The Medallion

Christy Award Winner!For fans of bestselling World War II fiction like Sarah?s Key and The Nightingale comes an illuminating tale of courage, sacrifice, and survival, about two couples whose lives are ravaged by Hitler?s mad war yet eventually redeemed through the fate of one little girl.Seemingly overnight, the German blitzkrieg of Warsaw in 1939 turns its streets to a war zone and shatters the life of each citizen?Polish, Jewish, or otherwise. Sophie Kumiega, a British bride working in the city?s library, awaits news of her husband, Janek, recently deployed with the Polish Air Force. Though Sophie is determined that she and the baby in her womb will stay safe, the days ahead will draw her into the plight of those around her, compelling her to help, whatever the danger.Rosa and Itzhak Dunovich never imagined they would welcome their longed-for first child in the Jewish ghetto, or that they would let anything tear their family apart. But as daily atrocities intensify, Rosa soon faces a terrifying reality: to save their daughter?s life, she must send her into hiding. Her only hope of finding her after the war?if any of them survive?is a medallion she cuts in half and places around her neck.Inspired by true events of Poland?s darkest days and brightest heroes, The Medallion paints a stunning portrait of war and its aftermath, daring us to believe that when all seems lost, God can make a way forward. From the Back Cover An illuminating tale of courage, sacrifice, and survival. Two couples? lives are ravaged by Hitler?s mad war but forever linked through the fate of one little girl.Warsaw, 1939. The German blitzkrieg has shattered the city. As Sophie Kumiega awaits news of her husband, deployed with the Polish Air Force, she is determined to keep her unborn baby safe. She didn?t count on being drawn into the dangerous and all-consuming plight of her neighbors.Rosa and Itzhak Dunovich never imagined welcoming their longed-for first child in the Jewish ghetto, or letting anything tear their family apart. But Rosa soon faces a terrifying reality: to save their daughter?s life, she must send her into hiding. Her only hope of finding her after the war?if any of them survive?is the half medallion she places around her daughter?s neck.Inspired by true events of Poland?s darkest days and brightest heroes, The Medallion paints a stunning portrait of war and its aftermath, daring us to believe that when all seems lost, God can make a way forward.?A master storyteller, Cathy Gohlke has created unforgettable characters in unthinkable circumstances that . . . completely undid me, then stitched me back together with hope. This novel grabbed my heart.? ?Heidi Chiavaroli, author of The Hidden Side