We Shall Not Shatter

A WWII Story of Friendship, Family, and Hope Against All Odds (Resilient Women of WWII Series, Book 1)

By: Elaine Stock

Narrated by: Dina Pearlman

Brzeziny, Poland, 1939. Zofia's comfortable lifestyle overturns when her husband, Jabez, who monitors Nazi activity, has gone missing. Rather than fleeing the country with her young son, as she had promised Jabez who is fearing retaliation, she decides to stay. She cannot possibly leave her friend, Aanya. Since their childhood they have amazed fellow Brzeziners that it does not matter that Aanya is Jewish and deaf, and that Zofia is Catholic and hearing. Now, more than ever with war looming, Zofia will do whatever is necessary to protect her family and Aanya.

As both love and war approach their Polish town, Zofia and Aanya must make choices that will change the meaning of family, home, and their precious friendship. The journey, decisions, and the no-going-back consequences the women face will either help them to survive—or not—as Hitler's Third Reich revs up its control of the world.

Inspired by the author's paternal heritage from Brzeziny, this is a heartbreaking yet beautiful story of two women who are determined to remain united in friendship and to live freely despite the odds.

©2022 Elaine Shock (P)2022 Tantor

Story of life’s challenges

The reality of life with its ups and downs. The good and the bad and pushing forward even in the hard times

“Bound by Silence, Unbroken by War”

📚 Review: We Shall Not Shatter by Elaine Stock

Set in Brzeziny, Poland, in 1939, this novel follows Zofia, a Catholic woman, and Aanya, her Jewish and deaf childhood friend, as their lives are upended by the rise of Hitler’s Third Reich. Despite their differences, their bond is unbreakable, woven through shared language, loyalty, and love.

💔 Themes of Courage and Connection

• Zofia’s decision to stay in Poland despite her husband’s disappearance reflects her fierce devotion to Aanya and her family.
• Aanya’s journey, marked by persecution and unexpected love, highlights the strength found in vulnerability and community.


🌿 Faith and Hope Amid Horror

• The story doesn’t shy away from the brutality of war, but it also uplifts the reader with moments of grace, weddings, letters, and the quiet power of choosing love over fear.
• Inspired by Stock’s own family history, the novel honors those who resisted hatred with humanity.


👭 Why It Resonates

• If you loved All the Light We Cannot See, this offers a similarly poignant lens, two women, two faiths, one unshakable friendship.
• It’s a reminder that even in the darkest times, love can be louder than oppression.

It was good

It was a good story. The characters were interesting. The plot was interesting but the storyline felt disconnected sometimes. Worth listening.

We Shall Not Shatter is a must have.

I am a lover of history and this book did not disappoint. Elaine’s eloquent way of writing about such a sensitive time period captured my attention from the first page. I felt like I was there with Zofia, Aanya and their families throughout their courageous journeys. I am convinced, We Shall Not Shatter should be required reading in college English classes. This novel also would make an excellent movie with its many valuable lessons including acceptance, forgiveness, and showing kindness in the face of adversity. I loved this book so much I also purchased the
paperback version. I am looking forward to the next book in the series. Well done Elaine. You should definitely purchase this book for yourself and all of your friends.

Captivating

The story kept you guessing what would happen. A nice story without the details of torture.