The Swiss Nurse

A Gripping Tale of Hope and Humanity Amidst the Spanish Civil War and WWII

By: Mario Escobar

Narrated by: Saskia Maarleveld

"Within the harrowing landscape of both the Spanish Civil War and World War II, Escobar shines a light on hope and humanity. Descriptions and prose, both startling and lyrical, bring you into the scene and into the lives of both Elisabeth and Isabel as they strive to survive, thrive, and care for others in this gripping tale of destruction, war, and the endless potential within the human heart to endure, sacrifice, and rejoice." --Katherine Reay, author of The London House and A Shadow in Moscow

Based on the true story of an astonishingly brave woman who saved hundreds of mothers and their children during the Spanish Civil War and World War II.

Elisabeth Eidenbenz left Switzerland in 1937 to aid children orphaned during the Spanish Civil War. Now, her work has led her to France, where she's determined to provide expectant mothers and their unborn children a refuge amid one of the worst humanitarian crises of the twentieth century.

Desperate to escape the invasion of Franco's Fascist troops, Isabel Dueñas becomes one of many Spanish patriots fleeing their country. She leaves behind her husband as he fights for democracy, and she seeks asylum in a refugee camp across the border in France. Without adequate shelter, clean drinking water, or medical care, Isabel's future looks bleak--until she meets Elisabeth.

When Germany invades Poland, an avalanche of humanity sweeps into France. In the cascade of crises that follow, Isabel and Elisabeth learn the cost and the unexpected joy of sacrifice.

Based on the true stories of refugees and the woman who risked everything to save them, The Swiss Nurse shares a message of love and strength amid one of history's often overlooked conflicts.

Perfect for book clubs, this gripping tale delves into the little-known stories of refugees and the extraordinary woman who risked everything to save them.

Audio read by Saskia Maarleveld, narrator of The Rose Code, Wild Dark Shore, God of the Woods, and more.

Critic reviews

'Within the harrowing landscape of both the Spanish Civil War and World War II, Escobar shines a light on hope and humanity through Elisabeth Eidenbenz and her work to create the Elna Maternity Hospital and the Mothers of Elne, saving countless mothers and their newborn children. Descriptions and prose, both startling and lyrical, bring you into the scene and into the lives of both Elisabeth and Isabel as they strive to survive, thrive, and care for others in this gripping tale of destruction, war, and the endless potential within the human heart to endure, sacrifice, and rejoice.'

The Swiss Nurse

I loved this story. It kept me hooked till the end. War is a sad horrific reality but love and compassion is more powerful and precious. Great presentation and narration.

swiss nurse

Excellent book with so much history that needs to be discovered. I love the authors focus on womens strength during the challenges and heartache of war and the plight of refugees.

Good, fast paced story

I learned a lot about the Spanish Civil War and how it dovetailed right into WW2. It's a well- crafted story, good narration with a bit too much Christianity for me.

Very fast storyline

This book was quick and an easy read. There wasn’t much character development and the events happened so quickly, one after the other, that there wasn’t much time to be invested in the storyline.

Excellent in every way- the story- the narration- historical line

Enjoying all of Mario Escobars books - I’m glad I discovered him and looking forward to more of his writings