Within These Walls of Sorrow

A Novel of World War II Poland

By: Amanda Barratt

Narrated by: Romy Nordlinger

Zosia Lewandowska knows the brutal realities of war all too well. Within weeks of Germany's invasion of her Polish homeland, she lost the man she loves. As ghetto walls rise and the occupiers tighten their grip on the city of Krakow, Zosia joins pharmacist Tadeusz Pankiewicz and his staff in the heart of the Krakow ghetto as they risk their lives to aid the Jewish people trapped by Nazi oppression.

Hania Silverman's carefree girlhood is shattered as her family is forced into the ghetto. Struggling to survive in a world hemmed in by walls and rife with cruelty and despair, she encounters Zosia, her former neighbor, at the pharmacy. As deportation winnows the ghetto's population and snatches those she holds dear, Hania's natural resiliency is exhausted by reality.

Zodia and Hania's lives intertwine as they face the griefs and fears thrust upon them by war, until one day, they are forced to make a desperate choice . . . one that will inexorably bind them together, even as they are torn apart.

Amanda Barratt's meticulous research and lush, award-winning writing shine once again in this moving look at a group of unsung heroes who fought for hope and humanity in the most harrowing of times.

©2023 Amanda Barratt (P)2023 Tantor

Superbly Written

A powerful novel; very difficult to read the horrors the Jewish people endured. Also shining a light on the brave people who risked their own lives to save as many as they could.

Masterful

Equal parts researched history and lyrical prose. It’s been a long time since I’ve been so invested in the characters. Amanda Barratt’s name needs to be placed beside Kristin Hannah for beautifully haunting historical fiction.

I learned a lot about the polish ghettos in ww2

This audio proves you can tell a great story without filthy language and gratuitous sex. I appreciate her story based on some truth . The cruelty of the nazis knew no boundaries but they could not have succeeded without the help and approval of police force and everyday people. Such hatred for the Jews and the lies and deception put out by propaganda machine sure worked. `