Step into the captivating world of the Caroline Ferriday / Lilac Girls series, where history, heart, and heroism collide in a tale that spans continents and generations! Written by Martha Hall Kelly, this historical fiction saga brings to life the remarkable story of Caroline Ferriday, a New York socialite whose compassion transforms lives during World War II. With richly drawn characters and meticulous research, it’s a must-read for fans of powerful, women-driven narratives.
Blending real events with fictional flair, the series follows Caroline and other unforgettable women as they navigate love, loss, and resilience amid global upheaval. Ready to dive into a story that’s as moving as it is enlightening? Let’s explore the Lilac Girls universe!
How Caroline Ferriday / Lilac Girls Began
Martha Hall Kelly’s journey to create the Lilac Girls series began with a serendipitous find: a 1999 Victoria Magazine article about Caroline Ferriday, a Broadway actress and philanthropist who aided Polish women brutalized at Ravensbrück concentration camp. Fascinated by Ferriday’s lilac-filled garden and her unsung heroism, Kelly spent nearly a decade researching, visiting archives, and traveling to Poland and Germany. Her debut novel, Lilac Girls, published in 2016, became an instant New York Times bestseller, launching a series that celebrates the strength of women in history.
Kelly, a former advertising copywriter from Massachusetts, wove her passion for untold stories into a saga that honors the Ferriday family across generations. Her commitment to historical accuracy and emotional depth set the stage for a series that’s both educational and deeply moving.
The Heart of Caroline Ferriday / Lilac Girls
The series comprises three main books, each spotlighting a different Ferriday woman against a backdrop of war. Lilac Girls (2016) follows Caroline Ferriday as she works at the French Consulate in New York, aiding French orphans and later the 'Rabbits'—Polish women subjected to Nazi medical experiments at Ravensbrück. The novel intertwines her story with Kasia, a fictional Polish resistance fighter, and Herta, a German doctor complicit in the camp’s horrors.
Lost Roses (2019), a prequel, shifts to Caroline’s mother, Eliza Ferriday, during World War I. Set in Russia and New York, it explores Eliza’s friendship with Sofya, a Romanov cousin, amid the Russian Revolution’s chaos. Sunflower Sisters (2021) travels further back to the Civil War, focusing on Georgeanna Woolsey, Caroline’s ancestor, a Union nurse confronting slavery’s brutality. Each book weaves themes of resilience, sacrifice, and the power of compassion, with lilacs symbolizing hope after hardship.
Kelly’s vivid prose and multi-perspective storytelling create a tapestry of courage and connection. From concentration camps to battlefields, the series captures the indomitable spirit of women shaping history, making it a standout in historical fiction.
Why Caroline Ferriday / Lilac Girls Resonates
The Lilac Girls series has touched readers worldwide, selling over two million copies and earning praise for its emotional depth and historical insight. By spotlighting lesser-known stories—like the Ravensbrück Rabbits—it sheds light on women’s contributions often overlooked in history books. Fans on platforms like Goodreads laud its blend of heart-wrenching drama and uplifting redemption, making it a favorite for book clubs and historical fiction enthusiasts.
Its legacy lies in its ability to humanize history, reminding us that individual acts of kindness can ripple across time. Kelly’s ongoing work, including her 2023 novel The Golden Doves, continues to champion women’s stories, ensuring the series’ themes of hope and justice endure.
- Publication Years: 2016 (Lilac Girls), 2019 (Lost Roses), 2021 (Sunflower Sisters)
- Books in Series: 3 main novels
- Awards: New York Times Bestseller, LibraryReads Top Ten Pick
Grab Lilac Girls and dive into a world of courage, compassion, and unforgettable women! Whether you’re a history buff or a fan of heartfelt stories, the Caroline Ferriday / Lilac Girls series will leave you inspired.