Picture a storyteller who spins heart-wrenching tales of courage and survival against the backdrop of World War II—meet Ellie Midwood! A USA Today bestselling author, Midwood crafts historical fiction that blends meticulous research with gripping narratives. Her novels, translated into 20 languages, bring the human stories of the Holocaust and wartime Europe to life, captivating readers worldwide.
With a passion for history sparked by her grandfather’s wartime tales, Midwood’s work is more than fiction—it’s a window into the resilience of the human spirit. From the haunting The Girl Who Escaped from Auschwitz to the poignant The Violinist of Auschwitz, her stories resonate with readers who crave both emotion and authenticity.
The Making of Ellie Midwood
Born with a love for stories, Ellie Midwood’s fascination with World War II began in childhood, listening to her grandfather, a Junior Sergeant in the 2nd Guards Tank Army of the First Belorussian Front, recount his frontline experiences. This personal connection fueled her lifelong passion for history, which deepened as she grew older. After earning a BA in Linguistics, Midwood chose to channel her storytelling talents into writing, leaving behind other pursuits to focus on her debut novel, The Girl from Berlin.
Now based in New York with her husband and three dogs, Midwood’s life is a vibrant mix of yoga, historical research, and collecting rare WWII memorabilia. A self-proclaimed polyglot and proud Jew, she brings a unique perspective to her work, infusing her novels with cultural and historical depth.
Ellie Midwood’s Unforgettable Stories
Midwood’s novels are a masterclass in blending fact and fiction, offering readers a front-row seat to the triumphs and tragedies of World War II. Her breakout series, The Girl from Berlin, follows Annalise Meissner, a Jewish ballerina navigating love and resistance in Nazi Germany. The trilogy, starting with Standartenführer’s Wife, won the 2016 Readers’ Favorite Award for Historical Fiction.
Other standout works include The Girl Who Escaped from Auschwitz, inspired by the true story of Mala Zimetbaum, a resistance fighter whose bravery captivated Midwood. The Violinist of Auschwitz tells the heartbreaking tale of Alma Rosé, a musician whose talent offered fleeting hope in the camp’s darkness. The Undercover Secretary, based on a true story, explores the courage of a woman risking everything to undermine the Nazi regime. Midwood’s style is immersive, with richly drawn characters and a knack for capturing the moral complexities of wartime life.
Her meticulous research—often involving rare documents and survivor accounts—ensures authenticity, while her storytelling keeps readers hooked. Themes of resilience, love, and defiance run through her work, making her novels both educational and deeply moving.
Why Ellie Midwood Matters
Ellie Midwood’s impact extends beyond entertainment. Her novels shine a light on lesser-known stories of the Holocaust and World War II, honoring the courage of those who resisted oppression. By weaving real-life figures like Mala Zimetbaum and Alma Rosé into her fiction, she keeps their legacies alive, inspiring readers to confront history’s lessons with compassion and courage.
Translated into 20 languages, Midwood’s work reaches a global audience, fostering dialogue about humanity’s past and present. Her ability to humanize history makes her a vital voice in historical fiction, reminding us that even in the darkest times, hope and bravery endure.
- Pen Name: Ellie Midwood
- Key Works: The Girl from Berlin, The Girl Who Escaped from Auschwitz, The Violinist of Auschwitz
- Awards: Readers’ Favorite Historical Fiction (2016, 2017, 2018), New Apple Award (2016)
- Hobbies: Yoga, collecting WWII memorabilia, learning languages
Snag The Girl Who Escaped from Auschwitz and dive into Ellie Midwood’s gripping world of historical fiction! Her stories will leave you inspired, moved, and eager for more.