The Warsaw Orphan

Early in the story, Emilia can be wildly impulsive and determined, and is even willing to manipulate to get her own way. Did you find her to be a likeable character anyway? If so, why?

When we first meet Roman, he is a young man trapped in an impossible situation, but to his own thinking he is “a prisoner by choice”. What did he mean by this? Did you empathize with his decision to refuse to consider alternatives to moving to and later remaining in the Ghetto?

Roman initially refuses to engage with the resistance, but eventually becomes fixated on fighting back. Why was this? Do you think he made the right decision at each point in time?

Why do you think Chaim saved Roman’s life?

During the Warsaw Uprising, Uncle Piotr undergoes a period of transformation. After years of focusing on himself, he becomes determined to look after his family. What drives this? Why did it happen in that particular moment?

Emilia’s thoughts on her unborn child also undergo a transformation. Did her ultimate decision seem realistic to you, given her circumstances? Roman initially has a very different perspective. Were you sympathetic to his refusal to accept baby Anatol?

Piotr and Sara have a complex relationship that is tragically cut short. What do you think would have happened between them had Piotr survived? The Warsaw Orphan Discussion Guide

Were you already familiar with the historical events that take place in this story? Is there any aspect to that history that you’re planning to look into further?

Which characters in this book did you like best? Which did you like least? Why?

Which scene in The Warsaw Orphan affected you the most, and why? What emotions did that scene elicit?

Were you satisfied with the ending? What do you think happened next for Roman and Emilia?

Fiction set during World War 2 has been increasingly popular in the last few years. Why do you think readers are drawn to these kinds of stories in this present moment?

What will you remember most about The Warsaw Orphan?

Who would you recommend this book to?

Was this your first Kelly Rimmer book? If you’ve read any of her other titles, which did you prefer?