A Thousand Mothers fictionalizes the horrors that befell thousands of women in the early 1940’s at Ravensbruck, the infamous female concentration camp. Helene Dvorak is one such prisoner who manages against all odds to survive the imprisonment and torture. She is also integral in the preservation of a child born into this impossible environment. Eventually the prisoners are liberated. Helene moves to the United States where time marches on, but she never forgets those she bonded with in the camp.
In decidedly dark times, our heroine shines like the sun. Helene displays great compassion, loyalty, bravery, and love. The atrocities are eclipsed only by the small triumphs of humanity displayed by these women. The story spans many years and the pace is uneven in places, giving plenty of attention to some matters and barely skimming other important plot points. Additionally, the style of writing leaves readers feeling like they are being told a historical account versus being engrossed in a story. Fortunately, there are plenty of redeeming and satisfying moments in this well thought out fictional account.
In an emotional debut novel, Brenda Marie Webb writes with sensitivity about a weighty time in human history. Grab a handkerchief because A Thousand Mothers will make you smile and weep all at the same time.
