It is very hard to read about people in the Warsaw ghetto in 1942 hoping to survive until the end of the war. You so want a happy ending, but you know that even if a few survive, the ending cannot be both happy and believable.

This is very well written, and makes you want to keep reading, even during the hardest bits. ( )

When you look at the tragedies and inhumanities of WWII there are some true beacons of light and love that stand out for the help that they provided. This novel is based on the life of one of Poland's greatest heroes Dr. Janusz who worked to protect the children in his orphanage. He did his best to provide them with food, when there was no food, safety in the danger and love which he offered unconditionally to the children.

Misha and Sophia met at college and immediately connected with each other. They were both compassionate and loving people who worked to take care of others. Misha worked at the orphanage when he wasn't in classes and Misha soon became interested in helping. After the Nazis invaded Warsaw, their lives changed. They could no longer attend university and had to follow the strict rules of the new regime. Soon the Jewish families were moved into a ghetto with terrible conditions. Misha and Sophia still worked with the children and tried to help Dr Janusz take care of them. As things got worse, they walked away to try to find a safer place to live. They are torn from each other and can only hope that they will find each other again after the war. Back in Warsaw, the doctor kept trying to protect the children and keep them from the concentration camp. He was a real glimmer of light in the darkness that was covering Poland at the time.

This well researched novel is another chapter about that horrific war and some of the forgotten people who worked to help others. It's a look at the war through the eyes of people who were there and about people who put their lives in danger to help others. Even if you've read lots of WWII books, you need to read The Good Doctor to learn more about a real life hero. ( )

After reading a book recently which I found thoroughly distasteful, I was in the mood for something a bit more uplifting. I browsed my shelves and found The Good Doctor of Warsaw, which was the perfect choice because it’s based on the true story of Janusz Korczak, a hero of the Warsaw Ghetto.

To read the rest of my review please visit https://anzlitlovers.com/2019/07/01/the-good-doctor-of-warsaw-by-elisabeth-giffo... ( )

Misha and Sofia are young and in love, they are ready to commit to each other. However outside their charmed life in Warsaw world events are are more complex. Misha and Sofia are Jews and as the Nazis invade Poland they find that they are confined to the Warsaw ghetto. Both have worked with Dr Korczak, the director of an orphanage, and they are concerned about the future of their mentor and the children. As the noose tightened around Warsaw's Jews Misha and Sofia have to make important decisions and Dr Korczak has to help his children as best he can.

Based on a true story this is an uplifting tale of heroism and love despite all the travails around. Dr Korczak was a true hero and whilst Misha and Sofia were incidental characters in the true tale, their story is the glue that binds this book together. Moving as times and a reminder of how bad prejudice can be. ( )