour of love depicting lives endured rather than enjoyed. Her integrity and sincerity permeates every single page. Original review: https://www.netgalley.co.uk/book/224938/review/651022

This incredible Debut Novel gripped me right from page one. A harrowing story following the two main characters, Zoshia and Grace during WW2 and beyond. This is the story of the trauma both women endure throughout their lives despite being worlds apart. Zoshia is a young, strong minded Jewish girl who loves playing the piano and dreams of becoming a concert pianist. Her family have to go into hiding and Zoshia decides she must help Jewish children escape the Nazi invasion. This colours her entire life and leaves with a never ending feeling of "why me"? Grace, an English girl living in Lyme Regis. She adores Ballet but she lives with a cruel father and Grace yearns to escape, only to find herself in the worst situation that she could have ever imagined. The chapters deal with each character in turn, which I really enjoyed. I felt like I grew to know each character inside and out. I have to admit to a few tears. The cruelty both women see and endure is absolutely heart-breaking. There is a lot of sadness with lives that at times seem impossible to live. Both Zoshia and Grace endeavour to lead good lives and try to fill it love and laughter despite all the dreadful situations both have found themselves in. The final chapter really brought everything together. No loose ends or "but what about so and so" questions. The ending is spot on and leaves you, as a reader with a sense of relief and eventual happiness for both Women, however long the journey, they both endured it with a fierceness that can only be admired. I loved every single page of this incredible book, not a word wasted. Original review: https://www.netgalley.co.uk/book/224938/review/830418

I am a lover of Historical Fiction and this one didn't disappoint. From the moment I read the blurb I knew I had to read this book. A story of two strong women with two similar but different stories to tell. It delves deeply into all the trauma and indecencies women have had to endure in such hard and tough times. This book highlights how wars, inequality, injustice and cruelty impact these two women's lives. It makes you think, you feel all the emotions going through these women and it at times is heartbreaking. Yet it is uplifting in that these women prove that they are strong and courageous. It was well written but sometimes hard to read due to the nature of the story (not in a bad way though). It drives home how far women have come in this world too. It was descriptive and flowed well, was honest and kept me reading until the very last page.