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Winter Journey

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Winter Journey

By: Diane Armstrong
Narrated by: Deidre Rubenstein
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Halina Shore is a Polish born forensic dentist living in Australia. When she travels to Poland to take part in the investigation of a war crime, she finds herself at the center of a bitter struggle in a community that has been divided by a grim legacy. As the investigation proceeds, her professional assignment becomes a confronting personal odyssey as the truth about her own past begins to emerge.

Inspired by a true incident that took place in Poland in 1941 but was concealed for 60 years, Diane Armstrong's gripping novel is a detective story that is part mystery, part history, and part forensic investigation. It is also a tale of love, loss, and unimaginable sacrifice.

©2005 Diana Armstrong (P)2005 Bolinda Publishing Pty Ltd. Fiction Genre Fiction Historical Fiction Mystery Psychological War & Military Women Sleuths Women's Fiction World Literature Detective War Holocaust Forensics
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Critic reviews

"The best and worst of the human spirit are dredged up in this profoundly moving, compelling, and superbly written story." ( Australian Women's Weekly)
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A substantial and gripping tale, Winter Journey contains many elements, romance, mystery, murder and history. It was no surprise to discover that the theme was based on a horrific event that took place in Poland in 1941. A war crime against the Jews that was covered up for many years. A forensic dentist, Halina knows that when she was very small her mother escaped with her from Poland to Autralia. Her mother was tightlipped about the background to the escape but after her mother`s death and the end of a love affair Halena chose to go to Poland and assist in a war crime investigation. Caught up in the antagonism and resentment of the villagers Halena found an unexpected bond with the local priest, also based on a living person. The discovery of the tragic truth regarding her family was devastating but gradually with the support of her lover Halina came to terms with the past and found the serenity she had always saught. Beautifully read by Deirdre Rubinstein I would have no hesitation in recommending this book.

Winter Journey by Diane Armstrong

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This book tells the story of Halina Shore, a Polish forensic dentist who lives in Australia and travels to Poland to take part in the investigation into a war crime, occurred in the mid forties, against the Jewish population. Once there, she will find out not only about the terrible crimes that took place but also about her own Polish roots. It is a fiction book but based on a real historic fact (the burning alive of around one thousand Jews in a barn in a Polish village). I think it is a really interesting well-narrated story, quite disturbing at certain points. I couldn't put the second part of the book down as I was absorbed by the plot. I found the narrator excellent. On the other hand, there are quite a lot of fiction components mixed up with the tragic real events, so I am not sure if this narration would suit all tastes. For me, it was a worthwhile listen.



Good listen

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I enjoyed this book ... the reader is excellent.

Just up my street .....

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Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

A gripping work of historical fiction set in 21C Poland uncovers the truth about an appalling atrocity that occurred in a village community during the Second World War. The narrative explores the human capacity for evil - and good, and truth and reconciliation. Halina an Australian forensic odontologist travels to Poland to assist in the excavation of the site of the crime. Gradually the forensic evidence reveals not just uncomfortable truths about the past, but also about Halina and others still alive today.It is not just about the search for truth however, but how to make sense of it, and here Diane Armstrong confronts us with the clash of science and religion. A well researched book based on events that really happened and sympathetically told by Deirdre Rubinstein. A week after finishing the book I still find myself thinking about it - and wondering about the title!
A good listen, and one that I'll read myself.

Forensic science meets historical fiction

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