Just up my street .....

I enjoyed this book ... the reader is excellent.

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2 people found this helpful

Winter Journey by Diane Armstrong

A substantial and gripping tale, Winter Journey contains many elements, romance, mystery, murder and history. It was no surprise to discover that the theme was based on a horrific event that took place in Poland in 1941. A war crime against the Jews that was covered up for many years. A forensic dentist, Halina knows that when she was very small her mother escaped with her from Poland to Autralia. Her mother was tightlipped about the background to the escape but after her mother`s death and the end of a love affair Halena chose to go to Poland and assist in a war crime investigation. Caught up in the antagonism and resentment of the villagers Halena found an unexpected bond with the local priest, also based on a living person. The discovery of the tragic truth regarding her family was devastating but gradually with the support of her lover Halina came to terms with the past and found the serenity she had always saught. Beautifully read by Deirdre Rubinstein I would have no hesitation in recommending this book.

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5 people found this helpful

Good listen

This book tells the story of Halina Shore, a Polish forensic dentist who lives in Australia and travels to Poland to take part in the investigation into a war crime, occurred in the mid forties, against the Jewish population. Once there, she will find out not only about the terrible crimes that took place but also about her own Polish roots. It is a fiction book but based on a real historic fact (the burning alive of around one thousand Jews in a barn in a Polish village). I think it is a really interesting well-narrated story, quite disturbing at certain points. I couldn't put the second part of the book down as I was absorbed by the plot. I found the narrator excellent. On the other hand, there are quite a lot of fiction components mixed up with the tragic real events, so I am not sure if this narration would suit all tastes. For me, it was a worthwhile listen.

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3 people found this helpful

Forensic science meets historical fiction

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

A gripping work of historical fiction set in 21C Poland uncovers the truth about an appalling atrocity that occurred in a village community during the Second World War. The narrative explores the human capacity for evil - and good, and truth and reconciliation. Halina an Australian forensic odontologist travels to Poland to assist in the excavation of the site of the crime. Gradually the forensic evidence reveals not just uncomfortable truths about the past, but also about Halina and others still alive today.It is not just about the search for truth however, but how to make sense of it, and here Diane Armstrong confronts us with the clash of science and religion. A well researched book based on events that really happened and sympathetically told by Deirdre Rubinstein. A week after finishing the book I still find myself thinking about it - and wondering about the title!
A good listen, and one that I'll read myself.

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2 people found this helpful