The Nine: The True Story of a Band of Women Who Survived the Worst of Nazi Germany

The Nine chronicles a group of young women who escaped from a forced labor march near the end of World War II. Based on extensive research and interviews, the book follows their journey from resistance work in France through imprisonment in German concentration camps. These women, ranging from teenagers to their early thirties, came from different European countries and backgrounds but formed bonds during their time in Leipzig-Schönefeld munitions factory. Author Gwen Strauss reconstructs their experiences through the personal accounts of her great-aunt Hélène Podliasky, who led the group's escape attempt. The narrative moves between wartime events and postwar lives, documenting how the women maintained their humanity despite brutal conditions. Through their individual stories, Strauss reveals details of the French Resistance networks, Nazi forced labor programs, and the final chaotic months of the war. The Nine stands as a testament to the power of female friendship and solidarity in the face of systemic dehumanization. The book adds vital perspectives to Holocaust literature by focusing on the specific experiences of women prisoners and resisters.

Readers appreciate the detailed research and personal connection, as the author tells her great-aunt's story along with eight other women who escaped a Nazi death march. Many note the book brings attention to lesser-known aspects of WWII resistance movements and women's roles. Readers highlight the bond between the nine women and their determination. One reader called it "a testament to friendship and the will to survive." Multiple reviews praise how each woman's personality and background come through. Common criticisms include: - Difficulty keeping track of all nine women's stories - Writing sometimes feels disjointed between past/present - Some historical context gaps Review Scores: Goodreads: 4.06/5 (2,900+ ratings) Amazon: 4.5/5 (1,200+ ratings) BookBrowse: 4.5/5 (89 ratings) Several readers mention the photos and maps enhance understanding, though some wanted more visual materials to help follow the journey.

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🔹 The nine women featured in the book escaped from a Nazi forced labor camp during a death march in 1945, trekking 35 days across Germany toward the Allied front. 🔹 Author Gwen Strauss was inspired to write the book after learning that her great-aunt Hélène was one of the nine women who escaped, discovering this family history relatively late in life. 🔹 The women were all members of the French Resistance before their capture, and their skills from resistance work—including creating false documents and coordinating secret messages—helped them survive their journey. 🔹 During their time in the Leipzig-Schönefeld munitions factory, the women deliberately sabotaged ammunition they were forced to manufacture, making thousands of duds that would never fire. 🔹 Seven of the nine women returned to France after the war, but most never spoke about their experiences until decades later, when they began sharing their stories with family members.