The Airman's Girl by Carly Schabowski

Books

Book Description

Poland, 1939: As I stare into the German pilot’s frightened eyes, I realise I have no choice but to help him. And in that moment, I know that this young man, and this decision, will change my life forever…

When a German pilot crashes over my parents’ farmland, at first I am terrified. Who is this man? And should I help him, or have him arrested? But when I look into his eyes for the first time, I feel in my heart that I must do everything I can to save this stranger’s life.

As I begin to secretly nurse his injuries, he tells me his name is Max. And as we share whispered candlelit conversations, he admits that he didn’t crash his plane, but parachuted over Poland to defect from the Nazis. And as he slowly tells me his story, I realise I am falling in love with this man – with his bravery, and his determination to do what is right, no matter the cost.

But when the Nazis arrive, the small world we have built together is shattered in an instant. And when the Germans arrest me and my twin siblings, dragging us to a camp in the dead of night, I know that our only chance of survival, our only hope, is to be rescued.

As I sit in my cell, I think of what Max told me. He held my hand and promised me that if we were arrested, he would go undercover as a German soldier and save us. But will the guards believe his story? And, even if they do, will he make it to us before it is too late?

What I Thought

The Airman’s Girl by Carly Schabowski is a gripping and moving historical novel set in the backdrop of World War II Poland. The story follows the lives of Helena and Max, who find love in the midst of war and uncertainty. Just to let you know the character of Max is based on a true story. Which is mind-blowing!

Helen is a strong character who wants to become a doctor. She works at her father’s mental health facility and shows her caring nature to all the patients. So when Max drops into the family farm from the air she naturally wants to care for him and they begin to fall for one another.

When back at work, Helena and her twin siblings are taken with the patients to a Polish concentration camp. Max goes undercover to set them free…

The author’s poetic narrative style immerses readers into the world of her characters, making the story of Helena and Max one that will stay with you long after you finish reading. It is beautifully written, heartbreaking, and full of bravery, courage and strength.

The Airman’s Girl is a must-read for anyone who loves historical fiction and wants to experience a story of love and survival in the midst of war.

Where Can I Buy It?

Author bio

Carly Schabowski worked as a journalist in both North Cyprus and Australia before returning to Oxford, where she studied for an MA and then a PhD in creative writing at Oxford Brookes University. Carly now teaches at Oxford Brookes University as an associate lecturer in Creative Writing for first and second-year English literature students.