The Rainbow

Absolutely Heartbreaking World War 2 Historical Fiction Based on a True Story

By: Carly Schabowski

Narrated by: Tamsin Kennard

Length: 10 hrs and 36 mins

Publisher's summary

There, on the dusty floorboards, was a piece of paper, folded neatly. A newspaper article, written in German, alongside a faded picture of two men in Nazi uniforms staring at the camera. I was about to place it back in the box of forgotten things when something in the text jumped out at me. My breath caught in my chest. I know that name.

London, present day. Isla has grown up hearing her beloved grandad’s stories about his life as a child in pre-war Poland and as a young soldier bravely fighting the Germans to protect his people. So she is shocked and heartbroken to find, while collecting photos for his 95th birthday celebration, a picture of her dear grandfather wearing a Nazi uniform. Is everything she thought she knew about him a lie?

Unable to question him due to his advanced dementia, Isla wraps herself in her rainbow-coloured scarf, a memento of his from the war, and begins to hunt for the truth behind the photograph. What she uncovers is more shocking than she could have ever anticipated - a tale of childhood sweethearts torn apart by family duty, and how one young man risked his life, his love, and the respect of his own people, to secretly fight for justice from inside the heart of the enemy itself....

A heartbreaking novel of love, betrayal, and a secret passed down through a family. Inspired by an incredible true story. Perfect for fans of The Tattooist of Auschwitz, We Were the Lucky Ones, and The Alice Network.

©2021 Carly Schabowski (P)2021 Bookouture, an imprint of Storyfire Ltd.

Moving read

A heartbreaking war story of lost love, family and dementia. The war took so much from the people of that time. No one was exempt.

I absolutely loved this book!!!!

I listened to this book in a little over a day. I did not want it to end. I just loved the story. I loved the characters. I loved the narration. I happened upon the book by accident and since I love rainbows and WWll historical fiction, I said oh I’ll give it a try. I am so glad I did. I highly recommend this book. I will look for other books by this author, and I will read the book that they previewed at the end of the book. The Watchmaker of Dachau.

intriguing and entertaining

seemed slow at first . had a difficult time getting into it. But after a chapter or 2, I was hooked. beautiful, sad, and encouraging story. it makes some sense in the lives of the people with what happened and the Nazi Germans and their attacks . All involved were real people, and this story intertwines them, makes it very sad for some or angry at others. It definitely helps you to understand what they went through and why some did what did. I truly enjoyed the different voices of the narrator that brought many different characters to life. Couldn't stop listening.

One of the best love stories!

The writer captivated me with the love story! Unexpected twists and turns kept me listening for hours. An unexpected ending left me a little sad. The book stayed with me long after I finished it. Worth the credit!!

Great Book

This is another great historical fiction book. Very happy about that as there are so many that are not good.
The story was interesting and I didn’t mind the flashback as most are. Easy to follow. Characters are well described and not hard to follow.
I highly recommend to any historical fiction lover.

Heart rendering

The story was so powerful and felt very real I could see each person and feel their emotions. i highly recommend this story the author and the narrator.

Awesome

Took me a bit to figure out where I was when but when I understood the when and where and hows I loved it! Couldn’t stop.

Extremely moving

The story is well told, very visual-I could almost see it all unfolding. The thought of this happening to people is heartbreaking and deserves to be shared.

Firs time listening to audiobook.

This is my first time listening to audiobook, the narrator was solo good! I am happy my experience was positive, it makes me want to listen more while I do chores!

Hard to put down.

Enjoyed the story. Always wanted to get back to the story. Pitiful, sad. Few happy moments and felt sorry for many. Ended on a happier note.