What do readers think of Karolina's Twins by Ronald H. Balson? Write your own review.

This story sucked me in from the very first page. Soon I was immersed as if I was there with the characters themselves, wanting to help, wanting to turn back time and change one of the most painful parts of world history. The characters were so believable, and although this IS fiction, there is probably a horrifying amount of truth as well. Travel along with Lena through her painful, yet loving memories of the past, and don't skip ahead to the end of the story. This is a book that makes you examine yourself and ask "what could you live with".

I am 100 percent Polish, so I really enjoyed this book not only because of my heritage but because I will be visiting there in September. This story was so poignant, sad, but still filled with joy all at the same time. It is hard to believe the choices these young women had to make to save not only themselves but each other and of course the children. Deciding who to trust- who not to trust- was an all consuming nightmare. I certainly am not sure I could have survived what they did or made the choices they were forced to make. The strength Lena showed in making her choices followed her throughout her life. I …more highly recommend this book!! (less)

I enjoy historical fiction and have read a lot of books with WWII as the setting. This book has a different slant as it has some mystery in it. At the risk of sounding trite, once I started I couldn't stop! The only criticism I would have is that I felt the author could have developed the characters more than he did. I would highly recommend this to anyone who likes historical fiction.

One of the best books I read in the last several years!

Normally I stay away from books about the Holocaust – I've read many and while I hope mankind never forgets this tragic chapter in history, I find that afterwards my belief in man suffers when I reflect on how most of the world stood by while these horrors occurred. Something about the book intrigued me, perhaps the legal thriller aspect to the story line.

Once I began to read it, I found myself not wanting to put it down. I rooted for Lena, Catherine, and Liam and got angry at Lena's selfish son. I loved the blending of the two storylines – the present in …more Chicago and the past events that primarily occurred in Poland. The writers use of flashbacks and character development was well done and added to the richness of the book. This style made the book engaging and made me feel as if I was not only listening to Lena's story, but actual there with her in the past.

The intrigue keeps you on the edge of your seat (present and past) and the ending is swift and surprising. (less)

A well researched and well written book that had me hooked from page one. Like The Nightingale, I became engrossed in the characters and the possible outcomes they would be facing. I would recommend this book to all book clubs.

Engrossing is the proper word to describe this book. I found the story of Lena and Karolina to be interesting, read it in just a weekend. I liked the fact that Lena told the story in the first person--her story, her words. I did figure out Lena's dark secret before it was revealed in the book, but still wanted to know how it would come out.

The events discussed in this story need to be remembered so they never happen again. The historical elements were part of what made it so interesting to me. Because of my love of history, I was definitely grabbed by the little blurb on the back of the book that said "inspired …more by true events." And as a cover to cover reader, I did read the afterward to see who was the inspiration for the story told in the book. I even went so far as to google Fay and David and found that Fay died at age 89, the same age as Lena's character in the book.

Even though some of the items in the story are fiction, I think Balson did a good job of telling Lena's/Fay's story and would recommend this book. I also plan to read other books by this author. (less)

From the very first page of Karolina's Twins I was hooked. There was never a place where I felt "safe" to put the book down as I was always eager to see what followed. The writing was fluid and seamless The story is told by the protagonist, Lena Scheinman in a straightforward, logical, if unemotional manner. I came to care for Lena as well as Karolina.

The author obviously researched the events of WWII and the atrocities of the Nazi's but he didn't dwell on it. The story was definitely moved along by Lena and her personal experiences. In many of the holocaust books the author goes into great detail of the …more atrocities but this author definitely let his subject do the talking which put a more realistic spin on it.

My only criticism is that the ending was abrupt and I would've liked to know more about what followed. However, I thoroughly enjoyed the story and will highly recommend it. (less)

I loved Lena's story of love and friendship amid the horrors of the Nazi occupation. Lena is a survivor-she is strong but has secrets.

I loved the authors character development of the people in Lena's life. Even characters we meet only once are memorable,like the Rabbi who encouraged Lena to say Kaddish. The characters in Lena's current life could have been developed a little more, for example Liam and his wife.

I think this is a good book for book clubs, young adults and all of us. The time of history Lena lived through needs remembering always.