Picture a cozy Oxfordshire cottage, where a former journalist weaves heart-wrenching tales of love and survival amidst the chaos of World War II—meet Carly Schabowski! This USA Today bestselling author has captured readers’ hearts with her emotionally charged historical fiction, drawing from a deep familial connection to wartime history. With a doctorate in creative writing, Schabowski crafts stories that feel as vivid as a memory, pulling you into the past with every page.
The Making of Carly Schabowski
Born with a knack for storytelling, Carly Schabowski’s journey to authorship wasn’t a straight path. She kicked off her career as a journalist, penning stories in North Cyprus and Australia, where her sharp eye for detail took root. Returning to Oxford, she dove into academia, earning an MA and PhD in creative writing at Oxford Brookes University. Her doctoral research explored the responsibility of historical fiction authors, a passion sparked by her family’s ties to World War II. This blend of grit, curiosity, and scholarly rigor shaped her into the writer she is today.
Carly Schabowski’s Unforgettable Stories
Schabowski’s novels are like a warm hug wrapped in a history lesson, blending meticulous research with raw emotion. Her debut, The Ringmaster’s Daughter (2020), follows a circus performer navigating love and danger in Nazi-occupied Europe, setting the tone for her signature style: epic tales of human resilience. The Watchmaker of Dachau (2021) dives into the harrowing realities of a concentration camp, weaving a story of kindness amidst cruelty. The Rainbow (2021), inspired by a true story, uncovers a granddaughter’s quest to unravel her grandfather’s shocking wartime secret, earning praise for its poignant twists. All the Courage We Have Found (2022) showcases Polish resistance fighters, with a brave heroine, Kasia, who risks everything for freedom. Each book pulses with themes of love, betrayal, and hope, grounded in real events that make history feel personal.
Schabowski’s writing stands out for its vivid characters and immersive settings. Readers feel the chill of a Polish winter or the tension of a clandestine meeting, thanks to her knack for sensory detail. Her stories don’t shy away from war’s horrors but always find light in the darkness, making them perfect for fans of The Tattooist of Auschwitz or The Nightingale.
Why Carly Schabowski Matters
In a crowded historical fiction landscape, Schabowski shines by spotlighting lesser-known stories, like Polish resistance or women in the Special Operations Executive (SOE). Her rigorous research—often drawn from The National Archives at Kew—ensures authenticity, while her storytelling makes history accessible and deeply moving. Readers rave about her ability to evoke every emotion, from heartbreak to awe, often finishing her books in one sitting. As an associate lecturer at Oxford Brookes, she also inspires the next generation of writers, proving her impact extends beyond the page.
- Key Works: The Ringmaster’s Daughter, The Watchmaker of Dachau, The Rainbow, All the Courage We Have Found
- Genres: Historical Fiction, World War II
- Home: Oxfordshire, with two dogs and a love for gin
Snag The Rainbow and dive into Carly Schabowski’s breathtaking world of wartime courage and love!