The Winter Child
‘Please don’t do this!’ Irena’s shrill cry pierces the night air, her screams breaking the silence of the falling snow. But the man she calls to does not turn, vanishing into the darkness with a child clasped in his arms…
Poland, 1943: Every day, Irena is terrified as she serves the violent and rude Nazis who drink in her town’s hotel. They have crushed all resistance, and are determined to destroy her people’s way of life – particularly Richter, a member of the Gestapo with a reputation as frightening as his vicious smile. But if she is to support her family, she has little choice but to face her fears and pray she doesn’t catch the eye of any of the officers…
But when Irena is told she must serve Richter personally, she knows she will no longer be able to hide. Trembling, she approaches his table. And when his cold gaze finally settles on her, she realizes that her fate has already been sealed.
When Irena falls pregnant, her baby is a small glimmer of hope in an otherwise dark world. But when the baby is taken from her one winter night, she swears that she will stop at nothing to avenge her child’s life…
But is Irena prepared for revenge to cost her everything? And even if she is, will she recover from the truth she is about to uncover?
This gripping and emotional wartime novel tells a moving story of courage, hope and the endurance of the human spirit, even in the darkness of the World War 2. Perfect for readers of The Tattooist of Auschwitz, The Nightingale and The Alice Network.
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About the Author
Carly is the USA Today bestseller of historical fiction novels The Ringmaster's Daughter, The Watchmaker of Dachau, The Rainbow, The Note, All the Courage We Have Found, The Secret She Kept, The Postcard, The Winter Child and the novella, It is something to have been.
She lives in a tiny cottage in Oxfordshire, with barely enough room to swing a cat. Yet, she has managed to dwell in such a hobbit-type abode for some years with her two dogs, who keep her company as she reads, writes, eats chips, and drinks the occasional gin.
Her interest in WWII history spans from a familial connection, and inspired her to complete a PhD regarding the author's responsibility to historical fiction. Whilst an achievement, she gained 20 lbs, and became a hermit.