About the Book
The Sparrow's Song
The Sparrow’s Song is a moving WWII Poland historical fiction novel that tells the story of Elena, a young girl whose life is shattered during the 1939 Warsaw bombing. After losing her parents, she becomes part of a poignant Polish family survival story when her brother abandons her to join the German Cadets. Facing hardship and a death sentence, Elena’s courage leads her across war-torn Europe. This emotional Warsaw bombing historical novel, enriched by a steel mill war narrative and the tragedy of Luftwaffe air raids, celebrates resilience, hope, and the enduring power of forgiveness.
As the story progresses, readers will uncover the answers to these compelling questions:
- How did Elena avoid the firing squad?
- How did she escape from Poland, and who helped her along the way?
- How did she rise to fame in Paris despite her tragic past?
- When she finally reunites with her brother, will forgiveness prevail over anger?
Themes
- Resilience
- Perseverance
- Redemption
- Family Bonds
- War & Survival
- Forgiveness
Book Excerpt
FAQ
What makes “The Sparrow’s Song” a compelling WWII historical fiction novel?
Ans: While the novel accurately portrays the events of WWII as they unfolded in Poland beginning in 1939, most of the characters are either fictionalized representations of real people or simply invented for the purpose of the story. These characters interface, at times, with actual persons from history in the story to demonstrate how historical figures influenced the intensity, the danger, and the inevitable courage that was needed to survive and thrive both during and after the war.
How does “The Sparrow’s Song” depict a Polish family survival story?
Ans: Like so many other cultures, Poles nurture a strong family unit. Elena’s family was no exception and included an uncle, their father’s stepbrother. Elena’s promise to find her uncle, after she was orphaned, leads to an unbelievable turn of events. She finds herself clinging to her Polish heritage and language as her brother learns German and is pampered by his adopted “mutti”. When brother and sister part, The Sparrow’s Song follows their journey back to each other for better or worse.
Why is “The Sparrow’s Song” considered a powerful Warsaw bombing historical novel?
Ans: The Sparrow’s Song gives readers a heart-wrenching look into what it was like to experience a bombing inside a steel mill. It portrays what citizens of Warsaw endured on Bloody Sunday, September 10th, when 17 raids were made on the city in an attempt to terror bomb the poles into submission. Buildings, monuments, and homes were demolished. Bodies lay everywhere in the streets. Readers will discover how Elena and her brother survive after Bloody Sunday scuttling in the rubble for scraps, helping the army any way they could.