Title: The Good Doctor of Warsaw
Author: Elisabeth Gifford
Published: February 23rd 2018
Publisher: Allen & Unwin (Atlantic/Corvus)
Pages: 368
Genres: Fiction, Contemporary
RRP: $29.99
Rating: 4.5 stars
Set in the ghettos of wartime Warsaw, this is a sweeping, poignant and heartbreaking tale, based on the true story of one of World War II’s quiet heroes – Dr Janusz Korczak.
Deeply in love and about to marry, students Misha and Sophia flee a Warsaw under Nazi occupation for a chance at freedom. Forced to return to the Warsaw ghetto, they help Misha’s mentor, Dr Korczak, care for the two hundred children in his orphanage. As Korczak struggles to uphold the rights of even the smallest child in the face of unimaginable conditions, he becomes a beacon of hope for the thousands who live behind the walls.
As the noose tightens around the ghetto Misha and Sophia are torn from one another, forcing them to face their worst fears alone. They can only hope to find each other again one day…
Meanwhile, refusing to leave the children unprotected, Korczak must confront a terrible darkness.
Half a million people lived in the Warsaw ghetto. Less than one percent survived to tell their story. This novel is based on the true accounts of Misha and Sophia, and on the life of one of Poland’s greatest men, Dr Janusz Korczak.
Review:
There were many members of the population during one of our bleakest moments in history, World War II and the Holocaust who were everyday heroes. One of the leading characters in The Good Doctor of Warsaw by Elisabeth Gifford is one such hero. Elisabeth Gifford celebrates the work of this good doctor and those who worked with him, through her well rendered historical fiction title, The Good Doctor of Warsaw.
The Good Doctor of Warsaw is one powerful tale indeed. The weight of this story is further increased by the fact that the narrative is based on real events and real figures in history. The figures that populate the pages of this novel are unsung heroes. I have the utmost respect for their actions during the war and their sense of humanity, as well as their protection of others. Reading the back cover of this book I was immediately struck by a deeply troubling fact. It states “Half a million people lived in the Warsaw ghetto. Less than one percent survived to their story. This novel is based on the rue accounts of Misha and Sophia, and on the life of one of Poland’s greatest men, Dr Janusz Korczak”. What a moving set piece to introduce a novel. Having read a fair bit of literature over the years in this area, I am still amazed by the stories that continue to come out of this era. The Good Doctor of Warsaw represents another story that needs to be heard and shared, so the memories of these people and their sufferings are never forgotten.
I must begin this review by acknowledging the level of research the author of The Good Doctor of Warsaw has put into this novel. It is quite a feat. I read through the post script and the author’s note at the end of the book gives the reader a better understanding of the extent of Gifford’s research. It also illuminates how this book was initially born, from the author’s personal interest in the work of Dr Korczak and his theories on how to best nurture children. Gifford felt inspired to write a book dedicated to the remarkable work of this respected figurehead. Gifford herself remarks on the flaws of her first version of the novel, which was overly factual and much too dry for readers to appreciate. With the help of her team, Gifford recreated her novel in the form it sits in today. The Good Doctor of Warsaw is the perfect reimagined historical story. It carefully balances facts with an engaging narrative. It is always tricky to get the balance right in a historical fiction novel, especially those that lean towards including so much fact, but I think Gifford nails it.
The two main protagonists of the tale, Misha and Sophia are carefully outlined by Gifford. Through following the shifting style narration of Misha and Sophia, it does not take long before a bond is formed between the reader and these characters. I genuinely cared deeply for their welfare and desperately hoped that they would rise above the awful circumstances that had been forced upon them. Based on the facts, only a very small percentage of those from the Warsaw ghettos survived. I wasn’t sure how the lives of the leads I grew to care so greatly about would overcome the odds. I will leave it at that as I fear I will spoil the novel for any potential readers.
Along with Misha and Sophia, the reader is given a thorough insight into the man, as well as the vital work of Doctor Korczak. His story is so moving. Doctor Korczak was a selfless man who was devoted to his cause until the bitter end. I appreciated the way in which Gifford wove Korczak’s theories and worked these into the novel ever so subtly. I think we could all learn a thing or two, decades later, from the life changing work of Dr Korczak.
It is a gift to be able to bring elements of history alive in a historical fiction format. The Polish chapter of World War II, as it was for many countries, was a sad, sorry and dark period of our world history. Gifford succeeds in bringing to life the moments of pure monstrosity, as well as the small glimmers of hope that did exist during this time. I have to admit that even though I am quite well versed in the effects of World War II and the Holocaust, I was still visibly moved by a number of scenes in the ghetto (dead bodies remaining on doorsteps for periods of time due to family members having no money to give for a proper burial). The scenes involving the transport trains to Treblinka, also drew a flood of tears for this reader. It is harrowing but eloquently realised.
An evocative and historically well informed story that will be sure to grab a hold of you and not let go, The Good Doctor of Warsaw is a worthy testament to a deep human tragedy in our world history. Let these memories and experiences prevail.
The Good Doctor of Warsaw by Elisabeth Gifford was published on 23rd February 2018 by Allen & Unwin (Atlantic/Corvus). Details on how to purchase the book can be found here.
To learn more about the author of The Good Doctor of Warsaw, Elisabeth Gifford, visit here.
