About the Book
Book: The Medallion
Author: Cathy Gohlke
Genre: Historical Fiction (World War II)
Genre: Historical Fiction (World War II)
Release date: June 4, 2019
For fans of bestselling World War II fiction like Sarah’s Key and The Nightingale comes an illuminating tale of courage, sacrifice, and survival, about two couples whose lives are ravaged by Hitler’s mad war yet eventually redeemed through the fate of one little girl.
Seemingly overnight, the German blitzkrieg of Warsaw in 1939 turns its streets to a war zone and shatters the life of each citizen—Polish, Jewish, or otherwise. Sophie Kumiega, a British bride working in the city’s library, awaits news of her husband, Janek, recently deployed with the Polish Air Force. Though Sophie is determined that she and the baby in her womb will stay safe, the days ahead will draw her into the plight of those around her, compelling her to help, whatever the danger.
Rosa and Itzhak Dunovich never imagined they would welcome their longed-for first child in the Jewish ghetto, or that they would let anything tear their family apart. But as daily atrocities intensify, Rosa soon faces a terrifying reality: to save their daughter’s life, she must send her into hiding. Her only hope of finding her after the war—if any of them survive—is a medallion she cuts in half and places around her neck.
Inspired by true events of Poland’s darkest days and brightest heroes, The Medallion paints a stunning portrait of war and its aftermath, daring us to believe that when all seems lost, God can make a way forward.
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"The Medallion" by Cathy Gohlke is a heart wrenching fiction story about two true life events. The first was the WWII account of Itzhak Dugin and his Jewish family, persecuted in Lithuania.The second was the story of Irena Sendler, a Polish Catholic social worker within Żegota (an underground Polish Council to Aid Jews), who developed a network to rescue children. When I read stories about how the Jews were persecuted and killed just because they were Jews, my heart is really saddened and I am so thankful I didn't have to witness this tragic event in person. I am glad that there were people who put their life in danger to help others.
"The Medallion" by Cathy Gohlke made me sad to think that people had to literally crawl through sewer tunnels to escape. I have read and seen "The Hiding Place" by Corrie Ten Boom and felt the same reaction, I only added this statement because "The Hiding Place " is non fiction and "The Medallion" is fiction but if a fiction book can cause the same feeling to rise up within a person's heart when reading it then you know the book is a five star novel.
These characters not only had heart aches and terror during the war, they have to face heart ache and lose even when the war was over.
Sophie has to face her greatest lose and heartache when the war was over.
The medallion is a perfect title for this story because it definitely plays a part in the story.
This book really tells how a secret can destroy a person's peace and destroy what happiness could be had.
Even through this book is about a sad event , the characters especially Sophie learns that "there is One who makes a way when there is no way and If Adonai can part the Red Sea. He can move her mountains, and "sometimes He moves those mountains miraculously, and sometimes by having her carry one small stone at a time." And she learns "We're not meant to handle life alone because it is too messy and big" but if we let God travel with us, He is able to help us." I added these things because if Sophie and the other characters can learn to trust Jesus then we can too.
I didn't put this book down until I have read the entire book because I just had to know if the families that were separated were united again and the ones that weren't made me more appreciated of the family I do have. Yes, I have lost both mom and dad this last year, but it wasn't because of war and I did get to know them both while growing up and I lost them due to illness not because someone didn't like my race.
I know this review doesn't really tell the story but more of how it affected me but I recommend this book to everyone who wants to know more about what Jews suffered and who wants to feel just a little of the pain that the Jews had to suffer and the danger anyone that helped them went through in WW11. This story will be one that sticks with me for awhile. I wish I could go back in time and hug these fictional characters and say I am amazed by you and want to say thank you for being so brave and courageous. Thanks for being an inspiration to all of us that came after you.
I received a complimentary copy by the author and Celebrate Lit. These opinions are my own.
About the Author
"The Medallion" by Cathy Gohlke made me sad to think that people had to literally crawl through sewer tunnels to escape. I have read and seen "The Hiding Place" by Corrie Ten Boom and felt the same reaction, I only added this statement because "The Hiding Place " is non fiction and "The Medallion" is fiction but if a fiction book can cause the same feeling to rise up within a person's heart when reading it then you know the book is a five star novel.
These characters not only had heart aches and terror during the war, they have to face heart ache and lose even when the war was over.
Sophie has to face her greatest lose and heartache when the war was over.
The medallion is a perfect title for this story because it definitely plays a part in the story.
This book really tells how a secret can destroy a person's peace and destroy what happiness could be had.
Even through this book is about a sad event , the characters especially Sophie learns that "there is One who makes a way when there is no way and If Adonai can part the Red Sea. He can move her mountains, and "sometimes He moves those mountains miraculously, and sometimes by having her carry one small stone at a time." And she learns "We're not meant to handle life alone because it is too messy and big" but if we let God travel with us, He is able to help us." I added these things because if Sophie and the other characters can learn to trust Jesus then we can too.
I didn't put this book down until I have read the entire book because I just had to know if the families that were separated were united again and the ones that weren't made me more appreciated of the family I do have. Yes, I have lost both mom and dad this last year, but it wasn't because of war and I did get to know them both while growing up and I lost them due to illness not because someone didn't like my race.
I know this review doesn't really tell the story but more of how it affected me but I recommend this book to everyone who wants to know more about what Jews suffered and who wants to feel just a little of the pain that the Jews had to suffer and the danger anyone that helped them went through in WW11. This story will be one that sticks with me for awhile. I wish I could go back in time and hug these fictional characters and say I am amazed by you and want to say thank you for being so brave and courageous. Thanks for being an inspiration to all of us that came after you.
I received a complimentary copy by the author and Celebrate Lit. These opinions are my own.
About the Author
Three-time Christy and two-time Carol and INSPY Award–winning and bestselling author Cathy Gohlke writes novels steeped with inspirational lessons, speaking of world and life events through the lens of history. She champions the battle against oppression, celebrating the freedom found only in Christ. Cathy has worked as a school librarian, drama director, and director of children’s and education ministries. When not traveling to historic sites for research, she, her husband, and their dog, Reilly, divide their time between northern Virginia and the Jersey Shore, enjoying time with their grown children and grandchildren. Visit her website at www.cathygohlke.com and find her on Facebook at CathyGohlkeBooks.More from Cathy
Every story begins with a journey. Sharing that journey is twice the joy.
The Medallion was inspired by two true stories—the first was the WWII account of Itzhak Dugin and his Jewish family, persecuted in Lithuania. Their heart-wrenching story made world news when the tunnel from which Itzhak escaped the Nazis was discovered using modern technology.
The second was the story of Irena Sendler, a Polish Catholic social worker within Żegota (an underground Polish Council to Aid Jews), who developed a network to rescue children. Despite terrible risks, they smuggled 2500 Jewish children from the Warsaw Ghetto and certain death at the hands of the Nazis, then hid them in Polish homes, convents, churches and hospitals until the end of the war. Approximately 2,000 of those children were found after the war. Theories abound regarding the whereabouts of those missing. I couldn’t help but wonder, and imagine: What became of those 400 to 500 missing children? What became of one?
Set in WWII Poland and post-war England, The Medallion is a story of courage, sacrifice, love, forgiveness and redemption.
Blog Stops
Christian Bookaholic, June 22
Carla Loves To Read, June 22
The Power of Words, June 23
Where Crisis & Christ Collide, June 23
Mary Hake, June 23
janicesbookreviews, June 23
Where Faith and Books Meet, June 24
By The Book, June 24
For Him and My Family, June 24
A Reader’s Brain, June 24
All-of-a-kind Mom, June 25
Through the Fire Blogs, June 25
Retrospective Spines, June 25
Inklings and notions, June 25
Remembrancy, June 26
Lis Loves Reading , June 26
The Becca Files, June 26
Genesis 5020, June 27
Reader’s Cozy Corner, June 27
Connect in Fiction, June 27
Bigreadersite, June 28
Maureen’s Musings, June 28
Abba’s Prayer Warrior Princess, June 28
Blossoms and Blessings, June 29
For the Love of Literature, June 29
Spoken from the Heart, June 29
Inspired by fiction, June 30
Have A Wonderful Day, June 30
Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, June 30
Inspiration Clothesline, July 1
Connie’s History Classroom, July 1
Simple Harvest Reads, July 1 (Guest Post from Mindy Houng)
Just the Write Escape, July 2
Seasons of Opportunities, July 2
Pause for Tales, July 2
As He Leads is Joy, July 3
To Everything A Season, July 3
Hallie Reads, July 3
A Good Book and Cup of Tea, July 4
Locks, Hooks and Books, July 4
For The Love of Books, July 4
Emily Yager, July 5
Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, July 5
Texas Book-aholic, July 5
Giveaway
To celebrate her tour, Cathy is giving away a grand prize of a $25 Amazon gift card and a copy of the book!!
Be sure to comment on the blog stops for nine extra into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter. https://promosimple.com/ps/e50c/the-medallion-celebration-tour-giveaway
5 comments:
Debbie, Thank you for the wonderful review and being part of the tour.
Thank you, Debbie, for this very thoughtful review of The Medallion and for sharing it with your readers. My deepest sympathy on the loss of your mom and dad. There is no heartache like losing dear family members. May God bless and keep you!
This book sounds like a fascinating read.
Thank you for taking the time to share your terrific book with us. I enjoyed reading about it.
Oh, this sounds like such a sad but encouraging story. I need to remember to show my love and appreciation for my family more!
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