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Resistance Women

A Novel

by Jennifer Chiaverini

Narrator Saskia Maarleveld

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Length 20 hours 9 minutes

Language English

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Bookseller recommendation

“This poignant, previously untold story highlights a group of female spies in the resistance movement during World War II. Four women’s lives are entwined (only one of which is fictional), as one American, two Germans, and one German Jew gather intelligence to bring down the Third Reich from within. Beginning with an emotionally evocative description of the lead-up to the rise of Nazism and fascism, a unique perspective of events unfolds, offering a rare discussion of just how quickly societies can devolve, how the human spirit adapts to conflict and the loss of civil liberties, and how communities can be shamed and fearful of participating in any sort of resistance. In keeping with reality, when the Harnack resistance group is discovered, there are fatal consequences for these brave women. A detailed author’s note grounds the novel, amplifying the humanity of these women’s stories in this swiftly-moving, engaging read.”
— BrocheAroe • River Dog Book Co.

Bookseller recommendation

“Based upon the life of American Mildred Fish Harnack. Mildred, Arvid & Greta meet as graduate students in Wisconsin. Arvid returns to Germany to work. Mildred follows him & they are married. Greta is forced to return to Germany because of the depression. The book follows the rise of Hitler, the increasing persecution of the intelligencia and arts community, especially Communist & Jewish members. Mildred and her friends become involved in the resistance to bring down the regime.”
— Patricia • Village Square Booksellers

Bookseller recommendation

“Mildred Harnack, an American woman, moves with her husband to Germany, but while they’re building their life together, the Nazi party is rising to power. Mildred and her friends can’t stand by and watch their communities be torn apart, so they conspire to resist. The women work together to provide information about the Germans to the American forces, but when their resistance cell is exposed, everyone is at risk. Beautifully written and heavily researched, Chiaverini brings Mildred and her compatriots to life on the page with a vividness that kept me up all night reading.”
— Mary Ruthless • Foggy Pine Books

Summary
About the author

From the New York Times bestselling author of Mrs. Lincoln’s Dressmaker, an enthralling historical saga that recreates the danger, romance, and sacrifice of an era and brings to life one courageous, passionate American—Mildred Fish Harnack—and her circle of women friends who waged a clandestine battle against Hitler in Nazi Berlin.

After Wisconsin graduate student Mildred Fish marries brilliant German economist Arvid Harnack, she accompanies him to his German homeland, where a promising future awaits. In the thriving intellectual culture of 1930s Berlin, the newlyweds create a rich new life filled with love, friendships, and rewarding work—but the rise of a malevolent new political faction inexorably changes their fate.

As Adolf Hitler and his Nazi Party wield violence and lies to seize power, Mildred, Arvid, and their friends resolve to resist. Mildred gathers intelligence for her American contacts, including Martha Dodd, the vivacious and very modern daughter of the US ambassador. Her German friends, aspiring author Greta Kuckoff and literature student Sara Weiss, risk their lives to collect information from journalists, military officers, and officials within the highest levels of the Nazi regime.

For years, Mildred’s network stealthily fights to bring down the Third Reich from within. But when Nazi radio operatives detect an errant Russian signal, the Harnack resistance cell is exposed, with fatal consequences.

Inspired by actual events, Resistance Women is an enthralling, unforgettable story of ordinary people determined to resist the rise of evil, sacrificing their own lives and liberty to fight injustice and defend the oppressed.

This audiobook includes an episode of the Book Club Girl Podcast, featuring an interview with Jennifer Chiaverini about Resistance Women.

Fiction Romance Historical Fiction

Jennifer Chiaverini is the New York Times bestselling author of thirty-five novels, including critically acclaimed historical fiction and the beloved Elm Creek Quilts series. She, her husband, and their two sons call Madison, Wisconsin, home.