The Keeper of Hidden Books; A Novel

The Keeper of Hidden Books: A Story of Courage, Friendship, and the Power of Literature

A NATIONAL BESTSELLER | Perfect for fans of All the Light We Cannot See and The Tattooist of Auschwitz

A BookBub Pick for Best Historical Fiction of Summer 2023

From New York Times bestselling author Madeline Martin comes a poignant and inspiring novel based on the true story of Warsaw’s underground library during World War II—a tribute to the resilience of the human spirit and the unbreakable bond between books and those who love them.

For Zofia, books have always been a source of comfort, as has her lifelong friendship with Janina. But when Nazi forces invade Warsaw, their world is shattered. As bombs destroy the city and persecution intensifies, Zofia refuses to stand by. Determined to save both her friend and the precious books that Hitler’s forces seek to erase, she rescues volumes from the wreckage, hides them away, and even organizes a secret book club—bringing hope to those who need it most.

Yet as the war rages on, survival becomes increasingly uncertain. With Janina forced into the ghetto and the city’s future hanging by a thread, Zofia faces impossible choices. In a world where freedom is slipping away, literature becomes their greatest weapon—and the fight to save books becomes a fight for survival itself.

Praise for The Keeper of Hidden Books:

"Readers will be on the edge of their seats as they are transported…with Madeline Martin's vivid and inspiring characters." —Kelly Rimmer, author of The Warsaw Orphan

"Madeline Martin immerses us in expertly rendered and fascinating worlds.” —Natasha Lester, author of The Riviera House

Also by Madeline Martin:

• The Librarian Spy
• The Last Bookshop in London
• The Booklover’s Library (Coming soon!)