Review: Matka, by Sarah Hanley

Five stars

I always give books as Christmas presents, as I'm sure most writers do. The books I gift have to be exceptional, because the people receiving them are smart, sophisticated, and worldly. And, of course, they are readers in every sense of the word. This year, I gave only one book (if you don't count the children's story, Because of Winn Dixie, which I bought for my nine-year-old niece), and it was Matka, the debut novel from writer Sarah Hanley. Based on the story of her grandparents, Matka examines the fate of Polish prisoners liberated from the labor camps following WW II.

Hanley shines a light on this time period with gritty precision, telling the story of Zosia, a Polish mother who takes her son’s place as a Gestapo prisoner in hopes of saving him. From the first heart wrenching pages, Matka takes its readers on an emotional roller coaster ride through the horrors of life as a slave laborer and then into a post-war displaced persons facility. In addition to the beautiful writing, haunting characters and absorbing story line, the author puts a fine point on her novel with meticulous historical research. This is raw story, made even more poignant by the fact that it is based in fact.

There is a reason that Matka has all five star reviews on Amazon. The novel takes it rightful place alongside such standout WW II novels as Sarah’s Key, Suite Francaise, and 22 Britannia Road. I look forward to more from this author.

Learn more about Sarah Hanley
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@sjhanley
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