Whenever I read these novels inspired by true stories I try to imagine if I would be able to do the things these people have done. I don’t really think so but I hope that if I was placed in this person shoes that I might have thought about doing that exact same thing or done something similar. I don’t think I am that brave though. So when you think about what seventeen year old Stefania Podgorska was able to accomplish and do, it is truly inspiring.
Stefania “Stefi” is a teenager growing up in Przemsyl, Poland whose story begins when World War II was just beginning. The Germans have not yet entered into Poland, and Russia is still the predominant controller of Eastern Poland. Stefi grows up knowing that she is different then many of the people in her neighborhood, including her employer and the boy she has promised to marry. For she is Catholic and does not have the word Jude stamped over her papers they must carry everywhere.
When the Germans finally make their way into Przemsyl, the Jews are forced into a fenced off area of town known as the ghetto. Stefi finds herself alone when everyone she cared about is forced to hide and has become the sole care giver for her younger sister Helena. One night she is awoken to a knock on the door, scared it might be the police coming to get her for sneaking things into the ghetto, but only to find Max, one of the sons of her old employee badly injured from jumping from a moving train on its way to a concentration camp. For all that his family has done for her, Stefi agrees to keep him hidden away from the German Nazis. What turns into helping just one Jew turns into helping/hiding thirteen Jews in her attic. They live a life of fear and walking on eggshells, just hoping for the war to end, until one day when German Nazis request her house to live in. With hiding thirteen Jews in one part and two German Nazis in another, Stefi must find a way to keep them all hidden as the consequences are deadly for all of them.
I want to know why it wasn’t until reading this book that I have heard of Stefania. Why are we not learning her story in school or why isn’t she talked about more. She did something that few people will ever be able to say that they also did or would have the strength to ever do. If you enjoy WWII history or strong females in history then you have to add this book to your list to read. If not this book, then at least read about Stefania online and discover her story as there are few others who are as brave and courageous as this young girl. For she is the hero that decided to save thirteen extra lives one day.
Until Next Time, The Library Abroad
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The Library Abroad 
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