The Nine

The True Story of a Band of Women Who Survived the Worst of Nazi Germany

By: Gwen Strauss

Narrated by: Juliet Stevenson

The Nine follows the true story of the author’s great aunt Hélène Podliasky, who led a band of nine female resistance fighters as they escaped a German forced labor camp and made a 10-day journey across the front lines of World War II from Germany back to Paris.

This program includes a bonus conversation with the author, as well as an archival recording of Martine Podliasky singing the Champs de Marais at her mother, Hélène Podliasky's, funeral.

The nine women were all under 30 when they joined the resistance. They smuggled arms through Europe, harbored parachuting agents, coordinated communications between regional sectors, trekked escape routes to Spain, and hid Jewish children in scattered apartments. They were arrested by French police, interrogated and tortured by the Gestapo. They were subjected to a series of French prisons and deported to Germany.

The group formed along the way, meeting at different points, in prison, in transit, and at Ravensbrück. By the time they were enslaved at the labor camp in Leipzig, they were a close-knit group of friends. During the final days of the war, forced onto a death march, the nine chose their moment and made a daring escape.

Drawing on incredible research, this powerful, heart-stopping narrative is a moving tribute to the power of humanity and friendship in the darkest of times.

A Macmillan Audio production from St. Martin's Press

"A compelling, beautifully written story of resilience, friendship and survival. The story of Women’s resistance during World War II needs to be told and The Nine accomplishes this in spades." (Heather Morris, New York Times best-selling author of Cilka's Journey)

"This haunting account provides yet more evidence not only of the power of female friendship but that the often unrecorded courage and resilience of ordinary women must be honored and celebrated. It’s a most inspiring read.... Utterly gripping." (Anne Sebba, author of Les Parisiennes)

"The Nine is poignant, powerful, and shattering, distilling the horror of the Holocaust through the lens of nine unforgettable women.... Gwen Strauss melds a poet's pen and a decade of research into a tale of friendship, courage, and indomitable will." (Kate Quinn, New York Times best-selling author)

©2021 Gwen Strauss (P)2021 Macmillan Audio

A lovely tribute

Well done! This book read like historical fiction but it was not fiction at all. Very well written!

The Women.

The helping hands to each other and encouragement they shared. An amazing story. I did listen to the authors summary at the end and wondered what she would think about the anti semitism spreading through out American now. Also where are women against trans in womens sports. Excellent story from of bravery and friendship.

Sooo good!

This was such an amazing book! The story line is just amazing. I can't say enough good things.

I loved this story.

Book is so good. so inspiring. narration is good too. great read! enjoy the journey.

The Mine

A very interesting book. It shows the extraordinary will to live and the horrors of war on everyday people.

Powerful

I felt deeply moved by this account of what became of people in the resistance of World War Two. It is stunning how brave some people are and how cruel some people can be. It was interesting to hear what happened to people when the war ended. The book was very well researched and well read.

A book of enlightenment

A difficult story to tell. But done so beautifully. Told by a woman about women. Their horrors and bravery will stay with you forever.

Insightful to hear history

To hear the story and fate of these women and their children was education and inspiring. Nothing we face today is as hard as they faced.

Speechless

I found myself connected to this incredible group of women. The raw reality of the true experiences of existence during their young lives was unimaginable. Their bond of friendship was enviable especially during their extreme circumstances.
Much to ponder about the sacrifices for humanity.
You will want to share this book, especially with younger generations, to ensure this history is never forgotten.

Researched diligently

At times I was confused as to the characters, but that may be a listener problem, not the author! Grateful for the author's diligence.