How to Read Carly Schabowski's Novels
As a USA Today bestselling author and academic, Carly Schabowski has earned a reputation for writing deeply researched, emotionally resonant historical fiction. Since her books are standalone novels, there is no strict continuity or plot-based chronology that you must follow. You can read them in any order you choose. However, for the best experience, we recommend following the publication order to see how her storytelling and thematic complexity have evolved over time.
The Recommended Starting Point
If you are new to Carly Schabowski's writing, we highly recommend starting with one of her two most celebrated works:
- The Rainbow (2021): Inspired directly by the author's own family history, this novel features a dual-timeline mystery that follows a young woman discovering a photograph of her beloved grandfather in a German military uniform. It explores the little-known history of Polish men forced to fight in the Wehrmacht. It is the perfect entry point to understand Schabowski’s deeply personal connection to wartime history and her signature dual-timeline style.
- The Watchmaker of Dachau (2021): One of her most emotionally intense books, this story follows a Jewish watchmaker spared from death to work in the home of a concentration camp officer, where he forms a dangerous bond with a Polish maid. It is a brilliant example of her ability to find hope and humanity in the darkest corners of history.
Carly Schabowski's Novels in Publication Order
Follow the release timeline below to read her novels in the order they were published. Note that while her novels are independent, keeping track of the publication history helps avoid confusion—especially regarding retitled books.
The Ringmaster's Daughter (2020)
Schabowski's debut novel is set in 1940s France and follows Michel Bonnet, a young stowaway who finds refuge with a traveling circus. He is hired to care for the horses under a strict condition of silence, only to discover that the circus is a sanctuary hiding persecuted families. The story is inspired by the real-life courage of Austrian circus owner Adolf Althoff.
The Watchmaker of Dachau (2021)
This harrowing story takes place in the Dachau concentration camp in 1945. Isaac Schüller is a watchmaker whose rare skill spares him from immediate death, placing him in the household of a Senior Officer. There, he connects with Anna, a maid, and the two find a quiet love that sustains them through their darkest trials.
The Rainbow (2021)
A dual-timeline story starting in present-day England. When Isla finds a photograph of her grandfather Tomasz in a Nazi uniform, she uses a rainbow-colored scarf to trace his wartime path. She discovers a story of forced conscription, resistance, and the heavy price of survival.
The Note (2022)
Alternating between 1942 Auschwitz and 1953 South Carolina, this novel follows Jozef, a refugee who is suspected of a local girl's murder in America. A young girl named Alice befriended Jozef after writing him an apology note, gradually uncovering the trauma he carried from the camps.
All the Courage We Have Found (2022)
Set in 1942, this novel follows Kasia, a brave radio operator smuggled out of Poland to work for the French Resistance. Along her journey, she rescues a young mute girl named Elodie. Sheltered by Hugo, an reluctant resistance member, they work together to survive and fight back.
The Airman's Girl / The Secret She Kept (2023)
Crucial Reader Note: These two titles refer to the exact same book. It was originally published as The Airman's Girl and subsequently re-released under the title The Secret She Kept. Set in 1939 Poland, the plot follows Helena, who rescues a German pilot named Max after his plane crashes on her family's farm, triggering a chain of events and secrets that span decades.
The Postcard (2023)
In this dual-timeline mystery, Mia travels to Germany in 1999 to care for her dying grandmother, Ilse. Discovering a bundle of old postcards addressed to a man named Szymon, Mia uncovers a tragic wartime love story and a dangerous attempt to rescue a man from the Nazis.
The Winter Child (2024)
Set in 1943 occupied Poland, this novel follows Irena, who works in a hotel frequented by German officers to support her family. When her newborn baby is taken from her on a cold winter night, she embarks on a desperate quest for justice and survival.
The Girl with the Red Ribbon (2024)
Also set in 1939 Poland, this story is inspired by events in the author's own family history. It follows Ania, who vows revenge against the occupiers after her family is killed, joining a group of resistance outcasts to fight back against the Nazi forces.
The Last Orphan (2025)
A dual-timeline novel alternating between WWII and 1982. It tells the story of Marcin, a man haunted by his past who attempts to protect a young Jewish boy named Adam during the occupation of Poland, exploring the long-lasting psychological trauma of war.
What to Know Before You Start
Carly Schabowski’s academic background plays a huge role in her writing. With a PhD in Creative Writing from Oxford Brookes University, her research focused on the ethical responsibility of historical fiction authors. As a result, you will find that her stories do not exploit historical tragedy for cheap thrills. Instead, they are deeply respectful, drawing extensively from archives (including the National Archives at Kew) and personal family accounts.
Readers should prepare for heavy themes, including concentration camps, forced conscription, and the loss of family members. However, her signature style is to focus on the "light in the dark"—the small acts of kindness, courage, and love that helped people survive the atrocities of World War II.