Here are some recent and very positive reviews for my historical novel Ludwika
“I found this to be very interesting. Being unfamiliar with the living conditions of the day , I was intrigued with her ability to survive such a terrible experience.”
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Ludwika was a fascinating story of a Polish woman’s journey from her home on a farm in rural Poland to various places in Germany. It is based on a real person and includes many details about her life.
I did not know that much about the plight of the Polish people when Germany invaded Poland in October 1939. It was quite an eye opener for me to discover how difficult it was for the Poles during the war. Previous WWII literature I have read has largely either been factual in its nature or focused on the horrors experienced by Jewish people.
Right from the beginning of the book, Ludwika shows herself to be a woman of innovation and resilience. She is the one whom her father has left in charge of his farm, her mother and her sibling, when he left to help defend Poland against the German army. It is also quickly apparent that Ludwika is a woman of unusual beauty and who quickly attracts the interest of men. Soon after the arrival of the German soldiers, Ludwika catches the eye of Manfred, an SS officer. His interest results in a measure of protection for Ludwika’s family and in order to maintain this protection, and do what she believes to be in the best interests of her family, Ludwika agrees to move to Hamburg as Manfred’s housekeeper. This moves requires that she leave her young daughter, Irena, behind her. I thought Ludwika’s anguish at leaving her family and emotion turmoil as to what would be best for them all was very well expressed.
Ludwika is very popular with children and they really like her quickly. During her journey to Hamburg she meets up with a young and wealthy German woman with four children. Ludwika helps to keep the children occupied during the train journey and befriends the mother, who has strong Nazi ties. This relationship changes the course of her life.
As things deteriorate in Germany as the war progresses and the lives of Poles and other foreigners become much difficult and precarious, Ludwika finds her situation in Germany becoming more and more difficult.
There are a number of love interests and relationships in the book which make the reader all the more aware of Ludwika’s desperate and vulnerable position. Despite its themes, I found Ludwika to be a positive reading experience which emphasized how, despite difficult circumstances outside of her control, Ludwika’s hard working and resilient nature and kind and generous spirit prevail and help to open doors for her that would otherwise have been closed.
I rated Ludwika five out of five stars.

From a peaceful life on a Polish farm, to near slave labour in far-off Germany, we follow the trials and tribulations that beset our young heroine during the long years of that war. And to round it off, we also get to find out what really happened to her, later in life.
This combination works so well, giving us completely believable characters, authentic locations, and set around the cataclysmic events that rocked Europe from 1939, until well after the end of hostilities. Recommended unreservedly, this is a book for everyone to read.
Blurb:
WWII left no one unscarred, and Ludwika’s life illustrates this tragic fact. But she also reminds us how bright the human spirit can shine when darkness falls in that unrelenting way it does during wartime.
This book was a rollercoaster ride of action and emotion, skilfully told by Mr. Fischer, who brought something fresh and new to a topic about which thousands of stories have already been told.”
Very impressive reviews, Christopher. Congratulations on writing such a compelling story.
Thanks Pete 🙂
Well done, Christoph. A story that deserves to be heard. I hope it gets even more attention in the future. Good luck!
Thanks Olga ❤
Fantastic! You’re an inspiration, Christoph. xox
eden
Thanks Eden ❤
Reblogged this on International Book Promotion and commented:
Pretty interesting. This post caught my eye as I am always interested in stories based on real events, featuring women!
Thanks Jasveena 🙂
This book sounds interesting! It caught my attention when I was browsing the WordPress reader, as I am always interested in stories about real events, featuring women
Thanks Jasveena!
A wonderful book, Christoph. One of the best war stories I have read.
Aw thanks Robbie. Too kind 😉
Some great reviews! These should garner more sales.
Thanks Darlene. I hope so 🙂
So happy for you Christoph. You know how much I enjoy your books, and this book just stick with me. ❤
Thanks Debby ❤
Very well deserved, Christoph
Thank you Toni ❤