The fact that 'the nine' in the title of Gwen Strauss's book are based on real-life, ordinary women, who made their escape after being tortured, starved and forced into heavy labour in a Nazi camp, makes the novel all the more shocking. The harrowing cover image of material on rusted barbwire, along with the deeply powerful prose makes this book both a page turner and a grim reminder of what the Nazis did to normal people during World War II. The women's friendship in the camp is key to their story and their struggle for survival, and Strauss has perfectly captured the fear of the unknown and the unbreakable bond these women faced just to stay alive. I'd love the chance the read the rest of this fascinating tale.